maintenance FORD E SERIES 2023 Owner's Guide

High Fluid Level
Fluid levels above the safe range mayresult in transmission failure. An overfillcondition of transmission fluid may causeshift and engagement concerns, andpossible damage.
An overheating condition can cause highfluid levels.
Adjusting Automatic TransmissionFluid Levels
Note:Use of a non-approved automatictransmission fluid may cause internaltransmission component damage.
Make sure to use the correct type of fluid.You can find the type of fluid used on thetransmission dipstick, or in your Owner'sManual. See Capacities andSpecifications (page 224).
If necessary, add fluid in 8 fl oz (250 ml)increments through the filler tube until thelevel is correct.
If an overfill occurs, have a qualifiedtechnician remove excess fluid.
Note:An overfill condition of transmissionfluid may cause shift and engagementconcerns, and possible damage.
Do not use supplemental transmissionfluid additives, treatments or cleaningagents. The use of these materials mayaffect transmission operation and resultin damage to internal transmissioncomponents.
Automatic Transmission FluidFilter
Your automatic transmission has aserviceable transmission fluid filter insidethe transmission bottom pan. For serviceintervals for the automatic transmissionfluid and transmission filter, SeeScheduled Maintenance (page 247).
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For transmission filter maintenance, seeyour authorized dealer.
BRAKE FLUID CHECK
WARNING: Do not use any fluidother than the recommended brake fluidas this will reduce brake efficiency. Useof incorrect fluid could result in the lossof vehicle control, serious personal injuryor death.
WARNING: Only use brake fluidfrom a sealed container. Contaminationwith dirt, water, petroleum products orother materials may result in brakesystem damage or failure. Failure toadhere to this warning could result in theloss of vehicle control, serious personalinjury or death.
WARNING: Do not allow the fluidto touch your skin or eyes. If thishappens, rinse the affected areasimmediately with plenty of water andcontact your physician.
WARNING: The brake systemcould be affected if the brake fluid levelis below the MIN mark or above the MAXmark on the brake fluid reservoir.
1.Park your vehicle on a level surface.
2.Look at the brake fluid reservoir to seewhere the brake fluid level is relativeto the MIN and the MAX marks on thereservoir.
Note:If the brake fluid level is between theMIN and the MAX marks on the reservoir, itis acceptable.
Note:If the brake fluid level is below theMIN mark or above the MAX mark, haveyour vehicle checked as soon as possible.
Note:To avoid fluid contamination, thereservoir cap must remain in place and fullytight, unless you are adding fluid.
Only use fluid that meets ourspecifications. See Capacities andSpecifications (page 224).
Brake Fluid Service Interval
Brake fluid absorbs water over time whichdegrades the effectiveness of the brakefluid. Change the brake fluid at thespecified intervals to prevent degradedbraking performance.
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For detailed interval information, seeScheduled Maintenance in your Owner'sManual or your local maintenance guide.
POWER STEERING FLUID
CHECK
WARNING: A fluid level betweenthe MAX and MIN lines is within thenormal operating range and there is noneed to add fluid. A fluid level not in thenormal operating range couldcompromise the performance of thesystem.
WARNING: For E-350 and E-450vehicles with the Hydro-Boost BrakeSystem, do not press the brake pedalafter the engine has been turned off.Pressing the brake pedal after the enginehas been turned off will give a falsepower steering fluid level reading.
Only use fluid that meets Fordspecifications. See Hydraulic PowerSteering Fluid Capacity andSpecification (page 234).
To top up the power steering fluid level dothe following.
1.Start the engine and let it run until itreaches normal operating temperature.
2.Make sure the fluid is within the MINand MAX range.
3.If the fluid level is low, add fluid to bewithin the MIN and MAX range. Do notoverfill.
4.While the engine idles, turn the steeringwheel left and right several times.
5.Recheck the fluid level in the reservoir.
Note:Do not operate the vehicle with a lowpower steering pump fluid level.
