2003 FORD SUPER DUTY check oil

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

REPLACING THE AIR FILTER ELEMENT
When replacing the air filter element, use the Motorcraft air filter
element listed. Refer toLubricant and maintenance materials
specificationsin this supplement.
Failure to use the correct air filter element may result in severe
engine damage.
1. Remove air filter element from the housing, taking care to prevent dirt
from falling into the engine air intake.
2. Clean the air filter housing and cover to ensure good sealing.
3. Install a new air filter element. Be careful not to crimp the filter edges
between the air filter housing and cover. This could cause damage to the
air filter element and possible severe damage to the engine.
When servicing the air filter, always be sure that the auxiliary
hose is not kinked or obstructed. Failure to do so may result in
severe engine damage when driving through deep water and/or
encountering unusually heavy precipitation conditions.
ENGINE COOLANT
Checking engine coolant
The concentration and level of engine coolant should be checked at the
mileage intervals listed in the scheduled maintenance guide. The coolant
concentration should be maintained at 50/50 coolant and water, which
equates to a freeze point of -36°C (-34°F). Coolant concentration
testing is possible with a hydrometer or antifreeze tester (such as the
Rotunda Battery and Antifreeze Tester, 014–R1060). The level of coolant
should be maintained at the“cold full”of“cold fill range”level in the
coolant reservoir. If the level falls below, add coolant per the instructions
in theAdding engine coolantsection.
Your vehicle was factory-filled with a 50/50 engine coolant and water
concentration. If the concentration of coolant falls below 40% or above
60%, the engine parts could become damaged or not work properly.A
50/50 mixture of coolant and water provides the following:
•freeze protection down to -36°C (-34°F).
•boiling protection up to 129°C (265°F).
•protection against rust and other forms of corrosion.
•enables calibrated gauges to work properly.
General maintenance information
31

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

IF THE ENGINE RUNS HOT
The following could cause the engine to overheat:
•Lack of coolant.
•Dirty cooling system.
•Plugged radiator fins, charge air cooler, A/C condenser and/or oil
cooler.
•Driving with frozen coolant.
•Sticking thermostat.
•Overloading or pulling heavy trailers during hot weather.
•Grill or radiator air blockage.
•Slipping or missing drive belt.
•Plugged or very dirty air cleaner element.
IF FUSES BURN OUT
Burned-out or blown fuses usually indicate an electrical short-circuit,
although a fuse may occasionally burn out from vibration. Insert a second
fuse. If this fuse immediately burns out and you cannot locate the cause,
return your vehicle to your dealer for a circuit check.
Replacement fuses and circuit breakers must always be the same
rating as the original equipment shown. Never replace a fuse or
circuit breaker with one of a higher rating. Higher rated fuses or circuit
breakers could allow circuit overloading in the event of a circuit
malfunction, resulting in severe vehicle damage or personal injury.
Refer to the“Owner Guide”for replacement of fuses.
Minor troubleshooting guide
41

Any adverse condition should be brought to the attention of your dealer
or qualified service technician as soon as possible for the proper service
advice. The owner maintenance service checks are generally not covered
by warranties so you may be charged for labor, parts or lubricants used.
Maximum Oil Change Interval:
Normal Schedule: 7,500 miles or 6 months, whichever occurs first.
Special Operating Conditions: 5,000 miles or 6 months, see appropriate
schedule.
Check every month:
•Check function of all interior and exterior lights
•Check tires for wear and proper air pressure
•Check engine oil fluid level
•Check windshield washer solvent fluid level
•Check and drain fuel filter/water separator
Check every six months:
•Check lap/shoulder belts and seat latches for wear and function
•Check air pressure in spare tire
•Check that externally-mounted spare tire is tight (see Owner’s Guide)
•Check power steering fluid level
•Check washer spray, wiper operation and clean all wiper blades
•Check parking brake for proper operation
•Check and lubricate all hinges, latches and outside locks
•Check and lubricate door rubber weatherstrips
•Check and clean body and door drain holes
•Check safety warning lamps (brake, ABS, air bag, safety belt) for
operation
•Check cooling system fluid level and coolant strength
•Check battery connections and clean if necessary
•Check clutch fluid level, if equipped
General Owner’s Information
49

