2019 FORD F-53 automatic transmission

Introduction
About This Manual..........................................5
Symbols Glossary............................................5
Perchlorate.........................................................7
Ford Credit..........................................................8
Replacement Parts Recommendation.............................................................................8
Special Notices................................................8
Mobile Communications Equipment.............................................................................9
Export Unique Options................................10
Environment
Protecting the Environment........................11
Steering Wheel
Adjusting the Steering Wheel....................12
Cruise Control..................................................12
Wipers and Washers
Windshield Wipers.........................................13
Windshield Washers.....................................13
Lighting
Lighting Control..............................................14
Instrument Lighting Dimmer.....................14
Daytime Running Lamps.............................15
Direction Indicators.......................................15
Instrument Cluster
Gauges...............................................................16
Warning Lamps and Indicators.................18
Audible Warnings and Indicators.............19
Information Displays
General Information......................................21
Information Messages.................................22
Starting and Stopping theEngine
General Information.....................................25
Ignition Switch................................................25
Starting a Gasoline Engine........................25
Engine Block Heater.....................................27
Fuel and Refueling
Safety Precautions.......................................29
Fuel Quality.....................................................29
Running Out of Fuel.....................................30
Refueling............................................................31
Fuel Consumption.........................................32
Engine Emission Control
Emission Law..................................................34
Catalytic Converter.......................................35
Transmission
Automatic Transmission............................38
Brakes
General Information......................................41
Hints on Driving With Anti-Lock Brakes...........................................................................41
Parking Brake..................................................42
Cruise Control
Principle of Operation.................................43
Using Cruise Control....................................43
Load Carrying
Load Limit........................................................45
Towing
Towing a Trailer..............................................50
Recommended Towing Weights..............51
Essential Towing Checks............................53
Towing the Vehicle on Four Wheels.......55
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Driving Hints
Breaking-In......................................................56
Reduced Engine Performance.................56
Economical Driving......................................56
Driving Through Water.................................57
Roadside Emergencies
Roadside Assistance...................................59
Hazard Flashers............................................60
Jump Starting the Vehicle.........................60
Transporting the Vehicle............................62
Customer Assistance
Getting the Services You Need................64
In California (U.S. Only)..............................65
The Better Business Bureau (BBB) AutoLine Program (U.S. Only).......................66
Utilizing the Mediation/ArbitrationProgram (Canada Only).........................67
Getting Assistance Outside the U.S. andCanada..........................................................67
Ordering Additional Owner's Literature..........................................................................69
Reporting Safety Defects (U.S. Only)..........................................................................69
Reporting Safety Defects (Canada Only)..........................................................................69
Fuses
Fuse Specification Chart.............................71
Changing a Fuse...........................................90
Maintenance
General Information.....................................92
Under Hood Overview - CommercialChassis..........................................................93
Under Hood Overview - MotorhomeChassis..........................................................94
Engine Oil Dipstick........................................95
Engine Oil Check...........................................95
Oil Change Indicator Reset.......................96
Engine Coolant Check.................................96
Automatic Transmission Fluid Check..........................................................................101
Brake Fluid Check........................................102
Power Steering Fluid Check....................104
Fuel Filter........................................................105
Changing the 12V Battery.........................105
Changing the Engine Air Filter.................107
Vehicle Care
General Information...................................109
Cleaning the Exterior.................................109
Cleaning the Engine....................................110
Cleaning the Wheels...................................110
Vehicle Storage...............................................111
Wheels and Tires
Tire Care...........................................................113
Using Snow Chains.....................................129
Changing a Road Wheel...........................129
Technical Specifications...........................133
Capacities and Specifications
Engine Specifications................................134
Motorcraft Parts...........................................134
Vehicle Identification Number................136
Vehicle Certification Label........................137
Transmission Code Designation.............137
Capacities and Specifications................138
Ford Protect
Ford Protect...................................................143
Scheduled Maintenance
General Maintenance Information.......145
Normal Scheduled Maintenance..........148
Special Operating Conditions ScheduledMaintenance.............................................150
Scheduled Maintenance Record............152
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If the light remains on while the engine isrunning, this indicates inadequate hydraulicbooster pressure or reserve pump systemfailure. Stop the vehicle as soon aspossible and seek service immediately byyour authorized dealer.
Cruise Control Indicator
Illuminates when you switch thisfeature on. See Using CruiseControl (page 43).
Direction Indicator
Illuminates when the left or rightdirection indicator or the hazardwarning flasher is turned on. Ifthe indicators stay on or flash faster, checkfor a burned out bulb.
Electronic Throttle Control
Illuminates when the engine hasdefaulted to a limp-homeoperation. See your authorizeddealer as soon as possible.
Fasten Seatbelt Warning Lamp
It illuminates and a chimesounds until you fasten theseatbelts.
Headlamp High Beam Indicator
Illuminates when you switch thehigh beam headlamps on. It willflash when you use theheadlamp flasher.
