Introduction 4
Instrument Cluster 12
Warning and control lights 12
Gauges 16
Entertainment Systems 20
AM/FM stereo 20
AM/FM stereo cassette 22
AM/FM stereo with CD 25
AM/FM stereo cassette with CD 28
AM/FM stereo with in-dash six CD 32
Climate Controls 38
Heater only 38
Manual heating and air conditioning 39
Lights 41
Headlamps 41
Turn signal control 44
Bulb replacement 45
Driver Controls 52
Windshield wiper/washer control 52
Steering wheel adjustment 53
Moon roof 55
Power windows 57
Mirrors 59
Speed control 61
Message center 70
Table of Contents
1
2004 F250/350/450/550(f23)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA English(fus)
Table of Contents
Do not place objects on top of the instrument panel as these
objects may become projectiles in a collision or sudden stop.
MANUAL HEATING AND AIR CONDITIONING SYSTEM
(IF EQUIPPED)
1.Fan speed adjustment:Controls
the volume of air circulated in the
vehicle.
2.Temperature selection:
Controls the temperature of the
airflow in the vehicle.
3.Air flow selections:Controls the direction of the airflow in the
vehicle. See the following for a brief description on each control.
MAX A/C:Uses recirculated air to cool the vehicle. Air flows from the
instrument panel vents only.
A/C:Uses outside air to cool the vehicle. Air flows from the instrument
panel vents only.
:Distributes outside air through the instrument panel vents.
OFF:Outside air is shut out and the fan will not operate.
:Distributes outside air through the instrument panel vents and the
floor vents.
:Distributes outside air through the floor vents.
:Distributes outside air through the windshield defroster vents and
floor vents.
:Distributes outside air through the windshield defroster vents.
Operating tips
•To reduce fog build up on the windshield during humid weather, place
the air flow selector in the
position.
•To reduce humidity build up inside the vehicle, do not drive with the
air flow selector in the OFF or with recirculated air engaged.
•Do not put objects under the front seats that will interfere with the
airflow to the rear seats.
•Remove any snow, ice or leaves from the air intake area at the base of
the windshield.
2004 F250/350/450/550(f23)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA English(fus)
Climate Controls
39
The compass heading is displayed in average fuel economy modes, fuel
range modes and temperature modes.
The compass reading may be affected when you drive near large
buildings, bridges, power lines and powerful broadcast antennas.
Magnetic or metallic objects placed in or on the vehicle may also affect
compass accuracy. Adjustments may need to be made to the zone and
calibration of the compass.
Compass zone adjustment
1. Determine which magnetic zone
you are in for your geographic
location by referring to the zone
map.
2. Locate the trip computer on the
overhead console.
3. Turn ignition to the ON position.
4. Press and hold both trip
computer controls. After
approximately four seconds, the trip
computer will enter zone setting
mode. Zone setting mode is
indicated when the display lights the
“ZONE”indicator.
5. Release both controls.
Subsequent pressing of either control will increment the zone. Press the
control repeatedly until the correct zone setting for your geographic
location is displayed on the trip computer.
6. To exit the zone setting mode and save the displayed zone in memory,
release both controls for greater than five seconds.
Compass calibration adjustment
Perform this adjustment in an open area free from steel structures and
high voltage lines.
For optimum calibration, turn off all electrical accessories (heater/air
conditioning, wipers, etc.) and make sure all vehicle doors are shut.
1. Locate the trip computer located in the overhead console.
1 2 3
4
5
6 7 8 9 101112 13 14 15
2004 F250/350/450/550(f23)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA English(fus)
Driver Controls
72
Using the engine block heater (if equipped)
Use of an engine block heater is
strongly recommended if you live in
a region where temperatures reach
-10°F (-23°C) or below. For best
results, plug the heater in at least
three hours before starting the
vehicle. The heater can be plugged
in the night before starting the
vehicle. The plug for the block
heater is exposed in the front of the
vehicle, beneath the grille. Vehicles
equipped with a gasoline engine have the plug exposed on the driver
side of the vehicle; vehicles equipped with a Diesel engine have the plug
exposed on the passenger side of the vehicle.
