AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
FLUID CHECK
The transmission does not consume fluid.
However, check the fluid level if the
transmission is not working properly, for
example if the transmission slips, shifts
slowly or if there are signs of fluid loss.
Replace the transmission fluid and filter
on your vehicle at the specified service
interval. See Scheduled Maintenance
(page 319).
Automatic transmission fluid expands
when warmed. To check the fluid level
consistently and accurately, do the
following:
1. Drive the vehicle until it reaches normal
operating temperature. This may take
up to
20 mi (30 km). Make sure that
the transmission fluid temperature
gauge on the instrument cluster is
within normal operating temperature
196– 215°F (91– 102°C)
before
checking.
2. Make sure that your vehicle is on level ground.
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. Make sure the parking brake is on. Make
sure the transmission is in park (P) or
neutral (N) and leave the engine
running.
5. Open the hood. See
Opening and
Closing the Hood (page 213).
6. Remove the dipstick and wipe it with a clean, lint-free cloth. See
Under
Hood Overview (page 215).
7. Replace the dipstick and remove it again to check the fluid level. 8. If the fluid level is correct, replace the
dipstick and make sure it is fully seated.
Note: If the fluid level is between the
maximum and minimum marks, the fluid
level is acceptable. Do not add fluid.
Transmission Fluid Level
Low Fluid Level If the fluid level is at or below the minimum
mark, add fluid immediately. See
Capacities and Specifications
(page
288).
Note: If there is no indication of fluid on the
dipstick, have your vehicle checked
immediately.
Correct Fluid Level Make sure that the fluid level is between
the maximum and minimum marks.
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1. Park your vehicle on a level surface.
2. Look at the brake fluid reservoir to see
where the brake fluid level is relative
to the MIN and the MAX marks on the
reservoir.
Note: If the brake fluid level is between the
MIN
and the MAX marks on the reservoir, it
is acceptable.
Note: If the brake fluid level is below the
MIN
mark or above the MAX mark, have
your vehicle checked as soon as possible.
Note: To avoid fluid contamination, the
reservoir cap must remain in place and fully
tight, unless you are adding fluid.
Only use fluid that meets our
specifications. See
Capacities and
Specifications (page 281).
Brake Fluid Service Interval
Brake fluid absorbs water over time which
degrades the effectiveness of the brake
fluid. Change the brake fluid at the
specified intervals to prevent degraded
braking performance. For detailed interval information, see
Scheduled Maintenance in your Owner's
Manual or your local maintenance guide.
POWER STEERING FLUID
CHECK
Check the power steering fluid. See
Scheduled Maintenance
(page 319). If
adding fluid is necessary, use only
MERCON LV ATF
Check the fluid level when it is at ambient
temperature.
1. Check the fluid level in the reservoir. It should be between the MIN and MAX
range. Do not add fluid if the level is
within this range.
2. If the fluid level is low, add fluid to bring
the fluid level up to between the MIN
and MAX range.
3. Switch the engine on.
4. While the engine idles, turn the steering
wheel left and right several times.
5. Switch the engine off.
6. Recheck the fluid level in the reservoir. Do not add fluid if the level is between
the MIN and MAX range.
7. If the fluid is low, add the proper type of fluid in small amounts, continuously
checking the level until it is between
the MIN and MAX range. See
Capacities and Specifications (page
288). Be sure to put the cap back on the
reservoir.
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5. Turn the air conditioning (if equipped)
on and allow the engine to idle for at
least one minute.
6. Release the parking brake. With your foot on the brake pedal and with the
air conditioning on, put the vehicle in
drive (D) and allow the engine to idle
for at least one minute.
•If you do not allow the engine to
relearn its idle trim, the idle quality
of your vehicle may be adversely
affected until the idle trim is
eventually relearned.
7. Drive the vehicle to complete the relearning process
•The vehicle may need to be driven
10 mi (16 km) or more to relearn the
idle and fuel trim strategy along
with the ethanol content for flexible
fuel vehicles.
