2018 FORD E SERIES maintenance

Checking Automatic TransmissionFluid
For scheduled intervals of the fluid checksand changes, See ScheduledMaintenance (page 270). Yourtransmission does not consume fluid.However, the fluid level should be checkedif the transmission is not working properly,i.e., if the transmission slips or shifts slowlyor if you notice some sign of fluid leakage.
Automatic transmission fluid expandswhen warmed. To obtain an accurate fluidcheck, drive the vehicle until it is at normaloperating temperature (approximately19 mi (30 km)). Verify that thetransmission fluid temperature gauge,located on the instrument cluster, is withinnormal range.
1. Drive the vehicle 19 mi (30 km) until itreaches normal operating temperature.
2.Park the vehicle on a level surface andengage the parking brake.
3.With the engine running, parking brakeengaged and your foot on the brakepedal, move the gearshift lever throughall of the gear ranges. Allow sufficienttime for each gear to engage.
4. Put the transmission in park (P) andleave the engine running.
5. Remove the dipstick, wiping it cleanwith a clean, dry lint free rag. Ifnecessary, refer to the Under HoodOverview in this chapter for thelocation of the dipstick.
6.Install the dipstick making sure it is fullyseated in the filler tube.
7. Remove the dipstick and inspect thefluid level. The fluid should be in thedesignated area for normal operatingtemperature or ambient temperature.
Low Fluid Level
Type A
Type B
Do not drive the vehicle if there is noindication of fluid on the dipstick and theambient temperature is above 50°F(10°C).
Correct Fluid Level
Type A
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Type B
For vehicles equipped with 5-speedtransmissions, check the fluid at thenormal operating temperature of 151°F(66°C) to 170°F (77°C) on a level surface.For vehicles equipped with 6-speedtransmissions, check the fluid at thenormal operating temperature of 196°F(91°C) to 215°F (102°C) on a level surface.The normal operating temperature can bereached after approximately 19 mi(30 km).
High Fluid Level
Type A
Type B
Fluid levels above the safe range mayresult in transmission failure. An overfillcondition of transmission fluid may causeshift and engagement concerns, andpossible damage.
High fluid levels can be caused by anoverheating condition.
Adjusting Automatic TransmissionFluid Levels
Note:Use of a non-approved automatictransmission fluid may cause internaltransmission component damage.
Before adding any fluid, make sure thecorrect type is used. The type of fluid usedis normally indicated on:
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•the dipstick handle.
•See Capacities and Specifications(page 194).
If necessary, add fluid in 8 fl oz (250 ml)increments through the filler tube until thelevel is correct.
Type A
Type B
If an overfill occurs, excess fluid should beremoved by a qualified technician.
Note:An overfill condition of transmissionfluid may cause shift and engagementconcerns, and possible damage.
Do not use supplemental transmissionfluid additives, treatments or cleaningagents. The use of these materials mayaffect transmission operation and resultin damage to internal transmissioncomponents.
Automatic Transmission FluidFilter
Your automatic transmission is equippedwith a serviceable transmission fluid filterlocated inside the transmission bottompan. For service intervals for the automatictransmission fluid and transmission filter,See Scheduled Maintenance (page 270).
For transmission filter maintenance, seeyour authorized dealer.
BRAKE FLUID CHECK
WARNINGS
Do not use any fluid other than therecommended brake fluid as this willreduce brake efficiency. Use ofincorrect fluid could result in the loss ofvehicle control, serious personal injury ordeath.
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WARNINGS
Only use brake fluid from a sealedcontainer. Contamination with dirt,water, petroleum products or othermaterials may result in brake systemdamage or failure. Failure to adhere to thiswarning could result in the loss of vehiclecontrol, serious personal injury or death.
Do not allow the fluid to touch yourskin or eyes. If this happens, rinse theaffected areas immediately withplenty of water and contact your physician.
A fluid level between the MAX andMIN lines is within the normaloperating range and there is no needto add fluid. A fluid level not in the normaloperating range could compromise theperformance of the system. Have yourvehicle checked immediately.
To avoid fluid contamination, the reservoircap must remain in place and fully tight,unless you are adding fluid.
Only use fluid that meets Fordspecifications. See Capacities andSpecifications (page 194).
