TRANSMISSION FLUID
Checking automatic transmission fluid
Refer to your scheduled maintenance guide for scheduled intervals for
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.
Automatic transmission fluid expands when warmed. To obtain an
accurate fluid check, drive the vehicle until it is at normal operating
temperature (approximately 30 km [20 miles]). If your vehicle has been
operated for an extended period at high speeds, in city traffic during hot
weather or pulling a trailer, the vehicle should be turned off for about 30
minutes to allow fluid to cool before checking.
1. Drive the vehicle 30 km (20 miles) or until it reaches normal operating
temperature.
2. Park the vehicle on a level surface and engage the parking brake.
3. With the parking brake engaged and your foot on the brake pedal,
start the engine and move the gearshift lever through all of the gear
ranges. Allow sufficient time for each gear to engage.
4. Latch the gearshift lever in P (Park) and leave the engine running.
5. Remove the dipstick, wiping it clean with a clean, dry lint free rag. If
necessary, refer toIdentifying components in the engine compartment
in this chapter for the location of the dipstick.
6. Install the dipstick making sure it is fully seated in the filler tube.
7. Remove the dipstick and inspect the fluid level. The fluid should be in
the designated area for normal operating temperature or ambient
temperature.
Low fluid level
Do not drive the vehicle if the fluid
level is at the bottom of the dipstick
and the ambient temperature is
above 10ÉC (50ÉF).
DON’T ADD
ADD COLD HOT DO NOT ADD
Maintenance and care
183
Correct fluid level
The transmission fluid should be checked at normal operating
temperature 66ÉC-77ÉC (150ÉF-170ÉF) on a level surface. The normal
operating temperature can be reached after approximately 30 km
(20 miles) of driving.
You can check the fluid without driving if the ambient temperature is
above 10ÉC (50ÉF). However, if fluid is added at this time, an overfill
condition could result when the vehicle reaches normal operating
temperature.
The transmission fluid should be in
this range if at normal operating
temperature (66ÉC-77ÉC
[150ÉF-170ÉF]).
The transmission fluid should be in
this range if at ambient temperature
(10ÉC-35ÉC [50ÉF-95ÉF]).
High fluid level
Fluid levels above the safe range
may result in transmission failure.
An overfill condition of transmission
fluid may cause shift and/or
engagement concerns and/or
possible damage.
High fluid levels can be caused by an overheating condition.
Adjusting automatic transmission fluid levels
Before adding any fluid, make sure the correct type is used. The type of
fluid used is normally indicated on the dipstick and also in the
Lubricant specificationssection in .
Use of a non-approved automatic transmission fluid may cause
internal transmission component damage.
If necessary, add fluid in 250 mL (1/2 pint) increments through the filler
tube until the level is correct.
DON’T ADD
DON’T ADD
DON’T ADD
Maintenance and care
184
If an overfill occurs, excess fluid
should be removed by a qualified
technician.
An overfill condition of
transmission fluid may cause shift and/or engagement concerns
and/or possible damage.
DRIVELINE UNIVERSAL JOINT AND SLIP YOKE
Your vehicle may be equipped with universal joints that require
lubrication. Refer to the scheduled maintenance guide for maintenance
intervals. If the original universal joints are replaced with universal joints
equipped with grease fittings, lubrication will also be necessary.
BATTERY
Your vehicle is equipped with a
Motorcraft maintenance-free battery
which normally does not require
additional water during its life of
service.
However, for severe usage or in high temperature climates, check the
battery electrolyte level. Refer to the scheduled maintenance guide for
the service interval schedules.
Keep the electrolyte level in each cell up to the ªlevel indicatorº.
Do not overfill the battery cells.
If the electrolyte level in the battery is low, you can add plain tap water
to the battery, as long as you do not use hard water (water with a high
mineral or alkali content). If possible, however, try to only fill the battery
cells with distilled water. If the battery needs water often, have the
charging system checked.
If your battery has a cover/shield, make sure it is reinstalled
after the battery has been cleaned or replaced.
DON’T ADD
Maintenance and care
185
Fluid Ford Part Name Application Capacity
Windshield
washer fluidUltra-Clear
Windshield Washer
ConcentrateAll 4.0L (4.25 quarts)
1Add the coolant type originally equipped in your vehicle.
