2017 FORD F53 maintenance

Coolant Change
At specific mileage intervals, as listed in
the scheduled maintenance information,
the coolant should be changed. Add
prediluted coolant approved to the correct
specification. See Capacities and
Specifications (page 129).
Fail-Safe Cooling
Fail-safe cooling allows you to temporarily
drive your vehicle before any incremental
component damage occurs. The fail-safe
distance depends on ambient
temperature, vehicle load and terrain.
How Fail-Safe Cooling Works
If the engine begins to overheat, the
coolant temperature gauge moves toward
the red zone: A warning lamp illuminates and
a message may appear in the
information display.
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 this occurs, your vehicle still
operates, however:
• Engine power is limited.
• The air conditioning system turns off.
Continued operation increases the engine
temperature, causing the engine to
completely shut down. Your steering and
braking effort increases in this situation.
When the engine temperature cools, you
can re-start the engine. Have your vehicle
checked as soon as possible to minimize
engine damage. When Fail-Safe Mode Is Activated WARNINGS
Fail-safe mode is for use during
emergencies only. Operate your
vehicle in fail-safe mode only as long
as necessary to bring your vehicle to rest
in a safe location and seek immediate
repairs. When in fail-safe mode, your
vehicle will have limited power, will not be
able to maintain high-speed operation, and
may completely shut down without
warning, potentially losing engine power,
power steering assist, and power brake
assist, which may increase the possibility
of a crash resulting in serious injury. Never remove the coolant reservoir
cap while the engine is running or hot.
Your vehicle has limited engine power
when in the fail-safe mode, drive your
vehicle with caution. Your vehicle does not
maintain high-speed operation and the
engine may operate poorly.
Remember that the engine is capable of
automatically shutting down to prevent
engine damage. In this situation:
1. Pull off the road as soon as safely
possible and switch the engine off.
2. If you are a member of a roadside assistance program, we recommend
that you contact your roadside
assistance service provider.
3. If this is not possible, wait a short period for the engine to cool.
4. Check the coolant level. If the coolant level is at or below the minimum mark,
add prediluted coolant immediately.
5. When the engine temperature cools, you can re-start the engine. Have your
vehicle checked as soon as possible to
minimize engine damage.
Note: Driving your vehicle without repair
increases the chance of engine damage.
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Engine Coolant Temperature
Management (If Equipped)
WARNING
To reduce the risk of crash and injury,
be prepared that the vehicle speed
may reduce and the vehicle may not
be able to accelerate with full power until
the coolant temperature reduces. If you tow a trailer with your vehicle, the
engine may temporarily reach higher a
temperature during severe operating
conditions, for example ascending a long
or steep grade in high ambient
temperatures.
At this time, you may notice the coolant
temperature gauge moves toward the red
zone and a message may appear in the
information display.
You may notice a reduction in vehicle
speed caused by reduced engine power.
In order to manage the engine coolant
temperature. Your vehicle may enter this
mode if certain high-temperature and
high-load conditions take place. The
amount of speed reduction depends on
vehicle loading, grade and ambient
temperature. If this occurs, there is no need
to pull off the road. You can continue to
drive your vehicle.
The air conditioning may automatically
turn on and off during severe operating
conditions to protect the engine from
overheating. When the coolant
temperature decreases to the normal
operating temperature, the air conditioning
turns on.
If the coolant temperature gauge moves
fully into the red zone, or if the coolant
temperature warning or service engine
soon messages appear in your information
display, do the following: 1. Pull off the road as soon as safely
possible and shift the transmission into
park (P).
2. Leave the engine running until the coolant temperature gauge needle
returns to the normal position. After
several minutes, if the temperature
does not drop, follow the remaining
steps.
3. Switch the engine off and wait for it to
cool. Check the coolant level.
4. If the coolant level is at or below the minimum mark, add prediluted coolant
immediately.
5. If the coolant level is normal, restart the engine and continue.
AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
FLUID CHECK WARNING
The dipstick cap and surrounding
components may be hot; gloves are
recommended.
