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RECREATIONAL TOWING (ALL WHEELS ON THE GROUND)
An example of recreational towing would be towing your vehicle on a
trip behind a motorhome. Follow these guidelines if you have the need
for recreational towing of your vehicle with all four wheels on the
ground. These guidelines are designed to ensure that your transmission
is not damaged.
2WD vehicles (with automatic transmissions):
•Place the transmission in N (Neutral)
•Maximum speed is 35 mph (56 km/h)
•Maximum distance is 50 miles (80 km)
If a distance of 50 miles (80 km) or a speed of 35 mph (56 km/h) must
be exceeded, the drive shaft will have to be removed.
Ford recommends the driveshaft be removed/installed only by a qualified
technician. See your local dealer for driveshaft removal/installation.
Improper removal/installation of the driveshaft can cause
transmission fluid loss, damage to the driveshaft and internal
transmission components.
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IDENTIFYING COMPONENTS IN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT
Engine compartment component locations
Refer to the6.0 Liter Power Stroke Direct Injection Turbo Diesel
Owner’s Guide Supplementfor diesel engine component locations.
1. Windshield washer fluid reservoir
2. Engine oil filler cap
3. Automatic transmission fluid dipstick
4. Air filter assembly
5. Engine oil dipstick
6. Power steering fluid reservoir
7. Brake fluid reservoir
8. Engine coolant reservoir
9. Battery
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For E-450 and E-550 vehicles with the Hydro-Boost Brake
System, do not press the brake pedal after the engine has been
turned off.
5. Recheck the fluid level on the dipstick. Do not add fluid if the level is
between the arrows in the FULL COLD range.
6. If the fluid is low, add fluid in small amounts, continuously checking
the level until it reaches the FULL COLD range. Be sure to put the
dipstick back in the reservoir.
BRAKE FLUID
The fluid level will drop slowly as
the brakes wear, and will rise when
the brake components are replaced.
Fluid levels below the “MAX” line
that do not trigger the brake system
warning lamp are within the normal
operating range, there is no need to
add fluid. If the fluid levels are outside of the normal operating range,
the performance of your brake system could be compromised, seek
service from your dealer immediately.
DRIVELINE UNIVERSAL JOINT AND SLIP YOKE
Your vehicle may be equipped with universal joints that require
lubrication. Refer to thescheduled maintenance informationfor
maintenance intervals. If the original universal joints are replaced with
universal joints equipped with grease fittings, lubrication will also be
necessary.
TRANSMISSION FLUID
Checking automatic transmission fluid (if equipped)
Refer to yourscheduled maintenance informationfor scheduled
intervals for fluid checks and changes. Your transmission does not
consume fluid. However, the fluid level should be checked if the
transmission is not working properly, i.e., if the transmission slips or
shifts slowly or if you notice some sign of fluid leakage.
Automatic transmission fluid expands when warmed. To obtain an
accurate fluid check, drive the vehicle until it is at normal operating
temperature (approximately 20 miles [30 km]). If your vehicle has been
MAX
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![FORD E-350 2005 Owners Manual The transmission fluid should be in
this range if at ambient temperature
(50°F-95°F [10°C-35°C]).
High fluid level
Fluid levels above the safe range
may result in transmission failure.
An overfill FORD E-350 2005 Owners Manual The transmission fluid should be in
this range if at ambient temperature
(50°F-95°F [10°C-35°C]).
High fluid level
Fluid levels above the safe range
may result in transmission failure.
An overfill](/manual-img/11/57778/w960_57778-221.png)
The transmission fluid should be in
this range if at ambient temperature
(50°F-95°F [10°C-35°C]).
High fluid level
Fluid levels above the safe range
may result in transmission failure.
An overfill condition of transmission
fluid may cause shift and/or
engagement concerns and/or possible damage.
High fluid levels can be caused by an overheating condition.
Adjusting automatic transmission fluid levels
Before adding any fluid, make sure the correct type is used. The type of
fluid used is normally indicated on the dipstick and also in the
Lubricant specificationssection in this chapter.
Use of a non-approved automatic transmission fluid may cause
internal transmission component damage.
If necessary, add fluid in 1/2 pint (250 ml) increments through the filler
tube until the level is correct.
If an overfill occurs, excess fluid
should be removed by a qualified
technician.
An overfill condition of
transmission fluid may cause shift and/or engagement concerns
and/or possible damage.
Do not use supplemental transmission fluid additives, treatments or
cleaning agents. The use of these materials may affect transmission
operation and result in damage to internal transmission components.
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Automatic transmission fluid filter (if equipped)
The TorqShift automatic
transmission is equipped with a
serviceable external fluid filter
mounted on the driver’s side of the
transmission. Refer to the
scheduled maintenance
informationfor service intervals.
