2020 FORD F-53 parking brake

ENGINE OIL DIPSTICK
MINA
MAX
B
ENGINE OIL CHECK
To check the engine oil level consistently
and accurately, do the following:
1. Make sure the parking brake is on. Make
sure the transmission is in park (P) or
neutral (N).
2. Run the engine until it reaches normal operating temperature.
3. Make sure that your vehicle is on level ground.
4. Switch the engine off and wait 15 minutes for the oil to drain into the oil
pan. Checking the engine oil level too
soon after you switch the engine off
may result in an inaccurate reading.
5. Open the hood.
6. Remove the dipstick and wipe it with a clean, lint-free cloth. See Under
Hood Overview (page 112).
7. Reinstall the dipstick and remove it again to check the oil level. See Under
Hood Overview
(page 112). 8.
Make sure that the oil level is between
the maximum and minimum marks. If
the oil level is at the minimum mark,
add oil immediately. See
Capacities
and Specifications (page 156).
9. If the oil level is correct, replace the dipstick and make sure it is fully seated.
Note: Do not remove the dipstick when the
engine is running.
Note: If the oil level is between the
maximum and minimum marks, the oil level
is acceptable. Do not add oil.
Note: The oil consumption of new engines
reaches its normal level after approximately
3,000 mi (5,000 km)
.
Adding Engine Oil WARNING: Do not remove the filler
cap when the engine is running.
Do not use supplemental engine oil
additives because they are unnecessary
and could lead to engine damage that may
not be covered by the vehicle Warranty. 113
Motorhome (TY3) Canada/United States of America, enUSA, Edition date: 201910, Second-Printing MaintenanceE161560 E142732

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 mi (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.
5. Remove the dipstick, wiping it clean with a clean, dry lint free rag. If
necessary, refer to Under Hood
Overview in this chapter for the
location of the dipstick.
6. Install the dipstick making sure it is fully
seated in the filler tube.
7. Remove the dipstick and inspect the fluid level. The fluid should be in the
designated area for normal operating
temperature or ambient temperature.
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. Low fluid level Do not drive the vehicle if there is no
indication of fluid on the dipstick and the
ambient temperature is above 50°F
(10°C).
Correct fluid level
The transmission fluid should be in this
range if at normal operating temperature
196°F - 215°F (91°C - 102°C).
The transmission fluid should be checked
at normal operating temperature 196°F -
215°F (91°C - 102°C) on a level surface.
The normal operating temperature can be
reached after approximately 20 mi
(30 km) of driving. You can check the fluid
without driving if the ambient temperature
is above 50°F (10°C). However, if fluid is
added at this time, an overfill condition
could result when the vehicle reaches
normal operating temperature
120
Motorhome (TY3) Canada/United States of America, enUSA, Edition date: 201910, Second-Printing MaintenanceE161551 E161552

Note:
Battery posts, terminals and related
accessories contain lead and lead
compounds. Wash hands after handling.
Your vehicle is equipped with a
Motorcraft® maintenance-free battery
which normally does not require additional
water during its life of service.
For longer, trouble-free operation, keep the
top of the battery clean and dry. Also,
make certain the battery cables are always
tightly fastened to the battery terminals.
If you see any corrosion on the battery or
terminals, remove the cables from the
terminals and clean with a wire brush. You
can neutralize the acid with a solution of
baking soda and water.
It is recommended that the negative
battery cable terminal be disconnected
from the battery if you plan to store your
vehicle for an extended period of time.
To ensure proper operation of the battery
management system (BMS), any electrical
devices that are added to the vehicle
should not have their ground connection
made directly at the negative battery post.
A connection at the negative battery post
can cause inaccurate measurements of
the battery condition and potential
incorrect system operation.
Note: Electrical or electronic accessories
or components added to the vehicle by the
dealer or the owner may adversely affect
battery performance and durability and may
also affect the performance of other
electrical systems in the vehicle.
When a battery replacement is required,
the battery should only be replaced with
a Ford recommended replacement battery
that matches the electrical requirements
of the vehicle. Note:
Always dispose of automotive
batteries in a responsible manner. Follow
your local authorized standards for disposal.
Call your local authorized recycling center
to find out more about recycling automotive
batteries.
Battery relearn
When the battery is disconnected or a new
battery installed:
• The transmission must relearn its
adaptive strategy. As a result of this,
the transmission may shift firmly. This
operation is considered normal and will
not affect function or durability of the
transmission. Over time the adaptive
learning process will fully update
transmission operation to its optimum
shift feel.
• The clock and the preset radio stations
must be reset once the battery is
reconnected.
• Your vehicle ’s engine is electronically
controlled by a computer, some control
conditions are maintained by power
from the battery, the engine must
relearn its idle and fuel trim strategy.
When the battery is disconnected or a new
battery is installed, begin the battery
relearn process:
1. With the vehicle at a complete stop, set the parking brake.
2. Put the gearshift lever in P (Park), turn
off all accessories and start the engine.
3. Run the engine until it reaches normal operating temperature.
4. Allow the engine to idle for at least one
minute.
125
Motorhome (TY3) Canada/United States of America, enUSA, Edition date: 201910, Second-Printing Maintenance

