ENGINE OIL CHECK
Diesel Engine
See your engine operator’s manual for information on checking and
adding engine oil as well as engine oil specifications, capacities and
required maintenance.
Gasoline Engine
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 make sure the gearshift is securely latched
in positionP.
4. Open the hood. Protect yourself from engine heat.
5. Locate and carefully remove the engine oil level dipstick.
6. Wipe the dipstick clean. Insert the dipstick fully, then remove it
again.
•If the oil level is between the lower and upper holes, the oil level
is acceptable. DO NOT ADD OIL.
•If the oil level is below the lower hole, add enough oil to raise the
level within the lower and upper holes.
•Oil levels above the upper hole may cause engine damage. Some
oil must be removed from the engine by an authorized dealer.
7. Put the dipstick back in and make sure it is fully seated.
Adding Engine Oil
Note:Do not remove the engine oil level dipstick or the filler cap when
the engine is running.
Note:Do not add engine oil further than the MAX mark. Oil levels above
the MAX mark may cause engine damage.
Only use oils certified for gasoline engines by the
American Petroleum Institute (API). An oil with this
trademark symbol conforms to the current engine and
emission system protection standards and fuel
economy requirements of the International Lubricants
Specification Advisory Council (ILSAC), comprised of
U.S. and Japanese automobile manufacturers.
1. Check the engine oil level.
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2. If the engine oil level is not within the normal range, add engine oil
that meets Ford specifications. SeeCapacities and Specifications
for more information. Remove the engine oil filler cap and use a
funnel to pour the engine oil into the opening.
3. Recheck the engine oil level. Make sure the oil level is not above the
normal operating range on the engine oil level dipstick.
4. Install the dipstick and make sure it is fully seated.
5. 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.
ENGINE COOLANT CHECK
Diesel Engine
See your engine operator’s manual for information on checking and
adding engine coolant.
Fan Clutches
WARNING:Stay clear of the fan and fan area while the engine is
running or possible personal injury may occur.
Your vehicle’s cooling system is equipped with a viscous fan clutch
which:
•Helps control cooling, increases performance, improves fuel economy
and reduces noise.
•Is controlled by bimetallic spring sensors. Do not tamper with these
sensors as this may change their calibration or keep the fan clutch
from operating at all.
Gasoline Engine
Checking the Engine Coolant
The concentration and level of engine coolant should be checked at the
intervals listed in theScheduled Maintenancechapter.
Note:Make sure that the level is between the MIN and MAX marks on
the coolant reservoir.
Note:Coolant expands when it is hot. The level may extend beyond the
MAX mark.
If the level is at the MIN mark, add coolant immediately. SeeAdding
engine coolantin this section.
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•In case of emergency, a large amount of water without engine coolant
may be added in order to reach a vehicle service location. In this
instance, the cooling system must be drained, chemically cleaned with
Motorcraft® Premium Cooling System Flush, and refilled with prediluted
engine coolant as soon as possible. Water alone (without engine coolant)
can cause engine damage from corrosion, overheating or freezing.
•Do not use alcohol, methanol, brine or any engine coolants mixed with
alcohol or methanol antifreeze (coolant). Alcohol and other liquids can
cause engine damage from overheating or freezing.
•Do not add extra inhibitors or additives to the coolant. These can be
harmful and compromise the corrosion protection of the engine coolant.
Unscrew the cap slowly. Any pressure escapes as you unscrew the cap.
Add prediluted engine coolant meeting the Ford specification.
SeeCapacities and Specificationsfor more information.
Whenever coolant has been added, the coolant level in the coolant
reservoir should be checked the next few times you drive the vehicle.
If necessary, add enough prediluted engine coolant to bring the coolant
level to the proper level.
Recycled Engine Coolant
Ford Motor Company does not recommend the use of recycled engine
coolant since a Ford-approved recycling process is not yet available.
Always dispose of used automotive fluids in a responsible manner. Follow
your community’s regulations and standards for recycling and disposing
of automotive fluids.
Severe Climates
If you drive in extremely cold climates:
•It may be necessary to have a Ford authorized dealer increase the
coolant concentration above 50%.
•A coolant concentration of 60% provides improved freeze point
protection. Engine coolant concentrations above 60% decrease the
overheat protection characteristics of the engine coolant and may
cause engine damage.
If you drive in extremely hot climates:
•It may be necessary to have a Ford authorized dealer decrease the
coolant concentration to 40%.
•A coolant concentration of 40% provides improved overheat
protection. Engine coolant concentrations below 40% decrease the
corrosion and freeze protection characteristics of the engine coolant
and may cause engine damage.
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Vehicles driven year-round in non-extreme climates should use
prediluted engine coolant for optimum cooling system and engine
protection.
What You Should Know About Fail-Safe Cooling (If Equipped)
(Gasoline Engine Only)
WARNING:If fail-safe cooling activates, pull off the road as soon
as safely possible and turn the engine off. The engine may
automatically shut off while driving without further indication.
If the engine coolant supply is depleted, this feature allows the vehicle to
be driven temporarily before incremental component damage is incurred.
