
•
Robinair® Coolant and Battery
Refractometer 75240 –
Recommended refractometer to test
coolant concentration. (Rotunda tool
part number: ROB75240).
• Rotunda 328-R071–ELC (Antifreeze
Coolant ELC Contamination Kit)
–
Evaluates the corrosion inhibitor
additive strength. Note the first step is
to verify the vehicle ’s coolant
concentration is in the correct range of
40 – 60%. Coolant concentrations
outside this range will not provide valid
test results. If the report results in a
pass, for example the cooling system
does not show excessive
contamination, the corrosion inhibitor
additive strength is sufficient, and no
action is required. If the report results
as insufficient (does not pass), the
corrosion inhibitor additive strength of
the coolant is too low. If the engine
cooling system corrosion inhibitor
additive strength is low, add
47 fl oz
(1.4 L) of Motorcraft Specialty Orange
Engine Coolant Revitalizer. If the
secondary cooling system corrosion
inhibitor additive strength is low, add
16 fl oz (0.47 L) of Motorcraft Specialty
Orange Engine Coolant Revitalizer.
• Motorcraft Specialty Orange Engine
Coolant Revitalizer
– Additive to
boost the corrosion inhibitor level
based upon the test results of the
Antifreeze Coolant ELC Contamination
Kit. The Revitalizer may be added two
times over the life of the coolant. If
additional dosages are required, the
cooling system must be flushed and
refilled per the instructions in the
Workshop Manual.
Make sure to follow the proper coolant and
additive specifications. See
Capacities
and Specifications (page 252). Coolant Change
At specific mileage intervals, as listed in
the scheduled maintenance information,
the coolant should be changed. The
information display may display a message
to change coolant at this time. Add
prediluted coolant approved to the correct
specification. See
Capacities and
Specifications (page 252).
Engine-driven Cooling Fan (Fan
Clutch)
Your vehicle may have an engine driven
cooling fan drive (also called a fan clutch).
This fan drive changes the fan speed to
match the vehicle ’s changing cooling air
flow requirements. Fan speed, fan noise
level and fuel consumption all will increase
based on the driving conditions that
include trailer towing, hill climbing, heavy
loads, high speed and high ambient
temperature, individually or in combination.
The fan drive is designed to provide the
minimum fan speed (and resulting
minimum fan noise and fuel consumption)
required to meet the ever changing vehicle
cooling air flow requirements. You will hear
the amount of fan noise increasing and
decreasing as the engine power
requirements and vehicle driving conditions
change as you drive. This is to be expected
as being normal to the operation of your
vehicle. High levels of fan noise might also
be heard when your engine is first started,
and should normally decrease after driving
for a short time.
AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
FLUID CHECK
The transmission does not consume fluid.
However, the fluid level should be checked
if the transmission is not working properly,
for example if the transmission slips, shifts
slowly or if there are signs of fluid loss.
198
F-650/750 (TBC) , enUSA, First Printing Maintenance

The transmission fluid and filter on your
vehicle must be replaced at the specified
service interval. See Scheduled
Maintenance (page 316).
Automatic transmission fluid expands
when warmed. To check the fluid level
consistently and accurately, do the
following:
1. Drive the vehicle until it reaches normal
operating temperature. This may take
up to
20 mi (30 km).
2. Make sure that your vehicle is on level ground.
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. Make sure the parking brake is on. Make
sure the transmission is in park (P) or
neutral (N) and leave the engine
running.
5. Open the hood. See
Opening and
Closing the Hood (page 181).
6. Remove the dipstick and wipe it with a clean, lint-free cloth. See
Under
Hood Overview (page 183).
7. Replace the dipstick and remove it again to check the fluid level.
8. If the fluid level is correct, replace the dipstick and make sure it is fully seated.
Note: If the fluid level is between the
maximum and minimum marks, the fluid
level is acceptable. Do not add fluid. Transmission Fluid Level
Low Fluid Level
If the fluid level is at or below the minimum
mark, add fluid immediately. See
Capacities and Specifications
(page
258).
Note: If there is no indication of fluid on the
dipstick, have your vehicle checked
immediately.
Correct Fluid Level Make sure that the fluid level is between
the maximum and minimum marks.
199
F-650/750 (TBC) , enUSA, First Printing MaintenanceE163740 E163742

