2003 FORD EXCURSION automatic transmission

You can check the fluid without driving if the ambient temperature is
above 10°C (50°F). 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 (66°C-77°C
[150°F-170°F]).
The transmission fluid should be in
this range if at ambient temperature
(10°C-35°C [50°F-95°F]).
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 this chapter.
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.
ADD COLD HOT DO NOT ADD
DON'T ADD IF IN CROSSHATCHED AREA  CHECK WHEN HOT IDLING IN PARK
ADD COLD HOT DO NOT ADD
DON'T ADD IF IN CROSSHATCHED AREA  CHECK WHEN HOT IDLING IN PARK
ADD COLD HOT DO NOT ADD
DON'T ADD IF IN CROSSHATCHED AREA  CHECK WHEN HOT IDLING IN PARK
Maintenance and Specifications
215

1Your vehicle’s rear axle is filled with a synthetic lubricant. Axle lubricant
quantities should not need to be checked 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.
2Add 236 ml (8 oz.) of Additive Friction Modifier XL-3 or equivalent
meeting Ford Specification EST-M2C118-A for complete refill of
Traction-Lok axles.
Service refill capacities are determined by filling the rear axle to the
bottom of the filler hole with the specified lubricant.
3Add the coolant type originally equipped in your vehicle.
4If equipped with auxiliary rear heater, add an additional 1.4 L
(1.5 quarts).
5Ensure 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
MERCONand MERCONV. These dual usage fluids are not to be used
in an automatic transmission that requires use of the MERCONtype
fluid. However, these dual usage fluids may be used in transmissions that
require the MERCONV type fluid.
MERCONand MERCONV type fluids are not interchangeable.
DO NOT mix MERCONand MERCONV. Use of a transmission
fluid that indicates dual usage (MERCONand MERCONV) in
an automatic transmission application requiring MERCONmay
cause transmission damage. Use of any fluid other than the
recommended fluid may cause transmission damage.
6Indicates 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.
Maintenance and Specifications
224

ItemFord part
name or
equivalentFord part
numberFord
specification
Engine
oil-Gasoline
enginesMotorcraft SAE
5W-20 Premium
Synthetic Blend
Motor OilXO-5W20-QSP WSS-M2C153-H
and API
Certification
Mark
Engine oil-Diesel
engineRefer to your 7.3L Diesel Supplement
Hinges, latches,
striker plates,
fuel filler door
hinge and seat
tracksMulti-Purpose
GreaseXG-4 or XL-5 ESR-M1C159-A
or ESB-M1C93-B
Transmission
/steering/parking
brake linkages
and pivots,
brake pedal
shaftPremium
Long-Life GreaseXG-1-C or
XG-1-KESA-M1C75-B
Power steering
fluid and
transfer case
fluid (if
equipped)Motorcraft
MERCONAT FXT-2-QDX MERCON
Automatic
transmission
2Motorcraft
MERCONAT FXT-2-QDX MERCON
Windshield
washer fluidMotorcraft
Premium
Windshield
Washer
ConcentrateZC-32–A ESR-M17P5-A
Maintenance and Specifications
226

1Add 236 ml (8 oz.) of Additive Friction Modifier XL-3 or equivalent
meeting Ford specification EST-M2C118-A for complete refill of
Traction-Lok axles. Ford design rear axles contain a synthetic lubricant
that does not require changing unless the axle has been submerged in
water.
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
MERCONand MERCONV. These dual usage fluids are not to be used
in an automatic transmission that requires use of the MERCONtype
fluid. However, these dual usage fluids may be used in transmissions that
require the MERCONV type fluid.
MERCONand MERCONV type fluids are not interchangeable.
DO NOT mix MERCONand MERCONV. Use of a transmission
fluid that indicates dual usage (MERCONand MERCONV) in
an automatic transmission application requiring MERCONmay
cause transmission damage. Use of any fluid other than the
recommended fluid may cause transmission damage.
ENGINE DATA
Engine* 5.4L V8 engine 6.8L V10 engine
Cubic inches 330 415
Required fuel 87 octane 87 octane
Firing order 1-3-7-2-6-5-4-8 1-6-5-10-2-7-3-8-4-9
Spark plug gap1.3-1.4 mm
(0.052-0.056 inch)1.3-1.4 mm
(0.052-0.056 inch)
Ignition system Coil on plug Coil on plug
Compression ratio 9.0:1 9.0:1
*Refer to the7.3 Liter Power Stroke Direct Injection Turbo Diesel
Owner’s Guide Supplementfor diesel engine information.
Maintenance and Specifications
227

