Ford F-53 Motorhome Chassis (2017 year). Manual — part 25

Your vehicle is equipped with a
Motorcraft® maintenance-free battery
which normally does not require additional
water during its life of service.

For longer, trouble-free operation, keep the
top of the battery clean and dry. Also,
make certain the battery cables are always
tightly fastened to the battery terminals.

If you see any corrosion on the battery or
terminals, remove the cables from the
terminals and clean with a wire brush. You
can neutralize the acid with a solution of
baking soda and water.

It is recommended that the negative
battery cable terminal be disconnected
from the battery if you plan to store your
vehicle for an extended period of time.

To ensure proper operation of the battery
management system (BMS), any electrical
devices that are added to the vehicle
should not have their ground connection
made directly at the negative battery post.
A connection at the negative battery post
can cause inaccurate measurements of
the battery condition and potential
incorrect system operation.

Note: Electrical or electronic accessories
or components added to the vehicle by the
dealer or the owner may adversely affect
battery performance and durability and may
also affect the performance of other
electrical systems in the vehicle.

When a battery replacement is required,
the battery should only be replaced with
a Ford recommended replacement battery
that matches the electrical requirements
of the vehicle.

Note: Always dispose of automotive
batteries in a responsible manner. Follow
your local authorized standards for disposal.
Call your local authorized recycling center
to find out more about recycling automotive
batteries.

Battery relearn

When the battery is disconnected or a new
battery installed:

•

The transmission must relearn its
adaptive strategy. As a result of this,
the transmission may shift firmly. This
operation is considered normal and will
not affect function or durability of the
transmission. Over time the adaptive
learning process will fully update
transmission operation to its optimum
shift feel.

•

The clock and the preset radio stations
must be reset once the battery is
reconnected.

•

Your vehicle’s engine is electronically
controlled by a computer, some control
conditions are maintained by power
from the battery, the engine must
relearn its idle and fuel trim strategy.

When the battery is disconnected or a new
battery is installed, begin the battery
relearn process:

1.

With the vehicle at a complete stop,
set the parking brake.

2. Put the gearshift lever in P (Park), turn

off all accessories and start the engine.

3. Run the engine until it reaches normal

operating temperature.

4. Allow the engine to idle for at least one

minute.

5. Turn the A/C on and allow the engine

to idle for at least one minute.

6. Drive the vehicle to complete the

relearning process.
•

The vehicle may need to be driven
to relearn the idle and fuel trim
strategy.

CHANGING THE ENGINE AIR
FILTER

WARNING

To reduce the risk of vehicle damage
and personal burn injuries, do not
start your engine with the air cleaner

removed and do not remove it while the
engine is running.

Change the air filter element at the proper
interval. See Scheduled Maintenance
(page 136).

When changing the air filter element, use
only the air filter element listed. See
Capacities and Specifications (page
125).

Note: Failure to use the correct air filter
element may result in severe engine
damage. The customer warranty may be
void for any damage to the engine if the
correct air filter element is not used.

E161559

1.

Loosen the latches that secure the air
filter cover in place.

2. Carefully separate the two halves of

the air filter housing.

3. Remove the air filter element from the

housing.

4. Wipe any dirt or debris from the air filter

housing and cover.

5. Install a new air filter element.
6. Replace the air filter cover to the

housing and secure the latches. Be
careful not to crimp the filter element
edges between the air filter housing.
This could cause filter damage and
allow unmetered air to enter the engine
if not properly seated.

GENERAL INFORMATION

Your Ford or Lincoln authorized dealer has
many quality products available to clean
your vehicle and protect its finishes.

CLEANING THE EXTERIOR

Wash your vehicle regularly with cool or
lukewarm water and a neutral pH
shampoo, we recommend Motorcraft
Detail Wash.

•

Never use strong household detergents
or soap, for example dish washing or
laundry liquid. These products can
discolor and spot painted surfaces.

•

Never wash your vehicle when it is hot
to the touch, or during strong or direct
sunlight.

•

Dry your vehicle with a chamois or soft
terry cloth towel to eliminate water
spotting.