To reduce the risk of electrical shock, do not use your heater
with ungrounded electrical systems or two-pronged (cheater)
adapters.
Guarding against exhaust fumes
Carbon monoxide is present in exhaust fumes. Take precautions to avoid
its dangerous effects.
If you smell exhaust fumes inside your vehicle, have your dealer
inspect your vehicle immediately. Do not drive if you smell
exhaust fumes.
Important ventilating information
If the engine is idling while the vehicle is stopped for a long period of
time, open the windows at least one inch (2.5 cm) or adjust the heating
or air conditioning to bring in fresh air.
2004 F250/350/450/550(f23)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA English(fus)
Driving
129
How fail-safe cooling works
If the engine begins to overheat:
•The engine coolant temperature
gauge will move to the red (hot)
area.
•The
andsymbol will
illuminate.
•TheService engine soon
indicator light will illuminate.
If the engine reaches a preset
over-temperature condition, the engine will automatically switch to
alternating cylinder operation. Each disabled cylinder acts as an air
pump and cools the engine.
When this occurs the vehicle will still operate. However:
•The engine power will be limited.
•The air conditioning system will be disabled.
Continued operation will increase the engine temperature and the engine
will completely shut down, causing steering and braking effort to
increase.
Once the engine temperature cools, the engine can be re-started. Take
your vehicle to a service facility as soon as possible to minimize engine
damage.
When fail-safe mode is activated
You have limited engine power when in the fail-safe mode, so drive the
vehicle with caution. The vehicle will not be able to maintain high-speed
operation and the engine will run rough. Remember that the engine is
capable of completely shutting down automatically to prevent engine
damage, therefore:
1. Pull off the road as soon as safely possible and turn off the engine.
2. Arrange for the vehicle to be taken to a service facility.
3. If this is not possible, wait a short period for the engine to cool.
4. Check the coolant level and replenish if low.
Never remove the coolant reservoir cap while the engine is
running or hot.
2004 F250/350/450/550(f23)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA English(fus)
Maintenance and Specifications
249
filter, specifications ........241, 283
recommendations ...................241
refill capacities ........................284
specifications ..................287, 291
Exhaust fumes ..........................129
F
Fail safe cooling ........................248
Fluid capacities .........................284
Foglamps .....................................42
Four-Wheel Drive vehicles .......144
description ..............................149
driving off road .......................151
electronic shift ................145, 149
indicator light .........................146
lever operated shift ................146
manual locking hubs ..............144
preparing to drive your
vehicle .....................................132
Fuel ............................................250
calculating fuel economy .......254
cap ...........................................252
capacity ...................................284
choosing the right fuel ...........252
comparisons with EPA fuel
economy estimates .................257
detergent in fuel .....................254
filling your vehicle with
fuel ...........................250, 252, 254
filter, specifications ........254, 283
fuel pump shut-off switch .....193
improving fuel economy ........254
octane rating ...................253, 291
quality ......................................253
running out of fuel .................254
safety information relating to
automotive fuels .....................250
Fuel pump shut-off switch .......193
Fuses ..................................194–195G
Garage door opener ....................55
Garage Door Opener
(see Homelink wireless control
system) ........................................64
Gas cap (see Fuel cap) ............252
Gas mileage
(see Fuel economy) .................254
Gauges .........................................16
transmission fluid
temperature gauge ...................20
GAWR (Gross Axle Weight
Rating)
calculating ...............................164
GVWR (Gross Vehicle Weight
Rating)
calculating ...............................164
H
Hazard flashers .........................193
Head restraints ...........................85
Headlamps ...................................41
aiming ........................................43
autolamp system .......................41
daytime running lights .............42
flash to pass ..............................43
high beam .................................43
replacing bulbs ...................46–47
turning on and off ....................41
Heating
heating and air conditioning
system .................................38–39
Homelink wireless control
system ..........................................64
Hood ..........................................237
I
Ignition ...............................125, 291
2004 F250/350/450/550(f23)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA English(fus)
Index
307