2008 FORD E SERIES check transmission fluid

Launching or retrieving a boat
Disconnect the wiring to the trailer before backing the trailer
into the water. Reconnect the wiring to the trailer after the
trailer is removed from the water.
When backing down a ramp during boat launching or retrieval:
•do not allow the static water level to rise above the bottom edge of
the rear bumper.
•do not allow waves to break higher than 6 inches (15 cm) above the
bottom edge of the rear bumper.
Exceeding these limits may allow water to enter vehicle components:
•causing internal damage to the components.
•affecting driveability, emissions and reliability.
Replace the rear axle lubricant any time the axle has been submerged in
water. Rear axle lubricant quantities are not to be checked or changed
unless a leak is suspected or repair required.
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 at an authorized dealer. See your authorized 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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Tires, Wheels and Loading
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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.
The transmission fluid should be in this range if at normal operating
temperature (150°F-170°F [66°C-77°C]).
ADD COLD HOT DO NOT ADD
ADD COLD HOT DO NOT ADD
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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 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.
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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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.
Automatic transmission fluid filter
The Torqshift automatic
transmission is equipped with a
serviceable transmission fluid filter
located inside the transmission
bottom pan.
Refer toscheduled maintenance
informationfor service intervals for
automatic transmission fluid and
transmission filter.
For transmission filter maintenance,
see your authorized dealer.
AIR FILTER
Refer toscheduled maintenance informationfor the appropriate
intervals for changing the air filter element.
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 or fluid that is specified dual
usage MERCON
/MERCON
V. 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 ..........................52
AdvanceTrac ..............................168
Air cleaner filter ...............261–263
Airbag supplemental restraint
system ..........................................86
and child safety seats ..............88
description ................................86
disposal ......................................90
driver airbag ..............................88
indicator light ...........................90
operation ...................................88
passenger airbag .......................88
passenger deactivation
switch ........................................91
Ambulance packages ....................8
Antifreeze
(see Engine coolant) ................238
Anti-lock brake system
(see Brakes) ..............................166
Anti-theft system ........................66
arming the system ....................67
Audio system
(see Radio) ......................19, 21, 25
Automatic transmission
driving an automatic
overdrive .................175, 177, 180
fluid, adding ............................258
fluid, checking ........................258
fluid, refill capacities ..............264
fluid, specification ..................264
Auxiliary power point .................50
Axle
lubricant specifications ..........264
refill capacities ........................264
traction lok ..............................172
B
Battery .......................................236acid, treating emergencies .....236
battery saver .............................34
jumping a disabled battery ....207
maintenance-free ....................236
replacement, specifications ...263
servicing ..................................236
Belt-Minder
...............................81
Booster seats ...............................97
Brakes ........................................165
anti-lock ...................................166
anti-lock brake system (ABS)
warning light ...........................166
fluid, checking and adding ....257
fluid, refill capacities ..............264
fluid, specifications .................264
lubricant specifications ..........264
parking ....................................167
shift interlock ..........................174
Bulbs ............................................40
C
Capacities for refilling fluids ....264
Cell phone use ..............................9
Changing a tire .........................198
Child safety restraints ................96
child safety belts ......................96
Child safety seats ......................100
in front seat ............................101
in rear seat ..............................101
tether anchorage hardware ...104
Child safety seats - booster
seats .............................................97
Cleaning your vehicle
engine compartment ..............224
exterior ....................................227
instrument panel ....................226
interior .....................................226
plastic parts ............................225
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safety belts ..............................226
washing ....................................222
waxing .....................................223
wheels ......................................223
wiper blades ............................225
Climate control (see Air
conditioning or Heating) ......31–33
Clock adjust
6-CD in dash .......................23, 27
AM/FM .......................................20
Compass, electronic ....................49
calibration .................................50
set zone adjustment .................49
Console
overhead ..............................47–48
Controls
power seat .................................70
Coolant
checking and adding ..............238
refill capacities ................242, 264
specifications ..........................264
Cruise control
(see Speed control) ....................54
Customer Assistance ................186
Ford Extended Service
Plan ..........................................218
Getting assistance outside the
U.S. and Canada .....................219
Getting roadside assistance ...186
Getting the service you
need .........................................214
Ordering additional owner’s
literature .................................220
Utilizing the
Mediation/Arbitration
Program ...................................218D
Daytime running lamps
(see Lamps) ................................35
Dipstick
automatic transmission
fluid ..........................................258
engine oil .................................233
Driveline universal joint and
slip yoke ....................................257
Driving under special
conditions
through water .........................185
E
Emergencies, roadside
jump-starting ..........................207
Emergency Flashers .................188
Emission control system ..........253
Engine ........................................268
cleaning ...................................224
coolant .....................................238
diesel ...........................................7
fail-safe cooling .......................243
idle speed control ...................236
lubrication specifications .......264
refill capacities ........................264
service points ..........................231
starting after a collision .........188
Engine block heater .................164
Engine oil ..................................233
checking and adding ..............233
dipstick ....................................233
filter, specifications ........235, 263
recommendations ...................235
refill capacities ........................264
specifications ..........................264
Event data recording ....................6
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