check transmission fluid FORD E-350 2002 Owners Manual

internal transmission damage. Have the fluid checked and, if
water is found, replace the fluid.
VEHICLE LOADING
Before loading a vehicle, familiarize yourself with the following terms:
•Base Curb Weight:Weight of the vehicle including any standard
equipment, fluids, lubricants, etc. It does not include occupants or
aftermarket equipment.
•Payload:Combined maximum allowable weight of cargo, occupants
and optional equipment. The payload equals the gross vehicle weight
rating minus base curb weight.
•GVW (Gross Vehicle Weight):Base curb weight plus payload
weight. The GVW is not a limit or a specification.
•GVWR (Gross Vehicle Weight Rating):Maximum permissible total
weight of the base vehicle, occupants, optional equipment and cargo.
The GVWR is specific to each vehicle and is listed on the Safety
Certification Label on the driver’s door pillar.
•GAWR (Gross Axle Weight Rating):Carrying capacity for each axle
system. The GAWR is specific to each vehicle and is listed on the
Safety Certification Label on the driver’s door pillar.
•GCW (Gross Combined Weight):The combined weight of the
towing vehicle (including occupants and cargo) and the loaded trailer.
•GCWR (Gross Combined Weight Rating):Maximum permissible
combined weight of towing vehicle (including occupants and cargo)
and the loaded trailer
•Maximum Trailer Weight Rating:Maximum weight of a trailer the
vehicle is permitted to tow. The maximum trailer weight rating is
determined by subtracting the vehicle curb weight for each
engine/transmission combination, any required option weight for trailer
towing and the weight of the driver from the GCWR for the towing
vehicle.
•Maximum Trailer Weight:Maximum weight of a trailer the loaded
vehicle (including occupants and cargo) is permitted to tow. It is
determined by subtracting the weight of the loaded trailer towing
vehicle from the GCWR for the towing vehicle.
•Trailer Weight Range:Specified weight range that the trailer must
fall within that ranges from zero to the maximum trailer weight rating.
Remember to figure in the tongue load of your loaded trailer when
figuring the total weight.
Driving
149
ProCarManuals.com

•Vehicles with trailers should not be parked on a grade. If you must
park on a grade, place wheel chocks under the trailer’s wheels.
Launching or retrieving a boat
Disconnect the wiring to the trailer before backing the trailer
into the water. Reconnect the wiring to the trailer after the
trailer is removed from the water.
When backing down a ramp during boat launching or retrieval:
•do not allow the static water level to rise above the bottom edge of
the rear bumper.
•do not allow waves to break higher than 15 cm (6 inches) above the
bottom edge of the rear bumper.
Exceeding these limits may allow water to enter vehicle components:
•causing internal damage to the components.
•affecting driveability, emissions and reliability.
Replace the rear axle lubricant any time the axle has been submerged in
water. Rear axle lubricant quantities are not to be checked or changed
unless a leak is suspected or repair required.
RECREATIONAL TOWING (ALL WHEELS ON THE GROUND)
An example of recreational towing would be towing your vehicle on a
trip behind a motorhome. Follow these guidelines if you have the need
for recreational towing your vehicle with all four wheels on the ground.
These guidelines are designed to ensure that your transmission is not
damaged.
2WD vehicles (with automatic transmissions):
•Place the transmission in N (Neutral)
•Maximum speed is 56 km (35 mph)
•Maximum distance is 80 km (50 miles)
If a distance of 80 km (50 miles) or a speed of 56 km (35 mph) must be
exceeded, the drive shaft will have to be removed.
Ford recommends the driveshaft be removed/installed only by a qualified
technician. See your local dealer for driveshaft removal/installation.
Improper removal/installation of the driveshaft can cause
transmission fluid loss, damage to the driveshaft and internal
transmission components.
Driving
157
ProCarManuals.com