If the battery has been disconnected or a
new battery has been installed, the clock
and radio settings must be reset once the
battery is reconnected.
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 Management System (If
Equipped)
The battery management system (BMS)
monitors battery conditions and takes
actions to extend battery life. If excessive
battery drain is detected, the system may
temporarily disable certain electrical
features to protect the battery. Those
electrical accessories affected include the
rear defrost, heated/cooled seats, climate
control fan, heated steering wheel, audio
and navigation system. A message may be
shown in the information displays to alert the driver that battery protection actions
are active. These messages are only for
notification that an action is taking place,
and not intended to indicate an electrical
problem or that the battery requires
replacement.
Electrical accessory installation
To ensure proper operation of the 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
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
which matches the electrical requirements
of the vehicle. After battery replacement,
or in some cases after charging the battery
with the external charger, the BMS requires
eight hours of vehicle sleep time (key off
with doors closed) to relearn the new
battery state of charge. Prior to relearning
the state of charge, the BMS may disable
electrical features (to protect the battery)
earlier than normal.
ADJUSTING THE HEADLAMPS
Vertical Aim Adjustment
The headlamps on your vehicle are
properly aimed at the assembly plant. If
your vehicle has been in an accident, the
alignment of your headlamps should be
checked by your authorized dealer.
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Before engine operation, remove any debris
blocking the core.
•
Turbocharger-to-charge air cooler.
• Charge air cooler-to-intake manifold
pipe.
• Mounting bracket.
• Chassis-mounted charge air cooler
core.
Inspect air intake piping:
• Check for accumulation of salt
deposits (where applicable). If present,
disassemble and clean the complete
air intake piping system. If pitting is
evident on the intake piping, use
Motorcraft Silicone Gasket and Sealant
TA-30 to seal joints against leakage.
• Check for loose hoses and clamps.
• Check for ruptured or collapsed hoses.
• Check air cleaner housing for cracks.
EXHAUST SYSTEM
INSPECTION
Note: If your vehicle is equipped with a
catalytic converter or muffler, do not blend
waste oil with diesel fuel. Operate only on
ultra-low sulfur (less than 15 parts per
million sulfur) diesel fuel with a cetane
value of 45 or higher.
If your diesel engine is equipped with a
catalytic converter, it is important to review
the maintenance schedule to make sure
proper functioning of the catalytic
converter. Also, take precautions not to
damage the catalytic converter when
servicing your engine or storing your
vehicle. BRAKE SYSTEM INSPECTION WARNING: Always wear a
respirator approved by the National
Institute of Occupational Studies of
Health (NIOSH) or Mine Safety and
Appliance (MSA) during all brake service
procedures. Wear the respirator from
removal of the wheels through assembly.
Never use compressed air or dry brushing
to clean brake parts or assemblies.
Clean brake parts and assemblies in
open air. During assembly, carefully
place all parts on the floor to avoid
getting dust in the air. Use an industrial
vacuum cleaner with a HEPA filter
system to clean dust from the brake
drums, backing plates and other brake
parts. After using the vacuum, remove
any remaining dust with a rag soaked in
water and wrung until nearly dry.
Never use compressed air or dry
sweeping to clean the work area. Use an
industrial vacuum cleaner with a HEPA
filter system and rags soaked in water
and wrung until nearly dry. Dispose of
used rags with care to avoid getting dust
in the air. Use an approved respirator
when emptying vacuum cleaners and
handling used rags.
Worker clean-up: Wash your hands
before eating, drinking or smoking.
Vacuum your work clothes after use and
then launder them separately, without
shaking them, to prevent fiber dust
getting into the air.
Your vehicle is equipped with
non-asbestos brake linings. However,
exposure to excessive amounts of brake
material (whether asbestos or
non-asbestos, fiberglass, mineral wool,
aramid or carbon) may be a serious health
hazard.
