2019 FORD F-53 check engine

ENGINE OIL DIPSTICK
MINA
MAXB
ENGINE OIL CHECK
To check the engine oil level consistentlyand accurately, do the following:
1.Make sure the parking brake is on. Makesure the transmission is in park (P) orneutral (N).
2.Run the engine until it reaches normaloperating temperature.
3.Make sure that your vehicle is on levelground.
4.Switch the engine off and wait 15minutes for the oil to drain into the oilpan. Checking the engine oil level toosoon after you switch the engine offmay result in an inaccurate reading.
5.Open the hood.
6.Remove the dipstick and wipe it witha clean, lint-free cloth. See UnderHood Overview (page 93).
7.Reinstall the dipstick and remove itagain to check the oil level. See UnderHood Overview (page 93).
8.Make sure that the oil level is betweenthe maximum and minimum marks. Ifthe oil level is at the minimum mark,add oil immediately. See Capacitiesand Specifications (page 138).
9.If the oil level is correct, replace thedipstick and make sure it is fully seated.
Note:Do not remove the dipstick when theengine is running.
Note: If the oil level is between themaximum and minimum marks, the oil levelis acceptable. Do not add oil.
Note:The oil consumption of new enginesreaches its normal level after approximately3,000 mi (5,000 km).
Adding Engine Oil
WARNING: Do not remove thefiller cap when the engine is running.
Do not use supplemental engine oiladditives because they are unnecessaryand could lead to engine damage that maynot be covered by the vehicle Warranty.
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Only use oils certified for gasoline enginesby the American Petroleum Institute (API).An oil with this trademark symbolconforms to the current engine andemission system protection standards andfuel economy requirements of theInternational Lubricants SpecificationAdvisory Committee (ILSAC).
To top up the engine oil level do thefollowing:
1.Clean the area surrounding the engineoil filler cap before you remove it.
2.Remove the engine oil filler cap. SeeUnder Hood Overview (page 93).Turn it counterclockwise and removeit.
3.Add engine oil that meets ourspecifications. See Capacities andSpecifications (page 138). You mayhave to use a funnel to pour the engineoil into the opening.
4.Recheck the oil level.
5.If the oil level is correct, replace thedipstick and make sure it is fully seated.
6.Replace the engine oil filler cap. Turnit clockwise until you feel a strongresistance.
Note: Do not add oil further than themaximum mark. Oil levels above themaximum mark may cause engine damage.
Note:Make sure you install the oil filler capcorrectly.
Note:Soak up any spillage with anabsorbent cloth immediately.
OIL CHANGE INDICATOR
RESET
Resetting the Oil Life MonitoringSystem
Only reset the oil life monitoring systemafter changing the engine oil and oil filter.
To reset the oil life monitoring system dothe following:
1.Switch the ignition on. Do not start theengine.
2.Fully press the accelerator and brakepedals at the same time.
3.Keep the accelerator and brake pedalsfully pressed.
4.After three seconds, a messagedisplays confirming the reset procedureis in progress.
5.After 25 seconds, a message displaysconfirming the reset procedure iscomplete.
6.Release the accelerator and brakepedals.
7.Switch the ignition off.
ENGINE COOLANT CHECK
WARNING: Do not remove thecoolant reservoir cap when the engine ison or the cooling system is hot. Wait 10minutes for the cooling system to cooldown. Cover the coolant reservoir capwith a thick cloth to prevent thepossibility of scalding and slowly removethe cap. Failure to follow this instructioncould result in personal injury.
WARNING: Do not put coolant inthe windshield washer reservoir. Ifsprayed on the windshield, coolant couldmake it difficult to see through thewindshield.
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WARNING: To reduce the risk ofpersonal injury, make sure the engine iscool before unscrewing the coolantpressure relief cap. The cooling systemis under pressure. Steam and hot liquidcan come out forcefully when you loosenthe cap slightly.
WARNING: Do not add coolantfurther than the MAX mark.
When the engine is cold, check theconcentration and level of the coolant atthe intervals listed in the scheduledmaintenance information. See ScheduledMaintenance (page 145).
Note:Make sure that the coolant level isbetween the MIN and MAX marks on thecoolant reservoir.
Note: Coolant expands when it is hot. Thelevel may extend beyond the MAX mark.