1. Windshield washer fluid reservoir
2. Engine oil filler cap (except 4.2L
V6 engine)
3. Automatic transmission fluid
dipstick
4. Air filter assembly5. Engine oil dipstick
6. Engine oil filler cap (4.2L V6
engine only)
7. Power steering fluid reservoir
8. Brake fluid reservoir
9. Engine coolant reservoir
10. Battery
WINDSHIELD WASHER FLUID
Check the washer fluid whenever
you stop for fuel. The reservoir is
highlighted with a
symbol.
Add fluid to fill the reservoir if the
level is low. In very cold weather, do
not fill the reservoir completely.
Only use a washer fluid that meets
Ford specification ESR-M17P5–A.
Refer toLubricant specifications
in this chapter.
State or local regulations on volatile organic compounds may restrict the
use of methanol, a common windshield washer antifreeze additive.
Washer fluids containing non-methanol antifreeze agents should be used
only if they provide cold weather protection without damaging the
vehicle’s paint finish, wiper blades or washer system.
12345678
910
Maintenance and Specifications
200
ProCarManuals.com

Brake fluid is toxic. If brake fluid contacts the eyes, flush eyes
with running water for 15 minutes. Seek medical attention if
irritation persists. If taken internally, drink water and induce vomiting.
Seek medical attention immediately.
If you use a brake fluid that is not DOT 3, you will cause
permanent damage to your brakes.
Do not let the reservoir for the master cylinder run dry. This
may cause the brakes to fail.
DRIVELINE UNIVERSAL JOINT AND SLIP YOKE
Your vehicle may be equipped with universal joints that require
lubrication. Refer to the scheduled maintenance guide for maintenance
intervals. If the original universal joints are replaced with universal joints
equipped with grease fittings, lubrication will also be necessary.
TRANSMISSION FLUID
Checking automatic transmission fluid (if equipped)
Refer to your scheduled maintenance guide for scheduled intervals for
fluid checks and changes. 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.
Automatic transmission fluid expands when warmed. To obtain an
accurate fluid check, drive the vehicle until it is at normal operating
temperature (approximately 30 km [20 miles]). If your vehicle has been
operated for an extended period at high speeds, in city traffic during hot
weather or pulling a trailer, the vehicle should be turned off for about 30
minutes to allow fluid to cool before checking.
1. Drive the vehicle 30 km (20 miles) or until it reaches normal operating
temperature.
2. Park the vehicle on a level surface and engage the parking brake.
3. With the parking brake engaged and your foot on the brake pedal,
start the engine and 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.
Maintenance and Specifications
227
ProCarManuals.com

5. Remove the dipstick, wiping it clean with a clean, dry lint free rag. If
necessary, refer toIdentifying components in the engine compartment
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.
Low fluid level
Do not drive the vehicle if the fluid
level is at the bottom of the dipstick
and the ambient temperature is
above 10°C (50°F).
Correct fluid level
The transmission fluid should be checked at normal operating
temperature 66°C-77°C (150°F-170°F) on a level surface. The normal
operating temperature can be reached after approximately 30 km (20
miles) of driving.
You can check the fluid without driving if the ambient temperature is
above 10°C (50°F). However, if fluid is added at this time, an overfill
condition could result when the vehicle reaches normal operating
temperature.
The transmission fluid should be in
this range if at normal operating
temperature (66°C-77°C
[150°F-170°F]).
The transmission fluid should be in
this range if at ambient temperature
(10°C-35°C [50°F-95°F]).
High fluid level
Fluid levels above the safe range
may result in transmission failure.
An overfill condition of transmission
fluid may cause shift and/or
engagement concerns and/or possible damage.
High fluid levels can be caused by an overheating condition.
Maintenance and Specifications
228
ProCarManuals.com

