Ford Excursion (2000 year). Manual — part 41

that does not meet Ford material and design specifications, start-up
engine noises or knock may be experienced.

It is recommended you use the appropriate Motorcraft oil filter (or
another brand meeting Ford specifications) for your engine application.

BRAKE FLUID

Checking and adding brake fluid—gasoline engine

Brake fluid should be checked and
refilled as needed. Refer to the
scheduled maintenance guide for
the service interval schedules.

1. Clean the reservoir cap before
removal to prevent dirt or water
from entering the reservoir.

2. Visually inspect the fluid level.

3. If necessary, add brake fluid from
a clean un-opened container 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 to Lubricant specifications
in the Capacities and specifications 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

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163

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.

Checking and adding brake fluid—diesel engine

Check and refill the Hydromax
brake fluid reservoir using the
following procedure. Refer to the
scheduled maintenance guide for
the service interval.

1. Clean the reservoir caps before
removal to prevent dirt or water
from entering the reservoir.

2. Visually inspect the fluid level.

3. If necessary, add brake fluid from
a clean un-opened container 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 to Lubricant specifications
in the Capacities and specifications 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.

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.

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164

Brake system fluid should be replaced on a regular basis to maintain
optimum braking performance, especially under heavy-duty driving
conditions such as frequent steep grades or heavy loads. Refer to the
scheduled maintenance guide for the service interval.

WINDSHIELD WASHER FLUID

Checking and adding washer fluid

Check the washer fluid whenever
you stop for fuel. The reservoir is
highlighted with a

symbol.

If the level is low, add enough fluid
to fill the reservoir. In very cold
weather, do not fill the reservoir all
the way.

Only use a washer fluid that meets Ford specifications. Refer to
Lubricant specifications in the Capacities and specifications 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.

Do not put washer fluid in the engine coolant reservoir. Washer
fluid placed in the cooling system may harm engine and cooling

system components.

Checking and adding washer fluid for the liftgate

Washer fluid for the liftgate is supplied by the same reservoir as the
windshield.

ENGINE COOLANT

Checking engine coolant

Your engine’s cooling system has been factory-filled with a 50/50 mixture
of distilled water and Ford Premium Engine Coolant E2FZ-19549-AA (in
Canada, Motorcraft CXC-10), or an equivalent premium engine coolant
that meets Ford specification ESE-M97B44-A.

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165

A 50/50 mixture of distilled water and Ford Premium Engine Coolant
provides:
• maximum cooling system efficiency.
• freeze protection down to -36° C (-34° F).
• boiling protection up to 129° C (265° F).
• protection against rust and other forms of corrosion.
• an accurate temperature readout from the engine coolant

gauge.

The engine coolant must be maintained at the correct fluid level
and concentration to work properly. If the engine coolant fluid
level and concentration is not maintained correctly, damage to
the engine and cooling system may result.

When the engine is cold, check the
level of the engine coolant in the
reservoir.

• The engine coolant should be at the “cold fill level” or within the “cold

fill range” as listed on the engine coolant reservoir (depending upon
application).

schedules.

• Be sure to read and understand Precautions when servicing your

vehicle in this chapter.

If the engine coolant has not been checked at the recommended interval,
the engine coolant reservoir may become low or empty. If the reservoir is
low or empty, add engine coolant to the reservoir. Refer to Adding
engine coolant in this chapter.

COLD FILL

RANGE

MAX

MIN

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166