check transmission fluid FORD EXCURSION 2003 1.G Owners Manual

Engine oil pressure gauge:
Indicates engine oil pressure. The
needle should stay in the normal
operating range (between “L” and
“H”). If the needle falls below the
normal range, stop the vehicle, turn
off the engine and check the engine
oil level. Add oil if needed. If the oil
level is correct, have your vehicle
checked at your dealership or by a
qualified technician.
Fuel gauge:Indicates
approximately how much fuel is left
in the fuel tank (when the ignition
is in the ON position).
Transmission fluid temperature gauge:If the gauge is in the:
White area(normal) - the
transmission fluid is within the
normal operating temperature
(between “H” and “C”).
Instrument Cluster
15

sounds. This is the front drivetrain coming up to speed and the
automatic locking hubs engaging and is not cause for concern.
Sand
When driving over sand, try to keep all four wheels on the most solid
area of the trail. Avoid reducing the tire pressures but shift to a lower
gear and drive steadily through the terrain. Apply the accelerator slowly
and avoid spinning the wheels.
If you must reduce the tire pressure for whatever reason in sand, make
sure you re-inflate the tires as soon as possible.
Avoid excessive speed because vehicle momentum can work against you
and cause the vehicle to become stuck to the point that assistance may
be required from another vehicle. Remember, you may be able to back
out the way you came if you proceed with caution.
Mud and water
If you must drive through high
water, drive slowly. Traction or
brake capability may be limited.
When driving through water,
determine the depth; avoid water
higher than the bottom of the hubs
(if possible) and proceed slowly. If
the ignition system gets wet, the vehicle may stall.
Once through water, always try the brakes. Wet brakes do not stop the
vehicle as effectively as dry brakes. Drying can be improved by moving
your vehicle slowly while applying light pressure on the brake pedal.
Be cautious of sudden changes in vehicle speed or direction when you
are driving in mud. Even 4WD vehicles can lose traction in slick mud. As
when you are driving over sand, apply the accelerator slowly and avoid
spinning your wheels. If the vehicle does slide, steer in the direction of
the slide until you regain control of the vehicle.
If the transmission, transfer case or front axle are submerged in water,
their fluids should be checked and changed, if necessary.
Driving through deep water may damage the transmission.
Refer toTransmission temperature gaugein theInstrument cluster
chapter for transmission fluid temperature information.
If the front or rear axle is submerged in water, the axle lubricant should
be replaced.
Driving
142

•Do not allow waves to break higher than 15 cm (6 inches) above the
bottom edge of the rear bumper.
•Disconnect the trailer tow electrical connector to prevent blown fuses
caused by water entering into your trailer’s electrical wiring.
Exceeding these limits may allow water to enter critical vehicle
components, adversely affecting driveability, emissions and reliability.
Replace front and rear axle lubricants any time the axles have been
submerged in water. Axle lubricant quantities are not to be checked
unless a leak is suspected.
RECREATIONAL TOWING (ALL WHEELS ON THE GROUND)
An example of recreational towing would be towing your vehicle 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 before the vehicle is
towed.
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.
4WD vehicles electronic shift transfer case (with automatic
transmissions):
4x4 vehicles with electronic shift on the fly cannot be towed with any
wheels on the ground.
Driving
153

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.
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.
ADD COLD HOT DO NOT ADD
DON'T ADD IF IN CROSSHATCHED AREA  CHECK WHEN HOT IDLING IN PARK
Maintenance and Specifications
214

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.
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.
ADD COLD HOT DO NOT ADD
DON'T ADD IF IN CROSSHATCHED AREA  CHECK WHEN HOT IDLING IN PARK
ADD COLD HOT DO NOT ADD
DON'T ADD IF IN CROSSHATCHED AREA  CHECK WHEN HOT IDLING IN PARK
ADD COLD HOT DO NOT ADD
DON'T ADD IF IN CROSSHATCHED AREA  CHECK WHEN HOT IDLING IN PARK
Maintenance and Specifications
215

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.
Checking and adding transfer case fluid (if equipped)
1. Clean the filler plug.
2. Remove the filler plug and
inspect the fluid level.
3. Add only enough fluid through
the filler opening so that the fluid
level is at the bottom of the
opening.
ADD COLD HOT DO NOT ADD
DON'T ADD IF IN CROSSHATCHED AREA  CHECK WHEN HOT IDLING IN PARK

Maintenance and Specifications
216

1Your vehicle’s rear axle is filled with a synthetic lubricant. Axle lubricant
quantities should not need to be checked 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.
2Add 236 ml (8 oz.) of Additive Friction Modifier XL-3 or equivalent
meeting Ford Specification EST-M2C118-A for complete refill of
Traction-Lok axles.
Service refill capacities are determined by filling the rear axle to the
bottom of the filler hole with the specified lubricant.
3Add the coolant type originally equipped in your vehicle.
4If equipped with auxiliary rear heater, add an additional 1.4 L
(1.5 quarts).
5Ensure 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.
6Indicates only approximate dry-fill capacity. Some applications may vary
based on cooler size and if equipped with an in-tank cooler. The amount
of transmission fluid and fluid level should be set by the indication on
the dipstick’s normal operating range.
Maintenance and Specifications
224