The fail-safe distance depends on ambient temperatures, vehicle load and
terrain.
How Fail-Safe Cooling Works
If the engine begins to overheat:
•The engine coolant temperature gauge moves to the red (hot) area.
•The information display indicates the engine is overheating.
•The service engine soon indicator illuminates.
If the engine reaches a preset over-temperature condition, the engine
automatically switches to alternating cylinder operation. Each disabled
cylinder acts as an air pump and cools the engine.
When Fail-Safe Mode Is Activated
WARNING:Never remove the coolant reservoir cap while the
engine is running or hot.
Note:Driving the vehicle without repairing the engine problem increases
the chance of engine damage. Take your vehicle to an authorized dealer
as soon as possible.
You have limited engine power when in the fail-safe mode, so drive the
vehicle with caution. The vehicle is not able to maintain high-speed
operation and the engine runs rough. Remember that the engine is
capable of completely shutting down automatically to prevent engine
damage; therefore:
1. Pull off the road as soon as safely possible and turn off the engine.
2. Arrange for the vehicle to be taken to an authorized dealer.
3. If this is not possible, wait a short period for the engine to cool.
4. Check the coolant level and replenish if low.
5. Restart the engine and take your vehicle to an authorized dealer.
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TRANSMISSION FLUID CHECK
Allison Automatic Transmissions
See yourAllison Automatic Transmission Operator’s Manualfor
scheduled transmission fluid checks and 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 at normal operating
temperature (approximately 20 miles [30 kilometers]). Verify that the
transmission fluid temperature gauge, located on the instrument cluster,
is within the normal range.
1. Drive the vehicle 20 miles (30 kilometers) or until it reaches normal
operating temperature.
2. Park the vehicle on a level surface and engage the parking brake.
3. With the engine running, parking brake engaged and your foot on the
brake pedal, move the gearshift lever through all of the gear ranges.
Allow sufficient time for each gear to engage.
4. Latch the gearshift lever in positionNorPand 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. The fluid should be
in the designated area for normal operating temperature or ambient
temperature.
If you must add transmission fluid, see 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 or engagement
concerns or possible damage.
TorqShift® Automatic Transmission
See theScheduled Maintenancechapter 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.
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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 kilometers]). Verify that the
transmission fluid temperature gauge, located on the instrument cluster,
is within the normal range.
1. Drive the vehicle 20 miles (30 kilometers) or until it reaches normal
operating temperature.
2. Park the vehicle on a level surface and engage the parking brake.
3. With the engine running, parking brake engaged and your foot on the
brake pedal, move the gearshift lever through all of the gear ranges.
Allow sufficient time for each gear to engage.
4. Latch the gearshift lever in positionPand 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. The fluid should be
in the designated area for normal operating temperature or ambient
temperature.
Low Fluid Level
Do not drive the vehicle if there is
no indication of fluid on the dipstick
and the ambient temperature is
above 50°F (10°C).
Correct Fluid Level
The fluid should be checked at
normal operating temperature
196°F-216°F (91°C-102°C) on a
level surface. The normal operating
temperature can be reached after approximately 20 miles (30 kilometers)
of driving.
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Checking Fluid Level
1. Park the vehicle on level ground.
2. Set the parking brake, shift into first gear 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.
Changing Fluid
Drain and refill your transmission fluid while it is warm.
1. Park the vehicle on level ground.
2. Set the parking brake, shift into first gear and turn the engine off.
3. Clean any dirt from around the filler and drain plugs.
4. Remove the filler and drain plugs and drain the fluid into a suitable
container. Dispose of all used automotive fluids in a responsible
manner following your local authorized standards.
5. Clean and install the drain plug securely.
6. Add fluid through the filler plug opening.
7. Clean and install the filler plug securely.
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 FLUID
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. See the
Capacities and Specificationschapter.Use of a non-approved rear
axle lubricant may cause internal axle component damage.
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Checking the Fluid Level
See theScheduled Maintenancechapter for rear axle lubricant level
check intervals.
1. Park the vehicle on level ground.
2. Set the parking brake and shift into positionNorP(automatic
transmission), or first gear (manual transmission). Turn the engine
off.
3. Clean any dirt from around the rear axle filler plug.
4. Remove the filler plug and inspect the lubricant level. It should be at
the bottom of the filler plug opening.
5. Add lubricant, if necessary, through the filler plug opening.
6. Clean and install the filler plug securely.
Changing the Fluid
See theScheduled Maintenancechapter for rear axle lubricant change
intervals.
1. Drain the rear axle while the lubricant is warm.
2. Park the vehicle on level ground.
3. Set the parking brake and shift into positionNorP(automatic
transmission), or first gear (manual transmission). Turn the engine
off.
4. Clean any dirt from around the rear axle filler and drain plugs.
5. Remove the filler and drain plugs. Drain the lubricant into a suitable
container. Dispose of all used automotive fluids in a responsible
manner following your local authorized standards.
6. Clean and install the drain plug securely.
7. Add lubricant through the filler plug opening.
8. Clean and install the filler plug securely.
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