Page 276 of 336
IDENTIFYING COMPONENTS IN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT
4.2L V6 engine
1. Battery
2. Clutch fluid reservoir (manual transmission)
3. Power steering fluid reservoir
4. Brake fluid reservoir
5. Engine coolant reservoir
6. Air filter assembly
7. Engine oil filler cap
8. Engine oil dipstick
9. Transmission fluid dipstick (automatic transmission)
10. Windshield washer fluid reservoir
54321
791068
2006 F-150(f12)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Maintenance and Specifications
276
Page 277 of 336
4.6L V8
1. Battery
2. Transmission fluid dipstick (automatic transmission)
3. Engine oil filler cap
4. Power steering fluid reservoir
5. Engine oil dipstick
6. Brake fluid reservoir
7. Engine coolant reservoir
8. Air filter assembly
9. Windshield washer fluid reservoir
2006 F-150(f12)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Maintenance and Specifications
277
Page 278 of 336
5.4L V8
1. Battery
2. Transmission fluid dipstick (automatic transmission)
3. Air filter assembly
4. Power steering fluid reservoir
5. Engine oil dipstick
6. Brake fluid reservoir
7. Engine coolant reservoir
8. Engine oil filler cap
9. Windshield washer fluid reservoir
2006 F-150(f12)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Maintenance and Specifications
278
Page 280 of 336
Poor wiper quality can be improved by cleaning the wiper blades and the
windshield, refer toWindows and wiper bladesin theCleaning
chapter.
To prolong the life of the wiper blades, it is highly recommended to
scrape off the ice on the windshield before turning on the wipers. The
layer of ice has many sharp edges and can damage the micro edge of the
wiper rubber element.
ENGINE OIL
Checking the engine oil
Refer to thescheduled maintenance informationfor the appropriate
intervals for checking the engine oil.
1. Make sure the vehicle is on level ground.
2. Turn the engine off and wait a few minutes for the oil to drain into the
oil pan.
3. Set the parking brake and ensure the gearshift is securely latched in P
(Park) (automatic transmission) or 1 (First) (manual transmission).
4. Open the hood. Protect yourself from engine heat.
2006 F-150(f12)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Maintenance and Specifications
280
Page 285 of 336

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.
Battery posts, terminals and related accessories contain lead and
lead compounds.Wash hands after handling.
Because your vehicle’s engine is also electronically controlled by a
computer, some control conditions are maintained by power from the
battery. When the battery is disconnected or a new battery is installed,
the engine must relearn its idle and fuel trim strategy for optimum
driveability and performance. To begin this process:
1. With the vehicle at a complete stop, set the parking brake.
2. Put the gearshift in P (Park) (automatic transmission) or the neutral
position (manual transmission), turn off all accessories and start the
engine.
3. Run the engine until it reaches normal operating temperature.
4. Allow the engine to idle for at least one minute.
5. Turn the A/C on and allow the engine to idle for at least one minute.
6. Drive the vehicle to complete the relearning process.
•The vehicle may need to be driven 10 miles (16 km) or more to
relearn the idle and fuel trim strategy.
•If you do not allow the engine to relearn its idle trim, the idle
quality of your vehicle may be adversely affected until the idle
trim is eventually relearned.
If the battery has been disconnected or a new battery has been installed,
the clock and the preset radio stations must be reset once the battery is
reconnected.
2006 F-150(f12)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Maintenance and Specifications
285
Page 305 of 336

1. Clean the reservoir cap before
removal to prevent dirt and water
from entering the reservoir.
2. Remove cap and rubber
diaphragm from reservoir.
3. Add fluid until the level reaches
the step in the reservoir.
4. Reinstall rubber diaphragm and
cap onto reservoir.
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.
2006 F-150(f12)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Maintenance and Specifications
305
Page 307 of 336

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 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 F-150(f12)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Maintenance and Specifications
307
Page 314 of 336
Fluid Ford Part
NameApplication Capacity
Fuel tank N/A Reg. Cab 6.5’ box /
SuperCab 5.5’ box26.0 gallons (98.4L)
SuperCrew 5.5’ box 30 gallons (113.6L)
SuperCrew 6.5’ box 27 gallons (102.2L)
Standard
35.7 gallons (135.1L)
Optional
Reg. Cab 8’ box /
SuperCab 6.5’ box /
SuperCab 8’ box27 gallons (102.1L)
Standard
35.7 gallons (135.1L)
Optional
Power
steering
fluidMotorcraft
MERCON
AT FAll Fill to between MIN
and MAX lines on
reservoir
Transfer
case fluidMotorcraft
MERCON
AT F4x4 vehicles 2.0 quarts (1.9L)
2
Transmission
fluid3Motorcraft
MERCON
AT F5–speed manual 3.75 quarts (3.5L)
Motorcraft
MERCONV
AT FAutomatic 4R70E
and 4R75E13.9 quarts (13.2L)
4
Front axle Motorcraft
SAE 80W-90
Premium
Rear Axle
Lubricant4x4 vehicles 3.7 pints (2.0L)
2006 F-150(f12)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Maintenance and Specifications
314