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inspection and keep to instructions
provided by the service manual.
Hydraulic brake systems are
power-assisted. There is a great
reduction in braking capabilities
without engine assist.
• Proper fluid level. The level should be
at the bottom edge of the ring on each
reservoir fill port. Do not fill the master
cylinder to the top of the reservoir. If
fluid level requires attention to
maintain a proper master cylinder level,
this is an indication of either severe
operation (pad wear) or fluid leakage.
A more frequent and thorough brake
inspection is required.
• Brake lines, hoses and fittings. Repair
or replace brake line tubes, hoses or
fittings as required. Inspect these
components every 4,000 mi
(6,000 km) for the following.
• Lines for kinks, dents, corrosion or
rupture.
• Hoses for abrasions, kinks, soft
spots or rupture, collapse, cracks,
twists or loose frame supports.
When replacing a hose, be sure
there is adequate clearance to the
hose to avoid an abrasion to the
new hose.
• All connections for leaks.
Driveline Parking Brake WARNING: Use wheel chocks and
exercise caution when inspecting under
the vehicle. A vehicle roll-away could
result in property damage, personal injury
or death.
A qualified technician should adjust the
parking brake and keep to the instructions
in the service manual. AXLE INSPECTION
Front Axle
Maintaining the front axle alignment to
specifications is very important. A qualified
technician should check and maintain the
alignment.
Regular inspections should include:
•
Toe-in inspection and adjustment (if
necessary), particularly with radial
tires.
• Checking for proper tightness of axle
mounting U-bolt nuts, attaching or
mounting bolts and nuts.
• Checking the axle for damage, binding,
worn parts and adequate lubrication.
• Checking the kingpins for excessive
wear. Also, perform this check during
other scheduled maintenance, for
example as tire rotation or service,
wheel bearing service and alignment.
See the workshop manual for proper
procedures.
Toe-in
It is essential to maintain correct toe-in
and tire pressure for optimum tire wear.
Inspecting steer axle tires in the first
3,000– 10,000 mi (5,000– 16,000 km)
generally shows if tires are wearing
normally.
Rapid outside shoulder wear on both tires
indicates too much toe-in.
Rapid inside shoulder wear on both tires
indicates too much toe-out.
In P&D-type service, there can be a
left-to-right steer tire tread life differential
up to 40% depending on routes and other
variables.
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Follow the tire manufacturer's
recommended cold inflation pressure for
the tire size, load range (ply rating) and
steer axle loading typical for their operation
(each steer axle tire equals ½ steer axle
loading).
Special applications may warrant a setting
based on experience with the type of tire
operating loads and conditions. Radial tires
are more sensitive to toe-in setting than
bias ply tires. Fine tuning school bus
alignment to line-haul truck standards
does not drastically improve tire tread life.
STEERING SYSTEM
INSPECTION
WARNING: Failure to maintain the
steering system in proper condition can
cause reduced steering ability resulting
in property damage, personal injury or
death.
Note: Have any steering problems
immediately corrected by a qualified service
technician.
Ask your service technician to examine the
steering mechanism. Only minor
adjustments may be necessary.
Regular inspections should include:
• Checking the tie rod, drag link end
clamp bolts and ball joints for proper
tightness.
• Checking for installation and spread of
cotter pins and tightness of nuts at
both ends of the tie rod and drag link.
• Checking that the pitman arm (steering
arm at steering gear) mounting is tight
and locked. Check system for leaks or
hose chafing. Repair immediately, if
necessary. •
Maintaining proper steering gear and
power steering pump lubricant levels.
• Checking steering column joint bolts
and steering linkage, particularly for
body-to-chassis clearance.
Steering Column Joint Bolts
As a good maintenance practice, check
steering column joint bolt tightness every
60,000 mi (96,000 km)
or annually,
whichever occurs first. Do not overtighten
the bolts.
