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
operated for an extended period at high speeds, in city traffic during hot
weather or pulling a trailer, the vehicle should be turned off for about 30
minutes to allow fluid to cool before checking.
1. Drive the vehicle 20 miles (30 km) or until it reaches normal operating
temperature.
2. Park the vehicle on a level surface and engage the parking brake.
3. With the parking brake engaged and your foot on the brake pedal,
start the engine and move the gearshift lever through all of the gear
ranges. Allow sufficient time for each gear to engage.
4. Latch the gearshift lever in P (Park) and leave the engine running.
5. Remove the dipstick, wiping it clean with a clean, dry lint free rag. If
necessary, refer toIdentifying components in the engine compartment
in this chapter for the location of the dipstick.
6. Install the dipstick making sure it is fully seated in the filler tube.
7. Remove the dipstick and inspect the fluid level. The fluid should be in
the designated area for normal operating temperature or ambient
temperature.
Low fluid level
Do not drive the vehicle if the fluid
level is at the bottom of the dipstick
and the ambient temperature is
above 50°F (10°C).
Correct fluid level
The transmission fluid should be checked at normal operating
temperature 150°F-170°F (66°C-77°C) on a level surface. The normal
operating temperature can be reached after approximately 20 miles (30
km) of driving.
2006 Econoline(eco)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Maintenance and Specifications
227
ProCarManuals.com
You can check the fluid without driving if the ambient temperature is
above 50°F (10°C). However, if fluid is added at this time, an overfill
condition could result when the vehicle reaches normal operating
temperature.
The transmission fluid should be in
this range if at normal operating
temperature (150°F-170°F
[66°C-77°C]).
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. Refer toLubricant
specificationsin 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 an authorized
dealer.
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.
2006 Econoline(eco)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Maintenance and Specifications
228
ProCarManuals.com
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.
To reduce the risk of vehicle damage and/or personal burn
injuries do not start your engine with the air cleaner removed
and do not remove it while the engine is running.
2006 Econoline(eco)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Maintenance and Specifications
229
ProCarManuals.com
FluidFord 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)5
158 inch and 176
inch wheelbase
(E-Super Duty)55.0 gallons
(208.0L)
Transmission
fluid
6Motorcraft
MERCONV
AT FAutomatic (
4R75E)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.
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.
2006 Econoline(eco)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Maintenance and Specifications
234
ProCarManuals.com
4Visteon Traction-Lok axles require 4 oz. (118 ml) of Additive Friction
Modifier XL-3 or equivalent. Dana limited-slip axles (E250/E350) require
8 oz. (237 ml) of Additive Friction Modifier XL-3 or equivalent meeting
Ford specification EST-M2C118-A.
5Optional fuel tank 55 gallons (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.
2006 Econoline(eco)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Maintenance and Specifications
235
ProCarManuals.com
1Ensure 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.
MERCONand MERCONV type fluids are not interchangeable.
DO NOT mix MERCONand MERCONV. Use of a transmission
fluid that indicates dual usage (MERCONand MERCONV) in
an automatic transmission application requiring MERCONmay
cause transmission damage. Use of any fluid other than the
recommended fluid may cause transmission damage.
2Add 4 oz. (118 ml) of Additive Friction Modifier XL-3 or equivalent for
complete refill of Visteon Traction-Lok rear axles.
3Add 8 oz. (237 ml) of Additive Friction Modifier XL-3 or equivalent
meeting Ford specification EST-M2C118-A for complete refill of Dana
Limited Slip rear axles (E-250/350).
ENGINE DATA
Engine*4.6L V8
engine5.4L V8
engine6.8L V10 engine
Cubic inches 281 330 415
Required fuel 87 octane 87 octane 87 octane
Firing order 1-3-7-2-6-5-4-8 1-3-7-2-6-5-4-8 1-6-5-10-2-7-3-8-4-9
Ignition system Coil on plug Coil on plug Coil on plug
Spark plug gap0.052–0.056
inch
(1.32–1.42mm)0.052–0.056
inch
(1.32–1.42mm)0.052–0.056 inch
(1.32–1.42mm)
Compression
ratio9.4:1 9.0:1 9.0:1
*Refer to thePower Stroke Direct Injection Turbo Diesel Owner’s
Guide Supplementfor diesel engine information.
