2018 FORD F-53 oil level

General
•
Store all vehicles in a dry, ventilated
place.
• Protect from sunlight, if possible.
• If vehicles are stored outside, they
require regular maintenance to protect
against rust and damage.
Body
• Wash your vehicle thoroughly to
remove dirt, grease, oil, tar or mud from
exterior surfaces, rear-wheel housing
and the underside of front fenders.
• Periodically wash your vehicle if it is
stored in exposed locations.
• Touch-up exposed or primed metal to
prevent rust.
• Cover chrome and stainless steel parts
with a thick coat of auto wax to prevent
discoloration. Re-wax as necessary
when you wash your vehicle.
• Lubricate all hood, door and luggage
compartment hinges and latches with
a light grade oil.
• Cover interior trim to prevent fading.
• Keep all rubber parts free from oil and
solvents.
Engine
• Change the engine oil and filter prior to
storage because used engine oil
contains contaminates which may
cause engine damage.
• Start the engine every 15 days for a
minimum of 15 minutes. Run at fast idle
with the climate controls set to defrost
until the engine reaches normal
operating temperature. •
With your foot on the brake, shift
through all the gears while the engine
is running.
• We recommend that you change the
engine oil before you use your vehicle
again.
Fuel system
• Fill the fuel tank with high-quality fuel
until the first automatic shutoff of the
fuel pump nozzle.
Cooling system
• Protect against freezing temperatures.
• When removing your vehicle from
storage, check coolant fluid level.
Confirm that there are no cooling
system leaks and that fluid is at the
recommended level.
Battery
• Check and recharge as necessary. Keep
connections clean.
• If storing your vehicle for more than 30
days without recharging the battery,
we recommend that you disconnect
the battery cables to maintain battery
charge for quick starting.
Note: It is necessary to reset memory
features if battery cables are disconnected.
Brakes
• Make sure the brakes and parking brake
release fully.
Tires
• Maintain recommended air pressure.
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Miscellaneous
•
Make sure all linkages, cables, levers
and pins under your vehicle are covered
with grease to prevent rust.
• Move vehicles at least 25 ft (7.5 m)
every 15 days to lubricate working parts
and prevent corrosion.
Removing Vehicle From Storage
When your vehicle is ready to come out of
storage, do the following:
• Wash your vehicle to remove any dirt
or grease film build-up on window
surfaces.
• Check windshield wipers for any
deterioration.
• Check under the hood for any foreign
material that may have collected
during storage such as mice or squirrel
nests.
• Check the exhaust for any foreign
material that may have collected
during storage.
• Check tire pressures and set tire
inflation per the Tire Label.
• Check brake pedal operation. Drive
your vehicle
15 ft (4.5 m) back and
forth to remove rust build-up.
• Check fluid levels (including coolant,
oil and gas) to make sure there are no
leaks, and fluids are at recommended
levels.
• If you remove the battery, clean the
battery cable ends and check for
damage.
Contact an authorized dealer if you have
any concerns or issues.
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If you use oil and fluids that do not meet
the defined specification and viscosity
grade, this may lead to:
•
Component damage which is not
covered by the vehicle warranty.
• Longer engine cranking periods.
• Increased emission levels.
• Reduced engine performance.
• Reduced fuel economy.
• Degraded brake performance.
We recommend Motorcraft® motor oil for
your vehicle. If Motorcraft® oil is not
available, use motor oils of the
recommended viscosity grade that meet
API SN requirements and display the API
Certification Mark for gasoline engines. Do
not use oil labeled with API SN service
category unless the label also displays the
API certification mark. An oil that displays this symbol conforms
to current engine, emission system and
fuel economy performance standards of
ILSAC.
Do not use supplemental engine oil
additives because they are unnecessary
and could lead to engine damage that may
not be covered by your vehicle warranty.
Note:
Ford recommends using DOT 3 High
Performance Brake Fluid or equivalent
meeting WSS-M6C65-A1 or DOT 5.1 Motor
Vehicle Brake Fluid WSS-M6C65-A3. Use
of any fluid other than the recommended
fluid may cause degraded brake
performance and not meet the Ford
performance standards. Keep brake fluid
clean and dry. Contamination with dirt,
water, petroleum products or other
materials may result in brake system
damage and possible failure.
Note: Automatic transmissions that require
MERCON® LV transmission fluid should
only use MERCON® LV transmission fluid.
The use of any other fluid may cause
transmission damage.
Alternative Engine Oil for
Extremely Cold Climates
To improve engine cold start performance,
we recommend that you use the following
alternative engine oil in extremely cold
climates, where the ambient temperature
reaches -22.0°F (-30°C) or below.
