System Flushing

WARNING: DO NOT MIX OIL TYPES. ANY MIXTURE OR ANY UNAPPROVED OIL CAN LEAD TO SEAL DETERIORATION AND LEAKS. A LEAK CAN ULTIMATELY CAUSE LOSS OF FLUID, WHICH CAN RESULT IN A LOSS OF POWER STEERING ASSIST.





1. Remove the Powertrain Control Module (PCM) relay to disable the vehicle.





2. Remove the power steering reservoir from the reservoir bracket.





3. Remove the power steering reservoir bracket.





4. Disconnect the power steering return hose. Plug the reservoir.
5. Attach an extension hose between the power steering return hose and an empty container.
6. Raise the front wheels off the floor.
7. Fill the power steering pump reservoir.
- Use Motorcraft MERCON Multi-Purpose ATF XT-2-QDX or equivalent MERCON fluid.





8. Turn the steering wheel from stop-to-stop while cranking the engine until the fluid exiting the power steering return hose is clear of all contamination and debris.
- Add Motorcraft MERCON Multi-Purpose ATF XT-2-QDX or MERCON equivalent as needed.

CAUTION:
- Do not crank the engine for more than 15 seconds at a time. Allow the starter to cool for 1 minute before cranking again. Premature starter failure can occur.
- Do not hold the steering wheel against the stops for more than three to five seconds at a time. Damage to the power steering pump could occur.

9. Lower the vehicle.





10. Disconnect the extension hose from the power steering return hose. Remove the plug. Attach the power steering return hose to the reservoir.





11. Install the reservoir bracket.





12. Install the reservoir to the bracket.





13. Fill the reservoir.
- Use Motorcraft MERCON Multi-Purpose ATF XT-2-QDX or equivalent MERCON fluid.

CAUTION: Do not overfill reservoir.





14. Install the Powertrain Control Module (PCM) relay.





15. Start the engine and turn the steering wheel from stop-to-stop.

CAUTION: Do not hold the steering wheel against the stops for more than three to five seconds at a time. Damage to the power steering pump could occur.





16. Check the power steering fluid level.
- Use Motorcraft MERCON Multi-Purpose ATF XT-2-QDX or equivalent MERCON fluid.

NOTE: If the power steering system is noisy and accompanied by evidence of aerated fluid it will be necessary to purge the power steering system.