maintenance FORD F-53 2019 Owner's Manual

AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
FLUID CHECK
WARNING: The dipstick andsurrounding components are hot. Usegloves when moving components andchecking the transmission fluid level.Failure to follow this warning could resultin serious personal injury.
Note:Automatic transmission fluidexpands when warmed. To obtain anaccurate fluid check, drive the vehicle untilit is at normal operating temperature(approximately 20 mi (30 km)). If yourvehicle has been operated for an extendedperiod at high speeds, in city traffic duringhot weather or pulling a trailer, the vehicleshould be turned off for about 30 minutesto allow fluid to cool to normal operatingtemperature 196°F - 215°F (91°C - 102°C)before checking.
Refer to your scheduled maintenanceinformation for scheduled intervals for fluidchecks and changes.
Your transmission does not consume fluid.However, the fluid level should be checkedif the transmission is not working properly,(i.e., if the transmission slips or shiftsslowly) or if you notice some sign of fluidleakage. To check the fluid level:
1.Drive the vehicle 20 mi (30 km) or untilit reaches normal operatingtemperature
2.Park the vehicle on a level surface andengage the parking brake
3.With the engine running, parking brakeengaged and your foot on the brakepedal, move the gearshift lever throughall of the gear ranges. Allow sufficienttime for each gear to engage
4.Latch the gearshift lever in P (Park)and leave the engine running.
5.Remove the dipstick, wiping it cleanwith a clean, dry lint free rag. Ifnecessary, refer to Under HoodOverview in this chapter for thelocation of the dipstick.
6.Install the dipstick making sure it is fullyseated in the filler tube.
7.Remove the dipstick and inspect thefluid level. The fluid should be in thedesignated area for normal operatingtemperature or ambient temperature.
Do not use supplemental transmissionfluid additives, treatments or cleaningagents. The use of these materials mayaffect transmission operation and resultin damage to internal transmissioncomponents.
Low fluid level
Do not drive the vehicle if there is noindication of fluid on the dipstick and theambient temperature is above 50°F(10°C).
Correct fluid level
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The transmission fluid should be in thisrange if at normal operating temperature196°F - 215°F (91°C - 102°C).
The transmission fluid should be checkedat normal operating temperature 196°F -215°F (91°C - 102°C) on a level surface.The normal operating temperature can bereached after approximately 20 mi(30 km) of driving. You can check the fluidwithout driving if the ambient temperatureis above 50°F (10°C). However, if fluid isadded at this time, an overfill conditioncould result when the vehicle reachesnormal operating temperature
High fluid level
Fluid levels above the safe range mayresult in transmission failure. An overfillcondition of transmission fluid may causeshift and/or engagement concerns and/orpossible damage. High fluid levels can becaused by an overheating condition.
Adjusting automatic transmissionfluid levels
Note:Use of a non-approved automatictransmission fluid may cause internaltransmission damage. Before adding anyfluid, make sure the correct type is used. Thetype of fluid used is normally indicated onthe transmission dipstick and also in theSee Capacities and Specifications (page134).
Add fluid in ½ pint (250 ml) incrementsthrough the filler tube until the level iscorrect.
Note:If an overfill occurs, excess fluidshould be removed by an authorized dealer.An overfill condition of transmission fluidmay cause shift and/or engagementconcerns and/or 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 fluid filter
The TorqShift6™ automatic transmissionis equipped with a serviceable transmissionfluid filter located inside the transmissionbottom pan. Refer to the scheduledmaintenance information for serviceintervals for the automatic transmissionfluid and transmission filter. Fortransmission filter maintenance, see yourauthorized dealer.
BRAKE FLUID CHECK
Fluid levels between the MIN and MAXlines are within the normal operating range;there is no need to add fluid. If the fluidlevels are outside of the normal operatingrange, the performance of the systemcould be compromised; seek service fromyour authorized dealer immediately.
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Hydromax
WARNING: Carefully readcautionary information on product label.For MEDICAL EMERGENCYINFORMATION contact a physician orPoison Control Center immediately; onFord-Motorcraft™ products call:1-800-959-3673 (FORD). Failure tofollow these instructions may result inpersonal injury.
WARNING: Use of any brake fluidother than that indicated for your brakesystem will cause permanent damage.
WARNING: Do not let the reservoirfor the master cylinder run dry. This maycause the brakes to fail and result inpersonal injury.