CHANGING THE 12V BATTERY
WARNING: This vehicle may havemore than one battery. Removing thebattery cables from only one batterydoes not disconnect your vehicleelectrical system. Make sure youdisconnect the battery cables from allbatteries when disconnecting power.Failure to do so may cause seriouspersonal injury or property damage.
WARNING: Batteries normallyproduce explosive gases which cancause personal injury. Therefore, do notallow flames, sparks or lightedsubstances to come near the battery.When working near the battery, alwaysshield your face and protect your eyes.Always provide correct ventilation.
WARNING: When lifting aplastic-cased battery, excessive pressureon the end walls could cause acid to flowthrough the vent caps, resulting inpersonal injury and damage to thevehicle or battery. Lift the battery with abattery carrier or with your hands onopposite corners.
WARNING: Keep batteries out ofreach of children. Batteries containsulfuric acid. Avoid contact with skin,eyes or clothing. Shield your eyes whenworking near the battery to protectagainst possible splashing of acidsolution. In case of acid contact with skinor eyes, flush immediately with water fora minimum of 15 minutes and get promptmedical attention. If acid is swallowed,call a physician immediately.
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WARNING: Battery posts,terminals and related accessoriescontain lead and lead compounds,chemicals known to the State ofCalifornia to cause cancer andreproductive harm.Wash your handsafter handling.
Note:If your vehicle battery has a cover,make sure it is reinstalled after the batteryhas been cleaned or replaced.
Note:Electrical or electronic accessoriesor components added to the vehicle by thedealer or the owner may adversely affectbattery performance and durability.
Your vehicle is fitted with a Motorcraft®maintenance-free battery which normallydoes not require additional water duringits life of service.
For longer, trouble-free operation, keep thetop of the battery clean and dry. Also,make certain the battery cables are alwaystightly fastened to the battery terminals.
If you see any corrosion on the battery orterminals, remove the cables from theterminals and clean with a wire brush. Youcan neutralize the acid with a solution ofbaking soda and water.
Always dispose of automotive batteries ina responsible manner. Follow your localauthorized standards for disposal. Call yourlocal authorized recycling center to findout more about recycling automotivebatteries.
Reconnecting the Battery
Because your vehicle’s engine iselectronically controlled by a computer,some control conditions are maintainedby power from the battery. When thebattery is disconnected or a new batteryis installed, the engine must relearn its idleand fuel trim strategy for optimumdriveability and performance. Flexible fuelvehicles (FFV) must also relearn theethanol content of the fuel for optimumdriveability and performance.
To begin this process.
1.Switch off all accessories and start theengine.
2.Run the engine until it reaches normaloperating temperature.
3.Allow the engine to idle for at least oneminute.
4.Turn the A/C on and allow the engineto idle for at least one minute.
5.Fully press the foot brake. Release theparking brake. Shift the gearshift leverto Drive (D) and allow the engine toidle for at least one minute.
6.Drive the vehicle for approximately10 mi (16 km) to complete therelearning process.
Note:If you do not carry out the aboveprocess, the idle quality of your vehicle maybe adversely affected until the idle trim iseventually relearned.
Flexible fuel vehicles operating on E85 mayexperience poor starts and driveabilityproblems until the fuel trim and ethanolcontent have been relearned.
When the battery is disconnected or a newbattery installed, the transmission mustlearn its adaptive strategy. As a result ofthis, the transmission may shift firmly. Thisoperation is considered normal and fullyupdates transmission operation to itsoptimum shift feel.
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We recommend that the negative batterycable terminal be disconnected from thebattery if you plan to store your vehicle foran extended period of time. This minimizesthe discharge of your battery duringstorage.
Dual Batteries (If Equipped)
Your vehicle may be fitted with aframe-mounted battery located on thepassenger side frame rail, behind the frontpassenger door. This battery is connectedin parallel with the battery in the enginecompartment. Both batteries are used tostart the vehicle.
ADJUSTING THE HEADLAMPS
We properly aim the headlamps on yourvehicle at the assembly plant. If yourvehicle has been in an accident, have anauthorized dealer check the alignment ofyour headlamps.
Vertical Aim AdjustmentProcedure
You can only adjust the headlampsvertically. Your vehicle does not requirehorizontal aim adjustments.
