check transmission fluid FORD F SERIES MOTORHOME AND COMMERCIAL CHASSIS 2012 12.G Owners Manual

REDUCED ENGINE POWER— Displayed when the engine is
overheating. Stop the vehicle as soon as safely possible, turn off the
engine. If the warning stays on followed by an indicator chime or
continues to come on, contact your authorized dealer as soon as
possible.
WARNING:Never remove the coolant reservoir cap while the
engine is running or hot.
STOP ENGINE SAFELY— Displayed when the engine is overheating.
Stop the vehicle as soon as safely possible, turn off the engine. If the
warning stays on followed by an indicator chime or continues to come
on, contact your authorized dealer as soon as possible.
FUEL LEVEL LOW— Displayed as an early reminder of a low fuel
condition.
BRAKE FLUID LEVEL LOW— Indicates the brake fluid level is low
and the brake system should be inspected immediately. Refer toBrake
fluidin theMaintenance and Specificationschapter.
LOW OIL PRESSURE— Displayed when the engine oil pressure is low.
If this warning message is displayed, check the level of the engine oil.
Refer toEngine oilin theMaintenance and Specificationschapter for
information about adding engine oil. If the oil level is OK and this
warning persists, shut down the engine immediately and contact your
authorized dealer as soon as possible.
CHECK ENGINE TEMPERATURE— Displayed when the engine
coolant is overheating. Stop the vehicle as soon as safely possible, turn
off the engine and let it cool. Check the coolant and coolant level. Refer
toEngine coolantin theMaintenance and Specificationschapter. If
the warning stays on or continues to come on, contact your authorized
dealer as soon as possible.
CHECK TRANS TEMPERATURE— Displayed when the transmission
fluid is overheating. This warning may appear when towing heavy loads
or when driving in a low gear at a high speed for an extended period of
time. Stop the vehicle as soon as safely possible, turn off the engine and
let the transmission cool. Refer toTransmission fluidin the
Maintenance and Specificationschapter.
Instrument Cluster
19
2012 Motorhome(mot)
Supplement, 2nd Printing
USA(fus)

Parking brake fluid
Check the fluid level only if there is
visible signs of fluid leakage. If
necessary, fill the parking brake
assembly to the bottom of the filler
plug hole (2) (located on the driver
side of the transmission). Refer to
Maintenance product
specifications and capacitiesin
this chapter for the proper fluid
type.
Note:Do not fill the parking brake
through the vent plug (1) (located
on top of the transmission).
TRANSMISSION FLUID
Checking automatic transmission fluid
Refer to yourscheduled maintenance informationfor 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 20 miles [30 km]). 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 to normal operating temperature 150°F
- 170°F (66°C - 77°C) before checking.
1. Drive the vehicle 20 miles (30 km) or until it reaches normal operating
temperature.
2. Park the vehicle on a level surface and engage the parking brake.
3. With the engine running, parking brake engaged and your foot on the
brake pedal, move the gearshift lever through all of the gear ranges.
Allow sufficient time for each gear to engage.
Maintenance and Specifications
120
2012 Motorhome(mot)
Supplement, 2nd Printing
USA(fus)

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 there is
no indication of fluid on the dipstick
and the ambient temperature is
above 50°F (10°C).
Correct fluid level
The transmission fluid should be checked at normal operating
temperature 150°F-170°F (66°C-77°C) on a level surface. The normal
operating temperature can be reached after approximately 20 miles
(30 km) of driving.
You can check the fluid without driving if the ambient temperature is
above 50°F (10°C). 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 (150°F-170°F
[66°C-77°C]).
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.
Maintenance and Specifications
121
2012 Motorhome(mot)
Supplement, 2nd Printing
USA(fus)

Item CapacityFord part name or
equivalentFord part number /
Ford specification
Windshield washer fluid Fill as requiredMotorcraftPremium
Windshield Washer
Concentrate (US)
Premium Quality
Windshield Washer Fluid
(Canada)ZC-32-A (US)
CXC-37-(A, B, D, and F)
(Canada) /
WSB-M8B16-A2 / - -
Fuel tank80 gallons (303L)
Motorhome
——
40 gallons (151L)
Commercial chassis
1Capacity is approximate and will vary due to second-stage manufacturer completion of HVAC
system. Fill to the Cold Fill Level on reservoir.2Add the coolant type originally equipped in your vehicle.3Indicates only approximate dry-fill capacity. Some applications may vary based on cooler size and
if equipped with in-tank cooler. The amount of transmission fluid and fluid level should be set by
the indication on the dipstick’s normal operating range.4Automatic transmissions that require MERCONLV should only use MERCONLV fluid. Refer to
scheduled maintenance informationto determine the correct service interval. Use of any fluid
other than the recommended fluid may cause transmission damage.5Fill 1/4 inch to 9/16 inch (6 mm to 14 mm) below bottom of fill hole.
Your vehicle’s rear axle is filled with a synthetic rear axle lubricant and is considered lubricated for
life. These lubricants do not need to be checked or changed 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.
Maintenance and Specifications
130
2012 Motorhome(mot)
Supplement, 2nd Printing
USA(fus)