1Add 236 ml (8 oz.) of Additive Friction Modifier XL-3 or equivalent
meeting Ford specification EST-M2C118-A for complete refill of
Traction-Lok axles. Ford design rear axles contain a synthetic lubricant
that does not require changing unless the axle has been submerged in
water.
2Ensure 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.
ENGINE DATA
Engine* 5.4L V8 engine 6.8L V10 engine
Cubic inches 330 415
Required fuel 87 octane 87 octane
Firing order 1-3-7-2-6-5-4-8 1-6-5-10-2-7-3-8-4-9
Spark plug gap1.3-1.4 mm
(0.052-0.056 inch)1.3-1.4 mm
(0.052-0.056 inch)
Ignition system Coil on plug Coil on plug
Compression ratio 9.0:1 9.0:1
*Refer to the7.3 Liter Power Stroke Direct Injection Turbo Diesel
Owner’s Guide Supplementfor diesel engine information.
Maintenance and Specifications
227

A
Accessory delay ..........................59
Air bag supplemental
restraint system ........................109
and child safety seats ............111
description ..............................109
disposal ....................................113
driver air bag ..........................111
indicator light .........................113
operation .................................111
passenger air bag ...................111
Air cleaner filter ...............217, 222
Air conditioning ..........................41
Antifreeze (see
Engine coolant) ........................197
Anti-lock brake system
(see Brakes) ..............................128
Audio system (see Radio) ...17, 21
Automatic transmission
driving an automatic
overdrive .................................132
fluid, adding ............................214
fluid, checking ........................214
fluid, refill capacities ..............222
fluid, specification ..................227
Auxiliary power point .................57
Axle
lubricant
specifications ..................225, 227
refill capacities ........................222
traction lok ..............................130
B
Battery .......................................195
acid, treating emergencies .....195
jumping a disabled battery ....166maintenance-free ....................195
replacement, specifications ...222
servicing ..................................195
BeltMinder .................................104
Brakes ........................................128
anti-lock ...................................128
anti-lock brake system
(ABS) warning light ...............128
fluid, checking and adding ....213
fluid, refill capacities ..............222
fluid, specifications .........225, 227
lubricant specifications ..225, 227
parking ....................................129
shift interlock ..........................131
Break-in period .............................5
Bulbs ............................................49
C
Calculating load ........................149
Capacities for refilling fluids ....222
Cargo net .....................................72
Cassette tape player ...................21
CD-single premium .....................17
Certification Label ....................229
Changing a tire .........................161
Child safety restraints ..............114
child safety belts ....................114
Child safety seats ......................116
attaching with tether straps ..120
in front seat ............................118
in rear seat ..............................118
Cleaning your vehicle
engine compartment ..............184
instrument panel ....................185
interior .....................................186
interior trim ............................186
Index
235

plastic parts ............................185
washing ....................................183
waxing .....................................183
wheels ......................................184
wiper blades ............................185
Climate control (see Air
conditioning or Heating) ......41, 43
Compass, electronic ....................66
calibration .................................67
set zone adjustment .................67
Console ........................................72
overhead ....................................56
Controls
power seat .................................89
steering column ........................64
Coolant
checking and adding ..............197
refill capacities ................201, 222
specifications ..................225, 227
Cruise control (see
Speed control) ............................61
Customer Assistance ................154
Ford accessories for your
vehicle .....................................187
Ford Extended Service
Plan ..........................................176
Getting assistance outside
the U.S. and Canada ..............180
Getting roadside assistance ...154
Getting the service
you need .................................174
Ordering additional
owner’s literature ...................181
The Dispute Settlement
Board .......................................176
Utilizing the Mediation/
Arbitration Program ...............179D
Daytime running lamps
(see Lamps) ................................46
Dipstick
automatic transmission
fluid ..........................................214
engine oil .................................192
Doors
lubricant specifications ..........225
Driving under special
conditions ..................134, 140, 143
sand .........................................142
snow and ice ...........................144
through water .................142, 146
E
Emergencies, roadside
jump-starting ..........................166
Emission control system ..........211
Engine ................................227–228
cleaning ...................................184
coolant .....................................197
diesel ...........................................7
fail-safe coolant ......................202
idle speed control ...................195
lubrication
specifications ..................225, 227
refill capacities ........................222
service points ..........................191
starting after a collision .........155
Engine block heater .................127
Engine oil ..................................192
checking and adding ..............192
dipstick ....................................192
filter, specifications ........194, 222
recommendations ...................194
refill capacities ........................222
specifications ..................225, 227
Index
236