automatic transmission fluid FORD E-350 2003 Owners Manual

•When stopped in traffic for long periods of time in hot weather, place
the gearshift in P (Park) and increase idle speed. This aids engine
cooling and air conditioner efficiency.
•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.
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1. Windshield washer fluid reservoir
2. Engine oil filler cap (except 4.2L V6 engine)
3. Automatic transmission fluid dipstick
4. Air filter assembly
5. 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
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 WSB-M8B16–A2.
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.
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910
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5. Recheck the fluid level on the dipstick. Do not add fluid if the level is
between the arrows in the FULL COLD range.
6. If the fluid is low, add fluid in small amounts, continuously checking
the level until it reaches the FULL COLD range. Be sure to put the
dipstick back in the reservoir.
BRAKE FLUID RESERVOIR
The fluid level will drop slowly as
the brakes wear, and will rise when
the brake components are replaced.
Fluid levels below the“MAX”line
that do not trigger the brake system
warning lamp are within the normal
operating range, there is no need to
add fluid. If the fluid levels are outside of the normal operating range,
the performance of your brake system could be compromised, seek
service from your dealer immediately.
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.
MAX
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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.
Adjusting automatic transmission fluid levels
Before adding any fluid, make sure the correct type is used. The type of
fluid used is normally indicated on the dipstick and also in the
Lubricant specificationssection in this chapter.
Use of a non-approved automatic transmission fluid may cause
internal transmission component damage.
If necessary, add fluid in 250 ml (1/2 pint) increments through the filler
tube until the level is correct.
If an overfill occurs, excess fluid
should be removed by a qualified
technician.
An overfill condition of
transmission fluid may cause shift and/or engagement concerns
and/or possible damage.
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.
AIR FILTER MAINTENANCE
Refer to the scheduled maintenance guide for the appropriate intervals
for changing the air filter element.
When changing the air filter element, use only the Motorcraft air filter
element listed. Refer toMotorcraft Part Numbers.
Note:Do not start your engine with the air cleaner removed and do not
remove it while the engine is running.
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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
Premium
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
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.
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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.
8If your vehicle is equipped with a single row radiator, there will be a
label on the top side of the radiator indicating“1 Row Radiator”.
9Use of synthetic or synthetic blend motor oil is not mandatory. Engine
oil need only meet the requirements of Ford specification
WSS-M2C153–H and the API Certification mark.
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
LubricantF5AZ-19553-AA ESR-M13P4-A
Engine coolant Motorcraft
Premium Gold
Engine Coolant
(yellow-colored)VC-7–A
WSS -M97B51-A1
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Item Ford part
nameFord part
numberFord
specification
Engine oil-gasoline
engineMotorcraft SAE
5W-20 Premium
Synthetic Blend
Motor Oil (US)
Motorcraft SAE
5W-20 Super
Premium Motor
Oil (Canada)XO-5W20-QSP
(US)
CXO-5W20–LSP12
(Canada)WSS-M2C153-H
with API
Certification
Mark
Engine oil-diesel
engineRefer to the7.3 Liter Power Stroke Direct Injection
Turbo Diesel Owner’s Guide Supplement.
Hinges, latches,
Striker plates, fuel
filler door hinge,
and seat tracksMotorcraft
Multi-Purpose
GreaseXG–4 or XL-5 ESR-M1C159-A
or
ESB-M1C93–B
Lock cylinders Motorcraft
Penetrating and
Lock LubricantMotorcraft XL-1 none
Power steering
fluidMotorcraft
MERCONAT FXT-2-QDX MERCON
Automatic
transmission
(4R100)
1
Motorcraft
MERCONAT FXT-2-QDX MERCON
Automatic
tranmission
(4R70W)
1
Motorcraft
MERCONV
AT FXT-5-QM MERCONV
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
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Item Ford part
nameFord part
numberFord
specification
Visteon
conventional and
Traction-Lok axles
(E-150)
2
Motorcraft SAE
75W-90 Fuel
Efficient High
Performance
Synthetic Rear
Axle LubricantXY-75W90–QFEHP Meets API GL-5
Dana 9.75 inch
(M60–1U)
3Hypoid Gear Oil
SAE 90C6AZ-19580–E ESW-M2C105–E
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
Premium
Windshield
Washer
ConcentrateZC-32–A WSB-M8B16–A2
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.
