check transmission fluid FORD F350 1999 Owners Manual

Sand
When driving over sand, try to keep all four wheels on the most solid
area of the trail. Do not reduce the tire pressures but shift to a lower
gear and drive steadily through the terrain. Apply the accelerator slowly
and avoid spinning the wheels.
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.
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.
If the transmission, transfer case or front axle are submerged in water,
their fluids should be checked and changed, if necessary.
Water intrusion into the transmission may damage the
transmission.
If the front or rear axle is submerged in water, the axle lubricant should
be replaced.
Driving on hilly or sloping 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.
When descending a steep hill, avoid sudden braking. Shift to a lower gear
when added engine braking is desired.
When speed control is on and you are driving uphill, your vehicle speed
may drop considerably, especially if you are carrying a heavy load.
Driving
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IDENTIFYING COMPONENTS IN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT
1. Engine oil dipstick
2. Clutch fluid reservoir (manual transmission)
3. Brake fluid reservoir
4. Power distribution box
5. Power steering fluid reservoir
6. Air filter assembly
7. Engine coolant reservoir
8. Windshield washer fluid reservoir
9. Battery
10. Engine oil filler cap
11. Transmission fluid dipstick (automatic transmission)
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.
910111234
867
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2. Visually inspect the fluid level.
3. If necessary, add brake fluid until
the level reaches MAX. Do not fill
above this line.
4. Use only a DOT 3 brake fluid
certified to meet Ford specifications.
Refer toLubricant specificationsin theCapacities and specifications
chapter.
Brake fluid is toxic.
If you use a brake fluid that is not DOT 3, you will cause
permanent damage to your brakes.
Do not let the reservoir for the master cylinder run dry. This
may cause the brakes to fail.
CLUTCH FLUID (IF EQUIPPED)
Check the clutch fluid level. Refer to the Scheduled Maintenance Guide
for the service interval schedules.
Use only a DOT 3 brake fluid designed to meet Ford specifications. Refer
toCapacities and specifications.
For vehicles equipped with the 5–speed manual transmission,
during normal operation, the fluid level in the clutch reservoir should
remain constant. If the fluid level drops, maintain the fluid level at the
step in the reservoir.
For vehicles equipped with the 6–speed manual transmission,
during normal operation, the fluid level in the clutch reservoir will drop
slightly. As this occurs, maintain the fluid level at the step in the
reservoir.
M
A
X
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Driving the vehicle without repairing the engine problem
increases the chance of engine damage. Take your vehicle to a
service facility as soon as possible.
CHECKING AND ADDING POWER STEERING FLUID
Check the power steering fluid. Refer to the “Service Guide” for the
service interval schedules. If adding fluid is necessary, use only
MERCONAT F.
1. Start the engine and let it run
until it reaches normal operating
temperature (the engine coolant
temperature gauge indicator will be
near the center of the normal area
between H and C).
2. While the engine idles, turn the
steering wheel left and right several
times.
3. Turn the engine off.
4. Check the fluid level in the
reservoir. It should be between the
ADD/MIN and MAX lines. Do not
add fluid if the level is in this range.
5. If the fluid is low, add fluid in
small amounts, continuously checking the level until it reaches the range
between the ADD/MIN and MAX lines. Be sure to put the cap back on
the reservoir.
TRANSMISSION FLUID
Checking automatic transmission fluid
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
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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.
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.
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]).
ADD COLD HOT DO NOT ADD
DON'T ADD IF IN CROSSHATCHED AREA  CHECK WHEN HOT IDLING IN PARK
ADD COLD HOT DO NOT ADD
DON'T ADD IF IN CROSSHATCHED AREA  CHECK WHEN HOT IDLING IN PARK
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The transmission fluid should be in
this range if at ambient temperature
(10°C-35°C [50°F-95°F]).
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.
Adjusting automatic transmission fluid levels
Before adding any fluid, make sure the correct type is used. The type of
fluid used is normally indicated on the dipstick and/or dipstick handle
and also in theLubricant specificationssection in theCapacities and
specificationschapter.
Use of a non-approved automatic transmission fluid may cause
internal transmission component damage.
If necessary, add fluid in 250 mL (1/2 pint) increments through the filler
tube until the level is correct.
If an overfill occurs, excess fluid
should be removed by a qualified
technician.
An overfill condition of
transmission fluid may cause
shift and/or engagement
concerns and/or possible
damage.
ADD COLD HOT DO NOT ADD
DON'T ADD IF IN CROSSHATCHED AREA  CHECK WHEN HOT IDLING IN PARK
ADD COLD HOT DO NOT ADD
DON'T ADD IF IN CROSSHATCHED AREA  CHECK WHEN HOT IDLING IN PARK
ADD COLD HOT DO NOT ADD
DON'T ADD IF IN CROSSHATCHED AREA  CHECK WHEN HOT IDLING IN PARK
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Checking and adding manual transmission fluid
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 to theCapacities
and specificationschapter.
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Fluid Ford Part Name Application Capacity
Transmission
fluid
3Synthetic
MERCONAT F5-speed manual 3.2L
(3.4 quarts)
Motorcraft
MERCONAT F6-speed manual 5.5L
(5.8 quarts)
Automatic -
4R100 with
small cooler
(vehicles
equipped with
20 oil-to-air-
plate cooler)16.1L
(17.1 quarts)
4
Automatic -
4R100 with large
cooler (vehicles
equipped with
26 oil-to-air-
plate cooler)16.7L
(17.7 quarts)4
Windshield
washer fluidUltra-Clear
Windshield Washer
ConcentrateAll 4.0L
(4.25 quarts)
1Your vehicle’s rear axle(s) may be filled with a synthetic lubricant that may
require a lubricant change. Refer to the Scheduled Maintenance Guide. Axle
lubricant quantities should not need to be checked 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.