2Ensure the correct automatic transmission fluid is used. Transmission
fluid requirements are indicated on the dipstick or on the dipstick
handle. Check the container to verify the fluid being added is of the
correct type. Refer to your scheduled maintenance guide to determine
the correct service interval.
Some transmission fluids may be labeled as dual usage, such as
MERCONtand MERCONtV. These dual usage fluids are not to be used
in an automatic transmission that requires use of the MERCONttype
fluid. However, these dual usage fluids may be used in transmissions that
require the MERCONtV type fluid.
MERCONtand MERCONtV type fluids are not interchangeable.
DO NOT mix MERCONtand MERCONtV. Use of a transmission
fluid that indicates dual usage (MERCONtand MERCONtV) in
an automatic transmission application requiring MERCONtmay
cause transmission damage. Use of any fluid other than the
recommended fluid may cause transmission damage.
3Indicates only approximate dry-fill capacity. Some applications may vary
based on cooler size and if equipped with an in-tank cooler. The amount
of transmission fluid and fluid level should be set by the indication on
the dipstick's normal operating range.
4Your vehicle's rear axle is filled with a synthetic rear axle lubricant and
is considered lubricated for life. These lubricants do not need to be
checked or changed unless a leak is suspected, service is required or the
axle assembly has been submerged in water. The axle lubricant should
be changed any time the rear axle has been submerged in water.
5Service refill capacity is determined by filling the axle to 6-14 mm
(1/4-9/16 inch) below the bottom of the filler hole with the vehicle on a
level surface.
Add 118 ml (4 oz.) of Additive Friction Modifier C8AZ-19B546-A or
equivalent meeting Ford specification EST-M2C118±A, for complete fill of
9.75 inch axles.
Capacities and specifications
219
ItemFord part
nameFord part
numberFord
specification
Power steering
fluidMotorcraft
MERCONtAT FXT-2-QDX MERCONt
Rear axle
2Motorcraft SAE
75W-140 High
Performance
Synthetic Rear
Axle LubeF1TZ-19580-B WSL-M2C192-A
Windshield
washer fluidUltra-clear
Windshield
Washer
ConcentrateC9AZ-19550-AC ESR-M17P5-A
1Ensure the correct automatic transmission fluid is used. Transmission
fluid requirements are indicated on the dipstick or on the dipstick
handle. Check the container to verify the fluid being added is of the
correct type. Refer to your scheduled maintenance guide to determine
the correct service interval.
Some transmission fluids may be labeled as dual usage, such as
MERCONtand MERCONtV. These dual usage fluids are not to be used
in an automatic transmission that requires use of the MERCONttype
fluid. However, these dual usage fluids may be used in transmissions that
require the MERCONtV type fluid.
MERCONtand MERCONtV type fluids are not interchangeable.
DO NOT mix MERCONtand MERCONtV. Use of a transmission
fluid that indicates dual usage (MERCONtand MERCONtV) in
an automatic transmission application requiring MERCONtmay
cause transmission damage. Use of any fluid other than the
recommended fluid may cause transmission damage.
2Add 118 ml (4 oz) of Additive Friction Modifier C8AZ-19B546-A or
equivalent meeting Ford specification EST-M2C118-A for complete refill
of 9.75 inch axles.
