check transmission fluid FORD F150 2003 10.G Owners Manual

Once through water, always try the brakes. Wet brakes do not stop the
vehicle as effectively as dry brakes. Drying can be improved by moving
your vehicle slowly while applying light pressure on the brake pedal.
Be cautious of sudden changes in vehicle speed or direction when you
are driving in mud. Even 4WD vehicles can lose traction in slick mud. As
when you are driving over sand, apply the accelerator slowly and avoid
spinning your wheels. If the vehicle does slide, steer in the direction of
the slide until you regain control of the vehicle.
If the transmission, transfer case or front axle are submerged in water,
their fluids should be checked and changed, if necessary.
Driving through deep water may damage the transmission.
If the front or rear axle is submerged in water, the axle lubricant should
be replaced.
After driving through mud, clean off residue stuck to rotating driveshafts
and tires. Excess mud stuck on tires and rotating driveshafts causes an
imbalance that could damage drive components.
“Tread Lightly”is an educational
program designed to increase public
awareness of land-use regulations
and responsibilities in our nations
wilderness areas. Ford Motor
Company joins the U.S. Forest Service and the Bureau of Land
Management in encouraging you to help preserve our national forest and
other public and private lands by“treading lightly.”
Driving on hilly or sloping terrain
Although natural obstacles may make it necessary to travel diagonally up
or down a hill or steep incline, you should always try to drive straight up
or straight down.Avoid driving crosswise or turning on steep
slopes or hills. A danger lies in losing traction, slipping sideways and
possibly rolling over. Whenever driving on a hill, determine beforehand
the route you will use. Do not drive over the crest of a hill without
seeing what conditions are on the other side. Do not drive in reverse
over a hill without the aid of an observer.
Driving
157

SERVICE RECOMMENDATIONS
To help you service your vehicle:
•We highlight do-it-yourself items in the engine compartment for easy
location.
•We provide a scheduled maintenance guide which makes tracking
routine service easy.
If your vehicle requires professional service, your dealership can provide
the necessary parts and service. Check yourWarranty Guide/Owner
Information Guideto find out which parts and services are covered.
Use only recommended fuels, lubricants, fluids and service parts
conforming to specifications. Motorcraft parts are designed and built to
provide the best performance in your vehicle.
PRECAUTIONS WHEN SERVICING YOUR VEHICLE
•Do not work on a hot engine.
•Make sure that nothing gets caught in moving parts.
•Do not work on a vehicle with the engine running in an enclosed
space, unless you are sure you have enough ventilation.
•Keep all open flames and other burning (cigarettes) material away
from the battery and all fuel related parts.
Working with the engine off
•Automatic transmission:
1. Set the parking brake and shift to P (Park).
2. Turn off the engine and remove the key.
3. Block the wheels.
•Manual transmission:
1. Set the parking brake, depress the clutch and place the gearshift in 1
(First).
2. Turn off the engine and remove the key.
3. Block the wheels.
Maintenance and Specifications
216

WINDSHIELD WASHER FLUID
Add fluid to fill the reservoir if the
level is low. In very cold weather, do
not fill the reservoir completely.
Only use a washer fluid that meets
Ford specification WSB-M8B16–A2.
Refer toLubricant specifications
in this chapter.
State or local regulations on volatile organic compounds may restrict the
use of methanol, a common windshield washer antifreeze additive.
Washer fluids containing non-methanol antifreeze agents should be used
only if they provide cold weather protection without damaging the
vehicle’s paint finish, wiper blades or washer system.
If you operate your vehicle in temperatures below 4.5°C (40°F),
use washer fluid with antifreeze protection. Failure to use
washer fluid with antifreeze protection in cold weather could result in
impaired windshield vision and increase the risk of injury or accident.
Note:Do not put washer fluid in the engine coolant reservoir. Washer
fluid placed in the cooling system may harm engine and cooling system
components.
ENGINE OIL
Checking the engine oil
Refer to the scheduled maintenance guide for the appropriate intervals
for checking the engine oil.
1. Make sure the vehicle is on level ground.
2. Turn the engine off and wait a few minutes for the oil to drain into the
oil pan.
3. Set the parking brake and ensure the gearshift is securely latched in P
(Park) (automatic transmission) or 1 (First) (manual transmission).
4. Open the hood. Protect yourself from engine heat.
Maintenance and Specifications
221

