System Flushing

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2003 Ford Ranger. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

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.

Remove the ignition coil fuse to disable the vehicle.

Fig 1: Locating Ignition Coil Fuse
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
Disconnect the power steering return hose. Plug the reservoir.

Fig 2: Disconnecting Power Steering Return Hose (1 Of 2)
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

Fig 3: Disconnecting Power Steering Return Hose (2 Of 2)
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
Attach an extension hose between the power steering return hose and an empty container.
Raise the front wheels off the floor.
Fill the reservoir.
- Use Motorcraft MERCON® Multi-Purpose ATF XT-2-QDX or MERCON® equivalent.
  
  Fig 4: Filling Power Steering Reservoir (1 Of 2)
  Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
  
  Fig 5: Filling Power Steering Reservoir (2 Of 2)
  Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

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.

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.

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

Fig 6: Attaching Power Steering Return Hose To Reservoir (1 Of 2)
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

Fig 7: Attaching Power Steering Return Hose To Reservoir (2 Of 2)
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

CAUTION: Do not overfill the reservoir.

Fill the reservoir.
- Use Motorcraft MERCON® Multi-Purpose ATF XT-2-QDX or MERCON® equivalent.
  
  Fig 8: Filling Power Steering Reservoir (1 Of 2)
  Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
  
  Fig 9: Filling Power Steering Reservoir (2 Of 2)
  Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
Install the ignition coil fuse.

Fig 10: Installing Ignition Coil Fuse
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

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.

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

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

Fig 11: Checking Power Steering Fluid Level (1 Of 2)

Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

Fig 12: Checking Power Steering Fluid Level (2 Of 2)

Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

Check the power steering fluid level.