2003 FORD F250 check engine

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

Vehicle identification number (VIN)
The vehicle identification number is
attached to a metal tag and is
located on the driver side
instrument panel. (Please note that
in the graphic XXXX is
representative of your vehicle
identification number.)
1. World manufacturer identifier
2. Brake type and gross vehicle
weight rating (GVWR)
3. Vehicle line, series, body type
4. Engine type
5. Check digit
6. Model year
7. Assembly plant
8. Production sequence number
Engine number
The engine number (the last eight numbers of the vehicle identification
number) is stamped on the engine block, transmission, frame and
transfer case (if equipped).
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
2003 F250/350/450/550(f23)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA English(fus)
Maintenance and Specifications
269

A
Accessory delay ..........................53
Air bag supplemental restraint
system ..........................................90
and child safety seats ..............92
description ................................90
disposal ......................................94
driver air bag ............................92
indicator light ...........................94
operation ...................................92
passenger air bag .....................92
passenger deactivation
switch ........................................95
Air cleaner filter ...............246, 253
Ambulance packages ....................8
Antifreeze (see Engine
coolant) .....................................223
Anti-lock brake system
(see Brakes) ..............................115
Audio system
AM/FM .......................................19
Audio system
(see Radio) ................19, 21, 23, 27
Automatic transmission ............118
driving an automatic
overdrive .........................119, 122
fluid, adding ............................241
fluid, checking ........................241
fluid, refill capacities ..............254
fluid, specification ..................260
Auxiliary power point .................52
Axle
lubricant specifications ..257, 260
refill capacities ........................254
traction lok ..............................117
B
Battery .......................................221acid, treating emergencies .....221
jumping a disabled battery ....192
maintenance-free ....................221
replacement, specifications ...253
servicing ..................................221
BeltMinder ...................................85
Brakes ........................................115
anti-lock ...................................115
anti-lock brake system (ABS)
warning light ...........................115
fluid, checking and adding ....239
fluid, refill capacities ..............254
fluid, specifications .........257, 260
lubricant specifications ..257, 260
parking ....................................116
shift interlock ..........................118
Bulbs ............................................42
C
Calculating load ........................146
Capacities for refilling fluids ....254
Cassette tape player ...................27
CD changer .................................31
CD-single premium .........19, 21, 23
Cell phone use ............................59
Certification Label ....................268
Child safety restraints ................99
child safety belts ......................99
Child safety seats ......................102
attaching with tether straps ..106
in front seat ............................104
in rear seat ..............................104
Cleaning your vehicle
engine compartment ..............209
instrument panel ....................211
interior .....................................211
interior trim ............................211
2003 F250/350/450/550(f23)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA English(fus)
Index
Index
274

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