2019 FORD F-53 maintenance schedule

AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
FLUID CHECK
WARNING: The dipstick andsurrounding components are hot. Usegloves when moving components andchecking the transmission fluid level.Failure to follow this warning could resultin serious personal injury.
Note:Automatic transmission fluidexpands when warmed. To obtain anaccurate fluid check, drive the vehicle untilit is at normal operating temperature(approximately 20 mi (30 km)). If yourvehicle has been operated for an extendedperiod at high speeds, in city traffic duringhot weather or pulling a trailer, the vehicleshould be turned off for about 30 minutesto allow fluid to cool to normal operatingtemperature 196°F - 215°F (91°C - 102°C)before checking.
Refer to your scheduled maintenanceinformation for scheduled intervals for fluidchecks and changes.
Your transmission does not consume fluid.However, the fluid level should be checkedif the transmission is not working properly,(i.e., if the transmission slips or shiftsslowly) or if you notice some sign of fluidleakage. To check the fluid level:
1.Drive the vehicle 20 mi (30 km) or untilit reaches normal operatingtemperature
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.Latch the gearshift lever in P (Park)and leave the engine running.
5.Remove the dipstick, wiping it cleanwith a clean, dry lint free rag. Ifnecessary, refer to 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.
Do not use supplemental transmissionfluid additives, treatments or cleaningagents. The use of these materials mayaffect transmission operation and resultin damage to internal transmissioncomponents.
Low fluid level
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
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The transmission fluid should be in thisrange if at normal operating temperature196°F - 215°F (91°C - 102°C).
The transmission fluid should be checkedat normal operating temperature 196°F -215°F (91°C - 102°C) on a level surface.The normal operating temperature can bereached after approximately 20 mi(30 km) of driving. You can check the fluidwithout driving if the ambient temperatureis above 50°F (10°C). However, if fluid isadded at this time, an overfill conditioncould result when the vehicle reachesnormal operating temperature
High fluid level
Fluid levels above the safe range mayresult in transmission failure. An overfillcondition of transmission fluid may causeshift and/or engagement concerns and/orpossible damage. High fluid levels can becaused by an overheating condition.
Adjusting automatic transmissionfluid levels
Note:Use of a non-approved automatictransmission fluid may cause internaltransmission damage. Before adding anyfluid, make sure the correct type is used. Thetype of fluid used is normally indicated onthe transmission dipstick and also in theSee Capacities and Specifications (page134).
Add fluid in ½ pint (250 ml) incrementsthrough the filler tube until the level iscorrect.
Note:If an overfill occurs, excess fluidshould be removed by an authorized dealer.An overfill condition of transmission fluidmay cause shift and/or engagementconcerns and/or 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 fluid filter
The TorqShift6™ automatic transmissionis equipped with a serviceable transmissionfluid filter located inside the transmissionbottom pan. Refer to the scheduledmaintenance information for serviceintervals for the automatic transmissionfluid and transmission filter. Fortransmission filter maintenance, see yourauthorized dealer.
BRAKE FLUID CHECK
Fluid levels between the MIN and MAXlines are within the normal operating range;there is no need to add fluid. If the fluidlevels are outside of the normal operatingrange, the performance of the systemcould be compromised; seek service fromyour authorized dealer immediately.
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Hydromax
WARNING: Carefully readcautionary information on product label.For MEDICAL EMERGENCYINFORMATION contact a physician orPoison Control Center immediately; onFord-Motorcraft™ products call:1-800-959-3673 (FORD). Failure tofollow these instructions may result inpersonal injury.
WARNING: Use of any brake fluidother than that indicated for your brakesystem will cause permanent damage.
WARNING: Do not let the reservoirfor the master cylinder run dry. This maycause the brakes to fail and result inpersonal injury.
Chassis with gross vehicle weight ratingsof 20500 pounds (9299 kilograms),22000 pounds (9979 kilograms), 24000pounds (10886 kilograms) and 26000pounds (11793 kilograms) are equippedwith Hydromax Brake Booster Systemsand must use Motorcraft DOT 5.1 MotorVehicle Brake Fluid or equivalent meetingFord Specification ESD-M6C57-A. SeeCapacities and Specifications (page138).
Add fluid up to the bottom of the ringslocated at the top of the reservoir. Do notfill above this line.
•Use only DOT 5.1 brake fluid that iscertified to meet Ford specifications.
•A clear gel-like substance in thehydraulic brake master cylinderreservoir may appear on some vehicles.This substance is a silicone baselubricant used during assembly of themaster cylinder. It will float on top ofthe brake hydraulic fluid in the mastercylinder. This condition is normal andin no way affects the operation of thebrake system. It does not require anyservice.
•Brake system fluid should be replacedon a regular basis to maintain optimumbraking performance, especially underheavy-duty driving conditions such asfrequent steep grades or heavy towingloads. See Scheduled Maintenance(page 145).
Hydroboost
Chassis with gross vehicle weight ratingsof 16000 pounds (7257 kilograms), 18000pounds (8165 kilograms) and 19500pounds (8845 kilograms) are equippedwith Hydroboost Brake Booster Systemsand must use Motorcraft HighPerformance DOT 3 Motor Vehicle BrakeFluid or equivalent meeting FordSpecification WSS-M6C62-A.