Materials Specification
Name
WSS-M2C953-A1
Motorcraft® SAE 0W-30 Premium Synthetic Blend Motor
Oil:
Engine Oil - SAE 0W-30
XO-0W30-QSP
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Ford Motor Company has recommended
maintenance intervals for various parts
and component systems based upon
engineering testing. Ford Motor Company
relies upon this testing to determine the
most appropriate mileage for replacement
of oils and fluids to protect your vehicle at
the lowest overall cost to you and
recommends against maintenance
schedules that deviate from the scheduled
maintenance information.
We strongly recommend the use of only
genuine Ford, Motorcraft or
Ford-authorized re-manufactured
replacement parts engineered for your
vehicle.
Additives and Chemicals
This owner's manual and the Ford
Workshop Manual list the recommended
additives and chemicals for your vehicle.
We do not recommend using chemicals or
additives not approved by us as part of
your vehicle
’s normal maintenance. Please
consult your warranty information. Oils, Fluids and Flushing
In many cases, fluid discoloration is a
normal operating characteristic and, by
itself, does not necessarily indicate a
concern or that the fluid needs to be
changed. However, a qualified expert, such
as the factory-trained technicians at your
dealership, should inspect discolored fluids
that also show signs of overheating or
foreign material contamination
immediately.
Make sure to change your vehicle
’s oils and
fluids at the specified intervals or in
conjunction with a repair. Flushing is a
viable way to change fluid for many vehicle
sub-systems during scheduled
maintenance. It is critical that systems are
flushed only with new fluid that is the same
as that required to fill and operate the
system or using a Ford-approved flushing
chemical.
Owner Checks and Services
Make sure you perform the following basic
maintenance checks and inspections every
month or at six-month intervals. Check every month
Engine oil level.
Function of all interior and exterior lights.
Tires (including spare) for wear and proper pressure. Windshield washer fluid level. Check every six months
Battery connections. Clean if necessary.
Body and door drain holes for obstructions. Clean if necessary. Cooling system fluid level and coolant strength.
Door weatherstrips for wear. Lubricate if necessary.
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Check every six months
Hinges, latches and outside locks for proper operation. Lubricate if necessary. Parking brake for proper operation.
Safety belts and seat latches for wear and function.
Safety warning lamps (brake, ABS, airbag and safety belt) for operation.
Washer spray and wiper operation. Clean or replace blades as necessary.
Multi-point Inspection
In order to keep your vehicle running right,
it is important to have the systems on your
vehicle checked regularly. This can help
identify potential issues and prevent major
problems. We recommend having the
following multi-point inspection performed
at every scheduled maintenance interval
to help make sure your vehicle keeps
running great. Multi-point inspection
Horn operation
Accessory drive belt(s)
Radiator, cooler, heater and A/C hoses
Battery performance
Suspension component for leaks ordamage
Engine air filter
Steering and linkage
Exhaust system
Tires (including spare) for wear and properpressure**
Exterior lamps and hazard warning system
operation
Windshield for cracks, chips or pits
Fluid levels *
; fill if necessary
Washer spray and wiper operation
For oil and fluid leaks
* Brake, coolant recovery reservoir, automatic transmission, power steering and window
washer.
** If your vehicle is equipped with a temporary mobility kit, check the tire sealant expiration
Use By date on the canister. Replace as needed.
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Be sure to ask your dealership service
advisor or technician about the multi-point
vehicle inspection. It is a comprehensive
way to perform a thorough inspection of
your vehicle. Your checklist gives you
immediate feedback on the overall
condition of your vehicle.
NORMAL SCHEDULED MAINTENANCE Every 7500 miles (12000 km) or six months (whichever comes first)
Change engine oil and filter.
Rotate tires *
, inspect tire wear and measure tread depth.
Inspect wheels and related components for abnormal noise, wear, looseness or drag.
Perform multi-point inspection (recommended).
* Vehicles with dual rear wheels should rotate the front wheels when specified; rear wheels
only if unusual wear is noted. Every 15000 miles (24000 km) or 12 months (whichever comes first)
Inspect automatic transmission fluid level. Consult dealer for requirements.
Inspect brake pads, shoes, rotors, drums, brake linings, hoses and parking brake.
Inspect engine cooling system strength and hoses.
Inspect exhaust system and heat shields.
Inspect steering linkage, ball joints, suspension, tie-rod ends, drive shaft and U-joints.
Lubricate if equipped with grease fittings. Other maintenance items
Replace engine air filter.
Every 30000 miles (48000
km)
Change automatic transmission fluid and filter. Consult
dealer for requirements.