High Fluid Level
Do not add fluid further than the maximum
mark. Fluid levels above the maximum
mark may cause shift or engagement
concerns and possible damage.
Note:
High fluid levels can be caused by an
overheating condition.
Adding Transmission Fluid
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 and could lead to
transmission damage that may not be
covered by the vehicle Warranty.
Use only recommended transmission fluid
that meets our specifications. See
Capacities and Specifications (page
258).
Note: Use of a non-approved automatic
transmission fluid may cause internal
transmission component damage.
If necessary, add fluid in
8 fl oz (250 ml)
increments through the filler tube until the
level is correct.
If an overfill occurs, excess fluid should be
removed, have your vehicle checked as
soon as possible. BRAKE FLUID CHECK WARNINGS
Do not use any fluid other than the
recommended brake fluid as this will
reduce brake efficiency. Use of
incorrect fluid could result in the loss of
vehicle control, serious personal injury or
death. Only use brake fluid from a sealed
container. Contamination with dirt,
water, petroleum products or other
materials may result in brake system
damage or failure. Failure to adhere to this
warning could result in the loss of vehicle
control, serious personal injury or death. Do not allow the fluid to touch your
skin or eyes. If this happens, rinse the
affected areas immediately with
plenty of water and contact your physician. A fluid level between the
MAX and
MIN lines is within the normal
operating range and there is no need
to add fluid. A fluid level not in the normal
operating range could compromise the
performance of the system. Have your
vehicle checked immediately. 200
F-650/750 (TBC) , enUSA, First Printing MaintenanceE163744

To avoid fluid contamination, the reservoir
cap must remain in place and fully tight,
unless you are adding fluid.
Only use fluid that meets Ford
specifications. See Capacities and
Specifications (page 252).
POWER STEERING FLUID
CHECK
Check the power steering fluid. See
Scheduled Maintenance
(page 316). If
adding fluid is necessary, use only
MERCON LV ATF
Check the fluid level when it is at ambient
temperature.
1. Check the fluid level in the reservoir. It should be between the MIN and MAX
range. Do not add fluid if the level is
within this range.
2. If the fluid level is low, add fluid to bring
the fluid level up to between the MIN
and MAX range.
3. Switch the engine on. 4.
While the engine idles, turn the steering
wheel left and right several times.
5. Switch the engine off.
6. Recheck the fluid level in the reservoir. Do not add fluid if the level is between
the MIN and MAX range.
7. If the fluid is low, add the proper type of fluid in small amounts, continuously
checking the level until it is between
the MIN and MAX range. See
Capacities and Specifications (page
258). Be sure to put the cap back on the
reservoir.
WASHER FLUID CHECK WARNING
If you operate your vehicle in
temperatures below 40°F (5°C), use
washer fluid with antifreeze
protection. Failure to use washer fluid with
antifreeze protection in cold weather could
result in impaired windshield vision and
increase the risk of injury or accident. Add fluid to fill the reservoir if the level is
low. Only use a washer fluid that meets
Ford specifications. See
Capacities and
Specifications (page 252).
State or local regulations on volatile
organic compounds may restrict the use
of methanol, a common windshield washer
antifreeze additive. Washer fluids
containing non-methanol antifreeze
agents should be used only if they provide
cold weather protection without damaging
the vehicle ’s paint finish, wiper blades or
washer system.
201
F-650/750 (TBC) , enUSA, First Printing MaintenanceE170684