Chassis with gross vehicle weight ratingsof 20500 pounds (9299 kilograms),22000 pounds (9979 kilograms), 24000pounds (10886 kilograms) and 26000pounds (11793 kilograms) are equippedwith Hydromax Brake Booster Systemsand must use Motorcraft DOT 5.1 MotorVehicle Brake Fluid or equivalent meetingFord Specification ESD-M6C57-A. SeeCapacities and Specifications (page138).
Add fluid up to the bottom of the ringslocated at the top of the reservoir. Do notfill above this line.
•Use only DOT 5.1 brake fluid that iscertified to meet Ford specifications.
•A clear gel-like substance in thehydraulic brake master cylinderreservoir may appear on some vehicles.This substance is a silicone baselubricant used during assembly of themaster cylinder. It will float on top ofthe brake hydraulic fluid in the mastercylinder. This condition is normal andin no way affects the operation of thebrake system. It does not require anyservice.
•Brake system fluid should be replacedon a regular basis to maintain optimumbraking performance, especially underheavy-duty driving conditions such asfrequent steep grades or heavy towingloads. See Scheduled Maintenance(page 145).
Hydroboost
Chassis with gross vehicle weight ratingsof 16000 pounds (7257 kilograms), 18000pounds (8165 kilograms) and 19500pounds (8845 kilograms) are equippedwith Hydroboost Brake Booster Systemsand must use Motorcraft HighPerformance DOT 3 Motor Vehicle BrakeFluid or equivalent meeting FordSpecification WSS-M6C62-A.
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Add brake fluid from a clean unopenedcontainer until the level reaches MAX. Donot fill above this line. Use only DOT 3brake fluid that is certified to meet Fordspecifications.
Brake system fluid should be replaced ona regular basis to maintain optimumbraking performance, especially underheavy-duty driving conditions such asfrequent steep grades or heavy towingloads. See Scheduled Maintenance(page 145).
POWER STEERING FLUID
CHECK
Note:The power steering cap has both acold and hot indicator on the dipstick.
1.Start the engine and let it run until itreaches normal operating temperature(the engine coolant temperature gaugeindicator will be near the center of thenormal area between H and C).
2.While the engine idles, turn the steeringwheel left and right several times.
3.Turn the engine off.
4.Check the fluid level on the dipstick. Itshould be between the arrows in theFULL range on the side of the dipstickwith the words MAX. HOT at the top.Do not add fluid if the level is withinthis range.
5.If the fluid is low, add fluid in smallamounts, continuously checking thelevel until it reaches the FULL range.Be sure to put the dipstick back in thereservoir.
Steering linkage lubrication points
There are nine lubrication points on thesteering linkage: See Capacities andSpecifications (page 138).
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•1 and 9 -Top of the kingpin.
•2 and 7 - Bottom of kingpin.
•3 and 8 - Right hand and Left hand tierod end.
•4 - Steering gear.
•5 and 6 - Drag link.
FUEL FILTER
Your vehicle is equipped with a lifetimefuel filter that is integrated with the fueltank. Regular maintenance or replacementis not needed.
CHANGING THE 12V BATTERY
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 proper 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.
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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.
Note:If your battery has a cover/shield,make sure it is reinstalled after the batteryhas been cleaned or replaced.
Note:Battery posts, terminals and relatedaccessories contain lead and leadcompounds. Wash hands after handling.
Your vehicle is equipped with aMotorcraft® maintenance-free batterywhich normally does not require additionalwater during its 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.
It is recommended that the negativebattery cable terminal be disconnectedfrom the battery if you plan to store yourvehicle for an extended period of time.
To ensure proper operation of the batterymanagement system (BMS), any electricaldevices that are added to the vehicleshould not have their ground connectionmade directly at the negative battery post.A connection at the negative battery postcan cause inaccurate measurements ofthe battery condition and potentialincorrect system operation.
Note:Electrical or electronic accessoriesor components added to the vehicle by thedealer or the owner may adversely affectbattery performance and durability and mayalso affect the performance of otherelectrical systems in the vehicle.
When a battery replacement is required,the battery should only be replaced witha Ford recommended replacement batterythat matches the electrical requirementsof the vehicle.
Note:Always dispose of automotivebatteries in a responsible manner. Followyour local authorized standards for disposal.Call your local authorized recycling centerto find out more about recycling automotivebatteries.
