2003 FORD F SERIES MOTORHOME AND COMMERCIAL CHASSIS oil dipstick

IDENTIFYING COMPONENTS IN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT
6.8L V10 engine
1. Engine coolant reservoir
2. Engine oil filler cap
3. Automatic transmission fluid dipstick
4. Power distribution box
5. Engine oil dipstick
6. Air filter assembly
7. Brake fluid reservoir
8. Power steering fluid reservoir
Maintenance and specifications
56

ENGINE OIL
Checking the engine oil
Refer to the scheduled maintenance guide for the appropriate intervals
for checking the engine oil.
1. Make sure the vehicle is on level ground.
2. Turn the engine off and wait a few minutes for the oil to drain into the
oil pan.
3. Set the parking brake and ensure the gearshift is securely latched in P
(Park).
4. Open the hood. Protect yourself from engine heat.
5. Locate and carefully remove the
engine oil level indicator (dipstick).
6. Wipe the indicator clean. Insert the indicator fully, then remove it
again.
•If the oil level isbetween the MIN and MAX marks,the oil level is
acceptable.DO NOT ADD OIL.
•If the oil level is below the MIN mark, add enough oil to raise the level
within the MIN-MAX range.
•Oil levels above the MAX mark may cause engine damage. Some oil
must be removed from the engine by a service technician.
7. Put the indicator back in and ensure it is fully seated.
Adding engine oil
1. Check the engine oil. For instructions, refer toChecking the engine
oilin this chapter.
Maintenance and specifications
57

2. If the engine oil level is not within the MIN and MAX ranges, add only
certified engine oil of the recommended viscosity. Remove the engine oil
filler cap and use a funnel to pour the engine oil into the opening.
3. Recheck the engine oil level. Make sure the oil level is not above the
MAX mark on the engine oil level indicator (dipstick).
4. Install the indicator and ensure it is fully seated.
5. Fully install the engine oil filler cap by turning the filler cap clockwise
until three clicks can be heard.
To avoid possible oil loss, DO NOT operate the vehicle with the
engine oil level indicator and/or the engine oil filler cap removed.
Engine oil and filter recommendations
Look for this certification
trademark.
SAE 5W-20 engine oil is recommended.
Only use oils “Certified For Gasoline Engines” by the American
Petroleum Institute (API). Use Motorcraft or an equivalent oil meeting
Ford specification WSS-M2C153–H.SAE 5W-20 oil provides optimum
fuel economy and durability performance meeting all
requirements for your vehicle’s engine.
Do not use supplemental engine oil additives, oil treatments or engine
treatments. They are unnecessary and could, under certain conditions,
lead to engine damage which is not covered by your warranty.
Change your engine oil and filter according to the appropriate schedule
listed in the scheduled maintenance guide.
Ford production and aftermarket (Motorcraft) oil filters are designed for
added engine protection and long life. If a replacement oil filter is used
that does not meet Ford material and design specifications, start-up
engine noises or knock may be experienced.
It is recommended you use the appropriate Motorcraft oil filter (or
another brand meeting Ford specifications) for your engine application.
Maintenance and specifications
58

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
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 6.8L V10 engine
Cubic inches 415
Required fuel 87 octane
Firing order 1-6-5-10-2-7-3-8-4-9
Spark plug gap 1.3-1.4 mm (0.052-0.056 inch)
Ignition system Coil on plug
Compression ratio 9.0:1
IDENTIFYING YOUR VEHICLE
Certification label for incomplete vehicles
On completed derivations of incomplete vehicles, the certification label is
affixed at a location determined by a subsequent stage manufacturer of
the completed vehicle. In these cases the completed vehicle is
manufactured in two or more stages by two or more separate
manufacturers.
Vehicle Identification Number
The vehicle identification number is attached to a metal tag and is
located on the front firewall to the right of the air filter.
If you ever find it necessary to communicate with Ford Motor Company
about your vehicle, always include the VIN in your communication.
Maintenance and specifications
92

A
ABS (see Brakes) .......................24
Air cleaner filter ...................83, 88
Ambulance packages ....................5
Antifreeze (see
Engine coolant) ..........................61
Anti-lock brake system
(see Brakes) ................................24
Automatic transmission
driving an automatic
overdrive ...................................28
fluid, adding ..............................81
fluid, checking ..........................81
fluid, refill capacities ................89
fluid, specification ....................92
Axle
lubricant specifications ......91–92
refill capacities ..........................89
B
Battery .........................................59
acid, treating emergencies .......59
jumping a disabled battery ......48
maintenance-free ......................59
replacement, specifications .....88
servicing ....................................59
Brakes ....................................23, 25
anti-lock .....................................24
anti-lock brake system
(ABS) warning light .................25
fluid, checking and adding ......79
fluid, refill capacities ................89
fluid, specifications .............91–92
lubricant specifications ......91–92
shift interlock ............................27
Bulbs ............................................15
C
Calculating load ..........................32Capacities for refilling fluids ......89
Changing a tire ...........................45
Cleaning your vehicle
engine compartment ................54
wheels ........................................54
Coolant
checking and adding ................61
refill capacities ....................65, 89
specifications ......................91–92
Cruise control
(see Speed control) ....................17
D
Daytime running lamps
(see Lamps) ................................14
Dipstick
automatic transmission fluid ...81
engine oil ...................................57
Doors
lubricant specifications ............91
Driveline universal joint
and slip yoke ...............................82
Driving under special
conditions ....................................30
through water ...........................30
E
Emergencies, roadside
jump-starting ............................48
Emission control system ............76
Engine ..........................................92
cleaning .....................................54
coolant .......................................61
fail-safe coolant ........................66
idle speed control .....................59
lubrication specifications ...91–92
refill capacities ..........................89
service points ............................56
starting after a collision ...........36
Index
94

Engine block heater ...................23
Engine oil ....................................57
checking and adding ................57
dipstick ......................................57
filter, specifications ............58, 88
recommendations .....................58
refill capacities ..........................89
specifications ......................91–92
Exhaust fumes ............................23
F
Fail safe cooling ..........................66
Fluid capacities ...........................89
Fuel ..............................................67
calculating fuel economy .........73
capacity .....................................89
choosing the right fuel .............69
comparisons with EPA fuel
economy estimates ...................76
detergent in fuel .......................70
filling your vehicle
with fuel ..............................67, 73
filter, specifications ............71, 88
fuel pump shut-off switch .......36
improving fuel economy ..........73
octane rating .......................69, 92
quality ........................................70
running out of fuel ...................70
safety information relating to
automotive fuels .......................67
Fuses ............................................38
G
Gas mileage (see
Fuel economy) ............................73
Gauges .........................................11
GAWR (Gross Axle
Weight Rating) ............................31
calculating .................................32
definition ...................................31driving with a heavy load ........31
location ......................................31
GVWR (Gross Vehicle
Weight Rating) ............................31
calculating ...........................31–32
definition ...................................31
driving with a heavy load ........31
location ......................................31
H
Hazard flashers ...........................36
Headlamps ...................................14
daytime running lights .............14
flash to pass ..............................15
high beam .................................14
turning on and off ....................14
I
Ignition ...................................20, 92
Inspection/maintenance
(I/M) testing ................................77
Instrument panel
cluster ..........................................8
lighting up panel and
interior .......................................15
J
Jack ..............................................45
positioning .................................45
storage .......................................45
Jump-starting your vehicle ........48
K
Keys
positions of the ignition ...........20
L
Lamps
cargo lamps ...............................15
Index
95