2003 FORD F250 automatic transmission fluid

Transmission fluid temperature gauge (automatic transmission
only):If the gauge is in the:
White area(normal) - the
transmission fluid is within the
normal operating temperature
(between“H”and“C”).
Yellow area(warning)—the
transmission fluid is higher than
normal operating temperature. This
can be caused by special operation
conditions (i.e. snowplowing, towing
or off road use). Refer toSpecial
Operating Conditionsin the
scheduled maintenance guide for
instructions. Operating the
transmission for extended periods of
time with the gauge in the yellow
area may cause internal transmission damage.
Altering the severity of the driving conditions is recommended to lower
the transmission temperature into the normal range.
Red area(over temperature)—
the transmission fluid is overheating.
Stop the vehicle to allow the
temperature to return to normal
range.
If the gauge is operating in the
Yellow or Red area, stop the vehicle
and verify the airflow is not
restricted such as snow or debris
blocking airflow through the grill. If
the gauge continues to show high
temperatures, see your Ford dealer.
2003 F250/350/450/550(f23)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA English(fus)
Instrument Cluster
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•Maximum speed is 56 km/h (35 mph).
•Maximum distance is 80 km (50 miles).
If a distance of 80 km (50 miles) or a speed of 56 km/h (35 mph) must
be exceeded, you must disconnect the driveshaft. Ford recommends the
driveshaft be removed/installed only by a qualified technician. See your
local dealer for driveshaft removal/installation.
Improper removal/installation of the driveshaft can cause
transmission fluid loss, damage to the driveshaft and internal
transmission components.
RWD vehicles with 4x4 electronic shift transfer case or All Wheel
Drive (AWD) vehicles with automatic transmissions:
Regarding recreational towing or having your vehicle towed, 4x4 vehicles
with electronic shift on the fly and AWD vehicles cannot be towed with
any wheels on the ground (with the exception of moving it as a disabled
vehicle off the road out of traffic).
SNOWPLOWING
Note:Do not use your vehicle to snowplow until it has been driven at
least 800 km (500 miles). Follow the severe duty schedule in your
scheduled maintenance guide for engine oil and transmission fluid
change intervals.
Note:Ford does not install snowplows.
For low speed snow removal, Ford offers a Snowplow Package Option on
select 4x4 vehicles. To assist Ford dealers and equipment installers
further prepare the vehicle for snowplowing, Ford includes instructions
in theFord Truck Body Builders Layout BookandFord Truck Source
Book. These instructions are available through your Ford dealer; they
include the list of vehicle models recommended for snowplowing and
snowplow weight limits. Use of the Snowplow Package Option, or its
equivalent, along with these instructions will help avoid possible
powertrain and chassis damage from snowplowing.
The front and rear GAWR, GVWR, Total Accessory Reserve Capacity
(TARC) and tire inflation pressures are found on the Safety Compliance
Certification Label located on one of the vehicle’s door jambs. This label
is applied to all vehicles completed by Ford Motor Company. Incomplete
vehicles built by Ford Motor Company will have an Incomplete Vehicle
Label in place of the Safety Compliance Label. The TARC does not apply
to Incomplete Vehicles and will not be shown on the Incomplete Vehicle
Label. The weight of the vehicle with occupants must never exceed the
front and rear GAWR or the GVWR.
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USA English(fus)
Driving
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SERVICE RECOMMENDATIONS
To help you service your vehicle:
•We highlight do-it-yourself items in the engine compartment for easy
location.
•We provide a scheduled maintenance guide which makes tracking
routine service easy.
If your vehicle requires professional service, your dealership can provide
the necessary parts and service. Check yourWarranty Guide/Owner
Information Guideto find out which parts and services are covered.
Use only recommended fuels, lubricants, fluids and service parts
conforming to specifications. Motorcraft parts are designed and built to
provide the best performance in your vehicle.
PRECAUTIONS WHEN SERVICING YOUR VEHICLE
•Do not work on a hot engine.
•Make sure that nothing gets caught in moving parts.
•Do not work on a vehicle with the engine running in an enclosed
space, unless you are sure you have enough ventilation.
•Keep all open flames and other burning (cigarettes) material away
from the battery and all fuel related parts.
Working with the engine off
•Automatic transmission:
1. Set the parking brake and shift to P (Park).
2. Turn off the engine and remove the key.
3. Block the wheels.
•Manual transmission:
1. Set the parking brake, depress the clutch and place the gearshift in 1
(First).
2. Turn off the engine and remove the key.
3. Block the wheels.
Working with the engine on
•Automatic transmission:
1. Set the parking brake and shift to P (Park).
2. Block the wheels.
2003 F250/350/450/550(f23)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA English(fus)
Maintenance and Specifications
Maintenance and Specifications
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IDENTIFYING COMPONENTS IN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT
5.4L V8/6.8L V10 gasoline engines
Refer to the6.0 Liter Power Stroke Direct Injection Turbo Diesel
Owner’s Guide Supplementfor diesel engine component locations.
