
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 (2.0 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
engines
Refer to the appropriate engine operator’s manual for information on the
engine oil.
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Engine oil and filter recommendations—6.0L 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 CI-4 or CI-4/SL. If CI-4 oil is not available, CH-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–D or API service
category designation CI-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.
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* Heavy duty trailer towing with ambient temperatures above 10°C
(50°F) requires 15W-40 engine oil.
Using the chart, determine which SAE viscosity grade best suits the
temperature range in which you expect to operate your vehicle. The use
of the correct oil viscosity grade for diesel engines is important for
satisfactory engine operation.
A symbol has been developed by the American Petroleum Institute (API)
to help you select the proper engine oil. The symbol will be included on
the oil container you purchase.
The top section of the symbol shows
the API service category
designation. This should be CI-4/SL.
The center section of the API
symbol shows the SAE viscosity
grade.
The lower section of the API symbol will stateenergy conservingif the
engine oil has been proven to have fuel savings capabilities.
Use a Ford engine oil filter, part number FL-1995 or equivalent. This
filter protects your engine by filtering harmful, abrasive or sludge
particles.
SAE VISCOSITY GRADES
EXPECTED TEMPERATURE RANGE
F˚ -20 -10 0 10 20 30 40
40 35 30 25 20 15 10 5 0 -5 -10 -15 -20 -25 -30 C˚50 60 70 80 90 100
*15W-40 Preferred
10W-30
5W-30
0W-30Preferred
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Extended life engine coolant
The cooling system in your vehicle is filled with yellow-colored
Motorcraft Premium Gold Engine Coolant meeting Ford Specification
WSS-M97B51–A1.
•Add Motorcraft Premium Gold Engine Coolant
(yellow-colored), VC-7–A (VC-7–B in Oregon).
Note:Use of Motorcraft Cooling System Stop Leak Pellets, VC-6, may
darken the color of Motorcraft Premium Gold Engine Coolant from
yellow to golden tan.
•
Do not add/mix extended life coolants such as Motorcraft
Speciality Orange Engine Coolant, VC-2 (U.S.) or CXC-209
(Canada), meeting Ford specification WSS-M97B44–D, with the
factory-fill coolant, Motorcraft Premium Gold Coolant meeting
Ford Specification WSS-M97B51–A.Mixing Motorcraft Speciality
Orange Engine Coolant or any equivalent extended life engine coolant
with this factory-fill coolant can result in degraded corrosion protection.
•A large amount of water without engine coolant may be added, in case
of emergency, to reach a vehicle service location. In this instance, the
cooling system must be drained and refilled with a 50/50 mixture of
engine coolant and distilled water as soon as possible. Water alone
(without engine coolant) can cause engine damage from corrosion,
overheating or freezing.
•
Do not use alcohol, methanol or brine or any engine coolants
mixed with alcohol or methanol antifreeze (coolant).Alcohol and
other liquids can cause engine damage from overheating or freezing.
•Do not add extra inhibitors or additives to the coolant.These
can be harmful and compromise the corrosion protection of the engine
coolant.
•Do not mix with recycled coolant unless from a Ford-approved
recycling process (seeUse of Recycled Engine Coolantsection).
Coolant condition inspection
Engine cooling systems should be checked twice a year to assure proper
glycol/water concentrations. a 50/50 mixture is recommended and
provides freeze protection in weather conditions as low as–36°C (-34°F)
as well as optimum corrosion protection. For vehicle operating in
extremely cold climate, a concentration of 60% ethylene glycol will
provide freeze protection in weather conditions as low as–51°C (-59°F).
Concentrations greater than 60% glycol are not recommended.
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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 unopened container until the
level reaches MAX. Do not fill above
this line.
4. Use only a DOT 3 brake fluid
certified to meet manufacturer specifications. Refer toLubricant
specificationsin this chapter.
Brake fluid is toxic. If brake fluid contacts the eyes, flush eyes
with running water for 15 minutes. Seek medical attention if
irritation persists. If taken internally, drink water and induce vomiting.
Seek medical attention immediately.
If you use a brake fluid that is not DOT 3, you will cause
permanent damage to your brakes.
Do not let the reservoir for the master cylinder run dry. This
may cause the brakes to fail.
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BATTERY
Your vehicle is equipped with two maintenance-free batteries which are
mounted in a covered tray and located on the left frame rail. The
covered battery tray, depending upon application, may also have one or
two steps attached.
•Covered battery tray shown.
Battery tray with steps similar.
The two rubber straps on top of
the cover must be pulled up and
moved to the side of the battery
in order to remove the lid.
•Battery tray with cover removed.
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.
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Alternator
Before connecting a fast-charger, booster battery or installing a new
battery, make sure the ground polarities of the fast-charger, booster
battery or alternator (when installing a battery) are matched to the
ground polarity of the vehicle battery. Improper usage of the
fast-charger, hook-up of booster battery or installation of a new battery
can cause damage to the electrical system or to the alternator. Do not
attempt to polarize the alternator.
STEERING - GENERAL INSPECTION
•Ask your service technician to examine the steering mechanism. Only
minor adjustments may be necessary.
•Check tie rod, drag link end clamp bolts and ball joints. They must be
tight.
•Check for installation and spread of cotter pins and tightness of nuts
at both ends of the tie rod and drag link.
•Check that pitman arm (steering arm at steering gear) mounting is
tight and locked. Check system for leaks or hose chafing. Repair at
once.
•Maintain proper steering gear and power steering pump lubricant
levels.
•Regularly inspect steering column joint bolts and steering linkage,
particularly for body-to-chassis clearance.
Note:Have any steering problems corrected at once by a qualified
service technician.
Failure to maintain the steering system in proper condition can
cause reduced steering ability resulting in property damage,
personal injury or death.
Tightening steering column joint bolts
As a good maintenance practice, it is recommended that steering column
joint bolts be checked for tightness every 96,000 km (60,000 miles) or
annually, whichever occurs first. DO NOT OVERTIGHTEN.
Power steering
Whenever the hydraulic (power steering) system has been drained and
refilled for any reason, air must be bled from the system before returning
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the vehicle to service. Failure to properly bleed the hydraulic system can
result in degradation of power system performance.
Consult your dealer who is aware of the proper procedures for filling and
bleeding the system.
POWER STEERING FLUID
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.
Note:The fluid level may also be checked by looking at the see-through
plastic reservoir. Make sure that the fluid is within the minimum and
maximum fluid range as marked on the reservoir.
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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