check transmission fluid FORD F150 2006 11.G Owners Manual

low brake fluid level and the brake system should be inspected
immediately by your authorized dealer.
Driving a vehicle with the brake system warning light on is
dangerous. A significant decrease in braking performance may
occur. It will take you longer to stop the vehicle. Have the vehicle
checked by your authorized dealer.
Anti-lock brake system:If the
ABS light stays illuminated or
continues to flash, a malfunction has
been detected, have the system
serviced immediately by your
authorized dealer. Normal braking is still functional unless the brake
warning light also is illuminated.
Airbag readiness:If this light fails
to illuminate when ignition is turned
to ON, continues to flash or remains
on, have the system serviced
immediately by your authorized
dealer. A chime will also sound when a malfunction in the supplemental
restraint system has been detected.
Safety belt:Reminds you to fasten
your safety belt. A chime will also
sound to remind you to fasten your
safety belt.
Charging system:Illuminates when
the battery is not charging properly.
Door ajar:Illuminates when the
ignition is in the ON position and
any door is open.
Overdrive off (if equipped):
Illuminates when the overdrive
function of the transmission has
been turned off, refer to the
Drivingchapter. If the light flashes steadily or does not illuminate, have
the transmission serviced soon, or damage may occur.
ABS
O/D
OFF
2006 F-150(f12)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Instrument Cluster
16

Avoid excessive speed because vehicle momentum can work against you
and cause the vehicle to become stuck to the point that assistance may
be required from another vehicle. Remember, you may be able to back
out the way you came if you proceed with caution.
Mud and water
If you must drive through high
water, drive slowly. Traction or
brake capability may be limited.
When driving through water,
determine the depth; avoid water
higher than the bottom of the hubs
(if possible) and proceed slowly. If
the ignition system gets wet, the
vehicle may stall.
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.”
2006 F-150(f12)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Driving
227

SERVICE RECOMMENDATIONS
To help you service your vehicle:
•We highlight do-it-yourself items in the engine compartment for easy
location.
•We providescheduled maintenance informationwhich makes
tracking routine service easy.
If your vehicle requires professional service, your authorized dealer 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.
Working with the engine on
•Automatic transmission:
1. Set the parking brake and shift to P (Park).
2006 F-150(f12)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Maintenance and Specifications
274

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 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 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 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.
2006 F-150(f12)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Maintenance and Specifications
305

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 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]).
The transmission fluid should be in
this range if at ambient temperature
(50°F-95°F [10°C-35°C]).
2006 F-150(f12)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Maintenance and Specifications
306

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.
2006 F-150(f12)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Maintenance and Specifications
308

Fluid Ford Part
NameApplication Capacity
Rear axle
5Motorcraft
SAE
75W-140
High
Performance
Rear Axle
Lubricant
(synthetic)8.8/9.75 inch axle 5.5 pints (2.6L)6
10.25 inch axle 6.9 pints (3.3L)7
Windshield
washer fluidMotorcraft
Premium
Windshield
Washer
ConcentrateAll 4.25 quarts (4.0L)
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 yourscheduled maintenance informationto
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.
2006 F-150(f12)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Maintenance and Specifications
315

ItemFord part
name or
equivalentFord part
numberFord
specification
Transmission
/steering/parking
brake linkages
and pivots,
brake and clutch
pedal shaft (if
equipped)Premium
Long-Life Grease
XG-1-C ESA-M1C75-B
Power steering
fluid, transfer
case fluid (4X4)
and manual
transmission
fluidMotorcraft
MERCONAT F
XT-2-QDX MERCON
Automatic
transmission
(4R70E and
4R75E)
2
Motorcraft
MERCONV
AT FXT-5-QM MERCONV
Windshield
washer fluidMotorcraft
Premium
Windshield
Washer
ConcentrateZC-32–A WSB-M8B16–A2
1Use Additive Friction Modifier XL-3 or equivalent for complete refill of
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 yourscheduled maintenance informationto
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.
2006 F-150(f12)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Maintenance and Specifications
318

