2004 FORD F250 clock

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“Certified For Gasoline Engines”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 and filter 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.
It is recommended you use the appropriate Motorcraft oil filter (or
another brand meeting Ford specifications) for your engine application.
2004 F250/350/450/550(f23)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA English(fus)
Maintenance and Specifications
241

If the battery has been disconnected or a new battery has been installed,
the clock and the preset radio stations must be reset once the battery is
reconnected.
•Always dispose of automotive
batteries in a responsible manner.
Follow your local authorized
standards for disposal. Call your
local authorized recycling center
to find out more about recycling
automotive batteries.
ENGINE COOLANT
Checking engine coolant
The concentration and level of engine coolant should be checked at the
mileage intervals listed in theScheduled Maintenance Guide. The
coolant concentration should be maintained at 50/50 coolant and distilled
water, which equates to a freeze point of -34°F (-36°C). Coolant
concentration testing is possible with a hydrometer or antifreeze tester
(such as the Rotunda Battery and Antifreeze Tester, 014–R1060). The
level of coolant should be maintained at the“FULL COLD”level or
within the“COLD FILL RANGE”in the coolant reservoir. If the level falls
below, add coolant per the instructions in theAdding engine coolant
section.
Your vehicle was factory-filled with a 50/50 engine coolant and water
concentration. If the concentration of coolant falls below 40% or above
60%, the engine parts could become damaged or not work properly.A
50–50 mixture of coolant and water provides the following:
•Freeze protection down to -34°F (-36°C).
•Boiling protection up to 265°F (129°C).
•Protection against rust and other forms of corrosion.
•Enables calibrated gauges to work properly.
LEAD
RETURN
RECYCLE
2004 F250/350/450/550(f23)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA English(fus)
Maintenance and Specifications
244

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 F250/350/450/550(f23)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA English(fus)
Maintenance and Specifications
247

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“Service Engine Soon/Check Engine”indicator comes on and stays
on after 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 F250/350/450/550(f23)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA English(fus)
Maintenance and Specifications
252

wheels ......................................230
wiper blades ............................231
Clock adjust
6-CD in dash .............................34
AM/FM .......................................21
AM/FM/CD .................................25
AM/FM/Tape ..............................22
AM/FM/Tape/CD .......................30
Clutch
fluid ..........................................261
operation while driving ..........140
recommended shift speeds ....140
Compass, electronic ....................71
calibration .................................72
set zone adjustment .................72
Console ........................................69
overhead ....................................54
Coolant
checking and adding ..............244
refill capacities ................248, 284
specifications ..................287, 291
Cruise control
(see Speed control) ....................61
Customer Assistance ................192
Ford accessories for your
vehicle .....................................234
Ford Extended Service
Plan ..........................................221
Getting assistance outside
the U.S. and Canada ..............225
Getting roadside assistance ...192
Getting the service you
need .........................................219
Ordering additional owner’s
literature .................................226
The Dispute Settlement
Board .......................................222
Utilizing the
Mediation/Arbitration
Program ...................................225D
Daytime running lamps
(see Lamps) ................................42
Dipstick
automatic transmission
fluid ..........................................262
engine oil .................................239
Doors
lubricant specifications ..........287
Driveline universal joint and
slip yoke ....................................266
Driving under special
conditions ..................139, 153, 156
sand .........................................155
snow and ice ...........................157
through water .................155, 160
E
Emergencies, roadside
jump-starting ..........................212
Emergency Flashers .................193
Emission control system ..........258
Engine ........................................291
cleaning ...................................230
coolant .....................................244
diesel ...........................................8
fail-safe coolant ......................248
idle speed control ...................242
lubrication
specifications ..................287, 291
refill capacities ........................284
service points ..........................238
starting after a collision .........193
Engine block heater .................129
Engine oil ..................................239
checking and adding ..............239
dipstick ....................................239
2004 F250/350/450/550(f23)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA English(fus)
Index
306

Power distribution box
(see Fuses) ...............................195
Power door locks ..................75, 81
Power point .................................57
Power steering ..........................132
fluid, checking and adding ....260
fluid, refill capacity ................284
fluid, specifications .........287, 291
Power Windows ...........................57
Preparing to drive your
vehicle ........................................132
R
Radio ....................20, 22, 25, 28, 32
Relays ........................................194
Remote entry system .................77
illuminated entry ......................80
locking/unlocking doors ...........75
Reverse sensing system ...........142
Roadside assistance ..................192
S
Safety Belt Maintenance ..........105
Safety belts
(see Safety restraints) ...92–96, 98
Safety defects, reporting ..........228
Safety restraints ....................92–98
belt minder .............................101
extension assembly ................104
for adults .............................93–96
for children .............................114
lap belt ......................................99
safety belt maintenance .........105
warning light and
chime ...............................100–101
Safety seats for children ..........117Seat belts
(see Safety restraints) ...............92
Seats ............................................85
child safety seats ....................117
cleaning ...................................233
Servicing your vehicle ..............236
Setting the clock
AM/FM stereo ...........................21
AM/FM/CD .................................25
AM/FM/In-dash 6 CD ................34
AM/FM/Tape ..............................22
AM/FM/Tape/CD .......................30
Snowplowing .........8, 188–189, 191
Spark plugs,
specifications .....................283, 291
Special notice ................................9
ambulance conversions ..............8
diesel-powered vehicles .............8
four-wheel drive vehicles .......190
utility-type vehicles ....................8
Specification chart,
lubricants ...........................287, 291
Speed control ..............................61
Starting your
vehicle ........................125–126, 128
jump starting ..........................212
Steering wheel
tilting .........................................53
T
Tailgate ..................................73–74
Tilt steering wheel ......................53
Tires ...................................268–269
alignment ................................277
care ..........................................275
changing ..................................203
checking the pressure ............275
2004 F250/350/450/550(f23)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA English(fus)
Index
309