Battery relearn
When the battery is disconnected or a newbattery installed:
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•The transmission must relearn itsadaptive strategy. As a result of this,the transmission may shift firmly. Thisoperation is considered normal and willnot affect function or durability of thetransmission. Over time the adaptivelearning process will fully updatetransmission operation to its optimumshift feel.
•The clock and the preset radio stationsmust be reset once the battery isreconnected.
•Your vehicle’s engine is electronicallycontrolled by a computer, some controlconditions are maintained by powerfrom the battery, the engine mustrelearn its idle and fuel trim strategy.
When the battery is disconnected or a newbattery is installed, begin the batteryrelearn process:
1.With the vehicle at a complete stop,set the parking brake.
2.Put the gearshift lever in P (Park), turnoff all accessories and start the engine.
3.Run the engine until it reaches normaloperating temperature.
4.Allow the engine to idle for at least oneminute.
5.Turn the A/C on and allow the engineto idle for at least one minute.
6.Drive the vehicle to complete therelearning process.
•The vehicle may need to be drivento relearn the idle and fuel trimstrategy.
CHANGING THE ENGINE AIR
FILTER
WARNING: To reduce the risk ofvehicle damage and personal burninjuries, do not start your engine with theair cleaner removed and do not removeit while the engine is running.
Change the air filter element at the properinterval. See Scheduled Maintenance(page 145).
When changing the air filter element, useonly the air filter element listed. SeeCapacities and Specifications (page134).
Note:Failure to use the correct air filterelement may result in severe enginedamage. The customer warranty may bevoid for any damage to the engine if thecorrect air filter element is not used.
1.Loosen the latches that secure the airfilter cover in place.
2.Carefully separate the two halves ofthe air filter housing.
3.Remove the air filter element from thehousing.
4.Wipe any dirt or debris from the air filterhousing and cover.
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5.Install a new air filter element.
6.Replace the air filter cover to thehousing and secure the latches. Becareful not to crimp the filter elementedges between the air filter housing.This could cause filter damage andallow unmetered air to enter the engineif not properly seated.
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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.
Body
•Wash your vehicle thoroughly toremove dirt, grease, oil, tar or mud fromexterior surfaces, rear-wheel housingand the underside of front fenders.
•Periodically wash your vehicle if it isstored in exposed locations.
•Touch-up exposed or primed metal toprevent rust.
•Cover chrome and stainless steel partswith a thick coat of auto wax to preventdiscoloration. Re-wax as necessarywhen you wash your vehicle.
•Lubricate all hood, door and luggagecompartment hinges and latches witha light grade oil.
•Cover interior trim to prevent fading.
•Keep all rubber parts free from oil andsolvents.
Engine
•Change the engine oil and filter prior tostorage because used engine oilcontains contaminates which maycause engine damage.
•Start the engine every 15 days for aminimum of 15 minutes. Run at fastidle with the climate controls set todefrost until the engine reaches normaloperating temperature.
•With your foot on the brake, shiftthrough all the gears while the engineis running.
•We recommend that you change theengine oil before you use your vehicleagain.
Fuel system
•Fill the fuel tank with high-quality fueluntil the first automatic shutoff of thefuel pump nozzle.
Cooling system
•Protect against freezing temperatures.
•When removing your vehicle fromstorage, check coolant fluid level.Confirm that there are no coolingsystem leaks and that fluid is at therecommended level.
Disconnecting Your 12 Volt Battery
•Check and recharge as necessary. Keepconnections clean.
•If storing your vehicle for more than 30days without recharging the battery,we recommend that you disconnectthe battery cables to maintain batterycharge for quick starting.
Note:It is necessary to reset memoryfeatures if you disconnect the batterycables.
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Stay out of the trajectory (1) asindicated in the illustration.
Inspecting Your Tires andWheel Valve Stems
Periodically inspect the tire treadsfor uneven or excessive wear andremove objects such as stones,nails or glass that may be wedgedin the tread grooves. Check the tireand valve stems for holes, cracks,or cuts that may permit airleakage and repair or replace thetire and replace the valve stem.Inspect the tire sidewalls forcracking, cuts, bruises and othersigns of damage or excessive
wear. If internal damage to the tireis suspected, have the tiredemounted and inspected in caseit needs to be repaired or replaced.For your safety, tires that aredamaged or show signs ofexcessive wear should not be usedbecause they are more likely toblow out or fail.
Improper or inadequate vehiclemaintenance can cause tires towear abnormally. Inspect all yourtires, including the spare,frequently, and replace them ifone or more of the followingconditions exist:
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