1Your vehicle’s rear axle(s) may be filled with a synthetic lubricant that
may require a lubricant change. Refer to the scheduled maintenance
guide. Axle lubricant quantities should not need to be checked 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.
2Add 236 ml (8 oz.) of Additive Friction Modifier XL-3or equivalent
meeting Ford Specification EST-M2C118-A for complete refill of
Traction-Lok axles.
3Add the coolant type originally equipped in your vehicle.
4Ensure the correct automatic transmission fluid is used. Transmission
fluid requirements are indicated on the end of the dipstick. 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.
MERCON, MERCONV and MERCONSP are not
interchangeable. DO NOT mix MERCON, MERCONV and
MERCONSP. Use of dual usage fluids in an automatic
transmission application requiring MERCONSP may cause
transmission damage. Use of a transmission fluid other than the
recommended fluid may cause transmission damage.
5Service refill capacity is determined by filling the transmission to the
bottom of the filler hole with the vehicle on a level surface. The 6–speed
manual transmission is equipped with an in-tank cooler. Verify the fluid
level after operating vehicle to assure correct fluid level.
6Indicates only approximate dry-fill capacity. Some applications may vary
based on cooler size and if equipped with an in-tank cooler. The amount
of transmission fluid and fluid level should be set by the indication on
the dipstick’s normal operating range.
7Use of synthetic or synthetic blend motor oil is not mandatory. Engine
oil need only meet the requirements of Ford specification
WSS-M2C153–H and the API Certification mark.
2003 F250/350/450/550(f23)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA English(fus)
Maintenance and Specifications
256
LUBRICANT SPECIFICATIONS
ItemFord part
name or
equivalentFord part
numberFord
specification
Spindle bearingHigh
Temperature
4X4 Front Axle
and Wheel
Bearing GreaseE8TZ-19590–A ESA-M1C198–A
Front axle
(4X4)Hypoid Gear Oil
SAE 90C6AZ-19580–E ESW-M2C105–A
Rear axleMotorcraft SAE
75W-140 High
Performance
Synthetic Rear
Axle Lube
1
XY-75W140–QL WSL-M2C192-A
Motorcraft SAE
75W-90
Synthetic Rear
Axle LubricantXY-75W90–GLS–
Motorcraft SAE
80W-90
Premium Rear
Axle Lubricant
(Dana 135
axles)
1
XY-80W90-QL WSP-M2C197-A
Brake fluid and
clutch fluid (if
equipped)Motorcraft High
Performance
DOT 3 Motor
Vehicle Brake
FluidPM-1 ESA-M6C25-A
and DOT 3
Engine coolant Motorcraft
Premium Gold
Engine Coolant
(yellow-colored)VC-7–A WSS-M97B51-A1
2003 F250/350/450/550(f23)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA English(fus)
Maintenance and Specifications
257
ItemFord part
name or
equivalentFord part
numberFord
specification
Engine oilMotorcraft SAE
5W-20 Premium
Synthetic Blend
Motor Oil (US)
Motorcraft SAE
5W-20 Super
Premium Motor
Oil (Canada)XO-5W20-QSP
(US)
CXO-5W20–LSP12
(Canada)
WSS-M2C153-H
and API
Certification
Mark
Hinges, latches,
striker plates,
fuel filler door
hinge and seat
tracksMulti-Purpose
GreaseXG–4 or XL-5 ESR-M1C159-A
or
ESB-M1C93–B
Lock cylindersMotorcraft
penetrating and
lock lubricantXL-1 none
Transmission
/steering/parking
brake linkages
and pivots,
brake and clutch
pedal shaft (if
equipped)Motorcraft
Premium
Long-Life GreaseXG-1-C or
XG-1-KESA-M1C75-B
Power steering
fluid and
transfer case
fluid (if
equipped)Motorcraft
MERCONAT FXT-2-QDX MERCON
Manual
transmission
(6-speed)Motorcraft
MERCONAT F
2
XT-2-QDX MERCON
2003 F250/350/450/550(f23)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA English(fus)
Maintenance and Specifications
258
ENGINE DATA
Engine* 5.4L V8 engine 6.8L V10 engine
Cubic inches 330 415
Required fuel 87 octane 87 octane
Firing order 1-3-7-2-6-5-4-8 1-6-5-10-2-7-3-8-4-9
Spark plug gap1.3-1.4 mm
(0.052-0.056 inch)1.3-1.4 mm
(0.052-0.056 inch)
Ignition system Coil on plug Coil on plug
Compression ratio 9.0:1 9.0:1
*Refer to the6.0 Liter Power Stroke Direct Injection Turbo Diesel
Owner’s Guide Supplementfor Motorcraft diesel engine service part
numbers.
