2008 FORD E-450 check transmission fluid

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
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.
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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.
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.
ADD COLD HOT DO NOT ADD
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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]).
ADD COLD HOT DO NOT ADD
DON'T ADD IF IN CROSSHATCHED AREA  CHECK WHEN HOT IDLING IN PARK
ADD COLD HOT DO NOT ADD
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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 toMaintenance
product specifications and capacitiesin 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.
DON'T ADD IF IN CROSSHATCHED AREA  CHECK WHEN HOT IDLING IN PARK
ADD COLD HOT DO NOT ADD
DON'T ADD IF IN CROSSHATCHED AREA  CHECK WHEN HOT IDLING IN PARK
ADD COLD HOT DO NOT ADD
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Item Capacity Ford part nameFord part number /
Ford specification
Fuel tank–all regular and extended
length vans and wagons35.0 gallons
(132.4L)
—— Fuel tank–138 inch wheelbase
(except E-Super Duty)37.0 gallons
(140.0L)
Fuel tank–158 inch wheelbase
(except E-Super Duty)37.0 gallons
(140.0L)
8
Fuel tank–176 inch wheelbase
(except E-Super Duty)37.0 gallons
(140.0L)
8
Fuel tank–158 inch and 176 inch
wheelbase (E-Super Duty)55.0 gallons
(208.0L)
1Add the coolant type originally equipped in your vehicle.2Use 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.3Indicates only approximate dry-fill capacity. Some applications may vary based on cooler size, if equipped with an
in-tank cooler, if equipped with 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.4Automatic transmissions that require MERCON
V should only use MERCON
V fluid. Refer toscheduled
maintenance informationto determine the correct service interval. Use of any fluid other than the recommended
fluid may cause transmission damage.
Automatic transmissions that require MERCON
SP should only use MERCON
SP fluid. Use of a dual usage fluid in
an automatic transmission requiring MERCON
SP may cause transmission damage. Refer toscheduled
maintenance informationto determine the correct service interval. Use of any fluid other than the recommended
fluid may cause transmission damage.5Dana limited-slip axle (M60) requires 8 oz. (228 ml) of Additive Friction Modifier XL-3 or equivalent meeting Ford
specification EST-M2C118-A.6If 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.7Fill Dana rear axles to 1/4 inch to 9/16 inch (6 mm to 14 mm) below bottom of fill hole.8Optional fuel tank 55.0 gallons (208.0L).
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A
Accessory delay ..........................53
AdvanceTrac ..............................170
Air cleaner filter ...............268–270
Airbag supplemental restraint
system ..........................................87
and child safety seats ..............89
description ................................87
disposal ......................................91
driver airbag ..............................89
indicator light ...........................91
operation ...................................89
passenger airbag .......................89
passenger deactivation
switch ........................................92
Ambulance packages ....................8
Antifreeze
(see Engine coolant) ................243
Anti-lock brake system
(see Brakes) ......................167–168
Anti-theft system ........................66
arming the system ....................67
Audio system
(see Radio) ......................20, 22, 26
Automatic transmission
driving an automatic
overdrive .................178, 180, 183
fluid, adding ............................264
fluid, checking ........................264
fluid, refill capacities ..............271
fluid, specification ..................271
Auxiliary power point .................51
Axle
lubricant specifications ..........271
refill capacities ........................271
traction lok ..............................174
B
Battery .......................................240acid, treating emergencies .....240
battery saver .............................35
jumping a disabled battery ....210
maintenance-free ....................240
replacement, specifications ...270
servicing ..................................240
Belt-Minder
...............................82
Booster seats ...............................98
Brakes ........................................167
anti-lock ...........................167–168
anti-lock brake system (ABS)
warning light ...........................168
fluid, checking and adding ....263
fluid, refill capacities ..............271
fluid, specifications .................271
lubricant specifications ..........271
parking ....................................168
shift interlock ..........................176
Bulbs ............................................41
C
Capacities for refilling fluids ....271
Cell phone use ..............................9
Changing a tire .........................200
Child safety restraints ................98
child safety belts ......................98
Child safety seats ......................101
in front seat ............................102
in rear seat ..............................102
tether anchorage hardware ...105
Child safety seats - booster
seats .............................................98
Cleaning your vehicle
engine compartment ..............228
exterior ....................................231
instrument panel ....................230
interior .....................................230
plastic parts ............................229