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. Ford Motor Company
recommends the following multi-point inspection be performed at every
scheduled maintenance interval to help ensure your vehicle keeps
running great.
Multi-point inspection – Recommended each visit
Accessory drive belt(s) Half-shaft dust boots (if equipped)
Battery performance Horn operation
Clutch operation (if equipped) Radiator, cooler, heater and A/C hoses
Engine air filter Suspension component for leaks or
damage
Exhaust system Steering and linkage
Exterior lamps and hazard
warning system operationTires for wear and proper pressure,
including spare
Fluid levels*; fill if necessary Windshield for cracks, chips or pits
For oil and fluid leaks Washer spray and wiper operation
*Brake, coolant recovery reservoir, manual and automatic transmission
(with an underhood dipstick), power steering (if equipped) and
window washer
Be sure to ask your dealership service advisor or technician about the
multi-point vehicle inspection. It’s a comprehensive way to perform a
thorough inspection of your vehicle. It’s your checklist that gives you
immediate feedback on the overall condition of your vehicle. You’ll know
what’s been checked, what’s okay, as well as those things that may
require future or immediate attention. The multi-point vehicle inspection
is one more way to keep your vehicle running great!
Scheduled Maintenance Guide
141
2012 Motorhome(mot)
Supplement, 2nd Printing
USA(fus)

A
ABS (see Brakes) .......................55
Air cleaner filter .......123–124, 127
Ambulance packages ....................5
Antifreeze
(see Engine coolant) ................101
Anti-lock brake system
(see Brakes) ..........................55–56
Automatic transmission
driving an automatic
overdrive ...................................60
fluid, adding ............................120
fluid, checking ........................120
fluid, refill capacities ..............128
fluid, specification ..................128
Axle
lubricant specifications ..........128
refill capacities ........................128
B
Battery .........................................98
acid, treating emergencies .......98
jumping a disabled battery ......80
maintenance-free ......................98
replacement, specifications ...127
servicing ....................................98
Brakes ....................................54–55
anti-lock ...............................55–56
anti-lock brake system (ABS)
warning light .............................56
fluid, checking and
adding ..............................118, 120
fluid, refill capacities ..............128
fluid, specifications .................128
lubricant specifications ..........128
shift interlock ............................58
Bulbs ............................................21
C
Capacities for refilling fluids ....128Cell phone use ..............................7
Changing a tire ...........................74
Cleaning your vehicle
engine compartment ................92
wheels ........................................92
Coolant
checking and adding ..............101
refill capacities ................104, 128
specifications ..........................128
Cruise control
(see Speed control) ....................23
Customer Assistance ..................64
Ford Extended Service
Plan ..................................134, 137
Getting assistance outside the
U.S. and Canada .......................88
Getting roadside assistance .....64
Getting the service you need ..85
Ordering additional owner’s
literature ...................................90
Utilizing the
Mediation/Arbitration
Program .....................................88
D
Daytime running lamps
(see Lamps) ................................20
Dipstick
automatic transmission
fluid ..........................................120
engine oil ...................................96
Driving under special
conditions ....................................62
through water ...........................63
E
Electronic message center .........16
Index
157
2012 Motorhome(mot)
Supplement, 2nd Printing
USA(fus)

Transmission ...............................58
brake-shift interlock (BSI) ......58
fluid, checking and adding
(automatic) .............................120
fluid, refill capacities ..............128
lubricant specifications ..........128
Turn signal ..................................21
V
Vehicle Identification Number
(VIN) ..................................132–133Vehicle loading ............................42
Ventilating your vehicle .............54
W
Warning lights (see Lights)
.......10
Water, Driving through
...............63
Windshield washer fluid and
wipers
..........................................22
Wrecker towing
...........................83
Index
160
2012 Motorhome(mot)
Supplement, 2nd Printing
USA(fus)