2004 FORD F150 recommended oil

2. If the engine oil level is not within the normal range, add only certified
engine oil of the recommended viscosity. Remove the engine oil filler cap
and use a funnel to pour the engine oil into the opening.
3. Recheck the engine oil level. Make sure the oil level is not above the
MAX mark on the engine oil level indicator (dipstick).
4. Install the indicator and ensure it is fully seated.
5. Fully install the engine oil filler cap by turning the filler cap clockwise
1/4 of a turn until three clicks are heard or until the cap is fully seated.
To avoid possible oil loss, DO NOT operate the vehicle with the
engine oil level indicator and/or the engine oil filler cap removed.
Engine oil and filter recommendations
Look for this certification
trademark.
Use SAE 5W-20 engine oil.
Only use oils ªCertified For Gasoline Enginesº by the American
Petroleum Institute (API). To protect your engine's warranty use
Motorcraft SAE 5W-20 or an equivalent 5W-20 oil meeting Ford
specification WSS-M2C153±H.SAE 5W-20 oil provides optimum fuel
economy and durability performance meeting all requirements for
your vehicle's engine.
Do not use supplemental engine oil additives, cleaners or other engine
treatments. They are unnecessary and could lead to engine damage that
is not covered by Ford warranty.
Change your engine oil according to the appropriate schedule listed in
the scheduled maintenance guide.
Ford production and aftermarket (Motorcraft) oil filters are designed for
added engine protection and long life. If a replacement oil filter is used
that does not meet Ford material and design specifications, start-up
engine noises or knock may be experienced.
Maintenance and Specifications
228

It is recommended you use the appropriate Motorcraft oil filter (or
another brand meeting Ford specifications) for your engine application.
BATTERY
Your vehicle is equipped with a
Motorcraft maintenance-free battery
which normally does not require
additional water during its life of
service.
If your battery has a cover/shield, make sure it is reinstalled
after the battery has been cleaned or replaced.
For longer, trouble-free operation, keep the top of the battery clean and
dry. Also, make certain the battery cables are always tightly fastened to
the battery terminals.
If you see any corrosion on the battery or terminals, remove the cables
from the terminals and clean with a wire brush. You can neutralize the
acid with a solution of baking soda and water.
Batteries normally produce explosive gases which can cause
personal injury. Therefore, do not allow flames, sparks or lighted
substances to come near the battery. When working near the battery,
always shield your face and protect your eyes. Always provide proper
ventilation.
When lifting a plastic-cased battery, excessive pressure on the
end walls could cause acid to flow through the vent caps,
resulting in personal injury and/or damage to the vehicle or battery.
Lift the battery with a battery carrier or with your hands on opposite
corners.
Maintenance and Specifications
229

Maintenance
²Keep tires properly inflated and use only recommended size.
²Operating a vehicle with the wheels out of alignment will reduce fuel
economy.
²Use recommended engine oil. Refer toLubricant specificationsin
this chapter.
²Perform all regularly scheduled maintenance items. Follow the
recommended maintenance schedule and owner maintenance checks
found in your vehicle scheduled maintenance guide.
Conditions
²Heavily loading a vehicle or towing a trailer may reduce fuel economy
at any speed.
²Carrying unnecessary weight may reduce fuel economy (approximately
0.4 km/L [1 mpg] is lost for every 180 kg [400 lb] of weight carried).
²Adding certain accessories to your vehicle (for example bug
deflectors, rollbars/light bars, running boards, ski/luggage racks) may
reduce fuel economy.
²To maximize the fuel economy, drive with the tonneau cover installed
(if equipped).
²Using fuel blended with alcohol may lower fuel economy.
²Fuel economy may decrease with lower temperatures during the first
12±16 km (8±10 miles) of driving.
²Driving on flat terrain offers improved fuel economy as compared to
driving on hilly terrain.
²Transmissions give their best fuel economy when operated in the top
cruise gear and with steady pressure on the gas pedal.
²Four-wheel-drive operation (if equipped) is less fuel efficient than
two-wheel-drive operation.
²Close windows for high speed driving.
EPA window sticker
Every new 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.
Maintenance and Specifications
244

Some transmission fluids may be labeled as dual usage, such as
MERCONtand MERCONtV. These dual usage fluids are not to be used
in an automatic transmission that requires use of the MERCONttype
fluid. However, these dual usage fluids may be used in transmissions that
require the MERCONtV type fluid.
MERCONtand MERCONtV type fluids are not interchangeable.
DO NOT mix MERCONtand MERCONtV. Use of a transmission
fluid that indicates dual usage (MERCONtand MERCONtV) in
an automatic transmission application requiring MERCONtmay
cause transmission damage. Use of any fluid other than the
recommended fluid may cause transmission damage.
ENGINE DATA
Engine 4.6L V8 engine 5.4L V8 engine
Cubic inches 281 330
Required fuel 87 octane 87 octane
Firing order 1-3-7-2-6-5-4-8 1-3-7-2-6-5-4-8
Spark plug gap 1.3-1.4 mm
(0.052-0.056 inch)1.016-1.21 mm
(0.040-0.050 inch)
1
Ignition system Coil on plug Coil on plug
Compression ratio 9.37:1 9.85:1
1The 5.4L 3V spark plug gap CANNOT be adjusted.
VEHICLE DIMENSIONS
Regular Cab
Vehicle
dimensionsStyleside 6.5'
box mm (in)Flareside 6.5'
box mm (in)Styleside 8.0'
box mm (in)
(1) Overall
length5371 (211.5) 5371 (211.5) 5844 (230.1)
(2) Overall
width2005 (78.9) 2005 (78.9) 2005 (78.9)
(3) Overall
height 4x2/4x41854 (73.0) /
1905 (75.0)1854 (73.0) /
1905 (75.0)1867 (73.5) /
1930 (76.0)
(4) Wheelbase
4x2/4x43195 (126) /
3203 (126)3195 (126) /
3203 (126)3668 (144) /
3675 (145)
Maintenance and Specifications
263