Ford Excursion (2005 year). Manual — part 62

BRAKE FLUID RESERVOIR

The fluid level will drop slowly as
the brakes wear, and will rise when
the brake components are replaced.
Fluid levels below the “MAX” line
that do not trigger the brake system
warning lamp are within the normal
operating range, there is no need to
add fluid. If the fluid levels are outside of the normal operating range,
the performance of your brake system could be compromised, seek
service from your dealer immediately.

TRANSMISSION FLUID

Checking automatic transmission fluid (if equipped)

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.

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 to Identifying 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.

MAX

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250

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]).

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 also in the
Lubricant specifications section in this chapter.
Use of a non-approved automatic transmission fluid may cause
internal transmission component damage.

DON'T ADD IF IN CROSSHATCHED AREA • CHECK WHEN HOT IDLING IN PARK

DON'T ADD IF IN CROSSHATCHED AREA • CHECK WHEN HOT

IDLING IN PARK

DON'T ADD IF IN CROSSHATCHED AREA • CHECK WHEN HOT

IDLING IN PARK

DON'T ADD IF IN CROSSHATCHED AREA • CHECK WHEN HOT

IDLING IN PARK

Maintenance and Specifications

251

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.

Do not use supplemental transmission fluid additives, treatments or
cleaning agents. The use of these materials may affect transmission
operation and result in damage to internal transmission components.

Automatic transmission fluid filter (if equipped)

The TorqShift automatic
transmission is equipped with a
serviceable external fluid filter
mounted on the frame rail. Refer to
the Scheduled Maintenance Guide
for service intervals.

To replace the transmission filter:
1. Shut off the engine.
2. Unscrew filter housing.
3. Replace filter with a new authorized Motorcraft filter element. Refer to
the Motorcraft part numbers chart in this chapter.

DON'T ADD IF IN CROSSHATCHED AREA • CHECK WHEN HOT

IDLING IN PARK

Maintenance and Specifications

252

4. Reinstall housing and check transmission fluid level using procedure in
this section.

Checking and adding transfer case fluid (if equipped)

1. Clean the filler plug.

2. Remove the filler plug and
inspect the fluid level.

3. Add only enough fluid through
the filler opening so that the fluid
level is at the bottom of the
opening.

Use only fluid that meets Ford specifications. Refer to Lubricant
specifications in this chapter.

AIR FILTER MAINTENANCE

Refer to the scheduled maintenance guide for the appropriate intervals
for changing the air filter element.

When changing the air filter element, use only the Motorcraft air filter
element listed. Refer to Motorcraft part numbers in this chapter.

Note: Do not start your engine with the air cleaner removed and do not
remove it while the engine is running.

Maintenance and Specifications

253