Maintain coolant concentration within48% to 50%, which equates to a freezepoint between -29°F (-34°C) and -35°F(-37°C). Coolant concentration should bechecked using a refractometer. We do notrecommend the use of hydrometers orcoolant test strips for measuring coolantconcentration.
Adding Coolant
WARNING: Do not remove thecoolant reservoir cap when the engine ison or the cooling system is hot. Wait 10minutes for the cooling system to cooldown. Cover the coolant reservoir capwith a thick cloth to prevent thepossibility of scalding and slowly removethe cap. Failure to follow this instructioncould result in personal injury.
Note:Automotive fluids are notinterchangeable. Take care not to put enginecoolant in the windshield washer fluidreservoir or windshield washer fluid in theengine coolant reservoir.
Note: Do not use stop leak pellets, coolingsystem sealants, or non-specified additivesas they can cause damage to the enginecooling or heating systems. Resultingcomponent damage may not be covered bythe vehicle Warranty.
It is very important to use predilutedcoolant approved to the correctspecification in order to avoid plugging thesmall passageways in the engine coolingsystem. See Capacities andSpecifications (page 134). Do not mixdifferent colors or types of coolant in yourvehicle. Mixing of engine coolants or usingan incorrect coolant may harm the engineor cooling system components and maynot be covered by the vehicle Warranty.
Note:If prediluted coolant is not available,use the approved concentrated coolantdiluting it to 50/50 with distilled water. SeeCapacities and Specifications (page 134).Using water that has not been deionizedmay contribute to deposit formation,corrosion and plugging of the small coolingsystem passageways.
Note: Coolants marketed for all makes andmodels may not be approved to Fordspecifications and may cause damage tothe cooling system. Resulting componentdamage may not be covered by the vehicleWarranty.
If the coolant level is at or below theminimum mark, add prediluted coolantimmediately.
To top up the coolant level do thefollowing:
1.Unscrew the cap slowly. Any pressureescapes as you unscrew the cap.
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2.Add prediluted coolant approved tothe correct specification. SeeCapacities and Specifications (page134).
3.Add enough prediluted coolant toreach the correct level.
4.Replace the coolant reservoir cap, turnit clockwise until you feel a strongresistance.
5.Check the coolant level in the coolantreservoir the next few times you driveyour vehicle. If necessary, add enoughprediluted engine coolant to bring thecoolant level to the correct level.
If you have to add more than 1.1 qt (1 L) ofengine coolant per month, have yourvehicle checked as soon as possible.Operating an engine with a low level ofcoolant can result in engine overheatingand possible engine damage.
Note:During normal vehicle operation, thecoolant may change color from orange topink or light red. As long as the coolant isclear and uncontaminated, this color changedoes not indicate the coolant has degradednor does it require the coolant to be drained,the system to be flushed, or the coolant tobe replaced.
In case of emergency, you can add a largeamount of water without engine coolantin order to reach a vehicle service location.In this instance, qualified personnel must:
•Drain the cooling system.
•Chemically clean the cooling system.
•Refill with engine coolant.
Water alone, without engine coolant, cancause engine damage from corrosion,overheating or freezing.
Do not use the following as a coolantsubstitute:
•Alcohol.
•Methanol.
•Brine.
•Any coolant mixed with alcohol ormethanol antifreeze.
Alcohol and other liquids can cause enginedamage from overheating or freezing.
Do not add extra inhibitors or additives tothe coolant. These can be harmful andcompromise the corrosion protection ofthe coolant.
Recycled Coolant
We do not recommend the use of recycledcoolant as an approved recycling processis not yet available.
Dispose of used engine coolant in anappropriate manner.
Follow your community's regulations andstandards for recycling and disposing ofautomotive fluids.
Severe Climates
If you drive in extremely cold climates:
•It may be necessary to increase thecoolant concentration above 50%.
•A coolant concentration of 60%provides improved freeze pointprotection. Coolant concentrationsabove 60% decrease the overheatprotection characteristics of thecoolant and may cause enginedamage.
If you drive in extremely hot climates:
•You can decrease the coolantconcentration to 40%.
•Coolant concentrations below 40%decrease the freeze and corrosionprotection characteristics of thecoolant and may cause enginedamage.
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Vehicles driven year-round in non-extremeclimates should use prediluted coolant foroptimum cooling system and engineprotection.
