2003 FORD F150 change time

•Always use fuel with the recommended octane rating.
•Use a known quality gasoline, preferably a national brand.
•Use the same side of the same pump and have the vehicle facing the
same direction each time you fill up.
•Have the vehicle loading and distribution the same every time.
Your results will be most accurate if your filling method is consistent.
Calculating fuel economy
1. Fill the fuel tank completely and record the initial odometer reading
(in kilometers or miles).
2. Each time you fill the tank, record the amount of fuel added (in liters
or gallons).
3. After at least three to five tank fill-ups, fill the fuel tank and record
the current odometer reading.
4. Subtract your initial odometer reading from the current odometer
reading.
5. Follow one of the simple calculations in order to determine fuel
economy:
Calculation 1:Multiply liters used by 100, then divide by total
kilometers traveled.
Calculation 2:Divide total miles traveled by total gallons used.
Keep a record for at least one month and record the type of driving (city
or highway). This will provide an accurate estimate of the vehicle’s fuel
economy under current driving conditions. Additionally, keeping records
during summer and winter will show how temperature impacts fuel
economy. In general, lower temperatures give lower fuel economy.
Driving style—good driving and fuel economy habits
Give consideration to the lists that follow and you may be able to change
a number of variables and improve your fuel economy.
Habits
•Smooth, moderate operation can yield up to 10% savings in fuel.
•Steady speeds without stopping will usually give the best fuel
economy.
•Idling for long periods of time (greater than one minute) may waste
fuel.
Maintenance and Specifications
239

1. Clean the reservoir cap before
removal to prevent dirt and water
from entering the reservoir.
2. Remove cap and rubber
diaphragm from reservoir.
3. Add fluid until the level reaches
the step in the reservoir.
4. Reinstall rubber diaphragm and
cap onto reservoir.
TRANSMISSION FLUID
Checking automatic transmission fluid (if equipped)
Refer to your scheduled maintenance guide for scheduled intervals for
fluid checks and changes. Your transmission does not consume fluid.
However, the fluid level should be checked if the transmission is not
working properly, i.e., if the transmission slips or shifts slowly or if you
notice some sign of fluid leakage.
Automatic transmission fluid expands when warmed. To obtain an
accurate fluid check, drive the vehicle until it is at normal operating
temperature (approximately 30 km [20 miles]). If your vehicle has been
operated for an extended period at high speeds, in city traffic during hot
weather or pulling a trailer, the vehicle should be turned off for about 30
minutes to allow fluid to cool before checking.
1. Drive the vehicle 30 km (20 miles) or until it reaches normal operating
temperature.
2. Park the vehicle on a level surface and engage the parking brake.
3. With the parking brake engaged and your foot on the brake pedal,
start the engine and move the gearshift lever through all of the gear
ranges. Allow sufficient time for each gear to engage.
Maintenance and Specifications
245

Fluid Ford Part Name Application Capacity
Rear axle5Motorcraft SAE
75W-140 Synthetic
Rear Axle
Lubricant10.25 inch
axle3.3L (6.9 pints)7
Windshield
washer fluidMotorcraft
Premium
Windshield Washer
ConcentrateAll 4.0L (4.25 quarts)
1Add the coolant type originally equipped in your vehicle.2Service refill capacity is determined by filling the transfer case to the
bottom of the filler hole with the vehicle on a level surface.
3Ensure the correct automatic transmission fluid is used. Transmission
fluid requirements are indicated on the dipstick or on the dipstick
handle. Check the container to verify the fluid being added is of the
correct type. Refer to your scheduled maintenance guide to determine
the correct service interval.
Some transmission fluids may be labeled as dual usage, such as
MERCONand MERCONV. These dual usage fluids are not to be used
in an automatic transmission that requires use of the MERCONtype
fluid. However, these dual usage fluids may be used in transmissions that
require the MERCONV type fluid.
MERCONand MERCONV type fluids are not interchangeable.
DO NOT mix MERCONand MERCONV. Use of a transmission
fluid that indicates dual usage (MERCONand MERCONV) in
an automatic transmission application requiring MERCONmay
cause transmission damage. Use of any fluid other than the
recommended fluid may cause transmission damage.
4Approximate dry fill capacity including transmission fluid cooling
system, actual refill capacities will vary based on vehicle application and
transmission fluid cooling system (i.e. coolers size, cooling lines. auxiliary
cooler capacities). The amount of transmission fluid and fluid level
should be set by the indication on the dipstick’s normal operating range.
5Your vehicle’s rear axle is filled with a synthetic rear axle lubricant and
is considered lubricated for life. These lubricants do not need to be
checked or changed unless a leak is suspected, service is required or the
axle assembly has been submerged in water. The axle lubricant should
be changed any time the rear axle has been submerged in water.
6Service refill capacity is determined by filling the axle to 6-14 mm
(1/4-9/16 inch) below the bottom of the filler hole with the vehicle on a
level surface.
Maintenance and Specifications
258

I
Ignition ...............................135, 262
Infant seats (see
Safety seats) .............................123
Inspection/maintenance
(I/M) testing ..............................242
Instrument panel
cleaning ...................................212
cluster ........................................12
lighting up panel and
interior .......................................46
J
Jack ............................................184
positioning ...............................184
storage .....................................184
Jump-starting your vehicle ......191
K
Keyless entry system .................85
Keys
positions of the ignition .........135
L
Lamps
autolamp system .......................44
bulb replacement
specifications chart ..................48
cargo lamps ...............................46
daytime running light ...............45
fog lamps ...................................44
headlamps .................................44
headlamps, flash to pass ..........45
instrument panel, dimming .....46
interior lamps .....................47–48
replacing bulbs ...................48–53Lane change indicator (see
Turn signal) .................................46
Lights, warning and indicator ....12
anti-lock brakes (ABS) ..........140
speed control ............................66
Load limits .................................161
GAWR ......................................161
GVWR ......................................161
trailer towing ..........................161
Loading instructions .................163
Locks
childproof ..................................79
Lubricant specifications ...259, 262
Lumbar support, seats ...............93
M
Manual transmission .................146
fluid capacities ........................256
lubricant specifications ..........262
reverse .....................................149
Mirrors .........................................55
automatic dimming
rearview mirror .........................61
fold away ...................................63
side view mirrors (power) .......62
Moon roof ....................................66
Motorcraft parts ................238, 255
O
Octane rating ............................236
Oil (see Engine oil) ..................221
P
Parking brake ............................141
Parts (see Motorcraft parts) ....255
Index
276