Every 60000 miles (96000
km) Replace front wheel bearing grease and grease seal if non-
sealed bearings are used.
Replace spark plugs.
Every 97,500 miles (157000
km)
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Rear axle fluid change or level check not
required unless leak is suspected or the
assembly has been submerged in water.
During long periods of trailer towing with
outside temperatures above 70°F (21°C)
and at wide-open throttle for long periods
above 45 mph (72 km/h), change rear axle
fluid every 24,000 mi (38,000 km) or three
months, whichever comes first.
California fuel filter replacement: If you
register your vehicle in California, the
California Air Resources Board has
determined that the failure to perform this
maintenance item does not nullify the
emission warranty or limit recall liability
before the completion of your vehicle's
useful life. Ford Motor Company, however,
urges you to have all recommended
maintenance services performed at the
specified intervals and to record all vehicle
service.
Hot climate oil change intervals:
Vehicles operating in the Middle East,
North Africa, Sub-Saharan Africa or
locations with similar climates using an
American Petroleum Institute (API)
Certified for Gasoline Engines (Certification
mark) oil of SM or SN quality, the normal
oil change interval is 5000 miles (8000
kilometers).
If the available API SM or SN oils are not
available, then the oil change interval is
3000 miles (4800 kilometers).
Engine air filter and cabin air filter
replacement
: The life of the engine air
filter and cabin air filter is dependent on
exposure to dusty and dirty conditions.
Vehicles operated in these conditions
require frequent inspection and
replacement of the engine air filter and
cabin air filter.
SCHEDULED MAINTENANCE
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Repair Order #:Distance:
Engine hours (optional): Multi-point inspection (recommended): Signature:
Dealer stamp

A
About This Manual...........................................5
ABS
See: Brakes............................................................. 40
ABS driving hints See: Hints on Driving With Anti-Lock
Brakes.................................................................. 40
Accessories See: Replacement Parts
Recommendation.............................................. 8
Adjusting the Steering Wheel.....................12
Air Filter See: Changing the Engine Air Filter.............103
Appendices.....................................................158
Audible Warnings and Indicators.............20 Fail-Safe Cooling Warning Chime.................20
Headlamps On Warning Chime...................... 20
Key in Ignition Warning Chime........................ 20
Parking Brake On Warning Chime.................20
Shift to Park Warning Chime........................... 20
Automatic Transmission..............................37
Brake-Shift Interlock........................................... 39
If Your Vehicle Gets Stuck In Mud or Snow.................................................................... 39
Understanding the Positions of Your Automatic Transmission............................... 37
Automatic Transmission Fluid Check...............................................................97
Adjusting automatic transmission fluid levels.................................................................... 98
Automatic transmission fluid filter...............99
Correct fluid level................................................. 98
High fluid level....................................................... 98
Low fluid level....................................................... 98
B
Battery See: Changing the 12V Battery....................... 101
Brake Fluid Check..........................................99 Hydroboost.......................................................... 100
Hydromax............................................................... 99
Brakes................................................................40 General Information........................................... 40
Breaking-In.......................................................54 C
California Proposition 65...............................7
Capacities and Specifications
.................133
Alternative Engine Oil for Extremely Cold
Climates............................................................ 136
Specifications...................................................... 134
Car Wash See: Cleaning the Exterior............................... 105
Catalytic Converter........................................34 On-Board Diagnostics (OBD-II)..................... 35
Readiness for Inspection and Maintenance (I/M) Testing..................................................... 35
Changing a Fuse
.............................................87
Fuses........................................................................\
. 87
Changing a Road Wheel............................125 Dissimilar Spare Wheel and Tire Assembly
Information....................................................... 125
Tire Change Procedure..................................... 126
Changing the 12V Battery...........................101 Battery relearn..................................................... 102
Changing the Engine Air Filter.................103
Cleaning the Engine....................................106
Cleaning the Exterior...................................105 Cleaning the Headlamps................................. 105
Exterior Chrome Parts...................................... 105
Exterior Plastic Parts......................................... 105
Stripes or Graphics............................................ 105
Underbody............................................................ 106
Under Hood.......................................................... 106
Cleaning the Wheels
...................................106
Coolant Check See: Engine Coolant Check.............................. 93
Cruise Control
...................................................12
Principle of Operation......................................... 42
Cruise control See: Using Cruise Control.................................. 42
Customer Assistance....................................61
D
Daytime Running Lamps..............................15
Direction Indicators
........................................15
Driving Hints.....................................................54
Driving Through Water.................................55
DRL See: Daytime Running Lamps.......................... 15
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