Note:
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]). If your
vehicle has been operated for an extended
period at high speeds, in city traffic during
hot weather or pulling a trailer, the vehicle
should be turned off for about 30 minutes
to allow fluid to cool to normal operating
temperature 196°F - 215°F (91°C - 102°C)
before checking.
Refer to your scheduled maintenance
information for scheduled intervals for fluid
checks and changes.
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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. To check the fluid level:
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 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 P (Park) and leave the engine running.
5. Remove the dipstick, wiping it clean with a clean, dry lint free rag. If
necessary, refer to Under Hood
Overview in this chapter for the
location of the dipstick.
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.
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. 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 transmission fluid should be in this
range if at normal operating temperature
196°F - 215°F (91°C - 102°C).
The transmission fluid should be checked
at normal operating temperature 196°F -
215°F (91°C - 102°C) on a level surface.
The normal operating temperature can be
reached after approximately 20 miles (30
km) of driving. You can check the fluid
without driving if the ambient temperature
is above 50°F (10°C). However, if fluid is
added at this time, an overfill condition
could result when the vehicle reaches
normal operating temperature
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High fluid level
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. High fluid levels can be
caused by an overheating condition.
Adjusting automatic transmission
fluid levels
Note:
Use of a non-approved automatic
transmission fluid may cause internal
transmission damage. Before adding any
fluid, make sure the correct type is used. The
type of fluid used is normally indicated on
the transmission dipstick and also in the
See Capacities and Specifications (page
125). Add fluid in ½ pint (250 ml) increments
through the filler tube until the level is
correct.
Note:
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 TorqShift6™ automatic transmission
is equipped with a serviceable transmission
fluid filter located inside the transmission
bottom pan. Refer to the scheduled
maintenance information for service
intervals for the automatic transmission
fluid and transmission filter. For
transmission filter maintenance, see your
authorized dealer.
BRAKE FLUID CHECK
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.
Hydromax
WARNINGS
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. Use of any brake fluid other than that
indicated for your brake system will
cause permanent damage.
Do not let the reservoir for the master
cylinder run dry. This may cause the
brakes to fail and result in personal
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Chassis with gross vehicle weight ratings
of 20500 pounds (9299 kilograms),
22000 pounds (9979 kilograms), 24000
pounds (10886 kilograms) and 26000
pounds (11793 kilograms) are equipped
with Hydromax Brake Booster Systems
and must use Motorcraft DOT 5.1 Motor
Vehicle Brake Fluid or equivalent meeting
Ford Specification ESD-M6C57-A. See
Capacities and Specifications (page
129).
Add fluid up to the bottom of the rings
located at the top of the reservoir. Do not
fill above this line. •
Use only DOT 5.1 brake fluid that is
certified to meet Ford specifications.
• A clear gel-like substance in the
hydraulic brake master cylinder
reservoir may appear on some vehicles.
This substance is a silicone base
lubricant used during assembly of the
master cylinder. It will float on top of
the brake hydraulic fluid in the master
cylinder. This condition is normal and
in no way affects the operation of the
brake system. It does not require any
service.
• 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. See
Scheduled Maintenance
(page 136).
Hydroboost
Chassis with gross vehicle weight ratings
of 16000 pounds (7257 kilograms), 18000
pounds (8165 kilograms) and 19500
pounds (8845 kilograms) are equipped
with Hydroboost Brake Booster Systems
and must use Motorcraft High
Performance DOT 3 Motor Vehicle Brake
Fluid or equivalent meeting Ford
Specification WSS-M6C62-A.
Add brake fluid from a clean unopened
container until the level reaches MAX. Do
not fill above this line. Use only DOT 3
brake fluid that is certified to meet Ford
specifications.
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. See
Scheduled Maintenance
(page 136).
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POWER STEERING FLUID
CHECK Note:
The power steering cap has both a
cold and hot indicator on the dipstick.
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.
