2003 FORD SUPER DUTY change time

FUEL REQUIREMENTS
The engine is designed to use low sulfur number 1–Dor2–D Diesel fuel
only. At temperatures below -7°C (20°F), number 1–D or winter blend
number 2–D fuel is recommended. (SeeCold weather operationin the
Startingchapter.)
Do not use fuel intended for agricultural use (agricultural fuel is
dyed red), home heating oil or any Diesel fuel not intended for
highway use. Damage to the fuel injection system, engine and
exhaust catalyst can occur if an improper fuel is used.
Do not add gasoline, gasohol or alcohol to Diesel fuel. This
practice creates a serious fire hazard and engine performance
problems.
It should not be necessary to add any aftermarket additives to your fuel
tank if you use a properly formulated Diesel fuel that meets the ASTM D
975 industry specification. Aftermarket additives can damage the injector
system or engine.
Do not blend used engine oil with Diesel fuel under any
circumstances.Blending used oil with the fuel will significantly increase
your vehicle’s exhaust emissions and reduce engine life due to increased
internal wear.
Do not crank the engine for more than 30 seconds at a time as
damage to the starter motor may result.
If the engine fails to start in 30 seconds, turn the key to the OFF
position and wait 30 seconds before trying again.
If air is allowed to enter the fuel system (during fuel filter change or if
you run out of fuel) the engine will purge the trapped air as it runs. The
engine may run rough and produce white smoke while air is in the
system. This is normal and should correct itself in a short time.
An engine that suddenly becomes noisy or operates poorly after a fuel fill
could be using substandard fuel (i.e., high water content, low cetane
rating or gasoline in the fuel). Diesel fuel should be purchased from a
reputable station which sells a large amount of Diesel fuel.
Care should be taken whenever Diesel fuel is stored. Use only clean,
approved containers which will prevent the entry of dirt or water.
General maintenance information
24

Removal - Engine-mounted fuel filter
1. Remove the fuel filter cap by
turning counterclockwise.
2. Remove and discard the old fuel
filter element.
3. Carefully clean the mating
surfaces.
Installation-both
The engine will not run properly if the fuel filter is not installed
in housing.
1. Install the new fuel filter and cap seal (from Ford Part No.
3C3Z-9N184–CA) into the fuel filter housing.
2. Tighten cap onto fuel filter housing slowly, allowing fuel to soak into
the fuel filter element. Tighten cap until it contacts the housing.
After replacing the fuel filter, the engine will purge the trapped
air as it runs. The engine may run roughly and smoke until the air
is completely eliminated.
Using a fuel which has more than average impurities may require
the fuel filter to be replaced more frequently than the service
interval specifies.
ENGINE OIL
Checking the engine oil level
Because it is normal to add some oil between oil changes, check your
engine oil level each time you stop for fuel. To check the engine oil level
consistently and accurately, the following procedure is recommended:
1. Have engine at normal operating temperature (at least into the
NORMAL range on the engine coolant temperature gauge).
2. Park the vehicle on a level surface, then turn off the engine and open
the hood.
3. Allow at least20 minutesafter engine shutdown to assure that the oil
contained in the upper parts of the engine has returned to the oil pan.
General maintenance information
27

* Heavy duty trailer towing with ambient temperatures above 10°C
(50°F) requires 15W-40 engine oil.
The use of correct oil viscosities for Diesel engines is important for
satisfactory operation. Determine which oil viscosity best suits the
temperature range you expect to encounter for the next service interval.
A symbol has been developed by the
American Petroleum Institute (API)
to help you select the proper engine
oil. It will be included on the oil
container you purchase. The top
section of the symbol shows the oil
performance by the API designation.
This should match the owner guide recommendation. The center section
will show the SAE viscosity grade. The lower section will state energy
conserving if the oil has proven fuel saving capabilities.
Changing engine oil and filter
Change your oil and filter according to the scheduled maintenance guide.
Change more frequently if your vehicle operation includes extended
periods of idling or low-speed operation, driving for a long time in cold
temperatures or driving short distances. See the following section
Engine lubrication for severe service operationfor all severe duty
restrictions.
Use Ford Engine Oil Filter Part No. 3C3Z-6731–AA (FL–2016) or
equivalent. These filters protect your engine by filtering harmful,
abrasive or sludge particles. The FL–2016 filters particles significantly
smaller than most available“will-fit”filters.
General maintenance information
29

When the engine is cold, check the level of the engine coolant in the
reservoir.
•The engine coolant should be at the“cold fill level”or within the“cold
fill range”as listed on the engine coolant reservoir (depending upon
application).
•Refer to the scheduled maintenance guide for service interval
schedules.
•Be sure to read and understandPrecautions when servicing your
vehiclein your owner guide.
If the engine coolant has not been checked at the recommended interval,
the engine coolant reservoir may become low or empty. If the reservoir is
low or empty, add engine coolant to the reservoir. Refer toAdding
engine coolantin this chapter.
Note:Automotive fluids are not interchangeable; do not use engine
coolant or windshield washer fluid outside of its specified function and
vehicle location.
Vehicles with Diesel engines typically are used to carry heavy loads and
accumulate mileage rapidly. These two factors cause the additives in the
coolant to“wear out”in a shorter time. Replace the engine coolant
initially after five years or 100,000 miles and three years or 50,000 miles
thereafter. Vehicles equipped with the yellow coolant do not require any
additives.
Adding engine coolant
When adding coolant, make sure it is a 50/50 mixture of engine coolant
and distilled water. Add the mixture to the coolant reservoir,when the
engine is cool, until the appropriate fill level is obtained.
Do not add engine coolant when the engine is hot. Steam and
scalding liquids released from a hot cooling system can burn you
badly. Also, you can be burned if you spill coolant on hot engine parts.
Do not put engine coolant in the windshield washer fluid
container. If sprayed on the windshield, engine coolant could
make it difficult to see through the windshield.
General maintenance information
32

