2003 FORD SUPER DUTY warning

•Four-wheel-drive operation (if equipped) is less fuel efficient than
two-wheel-drive operation.
•Close windows for high speed driving.
EPA window sticker
Everynew vehicle should have the EPA window sticker. Contact your
dealer if the window sticker is not supplied with your vehicle. The EPA
window sticker should be your guide for the fuel economy comparisons
with other vehicles.
It is important to note the box in the lower left corner of the window
sticker. These numbers represent the Range of L/100 km (MPG)
expected on the vehicle under optimum conditions. Your fuel economy
mayvarydepending upon the method of operation and conditions.
EMISSION CONTROL SYSTEM
Your vehicle is equipped with various emission control components and a
catalytic converter which will enable your vehicle to comply with
applicable exhaust emission standards. To make sure that the catalytic
converter and other emission control components continue to work
properly:
•Use onlythe specified fuel listed.
•Avoid running out of fuel.
•Do not turn off the ignition while your vehicle is moving, especially at
high speeds.
•Have the items listed in your scheduled maintenance guide performed
according to the specified schedule.
The scheduled maintenance items listed in the scheduled maintenance
guide are essential to the life and performance of your vehicle and to its
emissions system.
If other than Ford, Motorcraft or Ford-authorized parts are used for
maintenance replacements or for service of components affecting
emission control, such non-Ford parts should be equivalent to genuine
Ford Motor Companyparts in performance and durability.
Do not park, idle, or drive your vehicle in dry grass or other dry
ground cover. The emission system heats up the engine
compartment and exhaust system, which can start a fire.
Illumination of the “Service Engine Soon” light, charging system warning
light or the temperature warning light, fluid leaks, strange odors, smoke
or loss of engine power, could indicate that the emission control system
is not working properly.
Maintenance and Specifications
213

Exhaust leaks mayresult in entryof harmful and potentially
lethal fumes into the passenger compartment.
Do not make anyunauthorized changes to your vehicle or engine. By
law, vehicle owners and anyone who manufactures, repairs, services,
sells, leases, trades vehicles, or supervises a fleet of vehicles are not
permitted to intentionallyremove an emission control device or prevent
it from working. Information about your vehicle’s emission system is on
the Vehicle Emission Control Information Decal located on or near the
engine. This decal identifies engine displacement and gives some tune up
specifications.
Please consult yourWarranty Guidefor complete emission warranty
information.
Readiness for Inspection/Maintenance (I/M) testing
In some localities, it maybe a legal requirement to pass an I/M test of
the on-board diagnostics system. If your “Check Engine/Service Engine
Soon” light is on, refer to the description in theWarning lights and
chimessection of theInstrument clusterchapter. Your vehicle maynot
pass the I/M test with the “Check Engine/Service Engine Soon” light on.
If the vehicle’s powertrain system or its battery has just been serviced,
the on-board diagnostics system is reset to a “not ready for I/M test”
condition. To readythe on-board diagnostics system for I/M testing, a
minimum of 30 minutes of cityand highwaydriving is necessaryas
described below:
•First, at least 10 minutes of driving on an expresswayor highway.
•Next, at least 20 minutes driving in stop-and-go, city-type traffic with
at least four idle periods.
Allow the vehicle to sit for at least eight hours without starting the
engine. Then, start the engine and complete the above driving cycle. The
engine must warm up to its normal operating temperature. Once started,
do not turn off the engine until the above driving cycle is complete.
Maintenance and Specifications
214

CHECKING AND ADDING POWER STEERING FLUID
Check the power steering fluid.
Refer to the scheduled maintenance
guide for the service interval
schedules. If adding fluid is
necessary, use only MERCON
AT F.
Check the fluid level when it is at ambient temperature, 20° – 80° F (-7°
– 25° C):
1. Check the fluid level on the dipstick. It should be between the arrows
in the FULL COLD range. Do not add fluid if the level is within this
range.
2. If the fluid level is low, start the engine.
3. While the engine idles, turn the steering wheel left and right several
times.
4. Turn the engine off.
5. Recheck the fluid level on the dipstick. Do not add fluid if the level is
between the arrows in the FULL COLD range.
6. If the fluid is low, add fluid in small amounts, continuouslychecking
the level until it reaches the FULL COLD range. Be sure to put the
dipstick back in the reservoir.
BRAKE FLUID RESERVOIR
The fluid level will drop slowlyas
the brakes wear, and will rise when
the brake components are replaced.
Fluid levels below the “MAX” line
that do not trigger the brake system
warning lamp are within the normal
operating range, there is no need to
add fluid. If the fluid levels are outside of the normal operating range,
the performance of your brake system could be compromised, seek
service from your dealer immediately.
M
A
X
Maintenance and Specifications
215