Steering linkage lubrication points
There are nine lubrication points on the
steering linkage: See Capacities and
Specifications (page 129).
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•
1 and 9 -Top of the king pin.
• 2 and 7
- Bottom of king pin.
• 3 and 8 - Right hand and Left hand tie
rod end.
• 4
- Steering gear.
• 5 and 6
- Drag link.
FUEL FILTER
Your vehicle is equipped with a lifetime
fuel filter that is integrated with the fuel
tank. Regular maintenance or replacement
is not needed.
CHANGING THE 12V BATTERY WARNINGS
Batteries normally produce explosive
gases which can cause personal
injury. Therefore, do not allow
flames, sparks or lighted substances to
come near the battery. When working near
the battery, always shield your face and
protect your eyes. Always provide proper
ventilation. WARNINGS
When lifting a plastic-cased battery,
excessive pressure on the end walls
could cause acid to flow through the
vent caps, resulting in personal injury and
damage to the vehicle or battery. Lift the
battery with a battery carrier or with your
hands on opposite corners. Keep batteries out of reach of
children. Batteries contain sulfuric
acid. Avoid contact with skin, eyes or
clothing. Shield your eyes when working
near the battery to protect against possible
splashing of acid solution. In case of acid
contact with skin or eyes, flush
immediately with water for a minimum of
15 minutes and get prompt medical
attention. If acid is swallowed, call a
physician immediately. Note:
If your battery has a cover/shield,
make sure it is reinstalled after the battery
has been cleaned or replaced.
Note: Battery posts, terminals and related
accessories contain lead and lead
compounds. Wash hands after handling.
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Your vehicle is equipped with a
Motorcraft® maintenance-free battery
which normally does not require additional
water during its life of service.
For longer, trouble-free operation, keep the
top of the battery clean and dry. Also,
make certain the battery cables are always
tightly fastened to the battery terminals.
If you see any corrosion on the battery or
terminals, remove the cables from the
terminals and clean with a wire brush. You
can neutralize the acid with a solution of
baking soda and water.
It is recommended that the negative
battery cable terminal be disconnected
from the battery if you plan to store your
vehicle for an extended period of time.
To ensure proper operation of the battery
management system (BMS), any electrical
devices that are added to the vehicle
should not have their ground connection
made directly at the negative battery post.
A connection at the negative battery post
can cause inaccurate measurements of
the battery condition and potential
incorrect system operation.
Note:
Electrical or electronic accessories
or components added to the vehicle by the
dealer or the owner may adversely affect
battery performance and durability and may
also affect the performance of other
electrical systems in the vehicle.
When a battery replacement is required,
the battery should only be replaced with
a Ford recommended replacement battery
that matches the electrical requirements
of the vehicle.
Note: Always dispose of automotive
batteries in a responsible manner. Follow
your local authorized standards for disposal.
Call your local authorized recycling center
to find out more about recycling automotive
batteries. Battery relearn
When the battery is disconnected or a new
battery installed:
•
The transmission must relearn its
adaptive strategy. As a result of this,
the transmission may shift firmly. This
operation is considered normal and will
not affect function or durability of the
transmission. Over time the adaptive
learning process will fully update
transmission operation to its optimum
shift feel.
• The clock and the preset radio stations
must be reset once the battery is
reconnected.
• Your vehicle ’s engine is electronically
controlled by a computer, some control
conditions are maintained by power
from the battery, the engine must
relearn its idle and fuel trim strategy.
When the battery is disconnected or a new
battery is installed, begin the battery
relearn process:
1. With the vehicle at a complete stop, set the parking brake.
2. Put the gearshift lever in P (Park), turn
off all accessories and start the engine.
3. Run the engine until it reaches normal operating temperature.
4. Allow the engine to idle for at least one
minute.
5. Turn the A/C on and allow the engine to idle for at least one minute.
6. Drive the vehicle to complete the relearning process.
•The vehicle may need to be driven
to relearn the idle and fuel trim
strategy.
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