VEHICLE DIMENSIONS
F250–Regular and Super Cab
Dimension Body style
Regular
Cab 4x2Regular
Cab 4x4Super Cab
4x2Super Cab
4x4
(1) Overall
height1935 mm
(76.2 in)2005 mm
(78.9 in)1943 mm
(76.5 in)
b2008 mm
(79.0 in)b
(2) Track
(Front /
Rear)1736 mm
(68.3 in) /
1729 mm
(68 in)1736 mm
(68.3 in) /
1729.3 mm
(68 in)1736 mm
(68.3 in) /
1729.3 mm
(68 in)1736 mm
(68.3 in) /
1729.3 mm
(68 in)
(3) Overall
width2031 mm
(79.9 in)2031 mm
(79.9 in)2031 mm
(79.9 in)2031 mm
(79.9 in)
(4)
Wheelbase3479.8 mm
(137 in)3479.8 mm
(137 in)3610.7 mm
(141.8 in)
a
4013.2 mm
(158 in)b
3610.7 mm
(141.8 in)a
4013.2 mm
(158 in)b
2003 F250/350/450/550(f23)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA English(fus)
Maintenance and Specifications
260
plastic parts ............................210
safety belts ..............................211
washing ....................................208
waxing .....................................208
wheels ......................................209
wiper blades ............................210
Clock adjust
AM/FM .......................................19
Clutch
fluid ..........................................240
operation while driving ..........124
recommended shift speeds ....125
Compass, electronic ....................61
calibration .................................63
set zone adjustment .................62
Console ........................................59
overhead ....................................50
Coolant
checking and adding ..............223
refill capacities ................226, 254
specifications ..................257, 260
Cruise control
(see Speed control) ....................56
Customer Assistance ................174
Ford accessories for your
vehicle .....................................213
Ford Extended Service
Plan ..........................................201
Getting assistance outside the
U.S. and Canada .....................205
Getting roadside assistance ...174
Getting the service you
need .........................................199
Ordering additional owner’s
literature .................................206
The Dispute Settlement
Board .......................................201
Utilizing the
Mediation/Arbitration
Program ...................................204D
Daytime running lamps
(see Lamps) ................................39
Dipstick
automatic transmission
fluid ..........................................241
engine oil .................................218
Doors
lubricant specifications ..........257
Driveline universal joint and
slip yoke ....................................245
Driving under special
conditions ..................124, 137, 140
sand .........................................139
snow and ice ...........................141
through water .................139, 144
E
Emergencies, roadside
jump-starting ..........................192
Emergency Flashers .................175
Emission control system ..........236
Engine ........................................260
cleaning ...................................209
coolant .....................................223
diesel ...........................................7
fail-safe coolant ......................227
idle speed control ...................221
lubrication
specifications ..................257, 260
refill capacities ........................254
service points ..........................217
starting after a collision .........175
Engine block heater .................114
Engine oil ..................................218
checking and adding ..............218
dipstick ....................................218
2003 F250/350/450/550(f23)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA English(fus)
Index
275
Infant seats
(see Safety seats) .....................102
Inspection/maintenance (I/M)
testing ........................................238
Instrument panel
cleaning ...................................211
cluster ........................................12
lighting up panel and
interior .......................................40
J
Jump-starting your vehicle ......192
K
Keyless entry system
autolock .....................................71
Keys
positions of the ignition .........110
L
Lamps
autolamp system .......................38
bulb replacement
specifications chart ..................42
cargo lamps ...............................40
daytime running light ...............39
fog lamps ...................................39
headlamps .................................38
headlamps, flash to pass ..........40
instrument panel, dimming .....40
interior lamps .....................41–42
replacing bulbs ...................42–47
Lane change indicator
(see Turn signal) ........................41
Lights, warning and indicator ....12
anti-lock brakes (ABS) ..........115
speed control ............................58
Load limits .................................145GAWR ......................................145
GVWR ......................................145
trailer towing ..........................145
Loading instructions .................146
Locks
autolock .....................................71
childproof ..................................66
Lubricant specifications ...257, 260
Lumbar support, seats ...............76
M
Manual transmission .................124
fluid capacities ........................254
lubricant specifications ..........260
reverse .....................................126
Message center ...........................59
english/metric button ...............60
menu button .............................60
Mirrors .........................................50
fold away ...................................55
heated ........................................54
side view mirrors (power) .......53
Moon roof ....................................51
Motorcraft parts ................233, 253
O
Octane rating ............................232
Oil (see Engine oil) ..................218
Overdrive .....................................49
P
Parking brake ............................116
Parts (see Motorcraft parts) ....253
Pedals (see Power adjustable
foot pedals) .................................56
Power adjustable foot pedals .....56
2003 F250/350/450/550(f23)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA English(fus)
Index
277