check transmission fluid FORD F150 1997 10.G Owners Manual

that could damage drive
components.
If the transmission and transfer
case are submerged in water, their
fluids should be checked and
changed, if necessary.
If the rear axle is submerged in
water, the rear axle lubricant
should be checked and changed, if
necessary. The rear axle is filled
with a synthetic lubricant and does
not normally require a lubricant
change for the life of the vehicle.
Rear axle lubricant quantities
should not need to be checked
unless a leak is suspected.
Driving on hill or slope terrain
When driving on a hill, avoid
driving crosswise or turning on
steep slopes. You could lose
traction and slip sideways. Drive
straight up, straight down or avoid
the hill completely. Know the
conditions on the other side of a
hill before driving over the crest.
When climbing a steep hill, start in
a lower gear rather than
downshifting to a lower gear from
a higher gear once the ascent has
started. This reduces strain on the
engine and the possibility of
stalling.
f12_driving_hill
Driving
114

2. When the engine coolant
temperature gauge reaches the
normal zone, turn the engine off.
3. Visually inspect the fluid level in
the power steering fluid reservoir.
4. Add power steering fluid until
the fluid level reaches MAX.
Use only fluid that meets Ford
specifications. Refer toCapacities
and specifications.
CHECKING AND ADDING
TRANSMISSION FLUID
Checking and adding automatic
transmission fluid (if equipped)
Service the automatic transmission
according to the scheduled
intervals in the ªService Guide.º
MAX
MIN
MAX
MIN
f12_trans_fluid
f12_checking_adding_autotrans
Maintenance and care
173

Before adding any fluid, make sure
the correct type will be used. This
information is indicated on the
dipstick.
Do not drive the vehicle if the fluid
level is below the bottom hole on
the blade type dipstick (4R70W
transmission) or below the COLD
area on the bullet type dipstick
(E4OD transmission) and outside
temperatures are above 10ÉC
(50ÉF).
Your vehicle does not use up
transmission fluid. However, it is
recommended that you check the
transmission fluid at least twice a
year. 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.
It is preferable to check the
transmission fluid level at normal
operating temperature, after
approximately 32 km (20 miles) of
driving. However, you can check
the fluid level without driving to
obtain a normal operating
temperature if the outside
temperature is above 10ÉC (50ÉF).
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 the fluid
to cool before checking.
Maintenance and care
174

1. Park the vehicle on a level
surface.
2. Start the engine and move the
gearshift lever through all of the
gear ranges. Allow sufficient time
for each gear to engage.
3. Latch the gearshift lever in P
(Park), set the parking brake and
leave the engine running.
4. Remove the dipstick, wiping it
clean with a clean, dry rag.
5. Install the dipstick.
6. Remove the dipstick and inspect
the fluid level.
²For 4R70W transmissions, the
fluid level should be within the
crosshatched area, or if the
vehicle has not been driven,
DON'T ADD IF IN CROSSHATCHED AREA • CHECK WHEN HOT IDLING IN PARK
Maintenance and care
175

between the holes near the
bottom of the indicator.
²For E4OD transmissions, the
fluid level should be within the
HOT area, or if the vehicle has
not been driven, within the
COLD area.
7. If necessary, add fluid in .25L
(1/2 pint) increments through the
filler tube until the level is at the
correct area on the dipstick. If an
overfill occurs, excess fluid should
be removed by a qualified
technician.
f12_check_add_man_trans_fluid
Maintenance and care
176

Checking and adding manual
transmission fluid (if equipped)
1. Clean the filler plug.
2. Remove the filler plug and
inspect the fluid level.
3. Fluid level should be at bottom
of the opening.
4. Add only enough fluid through
the filler opening so that the fluid
level is 6 mm (3/8 in) from the
bottom of the opening.
Use only fluid that meets Ford
specifications. Refer to the
Capacities and specifications
chapter.
f12_check_add_tcase_fluid
Maintenance and care
177