Fluid Ford Part
NameApplication Capacity
Transmission
fluid
6Motorcraft
MERCONV
AT FAutomatic
(4R70W)13.2L (13.9
quarts)7
Motorcraft
MERCONAT FAutomatic
(4R100 except
E-450)16.1L (17.0
quarts)7
Automatic
(4R100 E-450
and E-550)16.7L (17.7
quarts)7
Windshield
washer fluidMotorcraft
Ultra-Clear
Windshield
Washer
ConcentrateAll 4.0L (4.2
quarts)
1Add the coolant type originally equipped in your vehicle.
2If your vehicle’s rear axle is filled with a synthetic rear axle lubricant it
is considered lubricated for life. These lubricants do not need to be
checked or changed unless a leak is suspected, service is required or the
axle assembly has been submerged in water. The axle lubricant should
be changed any time the rear axle has been submerged in water.
Fill 6 mm to 14 mm (1/4 inch to 9/16 inch) below bottom of fill hole.
Add 118 ml (4 oz.) of Additive Friction Modifier XL-3 or equivalent
meeting Ford specification EST-M2C118–A, for complete refill of 8.8 inch
and 9.75 inch Traction-Lok axles.
3Fill Dana rear axles to 6 mm to 19 mm (1/4 inch to 3/4 inch) below
bottom of fill hole.
4Visteon Traction-Lok axles require 118 ml (4 oz.) of Additive Friction
Modifier XL—3 or equivalent meeting Ford specification EST-M2C118–A.
Dana limited-slip axles (E250/350/450/550) require 237ml (8 oz.) of
Additive Friction Modifier C8AZ—19B546–A or equivalent meeting Ford
specification EST-M2C118-A.
5Optional fuel tank 208L (55 gallon).
6Ensure the correct automatic transmission fluid is used. Transmission
fluid requirements are indicated on the dipstick or on the dipstick
Maintenance and Specifications
239
ProCarManuals.com

handle. Check the container to verify the fluid being added is of the
correct type. Refer to your scheduled maintenance guide to determine
the correct service interval.
Some transmission fluids may be labeled as dual usage, such as
MERCONand MERCONV. These dual usage fluids are not to be used
in an automatic transmission that requires use of the MERCONtype
fluid. However, these dual usage fluids may be used in transmissions that
require the MERCONV type fluid.
MERCONand MERCONV type fluids are not interchangeable.
DO NOT mix MERCONand MERCONV. Use of a transmission
fluid that indicates dual usage (MERCONand MERCONV) in
an automatic transmission application requiring MERCONmay
cause transmission damage. Use of any fluid other than the
recommended fluid may cause transmission damage.
7Approximate dry fill capacity including transmission fluid cooling
system, actual refill capacities will vary based on vehicle application and
transmission fluid cooling system (i.e. coolers size, cooling lines. auxiliary
cooler capacities). The amount of transmission fluid and fluid level
should be set by the indication on the dipstick’s normal operating range.
LUBRICANT SPECIFICATIONS
Item Ford part
nameFord part
numberFord
specification
Brake fluid Motorcraft High
Performance
DOT 3 Motor
Vehicle Brake
FluidPM-1 ESA-M6C25-A
and DOT 3
Door weatherstrips Silicone
Lubricant
F7AZ-19G208-BA
and
F5AZ-19553-AAESR-M13P4-A
Maintenance and Specifications
240
ProCarManuals.com

Item Ford part
nameFord part
numberFord
specification
Disc brake caliper
railsMotorcraft
Silicone Brake
Caliper Grease
and Dielectric
CompoundXG-4 ESE-M1C171-A
Parking brake
assembly
(E-450/550 Super
Duty)Motorcraft
MERCON
Automatic
Transmission
FluidXT-2-QDX MERCON
Visteon
conventional and
Traction-Lok axles
(E-150)
2
Motorcraft SAE
75W-140 High
Performance
Synthetic Rear
Axle LubricantXY-75W140–QL WSL-M2C192-A
Dana 9.75 inch
(M60–1U) 10.5 inch
(M70–2U)
(M70–1HD)
(E-250/350/450/550)
3
Motorcraft SAE
80W-90 Premium
Rear Axle
LubricantXY-80W90-QL WSP-M2C197-A
Windshield washer
fluidMotorcraft
Ultra-clear
Windshield
Washer
ConcentrateZC-18–A ESR-M17P5-A
1Ensure the correct automatic transmission fluid is used. Transmission
fluid requirements are indicated on the dipstick or on the dipstick
handle. Check the container to verify the fluid being added is of the
correct type. Refer to your scheduled maintenance guide to determine
the correct service interval.
Some transmission fluids may be labeled as dual usage, such as
MERCONand MERCONV. These dual usage fluids are not to be used
in an automatic transmission that requires use of the MERCONtype
fluid. However, these dual usage fluids may be used in transmissions that
require the MERCONV type fluid.
Maintenance and Specifications
242
ProCarManuals.com

