
Using the engine block heater (if equipped)
An engine block heater warms the engine coolant, which improves
starting, warms up the engine faster and allows the heater-defroster
system to respond quickly. Use of an engine block heater is strongly
recommended if you live in a region where temperatures reach -23É C
(-10É F) or below.
For best results, plug the heater in at least three hours before starting
the vehicle. Using the heater for longer than three hours will not harm
the engine, so the heater can be plugged in the night before starting the
vehicle.
To prevent electrical shock, do not use your heater with
ungrounded electrical systems or two-pronged (cheater)
adapters.
Operating the engine
Do not operate the engine at full throttle below peak torque engine
speed (RPM) for more than one minute at a time (peak torque RPM
varies from 1200-1500 RPM depending on engine rated speed).
Monitor the oil pressure and coolant
temperature gauges frequently.
If the gauges indicate any reading is
not in the normal operating range,
stop your vehicle as soon as
possible, shut the engine off and
check the appropriate fluid level. If
an overheating condition starts to
occur, release the throttle pressure
or shift the transmission into a
lower gear, or both, until the
temperature returns to normal operating range.
L
H
Driving
110

Also, your driving habits have a significant influence on use of fuel. By
following these suggestions, you can stretch your fuel use:
²Avoid changes in speed as much as possible.
²Anticipate changing traffic conditions. Sudden stops and fast
acceleration waste fuel.
²Avoid extensive idling.
²Do not drive with your foot resting on the brake pedal.
CHECKING AND ADDING POWER STEERING FLUID
Checking power steering fluid level
Check the power steering fluid level using the following procedure. Refer
to the scheduled maintenance guide for the recommended service
intervals. If adding fluid is necessary, use only MERCONtAT F.
1. Set the parking brake, shift into N
(Neutral) (automatic transmission)
or 1 (First) (manual transmission)
and turn the engine off.
2. Open the hood.
3. Clean the top of the power
steering fluid reservoir.
4. Remove the dipstick from the
reservoir and wipe the dipstick
clean.
5. Reinstall the dipstick. Remove it again and check the fluid level.
²If the fluid temperature is at
approximately 20ÉC - 49ÉC (68ÉF
- 120ÉF) (fluid cool or warm to
the touch), check the COLD side
of the dipstick. The fluid level
should be within the FULL range
²If the fluid level is below the ADD
line, add fluid in small amounts,
continuously checking the level until it reaches the proper level.
ADD MAX. COLDFULL
Maintenance and Specifications
205

TRANSMISSION FLUID
Always dispose of used automotive fluids in a responsible manner.
Follow your community's standards for disposing of these types of fluids.
Call your recycling center to find out about recycling automotive fluids.
Automatic transmission fluid
Refer to your Allison Automatic Transmission Operator's Manual for
scheduled intervals for transmission fluid checks and changes. Your
transmission does not consume fluid. However, the fluid level should be
checked if the transmission is not working properly, i.e., if the
transmission slips or shifts slowly or if you notice some sign of fluid
leakage.
Transmission fluid level should be checked by your dealer or a qualified
service technician.
If you must add transmission fluid, make sure the correct type of fluid is
being used. The type of fluid used is indicated in your Allison Automatic
Transmission Operator's Manual.
Use of a non-approved automatic transmission fluid may cause
internal transmission component damage.
Manual transmission fluid
Refer to your scheduled maintenance guide for transmission fluid level
checks and fluid change intervals.
Your manual transmission may be filled with an optional synthetic fluid
which allows the use of extended service intervals. A tag on the filler
plug will identify the use of the synthetic fluid.
Use only fluid that meets Ford specifications (refer toLubricant
specificationsin this chapter.
Use of a non-approved transmission fluid may cause internal
transmission component damage.
For location of the transmission filler plug, refer to your transmission
operator's manual orTransmission refill capacitiesin this chapter.
Check your transmission fluid level using the following procedure:
1. Park the vehicle on level ground.
2. Set the parking brake and shift into 1 (First) and turn the engine off.
3. Clean any dirt from around the filler plug.
Maintenance and Specifications
209

4. Remove the filler plug and inspect the fluid level.
5. The fluid level should be up to the bottom of the filler plug opening.
6. If necessary, add enough fluid through the filler plug opening so that
the fluid level is at the bottom of the opening.
7. Clean and install the filler plug securely.
Drain and refill your transmission fluid using the following procedure:
1. Drain the transmission while the fluid is warm.
2. Park the vehicle on level ground.
3. Set the parking brake and shift into 1 (First) and turn the engine off.
4. Clean any dirt from around the filler and drain plugs.
5. Remove the filler and drain plugs and drain the fluid into a suitable
container. Dispose all used automotive fluids in a responsible manner
following your local authorized standards.
6. Clean and install the drain plug securely.
7. Add enough fluid through the filler plug opening so that the fluid level
is up to the bottom of the opening.
8. Clean and install the filler plug securely.
REAR AXLE LUBRICANT
Refer to your Scheduled Maintenance Guide for rear axle lubricant level
checks and lubricant change intervals.
Your rear axle may be filled with an optional synthetic lubricant which
allows the use of extended service intervals. A tag on the filler plug will
identify the use of the synthetic lubricant.
Use only a lubricant that meets Ford specifications (refer toLubricant
specificationsin thischapter).
Use of a non-approved rear axle lubricant may cause internal axle
component damage.
Check your rear axle lubricant level using the following procedure:
1. Park the vehicle on level ground.
2. Set the parking brake and shift into N (Neutral) (automatic
transmission) or 1 (First) (manual transmission) and turn the engine off.
3. Clean any dirt from around the rear axle filler plug.
4. Remove the filler plug and inspect the lubricant level.
Maintenance and Specifications
210

