2018 FORD F-53 brake fluid

GENERAL INFORMATION
Have your vehicle serviced regularly to help
maintain its roadworthiness and resale
value. There is a large network of
authorized dealers that are there to help
you with their professional servicing
expertise. We believe that their specially
trained technicians are best qualified to
service your vehicle properly and expertly.
They are supported by a wide range of
highly specialized tools developed
specifically for servicing your vehicle.
If your vehicle requires professional service,
an authorized dealer can provide the
necessary parts and service. Check your
warranty information to find out which
parts and services are covered.
Use only recommended fuels, lubricants,
fluids and service parts conforming to
specifications. Motorcraft® parts are
designed and built to provide the best
performance in your vehicle.
Precautions
•
Do not work on a hot engine.
• Make sure that nothing gets caught in
moving parts. •
Do not work on a vehicle with the
engine running in an enclosed space,
unless you are sure you have enough
ventilation.
• Keep all open flames and other burning
material (such as cigarettes) away
from the battery and all fuel related
parts.
Working with the Engine Off
1. Set the parking brake and shift to park
(P).
2. Switch off the engine.
3. Block the wheels.
Working with the Engine On WARNING
To reduce the risk of vehicle damage
and/or personal burn injuries, do not
start your engine with the air cleaner
removed and do not remove it while the
engine is running. 1.
Set the parking brake and shift to park
(P).
2. Block the wheels.
UNDER HOOD OVERVIEW - COMMERCIAL CHASSIS
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Engine coolant reservoir. See
Engine Coolant Check (page
93).
A
Engine oil filler cap. See Engine
Oil Check
(page 91).
B
Automatic transmission fluid
dipstick. See
Automatic
Transmission Fluid Check
(page
97).
C
Engine compartment fuse box.
See
Fuses (page 68).
D Engine oil dipstick. See
Engine
Oil Dipstick (page 91).
E
Air filter assembly. See
Changing the Engine Air Filter
(page
103).
F
Power steering fluid reservoir.
See
Power Steering Fluid
Check (page 100).
G
Brake fluid reservoir. See
Brake
Fluid Check (page 99).
H
UNDER HOOD OVERVIEW - MOTORHOME CHASSIS
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Engine coolant reservoir. See
Engine Coolant Check (page
93).
A
Engine oil filler cap. See Engine
Oil Check
(page 91).
B
Automatic transmission fluid
dipstick. See
Automatic
Transmission Fluid Check
(page
97).
C
Engine compartment fuse box.
See
Fuses (page 68).
D
Air filter assembly. See
Changing the Engine Air Filter
(page
103).
E
Engine oil dipstick. See
Engine
Oil Dipstick (page 91).
F
Power steering fluid reservoir.
See
Power Steering Fluid
Check (page 100).
G
Brake fluid reservoir. See
Brake
Fluid Check (page 99).
H ENGINE OIL DIPSTICK
MINA
MAX
B
ENGINE OIL CHECK
To check the engine oil level consistently
and accurately, do the following:
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Note:
Do not add oil further than the
maximum mark. Oil levels above the
maximum mark may cause engine damage.
Note: Make sure you install the oil filler cap
correctly.
Note: Soak up any spillage with an
absorbent cloth immediately.
OIL CHANGE INDICATOR
RESET
Resetting the Oil Life Monitoring
System
Only reset the oil life monitoring system
after changing the engine oil and oil filter.
To reset the oil life monitoring system do
the following:
1. Switch the ignition on. Do not start the
engine.
2. Fully press the accelerator and brake pedals at the same time.
3. Keep the accelerator and brake pedals
fully pressed.
4. After three seconds, a message displays confirming the reset procedure
is in progress.
5. After 25 seconds, a message displays confirming the reset procedure is
complete.
6. Release the accelerator and brake pedals.
7. Switch the ignition off. ENGINE COOLANT CHECK WARNINGS
Do not remove the coolant reservoir
cap when the cooling system is hot.
Wait 10 minutes for the cooling
system to cool down. Cover the coolant
reservoir cap with a thick cloth to prevent
the possibility of scalding and slowly
remove the cap. Failure to follow this
instruction could result in personal injury. Do not put coolant in the windshield
washer fluid reservoir. If sprayed on
the windshield, coolant could make
it difficult to see through the windshield. To reduce the risk of personal injury,
make sure the engine is cool before
unscrewing the coolant pressure
relief cap. The cooling system is under
pressure. Steam and hot liquid can come
out forcefully when you loosen the cap
slightly. Do not add coolant further than the
MAX mark.
When the engine is cold, check the
concentration and level of the coolant at
the intervals listed in the scheduled
maintenance information. See Scheduled
Maintenance
(page 140).
Note: Make sure that the coolant 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.
Maintain coolant concentration within
48% to 50%, which equates to a freeze
point between -30°F (-34°C) and -34°F
(-37°C). Coolant concentration should be
checked using a refractometer. We do not
recommend the use of hydrometers or
coolant test strips for measuring coolant
concentration.
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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.
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.
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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
injury. 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
133).
Add fluid up to the bottom of the rings
located at the top of the reservoir. Do not
fill above this line. 99
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•
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 140).
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 140). 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.
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Underbody
Regularly clean the underside of your
vehicle using water. Keep body and door
drain holes free of debris or foreign
material.
Under Hood
For removing black rubber marks from
under the hood we recommend Motorcraft
Wheel and Tire Cleaner or Motorcraft Bug
and Tar Remover.
CLEANING THE ENGINE
Engines are more efficient when they are
clean because grease and dirt buildup keep
the engine warmer than normal.
When washing:
•
Take care when using a power washer
to clean the engine. The high-pressure
fluid could penetrate the sealed parts
and cause damage.
• Do not spray a hot engine with cold
water to avoid cracking the engine
block or other engine components.
• Spray Motorcraft Engine Shampoo and
Degreaser on all parts that require
cleaning and pressure rinse clean. In
Canada, use Motorcraft Engine
Shampoo.
• Never wash or rinse the engine while it
is hot or running; water in the running
engine may cause internal damage.
• Never wash or rinse any ignition coil,
spark plug wire or spark plug well, or
the area in and around these locations.
• Cover the battery, power distribution
box, and air filter assembly to prevent
water damage when cleaning the
engine. CLEANING THE WHEELS (If
Equipped)
1. Regularly clean them with a wheel cleaner. We recommend that you use
Ford approved wheel cleaner if
available.
2. Remove dirt and brake dust with a sponge.
3. Remove tar and grease with a bug and
tar remover. We recommend that you
use Ford approved bug and tar remover
if available.
4. Thoroughly rinse the wheels with water
after cleaning.
If you intend on parking your vehicle for an
extended period after cleaning the wheels
with a wheel cleaner, drive your vehicle for
a few minutes before doing so. This
reduces the risk of corrosion of the brake
discs, brake pads and linings.
Do not clean the wheels when they are hot.
Note: Some car washes could damage
wheel rims and covers.
Note: Using non-recommended cleaners,
harsh cleaning products, chrome wheel
cleaners or abrasive materials could
damage wheel rims and covers.
VEHICLE STORAGE
If you plan on storing your vehicle for 30
days or more, read the following
maintenance recommendations to make
sure your vehicle stays in good operating
condition.
We engineer and test all motor vehicles
and their components for reliable, regular
driving. Under various conditions,
long-term storage may lead to degraded
engine performance or failure unless you
use specific precautions to preserve engine
components.
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