Fluid level checks: the engine oil level, the engine coolant level, the windshield washer fluid level, the brake fluid level Ford F150
Fluids are an essential part of the lubrication, cooling, brake and windshield washer systems. Because the fluids gradually become depleted and/or contaminated during normal operation of the vehicle, they must be periodically replenished. See Recommended lubricants and fluids at the beginning of this Chapter before adding fluid to any of the following components.
Note: The vehicle must be on level ground when fluid levels are checked.
Engine oil
Engine oil dipstick location — 2.7L V6 engine model shown
2. The oil level is checked with a dipstick, which is located on the left-rear side of the engine compartment. The dipstick extends through a metal tube down into the oil pan.
3. The oil level should be checked before the vehicle has been driven, or about five minutes after the engine has been shut off. If the oil is checked immediately after driving the vehicle, some of the oil will remain in the upper part of the engine, resulting in an inaccurate reading on the dipstick.
The oil level should be at or near the MAX mark on the dipstick
4. Pull the dipstick out of the tube and wipe all the oil from the end with a clean rag or paper towel. Insert the clean dipstick all the way back into the tube and pull it out again. Note the oil at the end of the dipstick. At its highest point, the level should be at or near the MAX mark on the dipstick. If it isn’t, add the specified type of fresh oil until it is.
5. It takes approximately one quart of oil to raise the level from the MIN mark to the MAX mark on the dipstick. Do not allow the level to drop below the MIN mark or oil starvation may cause engine damage. Conversely, overfilling the engine (adding oil above the MAX mark) may cause oil fouled spark plugs, oil leaks or oil seal failures.
The oil filler cap is located on the left valve cover on V6 models
6. To add oil, remove the filler cap from the valve cover. After adding oil, wait a few minutes to allow the level to stabilize, then pull out the dipstick and check the level again. Add more oil if required. Install the filler cap and tighten it by hand only.
Note: The oil filler cap is located on the left valve cover on all V6 models and the right valve cover on V8 models
7. Checking the oil level is an important preventive maintenance step. A consistently low oil level indicates oil leakage through damaged seals, defective gaskets or past worn rings or valve guides. If the oil looks milky in color or has water droplets in it, the cylinder head gasket(s) may be blown or the head(s) or block may be cracked. The engine should be checked immediately. The condition of the oil should also be checked. Whenever you check the oil level, slide your thumb and index finger up the dipstick before wiping off the oil. If you see small dirt or metal particles clinging to the dipstick, the oil should be changed (see Change the engine oil and oil filter).
Engine coolant
Warning: Do not allow antifreeze to come in contact with your skin or painted surfaces of the vehicle. Flush contaminated areas immediately with plenty of water. Don’t store new coolant or leave old coolant lying around where it’s accessible to children or pets — they’re attracted by its sweet smell. Ingestion of even a small amount of coolant can be fatal! Wipe up garage floor and drip pan spills immediately. Keep antifreeze containers covered and repair cooling system leaks as soon as they’re noticed.
8. All vehicles covered by this manual are equipped with a pressurized coolant recovery system. A plastic expansion tank located at the front of the engine compartment (on top of the cooling fan shroud) is connected by a hose to the radiator. As the engine heats up during operation, the expanding coolant fills the tank to a higher level.
Warning: Do not remove the expansion tank cap to check the coolant level when the engine is warm!
The coolant expansion tank is located at the front of the engine compartment, on top of the cooling fan shroud
The coolant expansion tank fluid level should be kept between the MIN and MAX marks on the translucent plastic reservoir — DO NOT remove the cap until the engine has cooled completely
9. The coolant level in the tank should be checked regularly. The level in the tank varies with the temperature of the engine. When the engine is cold, the coolant level should be at or slightly above the COLD FILL mark on the reservoir. If it isn’t, wrap a thick cloth around the expansion tank cap, then slowly unscrew and remove it. If coolant or steam escapes, let the engine cool down longer, then remove the cap. Add a 50/50 mixture of the specified type of antifreeze and water. Once the engine has reached normal operating temperature, the level will rise to the MAX mark.
10. Drive the vehicle and recheck the coolant level. Don’t use rust inhibitors or additives. If only a small amount of coolant is required to bring the system up to the proper level, water can be used. However, repeated additions of water will dilute the antifreeze and water solution. In order to maintain the proper ratio of antifreeze and water, always top up the coolant level with the correct mixture. An empty plastic milk jug or bleach bottle makes an excellent container for mixing coolant.
11. If the coolant level drops consistently, inspect the radiator, hoses, filler cap, drain plugs, thermostat, and water pump (see Section 15); another possibility is a blown head gasket. If no leaks are noted, have the expansion tank cap pressure tested by a service station.
12. Check the condition of the coolant as well. It should be relatively clear. If it’s brown or rust colored, the system should be drained, flushed and refilled. Even if the coolant appears to be normal, the corrosion inhibitors wear out, so it must be replaced at the specified intervals.
Brake fluid
13. The brake master cylinder is mounted on the front of the power booster unit in the engine compartment.
The brake fluid level should be kept between the MIN and MAX marks on the translucent plastic reservoir
14. To check the brake fluid level, simply look at the MAX and MIN marks on the reservoir. The level should be between the marks.
15. If the level is low, wipe the top of the reservoir and cap with a clean rag to prevent contamination of the brake system before unscrewing the cap.
16. Add only the specified type of brake fluid to the brake reservoir (refer to Recommended lubricants and fluids at the front of this Chapter or to your owner’s manual). Mixing different types of brake fluid can damage the system. Fill the brake master cylinder reservoir no higher than the MAX line.
Warning: Use caution when filling the reservoir — brake fluid can harm your eyes and damage painted surfaces. Do not use brake fluid that is more than one year old or has been left open. Brake fluid absorbs moisture from the air. Excess moisture can cause a dangerous loss of braking.
17. While the reservoir cap is removed, inspect the master cylinder reservoir for contamination. If deposits, dirt particles or water droplets are present, the system should be drained and refilled.
18. After filling the reservoir to the proper level, make sure the cap is tightened securely to prevent fluid leakage.
19. The fluid in the brake master cylinder will drop slightly as the brake pads at each wheel wear down during normal operation. If the master cylinder requires repeated replenishing to keep it at the proper level, this is an indication of leakage in the brake system, which should be corrected immediately. If the brake system shows an indication of leakage, check all brake lines and connections, along with the calipers, wheel cylinders and brake booster (see Section 18 for more information).
20. If, upon checking the brake master cylinder fluid level, you discover the reservoir is empty or nearly empty, the system should be properly bled and refilled (see Brakes).
Windshield washer fluid
The windshield washer reservoir is located in the engine compartment, at the right-front corner behind the headlight housingThe windshield washer reservoir is located in the engine compartment, at the right-front corner behind the headlight housing
21. Fluid for the windshield washer system is stored in a plastic reservoir located at the right-front corner of the engine compartment.
22. In milder climates, plain water can be used in the reservoir, but it should be kept no more than 2/3 full to allow for expansion if the water freezes. In colder climates, use windshield washer system antifreeze, available at any auto parts store, to lower the freezing point of the fluid. Mix the antifreeze with water in accordance with the manufacturer’s directions on the container.
Caution: Do not use cooling system antifreeze — it will damage the vehicle’s paint.