2003 FORD SUPER DUTY automatic transmission 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 y ou
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 (approximately30 km [20 miles]). If your vehicle has been
operated for an extended period at high speeds, in citytraffic 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, drylint 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 fullyseated 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).
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
approximately30 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.
ADD COLD HOT DO NOT ADD
DON'T ADD IF IN CROSSHATCHED AREA • CHECK WHEN HOT IDLING IN PARK
Maintenance and Specifications
217

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
mayresult in transmission failure.
An overfill condition of transmission
fluid maycause 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 normallyindicated on the dipstick and also in the
Lubricant specificationssection in this chapter.
Use of a non-approved automatictransmission 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.
If an overfill occurs, excess fluid
should be removed bya qualified
technician.
An overfill condition of transmission fluid may cause shift and/or
engagement concerns and/or possible damage.
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
ADD COLD HOT DO NOT ADD
DON'T ADD IF IN CROSSHATCHED AREA • CHECK WHEN HOT IDLING IN PARK
Maintenance and Specifications
218

FluidFord Part
NameApplication Capacity
Fuel tank N/A Mid-ship tank
(optional on
Chassis Cab)71.9L (19.0
gallons)
Right side
saddle mounted
tank (optional
on Chassis Cab)87.1L (23.0
gallons)
Short box 109.8L (29.0
gallons)
Long box 143.9L (38.0
gallons)
Aft axle 151.4L (40.0
gallons)
Power steering
fluidMotorcraft
MERCON
AT FAll Fill to line on
reservoir
Transfer case
fluidMotorcraft
MERCON
AT F4x4 vehicles 1.9L (2.0
quarts)
Transmission
fluid
4Motorcraft
MERCON
AT F6-speed manual 5.5L (5.8
quarts)5
Automatic 16.7L (17.7
quarts)6
Windshield
washer fluidMotorcraft
Premium
Windshield
Washer
ConcentrateAll 4.0L (4.25
quarts)
1Your vehicle’s rear axle(s) maybe filled with a synthetic lubricant that
mayrequire 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 assemblyhas been
submerged in water. The axle lubricant should be changed anytime the
rear axle has been submerged in water.
Maintenance and Specifications
230

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 dipstick or on the dipstick
handle. Check the container to verifythe fluid being added is of the
correct type. Refer to your scheduled maintenance guide to determine
the correct service interval.
Some transmission fluids maybe labeled as dual usage, such as
MERCON
and MERCON
V. These dual usage fluids are not to be used
in an automatic transmission that requires use of the MERCON
type
fluid. However, these dual usage fluids maybe used in transmissions that
require the MERCON
V type fluid.
MERCON
and MERCON
V type fluids are not interchangeable.
DO NOT mix MERCON
and MERCON
V. Use of a transmission
fluid that indicates dual usage (MERCON
and MERCON
V) in
an automatictransmission application requiring MERCON
may
cause transmission damage. Use of any fluid other than the
recommended fluid may cause transmission damage.
5Service refill capacityis determined byfilling 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. Verifythe fluid
level after operating vehicle to assure correct fluid level.
6Indicates onlyapproximate dry-fill capacity. Some applications mayvary
based on cooler size and if equipped with an in-tank cooler. The amount
of transmission fluid and fluid level should be set bythe indication on
the dipstick’s normal operating range.
Maintenance and Specifications
231

ItemFord part
name or
equivalentFord part
numberFord
specification
Manual
transmission
(6-speed)Motorcraft
MERCON
AT F
2
XT-2-QDX MERCON

Automatic
transmission
4R100
(4–speed)Motorcraft
MERCON
AT F
2
XT-2-QDX MERCON

Automatic
transmission
5R110W
(5–speed)Motorcraft
MERCON
SP
AT F
2
— WSS-M2C919–D
Windshield
washer fluidMotorcraft
Premium
Windshield
Washer
ConcentrateZC-32–A ESR-M17P5-A
1Add 236 ml (8 oz.) of Additive Friction Modifier XL-3 or equivalent
meeting Ford specification EST-M2C118-A for complete refill of
Traction-Lok axles. Ford design rear axles contain a synthetic lubricant
that does not require changing unless the axle has been submerged in
water. Dana rear axles also contain a synthetic lubricant butdorequire a
change. Refer to your “Service Guide” for change intervals on Dana rear
axles.
2Ensure the correct automatic transmission fluid is used. Transmission
fluid requirements are indicated on the dipstick or on the dipstick
handle. Check the container to verifythe fluid being added is of the
correct type. Refer to your scheduled maintenance guide to determine
the correct service interval.
Some transmission fluids maybe labeled as dual usage, such as
MERCON
and MERCON
V. These dual usage fluids are not to be used
in an automatic transmission that requires use of the MERCON
type
fluid. However, these dual usage fluids maybe used in transmissions that
require the MERCON
V type fluid.
MERCON
and MERCON
V type fluids are not interchangeable.
DO NOT mix MERCON
and MERCON
V. Use of a transmission
Maintenance and Specifications
234