Capacities and specifications
221
A
Accessory delay ..........................70
Air bag supplemental restraint
system ................................111±112
and child safety seats ............114
description ..............................112
disposal ....................................116
driver air bag ..........................114
indicator light .....................9, 116
operation .................................114
passenger air bag ...................114
Air cleaner filter .......187±188, 218
Air conditioning ..........................41
rear seat controls .....................47
Air suspension ...........................132
description ..............................132
warning light .............................12
Ambulance packages ....................3
Antifreeze
(see Engine coolant) ................175
Anti-lock brake system
(see Brakes) ......................129±130
Anti-theft system
warning light .............................10
Audio system (see Radio) .........23
Automatic transmission
driving an automatic
overdrive .................................137
fluid, adding ............................183
fluid, checking ........................183
fluid, refill capacities ..............218
fluid, specification ..................222
Auxiliary power point .................19
Axle
lubricant
specifications ..................220, 222refill capacities ........................218
B
Battery .......................................185
acid, treating emergencies .....185
charging system
warning light .............................11
jumping a disabled battery ....162
maintenance-free ....................185
replacement, specifications ...218
servicing ..................................185
voltage gauge ............................15
Belt minder ...............................107
Brakes ........................................129
anti-lock ...........................129±130
anti-lock brake system
(ABS) warning light .........10, 129
brake warning light ..................10
fluid, checking and adding ....174
fluid, refill capacities ..............218
fluid, specifications .........220, 222
lubricant specifications ..220, 222
parking ....................................130
pedals (see Power adjustable
foot pedals) ...............................18
shift interlock ..........................135
Break-in period .............................3
C
Capacities for refilling fluids ....218
CD changer .................................37
Certification Label ....................224
Child safety restraints ..............117
child safety belts ....................117
Child safety seats ......................118
attaching with tether straps ..122
in front seat ............................119
Index
238
in rear seat ..............................119
Cleaning your vehicle ...............212
exterior ....................................212
instrument cluster lens ..........216
instrument panel ....................216
interior .....................................216
plastic parts ....................214±215
safety belts ..............................217
washing ....................................212
waxing .....................................212
wheels ......................................213
windows ..................................216
wiper blades ............................215
woodtone trim ........................216
Climate control (see Air
conditioning or Heating) ............41
Clock ............................................21
Compass, electronic
calibration .................................61
set zone adjustment .................60
Console
overhead ....................................57
Controls
power seat .................................90
steering column ........................55
Coolant
checking and adding ..............175
refill capacities ................179, 218
specifications ..................220, 222
Cruise control
(see Speed control) ....................50
Customer Assistance ................147
Ford accessories for your
vehicle .....................................232
Ford Extended Service
Plan ..........................................225
Getting assistance outside
the U.S. and Canada ..............231Getting roadside assistance ...147
Getting the service
you need .................................225
Ordering additional owner's
literature .................................236
The Dispute Settlement
Board .......................................228
Utilizing the
Mediation/Arbitration
Program ...................................231
D
Defrost
rear window ..............................19
Dipstick
automatic transmission
fluid ..........................................183
engine oil .................................171
Doors
door ajar warning .....................11
lubricant specifications ..........220
Driveline universal joint and
slip yoke ....................................185
Driving under special
conditions
through water .........................146
E
Emergencies, roadside
jump-starting ..........................162
Emission control system ..........202
Engine ........................................222
check engine/service engine
soon light ....................................8
coolant .....................................175
fail-safe coolant ......................180
idle speed control ...................185
Index
239
S
Safety belts (see Safety
restraints) ....................12, 100±105
Safety defects, reporting ..........237
Safety restraints ................100±105
belt minder .............................107
cleaning the safety
belts .................................110, 217
extension assembly ................106
for adults .........................101±104
for children .....................116±117
warning light and
chime .............................9, 12, 106
Safety seats for children ..........118
Seat belts (see Safety
restraints) ..................................100
Seats
child safety seats ....................118
climate control ..........................93
memory seat .......................86, 92
SecuriLock passive anti-theft
system ....................................77±79
Servicing your vehicle ..............168
Snowplowing .................................3
Spark plugs,
specifications .....................218, 222
Special notice ................................3
ambulance conversions ..............3
utility-type vehicles ....................3
Specification chart,
lubricants ...........................220, 222
Speed control ..............................50
Speedometer ...............................14
Starting your vehicle ........125, 127
jump starting ..........................162Steering wheel
controls ......................................55
tilting .........................................56
T
Tachometer .................................15
Tires ...........................157, 190±191
changing ..........................157±158
checking the pressure ............191
replacing ..................................193
rotating ....................................192
snow tires and chains ............193
tire grades ...............................191
treadwear ................................190
Tonneau cover .................63, 74, 89
Towing .......................................141
recreational towing .................145
trailer towing ..........................141
wrecker ....................................167
Traction control ........................133
active light ................................12
Transmission .............................135
fluid, checking and adding
(automatic) .............................183
fluid, refill capacities ..............218
lubricant specifications ..220, 222
Transmission control indicator
light ..............................................11
Trip odometer .............................15
Trunk .....................................74, 76
Turn signal ............................10, 49
V
Vehicle dimensions ...................222
Vehicle Identification Number
(VIN) ..........................................224
Index
243