2003 FORD F750 service interval

Cam brakes—automatic slack adjusters
Standard air brakes (cam) are
equipped with automatic brake
adjusters. Automatic adjustment
occurs during forward and reverse
brake applications. Inspect brakes
for proper adjustment at the
intervals listed in the vehicle Service
Maintenance Guide.
Emergency air brake
All vehicles are equipped with a dual brake system. In the unlikely event
of a failure of one system, the second system will function for emergency
stopping. These systems are all controlled by the brake pedal in the
same manner as for normal stops.
Do not continue to operate the vehicle with a failure of one of
the systems. Take the vehicle to your dealer for service
immediately.
Anti-lock braking system (if equipped)
For information on the anti-lock braking system (ABS), refer to
Hydraulic brakesin this chapter.
Driving with ABS
Maintain a steady brake pedal application; you do not need to pump or
remove your foot from the pedal. The ABS keeps the wheels rolling
during braking to maintain control and reduce stopping distances. For
information on the anti-lock braking system (ABS), refer toHydraulic
brakesin this chapter.
Driving
121

Engine oil and filter recommendations—7.3L Power Stroke engine
To help achieve proper engine performance and durability, it is important
that you:
•Use only engine lubricating oils and oil filters of the proper quality.
•Change the engine oil and filterno laterthan the recommended
service interval. Refer to the general maintenance information section
for the appropriate intervals for changing the engine oil and filter.
•Change your engine oil and filter more frequently if your vehicle
operation includes extended periods of idling or low-speed operation,
driving for a long time in cold temperatures or short driving distances.
Diesel engines require specially formulated oil to resist contamination.
Proper quality oils also provide maximum efficiency of the crankcase
ventilation system which reduces air pollution.
For normal or severe service, use Motorcraft oil or an equivalent oil
conforming to Ford Specification WSS-M2C171–C or API Service
categories CH-4, CH-4/SJ or CH-4/SL. If CH-4 oil is not available, CG-4 is
acceptable.
Diesel engine oils with improved fuel economy properties (energy
conserving) are currently available. If you use an energy conserving oil,
be sure it meets Ford specification WSS-M2C171–C or API service
category designation CH-4/SL and is of the proper viscosity grade for the
temperature range in which you expect to operate your vehicle. Some
energy conserving oils do not meet the requirements necessary for your
diesel engine.
Maintenance and Specifications
182

Motorcraft maintenance-free batteries do not normally require adding
additional water. However, for severe usage or in high temperature
climates, check the battery electrolyte levels. Refer to the general
maintenance information section for the service interval schedules.
Keep the electrolyte level in each cell up to the“level indicator”.
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.
Make sure the battery cover/shield is reinstalled after the battery
has been cleaned or replaced.
For longer, trouble-free operation, keep the top of the batteries clean
and dry. Also, make certain the battery cables are always tightly fastened
to the battery terminals.
If you see any corrosion on the battery or terminals, remove the cables
from the terminals and clean with a wire brush. You can neutralize the
acid with a solution of baking soda and water.
Batteries normally produce explosive gases which can cause
personal injury. Therefore, do not allow flames, sparks or lighted
substances to come near the battery. When working near the battery,
always shield your face and protect your eyes. Always provide proper
ventilation.
When lifting a plastic-cased battery, excessive pressure on the
end walls could cause acid to flow through the vent caps,
resulting in personal injury and/or damage to the vehicle or battery.
Lift the battery with a battery carrier or with your hands on opposite
corners.
Keep batteries out of reach of children. Batteries contain sulfuric
acid. Avoid contact with skin, eyes or clothing. Shield your eyes
when working near the battery to protect against possible splashing of
acid solution. In case of acid contact with skin or eyes, flush
immediately with water for a minimum of 15 minutes and get prompt
medical attention. If acid is swallowed, call a physician immediately.
Maintenance and Specifications
185

•Refer to the general maintenance information section for service
interval schedules.
•Be sure to read and understandPrecautions when servicing your
vehiclein this chapter.
If the engine coolant has not been checked at the recommended interval,
the engine coolant reservoir may become low or empty. If the reservoir is
low or empty, add engine coolant to the reservoir. Refer toAdding
engine coolantin this chapter.
Note:Automotive fluids are not interchangeable; do not use engine
coolant, antifreeze or windshield washer fluid outside of its specified
function and vehicle location.
Vehicles with diesel engines typically are used to carry heavy loads and
accumulate mileage rapidly. These two factors cause the additives in the
coolant to“wear out”in a shorter time. Ford recommends an interim
service interval performed at 12 months or 24 000 km (15 000 miles),
whichever occurs first. Add 237–295 ml (8–10 oz.) of supplemental
coolant additive FW-16 to the cooling system. For vehicles with extensive
idling time, add 237–295 ml (8–10 oz.) of coolant additive FW-16 after
every 500 hours of operation. (see general maintenance information
section)
Adding engine coolant—7.3L Power Stroke
When adding coolant, make sure it is a 50/50 mixture of engine coolant
and distilled water. Add the mixture to the coolant reservoir,when the
engine is cool, until the appropriate fill level is obtained.
Do not add engine coolant when the engine is hot. Steam and
scalding liquids released from a hot cooling system can burn you
badly. Also, you can be burned if you spill coolant on hot engine parts.
Do not put engine coolant in the windshield washer fluid
container. If sprayed on the windshield, engine coolant could
make it difficult to see through the windshield.
The cooling system in your vehicle is filled with either green-colored
Motorcraft Premium Engine Coolant meeting Ford specification
ESE-M97B44–A or yellow-colored Motorcraft Premium Gold Engine
Coolant meeting Ford Specification WSS-M97B51–A1. To determine your
vehicle’s coolant type (color), check your coolant reservoir.
•Add Motorcraft Premium Engine Coolant (green-colored),
VC-4–A (U.S.) or CXC-10 (Canada) or Motorcraft Premium
Maintenance and Specifications
187

