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Coolant refill capacity
To find out how much fluid your vehicle’s cooling system can hold, refer
toRefill capacitiesin this section.
Fill your engine coolant reservoir as outlined inAdding engine coolant
in this section.
Severe climates
If you drive in extremely cold climates (less than–36°C[–34°F]):
•It may be necessary to increase the coolant concentration
above 50%.
•NEVER increase the coolant concentration above 60%.
•Increased engine coolant concentrations above 60% will
decrease the overheat protection characteristics of the engine
coolant and may cause engine damage.
•Refer to the chart on the coolant container to ensure the
coolant concentration in your vehicle will provide adequate
freeze protection at the temperatures in which you drive in the
winter months.
If you drive in extremely hot climates:
•It is still necessary to maintain the coolant concentration
above 40%.
•NEVER decrease the coolant concentration below 40%.
•Decreased engine coolant concentrations below 40% will
decrease the corrosion protection characteristics of the engine
coolant and may cause engine damage.
•Decreased engine coolant concentrations below 40% will
decrease the freeze protection characteristics of the engine
coolant and may cause engine damage.
•Refer to the chart on the coolant container to ensure the
coolant concentration in your vehicle will provide adequate
protection at the temperatures in which you drive.
Vehicles driven year-round in non-extreme climates should use a 50/50
mixture of engine coolant and distilled water for optimum cooling system
and engine protection.
What you should know about fail-safe cooling (if equipped)
If the engine coolant supply is depleted, this feature allows the vehicle to
be driven temporarily before incremental component damage is incurred.
The“fail-safe”distance depends on ambient temperatures, vehicle load
and terrain.
2004 F250/350/450/550(f23)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA English(fus)
Maintenance and Specifications
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Page 284 of 312
REFILL CAPACITIES
FluidFord Part
NameApplication Capacity
Front axle Motorcraft SAE
80W-90
Premium Rear
Axle LubricantF-250/350
(Dana 60 axle)2.7L (5.8 pints)
F-350/450/550
(Dana 60 axle)2.7L (5.8 pints)
Rear axle Motorcraft SAE
75W-140
Synthetic Rear
Axle LubricantF-250 /350
(10.50 inch
axle)
1
3.3L (6.9 pints)
Motorcraft SAE
75W-90
Synthetic Rear
Axle LubricantF-350/450
(DANA 80)
14.0L (8.5 pints)
Motorcraft SAE
80W-90
Premium Rear
Axle LubricantF-550
(Dana S135)11.6L (24.5
pints)
Brake fluid (and
clutch fluid-if
equipped)Motorcraft High
Performance
DOT 3 Motor
Vehicle Brake
FluidAll Fill to line or
step (for clutch)
on reservoir
Engine coolant
2Motorcraft
Premium Gold
Engine Coolant
(yellow-colored)5.4L V8 engine
with A/C25.0L (26.4
quarts)
6.8L V10 engine 26.0L (27.5
quarts)
2004 F250/350/450/550(f23)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA English(fus)
Maintenance and Specifications
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Page 286 of 312

FluidFord Part
NameApplication Capacity
Automatic
transmission
fluid
3
Motorcraft
MERCONAT F4R100
(4–speed)16.7L (17.7
quarts)5
Motorcraft
MERCONSP
AT FTorqShift
(5–speed)16.6L (17.5
quarts)
5(includes
remote filter
element change)
Windshield
washer fluidMotorcraft
Premium
Windshield
Washer
ConcentrateAll 4.0L (4.25
quarts)
1Add 236 ml (8 oz.) of Additive Friction Modifier XL-3 (10.5 inch) or
C8AZ-19B546–A (Dana 80) or equivalent meeting Ford Specification
EST-M2C118–A for complete refill of limited slip axles. Ford design rear
axles contain a synthetic lubricant that does not require changing unless
the axle has been submerged in water. Dana rear axles also contain a
synthetic lubricant but do require a change. Refer to yourScheduled
Maintenance Guidefor change intervals on Dana rear axles.
2Add the coolant type originally equipped in your vehicle.
3Ensure the correct automatic transmission fluid is used. Transmission
fluid requirements are indicated on the end of the dipstick. Check the
container to verify the fluid being added is of the correct type. Refer to
yourScheduled Maintenance Guideto determine the correct service
interval.
Some transmission fluids may be labeled as dual usage, such as
MERCONand MERCONV. These dual usage fluids are not to be used
in an automatic transmission that requires use of the MERCONtype
fluid. However, these dual usage fluids may be used in transmissions that
require the MERCONV type fluid.
MERCON, MERCONV and MERCONSP are not
interchangeable. DO NOT mix MERCON, MERCONV and
MERCONSP. Use of dual usage fluids in an automatic
transmission application requiring MERCONSP may cause
transmission damage. Use of a transmission fluid other than the
recommended fluid may cause transmission damage.
2004 F250/350/450/550(f23)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA English(fus)
Maintenance and Specifications
286