A
Accessory delay ..........................59
Air bag supplemental
restraint system ........................109
and child safety seats ............111
description ..............................109
disposal ....................................113
driver air bag ..........................111
indicator light .........................113
operation .................................111
passenger air bag ...................111
Air cleaner filter ...............217, 222
Air conditioning ..........................41
Antifreeze (see
Engine coolant) ........................197
Anti-lock brake system
(see Brakes) ..............................128
Audio system (see Radio) ...17, 21
Automatic transmission
driving an automatic
overdrive .................................132
fluid, adding ............................214
fluid, checking ........................214
fluid, refill capacities ..............222
fluid, specification ..................227
Auxiliary power point .................57
Axle
lubricant
specifications ..................225, 227
refill capacities ........................222
traction lok ..............................130
B
Battery .......................................195
acid, treating emergencies .....195
jumping a disabled battery ....166maintenance-free ....................195
replacement, specifications ...222
servicing ..................................195
BeltMinder .................................104
Brakes ........................................128
anti-lock ...................................128
anti-lock brake system
(ABS) warning light ...............128
fluid, checking and adding ....213
fluid, refill capacities ..............222
fluid, specifications .........225, 227
lubricant specifications ..225, 227
parking ....................................129
shift interlock ..........................131
Break-in period .............................5
Bulbs ............................................49
C
Calculating load ........................149
Capacities for refilling fluids ....222
Cargo net .....................................72
Cassette tape player ...................21
CD-single premium .....................17
Certification Label ....................229
Changing a tire .........................161
Child safety restraints ..............114
child safety belts ....................114
Child safety seats ......................116
attaching with tether straps ..120
in front seat ............................118
in rear seat ..............................118
Cleaning your vehicle
engine compartment ..............184
instrument panel ....................185
interior .....................................186
interior trim ............................186
Index
235

plastic parts ............................185
washing ....................................183
waxing .....................................183
wheels ......................................184
wiper blades ............................185
Climate control (see Air
conditioning or Heating) ......41, 43
Compass, electronic ....................66
calibration .................................67
set zone adjustment .................67
Console ........................................72
overhead ....................................56
Controls
power seat .................................89
steering column ........................64
Coolant
checking and adding ..............197
refill capacities ................201, 222
specifications ..................225, 227
Cruise control (see
Speed control) ............................61
Customer Assistance ................154
Ford accessories for your
vehicle .....................................187
Ford Extended Service
Plan ..........................................176
Getting assistance outside
the U.S. and Canada ..............180
Getting roadside assistance ...154
Getting the service
you need .................................174
Ordering additional
owner’s literature ...................181
The Dispute Settlement
Board .......................................176
Utilizing the Mediation/
Arbitration Program ...............179D
Daytime running lamps
(see Lamps) ................................46
Dipstick
automatic transmission
fluid ..........................................214
engine oil .................................192
Doors
lubricant specifications ..........225
Driving under special
conditions ..................134, 140, 143
sand .........................................142
snow and ice ...........................144
through water .................142, 146
E
Emergencies, roadside
jump-starting ..........................166
Emission control system ..........211
Engine ................................227–228
cleaning ...................................184
coolant .....................................197
diesel ...........................................7
fail-safe coolant ......................202
idle speed control ...................195
lubrication
specifications ..................225, 227
refill capacities ........................222
service points ..........................191
starting after a collision .........155
Engine block heater .................127
Engine oil ..................................192
checking and adding ..............192
dipstick ....................................192
filter, specifications ........194, 222
recommendations ...................194
refill capacities ........................222
specifications ..................225, 227
Index
236

Infant seats
(see Safety seats) .....................116
Inspection/maintenance
(I/M) testing ..............................212
Instrument panel
cleaning ...................................185
cluster ........................................10
lighting up panel and
interior .......................................47
J
Jack ............................................161
positioning ...............................161
storage .....................................161
Jump-starting your vehicle ......166
K
Keyless entry system .................80
Keys
positions of the ignition .........124
L
Lamps
autolamp system .......................45
bulb replacement
specifications chart ..................49
cargo lamps ...............................47
daytime running light ...............46
fog lamps ...................................46
headlamps .................................45
headlamps, flash to pass ..........47
instrument panel, dimming .....47
interior lamps .....................48–50
replacing bulbs ....... 49–50, 52–53
Lane change indicator
(see Turn signal) ........................47Liftgate ........................................72
Lights, warning and indicator ....10
anti-lock brakes (ABS) ..........128
speed control ............................64
Load limits .................................147
GAWR ......................................147
GVWR ......................................147
trailer towing ..........................147
Loading instructions .................148
Locks
childproof ..................................76
doors ..........................................75
Lubricant specifications ...225, 227
Lumbar support, seats .........88–89
M
Manual transmission
fluid capacities ........................222
lubricant specifications ..........227
Message center ...........................65
english/metric button ...............65
menu button .............................65
Mirrors ...................................55, 59
automatic dimming rearview
mirror ........................................59
fold away ...................................61
heated ........................................60
side view mirrors (power) .......60
Motorcraft parts ................207, 222
O
Octane rating ............................206
Oil (see Engine oil) ..................192
P
Parking brake ............................129
Index
238

replacing ..................................220
rotating ....................................219
snow tires and chains ............221
tire grades ...............................219
treadwear ................................218
Towing .......................................149
recreational towing .................153
trailer towing ..........................149
wrecker ....................................172
Traction-lok rear axle ...............130
Transfer case
fluid checking .........................216
Transmission .............................131
fluid, checking and adding
(automatic) .............................214
fluid, refill capacities ..............222
lubricant
specifications ..................225, 227
Turn signal ..................................47
V
Vehicle dimensions ...................228Vehicle Identification Number
(VIN) ..........................................230
Vehicle loading ..........................147
Ventilating your vehicle ...........128
W
Warning lights (see Lights) .......10
Washer fluid
..............................192
Water, Driving through
.............146
Windows
power
.........................................58
rear wiper/washer
.....................54
Windshield washer fluid and
wipers
..........................................54
checking and adding fluid
.....192
liftgate reservoir
.....................192
replacing wiper blades
.............55
Wrecker towing
.........................172
Index
240