•

Immediately remove fuel spillages, bird
droppings, insect deposits and road tar.
These may cause damage to your
vehicle’s paintwork or trim over time.
We recommend Motorcraft Bug and
Tar Remover.

•

Remove any exterior accessories, for
example antennas, before entering a
car wash.

Note: Suntan lotions and insect repellents
can damage painted surfaces. If these
substances come in contact with your
vehicle, wash the affected area as soon as
possible.

Exterior Chrome Parts

•

Apply a high quality-cleaning product
to bumpers and other chrome parts.
Follow the manufacturer’s instructions.
We recommend Motorcraft Custom
Bright Metal Cleaner.

•

Do not apply the cleaning product to
hot surfaces. Do not leave the cleaning
product on chrome surfaces longer
than the time recommended.

•

Using other non-recommended
cleaners can result in severe and
permanent cosmetic damage.

Note: Never use abrasive materials, for
example steel wool or plastic pads as they
can scratch the chrome surface.

Note: Do not use chrome cleaner, metal
cleaner or polish on wheels or wheel covers.

Exterior Plastic Parts

For routine cleaning we recommend
Motorcraft Detail Wash. If tar or grease
spots are present, we recommend
Motorcraft Bug and Tar Remover.

Stripes or Graphics

(If Equipped)

Hand washing your vehicle is preferred
however, pressure washing may be used
under the following conditions:

•

Do not use water pressure higher than
2,000 psi (14,000 kPa).

•

Do not use water hotter than 179°F
(82°C).

•

Use a spray with a 40° wide spray
angle pattern.

•

Keep the nozzle at a 12 in (305 mm)
distance and 90° angle to your
vehicle's surface.

Note: Holding the pressure washer nozzle
at an angle to the vehicle's surface may
damage graphics and cause the edges to
peel away from the vehicle's surface.

Underbody

Flush the complete underside of your
vehicle frequently. Keep body and door
drain holes free of debris or foreign
material.

Under Hood

For removing black rubber marks from
under the hood we recommend Motorcraft
Wheel and Tire Cleaner or Motorcraft Bug
and Tar Remover.

CLEANING THE ENGINE

Engines are more efficient when they are
clean because grease and dirt buildup keep
the engine warmer than normal.

When washing:
•

Take care when using a power washer
to clean the engine. The high-pressure
fluid could penetrate the sealed parts
and cause damage.

•

Do not spray a hot engine with cold
water to avoid cracking the engine
block or other engine components.

•

Spray Motorcraft Engine Shampoo and
Degreaser on all parts that require
cleaning and pressure rinse clean. In
Canada, use Motorcraft Engine
Shampoo.

•

Never wash or rinse the engine while it
is hot or running; water in the running
engine may cause internal damage.

•

Never wash or rinse any ignition coil,
spark plug wire or spark plug well, or
the area in and around these locations.

•

Cover the battery, power distribution
box, and air filter assembly to prevent
water damage when cleaning the
engine.

CLEANING THE ALLOY
WHEELS

(If Equipped)

Note: Do not apply a cleaning chemical to
warm or hot wheel rims and covers.

Note: Some automatic car washes may
cause damage to the finish on your wheel
rims and covers.

Note: Industrial-strength or heavy-duty
cleaners in combination with brush agitation
to remove brake dust and dirt, could wear
away the clear coat finish over a period time.

Note: Do not use hydrofluoric acid-based
or high caustic-based wheel cleaners, steel
wool, fuels or strong household detergents.

Note: If you intend parking your vehicle for
an extended period after cleaning the
wheels with a wheel cleaner, drive your
vehicle for a few minutes before doing so.
This will reduce the risk of increased
corrosion of the brake discs.

Alloy wheels and wheel covers are coated
with a clear coat paint finish. To maintain
their condition we recommend that you:

•

Clean the wheels weekly using
Motorcraft Wheel and Tire Cleaner.
Apply using manufacturer's
instructions.

•

Use a sponge to remove heavy
deposits of dirt and brake dust
accumulation.

•

Rinse thoroughly with a strong stream
of water when you have completed the
cleaning process.

•

To remove tar and grease, use
Motorcraft Bug and Tar Remover.