maintenance FORD F-53 2018 Owner's Manual

Add fluid in ½ pint (250 ml) increments
through the filler tube until the level is
correct.
Note:
If an overfill occurs, excess fluid
should be removed by an authorized dealer.
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.
Automatic transmission fluid filter
The TorqShift6™ automatic transmission
is equipped with a serviceable transmission
fluid filter located inside the transmission
bottom pan. Refer to the scheduled
maintenance information for service
intervals for the automatic transmission
fluid and transmission filter. For
transmission filter maintenance, see your
authorized dealer.
BRAKE FLUID CHECK
Fluid levels between the MIN and MAX
lines 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 the system
could be compromised; seek service from
your authorized dealer immediately. Hydromax WARNINGS
Carefully read cautionary information
on product label. For MEDICAL
EMERGENCY INFORMATION contact
a physician or Poison Control Center
immediately; on Ford-Motorcraft™
products call: 1-800-959-3673 (FORD).
Failure to follow these instructions may
result in personal injury. Use of any brake fluid other than that
indicated for your brake system will
cause permanent damage.
Do not let the reservoir for the master
cylinder run dry. This may cause the
brakes to fail and result in personal
injury. Chassis with gross vehicle weight ratings
of 20500 pounds (9299 kilograms),
22000 pounds (9979 kilograms), 24000
pounds (10886 kilograms) and 26000
pounds (11793 kilograms) are equipped
with Hydromax Brake Booster Systems
and must use Motorcraft DOT 5.1 Motor
Vehicle Brake Fluid or equivalent meeting
Ford Specification ESD-M6C57-A. See
Capacities and Specifications (page
133).
Add fluid up to the bottom of the rings
located at the top of the reservoir. Do not
fill above this line. 99
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•
Use only DOT 5.1 brake fluid that is
certified to meet Ford specifications.
• A clear gel-like substance in the
hydraulic brake master cylinder
reservoir may appear on some vehicles.
This substance is a silicone base
lubricant used during assembly of the
master cylinder. It will float on top of
the brake hydraulic fluid in the master
cylinder. This condition is normal and
in no way affects the operation of the
brake system. It does not require any
service.
• Brake system fluid should be replaced
on a regular basis to maintain optimum
braking performance, especially under
heavy-duty driving conditions such as
frequent steep grades or heavy towing
loads. See Scheduled Maintenance
(page 140).
Hydroboost
Chassis with gross vehicle weight ratings
of 16000 pounds (7257 kilograms), 18000
pounds (8165 kilograms) and 19500
pounds (8845 kilograms) are equipped
with Hydroboost Brake Booster Systems
and must use Motorcraft High
Performance DOT 3 Motor Vehicle Brake
Fluid or equivalent meeting Ford
Specification WSS-M6C62-A.
Add brake fluid from a clean unopened
container until the level reaches MAX. Do
not fill above this line. Use only DOT 3
brake fluid that is certified to meet Ford
specifications.
Brake system fluid should be replaced on
a regular basis to maintain optimum
braking performance, especially under
heavy-duty driving conditions such as
frequent steep grades or heavy towing
loads. See
Scheduled Maintenance
(page 140). POWER STEERING FLUID
CHECK
Note:
The power steering cap has both a
cold and hot indicator on the dipstick.
1. Start the engine and let it run until it reaches normal operating temperature
(the engine coolant temperature gauge
indicator will be near the center of the
normal area between H and C).
2. While the engine idles, turn the steering
wheel left and right several times.
3. Turn the engine off.
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4. Check the fluid level on the dipstick. It
should be between the arrows in the
FULL range on the side of the dipstick
with the words MAX. HOT at the top.
Do not add fluid if the level is within
this range.
5. If the fluid is low, add fluid in small amounts, continuously checking the level until it reaches the FULL range.
Be sure to put the dipstick back in the
reservoir.
Steering linkage lubrication points
There are nine lubrication points on the
steering linkage: See Capacities and
Specifications (page 133). •
1 and 9
-Top of the king pin.
• 2 and 7
- Bottom of king pin.
• 3 and 8 - Right hand and Left hand tie
rod end.
• 4
- Steering gear.
• 5 and 6
- Drag link.
