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Home >> Ford >> 2003 >> Escape 2.0 B >> Repair and Diagnosis >> Steering >> Power Steering >> Steering System - General Information >> General Procedures >> System Flushing
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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 FUEL fuse to disable the vehicle.
    Fig 1: Removing Fuel Fuse
    G01387968Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
  2. Disconnect the power steering return hose. Plug the reservoir.
    Fig 2: Disconnecting Power Steering Return Hose
    G01387969Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
  3. Attach an extension hose between the power steering return hose and an empty container.
  4. Raise the front wheels off the floor. For additional information, refer to JACKING & HOISTING .
  5. Fill the reservoir.
    • Use Motorcraft MERCON® Multi-Purpose ATF XT-2-QDX or equivalent MERCON® fluid.
      Fig 3: Filling Reservoir
      G01387970Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
    6. 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 can occur.
  6. 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.
      Fig 4: Turning Steering Wheel From Stop To Stop
      G01387971Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
  7. Lower the vehicle.
  8. Disconnect the extension hose from the power steering return hose. Remove the plug. Attach the power steering return hose to the reservoir.
    Fig 5: Disconnecting Extension Hose From Power Steering Return Hose
    G01387972Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
    9. CAUTION: Do not overfill the reservoir.
  9. Fill the reservoir.
    • Use Motorcraft MERCON® Multi-Purpose ATF XT-2-QDX or equivalent MERCON® fluid.
      Fig 6: Filling Reservoir
      G01387973Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
  10. Install the FUEL fuse.
    Fig 7: Installing Fuel Fuse
    G01387974Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
    11. 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 can occur.
    Fig 8: Turning Steering Wheel From Stop-To-Stop
    G01387975Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
  11. Start the engine and turn the steering wheel from stop-to-stop.
    12. 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.
  12. Check the power steering fluid level.
    • Fill the reservoir.
    • Use Motorcraft MERCON® Multi-Purpose ATF XT-2-QDX or equivalent MERCON® fluid.
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