2003 FORD SUPER DUTY automatic transmission

When lifting a plastic-cased battery, excessive pressure on the
end walls could cause acid to flow through the vent caps,
resulting in personal injuryand/or damage to the vehicle or battery.
Lift the batterywith a batterycarrier or with your hands on opposite
corners.
Keep batteries out of reach of children. Batteries contain sulfuric
acid. Avoid contact with skin, eyes or clothing. Shield your eyes
when working near the batteryto protect against possible splashing of
acid solution. In case of acid contact with skin or eyes, flush
immediatelywith water for a minimum of 15 minutes and get prompt
medical attention. If acid is swallowed, call a physician immediately.
Batteryposts, terminals and related accessories contain lead and
lead compounds.Wash hands after handling.
For information on transmission operation after the batteryhas been
disconnected see “Shift strategy” in the driving section.
Because your vehicle’s engine is also electronicallycontrolled bya
computer, some control conditions are maintained bypower from the
battery. When the batteryis disconnected or a new batteryis installed,
the engine must relearn its idle and fuel trim strategyfor optimum
driveabilityand performance. To begin this process:
1. With the vehicle at a complete stop, set the parking brake.
2. Put the gearshift in P (Park) (automatic transmission) or the neutral
position (manual transmission), turn off all accessories and start the
engine.
3. Run the engine until it reaches normal operating temperature.
4. Allow the engine to idle for at least one minute.
5. Turn the A/C on and allow the engine to idle for at least one minute.
6. Drive the vehicle to complete the relearning process.
•The vehicle mayneed to be driven 16 km (10 miles) or more to
relearn the idle and fuel trim strategy.
•If you do not allow the engine to relearn its idle trim, the idle
quality of your vehicle may be adversely affected until the idle
trim is eventually relearned.
If the batteryhas been disconnected or a new batteryhas been installed,
the clock and the preset radio stations must be reset once the batteryis
reconnected.
Maintenance and Specifications
198

CLUTCH FLUID (IF EQUIPPED)
Check the clutch fluid level. Refer to the scheduled maintenance guide
for the service interval schedules.
Use onlya DOT 3 brake fluid designed to meet Ford specification
ESA-M6C25–A. Refer toLubricant Specificationsin this chapter.
Brake fluid is toxic. If brake fluid contacts the eyes, flush eyes
with running water for 15 minutes. Seek medical if irritation
persists. If taken internally, drink water and induce vomiting. Seek
medical attention immediately.
During normal operation, the fluid level in the clutch reservoir should
remain constant or rise slightly. If the fluid level drops, refill the fluid
level to the step in the reservoir.
1. Clean the reservoir cap before
removal to prevent dirt and water
from entering the reservoir.
2. Remove cap and rubber
diaphragm from reservoir.
3. Add fluid until the level reaches
the step in the reservoir.
4. Reinstall rubber diaphragm and
cap onto reservoir.
TRANSMISSION FLUID
Checking automatic transmission fluid (if equipped)
Refer to your scheduled maintenance guide for scheduled intervals for
fluid checks and changes. Your transmission does not consume fluid.
Maintenance and Specifications
216

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