FUEL FILTER
Your vehicle is equipped with a lifetime
fuel filter that is integrated with the fuel
tank. Regular maintenance or replacement
is not needed. CHANGING THE 12V BATTERY WARNINGS
Batteries normally produce explosive
gases which can cause personal
injury. Therefore, do not allow
flames, sparks or lighted substances to
come near the battery. When working near
the battery, always shield your face and
protect your eyes. Always provide proper
ventilation.
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WARNINGS
When lifting a plastic-cased battery,
excessive pressure on the end walls
could cause acid to flow through the
vent caps, resulting in personal injury and
damage to the vehicle or battery. Lift the
battery with a battery carrier or with your
hands on opposite corners. Keep batteries out of reach of
children. Batteries contain sulfuric
acid. Avoid contact with skin, eyes or
clothing. Shield your eyes when working
near the battery to protect against possible
splashing of acid solution. In case of acid
contact with skin or eyes, flush
immediately with water for a minimum of
15 minutes and get prompt medical
attention. If acid is swallowed, call a
physician immediately. Note:
If your battery has a cover/shield,
make sure it is reinstalled after the battery
has been cleaned or replaced.
Note: Battery posts, terminals and related
accessories contain lead and lead
compounds. Wash hands after handling.
Your vehicle is equipped with a
Motorcraft® maintenance-free battery
which normally does not require additional
water during its life of service.
For longer, trouble-free operation, keep the
top of the battery clean and dry. Also,
make certain the battery cables are always
tightly fastened to the battery terminals.
If you see any corrosion on the battery or
terminals, remove the cables from the
terminals and clean with a wire brush. You
can neutralize the acid with a solution of
baking soda and water.
It is recommended that the negative
battery cable terminal be disconnected
from the battery if you plan to store your
vehicle for an extended period of time. To ensure proper operation of the battery
management system (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
or components 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
that matches the electrical requirements
of the vehicle.
Note: 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 relearn
When the battery is disconnected or a new
battery installed:
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•
The transmission must relearn its
adaptive strategy. As a result of this,
the transmission may shift firmly. This
operation is considered normal and will
not affect function or durability of the
transmission. Over time the adaptive
learning process will fully update
transmission operation to its optimum
shift feel.
• The clock and the preset radio stations
must be reset once the battery is
reconnected.
• Your vehicle ’s engine is electronically
controlled by a computer, some control
conditions are maintained by power
from the battery, the engine must
relearn its idle and fuel trim strategy.
When the battery is disconnected or a new
battery is installed, begin the battery
relearn process:
1. With the vehicle at a complete stop, set the parking brake.
2. Put the gearshift lever in P (Park), turn
off all accessories and start the engine.
3. Run the engine until it reaches normal operating temperature.
4. Allow the engine to idle for at least one
minute.
5. Turn the A/C on and allow the engine to idle for at least one minute.
6. Drive the vehicle to complete the relearning process.
•The vehicle may need to be driven
to relearn the idle and fuel trim
strategy. CHANGING THE ENGINE AIR
FILTER WARNING
To reduce the risk of vehicle damage
and personal burn injuries, do not
start your engine with the air cleaner
removed and do not remove it while the
engine is running. Change the air filter element at the proper
interval. See Scheduled Maintenance
(page 140).
When changing the air filter element, use
only the air filter element listed. See
Capacities and Specifications
(page
129).
Note: Failure to use the correct air filter
element may result in severe engine
damage. The customer warranty may be
void for any damage to the engine if the
correct air filter element is not used. 1. Loosen the latches that secure the air
filter cover in place.
2. Carefully separate the two halves of the air filter housing.
3. Remove the air filter element from the
housing.
4. Wipe any dirt or debris from the air filter
housing and cover.
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5. Install a new air filter element.
6. Replace the air filter cover to the
housing and secure the latches. Be
careful not to crimp the filter element
edges between the air filter housing.
This could cause filter damage and
allow unmetered air to enter the engine
if not properly seated.
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Underbody
Regularly clean the underside of your
vehicle using water. Keep body and door
drain holes free of debris or foreign
material.
Under Hood
For removing black rubber marks from
under the hood we recommend Motorcraft
Wheel and Tire Cleaner or Motorcraft Bug
and Tar Remover.
CLEANING THE ENGINE
Engines are more efficient when they are
clean because grease and dirt buildup keep
the engine warmer than normal.
