FORD F-53 2021 Owners Manual

GENERAL MAINTENANCE
INFORMATION
Why Maintain Your Vehicle?
Carefully following the maintenance
schedule helps protect against major repair
expenses resulting from neglect or
inadequate maintenance and may help to
increase the value of your vehicle when
you sell or trade it. Keep all receipts for
completed maintenance with your vehicle.
We have established regular maintenance
intervals for your vehicle based upon
rigorous testing. It is important that you
have your vehicle serviced at the proper
times. These intervals serve two purposes;
one is to maintain the reliability of your
vehicle and the second is to keep your cost
of owning your vehicle down.
It is your responsibility to have all
scheduled maintenance performed and to
make sure that the materials used meet
the specifications identified in this owner's
manual. See Capacities and
Specifications (page 152).
Failure to perform scheduled maintenance
invalidates warranty coverage on parts
affected by the lack of maintenance.
Why Maintain Your Vehicle at Your
Dealership?
Factory-trained Technicians
Service technicians participate in extensive
factory-sponsored certification training to
help them become experts on the
operation of your vehicle. Ask your
dealership about the training and
certification their technicians have
received. Genuine Ford and Motorcraft
Replacement Parts
Dealerships stock Ford, Motorcraft and
Ford-authorized branded re-manufactured
replacement parts. These parts meet or
exceed our specifications. Parts installed
at your dealership carry a nationwide
24-month or unlimited mile (kilometer)
parts and labor limited warranty.
If you do not use Ford authorized parts they
may not meet our specifications and
depending on the part, it could affect
emissions compliance.
Convenience
Many dealerships have extended evening
and Saturday hours to make your service
visit more convenient and they offer one
stop shopping. They can perform any
services that are required on your vehicle,
from general maintenance to collision
repairs.
Note:
Not all dealers have extended hours
or body shops. Please contact your dealer
for details.
Protecting Your Investment
Maintenance is an investment that pays
dividends in the form of improved
reliability, durability and resale value. To
maintain the proper performance of your
vehicle and its emission control systems,
make sure you have scheduled
maintenance performed at the designated
intervals.
Your vehicle is very sophisticated and built
with multiple, complex, performance
systems. Every manufacturer develops
these systems using different
specifications and performance features.
That is why it is important to rely upon your
dealership to properly diagnose and repair
your vehicle.
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Ford Motor Company has recommended
maintenance intervals for various parts
and component systems based upon
engineering testing. Ford Motor Company
relies upon this testing to determine the
most appropriate mileage for replacement
of oils and fluids to protect your vehicle at
the lowest overall cost to you and
recommends against maintenance
schedules that deviate from the scheduled
maintenance information.
We strongly recommend the use of only
genuine Ford, Motorcraft or
Ford-authorized re-manufactured
replacement parts engineered for your
vehicle.
Additives and Chemicals
This owner's manual and the Ford
Workshop Manual list the recommended
additives and chemicals for your vehicle.
We do not recommend using chemicals or
additives not approved by us as part of
your vehicle
’s normal maintenance. Please
consult your warranty information. Oils, Fluids and Flushing
In many cases, fluid discoloration is a
normal operating characteristic and, by
itself, does not necessarily indicate a
concern or that the fluid needs to be
changed. However, a qualified expert, such
as the factory-trained technicians at your
dealership, should inspect discolored fluids
that also show signs of overheating or
foreign material contamination
immediately.
Make sure to change your vehicle
’s oils and
fluids at the specified intervals or in
conjunction with a repair. Flushing is a
viable way to change fluid for many vehicle
sub-systems during scheduled
maintenance. It is critical that systems are
flushed only with new fluid that is the same
as that required to fill and operate the
system or using a Ford-approved flushing
chemical.
Owner Checks and Services
Make sure you perform the following basic
maintenance checks and inspections every
month or at six-month intervals. Check every month
Engine oil level.
Function of all interior and exterior lights.
Tires (including spare) for wear and proper pressure. Windshield washer fluid level. Check every six months
Battery connections. Clean if necessary.