A
ABS (see Brakes) .....................141
Air bag supplemental restraint
system ................................119–120
and child safety seats ............121
description ..............................120
disposal ....................................124
driver air bag ..........................122
indicator light ...................12, 123
operation .................................122
passenger air bag ...................122
Air cleaner filter ...............229, 235
Air conditioning
manual heating and air
conditioning system .................71
Ambulance packages ....................6
Antifreeze (see Engine
coolant) .....................................209
Anti-lock brake system
(see Brakes) ..............................141
Audio system
(see Radio) ................17, 22, 28, 36
Automatic transmission
driving an automatic
overdrive .................................146
fluid, adding ............................227
fluid, checking ........................227
fluid, refill capacities ..............236
fluid, specification ..................243
Auxiliary power point .................86
Axle
lubricant specifications ..240, 243
refill capacities ........................236
traction lok ..............................143
B
Battery .......................................204acid, treating emergencies .....204
charging system warning
light ............................................12
disconnecting ..........................206
jumping a disabled battery ....175
maintenance-free ....................204
replacement, specifications ...235
servicing ..................................204
voltage gauge ............................15
BeltMinder .................................115
Brakes ........................................140
anti-lock ...................................141
anti-lock brake system (ABS)
warning light .....................12, 142
brake warning light ..................11
fluid, checking and adding ....226
fluid, refill capacities ..............236
fluid, specifications .........240, 243
lubricant specifications ..240, 243
shift interlock ..........................145
Break-in period .............................5
Bulbs ............................................79
C
Capacities for refilling fluids ....236
CD-6 disc .....................................36
CD-single premium .....................28
Changing a tire .........................168
Child safety restraints ..............125
child safety belts ....................125
Child safety seats ......................127
in front seat ............................129
in rear seat ..............................129
tether anchorage hardware ...131
Cleaning your vehicle
engine compartment ..............192
exterior ....................................195
instrument panel ....................194
Index
251
ProCarManuals.com

interior .....................................195
plastic parts ............................193
washing ....................................191
waxing .....................................191
wheels ......................................192
wiper blades ....................193–194
woodtone trim ........................195
Climate control (see Air
conditioning or Heating) ......70–71
Clock ..........................20, 25, 32, 40
Compass, electronic ....................94
calibration .................................95
set zone adjustment .................95
Console
overhead ....................................93
Controls
power seat ...............................102
Coolant
checking and adding ..............209
refill capacities ................213, 236
specifications ..................240, 243
Cruise control (see Speed
control) ........................................88
Customer Assistance ................158
Ford accessories for your
vehicle .............................195–196
Ford Extended Service
Plan ..........................................183
Getting assistance outside the
U.S. and Canada .....................187
Getting roadside assistance ...158
Getting the service you
need .........................................181
Ordering additional owner’s
literature .................................188
The Dispute Settlement
Board .......................................184
Utilizing the
Mediation/Arbitration
Program ...................................187D
Daytime running lamps
(see Lamps) ................................76
Dipstick
automatic transmission
fluid ..........................................227
engine oil .................................201
Doors
lubricant specifications ..........240
Driveline universal joint and
slip yoke ....................................227
Driving under special
conditions
through water .........................148
E
Emergencies, roadside
jump-starting ..........................175
Emission control system ..........223
Engine ................................243–244
check engine/service engine
soon light ..................................10
cleaning ...................................192
coolant .....................................209
diesel ...........................................6
fail-safe coolant ......................214
idle speed control ...................204
lubrication
specifications ..................240, 243
refill capacities ........................236
service points ..........................199
starting after a collision .........160
Engine block heater .................139
Engine oil ..................................201
checking and adding ..............201
dipstick ....................................201
filter, specifications ........203, 235
recommendations ...................203
Index
252
ProCarManuals.com