Ford F-150 Heritage (2004 year). Manual — part 51

Allow the vehicle to sit for at least eight hours without starting the
engine. Then, start the engine and complete the above driving cycle. The
engine must warm up to its normal operating temperature. Once started,
do not turn off the engine until the above driving cycle is complete.

CHECKING AND ADDING POWER STEERING FLUID

Check the power steering fluid.
Refer to the scheduled maintenance
guide for the service interval
schedules. If adding fluid is
necessary, use only MERCON

威

ATF.

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
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 MIN and MAX lines. Be
sure to put the cap back on the reservoir.

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206

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.

CLUTCH FLUID (IF EQUIPPED)

Check the fluid level. Refer to the scheduled maintenance guide for the
service interval schedules.

During normal operation, the fluid level in the clutch reservoir should
remain constant. If the fluid level drops, refill the fluid level to the step
in the reservoir.

Use only a DOT 3 brake fluid designed to meet Ford specification
ESA-M6C25–A. Refer to Lubricant Specifications in this chapter.

Brake fluid is toxic. If brake fluid contacts the eyes, flush eyes
with running water for 15 minutes. Seek medical attention if

irritation persists. If taken internally, drink water and induce vomiting.
Seek medical attention immediately.

MAX

Maintenance and Specifications

207

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

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208

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.

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

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209