fluid that indicates dual usage (MERCON
and MERCON
V) in
an automatictransmission application requiring MERCON
may
cause transmission damage. Use of any fluid other than the
recommended fluid may cause transmission damage.
ENGINE DATA
Engine 5.4L V8 engine 6.8L V10 engine
Cubic inches 330 415
Required fuel 87 octane 87 octane
Firing order 1-3-7-2-6-5-4-8 1-6-5-10-2-7-3-8-4-9
Spark plug gap1.3-1.4 mm
(0.052-0.056 inch)1.3-1.4 mm
(0.052-0.056 inch)
Ignition system Coil on plug Coil on plug
Compression ratio 9.0:1 9.0:1
VEHICLE DIMENSIONS
F250–Regular and Super Cab
Dimension Body style
Regular
Cab 4x2Regular
Cab 4x4Super Cab
4x2Super Cab
4x4
(1) Overall
height1935 mm
(76.2 in)2 005 mm
(78.9 in)1 943 mm
(76.5 in)
d2 008 mm
(79.0 in)d
(2) Track
(Front /
Rear)1 736 mm
(68.3 in) /
1 729 mm
(68 in)1 736 mm
(68.3 in) /
1 729.3 mm
(68 in)1 736 mm
(68.3 in) /
1 729.3 mm
(68 in)1 736 mm
(68.3 in) /
1 729.3 mm
(68 in)
(3) Overall
width2 031 mm
(79.9 in)
a
2426 mm
(95.5 in)b
2 031 mm
(79.9 in)a
2426 mm
(95.5 in)b
2 031 mm
(79.9 in)a
2426 mm
(95.5 in)b
2 031 mm
(79.9 in)a
2426 mm
(95.5 in)b
(4)
Wheelbase3 479.8 mm
(137 in)3 479.8 mm
(137 in)3 610.7 mm
(141.8 in)c
4 013.2 mm
(158 in)d
3 610.7 mm
(141.8 in)c
4 013.2 mm
(158 in)d
Maintenance and Specifications
235

A
Accessorydelay ..........................47
Air bag supplemental restraint
system ..........................................79
and child safetyseats ..............80
description ................................79
disposal ......................................83
driver air bag ............................81
indicator light ...........................82
operation ...................................81
passenger air bag .....................81
passenger deactivation
switch ........................................83
Air cleaner filter .......220–221, 228
Ambulance packages ....................6
Antifreeze
(see Engine coolant) ................199
Anti-lock brake system
(see Brakes) ......................103–104
Audio system
(see Radio) ................17–18, 21, 25
Automatic transmission ............106
driving an automatic
overdrive .................................107
fluid, adding ............................216
fluid, checking ........................216
fluid, refill capacities ..............228
fluid, specification ..................235
Auxiliarypower point .................46
Axle
lubricant specifications ..232, 235
refill capacities ........................228
traction lok ..............................105
B
Battery.......................................197
acid, treating emergencies .....197jumping a disabled battery....168
maintenance-free ....................197
replacement, specifications ...228
servicing ..................................197
BeltMinder ...................................74
Brakes ........................................102
anti-lock ...........................102–104
anti-lock brake system (ABS)
warning light ...........................103
fluid, checking and adding ....215
fluid, refill capacities ..............228
fluid, specifications .........232, 235
lubricant specifications ..232, 235
parking ....................................104
shift interlock ..........................106
Break-in period .............................5
Bulbs ............................................38
C
Calculating load ........................127
Capacities for refilling fluids ....228
Cassette tape player ...................25
CD changer .................................28
CD-single premium .........17–18, 21
Certification Label ....................243
Child safetyrestraints ................88
child safetybelts ......................88
Child safetyseats ........................90
attaching with tether straps ....94
in front seat ..............................92
in rear seat ................................92
Cleaning your vehicle
engine compartment ..............185
instrument panel ....................187
interior .....................................187
interior trim ............................187
plastic parts ............................186
Index
249

washing ....................................184
waxing .....................................184
wheels ......................................185
wiper blades ............................186
Clutch
fluid ..........................................216
operation while driving ..........109
recommended shift speeds ....110
Compass, electronic ....................53
calibration .................................54
set zone adjustment .................54
Console ........................................51
overhead ....................................45
Controls
power seat .................................66
Coolant
checking and adding ..............199
refill capacities ................203, 228
specifications ..................232, 235
Cruise control
(see Speed control) ....................48
Customer Assistance ................152
Ford accessories for your
vehicle .....................................190
Ford Extended Service
Plan ..........................................177
Getting assistance outside the
U.S. and Canada .....................181
Getting roadside assistance ...152
Getting the service you
need .........................................175
Ordering additional owner’s
literature .................................182
The Dispute Settlement
Board .......................................177
Utilizing the
Mediation/Arbitration
Program ...................................180D
Daytime running lamps
(see Lamps) ................................36
Dipstick
automatic transmission
fluid ..........................................216
engine oil .................................194
Doors
lubricant specifications ..........232
Driveline universal joint and
slip yoke ....................................220
Driving under special
conditions ..................109, 118, 121
sand .........................................120
snow and ice ...........................122
through water .................120, 125
E
Emergencies, roadside
jump-starting ..........................168
Emission control system ..........213
Engine ........................................235
cleaning ...................................185
coolant .....................................199
diesel ...........................................6
fail-safe coolant ......................204
idle speed control ...................197
lubrication
specifications ..................232, 235
refill capacities ........................228
service points ..........................193
starting after a collision .........153
Engine block heater .................102
Engine oil ..................................194
checking and adding ..............194
dipstick ....................................194
filter, specifications ........196, 228
recommendations ...................196
Index
250