Tire inflation information
The F450 and F550 vehicles are equipped with a tire that is an all-steel
radial. All-steel radial tires utilize steel cords in the sidewalls, and also
require increased inflation pressures of up to 95 psi. As such, they
cannot be treated like normal light truck tires. Tire service, including
adjusting tire pressure, must be performed bypersonnel trained,
supervised and equipped according to Federal Occupational Safetyand
Health Administration (OSHA) regulations. For example, during any
procedure involving tire inflation, the technician or individual must
utilize a remote inflation device, and insure that all persons are clear of
the trajectoryarea.
WARNINGAn inflated tire and rim can be verydangerous if
improperlyused, serviced or maintained. To avoid serious injury,
never attempt to re-inflate a tire which has been run flat or seriously
under-inflated without first removing the tire from the wheel assembly
for inspection. Do not attempt to add air to tires or replace tires or
wheels without first taking precautions to protect persons and
property.
Tire rotation
Because your vehicle’s tires perform different jobs, they often wear
differently. To make sure y our tires wear evenly and last longer, rotate
them as indicated in the scheduled maintenance guide. If you notice that
the tires wear unevenly, have them checked.
The following procedure applies to vehicles equipped with single rear
wheel.
Maintenance and Specifications
224

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

Instrument panel
cleaning ...................................187
cluster ........................................10
lighting up panel and
interior .......................................37
J
Jump-starting your vehicle ......168
K
Keyless entry system
autolock .....................................61
Keys
positions of the ignition ...........98
L
Lamps
autolamp system .......................35
bulb replacement
specifications chart ..................38
cargo lamps ...............................37
daytime running light ...............36
fog lamps ...................................36
headlamps .................................35
headlamps, flash to pass ..........37
instrument panel, dimming .....37
interior lamps ...........................38
replacing bulbs ...................38–43
Lane change indicator
(see Turn signal) ........................37
Lights, warning and indicator ....10
anti-lock brakes (ABS) ..........103
speed control ............................51
Load limits .................................125
GAWR ......................................125
GVWR ......................................125
trailer towing ..........................125
Loading instructions .................127Locks
autolock .....................................61
childproof ..................................57
Lubricant specifications ...232, 235
Lumbar support, seats ...............67
M
Manual transmission .................109
fluid capacities ........................228
lubricant specifications ..........235
reverse .....................................110
Message center ...........................51
english/metric button ...............52
menu button .............................52
Mirrors .........................................45
fold away...................................48
side view mirrors (power) .......47
Motorcraft parts ................209, 228
O
Octane rating ............................208
Oil (see Engine oil) ..................194
P
Parking brake ............................104
Parts (see Motorcraft parts) ....228
Pedals (see Power adjustable
foot pedals) .................................48
Power adjustable foot pedals .....48
Power distribution box
(see Fuses) ...............................155
Power door locks ..................56, 61
Power point .................................46
Power steering ..........................105
fluid, checking and adding ....215
Index
252

fluid, refill capacity................228
fluid, specifications .........232, 235
Power Windows ...........................47
Preparing to drive your
vehicle ........................................105
R
Radio ..........................17–18, 21, 25
Relays ........................................154
Remote entrysystem .................58
illuminated entry......................60
locking/unlocking doors ...........56
Reverse sensing system ...........111
Roadside assistance ..................152
S
Safetybelts (see Safety
restraints) ........................68–71, 73
Safetydefects, reporting ..........183
Safetyrestraints ....................68–73
belt minder ...............................74
cleaning the safetybelts ..........78
extension assembly..................78
for adults .............................69–71
for children .........................87–88
warning light and chime ..........74
Safetyseats for children ............90
Seat belts (see Safety
restraints) ....................................68
Seats ............................................63
child safetyseats ......................90
cleaning ...................................188
Servicing your vehicle ..............191
Snowplowing .................6, 148–150Spare tire
(see Changing the Tire) ...........159
Spark plugs,
specifications .....................228, 235
Special notice ................................7
ambulance conversions ..............6
diesel-powered vehicles .............6
four-wheel drive vehicles .......151
utility-type vehicles ....................6
Specification chart,
lubricants ...........................232, 235
Speed control ..............................48
Starting your vehicle ....98–99, 101
jump starting ..........................168
Steering wheel
tilting .........................................45
T
Tailgate ........................................55
Tires ...................................221–223
changing ..........................159, 161
checking the pressure ............223
replacing ..................................226
rotating ....................................224
snow tires and chains ............227
tire grades ...............................222
treadwear ................................222
Towing .......................................127
trailer towing ..........................127
wrecker ....................................173
Traction-lok rear axle ...............105
Transfer case
fluid checking .........................220
Transmission
automatic operation ...............106
fluid, checking and adding
(automatic) .............................216
Index
253

fluid, checking and adding
(manual) .................................219
fluid, refill capacities ..............228
lubricant specifications ..232, 235
manual operation ....................109
Turn signal ..................................37
V
Vehicle dimensions ...................235
Vehicle Identification Number
(VIN) ..........................................244
Vehicle loading ..........................125
Ventilating your vehicle ...........102W
Warning lights (see Lights)
.......10
Washer fluid
..............................194
Water, Driving through
.............125
Windows
power
.........................................47
Windshield washer fluid and
wipers
..........................................44
checking and adding fluid
.....194
replacing wiper blades
.............44
Wrecker towing
.........................173
Index
254