To replace the transmission filter:
1. Shut off the engine.
2. Unscrew remote filter housing.
3. Replace filter with a new authorized Motorcraft filter element. Refer to
theMotorcraft part numberschart in this chapter.
4. Reinstall housing and check transmission fluid level using procedure in
this section.
AIR FILTER
Refer toscheduled maintenance informationfor the appropriate
intervals for changing the air filter element.
When changing the air filter element, use only the Motorcraft air filter
element listed. Refer toMotorcraft part numbersin this chapter.
Note:Do not start your engine with the air cleaner removed and do not
remove it while the engine is running.
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Fluid Ford Part
NameApplication Capacity
Fuel tank N/A All regular and
extended length
vans and wagons35.0 gallons
(132.4L)
138 inch
wheelbase (except
E-Super Duty)37.0 gallons
(140.0L)
158 inch
wheelbase (except
E-Super Duty)37.0 gallons
(140.0L)
5
176 inch
wheelbase (except
E-Super Duty)37.0 gallons
(140.0L)
158 inch and 176
inch wheelbase
(E-Super Duty)55 .0 gallons
(208.0L)
Transmission
fluid
6Motorcraft
MERCONV
AT FAutomatic
(4R70/75 E)13.9 quarts
(13.1L)7
Motorcraft
MERCONSP
AT FTorqShift
(5–speed)17.5 quarts
(16.6L)7
Windshield
washer fluidMotorcraft
Premium
Windshield
Washer
ConcentrateAll 4.2 quarts
(4.0L)
1Add the coolant type originally equipped in your vehicle.
2If your vehicle’s rear axle is filled with a synthetic rear axle lubricant it
is considered lubricated for life. These lubricants do not need to be
checked or changed unless a leak is suspected, service is required or the
axle assembly has been submerged in water. The axle lubricant should
be changed any time the rear axle has been submerged in water.
Fill 1/4 inch to 9/16 inch (6 mm to 14 mm) below bottom of fill hole.
Add 4 oz. (118 ml) of Additive Friction Modifier XL–3 or equivalent
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meeting Ford specification EST-M2C118–A, for complete refill of 8.8 inch
and 9.75 inch Traction-Lok axles.
3Fill Dana rear axles to 1/4 inch to 9/16 inch (6 mm to 14 mm) below
bottom of fill hole. Fill Visteon axles 1/4 inch to 9/16 inch (6 mm to 14
mm) below bottom of fill hole.
4Visteon Traction-Lok axles require 4 oz. (118 ml) of Additive Friction
Modifier XL–3 or equivalent. Dana limited-slip axles (E250/350/450/550)
require 8 oz. (237ml) of Additive Friction Modifier XL–3 or equivalent
meeting Ford specification EST-M2C118-A.
5Optional fuel tank 55 gallon (208 L).
6Ensure 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 yourscheduled maintenance informationto
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.
MERCON, MERCONV and MERCONSP are not
interchangeable. DO NOT mix MERCON, MERCONV and
MERCONSP. Use of dual usage fluids in an automatic
transmission application requiring MERCONSP may cause
transmission damage. Use of a transmission fluid other than the
recommended fluid may cause transmission damage.
7Indicates only approximate dry-fill capacity. Some applications may vary
based on cooler size, if equipped with an in-tank cooler, if equipped an
oil to air cooler and if equipped with a remote filter assembly. The
amount of transmission fluid and fluid level should be set by the
indication on the dipstick’s normal operating range.
8Use of synthetic or synthetic blend motor oil is not mandatory. Engine
oil need only meet the requirements of Ford specification
WSS-M2C930-A and the API Certification mark.
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Item Ford part
nameFord part
numberFord
specification
Automatic
transmission
(4R70/75 E)
1
Motorcraft
MERCONV
AT FXT-5-QM MERCONV
Automatic
transmission
TorqShift
(5–speed)
1
Motorcraft
MERCONSP
AT FXT-6–QSP MERCONSP
WSS-M2C919–D
Disc brake
caliper railsMotorcraft
Silicone Brake
Caliper Grease
and Dielectric
CompoundXG-3-A ESE-M1C171-A
Parking brake
assembly (E-450
Super Duty)Motorcraft
MERCON
Automatic
Transmission
FluidXT-2-QDX MERCON
Visteon
conventional and
Traction-Lok
axles
2
Motorcraft SAE
75W-140
Synthetic Rear
Axle LubricantXY-75W140–QL WSL-M2C192–A
Dana M70HD
(M273HD)
E-350 DSO
Dana M60
(M248)
E-250/350 DSO
limited slip
3
SAE 75W-140
Synthetic Rear
Axle LubricantXY-75W140–QL WSL-M2C192–A
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