1. Engine oil dipstick
2. Clutch fluid reservoir (manual transmission)
3. Brake fluid reservoir
4. Power steering fluid reservoir
5. Air filter assembly
6. Engine coolant reservoir
7. Windshield washer fluid reservoir
8. Battery
9. Engine oil filler cap
10. Transmission fluid dipstick (automatic transmission)
2003 F250/350/450/550(f23)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA English(fus)
Maintenance and Specifications
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WINDSHIELD WASHER FLUID
Add fluid to fill the reservoir if the
level is low. In very cold weather, do
not fill the reservoir completely.
Only use a washer fluid that meets
Ford specification WSB-M8B16–A2.
Refer toLubricant specifications
in this chapter.
State or local regulations on volatile organic compounds may restrict the
use of methanol, a common windshield washer antifreeze additive.
Washer fluids containing non-methanol antifreeze agents should be used
only if they provide cold weather protection without damaging the
vehicle’s paint finish, wiper blades or washer system.
If you operate your vehicle in temperatures below 4.5°C (40°
F), use washer fluid with antifreeze protection. Failure to use
washer fluid with antifreeze protection in cold weather could result in
impaired windshield vision and increase the risk of injury or accident.
Note:Do not put washer fluid in the engine coolant reservoir. Washer
fluid placed in the cooling system may harm engine and cooling system
components.
ENGINE OIL
Checking the engine oil
Refer to the scheduled maintenance guide for the appropriate intervals
for checking the engine oil.
1. Make sure the vehicle is on level ground.
2. Turn the engine off and wait a few minutes for the oil to drain into the
oil pan.
3. Set the parking brake and ensure the gearshift is securely latched in P
(Park) (automatic transmission) or 1 (First) (manual transmission).
4. Open the hood. Protect yourself from engine heat.
2003 F250/350/450/550(f23)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA English(fus)
Maintenance and Specifications
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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.
4. Latch the gearshift lever in P (Park) and leave the engine running.
5. Remove the dipstick, wiping it clean with a clean, dry lint free rag. If
necessary, refer toIdentifying components in the engine compartment
in this chapter for the location of the dipstick.
6. Install the dipstick making sure it is fully seated in the filler tube.
7. Remove the dipstick and inspect the fluid level. The fluid should be in
the designated area for normal operating temperature or ambient
temperature.
Low fluid level
Do not drive the vehicle if the fluid
level is at the bottom of the dipstick
and the ambient temperature is
above 10°C (50°F).
ADD COLD HOT DO NOT ADD
DON'T ADD IF IN CROSSHATCHED AREA  CHECK WHEN HOT IDLING IN PARK
2003 F250/350/450/550(f23)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA English(fus)
Maintenance and Specifications
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Correct fluid level
The transmission fluid should be checked at normal operating
temperature 66°C-77°C (150°F-170°F) on a level surface. The normal
operating temperature can be reached after approximately 30 km (20
miles) of driving.
You can check the fluid without driving if the ambient temperature is
above 10°C (50°F). However, if fluid is added at this time, an overfill
condition could result when the vehicle reaches normal operating
temperature.
The transmission fluid should be in
this range if at normal operating
temperature (66°C-77°C
[150°F-170°F]).
The transmission fluid should be in
this range if at ambient temperature
(10°C-35°C [50°F-95°F]).
High fluid level
Fluid levels above the safe range
may result in transmission failure.
An overfill condition of transmission
fluid may cause shift and/or
engagement concerns and/or
possible damage.
High fluid levels can be caused by
an overheating condition.
Adjusting automatic
transmission fluid levels
Before adding any fluid, make sure the correct type is used. The type of
fluid used is normally indicated on the dipstick and also in the
Lubricant specificationssection in this chapter.
Use of a non-approved automatic transmission fluid may cause
internal transmission component damage.
If necessary, add fluid in 250 ml (1/2 pint) increments through the filler
tube until the level is correct.
ADD COLD HOT DO NOT ADD
DON'T ADD IF IN CROSSHATCHED AREA  CHECK WHEN HOT IDLING IN PARK
ADD COLD HOT DO NOT ADD
DON'T ADD IF IN CROSSHATCHED AREA  CHECK WHEN HOT IDLING IN PARK
ADD COLD HOT DO NOT ADD
DON'T ADD IF IN CROSSHATCHED AREA  CHECK WHEN HOT IDLING IN PARK
2003 F250/350/450/550(f23)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA English(fus)
Maintenance and Specifications
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If an overfill occurs, excess fluid
should be removed by a qualified
technician.
An overfill condition of
transmission fluid may cause
shift and/or engagement
concerns and/or possible
damage.
Do not use supplemental transmission fluid additives, treatments or
cleaning agents. The use of these materials may affect transmission
operation and result in damage to internal transmission components.
Automatic transmission fluid filter (if equipped)
The TorqShift automatic
transmission is equipped with a
serviceable external fluid filter
mounted on the frame rail. Refer to
the Scheduled Maintenance Guide
for service intervals.
To replace the transmission filter:
1. Shut off the engine.
2. Unscrew filter housing.
3. Replace filter with a new authorized Motorcraft filter element. Refer to
theMotorcraft Part Numberschart in this chapter.
4. Reinstall housing and check transmission fluid level using procedure in
this section.
ADD COLD HOT DO NOT ADD
DON'T ADD IF IN CROSSHATCHED AREA  CHECK WHEN HOT IDLING IN PARK
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