•You may want to turn off the speed control in hilly terrain if
unnecessary shifting between the top gears occurs. Unnecessary
shifting of this type could result in reduced fuel economy.
•Warming up a vehicle on cold mornings is not required and may
reduce fuel economy.
•Resting your foot on the brake pedal while driving may reduce fuel
economy.
•Combine errands and minimize stop-and-go driving.
Maintenance
•Keep tires properly inflated and use only recommended size.
•Operating a vehicle with the wheels out of alignment will reduce fuel
economy.
•Use recommended engine oil. Refer toMaintenance product
specifications and capacitiesin this chapter.
•Perform all regularly scheduled maintenance items. Follow the
recommended maintenance schedule and owner maintenance checks
found inscheduled maintenance information.
Conditions
•Heavily loading a vehicle or towing a trailer may reduce fuel economy
at any speed.
•Carrying unnecessary weight may reduce fuel economy (approximately
1 mpg [0.4 km/L] is lost for every 400 lb [180 kg] of weight carried).
•Adding certain accessories to your vehicle (for example bug
deflectors, rollbars/light bars, running boards, ski racks) may reduce
fuel economy.
•Using fuel blended with alcohol may lower fuel economy.
•Fuel economy may decrease with lower temperatures during the first
8–10 miles (12–16 km) of driving.
•Driving on flat terrain offers improved fuel economy as compared to
driving on hilly terrain.
•Transmissions give their best fuel economy when operated in the top
cruise gear and with steady pressure on the gas pedal.
•Close windows for high speed driving.
Maintenance and Specifications
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POWER STEERING FLUID
Check the fluid. Refer toscheduled
maintenance information.
1. Start the engine and let it run
until it reaches normal operating
temperature.
2. Turn the steering wheel left and
right several times.
3. Turn the engine off.
4. Check the fluid level.
5. If the fluid is below the MIN line, add fluid in small amounts until it
reaches the correct level (between the MIN and MAX lines). Refer to
Maintenance product specifications and capacitiesin this chapter for
the proper fluid type.
Electric vehicles
For specific information on the Transit Connect Electric, refer to the
Azure Dynamics TC-E Owner’s GuideSupplement.
BRAKE FLUID
The fluid level will drop slowly as
the brakes wear, and will rise when
the brake components are replaced.
Fluid levels between 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 the
system could be compromised; seek
service from your authorized dealer
immediately. If the brake fluid level falls below the MIN line, a brake
warning lamp will come on.
Brake fluid should not be allowed to contact the eyes and skin. If this
happens, promptly wash the area thoroughly with soap and water.
Consult a physician immediately if you experience an adverse reaction.
Maintenance and Specifications
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Note:Failure to use the correct air filter element may result in severe
engine damage. The customer warranty may be void for any damage to
the engine if the correct air filter element is not used.
VEHICLE STORAGE
If you plan on storing your vehicle for an extended period of time
(30 days or more), refer to the following maintenance recommendations
to ensure your vehicle stays in good operating condition.
All motor vehicles and their components were engineered and tested for
reliable, regular driving. Long term storage under various conditions may
lead to component degradation or failure unless specific precautions are
taken to preserve the components.
General
•Store all vehicles in a dry, ventilated place.
•Protect from sunlight, if possible.
•If vehicles are stored outside, they require regular maintenance to
protect against rust and damage.
Body
•Wash vehicle thoroughly to remove dirt, grease, oil, tar or mud from
exterior surfaces, rear-wheel housing and underside of front fenders.
See theCleaningchapter for more information.
•Periodically wash vehicles stored in exposed locations.
•Touch-up raw or primed metal to prevent rust.
•Cover chrome and stainless steel parts with a thick coat of auto wax
to prevent discoloration. Re-wax as necessary when the vehicle is
washed. See theCleaningchapter for more information.
•Lubricate all hood, door and trunk lid hinges, and latches with a light
grade oil. See theCleaningchapter for more information.
•Cover interior trim to prevent fading.
•Keep all rubber parts free from oil and solvents.
Engine
•The engine oil and filter should be changed prior to storage, as used
engine oil contain contaminates that may cause engine damage.
•Start the engine every 15 days. Run at fast idle until it reaches normal
operating temperature.
•With your foot on the brake, shift through all the gears while the
engine is running.
