Page 52 of 312
MULTI-FUNCTION LEVER
Windshield wiper:Rotate the end
of the control away from you to
increase the speed of the wipers;
rotate towards you to decrease the
speed of the wipers.
Windshield washer:Push the end
of the stalk:
•briefly: causes a single swipe of
the wipers without washer fluid.
•a quick push and hold: the wipers
will swipe three times with
washer fluid.
•a long push and hold: the wipers
and washer fluid will be activated for up to ten seconds.
Changing the wiper blades
1. Pull the wiper arm away from the
vehicle. Turn the blade at an angle
from the wiper arm. Push the lock
pin manually to release the blade
and pull the wiper blade down
toward the windshield to remove it
from the arm.
2. Attach the new wiper to the
wiper arm and press it into place
until a click is heard.
3. Replace wiper blades every 6 months for optimum performance.
2004 F250/350/450/550(f23)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA English(fus)
Driver Controls
Driver Controls
52
Page 239 of 312

WINDSHIELD WASHER FLUID
Add fluid to fill the reservoir if the
level is low. In very cold weather, do
not fill the reservoir completely.
Only use a washer fluid that meets
Ford specification WSB-M8B16–A2.
Refer toLubricant specifications
in this chapter.
State or local regulations on volatile organic compounds may restrict the
use of methanol, a common windshield washer antifreeze additive.
Washer fluids containing non-methanol antifreeze agents should be used
only if they provide cold weather protection without damaging the
vehicle’s paint finish, wiper blades or washer system.
If you operate your vehicle in temperatures below 40°F (4.5°C),
use washer fluid with antifreeze protection. Failure to use
washer fluid with antifreeze protection in cold weather could result in
impaired windshield vision and increase the risk of injury or accident.
Note:Do not put washer fluid in the engine coolant reservoir. Washer
fluid placed in the cooling system may harm engine and cooling system
components.
ENGINE OIL
Checking the engine oil
Refer to the scheduled maintenance guide for the appropriate intervals
for checking the engine oil.
1. Make sure the vehicle is on level ground.
2. Turn the engine off and wait a few minutes for the oil to drain into the
oil pan.
3. Set the parking brake and ensure the gearshift is securely latched in P
(Park) (automatic transmission) or 1 (First) (manual transmission).
4. Open the hood. Protect yourself from engine heat.
2004 F250/350/450/550(f23)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA English(fus)
Maintenance and Specifications
239
Page 306 of 312

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
Page 310 of 312

label .........................................274
replacing ..................................281
rotating ....................................277
safety practices .......................281
sidewall information ...............270
snow tires and chains ............282
spare tire .................................200
terminology .............................269
tire grades ...............................269
treadwear ........................268, 280
Towing .......................................164
trailer towing ..........................164
wrecker ....................................217
Traction-lok rear axle ...............132
Transfer case
fluid checking .........................266
Transmission
automatic operation .........53, 133
brake-shift interlock (BSI) ....133
fluid, checking and adding
(automatic) .............................262
fluid, checking and adding
(manual) .................................265
fluid, refill capacities ..............284
lubricant specifications ..287, 291manual operation ....................140
Turn signal ..................................44
V
Vehicle dimensions ...................291
Vehicle Identification Number
(VIN) ..........................................298
Vehicle loading ..........................161
Ventilating your vehicle ...........129
W
Warning lights (see Lights) .......12
Washer fluid ..............................239
Water, Driving through .............160
Windows
power .........................................57
Windshield washer fluid and
wipers ..........................................52
checking and adding fluid .....239
replacing wiper blades .............52
Wrecker towing .........................217
2004 F250/350/450/550(f23)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA English(fus)
Index
310