Note:
Holding the pressure washer nozzle
at an angle to the vehicle's surface may
damage graphics and cause the edges to
peel away from the vehicle's surface.
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.
Note: If your vehicle has an engine cover
remove the cover before application of
Motorcraft Engine Shampoo and Degreaser.
Immediately rinse away any over spray. •
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
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.
128
Motorhome (TY3) Canada/United States of America, enUSA, Edition date: 201910, Second-Printing Vehicle Care

Brakes
•
Make sure the brakes and parking brake
release fully.
Tires
• Maintain recommended air pressure.
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.
130
Motorhome (TY3) Canada/United States of America, enUSA, Edition date: 201910, Second-Printing Vehicle Care

Drive cautiously when using a full-size
dissimilar spare wheel and tire assembly
and seek service as soon as possible.
Tire Change Procedure
WARNING: When one of the front
wheels is off the ground, the
transmission alone will not prevent the
vehicle from moving or slipping off the
jack, even if the transmission is in park
(P). WARNING:
To help prevent the
vehicle from moving when you change
a tire, be sure to place the transmission
in park (P), set the parking brake and
block (in both directions) the wheel that
is diagonally opposite (other side and
end of the vehicle) to the tire being
changed. WARNING:
Never get underneath
a vehicle that is supported only by a jack.
If the vehicle slips off the jack, you or
someone else could be seriously injured. WARNING:
Do not attempt to
change a tire on the side of the vehicle
close to moving traffic. Pull far enough
off the road to avoid the danger of being
hit when operating the jack or changing
the wheel. WARNING:
Always use the jack
provided as original equipment with your
vehicle. If using a jack other than the one
provided as original equipment with your
vehicle, make sure the jack capacity is
adequate for the vehicle weight,
including any vehicle cargo or
modifications.
1. Park on a level surface, set the parking
brake and activate the hazard flashers.
2. Place the transmission in park (P) and
turn the engine off. 3. Block the diagonally opposite wheel.
The parking brake is on the
transmission. Therefore, the vehicle will
not be prevented from moving when a
rear wheel is lifted, even if the parking
brake is applied. Be sure to block both
directions of the wheel that is
diagonally opposite to the wheel that
is being lifted.
4. Remove the spare tire and jack from the storage location.
5. Loosen the wheel nut by pulling up on the handle of the lug nut wrench about
one-half turn (counterclockwise). Do
not remove the wheel lug nuts until you
raise the tire off the ground.
6. Position the jack to raise the front or rear wheel. Raise the vehicle with the
jack applied to the axle(s).
Note: Never use the rear differential as a
jacking point.
7. Raise the vehicle until the wheel is completely off the ground.
8. Remove the lug nuts with the lug nut wrench.
9. Replace the flat tire with the spare tire.
149
Motorhome (TY3) Canada/United States of America, enUSA, Edition date: 201910, Second-Printing Wheels and TiresE175447

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.
168
Motorhome (TY3) Canada/United States of America, enUSA, Edition date: 201910, Second-Printing Scheduled Maintenance

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
Note: Do not exceed the mileage or time intervals. Every 10,000 miles (16000 km), 12 months or 450 engine hours - whichever comes first
Change the engine oil and filter.
Rotate the tires, inspect tire wear and measure the tread depth. 1
Inspect the wheels and related components for abnormal noise, wear, looseness or
drag.
Perform a multi-point inspection.
Inspect the automatic transmission fluid level. Consult dealer for requirements.
Inspect the brake pads, shoes, rotors, drums, brake linings, hoses and the parking brake.
Inspect the engine coolant level/strength and hoses.
Inspect the exhaust system and heat shields.
Inspect the steering linkage, ball joints, suspension, tie-rod ends, drive shaft and U-joints.
Lubricate, if your vehicle has grease fittings.
1 Vehicles with dual rear wheels should rotate the front wheels when specified; rear wheels
only if you notice unusual wear. Brake Fluid Maintenance
1
Change the brake fluid. 2
Every 3 Years
1 Perform this maintenance item every 3 years. Do not exceed the designated time for
the interval.
2 Brake fluid servicing requires special equipment available at your authorized dealer.
169
Motorhome (TY3) Canada/United States of America, enUSA, Edition date: 201910, Second-Printing Scheduled Maintenance