2012 FORD F550 automatic transmission fluid

GAUGES
Base cluster with automatic transmission shown. Metric similar.
1. Engine oil pressure gauge: Indicates engine oil pressure. The
needle should stay in the normal operating range (between L and H). If
the needle falls below the normal range, stop the vehicle, turn off the
engine and check the engine oil level. Add oil if needed. If the oil level is
correct, have your vehicle checked at your authorized dealer.
2. Engine coolant temperature gauge: Indicates engine coolant
temperature. At normal operating temperature, the needle will be in the
normal range (between H and C). If it enters the red section, the
engine is overheating. Stop the vehicle as soon as safely possible,
switch off the engine and let the engine cool.
WARNING: Never remove the coolant reservoir cap while the
engine is running or hot.
3. Transmission fluid temperature gauge: If the gauge is in the:
Normal area The transmission fluid is within the normal operating
temperature (between H and C). 1 2 3 4
6 5Instrument Cluster
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can be found in the Maintenance and Specifications chapter. You
should become thoroughly familiar with this information before you
operate your vehicle.
Normal characteristics
On some 4WD models, the initial shift from two-wheel drive to 4x4 while
the vehicle is moving can cause some momentary clunk and ratcheting
sounds. This is the front drivetrain coming up to speed and the
automatic locking hubs engaging and is not cause for concern.
Sand
When driving over sand, try to keep all four wheels on the most solid
area of the trail. Avoid reducing the tire pressures but shift to a lower
gear and drive steadily through the terrain. Apply the accelerator slowly
and avoid spinning the wheels.
Avoid excessive speed because vehicle momentum can work against you
and cause the vehicle to become stuck to the point that assistance may
be required from another vehicle. Remember, you may be able to back
out the way you came if you proceed with caution.
Note: If air is released from your tires, the Tire Pressure Monitoring
System (TPMS) indicator light may illuminate (if equipped).
Mud and water
If you must drive through high
water, drive slowly. Traction or
brake capability may be limited.
When driving through water,
determine the depth; avoid water
higher than the bottom of the hubs
(if possible) and proceed slowly. If
the ignition system gets wet, the
vehicle may stall.
Once through water, always try the brakes. Wet brakes do not stop the
vehicle as effectively as dry brakes. Drying can be improved by moving
your vehicle slowly while applying light pressure on the brake pedal.
Be cautious of sudden changes in vehicle speed or direction when you
are driving in mud. Even 4WD vehicles can lose traction in slick mud. As
when you are driving over sand, apply the accelerator slowly and avoid
spinning your wheels. If the vehicle does slide, steer in the direction of
the slide until you regain control of the vehicle.
If the transmission, transfer case or front axle are submerged in water,
their fluids should be checked and changed, if necessary. Driving
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Transmission operation while plowing
Operate the vehicle with the automatic transmission gearshift lever in
the D (Overdrive) position and tow/haul off.
• Shift transfer case to 4L (4x4 Low) when plowing in small areas at
speeds below 5 mph (8 km/h).
• Shift transfer case to 4H (4x4 High) when plowing larger areas or light
snow at higher speeds. Do not exceed 15 mph (24 km/h).
• Do not shift the transmission from a forward gear to R (Reverse) until
the engine is at idle and the wheels are stopped.
• If the vehicle is stuck, shift the transmission in a steady motion
between forward and reverse gears. Do not rock the vehicle for more
than a few minutes. The transmission and tires may be damaged or
the engine can overheat.
Do not rock the vehicle if the engine is not at normal operating
temperature. Do not rock the vehicle for more than a minute. The
transmission and tires may be damaged or the engine may
overheat.
Refer to Gauges in the Instrument Cluster chapter for transmission
fluid temperature information.
WARNING: Do not spin the wheels at over 35 mph (55 km/h).
The tires may fail and injure a passenger or bystander.Driving
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6.2L V8 gasoline engine
1. Windshield washer fluid reservoir
2. Engine oil dipstick
3. Automatic transmission fluid dipstick
4. Brake fluid reservoir
5. Engine coolant reservoir
6. Power distribution box
7. Air filter assembly
8. Power steering fluid reservoir
9. Engine oil filler cap
10. Battery 1 2 3 4 5 6
10
9
8 7Maintenance and Specifications
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6.8L V10 gasoline engine
1. Windshield washer fluid reservoir
2. Battery
3. Automatic transmission fluid dipstick
4. Engine oil filler cap
5. Engine oil dipstick
6. Power steering fluid reservoir
7. Brake fluid reservoir
8. Engine coolant reservoir
9. Air filter assembly
10. Power distribution box 1 2
3 5
6 7
8 9 10
4
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BRAKE FLUID
• Vacuum boost system
• Hydroboost system
The fluid level will drop slowly as the brakes wear, and will rise when the
brake components are replaced. Fluid levels between the top of the MIN
and MAX lines are within the normal operating range; there is no need to
add fluid. If the fluid levels are outside of the normal operating range,
the performance of your brake system could be compromised; seek
service from your authorized dealer immediately.
TRANSMISSION FLUID
Checking automatic transmission fluid (if equipped)
Refer to your scheduled maintenance information for 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]). Verify that the
transmission fluid temperature gauge, located on the instrument cluster,
is within normal range. MINMAX
Maintenance and Specifications
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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 handle and also in the
Maintenance product specifications and capacities section 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.
Type A
Type B
If an overfill occurs, excess fluid should be removed by a qualified
technician.
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. ADD COLD HOT DO NOT ADD
Maintenance and Specifications
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Item Capacity Ford part name Ford part number /
Ford specification
Hinges, latches, striker
plates, fuel filler door
hinge and seat tracks — Multi-Purpose Grease XG–4 or XL-5 /
ESB-M1C93–B
Lock cylinders — Motorcraft  Penetrating
and Lock Lubricant XL-1 / None
Transmission / parking
brake linkages and
pivots, brake pedal shift — Motorcraft  Premium
Long-Life Grease XG-1-C or XG-1-K /
WSD-M1C227-A
Power steering fluid Keep fluid level
between MIN and
MAX on reservoir Motorcraft 
MERCON  VATF XT-5-QM /
MERCON  V
Transfer case fluid 2.0 quarts (1.9L) Motorcraft  Transfer
Case Fluid XL-12 / —
Automatic transmission
fluid
(5–speed)
317.5 quarts
(16.6L)
4, 6Motorcraft 
MERCON  LV AT F XT-10–QLV /
MERCON  LV
Automatic transmission
fluid
(6-speed)
318.5 quarts
(17.5L)
4, 716.7 quarts
(15.8L)
4, 7Maintenance and Specifications
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