
contains more metallic additives than regular fuel. We recommend using
regular grade fuel. In Canada, many fuels contain metallic additives, but
fuels free of such additives may be available; check with your local fuel
dealer.
Do not use fuel containing methanol. It can damage critical fuel system
components.
Repairs to correct the effects of using a fuel for which your vehicle was
not designed may not be covered by your warranty.
Octane recommendations
Your vehicle is designed to use
“Regular”unleaded gasoline with
pump (R+M)/2 octane rating of 87.
We do not recommend the use of
gasolines labeled as“Regular”that
are sold with octane ratings of 86 or lower in high altitude areas.
Do not be concerned if your engine sometimes knocks lightly. However, if
it knocks heavily under most driving conditions while you are using fuel
with the recommended octane rating, see your dealer or a qualified
service technician to prevent any engine damage.
Fuel quality
If you are experiencing starting, rough idle or hesitation driveability
problems, try a different brand of unleaded gasoline.“Premium”
unleaded gasoline is not recommended for vehicles designed to use
“Regular”unleaded gasoline because it may cause these problems to
become more pronounced. If the problems persist, see your dealer or a
qualified service technician.
It should not be necessary to add any aftermarket products to your fuel
tank if you continue to use high quality fuel of the recommended octane
rating. Aftermarket products could cause damage to the fuel system.
Repairs to correct the effects of using an aftermarket product in your
fuel may not be covered by your warranty.
Many of the world’s automakers approved the World-wide Fuel Charter
that recommends gasoline specifications to provide improved
performance and emission control system protection for your vehicle.
Gasolines that meet the World-wide Fuel Charter should be used when
available. Ask your fuel supplier about gasolines that meet the
World-wide Fuel Charter.
87(R+M)/2 METHOD
2004 F150 Classic(p96)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA English(fus)
Maintenance and Specifications
199

The advertised capacity is the amount of the indicated capacity and the
empty reserve combined. Indicated capacity is the difference in the
amount of fuel in a full tank and a tank when the fuel gauge indicates
empty. Empty reserve is the small amount of fuel remaining in the fuel
tank after the fuel gauge indicates empty.
The amount of usable fuel in the empty reserve varies and should
not be relied upon to increase driving range. When refueling your
vehicle after the fuel gauge indicates empty, you might not be
able to refuel the full amount of the advertised capacity of the
fuel tank due to the empty reserve still present in the tank.
For consistent results when filling the fuel tank:
•Turn the engine/ignition switch to the off position prior to refueling,
an error in the reading will result if the engine is left running.
•Use the same filling rate setting (low—medium—high) each time
the tank is filled.
•Allow no more than 2 automatic click-offs when filling.
•Always use fuel with the recommended octane rating.
•Use a known quality gasoline, preferably a national brand.
•Use the same side of the same pump and have the vehicle facing the
same direction each time you fill up.
•Have the vehicle loading and distribution the same every time.
Your results will be most accurate if your filling method is consistent.
Calculating fuel economy
1. Fill the fuel tank completely and record the initial odometer reading
(in kilometers or miles).
2. Each time you fill the tank, record the amount of fuel added (in liters
or gallons).
3. After at least three to five tank fill-ups, fill the fuel tank and record
the current odometer reading.
4. Subtract your initial odometer reading from the current odometer
reading.
5. Follow one of the simple calculations in order to determine fuel
economy:
Calculation 1:Multiply liters used by 100, then divide by total
kilometers traveled.
Calculation 2:Divide total miles traveled by total gallons used.
2004 F150 Classic(p96)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA English(fus)
Maintenance and Specifications
201

1Add 118 ml (4 oz) of FEHP Friction Modifier XL-7 or equivalent, for
complete refill of Traction-Lok 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 verify the fluid being added is of the
correct type. Refer to yourScheduled Maintenance Guideto determine
the correct service interval.
Some transmission fluids may be labeled as dual usage, such as
MERCONand MERCONV. These dual usage fluids are not to be used
in an automatic transmission that requires use of the MERCONtype
fluid. However, these dual usage fluids may be used in transmissions that
require the MERCONV type fluid.
MERCONand MERCONV type fluids are not interchangeable.
DO NOT mix MERCONand MERCONV. Use of a transmission
fluid that indicates dual usage (MERCONand MERCONV) in
an automatic transmission application requiring MERCONmay
cause transmission damage. Use of any fluid other than the
recommended fluid may cause transmission damage.
ENGINE DATA
Engine 4.2L V6 engine 4.6L V8 engine 5.4L V8 engine
Cubic inches 256 281 330
Required fuel 87 octane 87 octane 87 octane
Firing order 1-4-2-5-3-6 1-3-7-2-6-5-4-8 1-3-7-2-6-5-4-8
Ignition system EDIS Coil on plug Coil on plug
Compression
ratio9.3:1 9.37:1 9.0:1
2004 F150 Classic(p96)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA English(fus)
Maintenance and Specifications
233

