2003 FORD F150 checking oil

WINDSHIELD WASHER FLUID
Add fluid to fill the reservoir if the
level is low. In very cold weather, do
not fill the reservoir completely.
Only use a washer fluid that meets
Ford specification WSB-M8B16–A2.
Refer toLubricant specifications
in this chapter.
State or local regulations on volatile organic compounds may restrict the
use of methanol, a common windshield washer antifreeze additive.
Washer fluids containing non-methanol antifreeze agents should be used
only if they provide cold weather protection without damaging the
vehicle’s paint finish, wiper blades or washer system.
If you operate your vehicle in temperatures below 4.5°C (40°F),
use washer fluid with antifreeze protection. Failure to use
washer fluid with antifreeze protection in cold weather could result in
impaired windshield vision and increase the risk of injury or accident.
Note:Do not put washer fluid in the engine coolant reservoir. Washer
fluid placed in the cooling system may harm engine and cooling system
components.
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) (automatic transmission) or 1 (First) (manual transmission).
4. Open the hood. Protect yourself from engine heat.
Maintenance and Specifications
221

•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.
2. If the engine oil level is not within the normal range, 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
1/4 of a turn until three clicks are heard or until the cap is fully seated.
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.
Maintenance and Specifications
224

•If you do not allow the engine to relearn its idle trim, the idle
quality of your vehicle may be adversely affected until the idle
trim is eventually relearned.
If the battery has been disconnected or a new battery has been installed,
the clock and the preset radio stations must be reset once the battery is
reconnected.
•Always dispose of automotive
batteries in a responsible manner.
Follow your local authorized
standards for disposal. Call your
local authorized recycling center
to find out more about recycling
automotive batteries.
ENGINE COOLANT
Checking engine coolant
The concentration and level of engine coolant should be checked at the
mileage intervals listed in the scheduled maintenance guide. The coolant
concentration should be maintained at 50/50 coolant and distilled water,
which equates to a freeze point of -36°C (-34°F). Coolant concentration
testing is possible with a hydrometer or antifreeze tester (such as the
Rotunda Battery and Antifreeze Tester, 014–R1060). The level of coolant
should be maintained at the“cold full”of“cold fill range”level in the
coolant reservoir. If the level falls below, add coolant per the instructions
in theAdding engine coolantsection.
Your vehicle was factory-filled with a 50/50 engine coolant and water
concentration. If the concentration of coolant falls below 40% or above
60%, the engine parts could become damaged or not work properly.A
50–50 mixture of coolant and water provides the following:
•Freeze protection down to -36°C (-34°F).
•Boiling protection up to 129°C (265°F).
•Protection against rust and other forms of corrosion.
•Enables calibrated gauges to work properly.
LEAD
RETURN
RECYCLE
Maintenance and Specifications
227

Cleaning your vehicle
engine compartment ..............209
exterior ....................................214
instrument panel ....................212
interior .....................................212
interior trim ............................212
plastic parts ............................211
washing ....................................208
waxing .....................................208
wheels ......................................209
wiper blades ............................211
Climate control (see Air
conditioning or Heating) ............41
Clutch
fluid ..........................................244
operation while driving ..........146
recommended shift speeds ....147
Compass, electronic ..............57, 61
calibration .................................58
set zone adjustment .................58
Console ........................................59
overhead ..............................55–56
Coolant
checking and adding ..............227
refill capacities ................231, 256
specifications ..................259, 262
Cruise control (see
Speed control) ............................63
Customer Assistance ................174
Ford accessories for
your vehicle ............................215
Ford Extended Service
Plan ..........................................200
Getting assistance outside
the U.S. and Canada ..............204
Getting roadside assistance ...174
Getting the service
you need .................................198
Ordering additional
owner’s literature ...................205The Dispute Settlement
Board .......................................201
Utilizing the Mediation/
Arbitration Program ...............204
D
Daytime running lamps
(see Lamps) ................................45
Dipstick
automatic transmission
fluid ..........................................245
engine oil .................................221
Doors
lubricant specifications ..........259
Driveline universal joint
and slip yoke .............................249
Driving under special
conditions ..................146, 154, 157
sand .........................................156
snow and ice ...........................158
through water .................156, 161
E
Emergencies, roadside
jump-starting ..........................191
Emission control system ..........241
Engine ........................................262
cleaning ...................................209
coolant .....................................227
fail-safe coolant ......................232
idle speed control ...................225
lubrication
specifications ..................259, 262
refill capacities ........................256
service points ..................218–220
starting after a collision .........175
Engine block heater .................139
Engine oil ..................................221
Index
274