2Add 236 ml (8 oz.) of additive Friction Modifier C8AZ-19B546-A, Ford
Specification EST-M2C118-A for complete refill of Traction-Lok axles.
3Ensure the correct automatic transmission fluid is used. Transmission fluid
requirements are indicated on the dipstick or on the dipstick handle.
MERCONand MERCONV are not interchangeable. DO NOT mix
MERCONand MERCONV. Refer to your Scheduled Maintenance Guide to
determine the correct service interval.
4Indicates only approximate dry-fill capacity. Some applications may vary
based on cooler size and if equipped with an in-tank cooler. The amount of
transmission fluid and fluid level should be set by the indication on the
dipstick’s normal operating range.
5Use Ford Premium Engine Coolant (green in color). DO NOT USE Ford
Extended Life Engine Coolant (orange in color). Refer toAdding engine
coolant, in the Maintenance and Care chapter.
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Accessory delay ..........................75
Air bag supplemental
restraint system ..........................92
and child safety seats ..............93
description ................................92
disposal ......................................96
driver air bag ............................94
indicator light ......................10,95
operation ...................................94
passenger air bag .....................94
passenger deactivation switch...96
Air cleaner filter .......................212
Air conditioning ..........................24
Ambulance packages ....................3
Automatic transmission ............116
driving an automatic
overdrive .................................117
fluid, refill capacities ..............212
fluid, specification ..................217
Axle
lubricant specifications ..........217
refill capacities ........................212
traction lok ..............................115
Battery .......................................187
acid, treating emergencies .....187
charging system warning light...12
jumping a disabled battery ....163
maintenance-free ....................187
replacement, specifications ...212
servicing ..................................187
voltage gauge ............................16
Brakes ........................................112
anti-lock .....................112,113,114
anti-lock brake system (ABS)
warning light ......................11,113
brake warning light ..................11
fluid, checking and adding ....175
fluid, refill capacities ..............212
fluid, specifications ..........215,217
lubricant specifications ...215,217
parking ....................................114
shift interlock ..........................116Break-in period .............................2
Capacities for refilling fluids ....212
CD changer .................................62
Child safety restraints ..............101
child safety belts ....................101
child safety seats ....................102
Child safety seats ......................102
attaching with tether straps ..106
built-in child seat ...................102
in front seat ............................103
in rear seat ..............................103
tether anchorage hardware ...106
Cleaning your vehicle ...............208
engine compartment ..............209
exterior ....................................209
exterior lamps .........................210
instrument panel ....................210
interior .....................................210
plastic parts ............................210
safety belts ..............................211
washing ....................................208
waxing .....................................209
wheels ......................................209
wiper blades ............................210
Clock .............................33,39,49,59
Clutch
fluid ..........................................176
operation while driving ..........119
recommended shift speeds ....120
Compass, electronic ....................19
calibration .................................21
set zone adjustment .................20
Console ........................................76
Controls
power seat .................................83
Coolant ...............................178,180
checking and adding ..............178
refill capacities .................180,212
specifications ...................215,217
Customer Assistance ................223
Ford accessories for your
vehicle .....................................230
Index
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GAWR
(Gross Axle Weight Rating) .....132
calculating ...............................134
definition .................................132
driving with a heavy load ......132
location ....................................132
GVWR (Gross Vehicle
Weight Rating) ..........................132
calculating ........................132,134
definition .................................132
driving with a heavy load ......132
location ....................................132
Hazard flashers .........................144
Headlamps ...................................22
aiming ......................................208
daytime running lights .............22
flash to pass .........................23,73
high beam .......................12,22,72
turning on and off ....................22
warning chime ..........................13
Heating ........................................24
heater only system ...................24
heating and air
conditioning system .................26
Hood ..........................................171
Ignition .......................................217
positions of the ignition ...........66
removing the key ....................124
Infant seats (see Safety seats)...102
Inspection/maintenance
(I/M) testing ..............................203
Instrument panel
cleaning ...................................210
lighting up panel and interior....23
location of components ..............8
Jump-starting your vehicle ......163
Keys
key in ignition chime ...............13
positions of the ignition ...........66
Lamps
autolamp system .....................203
cargo lamps ...............................23daytime running light ...............22
headlamps .................................22
headlamps, flash to pass .....23,73
instrument panel, dimming .....23
replacing
bulbs ............203,204,205,206,207
Lane change indicator
(see Turn signal) ........................66
Lights, warning and indicator ......8
air bag ........................................10
anti-lock brakes (ABS) .....11,113
brake ..........................................11
charging system ........................12
check coolant ............................13
door ajar ....................................13
engine oil pressure ...................13
high beam .................................12
low fuel ........................................8
safety belt .................................11
service engine soon .................8,9
turn signal indicator .................12
Load limits .................................132
GAWR ......................................132
GVWR ......................................132
trailer towing ..........................132
Lubricant specifications ....215,217
Lumbar support, seats ...............84
Manual transmission .................119
fluid capacities ........................212
lubricant specifications ..........217
Message center ...........................17
english/metric button ...............17
menu button .............................18
Mirrors
fold away ...................................76
side view mirrors (power) .......75
Motorcraft parts .................198,212
Octane rating ............................196
Odometer .....................................15
Overdrive .....................................73
Panic alarm feature,
remote entry system ..................78
Index
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