Service Engine Soon
If it illuminates when the engineis running this indicates amalfunction. The On BoardDiagnostics system has detected amalfunction of the vehicle emission controlsystem.
If it flashes, engine misfire may beoccurring. Increased exhaust gastemperatures could damage the catalyticconverter or other vehicle components.Drive in a moderate fashion (avoid heavyacceleration and deceleration) and haveyour vehicle immediately serviced.
It illuminates when you switch the ignitionon prior to engine start to check the bulband to indicate whether your vehicle isready for Inspection and Maintenance(I/M) testing.
Normally, it illuminates until the engine iscranked and automatically turns off if nomalfunctions are present. However, if after15 seconds it flashes eight times, thisindicates that your vehicle is not ready forInspection and Maintenance (I/M) testing.See Emission Law (page 34).
Tow Haul Indicator
Illuminates when the tow/haulfeature has been activated. If thelight flashes steadily, have thesystem serviced immediately, damage tothe transmission could occur.
AUDIBLE WARNINGS AND
INDICATORS
Fail-Safe Cooling Warning Chime
Sounds when the coolant gauge pointerhas moved to hot. There are three stagesof chimes:
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AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
WARNING: Always set the parkingbrake fully and make sure you shift thegearshift lever to first gear. Switch theignition off and remove the key wheneveryou leave your vehicle.
WARNING: Do not apply the brakepedal and accelerator pedalsimultaneously. Applying both pedalssimultaneously for more than a fewseconds will limit engine performance,which may result in difficulty maintainingspeed in traffic and could lead to seriousinjury.
Understanding the Positions ofYour Automatic Transmission
Putting your vehicle in or out of gear:
1.Fully press down the brake pedal.
2.Move the gearshift lever into thedesired gear.
3.Come to a complete stop.
4.Move the gearshift lever and securelylatch it in park (P)
The instrument cluster displays the currentgear.
Park (P)
This position locks the transmission andprevents the wheels from turning.
Reverse (R)
With the gearshift lever in reverse (R), yourvehicle moves backward. Always come toa complete stop before shifting into andout of reverse (R).
Neutral (N)
With the gearshift lever in neutral (N), yourvehicle can be started and is free to roll.Hold the brake pedal down when in thisposition.
Drive (D)
Drive (D) is the normal driving position forthe best fuel economy. The overdrivefunction allows automatic upshifts throughall available gears.
Third (3)
Transmission operates in third (3) gearonly. Use third (3) gear for improvedtraction on slippery roads.
Second (2)
Transmission operates in second (2) gearonly. Use second (2) gear to start-up onslippery roads.
First (1)
•Transmission operates in first (1) gearonly.
•Provides maximum engine braking.
•Allows upshifts by moving gearshiftlever.
•Does not downshift into first (1) gearat high speeds; allows for first (1) gearwhen vehicle reaches slower speeds.
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Tow/Haul Mode
WARNING: Do not use tow/haulwhen the road surface is slippery. Failureto follow this instruction could result inthe loss of control of your vehicle.
To activate tow/haul, press thebutton on the gearshift leveronce. The TOW HAUL indicatorlight illuminates in the instrument cluster.
To deactivate the tow/haul feature andreturn to normal driving mode, press thebutton on the gearshift lever again. TheTOW HAUL light deactivates. Tow/haulcan also deactivate when your powerdown your vehicle.
The tow/haul feature:
•Delays upshifts to reduce the frequencyof transmission shifting.
•Provides engine braking in all forwardgears, which can slow your vehicle andassist you in controlling your vehiclewhen descending a grade.
•Depending on driving conditions andload conditions, may downshift thetransmission, slow your vehicle andcontrol your vehicle speed whendescending a hill, without pressing theaccelerator pedal. The amount ofdownshift braking provided can varybased upon the amount the brakepedal is pressed.
The tow/haul feature improvestransmission operation when towing atrailer or a heavy load. All transmissiongear ranges are available when usingtow/haul.
Automatic Transmission AdaptiveLearning
This feature may increase durability andprovide consistent shift feel over the lifeof your vehicle. A new vehicle ortransmission may have firm shifts, softshifts or both. This operation is considerednormal and does not affect function ordurability of the transmission. Over time,the adaptive learning process fully updatestransmission operation.
Forced Downshifts
•Allowed in drive (D) with the tow/haulfeature on or off.
•Press the accelerator pedal to the floor.
•Allows transmission to select anappropriate gear.
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•You take corners too fast.
•The road surface is poor.
Note: If the system activates, the brakepedal may pulse and may travel further.Maintain pressure on the brake pedal. Youmay also hear a noise from the system. Thisis normal.
PARKING BRAKE
WARNING: Always fully apply theparking brake. Make sure you shift intopark (P) for vehicles with an automatictransmission. Switch the ignition off andremove the key whenever you leave yourvehicle.
