Introduction

General information This Chapter is designed to help the home mechanic maintain his/her vehicle for safety, economy, long life and peak performance.

The Chapter contains a master maintenance schedule, followed by Sections dealing specifically with each task on the schedule. Visual checks, adjustments, component renewal and other helpful items are included. Refer to the accompanying illustrations of the engine compartment and the underside of the vehicle for the locations of the various components.

Servicing of your vehicle in accordance with the mileage/time maintenance schedule and the following Sections will provide a planned maintenance program, which should result in a long and reliable service life. This is a comprehensive plan, so maintaining some items but not others at the specified service intervals will not produce the same results.

As you service your vehicle, you will discover that many of the procedures can - and should - be grouped together because of the particular procedure being performed, or because of the close proximity of two otherwise unrelated components to one another. For example, if the vehicle is raised for any reason, the exhaust can be inspected at the same time as the suspension and steering components.

The first step in this maintenance program is to prepare yourself before the actual work begins. Read through all the Sections relevant to the work to be carried out, then make a list and gather together all the parts and tools required. If a problem is encountered, seek advice from a parts specialist, or a dealer service department.

    See also:

    Cab interior trim panels (P100 models) - removal and refitting
    Side trim panel 1 Remove the rear pillar trim panel. 2 Remove the side trim panel by prising out the four expander pins from the clips, then pulling out the clips and withdrawing the panel. 3 Re ...

    Master cylinder - removal, overhaul and refitting
    Note: Before starting work, refer to the warning at the beginning of Section 3 concerning the dangers of hydraulic fluid. Removal 1 Disconnect the leads from the level warning switch in the reser ...

    Air conditioning system - component renewal
    1 Only those items which can be renewed without discharging the system are described here (see illustration). Other items must be dealt with by a Ford dealer or air conditioning specialist. 21. ...