2006 Econoline(eco)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Maintenance and Specifications
239
ProCarManuals.com
A
Accessory delay ..........................48
AdvanceTrac ..............................144
Air cleaner filter ...............229–231
Airbag supplemental restraint
system ....................................75–76
and child safety seats ..............77
description ................................76
disposal ......................................79
driver airbag ..............................78
indicator light ...........................79
operation ...................................78
passenger airbag .......................78
passenger deactivation switch .80
Ambulance packages ....................8
Antifreeze
(see Engine coolant) ................209
Anti-lock brake system
(see Brakes) ..............................143
Audio system (see Radio) ..19–20,
25
Automatic transmission
driving an automatic
overdrive .................151, 153, 156
fluid, adding ............................227
fluid, checking ........................227
fluid, refill capacities ..............232
fluid, specification ..................239
Auxiliary power point .................47
Axle
lubricant specifications ..236, 239
refill capacities ........................232
traction lok ..............................148
B
Battery .......................................207
acid, treating emergencies .....207battery saver .............................34
jumping a disabled battery ....181
maintenance-free ....................207
replacement, specifications ...231
servicing ..................................207
BeltMinder ...................................71
Brakes ........................................142
anti-lock ...................................143
anti-lock brake system (ABS)
warning light ...........................143
fluid, checking and adding ....226
fluid, refill capacities ..............232
fluid, specifications .........236, 239
lubricant specifications ..236, 239
parking ....................................144
shift interlock ..........................150
Break-in period .............................5
Bulbs ............................................39
C
Capacities for refilling fluids ....232
Cell phone use ..............................9
Child safety restraints ................85
child safety belts ......................85
Child safety seats ........................89
in front seat ..............................90
in rear seat ................................90
tether anchorage hardware .....93
Cleaning your vehicle
engine compartment ..............196
exterior ....................................198
instrument panel ....................197
interior .....................................198
interior trim ............................198
plastic parts ............................196
safety belts ..............................198
washing ....................................194
waxing .....................................194
wheels ......................................195
2006 Econoline(eco)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Index
246
ProCarManuals.com
wiper blades ............................197
Climate control
(see Air conditioning or
Heating) .................................31–33
Clock adjust
6-CD in dash .......................22, 27
AM/FM .......................................20
Compass, electronic ....................46
calibration .................................47
set zone adjustment .................46
Console
overhead ....................................45
Controls
power seat .................................60
Coolant
checking and adding ..............209
refill capacities ................213, 232
specifications ..................236, 239
Cruise control
(see Speed control) ....................50
Customer Assistance ................160
Ford Extended Service
Plan ..........................................191
Getting assistance outside the
U.S. and Canada .....................192
Getting roadside assistance ...160
Getting the service you
need .........................................187
Ordering additional owner’s
literature .................................193
Utilizing the
Mediation/Arbitration
Program ...................................191
D
Daytime running lamps
(see Lamps) ................................35Dipstick
automatic transmission fluid .227
engine oil .................................203
Doors
lubricant specifications ..........236
Driveline universal joint and
slip yoke ....................................226
Driving under special
conditions
through water .........................159
E
Emergencies, roadside
jump-starting ..........................181
Emergency Flashers .................162
Emission control system ..........223
Engine ................................239–240
cleaning ...................................196
coolant .....................................209
diesel ...........................................7
fail-safe cooling .......................214
idle speed control ...................207
lubrication specifications ......236,
239
refill capacities ........................232
service points ..........................201
starting after a collision .........162
Engine block heater .................142
Engine oil ..................................203
change oil soon warning,
message center .......................203
checking and adding ..............203
dipstick ....................................203
filter, specifications ........206, 231
recommendations ...................206
refill capacities ........................232
specifications ..................236, 239
Exhaust fumes ..........................142
2006 Econoline(eco)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Index
247
ProCarManuals.com