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Add brake fluid from a clean unopenedcontainer until the level reaches MAX. Donot fill above this line. Use only DOT 3brake fluid that is certified to meet Fordspecifications.
Brake system fluid should be replaced ona regular basis to maintain optimumbraking performance, especially underheavy-duty driving conditions such asfrequent steep grades or heavy towingloads. See Scheduled Maintenance(page 145).
POWER STEERING FLUID
CHECK
Note:The power steering cap has both acold and hot indicator on the dipstick.
1.Start the engine and let it run until itreaches normal operating temperature(the engine coolant temperature gaugeindicator will be near the center of thenormal area between H and C).
2.While the engine idles, turn the steeringwheel left and right several times.
3.Turn the engine off.
4.Check the fluid level on the dipstick. Itshould be between the arrows in theFULL range on the side of the dipstickwith the words MAX. HOT at the top.Do not add fluid if the level is withinthis range.
5.If the fluid is low, add fluid in smallamounts, continuously checking thelevel until it reaches the FULL range.Be sure to put the dipstick back in thereservoir.
Steering linkage lubrication points
There are nine lubrication points on thesteering linkage: See Capacities andSpecifications (page 138).
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•The transmission must relearn itsadaptive strategy. As a result of this,the transmission may shift firmly. Thisoperation is considered normal and willnot affect function or durability of thetransmission. Over time the adaptivelearning process will fully updatetransmission operation to its optimumshift feel.
•The clock and the preset radio stationsmust be reset once the battery isreconnected.
•Your vehicle’s engine is electronicallycontrolled by a computer, some controlconditions are maintained by powerfrom the battery, the engine mustrelearn its idle and fuel trim strategy.
When the battery is disconnected or a newbattery is installed, begin the batteryrelearn process:
1.With the vehicle at a complete stop,set the parking brake.
2.Put the gearshift lever in P (Park), turnoff all accessories and start the engine.
3.Run the engine until it reaches normaloperating temperature.
4.Allow the engine to idle for at least oneminute.
5.Turn the A/C on and allow the engineto idle for at least one minute.
6.Drive the vehicle to complete therelearning process.
•The vehicle may need to be drivento relearn the idle and fuel trimstrategy.
CHANGING THE ENGINE AIR
FILTER
WARNING: To reduce the risk ofvehicle damage and personal burninjuries, do not start your engine with theair cleaner removed and do not removeit while the engine is running.
Change the air filter element at the properinterval. See Scheduled Maintenance(page 145).
When changing the air filter element, useonly the air filter element listed. SeeCapacities and Specifications (page134).
Note:Failure to use the correct air filterelement may result in severe enginedamage. The customer warranty may bevoid for any damage to the engine if thecorrect air filter element is not used.
1.Loosen the latches that secure the airfilter cover in place.
2.Carefully separate the two halves ofthe air filter housing.
3.Remove the air filter element from thehousing.
4.Wipe any dirt or debris from the air filterhousing and cover.
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Tire Rotation
Note:If your tires show unevenwear ask an authorized dealer tocheck for and correct any wheelmisalignment, tire imbalance ormechanical problem involvedbefore tire rotation.
Note:Your vehicle may beequipped with a dissimilar sparewheel and tire assembly. Adissimilar spare wheel and tireassembly is defined as a sparewheel and tire assembly that isdifferent in brand, size orappearance from the road tires andwheels. If you have a dissimilarspare wheel and tire assembly it isintended for temporary use onlyand should not be used in a tirerotation.
Note:After having your tiresrotated, inflation pressure must bechecked and adjusted to thevehicle requirements.
Rotating your tires at therecommended interval (asindicated in the ScheduledMaintenance chapter) will helpyour tires wear more evenly,providing better tire performanceand longer tire life.
Dual rear wheel drive vehicle - sixtire rotation
If your vehicle is equipped withdual rear wheels it isrecommended that the front andrear tires (in pairs) be rotated onlyside to side. We do notrecommend splitting up the dualrear wheels. Rotate them side toside as a set. After tire rotation,inflation pressures must beadjusted for the tires newpositions in accordance withvehicle requirements.
Sometimes irregular tire wear canbe corrected by rotating the tires.
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Motorcraft Part numberComponent
SP-509Spark plugs
FT-187Transmission fluid filter
We recommend Motorcraft replacement parts available at your Ford dealer or atfordparts.com for scheduled maintenance. These parts meet or exceed Ford MotorCompany’s specifications and are engineered for your vehicle. Use of other parts mayimpact vehicle performance, emissions and durability. Your warranty may be void for anydamage related to use of other parts.
If a Motorcraft oil filter is not available, use an oil filter that meets industry performancespecification SAE/USCAR-36.
For spark plug replacement, contact an authorized dealer. Replace spark plugs at theappropriate intervals. See Scheduled Maintenance (page 145).
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Covered maintenance includes:
•Windshield wiper blades.
•Spark plugs.
•The clutch disc (if equipped).
•Brake pads and linings.
•Shock absorbers.
•Struts.
•Engine Belts.
•Engine coolant hoses, clamps ando-rings.
•Diesel exhaust fluid replenishment (ifequipped).
•Cabin air filter replacement every20,000 mi (32,000 km) (electricvehicles only).
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