
To reduce the risk of personal injury, make sure the engine is
cool before unscrewing the coolant pressure relief cap. The
cooling system is under pressure; steam and hot liquid can come out
forcefully when the cap is loosened slightly.
1. Before you begin, turn the engine off and let it cool.
2. When the engine is cool, wrap a thick cloth around the coolant
pressure relief cap on the coolant reservoir (a translucent plastic bottle).
Slowly turn cap counterclockwise (left) until pressure begins to release.
3. Step back while the pressure releases.
4. When you are sure that all the pressure has been released, use the
cloth to turn it counterclockwise and remove the cap.
5. Fill the coolant reservoir slowly with the proper coolant mixture (see
above), to within the“COLD FILL RANGE”or the“FULL COLD”level on
the reservoir. If you removed the radiator cap in an overflow system, fill
the radiator until the coolant is visible and radiator is almost full.
6. Replace the cap. Turn until tightly installed. (Cap must be tightly
installed to prevent coolant loss.)
After any coolant has been added, check the coolant concentration, refer
toChecking engine coolant. If the concentration is not 50/50
(protection to–34°F/–36°C), drain some coolant and adjust the
concentration. It may take several drains and additions to obtain a 50/50
coolant concentration.
Whenever coolant has been added, the coolant level in the coolant
reservoir should be checked the next few times you drive the vehicle. If
necessary, add enough 50/50 concentration of engine coolant and
distilled water to bring the liquid level to the proper level.
If you have to add more than 1.0 liter (1.0 quart) of engine coolant per
month, have your dealer check the engine cooling system. Your cooling
system may have a leak. Operating an engine with a low level of coolant
can result in engine overheating and possible engine damage.
Recycled engine coolant
Ford Motor Company does NOT recommend the use of recycled engine
coolant in vehicles originally equipped with Motorcraft Premium Gold
Engine Coolant since a Ford-approved recycling process is not yet
available.
Used engine coolant should be disposed of in an appropriate
manner. Follow your community’s regulations and standards for recycling
and disposing of automotive fluids.
2004 F150 Classic(p96)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA English(fus)
Maintenance and Specifications
193

Fuel Filler Cap
Your fuel tank filler cap has an indexed design with a 1/8 turn on/off
feature.
When fueling your vehicle:
1. Turn the engine off.
2. Carefully turn the filler cap counterclockwise 1/8 of a turn until it
stops.
3. Pull to remove the cap from the fuel filler pipe.
4. To install the cap, align the tabs on the cap with the notches on the
filler pipe.
5. Turn the filler cap clockwise 1/8 of a turn until it stops.
If the“Check Fuel Cap”
indicator comes on or if“Service Engine
Soon/Check Engine”indicator comes on and stays on when you start the
engine, the fuel filler cap may not be properly installed. Turn off the
engine, remove the fuel filler cap, align the cap properly and reinstall it.
If you must replace the fuel filler cap, replace it with a fuel filler
cap that is designed for your vehicle. The customer warranty may
be void for any damage to the fuel tank or fuel system if the
correct genuine Ford or Motorcraft fuel filler cap is not used.
The fuel system may be under pressure. If the fuel filler cap is
venting vapor or if you hear a hissing sound, wait until it stops
before completely removing the fuel filler cap. Otherwise, fuel may
spray out and injure you or others.
If you do not use the proper fuel filler cap, excessive pressure or
vacuum in the fuel tank may damage the fuel system or cause
the fuel cap to disengage in a collision, which may result in possible
personal injury.
Choosing the right fuel
Use only UNLEADED FUEL. The use of leaded fuel is prohibited by law
and could damage your vehicle.
Your vehicle was not designed to use fuel or fuel additives with metallic
compounds, including manganese-based additives. Studies indicate that
these additives can cause your vehicle’s emission control system to
deteriorate more rapidly. In Canada, premium grade fuel generally
2004 F150 Classic(p96)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA English(fus)
Maintenance and Specifications
198

washing ....................................175
waxing .....................................175
wheels ......................................176
wiper blades ............................178
Clock adjust
6-CD in dash .............................23
AM/FM/CD .................................20
AM/FM/Tape ..............................17
AM/FM/Tape/CD .......................27
Clutch
fluid ..........................................207
operation while driving ..........114
recommended shift speeds ....115
Compass, electronic ....................46
calibration .................................47
set zone adjustment .................47
Console ........................................48
overhead ....................................45
Coolant
checking and adding ..............190
refill capacities ................194, 228
specifications ..................231, 233
Cruise control
(see Speed control) ....................51
Customer Assistance ................141
Ford accessories for your
vehicle .....................................180
Ford Extended Service
Plan ..........................................168
Getting assistance outside the
U.S. and Canada .....................172
Getting roadside assistance ...141
Getting the service you
need .........................................166
Ordering additional owner’s
literature .................................173
The Dispute Settlement
Board .......................................168Utilizing the
Mediation/Arbitration
Program ...................................171
D
Daytime running lamps
(see Lamps) ................................35
Dipstick
automatic transmission
fluid ..........................................208
engine oil .................................185
Doors
lubricant specifications ..........231
Driveline universal joint and
slip yoke ....................................212
Driving under special
conditions ..................114, 122, 125
sand .........................................124
snow and ice ...........................126
through water .................124, 129
E
Emergencies, roadside
jump-starting ..........................159
Emergency Flashers .................142
Emission control system ..........204
Engine ................................233–234
cleaning ...................................176
coolant .....................................190
fail-safe coolant ......................194
idle speed control ...................189
lubrication
specifications ..................231, 233
refill capacities ........................228
service points ..................183–184
starting after a collision .........142
Engine block heater .................107
Engine oil ..................................185
2004 F150 Classic(p96)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA English(fus)
Index
244

Preparing to drive your
vehicle ........................................110
R
Radio ..........................17, 19, 22, 25
Relays ........................................143
Remote entry system .................56
illuminated entry ......................59
locking/unlocking doors ...........55
Roadside assistance ..................141
S
Safety Belt Maintenance ............81
Safety belts
(see Safety restraints) .........70–75
Safety defects, reporting ..........174
Safety restraints ....................70–75
belt minder ...............................77
extension assembly ..................81
for adults .............................71–74
for children .........................89–90
lap belt ......................................76
safety belt maintenance ...........81
warning light and chime ....76–77
Safety seats for children ............93
Seat belts
(see Safety restraints) ...............70
Seats ............................................65
child safety seats ......................93
front seats .................................65
Servicing your vehicle ..............181
Setting the clock
AM/FM/CD .................................20
AM/FM/In-dash 6 CD ................23
AM/FM/Tape ..............................17
AM/FM/Tape/CD .......................27Snowplowing .........................7, 140
Spare tire
(see Changing the Tire) ...........152
Spark plugs,
specifications .............227, 233–234
Special notice
ambulance conversions ..............7
utility-type vehicles ....................7
Specification chart,
lubricants ...........................231, 233
Speed control ..............................51
Starting your
vehicle ........................103–104, 107
jump starting ..........................159
Steering wheel
tilting .........................................45
T
Tailgate ........................................54
Tilt steering wheel ......................45
Tires ...........................151, 214–215
alignment ................................222
care ..........................................221
changing ..................151–152, 154
checking the pressure ............221
label .........................................220
replacing ..................................225
rotating ....................................222
safety practices .......................225
sidewall information ...............216
snow tires and chains ............226
spare tire .................................151
terminology .............................215
tire grades ...............................215
treadwear ........................214, 224
Towing .......................................133
recreational towing .................140
trailer towing ..........................133
2004 F150 Classic(p96)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA English(fus)
Index
247