CHECKING THE WIPER
BLADES
Run the tip of your fingers over the edge of
the blade to check for roughness.
Clean the wiper blades with washer fluid
or water applied with a soft sponge or
cloth.
CHANGING THE WIPER
BLADES
You can manually move the wiper arms
when the ignition is off. This allows for ease
of blade replacement and cleaning under
the blades.
1. Pull the wiper blade and arm away
from the glass. 2. Release the wiper blade lock (A) and
separate the wiper blade from the
wiper arm.
3. Install in the reverse order.
Note: Make sure that the wiper blade locks
into place. Lower the wiper arm and blade
back on the windshield. The wiper arms will
automatically return to their normal position
when you turn the ignition on.
• Replace wiper blades at least once per
year for optimum performance.
• You can improve poor wiper quality by
cleaning the wiper blades and the
windshield.
ADJUSTING THE HEADLAMPS
Vertical Aim Adjustment
The headlamps on your vehicle are
properly aimed at the assembly plant. If
your vehicle has been in an accident, the
alignment of your headlamps should be
checked by your authorized dealer.
205
F-650/750 (TBC) , enUSA, First Printing MaintenanceE142463 E165804 A
E165794

as a stroke indicator to aid in
adjustment checks. If the push rod is
clean and the brakes are out of
adjustment, you can see the orange
marker protruding from the chamber
when the brakes are applied.
• Checking the brake lining (every service
interval). When brake linings or blocks
wear within 0.063 in (1.6 mm) they
must be replaced.
• Periodic checking (every service
interval) of the air compressor filter.
Check the filter minder and when the
indicator is near or on the red line
marked
Service, replace the filter and
reset the service filter minder.
Do not back off or disconnect the front
brakes so that they are less effective,
letting the rear brakes do all the stopping
of your vehicle. Do not overlook the brakes
on the trailer either. Brake condition on the
trailer is just as important as the tractor.
Proper brake balance on trucks and
tractor-trailers is essential for effective
braking.
Once a year, inspect the entire brake
system:
• Rubber components for deterioration.
A qualified technician should inspect
these components and replace them
as necessary. Replacement intervals
vary according to the severity and
length of vehicle service.
• Condition of brake drums, brake
chambers and slack adjusters.
• System for air leaks.
• Hose or pipes for rust, damage and
deterioration.
• Operation of service and parking
brakes.
Periodically inspect parts such as air brake
chamber diaphragm, air compressor and
air cleaner. Replace any parts if you can
consider them unserviceable. Air Dryer
Climactic conditions affect performance
of desiccant or after-cooler type air dryers.
You must establish a maintenance
schedule for each specific operation.
The use of an air dryer on a vehicle does
not eliminate the need to drain the air
reservoirs periodically.
Inspect for moisture in the air system by
opening reservoirs, draincocks or valves
and checking for presence of water. The
presence of small amounts of water due
to condensation is normal and is not an
indication that the dryer is not functioning
properly.
Replace or rebuild the desiccant cartridge
when you determine that the desiccant is
contaminated and does not have adequate
water absorption capacity. The desiccant
change interval may vary. A general
recommendation is to replace the
desiccant every 12 months (yearly). If
experience has shown that extended or
shortened life has resulted for a particular
installation, then the yearly interval can be
increased or decreased accordingly.
Draining the Air Brake Reservoir
WARNING
Failure to drain air brake reservoirs
can result in a reduction or loss of
braking ability due to fluid
accumulation in the reservoir and/or
possible freeze-up during cold weather. Completely drain all the air brake reservoirs
daily by opening the draincock at the ends
of the tanks. (Where accessible.
Pull-chains are used when the drains are
undercab or otherwise inaccessible.) Close
the draincock after draining. Manually drain
220
F-650/750 (TBC) , enUSA, First Printing Maintenance