1. Apply a coating of clean diesel fuel to the new bevel gasket and install
it onto the fuel filter housing.
2. Install the new fuel filter element onto the cap. Place the new fuel
filter element and cap into the fuel filter housing. Allow fuel to soak into
the fuel filter element.
3. Tighten cap onto the fuel filter housing until cap contacts the housing.
4. Start the engine and check for fuel leaks.
After changing the fuel filter, the engine will purge the trapped air as it
runs. Engine may run roughly and smoke until the air is completely
eliminated.
Fuel filter replacement—Cummins B engine
Refer to your engine operator’s manual for service intervals and
procedures.
ESSENTIALS OF GOOD FUEL ECONOMY
Measuring techniques
Your best source of information about actual fuel economy is you, the
driver. You must gather information as accurately and consistently as
possible. Fuel expense, frequency of fillups or fuel gauge readings are
NOT accurate as a measure of fuel economy. We do not recommend
taking fuel economy measurements during the first 1 600 km (1 000
miles) of driving (engine break-in period). You will get a more accurate
measurement after 3 000 km–5 000 km (2 000 miles-3 000 miles).
The advertised fuel capacity of the fuel tank(s) on your vehicle is equal
to the rated refill capacity of the fuel tank(s) as listed inFuel Tank
Capacitiesin this chapter. The advertised capacity is the amount of the
Indicated Capacity and the Empty Reserve combined. Indicated Capacity
is the difference in the amount of fuel in a full tank and a tank when the
fuel gauge indicates empty. Empty Reserve is the small amount of usable
fuel remaining in the fuel tank after the fuel gauge indicates empty.
The amount of Empty Reserve varies and should not be relied
upon to increase driving range. When refueling your vehicle after
the fuel gauge indicates empty, you might not be able to refuel
the full amount of the advertised capacity of the fuel tank due to
the empty reserve still present in the tank.
Your vehicle may be equipped with dual fuel tanks. If so, you will have a
selector control. For information on the Dual Fuel Tank Selector Control
refer to theDriving Tipssection in the7.3 Liter Power Stroke Direct
Injection Turbo Diesel Owner’s Guide Supplement.
Maintenance and Specifications
198

CHECKING AND ADDING POWER STEERING FLUID
Checking power steering fluid level
Check the power steering fluid level using the following procedure. Refer
to the general maintenance information section for the recommended
service intervals. If adding fluid is necessary, use only MERCONAT 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.
•If the fluid temperature is at
approximately 20°C-49°C (68°F
- 120°F) (fluid cool or warm to
the touch), check the COLD side
of the dipstick. The fluid level
should be within the FULL range
•If the fluid level is below the ADD
line, add fluid in small amounts,
continuously checking the level until it reaches the proper level.
•If the fluid temperature is at
approximately 80°C - 110°C
(176°F - 230°F) (fluid too hot
to touch), check the HOT side of
the dipstick. The fluid level
should be within the FULL range.
•If the fluid level is below the ADD
line, add fluid in small amounts,
continuously checking the level until it reaches the proper level.
A low fluid level may indicate a leak in the power steering system.
Inspect the power steering system and repair the leak. If necessary, see
your dealer or a qualified service technician.
ADD MAX. COLDFULL
ADD MAX. HOTFULL
Maintenance and Specifications
201

To avoid damage to the power steering system,do notoperate the
vehicle with a low power steering fluid level.
Whenever the dipstick is installed, make sure it is properly seated and
tightened securely.
CLUTCH FLUID (IF EQUIPPED)
Check the clutch fluid level. Refer to the general maintenance
information section for the service interval schedules.
During normal operation, the fluid level in the clutch reservoir should
remain constant. If the fluid level drops, maintain the fluid level at the
step in the reservoir.
Use only a DOT 3 brake fluid designed to meet Ford specifications. Refer
toLubricant Specificationsin this chapter.
1. Set the parking brake, shift into 1
(First) and turn the engine off.
2. Open the hood.
3. Clean the reservoir cap before
removal to prevent dirt and water
from entering the reservoir.
4. Remove cap and rubber
diaphragm from reservoir.
5. Add fluid until the level reaches
the step in the reservoir.
6. Reinstall rubber diaphragm and cap onto reservoir.
Clutch (if equipped)—linkage lubrication
Lubricate the clutch linkage using the following procedure. Refer to the
general maintenance information section for the service interval
schedules.
Use a grease which meets Ford specifications. Refer toLubricant
Specificationsin this chapter.
1. Set the parking brake, shift into 1 (First) and turn the engine off.
2. Remove the inspection cover from the clutch housing.
Maintenance and Specifications
202

•Transmission and clutch
removed for clarity.
3. With a grease gun, lubricate the clutch release bearing (at one
location) and the clutch release shaft (at two locations) using the grease
fittings provided.
4. Lubricate clutch release wear pads at the two locations where they
contact the clutch release bearing using a brush or similar tool.
5. Install the inspection cover onto the clutch housing.
BRAKE FLUID
Checking and adding brake fluid
Check and refill the Hydromax
brake fluid reservoir using the
following procedure. Refer to the
general maintenance information
section for the service interval.
1. Clean the reservoir caps before
removal to prevent dirt or water
from entering the reservoir.
2. Visually inspect the fluid level.
3. If necessary, add brake fluid from
a clean un-opened container until
the level reaches MAX. Do not fill
above this line.
4. Use only a DOT 3 brake fluid
certified to meet Ford specifications. Refer toLubricant specifications
in this chapter.
Maintenance and Specifications
203