2003 FORD F750 parking brake

OPENING THE HOOD
The hood and fenders are held in position by a latch located on each
fender.
The parking brake must be fully set before opening the hood or
possible personal injury may occur.
If you must leave the engine running while checking under the
hood, do not allow any loose clothing, jewelry, hair or other
items to get near moving engine components or possible personal
injury may occur.
To open the hood:
1. Set the parking brake, shift into N (Neutral) (automatic transmission)
or 1 (First) (manual transmission) and turn the engine off.
2. Lift upward on the bottom of
each latch.
3. Pull the bottom of each latch
away from the fender.
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178

3. Set the parking brake and shift into N (Neutral) (automatic
transmission) or 1 (First) (manual transmission).
4. Turn off the engine and wait a few minutes for the oil to drain
completely into the oil pan.
5. Open the hood. Protect yourself from engine heat.
6. Locate and carefully remove the
engine oil level indicator (dipstick).
7. Wipe the indicator clean. Insert the indicator fully, then remove it
again.
•If the oil level isbetween FULL and OPERATING RANGE,the oil
level is acceptable.DO NOT ADD OIL.
•Maintain the oil level between ADD and OPERATING RANGE on the
dipstick by adding oil as required.
•The distance from ADD to OPERATING RANGE on the dipstick
represents 1.9L (2 quarts).
•Oil levels above OPERATING RANGE may cause engine damage. Some
oil must be removed from the engine by a qualified service technician.
8. Put the indicator back into the engine and ensure it is fully seated.
Engine oil and filter recommendations—Cummins B and Caterpillar
3126 B engines
Refer to the appropriate engine operator’s manual for information on the
engine oil.
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181

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
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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.
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202

Your manual transmission may be filled with an optional synthetic fluid
which allows the use of extended service intervals. A tag on the filler
plug will identify the use of the synthetic fluid.
Use only fluid that meets Ford specifications (refer toLubricant
specificationsin this chapter.
Use of a non-approved transmission fluid may cause internal
transmission component damage.
For location of the transmission filler plug, refer to your transmission
operator’s manual orTransmission refill capacitiesin this chapter.
Check your transmission fluid level using the following procedure:
1. Park the vehicle on level ground.
2. Set the parking brake and shift into 1 (First) and turn the engine off.
3. Clean any dirt from around the filler plug.
4. Remove the filler plug and inspect the fluid level.
5. The fluid level should be up to the bottom of the filler plug opening.
6. If necessary, add enough fluid through the filler plug opening so that
the fluid level is at the bottom of the opening.
7. Clean and install the filler plug securely.
Drain and refill your transmission fluid using the following procedure:
1. Drain the transmission while the fluid is warm.
2. Park the vehicle on level ground.
3. Set the parking brake and shift into 1 (First) and turn the engine off.
4. Clean any dirt from around the filler and drain plugs.
5. Remove the filler and drain plugs and drain the fluid into a suitable
container. Dispose all used automotive fluids in a responsible manner
following your local authorized standards.
6. Clean and install the drain plug securely.
7. Add enough fluid through the filler plug opening so that the fluid level
is up to the bottom of the opening.
8. Clean and install the filler plug securely.
REAR AXLE LUBRICANT
Refer to your general maintenance information section for rear axle
lubricant level checks and lubricant change intervals.
Your rear axle may be filled with an optional synthetic lubricant which
allows the use of extended service intervals. A tag on the filler plug will
identify the use of the synthetic lubricant.
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205

Use only a lubricant that meets Ford specifications (refer toLubricant
specificationsin thischapter).
Use of a non-approved rear axle lubricant may cause internal axle
component damage.
Check your rear axle lubricant level using the following procedure:
1. Park the vehicle on level ground.
2. Set the parking brake and shift into N (Neutral) (automatic
transmission) or 1 (First) (manual transmission) and turn the engine off.
3. Clean any dirt from around the rear axle filler plug.
4. Remove the filler plug and inspect the lubricant level.
5. The lubricant level should be up to the bottom of the filler plug
opening.
6. If necessary, add enough lubricant through the filler plug opening so
that the lubricant level is at the bottom of the opening.
7. Clean and install the filler plug securely.
Drain and refill your rear axle lubricant using the following procedure:
1. Drain the rear axle while the lubricant is warm.
2. Park the vehicle on level ground.
3. Set the parking brake and shift into N (Neutral) (automatic
transmission) or 1 (First) (manual transmission) and turn the engine off.
4. Clean any dirt from around the rear axle filler and drain plugs.
5. Remove the filler and drain plugs and drain the lubricant into a
suitable container. Dispose all used automotive fluids in a responsible
manner following your local authorized standards.
6. Clean and install the drain plug securely.
7. Add enough lubricant through the filler plug opening so that the
lubricant level is up to the bottom of the opening.
8. Clean and install the filler plug securely.
AIR FILTER
When to service
Your vehicle is equipped with an air filter restriction gauge to determine
when to replace the air filter element. It is not possible to determine the
need for service by visually inspecting the air filter.
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206

•Cummins B engine
•Caterpillar 3126 B engine
Replace the air filter element using the following procedure:
1. Set the parking brake and shift into N (Neutral) (automatic
transmission) or 1 (First) (manual transmission) and turn the engine off.
2. Open the hood. Protect yourself from engine heat.
3. Push in and turn the latches that retain the air filter housing cover
counterclockwise 90 degrees, then carefully remove the cover.
4. Carefully remove the air filter element.Use caution to keep dirt
and debris from falling into the engine.A twisting rocking motion
may be needed to break the seal between the filter element and the filter
housing.
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208

Daily Owner Checks Engine system
Check the air filter restriction indicator
Check the engine oil
Inspect the coolant level - for Powerstroke
engine (for Caterpillar and Cummins engines,
refer to the Owner’s Manual)
Brake system
Drain the air brake system reservoir - manual
valve
Check the air brake system reservoir
automatic drain valve operation
Transmission system
Visually check the automatic transmission for
fluid leakage
Steering system
Check the power steering pump fluid level and
check the system for leaks
Check the entire vehicle for evidence of fluid
leaks
U.S. Department of Transportation,
Federal Highway Administration
requirements (ensure that the entire
system is functioning properly)
Check the service brakes
Check the parking brake
Check the steering mechanism
Check the lighting devices and reflectors
Check the tires
Check the horn
Check the windshield wipers
Check the rear vision mirrors
Check the wheels and rims
Check the emergency equipment
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232