Page 262 of 312

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
262
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Page 303 of 312
Splash guards
Step bars
Tonneau covers
Truck caps
Wheels
Interior style
Cell phone holders
Consoles
Electrochromatic compass/temperature interior mirrors
Floor mats
Interior trim kits
Leather wrapped steering wheels
Scuff plates
Speed control
Lifestyle
Bedliners and bedmats
Bed tents
Bike racks
Cargo organization and management
Diamond plate accessories
Engine block heaters and blankets
Rear seat entertainment systems
Toolboxes
Towing mirrors
TracRac and accessories
Trailer hitches, wiring harnesses and accessories
2004 F250/350/450/550(f23)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA English(fus)
Accessories
303
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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
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