Hydraulic System
Whenever draining and refilling the power
steering's hydraulic system for any reason,
bleed air from the system before returning
the vehicle to service. Failure to bleed the
hydraulic system properly can result in
degradation of power system performance.
Consult an authorized dealer who is aware
of the proper procedures for filling and
bleeding the system.
SUSPENSION SYSTEM
INSPECTION
Note: Do not adjust air suspension height
to any setting other than the specified
setting. Altering the height setting changes
the driveline angle and may result in
unwarrantable component damage, such
as transmission component damage.
Verify drive axle air suspension height and
height control valve performance at engine
oil change intervals.
Periodically check:
• Condition of spring leaves for evidence
of fatigue, bending or breakage.
• Condition of suspension mounting
brackets and bushings.
• Torque rod mounting fasteners for
tightness.
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•
For proper suspension alignment.
Maintain proper alignment at all times.
• U-bolts. After the chassis has been
operating under load for 1,000 mi
(1,600 km) or six months (whichever
comes first), the U-bolt nuts must be
re-torqued. Re-torque the U-bolt nuts
every
37,000 mi (60,000 km)
thereafter. Clean and lubricate the
U-bolt and nut threads and seats to
make sure a like new condition when
re-torqueing. See
Spring U-Bolt
Check (page 253).
FRAME AND TOW HOOK
INSPECTION
Your vehicle's chassis is manufactured
with frame rails of either HSLA steel or
heat-treated steel. Handle each in a
specific manner to make sure maximum
service life. Consult the service manual or
an authorized dealer before attempting
frame repair or modification.
It is important, particularly on vehicles that
use tow hooks frequently, to inspect the
front and rear tow hooks for damage or a
loose mounting.
REAR AXLE FLUID CHECK
Your rear axle may have an optional
synthetic lubricant that allows the use of
extended service intervals. A tag on the
filler plug identifies the use of the synthetic
lubricant.
Only use a lubricant that meets
manufacturer specifications. Use of a
non-approved rear axle lubricant may
cause internal axle component damage.
See
Capacities and Specifications
(page 288).
Checking the Fluid Level
1. Park your vehicle on level ground. 2. Set the parking brake and shift into
position neutral (N) or park (P). Turn
the engine off.
3. Clean any dirt from around the axle filler plug.
4. Remove the filler plug and inspect the lubricant level. It should be at the
bottom of the filler plug opening.
5. Add lubricant, if necessary, through the
filler plug opening.
6. Clean and install the filler plug securely.
Changing the Fluid
Note: Drain the rear axle while the lubricant
is warm.
1. Park your vehicle on level ground.
2. Set the parking brake and shift into position neutral (N) or park (P). Turn
the engine off.
3. Clean any dirt from around the axle filler and drain plugs.
4. Remove the filler and drain plugs. Drain
the lubricant into a suitable container.
Dispose of all used automotive fluids
in a responsible manner following your
local authorized standards.
5. Clean and install the drain plug securely.
6. Add lubricant through the filler plug opening.
7. Clean and install the filler plug securely.
SPRING U-BOLT CHECK
Check and tighten the U-bolt nuts after
your vehicle has been operated under load
for
1,000 mi (1,600 km) or six months,
whichever occurs first.
Check and tighten the U-bolt nuts every
37,000 mi (60,000 km)
.
Check and tighten the U-bolt nuts with
your vehicle at curb height and unloaded.
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Note:
Using non-recommended cleaners,
harsh cleaning products, chrome wheel
cleaners or abrasive materials could
damage wheel rims and covers.
VEHICLE STORAGE
If you plan on storing your vehicle for 30
days or more, read the following
maintenance recommendations to make
sure your vehicle stays in good operating
condition.
We engineer and test all motor vehicles
and their components for reliable, regular
driving. Under various conditions,
long-term storage may lead to degraded
engine performance or failure unless you
use specific precautions to preserve engine
components.
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.
Disconnecting Your 12 Volt 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.
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