checking and adding ..............185
dipstick ....................................185
filter, specifications ........188, 227
recommendations ...................188
refill capacities ........................228
specifications ..................231, 233
Exhaust fumes ..........................107
F
Fail safe cooling ........................194
Floor mats ...................................53
Fluid capacities .........................228
Foglamps .....................................34
Four-Wheel Drive vehicles .......117
driving off road .......................120
electronic shift ................119–120
indicator light .........................117
lever operated shift ................118
preparing to drive your
vehicle .....................................110
Fuel ............................................196
calculating fuel economy .......200
cap ...........................................198
capacity ...................................228
choosing the right fuel ...........198
comparisons with EPA fuel
economy estimates .................203
detergent in fuel .....................200
filling your vehicle with
fuel ...........................196, 198, 200
filter, specifications ........200, 227
fuel pump shut-off switch .....142
improving fuel economy ........200
octane rating ...........199, 233–234
quality ......................................199
running out of fuel .................200
safety information relating to
automotive fuels .....................196
Fuel pump shut-off switch .......142Fuses ..................................143–144
G
Garage door opener ....................45
Gas cap (see Fuel cap) ............198
Gas mileage
(see Fuel economy) .................200
Gauges .........................................14
GAWR (Gross Axle Weight
Rating)
calculating ...............................133
GVWR (Gross Vehicle Weight
Rating)
calculating ...............................133
H
Hazard flashers .........................142
Head restraints ...........................65
Headlamps ...................................34
aiming ........................................36
autolamp system .......................34
bulb specifications ....................38
daytime running lights .............35
flash to pass ..............................35
high beam .................................35
replacing bulbs .........................39
turning on and off ....................34
Heating
heating and air conditioning
system .................................31–32
Hood ..........................................182
I
Ignition .......................103, 233–234
Infant seats (see Safety seats) ..93
2004 F150 Classic(p96)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA English(fus)
Index
245

Inspection/maintenance (I/M)
testing ........................................205
Instrument panel
cleaning ...................................178
cluster ........................................10
lighting up panel and
interior .......................................36
J
Jack ............................................151
positioning ...............................151
storage .....................................151
Jump-starting your vehicle ......159
K
Keyless entry system .................60
Keys
positions of the ignition .........103
L
Lamps
autolamp system .......................34
bulb replacement
specifications chart ..................38
daytime running light ...............35
fog lamps ...................................34
headlamps .................................34
headlamps, flash to pass ..........35
instrument panel, dimming .....36
interior lamps .....................37–38
replacing bulbs ...................38–43
Lane change indicator
(see Turn signal) ........................36
Lights, warning and indicator ....10
anti-lock brakes (ABS) ..........108
speed control ............................53
Load limits .................................129Loading instructions .................133
Lubricant specifications ...231, 233
Lug nuts ....................................158
Lumbar support, seats .........67–68
M
Manual transmission .................114
fluid capacities ........................228
lubricant specifications ..........233
reverse .....................................116
Mirrors .........................................50
fold away ...................................50
side view mirrors (power) .......50
Motorcraft parts ................200, 227
O
Octane rating ............................199
Oil (see Engine oil) ..................185
P
Parking brake ............................109
Parts (see Motorcraft parts) ....227
Pedals (see Power adjustable
foot pedals) .................................51
Power adjustable foot pedals .....51
Power distribution box
(see Fuses) ...............................147
Power door locks ........................55
Power point .................................48
Power steering ..........................109
fluid, checking and adding ....206
fluid, refill capacity ................228
fluid, specifications .........231, 233
Power Windows ...........................49
2004 F150 Classic(p96)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA English(fus)
Index
246