2004 FORD F250 check engine

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 MERCONAT F.
Check the fluid level when it is at ambient temperature, 20°–80°F
(-7°–25°C):
1. Check the fluid level on the dipstick. It should be between the arrows
in the FULL COLD range. Do not add fluid if the level is within this
range.
2. If the fluid level is low. Add fluid to bring fluid level up to be between
the arrows in the FULL COLD range.
3. Start the engine.
4. While the engine idles, turn the steering wheel left and right several
times.
5. Turn the engine off.
6. Recheck the fluid level on the dipstick. Do not add fluid if the level is
between the arrows in the FULL COLD range.
7. If the fluid is low, add fluid in small amounts, continuously checking
the level until it reaches the FULL COLD range. Be sure to put the
dipstick back in the reservoir.
BRAKE FLUID RESERVOIR
The fluid level will drop slowly as
the brakes wear, and will rise when
the brake components are replaced.
Fluid levels below the“MAX”line
that do not trigger the brake system
warning lamp 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.
MAX
2004 F250/350/450/550(f23)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA English(fus)
Maintenance and Specifications
260

TRANSMISSION FLUID
Checking automatic transmission fluid (if equipped)
Refer to yourScheduled Maintenance Guidefor 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.
Low fluid level
Do not drive the vehicle if the fluid
level is at the bottom of the dipstick
and the ambient temperature is
above 10°C (50°F).
ADD COLD HOT DO NOT ADD
DON'T ADD IF IN CROSSHATCHED AREA  CHECK WHEN HOT IDLING IN PARK
2004 F250/350/450/550(f23)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA English(fus)
Maintenance and Specifications
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If an overfill occurs, excess fluid
should be removed by a qualified
technician.
An overfill condition of
transmission fluid may cause
shift and/or engagement
concerns and/or possible
damage.
Do not use supplemental transmission fluid additives, treatments or
cleaning agents. The use of these materials may affect transmission
operation and result in damage to internal transmission components.
Automatic transmission fluid filter (if equipped)
The TorqShift automatic
transmission is equipped with a
serviceable external fluid filter
mounted on the frame rail. Refer to
theScheduled Maintenance Guide
for service intervals.
To replace the transmission filter:
1. Shut off the engine.
2. Unscrew filter housing.
3. Replace filter with a new authorized Motorcraft filter element. Refer to
theMotorcraft part numberschart in this chapter.
4. Reinstall housing and check transmission fluid level using procedure in
this section.
ADD COLD HOT DO NOT ADD
DON'T ADD IF IN CROSSHATCHED AREA  CHECK WHEN HOT IDLING IN PARK
2004 F250/350/450/550(f23)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA English(fus)
Maintenance and Specifications
264

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
7. Assembly plant
8. Production sequence number
Engine number
The engine number (the last eight numbers of the vehicle identification
number) is stamped on the engine block, transmission, frame and
transfer case (if equipped).
Transmission/Transaxle code designations
You can find a transmission/transaxle code on the vehicle certification
label. The following table tells you which transmission or transaxle each
code represents.
2004 F250/350/450/550(f23)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA English(fus)
Maintenance and Specifications
299

A
Accessory delay ..........................58
Air bag supplemental restraint
system ................................105–106
and child safety seats ............107
description ..............................106
disposal ....................................109
driver air bag ..........................108
indicator light .........................109
operation .................................108
passenger air bag ...................108
passenger deactivation
switch ......................................110
Air cleaner filter ...............267, 283
Ambulance packages ....................8
Antifreeze
(see Engine coolant) ................244
Anti-lock brake system
(see Brakes) ..............................130
Audio system
(see Radio) ..........20, 22, 25, 28, 32
Automatic transmission ............133
driving an automatic
overdrive .........................134, 137
fluid, adding ............................262
fluid, checking ........................262
fluid, refill capacities ..............284
fluid, specification ..................291
Auxiliary power point .................57
Axle
lubricant specifications ..287, 291
refill capacities ........................284
traction lok ..............................132
B
Battery .......................................242
acid, treating emergencies .....242jumping a disabled battery ....212
maintenance-free ....................242
replacement, specifications ...283
servicing ..................................242
BeltMinder .................................101
Brakes ........................................130
anti-lock ...................................130
anti-lock brake system (ABS)
warning light ...........................130
fluid, checking and adding ....260
fluid, refill capacities ..............284
fluid, specifications .........287, 291
lubricant specifications ..287, 291
parking ....................................131
shift interlock ..........................133
Break-in period .............................6
Bulbs ............................................45
C
Calculating load ........................164
Capacities for refilling fluids ....284
Cell phone use ............................69
Certification Label ....................298
Child safety restraints ..............114
child safety belts ....................114
Child safety seats ......................117
attaching with tether straps ..121
in front seat ............................118
in rear seat ..............................118
Cleaning your vehicle
engine compartment ..............230
instrument panel ....................232
interior .....................................232
interior trim ............................232
plastic parts ............................231
safety belts ..............................232
washing ....................................229
waxing .....................................229
2004 F250/350/450/550(f23)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA English(fus)
Index
Index
305

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