Brake lines, hoses and fittings:Inspect these components every
4,000 miles (6,000 km):
•Lines for kinks, dents, corrosion or rupture.
•Hoses for abrasions, kinks, soft spots or rupture, collapse, cracks,
twists or loose frame supports. When replacing a hose, be sure there
is adequate clearance to the hose to avoid an abrasion to the new
hose.
•All connections for leaks.
•Repair or replace brake line tubes, hoses or fittings as required.
Driveline parking brake
Parking brake adjustment should only be performed by a qualified
technician, and in accordance with the instructions in the service
manual.
WARNING:Use wheel chocks and exercise caution when
inspecting under the vehicle. A vehicle roll-away could result in
property damage, personal injury or death.
Catalytic converter (diesel engine)
If your diesel engine is equipped with a catalytic converter, it is
important to review the maintenance schedule to ensure proper
functioning of the catalytic converter. Also, take precautions not to
damage the catalytic converter when servicing your engine or storing
your vehicle.
Note:If your vehicle is equipped with a catalytic converter/muffler,do
notblend waste oil with diesel fuel. Operate only on ultra low sulfur
(less than 15 parts per million sulfur) diesel fuel with a cetane value of
45 or higher.
Diesel exhaust fluid (DEF), Diesel particulate filter (DPF) and Select
catalyst reduction (SCR) system
Refer to your engine operator’s manual for information regarding DEF,
DPF and SCR system service.
Air induction system
Once each year, perform a complete inspection of the air induction
system. In areas where road salt is used, the inspection consists of
disassembling the joints of each aluminum component and inspecting for
salt build-up, presence of chlorine that can cause aluminum particles to
flake off and enter the engine combustion chambers.
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ENGINE OIL (GASOLINE ENGINE ONLY)
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 15 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).
4. Open the hood. Protect yourself from engine heat.
5. Locate and carefully remove the engine oil dipstick.
6. Wipe the dipstick clean. Insert the dipstick fully, then remove it
again.
•If the oil level isbetween the two holes,the oil level is acceptable.
DO NOT ADD OIL.
•If the oil level is at or below the lower hole, add enough oil to raise
the level to within the two holes. Refer toAdding engine oilin the
following section.
•Oil levels above the upper hole may cause engine damage. Some oil
must be removed from the engine by a service technician.
When the oil level is in its proper operating range, put the dipstick back
in and ensure it is fully seated.
Adding engine oil
Check the engine oil. For instructions, refer toChecking the engine oil.
1. If the engine oil level is not within the normal range, add only
certified engine oil of the recommended viscosity. Remove the engine
oil filler cap and use a funnel to pour the engine oil into the opening.
2. Recheck the engine oil level. Make sure the oil level is not above the
normal operating range on the engine oil level dipstick.
3. Install the dipstick and ensure it is fully seated.
4. Fully install the engine oil filler cap by turning the filler cap
clockwise until three clicks are heard or until the cap is fully seated.
To avoid possible oil loss, DO NOT operate the vehicle with the
engine oil dipstick and/or the engine oil filler cap removed.
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•The engine coolant should be at the FULL COLD level, or within the
COLD FILL or MIN / MAX range as listed on the engine coolant
reservoir (depending upon application).
•Refer to your scheduled maintenance information for service interval
schedules.
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.
Adding engine coolant
When adding coolant, make sure it is a 50/50 mixture of engine coolant
and distilled water. Add the mixture to the coolant reservoir,when the
engine is cool,until the appropriate fill level is obtained. If coolant is
filled to the COLD FILL RANGE or FULL COLD level when the engine is
not cool, the system will remain underfilled.
WARNING:Do not add engine coolant when the engine is hot.
Steam and scalding liquids released from a hot cooling system
can burn you badly. Also, you can be burned if you spill coolant on hot
engine parts.
WARNING:Do not put engine coolant in the windshield washer
fluid container. If sprayed on the windshield, engine coolant
could make it difficult to see through the windshield.
•DO NOT MIXdifferent colors or types of coolant in your vehicle.
Make sure the correct coolant is used. Mixing of engine coolants may
harm your engine’s cooling system. The use of an improper coolant
may harm engine and cooling system components and may void the
warranty. Refer toMaintenance product specifications and
capacitiesin this chapter.
Note:Do not use stop leak pellets or cooling system sealants/additives
as they can cause damage to the engine cooling and/or heating systems.
This damage would not be covered under your vehicle’s warranty.
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The fluid level can also be checked by looking at the see-through plastic
reservoir. Make sure that the fluid is within the minimum and maximum
fluid range as marked on the reservoir.
To avoid damage to the power steering system,do notoperate the
vehicle with a low power steering fluid level.
Note:Refer toLubricant specificationsin this chapter for the proper
fluid type if adding fluid is necessary. A low fluid level may indicate a
leak in the power steering system. Inspect the power steering system
and repair the leak or see your dealer or a qualified technician for
service. Refer to theScheduled Maintenance Guidechapter for the
recommended service intervals.
BRAKE FLUID
Check and refill the Full Power brake fluid reservoir using the following
procedure. Refer to theScheduled Maintenance Guidechapter for the
service interval.
1. Clean the reservoir caps before removal to prevent dirt or water from
entering the reservoir.
2. Visually inspect the fluid level; it should be at the bottom of the fill
ports.
3. Add brake fluid, if necessary, from a clean, unopened container until
the level reaches the bottom of the fill ports. Do not fill above this line.
Only use a DOT 3 brake fluid certified to meet manufacturer
specifications. Refer toLubricant specificationsin this chapter.