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safety belts ..............................230
washing ....................................226
waxing .....................................227
wheels ......................................227
wiper blades ............................229
Climate control (see Air
conditioning or Heating) ......32–34
Clock adjust
6-CD in dash .......................24, 28
AM/FM .......................................21
Compass, electronic ....................50
calibration .................................51
set zone adjustment .................50
Console
overhead ..............................48–49
Controls
power seat .................................71
Coolant
checking and adding ..............243
refill capacities ................247, 271
specifications ..........................271
Cruise control
(see Speed control) ....................54
Customer Assistance ................189
Ford Extended Service Plan...222
Getting assistance outside
the U.S. and Canada ..............223
Getting roadside assistance ...189
Getting the service you
need .........................................218
Ordering additional owner’s
literature .................................224
Utilizing the
Mediation/Arbitration
Program ...................................222
D
Daytime running lamps
(see Lamps) ................................36Dipstick
automatic transmission
fluid ..........................................264
engine oil .................................237
Driveline universal joint and
slip yoke ....................................264
Driving under special
conditions
through water .........................188
E
Emergencies, roadside
jump-starting ..........................210
Emergency Flashers .................190
Emission control system ..........259
Engine ........................................274
cleaning ...................................228
coolant .....................................243
diesel ...........................................7
fail-safe cooling .......................248
idle speed control ...................240
lubrication specifications .......271
refill capacities ........................271
service points ..........................235
starting after a collision .........191
Engine block heater .................165
Engine oil ..................................237
checking and adding ..............237
dipstick ....................................237
filter, specifications ........239, 270
recommendations ...................239
refill capacities ........................271
specifications ..........................271
Event data recording ....................6
Exhaust fumes ..........................165
F
Fail safe cooling ........................248
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extension assembly ..................86
for adults .............................78–80
for children .........................97–98
safety belt maintenance ...........86
warning light and chime ..........82
Safety seats for children ..........101
Seats ............................................70
child safety seats ....................101
front seats .................................70
SecuriLock passive anti-theft
system ....................................66, 68
Servicing your vehicle ..............233
Setting the clock
AM/FM stereo ...........................21
AM/FM/In-dash 6 CD ..........24, 28
Spare tire
(see Changing the Tire) ...........203
Spark plugs,
specifications .....................270, 274
Special notice ................................8
ambulance conversions ..............8
diesel-powered vehicles .............7
utility-type vehicles ....................7
Specification chart,
lubricants ...................................271
Speed control ..............................54
Stability system .........................170
Starting a flex fuel vehicle .......164
Starting your vehicle ........162–164
jump starting ..........................210
Steering wheel
tilting .........................................48
T
Temperature control
(see Climate control) ...........32, 34Tilt steering wheel ......................48
Tire Pressure Monitoring
System (TPMS)
Tires, Wheels and Loading ....133
Tires ...........................115–116, 200
alignment ................................125
care ..........................................121
changing ..................200, 203–205
checking the pressure ............120
inflating ...................................117
label .........................................132
replacing ..........................123, 205
rotating ....................................125
safety practices .......................124
sidewall information ...............127
snow tires and chains ............144
spare tire .........................201, 203
terminology .............................116
tire grades ...............................116
treadwear ........................115, 122
Towing .......................................151
recreational towing .................161
trailer towing ..........................151
wrecker ....................................216
Traction control ........................169
Traction-lok rear axle ...............174
Transmission .............................176
brake-shift interlock (BSI) ....176
fluid, checking and adding
(automatic) .............................264
fluid, refill capacities ..............271
lubricant specifications ..........271
Turn signal ..................................40
V
Vehicle Identification Number
(VIN) ..........................................275
Vehicle loading ..........................145
Ventilating your vehicle ...........165
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USA(fus)
Index
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