POWER STEERING FLUID CAPACITIES
GVWR Axle application System capacity
11 794/13 608 kg (26
000/30 000 lb.)3 856/4 082 kg (8
000/9 000 lb.)4.3L (4.5 quarts)
14 969 kg (33 000 lb.) 5 443 kg (12 000 lb.) 4.5L (4.7 quarts)
TRANSMISSION REFILL CAPACITIES
Type and make Approximate capacity
5-speed (Eaton FS-4205A)1, 25.4L (5.75 quarts)
5-speed (Eaton FS-5205A)1, 25.9L (6.25 quarts)
6-speed (Eaton FS-5306A and
FS-6306A)
1, 29.2L (9.75 quarts)
7-speed (Spicer ES52-7B and
ES066-7B)
1, 210.4L (11.0 quarts)
Allison AT-545
318.9L (20.0 quarts)
2000/2400 Series-Standard sump 10.0L (10.6 quarts)4
2000/2400 Series-Shallow sump 7.0L (7.4 quarts)5
MD series327.4L (29.0 quarts)
1Quantity shown is nominal; fluid level should be at lower edge of fill
hole.
2Fill plug is located on the right side of the transmission and the drain
plug on the rear of the transmission.
3Fluid level should be checked by your dealer or a qualified service
technician.
4Approximate quantites only, does not include external lines and cooler
hose.
5Approximate quantites only, does not include external lines and cooler
hose.
Maintenance and Specifications
221

Daily Owner Checks Engine system
Check the air filter restriction indicator
Check the engine oil
Inspect the coolant level - for Powerstroke
engine (for Caterpillar and Cummins engines,
refer to the Owner's Manual)
Brake system
Drain the air brake system reservoir - manual
valve
Check the air brake system reservoir
automatic drain valve operation
Transmission system
Visually check the automatic transmission for
fluid leakage
Steering system
Check the power steering pump fluid level and
check the system for leaks
Check the entire vehicle for evidence of fluid
leaks
U.S. Department of Transportation,
Federal Highway Administration
requirements (ensure that the entire
system is functioning properly)
Check the service brakes
Check the parking brake
Check the steering mechanism
Check the lighting devices and reflectors
Check the tires
Check the horn
Check the windshield wipers
Check the rear vision mirrors
Check the wheels and rims
Check the emergency equipment
General Maintenance Information
237

Check every oil
changeOil change
intervals are as
follows: Powerstroke -
10 000 ; Caterpillar -
15 000 ; Cummins - 15
000 (refer to the
Caterpillar and
Cummins service
manuals for further
instructions and
information)Fuel system
Drain the accumulated water or sediment from
the fuel tank(s)
Steering system
Lubricate the steering shaft(s), U-joints and
splines when equipped with grease fittings
Lubricate the front axle spindle pins
Lubricate the steering linkage when equipped
with grease fittings
Grease the power steering gear output shaft
* Coolant protection checks should be made just prior to the onset of
freezing weather, where applicable. If coolant is dirty or rusty in
appearance, the system should be drained, flushed and refilled with the
prescribed solution of cooling system fluid and water. Use only
permanent type coolant that meets Ford specifications ESE-M97B18-C.
See the engine manufacturer's operating guide for supplimental
corrosion inhibitor specifications.
In addition to the items to be performed daily or at each oil change, the
following need to be completed as specified:
8 000KM / 5 000 MILES
²Initial change Ð change the lubricant in the manual shift transmission
± 5 speed and 6 speed Eaton manual transmission. (Not required
when equipped with optional synthetic lubricant.)
32 000 KM / 20 000 MILES
²Replace the fuel filter.*
50 000 KM / 30 000 MILES
²Replace the engine spin-on coolant filter.*
²Repack and adjust the front wheel bearings Ð grease-filled hubs.
65 000 KM / 40 000 MILES
²Replace the fuel filter.*
General Maintenance Information
239

80 000 KM / 50 000 MILES
²Disassemble the single check valve (SC-2) and the automatic drain
valve (DB±2) Ð clean and inspect the valve for wear and
deterioration.
100 000 KM / 60 000 MILES
²Replace the engine spin-on coolant filter.*
²Oil filled front hubsÐ drain oil, adjust bearings and refill the front
hubs with oil. (Not required when equipped with optional synthetic
lubricant.)
²Drain the oil, adjust the bearing and refill with axle lubricant Ð oil
filled hubs.
²Replace the fuel filter.*
²Change the manual transmission oil Ð Eaton 5 and 6 speeds only.
(Not required when equipped with optional synthetic lubricant.)
110 000 KM / 70 000 MILES
²Replace the engine spin-on coolant filter.*
²Replace the engine coolant.* See the engine manufacturer's operating
guide for supplemental corrosion inhibitor specifications.
130 000 KM / 80 000 MILES
²Replace the fuel filter.*
150 000 KM / 90 000 MILES
²Replace the engine spin-on coolant filter*.
²Repack and adjust the front wheel bearings Ð grease-filled hubs.
²Change the lubricant in the manual shift transmission ± 7 speed
Spicer. (Not required when equipped with optional synthetic
lubricant.)
²Change the power steering fluid and filter.
General Maintenance Information
240