POWER STEERING FLUID
CHECK
WARNINGS
A fluid level between the MAX andMIN lines is within the normaloperating range and there is no needto add fluid. A fluid level not in the normaloperating range could compromise theperformance of the system.
For E-350 and E-450 vehicles withthe Hydro-Boost Brake System, donot press the brake pedal after theengine has been turned off. Pressing thebrake pedal after the engine has beenturned off will give a false power steeringfluid level reading.
Only use fluid that meets Fordspecifications. See Capacities andSpecifications (page 199).
To top up the power steering fluid level dothe following.
1. Start the engine and let it run until itreaches normal operating temperature.
2. Make sure the fluid is within the MINand MAX range.
3. If the fluid level is low, add fluid to bewithin the MIN and MAX range. Do notoverfill.
4.While the engine idles, turn the steeringwheel left and right several times.
5. Recheck the fluid level in the reservoir.
Note:Do not operate the vehicle with a lowpower steering pump fluid level.
WASHER FLUID CHECK
WARNING
If you operate your vehicle intemperatures below 40°F (5°C), usewasher fluid with antifreezeprotection. Failure to use washer fluid withantifreeze protection in cold weather couldresult in impaired windshield vision andincrease the risk of injury or accident.
Add fluid to fill the reservoir if the level islow. Only use a washer fluid that meetsFord specifications. See Capacities andSpecifications (page 194).
State or local regulations on volatileorganic compounds may restrict the useof methanol, a common windshield washerantifreeze additive. Washer fluidscontaining non-methanol antifreezeagents should be used only if they providecold weather protection without damagingthe vehicle’s paint finish, wiper blades orwasher system.
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CHANGING THE 12V BATTERY
WARNINGS
This vehicle may be fitted with morethan one battery, removal of cablefrom only one battery does notdisconnect the vehicle electrical system.Be sure to disconnect cables from allbatteries when disconnecting power.Failure to do so may cause seriouspersonal injury or property damage.
Batteries normally produce explosivegases which can cause personalinjury. Therefore, do not allowflames, sparks or lighted substances tocome near the battery. When working nearthe battery, always shield your face andprotect your eyes. Always provide properventilation.
When lifting a plastic-cased battery,excessive pressure on the end wallscould cause acid to flow through thevent caps, resulting in personal injuryand/or damage to the vehicle or battery.Lift the battery with a battery carrier orwith your hands on opposite corners.
Keep batteries out of reach ofchildren. Batteries contain sulfuricacid. Avoid contact with skin, eyes orclothing. Shield your eyes when workingnear the battery to protect against possiblesplashing of acid solution. In case of acidcontact with skin or eyes, flushimmediately with water for a minimum of15 minutes and get prompt medicalattention. If acid is swallowed, call aphysician immediately.
Battery posts, terminals and relatedaccessories contain lead and leadcompounds. Wash hands afterhandling.
Note:If your vehicle battery has a cover,make sure it is reinstalled after the batteryhas been cleaned or replaced.
Note:Electrical or electronic accessoriesor components added to the vehicle by thedealer or the owner may adversely affectbattery performance and durability.
Your vehicle is fitted with a Motorcraft®maintenance-free battery which normallydoes not require additional water duringits life of service.
For longer, trouble-free operation, keep thetop of the battery clean and dry. Also,make certain the battery cables are alwaystightly fastened to the battery terminals.
If you see any corrosion on the battery orterminals, remove the cables from theterminals and clean with a wire brush. Youcan neutralize the acid with a solution ofbaking soda and water.
Always dispose of automotive batteries ina responsible manner. Follow your localauthorized standards for disposal. Call yourlocal authorized recycling center to findout more about recycling automotivebatteries.
Reconnecting the Battery
Because your vehicle’s engine iselectronically controlled by a computer,some control conditions are maintainedby power from the battery. When thebattery is disconnected or a new batteryis installed, the engine must relearn its idleand fuel trim strategy for optimumdriveability and performance. Flexible fuelvehicles (FFV) must also relearn theethanol content of the fuel for optimumdriveability and performance.
To begin this process.
1.Switch off all accessories and start theengine.
2. Run the engine until it reaches normaloperating temperature.
3.Allow the engine to idle for at least oneminute.