any air tanks equipped with automatic
moisture ejector valves, as required, to
maintain a dry air system. Contact an
authorized dealer if you are unsure of the
air reservoir locations or the draining
procedure.
Hydraulic Brakes
Establish a regular schedule for periodic
cleaning, lubrication and adjustment
inspection based on vehicle use. Exact
maintenance intervals are difficult to
predetermine due to vehicle applications
and operating conditions. If you are
uncertain of the proper schedule for your
vehicle, contact an authorized dealer.
Regular inspections should include:
•
Checking the brake lining (every service
interval). Establish inspection intervals
that provide for lining replacement
before damage to the disc occurs.
Excessive lining wear may expose the
backing plate to the disc causing
scoring of the disc faces. A qualified
technician should perform this inspection and keep to instructions
provided by the service manual.
Hydraulic brake systems are
power-assisted. There is a great
reduction in braking capabilities
without engine assist.
• Proper fluid level. The level should be
at the bottom edge of the ring on each
reservoir fill port. Do not fill the master
cylinder to the top of the reservoir. If
fluid level requires attention to
maintain a proper master cylinder level,
this is an indication of either severe
operation (pad wear) or fluid leakage.
A more frequent and thorough brake
inspection is required.
• Brake lines, hoses and fittings. Repair
or replace brake line tubes, hoses or
fittings as required. Inspect these
components every 4,000 mi
(6,000 km) for the following.
• 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.
Driveline Parking Brake 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. A qualified technician should adjust the
parking brake and keep to the instructions
in the service manual.
221
F-650/750 (TBC) , enUSA, First Printing Maintenance

•
Maintaining proper steering gear and
power steering pump lubricant levels.
• Checking steering column joint bolts
and steering linkage, particularly for
body-to-chassis clearance.
Steering Column Joint Bolts
As a good maintenance practice, check
steering column joint bolt tightness every
60,000 mi (96,000 km) or annually,
whichever occurs first. Do not overtighten
the bolts.
Hydraulic System
Whenever draining and refilling the power
steering's hydraulic system for any reason,
bleed air from the system before returning
the vehicle to service. Failure to bleed the
hydraulic system properly can result in
degradation of power system performance.
Consult an authorized dealer who is aware
of the proper procedures for filling and
bleeding the system.
SUSPENSION SYSTEM
INSPECTION
Note: Do not adjust air suspension height
to any setting other than the specified
setting. Altering the height setting changes
the driveline angle and may result in
unwarrantable component damage, such
as transmission component damage.
Verify drive axle air suspension height and
height control valve performance at engine
oil change intervals.
Periodically check:
• Condition of spring leaves for evidence
of fatigue, bending or breakage.
• Condition of suspension mounting
brackets and bushings.
• Torque rod mounting fasteners for
tightness. •
For proper suspension alignment.
Maintain proper alignment at all times.
• U-bolts. After the chassis has been
operating under load for
1,000 mi
(1,600 km) or six months (whichever
comes first), the U-bolt nuts must be
re-torqued. Re-torque the U-bolt nuts
every
37,000 mi (60,000 km)
thereafter. Clean and lubricate the
U-bolt and nut threads and seats to
make sure a like new condition when
re-torqueing. See
Spring U-Bolt
Check (page 224).
FRAME AND TOW HOOK
INSPECTION
Your vehicle's chassis is manufactured
with frame rails of either HSLA steel or
heat-treated steel. Handle each in a
specific manner to make sure maximum
service life. Consult the service manual or
an authorized dealer before attempting
frame repair or modification.
It is important, particularly on vehicles that
use tow hooks frequently, to inspect the
front and rear tow hooks for damage or a
loose mounting.
REAR AXLE FLUID CHECK
Your rear axle may have an optional
synthetic lubricant that 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. Only use a
lubricant that meets manufacturer
specifications. Use of a non-approved rear
axle lubricant may cause internal axle
component damage. See Capacities and
Specifications
(page 258).
223
F-650/750 (TBC) , enUSA, First Printing Maintenance