Maintenance and Specifications
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Miles (x 1,000)* 7.5 15 22.5 30 37.5 45 52.5 60 67.5 75
Kilometers (x 1,000)* 12 24 36 48 60 72 84 96 108 120
Months* 6 12 18 24 30 36 42 48 54 60
Change engine oil and filter• •••••••••
Rotate tires**, inspect tire wear and measure tread
depth• •••••••••
Inspect wheels and related components for abnormal
noise, wear, looseness or drag• •••••••••
Perform multi-point inspection (recommended)• •••••••••
Inspect automatic transmission fluid level (if equipped
with dipstick); consult dealer for requirements•••••
Inspect brake pads, shoes, rotors, drums, brake linings,
hoses and parking brake•••••
Inspect engine cooling system concentration and hoses•••••
Inspect exhaust system and heat shields•••••
Inspect front axle and U-joints; lubricate if equipped
with grease fittings (4WD vehicles)•••••
Inspect half-shaft boots (if equipped)•••••
Inspect steering linkage, ball joints, suspension, tie-rod
ends, driveshaft and U-joints; lubricate if equipped with
grease fittings•••••
Torque rear U-bolts (Transit Connect)•••••
Inspect cabin air filter (if equipped)•••••
* Whichever comes first
**If equipped with dual rear wheels, rotate front wheels when specified, rear wheels only if unusual wear is noted
Scheduled Maintenance
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Miles (x 1,000)* 82.5 90 97.5 105 112.5 120 127.5 135 142.5 150
Kilometers (x 1,000)* 132 144 156 168 180 192 204 216 228 240
Months* 66 72 78 84 90 96 102 108 114 120
Change engine oil and filter• •••••••••
Rotate tires**, inspect tire wear and measure tread
depth• •••••••••
Inspect wheels and related components for abnormal
noise, wear, looseness or drag• •••••••••
Perform multi-point inspection (recommended)• •••••••••
Inspect automatic transmission fluid level (if equipped
with dipstick); consult dealer for requirements•••••
Inspect brake pads, shoes, rotors, drums, brake linings,
hoses and parking brake•••••
Inspect engine cooling system concentration and hoses•••••
Inspect exhaust system and heat shields•••••
Inspect front axle and U-joints; lubricate if equipped
with grease fittings (4WD vehicles)•••••
Inspect half-shaft boots (if equipped)•••••
Inspect steering linkage, ball joints, suspension, tie-rod
ends, driveshaft and U-joints; lubricate if equipped with
grease fittings•••••
Torque rear U-bolts (Transit Connect)•••••
Inspect cabin air filter (if equipped)•••••
* Whichever comes first
**If equipped with dual rear wheels, rotate front wheels when specified, rear wheels only if unusual wear is noted
Scheduled Maintenance
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Every 15,000 miles
(24,000 km)Replace cabin air filter (if equipped)
Every 30,000 miles
(48,000 km)Replace climate-controlled seat filter (if
equipped)
Replace engine air filter
Every 37,500 miles
(60,000 km)Inspect valve clearances; adjust as necessary
(Transit Connect CNG vehicles)
Every 60,000 miles
(96,000 km)Change automatic transmission fluid and filter on
5–speed TorqShifttransmission; consult dealer
for requirements
Replace front wheel bearing grease/grease seal if
non-sealed bearings are used (2WD vehicles)
Every 97,500 miles
(156,000 km)Replace spark plugs
Every 105,000 miles
(168,000 km)Change engine coolant
1
Change manual transmission fluid (except
Escape)
Change rear axle fluid (Dana axles)
Inspect accessory drive belt(s)
2
Every 150,000 miles
(240,000 km)Change automatic transmission fluid and filter
(except 5–speed TorqShifttransmission) (filter
not required on 6F35, 6F50, DPS6 and AWF-21
transmissions); consult dealer for requirements
Change front axle fluid (4WD vehicles)
Change manual transmission fluid (Escape)
Change rear axle fluid (RWD vehicles)
Change transfer case fluid (4WD vehicles)
Replace accessory drive belt(s) if not replaced
within the last 100,000 miles (160,000 km)
Replace front wheel bearings and seals if
non-sealed bearings are used (2WD vehicles)
1Initial replacement at 105,000 miles (168,000 km) or 72 months; every
45,000 miles (72,000 km) or 36 months thereafter
2Perform a follow-up inspection at 120,000 miles (192,000 km)
Scheduled Maintenance
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SPECIAL OPERATING CONDITIONS
If you operate your vehicleprimarilyin one of the more demanding
conditions listed below, you will need to have some items maintained
more frequently. If you onlyoccasionallyoperate your vehicle under
these conditions, it is not necessary to perform the additional
maintenance. For specific recommendations, see your dealership service
advisor or technician.
Towing a trailer or using a camper or car-top carrier
Inspect frequently,
service as requiredInspect and lubricate U-joints
See axle maintenance items underExceptions
Every 5,000 miles
(8,000 km)Inspect wheels and related components for
abnormal noise, wear, looseness or drag
Rotate tires*, inspect tire wear and measure
tread depth
Every 5,000 miles
(8,000 km) or
6 monthsChange engine oil and filter
Inspect and lubricate U-joints
Every 30,000 miles
(48,000 km)Change automatic transmission fluid (except
6R80 and TorqShifttransmissions)
Replace front wheel bearing grease/grease seals if
non-sealed bearings are used (2WD vehicles)
Every 60,000 miles
(96,000 km)Change manual transmission fluid
Change transfer case fluid (4WD vehicles)
*If equipped with dual rear wheels, rotate front wheels when specified,
rear wheels only if unusual wear is noted
Scheduled Maintenance
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Extensive idling and/or low-speed driving for long distances as
in heavy commercial use (i.e. delivery, taxi, patrol car or livery)
Inspect frequently,
service as requiredReplace cabin air filter (if equipped)
Replace engine air filter
Every 5,000 miles
(8,000 km)Inspect brake system
Inspect wheels and related components for
abnormal noise, wear, looseness or drag
Lubricate control arm and steering ball joints if
equipped with grease fittings
Rotate tires*, inspect tire wear and measure
tread depth
Every 5,000 miles
(8,000 km) or
6 monthsInspect and lubricate U-joints
Every 5,000 miles
(8,000 km),
6 months or 200
engine hoursChange engine oil and filter
Every 30,000 miles
(48,000 km)Change automatic transmission fluid (except
6R80 and TorqShifttransmissions)
Replace front wheel bearing grease/grease seals if
non-sealed bearings are used (2WD vehicles)
Every 60,000 miles
(96,000 km)Change transfer case fluid (4WD vehicles)
Replace spark plugs
*If equipped with dual rear wheels, rotate front wheels when specified,
rear wheels only if unusual wear is noted
Scheduled Maintenance
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