1. Clean the reservoir cap before
removal to prevent dirt and water
from entering the reservoir.
2. Remove cap and rubber
diaphragm from reservoir.
3. Add fluid until the level reaches
the step in the reservoir.
4. Reinstall rubber diaphragm and
cap onto reservoir.
TRANSMISSION FLUID
Checking automatic transmission fluid (if equipped)
Refer to your scheduled maintenance guide for 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 30 km [20 miles]). 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 before checking.
1. Drive the vehicle 30 km (20 miles) or until it reaches normal operating
temperature.
2. Park the vehicle on a level surface and engage the parking brake.
3. With the parking brake engaged and your foot on the brake pedal,
start the engine and move the gearshift lever through all of the gear
ranges. Allow sufficient time for each gear to engage.
Maintenance and Specifications
245

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 the fluid
level is at the bottom of the dipstick
and the ambient temperature is
above 10°C (50°F).
Correct fluid level
The transmission fluid should be checked at normal operating
temperature 66°C-77°C (150°F-170°F) on a level surface. The normal
operating temperature can be reached after approximately 30 km
(20 miles) of driving.
You can check the fluid without driving if the ambient temperature is
above 10°C (50°F). 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 (66°C-77°C
[150°F-170°F]).
DON’T ADD
ADD COLD HOT DO NOT ADD
DON’T ADD
ADD COLD HOT DO NOT ADD
Maintenance and Specifications
246

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 enough fluid through the
filler opening so that the fluid level
is at the bottom of the opening.
5. Install and tighten the fill plug
securely.
Use only fluid that meets Ford specifications. Refer toLubricant
Specificationsin this chapter.
Maintenance and Specifications
248

Fluid Ford Part Name Application Capacity
Rear axle5Motorcraft SAE
75W-140 Synthetic
Rear Axle
Lubricant10.25 inch
axle3.3L (6.9 pints)7
Windshield
washer fluidMotorcraft
Premium
Windshield Washer
ConcentrateAll 4.0L (4.25 quarts)
1Add the coolant type originally equipped in your vehicle.2Service refill capacity is determined by filling the transfer case to the
bottom of the filler hole with the vehicle on a level surface.
3Ensure the correct automatic transmission fluid is used. Transmission
fluid requirements are indicated on the dipstick or on the dipstick
handle. Check the container to verify the fluid being added is of the
correct type. Refer to your scheduled maintenance guide to determine
the correct service interval.
Some transmission fluids may be labeled as dual usage, such as
MERCONand MERCONV. These dual usage fluids are not to be used
in an automatic transmission that requires use of the MERCONtype
fluid. However, these dual usage fluids may be used in transmissions that
require the MERCONV type fluid.
MERCONand MERCONV type fluids are not interchangeable.
DO NOT mix MERCONand MERCONV. Use of a transmission
fluid that indicates dual usage (MERCONand MERCONV) in
an automatic transmission application requiring MERCONmay
cause transmission damage. Use of any fluid other than the
recommended fluid may cause transmission damage.
4Approximate dry fill capacity including transmission fluid cooling
system, actual refill capacities will vary based on vehicle application and
transmission fluid cooling system (i.e. coolers size, cooling lines. auxiliary
cooler capacities). The amount of transmission fluid and fluid level
should be set by the indication on the dipstick’s normal operating range.
5Your 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.
6Service refill capacity is determined by filling the axle to 6-14 mm
(1/4-9/16 inch) below the bottom of the filler hole with the vehicle on a
level surface.
Maintenance and Specifications
258

ItemFord part
name or
equivalentFord part
numberFord
specification
Automatic
transmission
(4R100)
2
Motorcraft
MERCONAT FXT-2-QDX MERCON
Automatic
transmission
(4R70W)
2
Motorcraft
MERCONV
AT FXT-5-QM
MERCONV
Windshield
washer fluidMotorcraft
Premium
Windshield
Washer
ConcentrateZC-32–A WSB-M8B16–A2
1Add 118 ml (4 oz) of Additive Friction Modifier XL-3 or equivalent
meeting Ford specification EST-M2C118-A for complete refill of
Traction-Lok axles. Add 236 ml (8 oz.) of Additive Friction Modifier XL-3
or equivalent meeting Ford specification EST-M2C118-A for complete
refill of 10.25 and 10.5 inch Traction-Lok axles.
2Ensure the correct automatic transmission fluid is used. Transmission
fluid requirements are indicated on the dipstick or on the dipstick
handle. Check the container to verify the fluid being added is of the
correct type. Refer to your scheduled maintenance guide to determine
the correct service interval.
Some transmission fluids may be labeled as dual usage, such as
MERCONand MERCONV. These dual usage fluids are not to be used
in an automatic transmission that requires use of the MERCONtype
fluid. However, these dual usage fluids may be used in transmissions that
require the MERCONV type fluid.
MERCONand MERCONV type fluids are not interchangeable.
DO NOT mix MERCONand MERCONV. Use of a transmission
fluid that indicates dual usage (MERCONand MERCONV) in
an automatic transmission application requiring MERCONmay
cause transmission damage. Use of any fluid other than the
recommended fluid may cause transmission damage.
Maintenance and Specifications
261

