Vehicle Symbol Glossary
Power Windows
Front/Rear
Power Window Lockout
Child Safety Door
Lock/UnlockInterior Luggage
Compartment Release
Symbol
Panic AlarmEngine Oil
Engine CoolantEngine Coolant
Temperature
Do Not Open When HotBattery
Avoid Smoking, Flames,
or SparksBattery Acid
Explosive GasFan Warning
Power Steering FluidMaintain Correct Fluid
LevelMAX
MIN
Emission SystemEngine Air Filter
Passenger Compartment
Air FilterJack
Check fuel capLow tire warning
2004 F250/350/450/550(f23)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA English(fus)
Introduction
11
ProCarManuals.com
If you’re parking your vehicle on a grade or with a trailer, press and hold
the brake pedal down, then set the parking brake. There may be a little
vehicle movement as the parking brake sets to hold the vehicle’s weight.
This is normal and should be no reason for concern. If needed, press and
hold the service brake pedal down, then try reapplying the parking
brake. Chock the wheels if required. If the parking brake cannot hold the
weight of the vehicle, the parking brake may need to be serviced or the
vehicle may be overloaded.
STEERING
To prevent damage to the power steering system:
•Never hold the steering wheel at its furthest turning points (until it
stops) for more than a few seconds when the engine is running.
•Do not operate the vehicle with a low power steering pump fluid level
(below the MIN mark on the reservoir).
If the power steering system breaks down (or if the engine is turned
off), you can steer the vehicle manually, but it takes more effort.
If the steering wanders or pulls, check for:
•an improperly inflated tire
•uneven tire wear
•loose or worn suspension components
•loose or worn steering components
•improper steering alignment
A high crown in the road or high crosswinds may also make the steering
seem to wander/pull.
TRACTION-LOK AXLE (IF EQUIPPED)
This axle provides added traction on slippery surfaces, particularly when
one wheel is on a poor traction surface. Under normal conditions, the
Traction-Lok axle functions like a standard rear axle. The axle may
exhibit a slight noise or vibration in tight turns with low vehicle speed.
This is normal behavior and indicates the axle is working.
PREPARING TO DRIVE YOUR VEHICLE
Utility vehicles have a significantly higher rollover rate than
other types of vehicles.
2004 F250/350/450/550(f23)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA English(fus)
Driving
132
ProCarManuals.com
IDENTIFYING COMPONENTS IN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT
5.4L V8/6.8L V10 gasoline engines
Refer to the6.0 Liter Power Stroke Direct Injection Turbo Diesel
Owner’s Guide Supplementfor diesel engine component locations.
1. Engine oil dipstick
2. Clutch fluid reservoir (manual transmission)
3. Brake fluid reservoir
4. Underhood relay box
5. Power steering fluid reservoir
6. Air filter assembly
7. Engine coolant reservoir
8. Windshield washer fluid reservoir
9. Battery
10. Engine oil filler cap
11. Transmission fluid dipstick (automatic transmission)
2004 F250/350/450/550(f23)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA English(fus)
Maintenance and Specifications
238
ProCarManuals.com
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
ProCarManuals.com
FluidFord Part
NameApplication Capacity
Engine oil
(includes filter
change)-Gas
engines
6
Motorcraft SAE
5W-20 Premium
Synthetic Blend
Motor Oil (US)
Motorcraft SAE
5W-20 Super
Premium Motor
Oil (Canada)5.4L V8 and
6.8L V10
engines5.7L (6.0
quarts)
Engine oil
(includes filter
change)-Diesel
engineRefer to your 6.0L Diesel Supplement
Fuel tank N/A Mid-ship tank
(optional on
Chassis Cab)71.9L (19.0
gallons)
Right side
saddle mounted
tank (optional
on Chassis Cab)87.1L (23.0
gallons)
Short box 109.8L (29.0
gallons)
Long box 143.9L (38.0
gallons)
Aft axle 151.4L (40.0
gallons)
Power steering
fluidMotorcraft
MERCONAT FAll Fill to FULL
COLD range on
dipstick
Transfer case
fluidMotorcraft
MERCONAT F4x4 vehicles 1.9L (2.0
quarts)
Manual
transmission
fluidMotorcraft
MERCONAT F6-speed manual 5.5L (5.8
quarts)
4
2004 F250/350/450/550(f23)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA English(fus)
Maintenance and Specifications
285
ProCarManuals.com
ItemFord part
name or
equivalentFord part
numberFord
specification
Engine oilMotorcraft SAE
5W-20 Premium
Synthetic Blend
Motor Oil (US)
Motorcraft SAE
5W-20 Super
Premium Motor
Oil (Canada)
XO-5W20-QSP
(US)
CXO-5W20–LSP12
(Canada)WSS-M2C153-H
and API
Certification
Mark
Hinges, latches,
striker plates,
fuel filler door
hinge and seat
tracksMulti-Purpose
GreaseXG–4 or XL-5 ESR-M1C159-A
or
ESB-M1C93–B
Lock cylindersMotorcraft
penetrating and
lock lubricantXL-1 none
Transmission
/steering/parking
brake linkages
and pivots,
brake and clutch
pedal shaft (if
equipped)Motorcraft
Premium
Long-Life GreaseXG-1-C or
XG-1-KESA-M1C75-B
Power steering
fluid and
transfer case
fluid (if
equipped)Motorcraft
MERCONAT FXT-2-QDX MERCON
Manual
transmission
(6-speed)Motorcraft
MERCONAT F
2
XT-2-QDX MERCON
2004 F250/350/450/550(f23)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA English(fus)
Maintenance and Specifications
289
ProCarManuals.com
Power distribution box
(see Fuses) ...............................195
Power door locks ..................75, 81
Power point .................................57
Power steering ..........................132
fluid, checking and adding ....260
fluid, refill capacity ................284
fluid, specifications .........287, 291
Power Windows ...........................57
Preparing to drive your
vehicle ........................................132
R
Radio ....................20, 22, 25, 28, 32
Relays ........................................194
Remote entry system .................77
illuminated entry ......................80
locking/unlocking doors ...........75
Reverse sensing system ...........142
Roadside assistance ..................192
S
Safety Belt Maintenance ..........105
Safety belts
(see Safety restraints) ...92–96, 98
Safety defects, reporting ..........228
Safety restraints ....................92–98
belt minder .............................101
extension assembly ................104
for adults .............................93–96
for children .............................114
lap belt ......................................99
safety belt maintenance .........105
warning light and
chime ...............................100–101
Safety seats for children ..........117Seat belts
(see Safety restraints) ...............92
Seats ............................................85
child safety seats ....................117
cleaning ...................................233
Servicing your vehicle ..............236
Setting the clock
AM/FM stereo ...........................21
AM/FM/CD .................................25
AM/FM/In-dash 6 CD ................34
AM/FM/Tape ..............................22
AM/FM/Tape/CD .......................30
Snowplowing .........8, 188–189, 191
Spark plugs,
specifications .....................283, 291
Special notice ................................9
ambulance conversions ..............8
diesel-powered vehicles .............8
four-wheel drive vehicles .......190
utility-type vehicles ....................8
Specification chart,
lubricants ...........................287, 291
Speed control ..............................61
Starting your
vehicle ........................125–126, 128
jump starting ..........................212
Steering wheel
tilting .........................................53
T
Tailgate ..................................73–74
Tilt steering wheel ......................53
Tires ...................................268–269
alignment ................................277
care ..........................................275
changing ..................................203
checking the pressure ............275
2004 F250/350/450/550(f23)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA English(fus)
Index
309
ProCarManuals.com