WARNING:Brake fluid is toxic. If brake fluid contacts the eyes,
flush eyes with running water for 15 minutes. Seek medical
attention if irritation persists. If taken internally, drink water and
induce vomiting. Seek medical attention immediately.
WARNING:If you use a brake fluid that is not DOT 3, you will
cause permanent damage to your brakes.
WARNING:Do not let the reservoir for the master cylinder run
dry. This may cause the brakes to fail.
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CLUTCH FLUID/LINKAGE ADJUSTMENTS
Clutch fluid (if equipped)
During normal operation, the fluid level in the clutch reservoir should
remain constant. If the fluid level drops, fill to step in the reservoir.
1. Set the parking brake, shift into 1
(First) and turn the engine off.
2. Open the hood.
3. Clean the reservoir cap before
removal to prevent dirt and water
from entering the reservoir.
4. Remove cap and rubber
diaphragm from reservoir.
5. Add fluid, if necessary, until it
reaches the step in the reservoir.
6. Reinstall rubber diaphragm and cap onto reservoir.
Use only a DOT 3 brake fluid designed to meet manufacturer
specifications. Refer toLubricant specificationsin 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.
Refer to theScheduled Maintenance Guidechapter for service interval
schedules.
Clutch linkage (if equipped)
Lubricate the clutch linkage using the following procedure. Use a grease
which meets manufacturer specifications. Refer toLubricant
specificationsin this chapter.
1. Set the parking brake, shift into 1 (First) and turn the engine off.
2. Remove the inspection cover from the clutch housing.
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Transmission and clutch
removed for clarity
3. Lubricate the clutch release bearing (at one location) and the clutch
release shaft (at two locations), using the grease fittings provided, with a
grease gun.
4. Lubricate clutch release wear pads at the two locations where they
contact the clutch release bearing with a brush or similar tool.
5. Install the inspection cover onto the clutch housing.
Refer to theScheduled Maintenance Guidechapter for the service
interval schedules.
TRANSMISSION FLUID
Automatic transmission fluid
Refer to yourAllison Automatic Transmission Operator’s Manualfor
scheduled transmission fluid check/change intervals. 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 warmed up
(approximately 20 miles [30 km]). If your vehicle has been operated for
an extended period at high speeds, in city traffic or during hot weather,
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.
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4. Place the gearshift lever in N (Neutral) or P (Park) and leave the
engine running.
5. Remove the dipstick, wiping it clean with a clean, dry, lint-free rag.
6. Install the dipstick, making sure it is fully seated in the filler tube.
7. Remove the dipstick and inspect the fluid level.
If you must add transmission fluid, refer to yourAllison Automatic
Transmission Operator’s Manualfor the correct fluid type.Use of a
non-approved automatic transmission fluid may cause internal
transmission component damage.
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.
Eaton UltraShift (if equipped)
The Eaton UltraShift transmission is filled with synthetic fluid from the
factory with no scheduled fluid change intervals as this fluid is intended
to last the life of the transmission. However, the system should be
checked regularly to ensure that proper transmission fluid levels remain
constant. Refer to theEaton Driver Instructions Manualfor details.
Manual transmission fluid
Refer to theScheduled Maintenance Guidechapter for transmission
fluid level check/change intervals.
Your manual transmission may be filled with an optional synthetic fluid
which allows the use of extended service intervals. A tag on the filler
plug identifies the use of the synthetic fluid.
Only use fluid that meets manufacturer specifications; refer toLubricant
specificationsin this chapter.Use of a non-approved transmission
fluid may cause internal transmission component damage.
Check your transmission fluid level using the following procedure:
1. Park the vehicle on level ground.
2. Set the parking brake and shift into 1 (First) and turn the engine off.
3. Clean any dirt from around the filler plug.
4. Remove the filler plug and inspect the fluid level; the fluid level should
be at the bottom of the filler plug opening.
5. Add fluid, if necessary, through the filler plug opening.
6. Clean and install the filler plug securely.
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Suspension ft-lb N•m
Rear axle with multi-leaf 260-300 353-407
Rear axle with IROS air suspension 370-400 502-542
Rear axle with Hendrickson air suspension 400–450 542–610
See air suspension U-bolt re-torquing and installation information below.
Air suspension U-bolt checks and re-torquing procedures
1. Inspect the threads of the U-bolt and nut for rust and debris. Clean
the threads if contaminated.
2. Using a torque wrench, determine if any nuts can be turned with a
force below the specified torque.
3. Using the lowest discovered torqued nut as a starting point, retighten
the nuts using the sequence listed underAir suspension U-bolt and
U-bolt nut installation.
Air suspension U-bolt and U-bolt nut installation
1. Inspect the threads of the U-bolt and nut for rust and debris. Clean
the threads if contaminated.
2. Install the U-bolts and nuts and torque the nuts to seat the cap flat
which is about 18 ft-lb (25 N•m) using a diagonal pattern. Use the same
diagonal pattern for each of the following U-bolt nut re-torque steps.
3. Tighten U-bolt nuts in increments of 74 ft-lb (100 N•m) until
tightened to final torque for the particular suspension.
DRIVESHAFT
Check the universal joints for any evidence of wear or looseness at the
regular lubrication interval. Stop the vehicle immediately, should
driveshaft vibrations occur, to avoid possible hazardous consequences or
damage to other components.
REAR AXLE LUBRICANT
Refer to theScheduled Maintenance Guidechapter for rear axle
lubricant level check/change intervals.
Your rear axle may be filled with an optional synthetic lubricant which
allows the use of extended service intervals. A tag on the filler plug
identifies the use of the synthetic lubricant.
Only use a lubricant that meets manufacturer specifications; refer to
Lubricant specificationsin this chapter.Use of a non-approved rear
axle lubricant may cause internal axle component damage.
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