8 feet (2.4 meters).A
Center height of lamp to ground.B
25 feet (7.6 meters).C
Horizontal reference line.D
To adjust the headlamps:
1.Park the vehicle directly in front of awall or screen on a level surface,approximately 25 ft (7.6 m) away.
2.Measure the height of the headlampbulb center from the ground and markan 8 ft (2.4 m) horizontal reference lineon the vertical wall or screen at thisheight.
Note:To see a clearer light pattern foradjusting, you may want to block the lightfrom one headlamp while adjusting theother.
3.Turn on the low beam headlamps toilluminate the wall or screen and openthe hood.
4.On the wall or screen, you will observea flat zone of high intensity lightlocated at the top of the right handportion of the beam pattern. If the topedge of the high intensity light zone isnot at the horizontal reference line, youwill need to adjust the headlamp.
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5.Locate the vertical adjuster on eachheadlamp. Using a Phillips #2screwdriver, turn the adjuster eitherclockwise or counterclockwise in orderto adjust the vertical aim of theheadlamp.
6.Repeat steps 3 through 5 to adjust theother headlamp.
7.Close the hood and switch off thelamps.
WASHER FLUID CHECK
WARNING: If you operate yourvehicle in temperatures below 40°F(5°C), use washer fluid with antifreezeprotection. Failure to use washer fluidwith antifreeze protection in coldweather could result in impairedwindshield vision and increase the riskof injury or accident.
Add fluid to fill the reservoir if the level islow. Only use a washer fluid that meetsFord specifications. See Capacities andSpecifications (page 224).
State or local regulations on volatileorganic compounds may restrict the useof methanol, a common windshield washerantifreeze additive. Washer fluidscontaining non-methanol antifreezeagents should be used only if they providecold weather protection without damagingthe vehicle’s paint finish, wiper blades orwasher system.
FUEL FILTER
Your vehicle is equipped with a lifetimefuel filter that is integrated with the fueltank. Regular maintenance or replacementis not needed.
CHECKING THE WIPER
BLADES
Run the tip of your fingers over the edge ofthe blade to check for roughness.
Clean the wiper blades with washer fluidor water applied with a soft sponge orcloth.
CHANGING THE WIPER
BLADES
You can manually move the wiper armswhen the ignition is off. This allows for easeof blade replacement and cleaning underthe blades.
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1.Pull the wiper blade and arm awayfrom the glass.
2.Release the wiper blade lock (A) andseparate the wiper blade from thewiper arm.
3.Install in the reverse order.
Note:Make sure that the wiper blade locksinto place. Lower the wiper arm and bladeback on the windshield. The wiper arms willautomatically return to their normal positionwhen you turn the ignition on.
•Replace wiper blades at least once peryear for optimum performance.
•You can improve poor wiper quality bycleaning the wiper blades and thewindshield.
REMOVING A HEADLAMP
1.Make sure the headlamp switch is inthe off position, then open the hood.
2.Remove the three screws from theheadlamp assembly and pull theassembly straight out.
3.Disconnect the electrical connector bysqueezing the release tab and pushingthe connector forward, then pulling itrearward.
4.Remove the headlamp.
To install the new lamp, follow theremoval procedures in reverse order.
CHANGING A BULB
Lamp Assembly Condensation
Exterior lamps are vented toaccommodate normal changes inpressure. Condensation can be a naturalby-product of this design. When moist airenters the lamp assembly through thevents, there is a possibility thatcondensation can occur when thetemperature is cold. When normal
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condensation occurs, a thin film of mistcan form on the interior of the lens. Thethin mist eventually clears and exitsthrough the vents during normal operation.Clearing time may take as long as 48 hoursunder dry weather conditions.
Examples of acceptable condensation are:
•Presence of thin mist (no streaks, dripmarks or droplets).
•Fine mist covers less than 50% of thelens.
Examples of unacceptable moisture(usually caused by a lamp water leak) are:
•Water puddle inside the lamp.
•Large water droplets, drip marks orstreaks present on the interior of thelens.
