Ford Excursion (2000 year). Manual — part 43

Never remove the coolant reservoir cap while the engine is
running or hot.

5. Re-start the engine and take your vehicle to a service facility.

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 scheduled maintenance
guide for the service interval
schedules. If adding fluid is
necessary, use only MERCON

t ATF.

Check the fluid level when it is at ambient temperature, 20° – 80° F
(-7° – 25° C):

1. Check the fluid level on the dipstick. It should be between the arrows
in the FULL COLD range. Do not add fluid if the level is within this
range.

2. If the fluid level is low, start the engine.

FULL COLD

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171

3. While the engine idles, turn the steering wheel left and right several
times.

4. Turn the engine off.

5. Recheck the fluid level on the dipstick. Do not add fluid if the level is
between the arrows in the FULL COLD range.

6. If the fluid is low, add fluid in small amounts, continuously checking
the level until it reaches the FULL COLD range. Be sure to put the
dipstick back in 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
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.

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172

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.

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

ADD

COLD

HOT

DO NOT ADD

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

IDLING IN PARK

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173

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 the Capacities and specifications
chapter.

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.

Checking and adding transfer case fluid (if equipped)

1. Clean the filler plug.

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

ADD

COLD

HOT

DO NOT ADD

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

IDLING IN PARK

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