2003 FORD F250 oil change

Maintenance and Specifications 215
Engine compartment 217
Engine oil 218
Battery 221
Fuel information 229
Air filter(s) 246
Part numbers 253
Refill capacities 254
Lubricant specifications 257
Accessories 270
Index 274
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Copyright © 2003 Ford Motor Company
2003 F250/350/450/550(f23)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA English(fus)
Table of Contents
3

•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.
2003 F250/350/450/550(f23)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA English(fus)
Driving
170

3. Recheck the engine oil level. Make sure the oil level is not above the
MAX mark on the engine oil level indicator (dipstick).
4. Install the indicator and ensure it is fully seated.
5. Fully install the engine oil filler cap by turning the filler cap clockwise
1/4 of a turn until three clicks are heard or until the cap is fully seated.
To avoid possible oil loss, DO NOT operate the vehicle with the
engine oil level indicator and/or the engine oil filler cap removed.
Engine oil and filter recommendations
Look for this certification
trademark.
Use SAE 5W-20 engine oil.
Only use oils“Certified For Gasoline Engines”by the American
Petroleum Institute (API). To protect your engine’s warranty use
Motorcraft SAE 5W-20 or an equivalent 5W-20 oil meeting Ford
specification WSS-M2C153–H.SAE 5W-20 oil provides optimum fuel
economy and durability performance meeting all requirements for
your vehicle’s engine.
Do not use supplemental engine oil additives, cleaners or other engine
treatments. They are unnecessary and could lead to engine damage that
is not covered by Ford warranty.
Change your engine oil according to the appropriate schedule listed in
the scheduled maintenance guide.
Ford production and aftermarket (Motorcraft) oil filters are designed for
added engine protection and long life. If a replacement oil filter is used
that does not meet Ford material and design specifications, start-up
engine noises or knock may be experienced.
It is recommended you use the appropriate Motorcraft oil filter (or
another brand meeting Ford specifications) for your engine application.
2003 F250/350/450/550(f23)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA English(fus)
Maintenance and Specifications
220

REFILL CAPACITIES
Fluid Ford Part Name Application Capacity
Front axle Hypoid Gear Oil
SAE 90F-250/350
(Dana 60 axle)2.7L (5.8 pints)
F-350/450/550
(Dana 60 axle)2.7L (5.8 pints)
Rear axle
1,2Motorcraft SAE
75W-140 Synthetic
Rear Axle
LubricantF-250 /350
(10.50 inch
axle)3.3L (6.9 pints)
Motorcraft SAE
75W-90 Synthetic
Rear Axle
LubricantF-350/450
(DANA 80)4.0L (8.5 pints)
Motorcraft SAE
80W-90 Premium
Rear Axle
LubricantF-550
(Dana 135)11.6L (24.5
pints)
Brake fluid
(and clutch
fluid-if
equipped)Motorcraft High
Performance DOT
3 Motor Vehicle
Brake FluidAll Fill to line or
step (for
clutch) on
reservoir
Engine coolant
3Motorcraft
Premium Gold
Engine Coolant
(yellow-colored)5.4L V8 engine
with A/C25.0L (26.4
quarts)
6.8L V10 engine 26.0L (27.5
quarts)
Engine oil
(includes filter
change)-Gas
engines
7
Motorcraft SAE
5W-20 Premium
Synthetic Blend
Motor Oil (US)
Motorcraft SAE
5W-20 Super
Premium Motor Oil
(Canada)5.4L V8 and
6.8L V10
engines5.7L (6.0
quarts)
Engine oil
(includes filter
change)-Diesel
engineRefer to your 6.0L Diesel Supplement
2003 F250/350/450/550(f23)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA English(fus)
Maintenance and Specifications
254

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

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