Take your vehicle to a dealer for service ifany of the above conditions ofunacceptable moisture are present.
Replacing Headlamp Bulbs
WARNING: Make sure the bulbshave cooled down before removingthem. Failure to follow this warning couldresult in serious personal injury.
Note:Grasp the bulb by only its plastic baseand do not touch the glass. The oil from yourhand could cause the bulb to break the nexttime the headlamps are operated.
Note:If the bulb is accidentally touched,clean it with rubbing alcohol before use.
1.Make sure the headlamp switch is inthe off position, then open the hood.
2.Remove the headlamp. SeeRemoving a Headlamp (page 178).
3.Disconnect the electrical connector bysqueezing the release tab and pushingthe connector forward, then pulling itrearward.
4.Remove the bulb assembly by turningit counterclockwise and pulling itstraight out.
To install the new bulb, follow the removalprocedures in reverse order.
Replacing Front Parking Lamp andDirection Indicator Bulbs
1.Make sure the headlamp switch is inthe off position, then open the hood.
2.Remove the headlamp assembly. Referto Replacing Headlamp Bulbs in thissection.
3.Rotate the bulb socketcounterclockwise and remove.
4.Carefully pry up the bulb straight outof the socket.
To complete installation, follow theremoval procedures in reverse order.
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Replacing Side Marker Bulbs
1.Make sure the headlamp switch is inthe off position, then open the hood.
2.Remove the headlamp assembly. Referto Replacing Headlamp Bulbs in thissection.
3.Rotate the bulb socketcounterclockwise and remove.
4.Carefully pry up the bulb straight outof the socket.
To complete installation, follow theremoval procedures in reverse order.
ReplacingBrake/Tail/Turn/Reverse LampBulbs (Cut-Away Only)
1.Make sure the headlamps are off.
2.Remove the four screws and the lamplens from the lamp assembly.
3.Carefully pull the bulb straight out ofthe socket and push in the new bulb.
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You should:
•Remove dust and loose dirt with avacuum cleaner.
•Clean and treat spills and stains assoon as possible.
Do not use the following products as thesemay damage the leather:
•Oil and petroleum or silicone-basedleather conditioners.
•Household cleaners.
•Alcohol solutions.
•Solvents or cleaners intendedspecifically for rubber, vinyl andplastics.
REPAIRING MINOR PAINT
DAMAGE
Authorized dealers have touch-up paint tomatch your vehicle’s color. Your vehiclecolor code is printed on a sticker on thefront, left-hand side door jamb. Take yourcolor code to your authorized dealer tomake sure you get the correct color.
Before repairing minor paint damage, usea cleaner to remove particles such as birddroppings, tree sap, insect deposits, tarspots, road salt and industrial fallout.
Read the instructions before using cleaningproducts.
CLEANING THE WHEELS
1.Regularly clean them with a wheelcleaner. We recommend that you useFord approved wheel cleaner ifavailable.
2.Remove dirt and brake dust with asponge.
3.Remove tar and grease with a bug andtar remover. We recommend that youuse Ford approved bug and tar removerif available.
4.Thoroughly rinse the wheels with waterafter cleaning.
If you intend on parking your vehicle for anextended period after cleaning the wheelswith a wheel cleaner, drive your vehicle fora few minutes before doing so. Thisreduces the risk of corrosion of the brakediscs, brake pads and linings.
Do not clean the wheels when they are hot.
Note: Some car washes could damagewheel rims and covers.
Note: Using non-recommended cleaners,harsh cleaning products, chrome wheelcleaners or abrasive materials coulddamage wheel rims and covers.
VEHICLE STORAGE
If you plan on storing your vehicle for 30days or more, read the followingmaintenance recommendations to makesure your vehicle stays in good operatingcondition.
We engineer and test all motor vehiclesand their components for reliable, regulardriving. Under various conditions,long-term storage may lead to degradedengine performance or failure unless youuse specific precautions to preserve enginecomponents.
General
•Store all vehicles in a dry, ventilatedplace.
•Protect from sunlight, if possible.
•If vehicles are stored outside, theyrequire regular maintenance to protectagainst rust and damage.
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