Body and door drain holes for obstructions. Clean if necessary. Cooling system fluid level and coolant strength.
Door weatherstrips for wear. Lubricate if necessary.
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Check every six months
Hinges, latches and outside locks for proper operation. Lubricate if necessary. Parking brake for proper operation.
Safety belts and seat latches for wear and function.
Safety warning lamps (brake, ABS, airbag and safety belt) for operation.
Washer spray and wiper operation. Clean or replace blades as necessary.
Multi-point Inspection
In order to keep your vehicle running right,
it is important to have the systems on your
vehicle checked regularly. This can help
identify potential issues and prevent major
problems. We recommend having the
following multi-point inspection performed
at every scheduled maintenance interval
to help make sure your vehicle keeps
running great. Multi-point inspection
Horn operation
Accessory drive belt(s)
Radiator, cooler, heater and A/C hoses
Battery performance
Suspension component for leaks ordamage
Engine air filter
Steering and linkage
Exhaust system
Tires (including spare) for wear and properpressure**
Exterior lamps and hazard warning system
operation
Windshield for cracks, chips or pits
Fluid levels *
; fill if necessary
Washer spray and wiper operation
For oil and fluid leaks
* Brake, coolant recovery reservoir, automatic transmission, power steering and window
washer.
** If your vehicle is equipped with a temporary mobility kit, check the tire sealant expiration
Use By date on the canister. Replace as needed.
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Be sure to ask your dealership service
advisor or technician about the multi-point
vehicle inspection. It is a comprehensive
way to perform a thorough inspection of
your vehicle. Your checklist gives you
immediate feedback on the overall
condition of your vehicle.
NORMAL SCHEDULED MAINTENANCE
Note: Do not exceed the mileage or time intervals. Every 10,000 miles (16000 km), 12 months or 450 engine hours - whichever comes first
Change the engine oil and filter.
Rotate the tires, inspect tire wear and measure the tread depth. 1
Inspect the wheels and related components for abnormal noise, wear, looseness or
drag.
Perform a multi-point inspection.
Inspect the automatic transmission fluid level. Consult dealer for requirements.
Inspect the brake pads, shoes, rotors, drums, brake linings, hoses and the parking brake.
Inspect the engine coolant level/strength and hoses.
Inspect the exhaust system and heat shields.
Inspect the steering linkage, ball joints, suspension, tie-rod ends, drive shaft and U-joints.
Lubricate, if your vehicle has grease fittings.
1 Vehicles with dual rear wheels should rotate the front wheels when specified; rear wheels
only if you notice unusual wear. Brake Fluid Maintenance
1
Change the brake fluid. 2
Every 3 Years
1 Perform this maintenance item every 3 years. Do not exceed the designated time for
the interval.
2 Brake fluid servicing requires special equipment available at your authorized dealer.
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Other maintenance items
Replace the engine air filter.
Every 30,000 mi
(48,000 km)
Replace the front wheel bearing grease and grease seal
if you use non-sealed bearings.
Every
60,000 mi
(96,000 km)
Replace the spark plugs.
Every
100,000 mi
(160,000 km) Replace the rear axle fluid.
Inspect the accessory drive belt(s).
1
Replace the accessory drive belt(s) if not replaced within
the last
100,000 mi (160,000 km).
Every
150,000 mi
(240,000 km) Replace the front wheel bearings and seals if you use non-
sealed bearings.
Change the automatic transmission fluid and filter. Consult
dealer for requirements.
Change the engine coolant.
2
Every
200,000 mi
(320,000 km)
1 If not replaced, inspect every
15,000 mi (24,000 km).
2 Initial replacement at 10 years or
200,000 mi (320,000 km), then every five years or
100,000 mi (160,000 km).
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SPECIAL OPERATING
CONDITIONS SCHEDULED
MAINTENANCE
If you operate your vehicle primarily in any
of the following conditions, you need to perform extra maintenance as indicated.
If you operate your vehicle
occasionally
under any of these conditions, it is not
necessary to perform the extra
maintenance. For specific
recommendations, see your dealership
service advisor or technician. Towing a trailer or using a car-top carrier
Inspect U-joints.