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.
2Add 118 ml (4 oz.) of Additive Friction Modifier XL-3 or equivalent
meeting Ford specification EST-M2C118-A for complete refill of Visteon
Traction-Lok rear axles.
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A
Air bag supplemental restraint
system ..........................................93
and child safety seats ..............95
description ................................93
disposal ......................................97
driver air bag ............................95
indicator light ...........................97
operation ...................................95
passenger air bag .....................95
Air cleaner filter .......203–204, 210
Ambulance packages ....................6
Antifreeze
(see Engine coolant) ................184
Anti-lock brake system
(see Brakes) ......................116–117
Audio system
(see Radio) ................16, 18, 21, 25
Automatic transmission
driving an automatic
overdrive .................................120
fluid, adding ............................201
fluid, checking ........................201
fluid, refill capacities ..............211
fluid, specification ..................218
Auxiliary power point .................67
Axle
lubricant specifications ..215, 218
refill capacities ........................211
traction lok ..............................118
B
Battery .......................................179
acid, treating emergencies .....179
disconnecting ..........................181
jumping a disabled battery ....152
maintenance-free ....................179replacement, specifications ...210
servicing ..................................179
BeltMinder ...................................89
Brakes ........................................116
anti-lock ...........................116–117
anti-lock brake system (ABS)
warning light ...........................117
fluid, checking and adding ....201
fluid, refill capacities ..............211
fluid, specifications .........215, 218
lubricant specifications ..215, 218
parking ....................................117
shift interlock ..........................119
Break-in period .............................5
Bulbs ............................................57
C
Calculating load ........................126
Capacities for refilling fluids ....211
Cassette tape player ...................25
CD-single premium .........16, 18, 21
Cell phone use ............................67
Child safety restraints ................98
child safety belts ......................98
Child safety seats ......................101
in front seat ............................103
in rear seat ..............................103
tether anchorage hardware ...105
Cleaning your vehicle
engine compartment ..............168
exterior ....................................171
instrument panel ....................170
interior .....................................170
interior trim ............................170
plastic parts ............................169
safety belts ..............................170
washing ....................................167
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waxing .....................................167
wheels ......................................168
wiper blades ............................169
Climate control (see Air
conditioning or Heating) ......51, 53
Compass, electronic ....................65
calibration .................................66
set zone adjustment .................66
Console
overhead ....................................64
Controls
power seat .................................78
Coolant
checking and adding ..............184
refill capacities ................188, 211
specifications ..................215, 218
Cruise control
(see Speed control) ....................69
Customer Assistance ................135
Ford accessories for your
vehicle .....................................171
Ford Extended Service
Plan ..........................................160
Getting assistance outside
the U.S. and Canada ..............164
Getting roadside assistance ...135
Getting the service you
need .........................................158
Ordering additional owner’s
literature .................................165
The Dispute Settlement
Board .......................................161
Utilizing the
Mediation/Arbitration
Program ...................................164
D
Daytime running lamps
(see Lamps) ................................54Dipstick
automatic transmission
fluid ..........................................201
engine oil .................................176
Doors
lubricant specifications ..........215
Driveline universal joint and
slip yoke ....................................201
Driving under special
conditions ..................................123
through water .........................123
E
Emergencies, roadside
jump-starting ..........................152
Emergency Flashers .................136
Emission control system ..........198
Engine ........................................218
cleaning ...................................168
coolant .....................................184
diesel ...........................................6
fail-safe coolant ......................189
idle speed control ...................179
lubrication
specifications ..................215, 218
refill capacities ........................211
service points ..........................174
starting after a collision .........136
Engine block heater .................116
Engine oil ..................................176
checking and adding ..............176
dipstick ....................................176
filter, specifications ........178, 210
recommendations ...................178
refill capacities ........................211
specifications ..................215, 218
Exhaust fumes ..........................116
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