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4. Turn the A/C on and allow the engineto idle for at least one minute.
5. Fully press the foot brake. Release theparking brake. Shift the gearshift leverto Drive (D) and allow the engine toidle for at least one minute.
6. Drive the vehicle for approximately10 mi (16 km) to complete therelearning process.
Note:If you do not carry out the aboveprocess, the idle quality of your vehicle maybe adversely affected until the idle trim iseventually relearned.
Flexible fuel vehicles operating on E85 mayexperience poor starts and driveabilityproblems until the fuel trim and ethanolcontent have been relearned.
When the battery is disconnected or a newbattery installed, the transmission mustlearn its adaptive strategy. As a result ofthis, the transmission may shift firmly. Thisoperation is considered normal and fullyupdates transmission operation to itsoptimum shift feel. We recommend thatthe negative battery cable terminal bedisconnected from the battery if you planto store your vehicle for an extended periodof time. This minimizes the discharge ofyour battery during storage.
Dual Batteries (If Equipped)
Your vehicle may be fitted with aframe-mounted battery located on thepassenger side frame rail, behind the frontpassenger door. This battery is connectedin parallel with the battery in the enginecompartment. Both batteries are used tostart the vehicle.
CHECKING THE WIPER
BLADES
Run the tip of your fingers over the edge ofthe blade to check for roughness.
Clean the wiper blades with washer fluidor water applied with a soft sponge orcloth.
CHANGING THE WIPER
BLADES
You can manually move the wiper armswhen the ignition is off. This allows for easeof blade replacement and cleaning underthe blades.
1. Pull the wiper blade and arm awayfrom the glass.
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2. Release the wiper blade lock (A) andseparate the wiper blade from thewiper arm.
3. Install in the reverse order.
Note:Make sure that the wiper blade locksinto place. Lower the wiper arm and bladeback on the windshield. The wiper arms willautomatically return to their normal positionwhen you turn the ignition on.
•Replace wiper blades at least once peryear for optimum performance.
•You can improve poor wiper quality bycleaning the wiper blades and thewindshield.
ADJUSTING THE HEADLAMPS
We properly aim the headlamps on yourvehicle at the assembly plant. If yourvehicle has been in an accident, have anauthorized dealer check the alignment ofyour headlamps.
Vertical Aim AdjustmentProcedure
You can only adjust the headlampsvertically. Your vehicle does not requirehorizontal aim adjustments.
8 feet (2.4 meters).A
Center height of lamp to ground.B
25 feet (7.6 meters).C
Horizontal reference line.D
To adjust the headlamps:
1. Park the vehicle directly in front of awall or screen on a level surface,approximately 25 ft (7.6 m) away.
2. Measure the height of the headlampbulb center from the ground and markan 8 ft (2.4 m) horizontal reference lineon the vertical wall or screen at thisheight.
Note:To see a clearer light pattern foradjusting, you may want to block the lightfrom one headlamp while adjusting theother.
3. Turn on the low beam headlamps toilluminate the wall or screen and openthe hood.
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4.On the wall or screen, you will observea flat zone of high intensity lightlocated at the top of the right handportion of the beam pattern. If the topedge of the high intensity light zone isnot at the horizontal reference line, youwill need to adjust the headlamp.
5. Locate the vertical adjuster on eachheadlamp. Using a Phillips #2screwdriver, turn the adjuster eitherclockwise or counterclockwise in orderto adjust the vertical aim of theheadlamp.
6.Repeat steps 3 through 5 to adjust theother headlamp.
7. Close the hood and switch off thelamps.
REMOVING A HEADLAMP
1. Make sure the headlamp switch is inthe off position, then open the hood.
2. Remove the three screws from theheadlamp assembly and pull theassembly straight out.
3.Disconnect the electrical connector bysqueezing the release tab and pushingthe connector forward, then pulling itrearward.
4. Remove the headlamp.
To install the new lamp, follow theremoval procedures in reverse order.
CHANGING A BULB
Lamp Assembly Condensation
Exterior lamps are vented toaccommodate normal changes inpressure. Condensation can be a naturalby-product of this design. When moist airenters the lamp assembly through thevents, there is a possibility thatcondensation can occur when thetemperature is cold. When normal
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