Apply the parking brake whenever you parkyour vehicle.
•For vehicles with a foot operatedparking brake, press the pedal down.
•For vehicles with a hand operatedparking brake, pull the parking brakelever up.
It illuminates when you switchthe ignition on and apply theparking brake. It also illuminatesmomentarily when you switchthe ignition on to confirm thelamp is functional. if is does notilluminate when you switch the ignition onor begins to flash at any time, have thesystem checked by an authorized dealer.
If it illuminates when your vehicle ismoving, make sure you disengage theparking brake.
If the parking brake is disengaged, thisindicates a low brake fluid level or a brakesystem fault. Have your vehicle checkedas soon as possible.
To release the parking brake:
•For vehicles with a foot operatedparking brake, pull the parking brakerelease lever.
•For vehicles with a hand operatedparking brake, push the parking brakelever down.
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Trailer Brakes
WARNING: Do not connect atrailer's hydraulic brake system directlyto your vehicle's brake system. Yourvehicle may not have enough brakingpower and your chances of having acollision greatly increase.
Electric brakes and manual, automatic orsurge-type trailer brakes are safe if youinstall them properly and adjust them tothe manufacturer's specifications. Thetrailer brakes must meet local and federalregulations.
The rating for the tow vehicle's brakingsystem operation is at the gross vehicleweight rating, not the gross combinedweight rating.
Separate functioning brake systemsare required for safe control of towedvehicles and trailers weighing morethan 1500 lb (680 kg) when loaded.
Trailer Lamps
WARNING: Never connect anytrailer lamp wiring to the vehicle's taillamp wiring; this may damage theelectrical system resulting in fire. Contactyour authorized dealer as soon aspossible for assistance in proper trailertow wiring installation. Additionalelectrical equipment may be required.
Trailer lamps are required on most towedvehicles. Make sure all running lights, brakelights, direction indicators and hazard lightsare working.
Before Towing a Trailer
Practice turning, stopping and backing upto get the feel of your vehicle-trailercombination before starting on a trip.When turning, make wider turns so thetrailer wheels clear curbs and otherobstacles.
When Towing a Trailer
•Do not drive faster than 70 mph(113 km/h) during the first 500 mi(800 km).
•Do not make full-throttle starts.
•Check your hitch, electrical connectionsand trailer wheel lug nuts thoroughlyafter you have traveled 50 mi (80 km).
•When stopped in congested or heavytraffic during hot weather, place thegearshift in park (P) to aid engine andtransmission cooling and to help airconditioning performance.
•Switch off the speed control withheavy loads or in hilly terrain. Thespeed control may turn offautomatically when you are towing onlong, steep grades.
•Shift to a lower gear when driving downa long or steep hill. Do not apply thebrakes continuously, as they mayoverheat and become less effective.
•If your transmission is equipped with aGrade Assist or Tow/Haul feature, usethis feature when towing. This providesengine braking and helps eliminateexcessive transmission shifting foroptimum fuel economy andtransmission cooling.
•Allow more distance for stopping witha trailer attached. Anticipate stops andbrake gradually.
•Avoid parking on a grade. However, ifyou must park on a grade:
1.Turn the steering wheel to point yourvehicle tires away from traffic flow.
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2.Set your vehicle parking brake.
3.Place the automatic transmission inpark (P).
4.Place wheel chocks in the front andback of the trailer wheels. (Chocks notincluded with vehicle.)
Launching or Retrieving a Boat orPersonal Watercraft (PWC)
Note:Disconnect the wiring to the trailerbefore backing the trailer into the water.
Note:Reconnect the wiring to the trailerafter removing the trailer from the water.
When backing down a ramp during boatlaunching or retrieval:
•Do not allow the static water level torise above the bottom edge of the rearbumper.
•Do not allow waves to break higherthan 6 in (15 cm) above the bottomedge of the rear bumper.
Exceeding these limits may allow water toenter vehicle components:
•Causing internal damage to thecomponents.
•Affecting driveability, emissions andreliability.
Replace the rear axle lubricant anytimethe rear axle has been submerged in water.Water may have contaminated the rearaxle lubricant, which is not normallychecked or changed unless a leak issuspected or other axle repair is required.
TOWING THE VEHICLE ON
FOUR WHEELS
Emergency Towing
WARNING: If your vehicle has asteering wheel lock make sure theignition is in the accessory or on positionwhen being towed.
If your vehicle becomes inoperable(without access to wheel dollies,car-hauling trailer, or flatbed transportvehicle), it can be flat-towed (all wheelson the ground, regardless of the powertrainand transmission configuration) under thefollowing conditions:
•Your vehicle is facing forward fortowing in a forward direction.
•Place the transmission in position N. Ifyou cannot move the transmission intoN, you may need to override it.
•Maximum speed is 35 mph (56 km/h).
•Maximum distance is 50 mi (80 km).
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