2004 FORD F150 check engine

condition. To ready the on-board diagnostics system for I/M testing, a
minimum of 30 minutes of city and highway driving is necessary as
described below:
²First, at least 10 minutes of driving on an expressway or highway.
²Next, 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.
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 MERCONtAT F.
1. Start the engine and let it run until it reaches normal operating
temperature (the engine coolant temperature gauge indicator will be
near the center of the normal area between H and C).
2. While the engine idles, turn the steering wheel left and right several
times.
3. Turn the engine off.
4. Check the fluid level in the
reservoir. It should be between the
MIN and MAX lines. Do not add
fluid if the level is in this range.
5. If the fluid is low, add fluid in small amounts, continuously checking
the level until it reaches the range between the MIN and MAX lines. Be
sure to put the cap back on the reservoir.
Maintenance and Specifications
247

BRAKE FLUID RESERVOIR
The fluid level will drop slowly as
the brakes wear, and will rise when
the brake components are replaced.
Fluid levels between the ªMINº and
ªMAXº lines 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.
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.
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 you
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 (approximately 30 km [20 miles]). If your vehicle has been
operated for an extended period at high speeds, in city traffic 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, dry lint 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 fully seated 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.
MAX
MIN
Maintenance and Specifications
248

4Approximate dry fill capacity including transmission fluid cooling
system, actual refill capacities will vary based on vehicle application and
transmission fluid cooling system (i.e. coolers size, cooling lines. auxiliary
cooler capacities). The amount of transmission fluid and fluid level
should be set by the indication on the dipstick's normal operating range.
5Your vehicle's rear axle is filled with a synthetic rear axle lubricant and
is considered lubricated for life. These lubricants do not need to be
checked or changed unless a leak is suspected, service is required or the
axle assembly has been submerged in water. The axle lubricant should
be changed any time the rear axle has been submerged in water.
6Service refill capacity is determined by filling the axle to 6-14 mm
(1/4-9/16 inch) below the bottom of the filler hole with the vehicle on a
level surface.
Add 118 ml (4 oz.) of FEHP Friction Modifier, XL-7 or equivalent, for
complete fill of 8.8 inch and 9.75 inch Traction-Lok axles.
7Service refill capacity is determined by filling the axle to the bottom of
the filler hole with the vehicle on a level surface.
For 10.25 inch Traction-Lok axles, use 3.1L (6.5 pints) of Motorcraft SAE
75W-90 Fuel Efficient High Performance Synthetic Rear Axle Lubricant
and 118 ml (4 oz.) of FEHP Friction Modifier XL-7 or equivalent.
8Use of synthetic or synthetic blend motor oil is not mandatory. Engine
oil need only meet the requirements of Ford specification
WSS-M2C153±H and the API Certification mark.
Maintenance and Specifications
260

IDENTIFYING YOUR VEHICLE
Certification label
The National Highway Traffic Safety
Administration Regulations require
that a Certification label be affixed
to a vehicle and prescribe where the
Certification label may be located.
The Certification label is located on
the front door latch pillar on the
driver's side.
Vehicle identification number (VIN)
The vehicle identification number is
attached to a metal tag and is
located on the driver side
instrument panel. (Please note that
in the graphic XXXX is
representative of your vehicle
identification number.)
1. World manufacturer identifier
2. Brake type and gross vehicle
weight rating (GVWR)
3. Vehicle line, series, body type
4. Engine type
5. Check digit
6. Model year
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
Maintenance and Specifications
268

A
Accessory delay ..........................59
Air bag supplemental restraint
system ........................................118
and child safety seats ............120
description ..............................118
disposal ....................................123
driver air bag ..........................121
indicator light .........................122
operation .................................121
passenger air bag ...................121
passenger deactivation
switch ......................................123
Air cleaner filter ...............251, 257
Air conditioning ....................35, 37
Ambulance packages ....................7
Antifreeze
(see Engine coolant) ................231
Anti-lock brake system
(see Brakes) ..............................149
Armrests ......................................98
Audio system
(see Radio) ................18, 20, 23, 26
Automatic transmission
driving an automatic
overdrive .................................154
fluid, adding ............................248
fluid, checking ........................248
fluid, refill capacities ..............257
fluid, specification ..................263
Axle
lubricant specifications ..261, 263
refill capacities ........................257
traction lok ..............................151
B
Battery .......................................229acid, treating emergencies .....229
jumping a disabled battery ....201
maintenance-free ....................229
replacement, specifications ...257
servicing ..................................229
Bed extender ..............................80
Brakes ........................................149
anti-lock ...................................149
anti-lock brake system (ABS)
warning light ...........................149
fluid, checking and adding ....248
fluid, refill capacities ..............257
fluid, specifications .........261, 263
lubricant specifications ..261, 263
parking ....................................150
shift interlock ..................151±152
Bulbs ............................................47
C
Calculating load ........................173
Capacities for refilling fluids ....257
Cell phone use ............................57
Certification Label ....................268
Changing a tire .........................195
Child safety restraints ..............130
child safety belts ....................130
Child safety seats ......................133
attaching with tether straps ..138
in front seat ............................134
in rear seat ......................134, 137
Cleaning your vehicle
engine compartment ..............217
instrument panel ....................219
interior .....................................219
interior trim ............................219
plastic parts ............................218
safety belts ..............................219
washing ....................................216
Index
Index
274

