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Home >> Ford >> 2002 >> ZX2 Automatic >> Repair and Diagnosis >> Steering >> Steering Control Systems >> 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 ENGINE fuse to disable the vehicle.
    Fig 1: Locating ENGINE Fuse
    G02208087Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
  2. Disconnect the power steering return hose. Plug the reservoir.
    Fig 2: Disconnecting Power Steering Return Hose
    G02208088Courtesy 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.
  5. Fill the reservoir.
    • Use Motorcraft MERCON® Multi-Purpose ATFXT-2-QDX or equivalent MERCON® fluid.
      Fig 3: Identifying Reservoir Minimum And Maximum Level
      G02208089Courtesy 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 could occur.
    Fig 4: Turning Steering Wheel From Stop To Stop
    G02208090Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
  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 ATFXT-2-QDX or MERCON® equivalent as needed.
  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: Attaching Power Steering Return Hose To Reservoir
    G02208091Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
    9. CAUTION: Do not overfill the reservoir.
    Fig 6: Identifying Reservoir Minimum And Maximum Level
    G02208092Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
  9. Fill the reservoir.
    • Use Motorcraft MERCON® Multi-Purpose ATFXT-2-QDX or equivalent MERCON® fluid.
  10. Install the ENGINE fuse.
    Fig 7: Installing ENGINE Fuse
    G02208093Courtesy 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 could occur.
    Fig 8: Turning Steering Wheel From Stop-To-Stop
    G02208094Courtesy 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 ATFXT-2-QDX or equivalent MERCON® fluid.
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