NORMAL SCHEDULE
The following section contains the“Normal Schedule.”This schedule is
presented at specific mileage intervals with exceptions noted.
Additional information available on the Web
To learn more about the importance of routine and dealer-performed
maintenance on your vehicle, please visit the Ford Customer Service
website. You’ll also find important warranty information, customer
assistance, technical expertise, frequently asked questions and much
more. The website location is at: www.ford.com/
Then go to the service pick at the web site.
12,000 km (7,500 miles)
•Change engine oil and replace oil filter
•Inspect tires for wear and measure tread depth
•Rotate tires
•Inspect engine air filter
24,000 km (15,000 miles)
•Change engine oil and replace oil filter
•Inspect tires for wear and measure tread depth
•Rotate tires
•Inspect engine air filter
•Replace engine- and frame-mounted fuel filters
•Inspect steering linkage, suspension and, if equipped, driveshaft and
ball joints
•Inspect engine cooling system and hoses
•Inspect brake system
•Inspect exhaust system and heat shields
•Check wheels for end play and noise
•Inspect and lubricate 4x2 ball joints (except F-450/F-550)
•Inspect and lubricate steering idler arms
•Replace cabin air filter, if equipped
•Inspect half-shaft boots, if equipped
36,000 km (22,500 miles)
•Change engine oil and replace oil filter
•Inspect engine air filter
General Owner’s Information
50

48,000 km (30,000 miles)
•Change engine oil and replace oil filter
•Inspect tires for wear and measure tread depth
•Rotate tires
•Replace engine air filter
•Replace engine- and frame-mounted fuel filters
•Inspect steering linkage, suspension and, if equipped, driveshaft and
ball joints
•Inspect engine cooling system and hoses
•Inspect brake system
•Inspect exhaust system and heat shields
•Change automatic transmission fluid and external filter element
•Check wheels for end play and noise
•Inspect and lubricate 4x2 ball joints (except F-450/F-550)
•Inspect and lubricate steering idler arms
•Replace cabin air filter, if equipped
•Inspect half-shaft boots, if equipped
60,000 km (37,500 miles)
•Change engine oil and replace oil filter
•Inspect engine air filter
72,000 km (45,000 miles)
•Change engine oil and replace oil filter
•Inspect tires for wear and measure tread depth
•Rotate tires
•Inspect engine air filter
•Replace engine- and frame-mounted fuel filters
•Inspect steering linkage, suspension and, if equipped, driveshaft and
ball joints
•Inspect engine cooling system and hoses
•Inspect brake system
•Inspect exhaust system and heat shields
•Check wheels for end play and noise
General Owner’s Information
51

•Inspect and lubricate 4x2 ball joints (except F-450/F-550)
•Inspect and lubricate steering idler arms
•Replace cabin air filter, if equipped
•Inspect half-shaft boots, if equipped
84,500 km (52,500 miles)
•Change engine oil and replace oil filter
•Inspect engine air filter
96,500 km (60,000 miles)
•Change engine oil and replace oil filter
•Inspect tires for wear and measure tread depth
•Rotate tires
•Replace engine air filter
•Replace engine- and frame-mounted fuel filters
•Inspect steering linkage, suspension and, if equipped, driveshaft and
ball joints
•Inspect engine cooling system and hoses
•Inspect brake system
•Inspect exhaust system and heat shields
•Change automatic transmissio fluid and external filter element
•Change manual transmission fluid
•Check wheels for end play and noise
•Lubricate 4x4 hub needle bearings
•Lubricate 4x2 wheel bearings
•Replace wheel bearing grease seal
•Inspect and lubricate 4x2 ball joints (except F-450/F-550)
•Inspect and lubricate steering idler arms
•Replace cabin air filter, if equipped
•Inspect half-shaft boots, if equipped
108,000 km (67,500 miles)
•Change engine oil and replace oil filter
•Inspect engine air filter
General Owner’s Information
52