Inspect frequently, service
as required
See axle maintenance items under
Exceptions.
Inspect the wheels and related components for abnormal
noise, wear, looseness or drag.
Every 5000 miles (8000
km)
Rotate tires*
, inspect tires for wear and measure tread
depth.
Change engine oil and filter.
Every 5000 miles (8000
km) or six months
Inspect U-joints.
Replace front wheel bearing grease and grease seals if
non-sealed bearings are used.
Every 30000 miles (48000
km)
Replace spark plugs.
Every 60000 miles (96000
km)
* Vehicles equipped with dual rear wheels should rotate the front wheels when specified;
rear wheels only if unusual wear is noted. Extensive idling or low-speed driving for long distances, as in heavy commercial use
(such as delivery, taxi, patrol car or livery)
Inspect brake system.
Every 5000 miles (8000
km)
Inspect wheels and related components for abnormal
noise, wear, looseness or drag.
Rotate tires*
, inspect tires for wear and measure tread
depth.
Inspect U-joints.
Every 5000 miles (8000
km) or six months
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Extensive idling or low-speed driving for long distances, as in heavy commercial use
(such as delivery, taxi, patrol car or livery)
Change engine oil and filter.
Every 5000 miles (8000
km) or six months or 200
engine hours
Replace front wheel bearing grease and grease seals if
non-sealed bearings are used.
Every 30000 miles (48000
km)
Replace spark plugs.
Every 60000 miles (96000
km)
* Vehicles equipped with dual rear wheels should rotate the front wheels when specified;
rear wheels only if unusual wear is noted. Operating in dusty or sandy conditions (such as unpaved or dusty roads)
Replace engine air filter.
Inspect frequently, service
as required
Replace cabin air filter, if equipped.
Inspect the wheels and related components for abnormal
noise, wear, looseness or drag.
Every 5000 miles (8000
km)
Rotate tires*
, inspect tires for wear and measure tread
depth.
Change engine oil and filter.
Every 5000 miles (8000
km) or six months
Inspect U-joints.
Replace front wheel bearing grease and grease seals if
non-sealed bearings are used.
Every 30000 miles (48000
km)
Change rear axle fluid.
Every 50000 miles (80000
km)
* Vehicles equipped with dual rear wheels should rotate the front wheels when specified;
rear wheels only if unusual wear is noted.
Exceptions
There are several exceptions to the Normal
Schedule:
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Rear axle fluid change or level check not
required unless leak is suspected or the
assembly has been submerged in water.
During long periods of trailer towing with
outside temperatures above 70°F (21°C)
and at wide-open throttle for long periods
above 45 mph (72 km/h), change rear axle
fluid every 24,000 mi (38,000 km) or three
months, whichever comes first.
California fuel filter replacement: If you
register your vehicle in California, the
California Air Resources Board has
determined that the failure to perform this
maintenance item does not nullify the
emission warranty or limit recall liability
before the completion of your vehicle's
useful life. Ford Motor Company, however,
urges you to have all recommended
maintenance services performed at the
specified intervals and to record all vehicle
service.
Hot climate oil change intervals:
Vehicles operating in the Middle East,
North Africa, Sub-Saharan Africa or
locations with similar climates using an
American Petroleum Institute (API)
Certified for Gasoline Engines (Certification
mark) oil of SM or SN quality, the normal
oil change interval is 5000 miles (8000
kilometers).
If the available API SM or SN oils are not
available, then the oil change interval is
3000 miles (4800 kilometers).
Engine air filter and cabin air filter
replacement
: The life of the engine air
filter and cabin air filter is dependent on
exposure to dusty and dirty conditions.
Vehicles operated in these conditions
require frequent inspection and
replacement of the engine air filter and
cabin air filter.
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RADIO FREQUENCY
CERTIFICATION LABELS
CRUISE CONTROL MODULE
Argentina
Brazil
Djibouti Ghana
Indonesia
Jamaica
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Malaysia
RALM/61A/0318/S(18-0852)
Mauritania
Moldova Morocco
Pakistan
Paraguay
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