ENGINE EMISSIONS LABEL
Emissions information appears on the Engine Emissions label on the
engine valve cover. This decal identifies engine displacement and
provides certain engine specifications.
Any modification of the emissions control system could create liability
under federal law (U.S.) if made prior to sale and registration, under the
laws of some states if made thereafter. Further, federal law prohibits
vehicle manufacturers, dealers and other persons engaged in the
business of repairing, servicing, selling, leasing or trading motor vehicles
as well as fleet operations from knowingly removing or rendering an
emissions control system inoperative after sale and delivery to an
ultimate purchaser. In Canada, modifications of the emissions control
system could create liability under applicable federal or provincial laws.
SCHEDULED MAINTENANCE SERVICES
Refer to your scheduled maintenance guide for details of maintenance on
your vehicle.
If you are using your vehicle in a manner in which it will remain
stationary (door to door service, taxi, etc.), then it is recommended that
you change the engine oil every 200 engine hours as opposed to a
mileage limit. Since most vehicles are not equipped with hourmeters, it
may be necessary for you to approximate your time and plan engine oil
and filter changes accordingly.
Scheduled maintenance
38

The complexity of the Diesel engine makes it so the owner is
discouraged from attempting to perform maintenance other than the
services described in this supplement.
If you experience difficult starting, rough idling, excessive exhaust
smoke, a decrease in engine performance or excess fuel consumption,
perform the following checks:
•a plugged air inlet system or engine air filter element.
•water in the fuel filter/water separator.
•a clogged fuel filter.
•contaminated fuel.
•air in the fuel system, due to loose connections.
•an open or pinched sensor hose.
•low engine oil level.
•wrong fuel or oil viscosity for climactic conditions.
If these checks do not help you correct the engine performance problem
you are experiencing, consult an authorized dealer.
FUELING
Do not use starting fluid such as ether or gasoline in the Diesel
air intake system. Such fluids can cause immediate explosive
damage to the engine and possible personal injury.
If you fuel your vehicle at a truck stop, you may notice that the fuel
nozzle may shut off every 5–10 seconds. This is due to the flow rates
being designed for larger heavy duty trucks. You may have to fuel at a
slower rate (don’t depress the nozzle trigger fully).
Do not run your Diesel vehicle out of fuel as this will allow air to enter
the fuel system which will make restarting difficult. Longer engine
cranking time may be required once air is in the fuel system. If air enters
the fuel system (either through running the fuel tank(s) empty or during
a fuel filter change), the engine will self-purge the trapped air once it
starts running. The engine may run roughly and produce white smoke
while air is in the fuel system; this is normal and should stop after a
short time.
Minor troubleshooting guide
39

Exceptions
In addition, there are several exceptions to the Normal Schedule. They
are listed below:
Yellow coolant
•5 years or 100,000 miles - change yellow coolant (whichever comes
first)
•After initial change - change yellow coolant every 3 years or 50,000
miles
Normal vehicle axle maintenance
Rear axles and power take off (PTO) units containing synthetic lubricant
and light duty trucks equipped with Ford-design axles are lubricated for
life. These lubricants are not to be checked or changed unless a leak is
suspected, service is required or the axle assembly has been submerged
in water. The axle and PTO lubricant should be changed anytime the
axle and PTO have been submerged in water. Non-synthetic rear axle
lubricants should be replaced every 3,000 miles or 3 months, whichever
occurs first, during extended trailer tow operation above 21 Celsius (70
degrees Fahrenheit) ambient and wide open throttle for extended
periods above 45 mph. The 3,000 mile lube change interval may be
waived if the axle was filled with 75W140 synthetic gear lubricant
meeting Ford specification WSL-M2C192-A, part number F1TZ-19580-B
or equivalent. Add four ounces of additive friction modifier
C8AZ-19B546-A (EST-M2C118-A) or equivalent for complete refill of
Traction-Lok rear axles. The axle lubricant should be changed anytime
an axle has been submerged in water.
F-450 and F-550 axle maintenance
Replace rear axle lubricant every 100,000 miles under normal driving
conditions on all F-450 and F-550 commercial applications. For F-450
and F-550 trucks operated at or near maximum Gross Vehicle Weights,
the rear axle lubricant should be replaced every 50,000 miles. In
addition, this 50,000 mile schedule should be observed when the vehicles
are operated under the Special Operating Conditions, where noted,
beginning on page XX.
General Owner’s Information
57

Short trip in cold operating conditions
Every 15,000 miles:Inspect and lubricate 4x2 ball joints and steering
idler arms
Every 40,000 miles:Change transfer case fluid
MAINTENANCE AND SERVICE RECORD
See an authorized dealer
This section of the guide is designed to allow your Ford or Lincoln
Mercury dealer, or Ford or Lincoln Mercury Auto Care service center or
other qualified service technician to record that the recommended
service was completed at the appropriate mileage intervals. Be sure to
ask your service provider to record the type of service rendered (Normal
or Special Operating Conditions—SOC) each time service is performed.
Date:
Mileage:
Normal


SOC

Dealer’s Stamp:
See corresponding mileage in maintenance schedule for services performed.
General Owner’s Information
59