When washing:
•
Take care when using a power washer
to clean the engine. The high-pressure
fluid could penetrate the sealed parts
and cause damage.
• Do not spray a hot engine with cold
water to avoid cracking the engine
block or other engine components.
• Spray Motorcraft Engine Shampoo and
Degreaser on all parts that require
cleaning and pressure rinse clean. In
Canada, use Motorcraft Engine
Shampoo.
• Never wash or rinse the engine while it
is hot or running; water in the running
engine may cause internal damage.
• Never wash or rinse any ignition coil,
spark plug wire or spark plug well, or
the area in and around these locations.
• Cover the battery, power distribution
box, and air filter assembly to prevent
water damage when cleaning the
engine. CLEANING THE WHEELS (If
Equipped)
1. Regularly clean them with a wheel cleaner. We recommend that you use
Ford approved wheel cleaner if
available.
2. Remove dirt and brake dust with a sponge.
3. Remove tar and grease with a bug and
tar remover. We recommend that you
use Ford approved bug and tar remover
if available.
4. Thoroughly rinse the wheels with water
after cleaning.
If you intend on parking your vehicle for an
extended period after cleaning the wheels
with a wheel cleaner, drive your vehicle for
a few minutes before doing so. This
reduces the risk of corrosion of the brake
discs, brake pads and linings.
Do not clean the wheels when they are hot.
Note: Some car washes could damage
wheel rims and covers.
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.
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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.
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.
Note: It is necessary to reset memory
features if battery cables are disconnected.
Brakes
• Make sure the brakes and parking brake
release fully.
Tires
• Maintain recommended air pressure.
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Stay out of the trajectory (1) as
indicated in the illustration.
Inspecting Your Tires and
Wheel Valve Stems
Periodically inspect the tire treads
for uneven or excessive wear and
remove objects such as stones,
nails or glass that may be wedged
in the tread grooves. Check the tire
and valve stems for holes, cracks,
or cuts that may permit air
leakage and repair or replace the
tire and replace the valve stem.
Inspect the tire sidewalls for
cracking, cuts, bruises and other
signs of damage or excessive
wear. If internal damage to the tire
is suspected, have the tire
demounted and inspected in case
it needs to be repaired or replaced.
For your safety, tires that are
damaged or show signs of
excessive wear should not be used
because they are more likely to
blow out or fail.
Improper or inadequate vehicle
maintenance can cause tires to
wear abnormally. Inspect all your
tires, including the spare,
frequently, and replace them if
one or more of the following
conditions exist:
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Rotating your tires at the
recommended interval (as
indicated in the Scheduled
Maintenance chapter) will help
your tires wear more evenly,
providing better tire performance
and longer tire life.
Dual rear wheel drive vehicle - six
tire rotation
If your vehicle is equipped with
dual rear wheels it is
recommended that the front and
rear tires (in pairs) be rotated only
side to side. We do not
recommend splitting up the dual rear wheels. Rotate them side to
side as a set. After tire rotation,
inflation pressures must be
adjusted for the tires new
positions in accordance with
vehicle requirements.
Sometimes irregular tire wear can
be corrected by rotating the tires.
USING SNOW CHAINS
WARNING
Snow tires must be the same size,
load index, and speed rating as those
originally provided by Ford. Use of
any tire or wheel not recommended by
Ford can affect the safety and
performance of your vehicle, which could
result in an increased risk of loss of vehicle
control, vehicle rollover, personal injury,
and death. Additionally, the use of
non-recommended tires and wheels could
cause steering, suspension, axle, transfer
case, or power transfer unit failure. It is also
strongly advised to follow the Ford
recommended tire inflation pressure found
on the Safety Compliance Certification
Label (affixed to either the door hinge
pillar, door-latch post, or the door edge
that meets the door-latch post, next to the
driver ’s seating position), or Tire Label
which is located on the B-Pillar or the edge
of the driver door. Failure to follow the tire
pressure recommendations can cause
uneven treadwear patterns and adversely
affect the way your vehicle handles. The tires on your vehicle have all-weather
treads to provide traction in rain and snow.
However, in some climates, you may need
to use snow tires and cables. If you need
to use cables, it is recommended that steel
wheels (of the same size and
specifications) be used, as cables may chip
aluminum wheels.
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