waxing .....................................216
wheels ......................................217
wiper blades ............................219
Climate control
(see Air conditioning or
Heating) ...........................32, 35, 37
Clock adjust
6-CD in dash .............................29
AM/FM Stereo ...........................20
AM/FM/CD .................................23
AM/FM/Tape/CD .......................26
Compass, electronic ..............78±79
calibration .................................79
set zone adjustment ...........71, 79
Console
overhead ..............................53±54
Controls
power seat .................................99
steering column ........................64
Coolant
checking and adding ..............231
refill capacities ................234, 257
specifications ..................261, 263
Cruise control
(see Speed control) ....................61
Customer Assistance ................186
Ford accessories for your
vehicle .....................................220
Ford Extended Service
Plan ..........................................209
Getting assistance outside
the U.S. and Canada ..............213
Getting roadside assistance ...186
Getting the service you
need .........................................207
Ordering additional owner's
literature .................................214
The Dispute Settlement
Board .......................................209Utilizing the
Mediation/Arbitration
Program ...................................212
D
Daytime running lamps
(see Lamps) ................................42
Dipstick
automatic transmission
fluid ..........................................248
engine oil .................................226
Doors
lubricant specifications ..........261
Driveline universal joint and
slip yoke ....................................251
Driving under special
conditions ..................157, 164, 167
sand .........................................166
snow and ice ...........................168
through water .................166, 170
E
Electronic message center .........70
Emergencies, roadside
jump-starting ..........................201
Emergency Flashers .................187
Emission control system ..........245
Engine ........................................263
cleaning ...................................217
coolant .....................................231
fail-safe coolant ......................235
idle speed control ...................229
lubrication
specifications ..................261, 263
refill capacities ........................257
service points ..................224±225
starting after a collision .........187
Engine block heater .................148
Index
275

Engine oil ..................................226
checking and adding ..............226
dipstick ....................................226
filter, specifications ........228, 257
recommendations ...................228
refill capacities ........................257
specifications ..................261, 263
Exhaust fumes ..........................148
F
Fail safe cooling ........................235
Fluid capacities .........................257
Foglamps .....................................42
Four-Wheel Drive vehicles .......159
driving off road .......................162
electronic shift ........................161
indicator light .........................159
lever operated shift ................160
preparing to drive your
vehicle .....................................151
Fuel ............................................237
calculating fuel
economy ............................73, 241
cap ...........................................239
capacity ...................................257
choosing the right fuel ...........240
comparisons with EPA fuel
economy estimates .................244
detergent in fuel .....................241
filling your vehicle with
fuel ...........................237, 239, 242
filter, specifications ........241, 257
fuel pump shut-off switch .....187
improving fuel economy ........241
octane rating ...................240, 263
quality ......................................240
running out of fuel .................241
safety information relating to
automotive fuels .....................237
Fuel pump shut-off switch .......187Fuses ..................................188±189
G
Garage Door Opener
(see Homelink wireless control
system) ........................................66
Gas cap (see Fuel cap) ............239
Gas mileage
(see Fuel economy) .................241
Gauges .........................................15
GAWR (Gross Axle Weight
Rating) .......................................171
calculating ...............................173
definition .................................171
driving with a heavy load ......171
location ....................................171
GVWR (Gross Vehicle Weight
Rating) .......................................171
calculating .......................171, 173
definition .................................171
driving with a heavy load ......171
location ....................................171
H
Hazard flashers .........................187
Head restraints ...................97, 101
Headlamps ...................................41
aiming ........................................43
autolamp system .......................41
bulb specifications ....................47
daytime running lights .............42
flash to pass ..............................43
high beam .................................42
replacing bulbs .........................48
turning on and off ....................41
Heating
heater only system ...................32
Index
276

Moon roof ....................................65
Motorcraft parts ................241, 257
O
Octane rating ............................240
Oil (see Engine oil) ..................226
P
Parking brake ............................150
Parts (see Motorcraft parts) ....257
Power distribution box
(see Fuses) ...............................189
Power door locks ........................82
Power point .................................56
Power steering ..........................150
fluid, checking and adding ....247
fluid, refill capacity ................257
fluid, specifications .........261, 263
Power Windows ...........................58
Preparing to drive your
vehicle ........................................151
R
Radio ..........................18, 20, 23, 26
Relays ........................................188
Remote entry system .................85
illuminated entry ......................89
locking/unlocking doors ...........82
replacement/additional
transmitters ...............................88
Reverse sensing system ...........157
Roadside assistance ..................186
S
Safety Belt Maintenance ..........117Safety belts (see Safety
restraints) ..........102, 104±106, 108
Safety defects, reporting ..........215
Safety restraints ........102, 104±108
extension assembly ................117
for adults .........................104±106
for children .....................129±130
lap belt ....................................108
safety belt maintenance .........117
warning light and
chime ...............................109±110
Safety seats for children ..........133
Seat belts
(see Safety restraints) .............102
Seats ............................................97
child safety seats ....................133
heated ................................37, 100
memory seat .....................86, 100
SecuriLock passive anti-theft
system ..........................................95
Servicing your vehicle ..............222
Setting the clock
AM/FM stereo ...........................20
AM/FM/CD .................................23
AM/FM/In-dash 6 CD ................29
AM/FM/Tape/CD .......................26
Snowplowing .................7, 183±184
Spare tire
(see Changing the Tire) ...........196
Spark plugs,
specifications .....................257, 263
Special notice
ambulance conversions ..............7
four-wheel drive
vehicles ............................184±185
utility-type vehicles ....................7
Index
278