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Power Steering System Flushing

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2003 Mercury Marauder, 2003 Mercury Grand Marquis, and 2003 Ford Crown Victoria. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.
MATERIAL SPECIFICATION

Item Specification
Motorcraft MERCON Multi-Purpose (ATF) Transmission Fluid XT-2-QDX MERCON
WARNING: Do not mix fluid types. Any mixture or any unapproved fluid could lead to seal deterioration and leaks. A leak could ultimately cause loss of fluid, which could result in a loss of power steering assist.
  1. Remove the ignition coil fuse number F-12 in the central junction box to disable the engine from starting.
  2. Loosen the clamp, disconnect the power steering return hose and plug the reservoir inlet.
    Fig 1: Removing Ignition Coil Fuse
    G03453741Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
  3. Attach an extension hose between the power steering return hose and an empty container.
  4. Fill the power steering fluid reservoir.
    Fig 2: Filling Power Steering Fluid Reservoir
    G03453742Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
  5. Raise the front wheels off the ground. For additional information, refer to JACKING AND LIFTING .
    6. CAUTION: Do not operate the starter motor for more than 10 seconds at a time. Damage to the starter motor can result.
    Fig 3: Turning Steering Wheel From Stop-To-Stop While Cranking
    G03453743Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
  6. Turn the steering wheel from stop-to-stop while cranking the engine until the fluid exiting the extension hose is clean.
  7. Disconnect the extension hose from the power steering return hose and attach the power steering return hose to the fluid reservoir.
    Fig 4: Disconnecting Extension Hose From Power Steering
    G03453744Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
    8. NOTE: Do not overfill the power steering fluid reservoir.
    Fig 5: Filling Power Steering Fluid Reservoir
    G03453745Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
  8. Fill the power steering fluid reservoir.
  9. Install the ignition coil fuse.
    10. 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 6: Installing Ignition Coil Fuse
    G03453746Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
  10. Start the engine and turn the steering wheel from stop-to-stop.
    11. NOTE: If power steering is noisy and accompanied by aerated fluid, it will be necessary to purge the power steering system. For additional information, refer to POWER STEERING SYSTEM PURGING .
  11. Check the power steering fluid level.
  12. Clear diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs). For additional information, refer to CLEARING CODES .
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