Ford E-250 (2009 year). Manual — part 74

WARNING: For E-350 and E-450 vehicles with the Hydro-Boost
Brake System, do not press the brake pedal after the engine has

been turned off. Pressing the brake pedal after the engine has been
turned off will give a false power steering fluid level reading.

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. Refer to Maintenance product
specifications and capacities in this chapter for the proper fluid type.

BRAKE FLUID
• E-150/E-350 Single Rear Wheel

• E-350/E-450 Dual Rear Wheel

The fluid level will drop slowly as the brakes wear, and will rise when the
brake components are replaced. Fluid levels between the “MIN” and
“MAX” lines 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 the system could be compromised; seek service from
your authorized dealer immediately.

Maintenance and Specifications

297

DRIVELINE UNIVERSAL JOINT AND SLIP YOKE

Your vehicle may be equipped with universal joints that require
lubrication. Refer to the scheduled maintenance information for
maintenance intervals. If the original universal joints are replaced with
universal joints equipped with grease fittings, lubrication will also be
necessary.

TRANSMISSION FLUID

Checking automatic transmission fluid (if equipped)

Refer to your scheduled maintenance information 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 20 miles [30 km]). 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 20 miles (30 km) 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.

Maintenance and Specifications

298

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 50°F (10°C).

Correct fluid level

The transmission fluid should be checked at normal operating
temperature 150°F-170°F (66°C-77°C) on a level surface. The normal
operating temperature can be reached after approximately 20 miles
(30 km) of driving.

You can check the fluid without driving if the ambient temperature is
above 50°F (10°C). However, if fluid is added at this time, an overfill
condition could result when the vehicle reaches normal operating
temperature.

ADD

COLD

HOT

DO NOT ADD

Maintenance and Specifications

299

The transmission fluid should be in this range if at normal operating
temperature (150°F-170°F [66°C-77°C]).

The transmission fluid should be in this range if at ambient temperature
(50°F-95°F [10°C-35°C]).

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

Maintenance and Specifications

300