A
Accessory delay ..........................61
Air bag supplemental
restraint system ........................111
and child safety seats ............113
description ..............................111
disposal ....................................115
driver air bag ..........................113
indicator light .........................115
operation .................................113
passenger air bag ...................113
passenger deactivation
switch ......................................116
Air cleaner filter ...............250, 255
Air conditioning ..........................41
Ambulance packages ....................8
Antifreeze (see
Engine coolant) ........................227
Anti-lock brake system
(see Brakes) ..............................140
Armrests ......................................98
Audio system (see
Radio) ........................19, 25, 28, 31
Automatic transmission ............143
driving an automatic
overdrive .................................144
fluid, adding ............................245
fluid, checking ........................245
fluid, refill capacities ..............256
fluid, specification ..................262
Auxiliary power point .................59
Axle
lubricant
specifications ..................259, 262
refill capacities ........................256
traction lok ..............................142B
Battery .......................................225
acid, treating emergencies .....225
jumping a disabled battery ....191
maintenance-free ....................225
replacement, specifications ...255
servicing ..................................225
Bed extender ..............................73
BeltMinder .................................106
Brakes ........................................140
anti-lock ...................................140
anti-lock brake system
(ABS) warning light ...............140
fluid, checking and adding ....244
fluid, refill capacities ..............256
fluid, specifications .........259, 262
lubricant
specifications ..................259, 262
parking ....................................141
shift interlock ..........................143
Bulbs ............................................48
C
Calculating load ........................163
Capacities for refilling fluids ....256
Cassette tape player ...................28
CD-single premium .........19, 25, 31
Cell phone use ............................60
Certification Label ....................267
Changing a tire .........................184
Child safety restraints ..............120
child safety belts ....................120
Child safety seats ......................123
attaching with tether
straps .......................................128
in front seat ............................124
in rear seat ......................124, 127
Index
273

Cleaning your vehicle
engine compartment ..............209
exterior ....................................214
instrument panel ....................212
interior .....................................212
interior trim ............................212
plastic parts ............................211
washing ....................................208
waxing .....................................208
wheels ......................................209
wiper blades ............................211
Climate control (see Air
conditioning or Heating) ............41
Clutch
fluid ..........................................244
operation while driving ..........146
recommended shift speeds ....147
Compass, electronic ..............57, 61
calibration .................................58
set zone adjustment .................58
Console ........................................59
overhead ..............................55–56
Coolant
checking and adding ..............227
refill capacities ................231, 256
specifications ..................259, 262
Cruise control (see
Speed control) ............................63
Customer Assistance ................174
Ford accessories for
your vehicle ............................215
Ford Extended Service
Plan ..........................................200
Getting assistance outside
the U.S. and Canada ..............204
Getting roadside assistance ...174
Getting the service
you need .................................198
Ordering additional
owner’s literature ...................205The Dispute Settlement
Board .......................................201
Utilizing the Mediation/
Arbitration Program ...............204
D
Daytime running lamps
(see Lamps) ................................45
Dipstick
automatic transmission
fluid ..........................................245
engine oil .................................221
Doors
lubricant specifications ..........259
Driveline universal joint
and slip yoke .............................249
Driving under special
conditions ..................146, 154, 157
sand .........................................156
snow and ice ...........................158
through water .................156, 161
E
Emergencies, roadside
jump-starting ..........................191
Emission control system ..........241
Engine ........................................262
cleaning ...................................209
coolant .....................................227
fail-safe coolant ......................232
idle speed control ...................225
lubrication
specifications ..................259, 262
refill capacities ........................256
service points ..................218–220
starting after a collision .........175
Engine block heater .................139
Engine oil ..................................221
Index
274