2008 FORD F SERIES MOTORHOME AND COMMERCIAL CHASSIS service interval

WARNING:Do not connect a trailer’s hydraulic brake system
directly to your vehicle’s brake system. Your vehicle may not
have enough braking power and your chances of having a collision
greatly increase.
The towing vehicle braking system is rated for operation at the
GVWR, not the GCWR.
Separate functioning brake systems are required for safe control
of towed vehicles and trailers weighing more than 1500 lb.
(680 kg) when loaded.
Trailer lamps
Trailer lamps are required on most towed vehicles. Make sure all running
lights, brake lights, turn signals and hazard lights are working. See your
authorized dealer or trailer rental agency for proper instructions and
equipment for hooking up trailer lamps.
Driving while you tow
When towing a trailer:
•Keep your speed no faster than 70 mph (113 km/h) during the first
500 miles (800 km) of towing a trailer, and don’t make full throttle
starts.
•Turn off the speed control. The speed control may shut off
automatically when you are towing on long, steep grades.
•Consult your local motor vehicle speed regulations for towing a trailer.
•To eliminate excessive shifting, use a lower gear. This will also assist
in transmission cooling.
•Anticipate stops and brake gradually.
Servicing after towing
If you tow a trailer for long distances, your vehicle will require more
frequent service intervals. Refer to yourscheduled maintenance
informationfor more information.
Trailer towing tips
•Practice turning, stopping and backing up before starting on a trip to
get the feel of the vehicle trailer combination. When turning, make
wider turns so the trailer wheels will clear curbs and other obstacles.
•Allow more distance for stopping with a trailer attached.
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Supplement
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Tires, Wheels and Loading
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Your vehicle was factory-filled with a 50/50 engine coolant and water
concentration. If the concentration of coolant falls below 40% or above
60%, the engine parts could become damaged or not work properly.A
50/50 mixture of coolant and water provides the following:
•Freeze protection down to -34°F (-36°C).
•Boiling protection up to 265°F (129°C)
•Protection against rust and other forms of corrosion.
•Enables calibrated gauges to work properly.
When the engine is cold, check the
level of the engine coolant in the
reservoir.
•The engine coolant should be at the “FULL COLD” level or within the
“COLD FILL RANGE” as listed on the engine coolant reservoir
(depending upon application).
•Refer toscheduled maintenance informationfor service interval
schedules.
•Be sure to read and understandPrecautions when servicing your
vehiclein this chapter.
If the engine coolant has not been checked at the recommended interval,
the engine coolant reservoir may become low or empty. If the reservoir is
low or empty, add engine coolant to the reservoir. Refer toAdding
engine coolantin this chapter.
Note:Automotive fluids are not interchangeable; do not use engine
coolant, antifreeze or windshield washer fluid outside of its specified
function and vehicle location.
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Supplement
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Maintenance and Specifications
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POWER STEERING FLUID
Check the power steering fluid.
Refer toscheduled maintenance
informationfor the service interval
schedules.
1. Start the engine and let it run until it reaches normal operating
temperature (the engine coolant temperature gauge indicator will be
near the center of the normal area between H and C).
2. While the engine idles, turn the steering wheel left and right several
times.
3. Turn the engine off.
4. Check the fluid level on the
dipstick. It should be between the
arrows in the FULL range on the
side of the dipstick with the words
MAX. HOT at the top. Do not add
fluid if the level is within this range.
5. If the fluid is low, add fluid in small amounts, continuously checking
the level until it reaches the FULL range. Be sure to put the dipstick
back in the reservoir.
Refer toMaintenance product specifications and capacitiesin this
chapter for the proper fluid type.
BRAKE FLUID
Brake fluid should be checked and refilled as needed. Seek service from
your authorized dealer. Refer to thescheduled maintenance
informationfor the service interval schedules.
ADD MAX. HOTFULL
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Supplement
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2. Visually inspect the fluid level.
3. If necessary, add brake fluid from a clean un-opened container until
the level reaches MAX. Do not fill above this line.
4. Use only a brake fluid listed previously (DOT 3 or Super DOT 4
depending on brake system) and that is certified to meet Ford
specifications. Refer toMaintenance product specifications and
capacitiesin this chapter.
WARNING:Carefully read cautionary information on product
label. For MEDICAL EMERGENCY INFORMATION contact a
physician or Poison Control Center immediately; on Ford-Motorcraft
products call: 1-800-959-3673 (FORD). Failure to follow these
instructions may result in personal injury.
WARNING:Use of any brake fluid other than that indicated for
your brake system will cause permanent damage.
WARNING:Do not let the reservoir for the master cylinder run
dry. This may cause the brakes to fail.
Brake system fluid should be replaced on a regular basis to maintain
optimum braking performance, especially under heavy-duty driving
conditions such as frequent steep grades or heavy towing loads. Refer to
scheduled maintenance informationfor the service interval schedules.
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Supplement
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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
Maintenance product specifications and capacitiessection 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.
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.
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Supplement
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Item Capacity Ford Part NameFord Part Number /
Ford Specification
Transmission
/steering/parking brake
linkages and pivots,
brake and clutch pedal
shaft (if equipped)—Premium Long-Life
GreaseXG-1-C /
ESA-M1C75-B
Fuel tank75 .0 gallons
(284.0L)——
1Capacity is approximate and will vary due to second-stage manufacturer completion of HVAC
system. Fill to the Cold Fill Level on reservoir.2Add the coolant type originally equipped in your vehicle.3Indicates only approximate dry-fill capacity. Some applications may vary based on cooler size and
if equipped with in-tank cooler. 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 MERCONLV should only use MERCONLV fluid. Refer to
scheduled maintenance informationto determine the correct service interval. Use of any fluid
other than the recommended fluid may cause transmission damage.5Fill 1/4 inch to 9/16 inch (6 mm to 14 mm) below bottom of fill hole.
Your vehicle’s rear axle is filled with a synthetic rear axle lubricant and 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.6Fill 1/4 inch to 9/16 inch (6 mm to 14 mm) below bottom of fill hole.
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