A
Accessory delay ..........................71
Air cleaner filter ...............310, 312
Air conditioning ....................46, 49
Airbag supplemental
restraint system ................136–137
and child safety seats ............139
description ..............................137
disposal ....................................141
driver airbag ....................137, 140
indicator light .........................141
operation .........................137, 140
passenger airbag .............137, 140
Ambulance packages ....................8
Antifreeze
(see Engine coolant) ................286
Anti-lock brake system
(see Brakes) ..............................205
Armrests ....................................113
Audio system
(see Radio) ................22, 24, 28, 33
Automatic transmission
driving an automatic
overdrive .................................212
fluid, adding ............................305
fluid, checking ........................305
fluid, refill capacities ..............313
fluid, specification ..................319
Axle
lubricant specifications ..316, 319
refill capacities ........................313
traction lok ..............................209
B
Battery .......................................284
acid, treating emergencies .....284
jumping a disabled battery ....251maintenance-free ....................284
replacement, specifications ...312
servicing ..................................284
Bed extender ..............................94
Brakes ........................................205
anti-lock ...................................205
anti-lock brake system
(ABS) warning light ...............206
fluid, checking and adding ....304
fluid, refill capacities ..............313
fluid, specifications .........316, 319
lubricant
specifications ..................316, 319
parking ....................................206
shift interlock ..................209–210
Bulbs ............................................59
C
Capacities for refilling fluids ....313
Cell phone use ..............................9
Changing a tire .........................244
Child safety restraints ..............146
child safety belts ....................146
Child safety seats ......................150
attaching with tether straps ..158
in front seat ....................151, 154
in rear seat ..............151, 154, 158
Cleaning your vehicle
engine compartment ..............265
instrument panel ....................268
interior .....................................269
interior trim ............................269
plastic parts ............................267
safety belts ..............................269
washing ....................................264
waxing .....................................264
wheels ......................................265
wiper blades ............................267
2006 F-150(f12)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Index
329

Climate control
(see Air conditioning or
Heating) ...........................43, 46, 49
Clock adjust
6-CD in dash .............................35
AM/FM Stereo ...........................23
AM/FM/CD .................................26
AM/FM/Tape/CD .......................30
Clutch
fluid ..........................................304
operation while driving ..........215
recommended shift speeds ....216
Compass, electronic ..............82, 84
calibration .................................84
set zone adjustment ...........84, 86
Console ........................................65
overhead ..............................65–66
Controls
power seat ...............................113
steering column ........................76
Coolant
checking and adding ..............286
refill capacities ................290, 313
specifications ..................316, 319
Cruise control
(see Speed control) ....................74
Customer Assistance ................234
Ford Extended Service
Plan ..........................................261
Getting assistance outside
the U.S. and Canada ..............262
Getting roadside assistance ...234
Getting the service
you need .................................257
Ordering additional
owner’s literature ...................262
Utilizing the Mediation/
Arbitration Program ...............260D
Daytime running lamps
(see Lamps) ................................54
Dipstick
automatic transmission
fluid ..........................................305
engine oil .................................280
Doors
lubricant specifications ..........316
Driveline universal joint
and slip yoke .............................309
Driving under special
conditions ..................215, 224, 228
sand .........................................226
snow and ice ...........................229
through water .................227, 230
DVD system .................................42
E
Electronic message center .........84
Emergencies, roadside
jump-starting ..........................251
Emergency Flashers .................236
Emission control system ..........300
Engine ........................................319
cleaning ...................................265
coolant .....................................286
fail-safe cooling .......................290
idle speed control ...................284
lubrication
specifications ..................316, 319
refill capacities ........................313
service points ..................276–278
starting after a collision .........237
Engine block heater .................204
Engine oil ..................................280
2006 F-150(f12)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Index
330