Coolant Change
At specific mileage intervals, as listed inthe scheduled maintenance information,the coolant should be changed. Addprediluted coolant approved to the correctspecification. See Capacities andSpecifications (page 134).
Fail-Safe Cooling
Fail-safe cooling allows you to temporarilydrive your vehicle before any incrementalcomponent damage occurs. The fail-safedistance depends on ambienttemperature, vehicle load and terrain.
How Fail-Safe Cooling Works
If the engine begins to overheat,the coolant temperature gaugemoves toward the red zone:
A warning lamp illuminates anda message may appear in theinformation display.
If the engine reaches a presetover-temperature condition, the engineautomatically switches to alternatingcylinder operation. Each disabled cylinderacts as an air pump and cools the engine.
When this occurs, your vehicle stilloperates, however:
•Engine power is limited.
•The air conditioning system turns off.
Continued operation increases the enginetemperature, causing the engine tocompletely shut down. Your steering andbraking effort increases in this situation.
When the engine temperature cools, youcan re-start the engine. Have your vehiclechecked as soon as possible to minimizeengine damage.
When Fail-Safe Mode Is Activated
WARNING: Fail-safe mode is foruse during emergencies only. Operateyour vehicle in fail-safe mode only aslong as necessary to bring your vehicleto rest in a safe location and seekimmediate repairs. When in fail-safemode, your vehicle will have limitedpower, will not be able to maintainhigh-speed operation, and maycompletely shut down without warning,potentially losing engine power, powersteering assist, and power brake assist,which may increase the possibility of acrash resulting in serious injury.
WARNING: Do not remove thecoolant reservoir cap when the engine ison or the cooling system is hot. Wait 10minutes for the cooling system to cooldown. Cover the coolant reservoir capwith a thick cloth to prevent thepossibility of scalding and slowly removethe cap. Failure to follow this instructioncould result in personal injury.
Your vehicle has limited engine powerwhen in the fail-safe mode, drive yourvehicle with caution. Your vehicle does notmaintain high-speed operation and theengine may operate poorly.
Remember that the engine is capable ofautomatically shutting down to preventengine damage. In this situation:
1.Pull off the road as soon as safelypossible and switch the engine off.
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2.If you are a member of a roadsideassistance program, we recommendthat you contact your roadsideassistance service provider.
3.If this is not possible, wait a shortperiod for the engine to cool.
4.Check the coolant level. If the coolantlevel is at or below the minimum mark,add prediluted coolant immediately.
5.When the engine temperature cools,you can re-start the engine. Have yourvehicle checked as soon as possible tominimize engine damage.
Note:Driving your vehicle without repairincreases the chance of engine damage.
Engine Coolant TemperatureManagement (If Equipped)
WARNING: To reduce the risk ofcrash and injury, be prepared that thevehicle speed may reduce and thevehicle may not be able to acceleratewith full power until the coolanttemperature reduces.
If you tow a trailer with your vehicle, theengine may temporarily reach a highertemperature during severe operatingconditions, for example ascending a longor steep grade in high ambienttemperatures.
At this time, you may notice the coolanttemperature gauge moves toward the redzone and a message may appear in theinformation display.
You may notice a reduction in vehiclespeed caused by reduced engine power inorder to manage the engine coolanttemperature. Your vehicle may enter thismode if certain high-temperature andhigh-load conditions take place. Theamount of speed reduction depends onvehicle loading, grade and ambienttemperature. If this occurs, there is no needto pull off the road, you can continue todrive your vehicle.
The air conditioning may automaticallyturn on and off during severe operatingconditions to protect the engine fromoverheating. When the coolanttemperature decreases to the normaloperating temperature, the air conditioningturns on.
If the coolant temperature gauge movesfully into the red zone, or if the coolanttemperature warning or service enginesoon messages appear in your informationdisplay, do the following:
1.Pull off the road as soon as safelypossible and shift the transmission intopark (P).
2.Leave the engine running until thecoolant temperature gauge needlereturns to the normal position. Afterseveral minutes, if the temperaturedoes not drop, follow the remainingsteps.
3.Switch the engine off and wait for it tocool. Check the coolant level.
4.If the coolant level is at or below theminimum mark, add prediluted coolantimmediately.
5.If the coolant level is normal, restartthe engine and continue.
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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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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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