Do not connect a trailer’s hydraulic brake system directly to your
vehicle’s brake system. Your vehicle may not have enough
braking power and your chances of having a collision greatly increase.
The braking system of the tow vehicle is rated for operation at the
GVWR not GCWR.
Trailer lamps
Trailer lamps are required on most towed vehicles. Make sure all running
lights, brake lights, turn signals and hazard lights are working. See your
dealer or trailer rental agency for proper instructions and equipment for
hooking up trailer lamps.
Using a step bumper (if equipped)
The rear bumper is equipped with an integral hitch and only requires a
ball with a 25.4 mm (one inch) shank diameter. The bumper has a 2,270
kg (5,000 lb.) trailer weight and 227 kg (500 lb.) tongue weight capacity.
If it is necessary to relocate the trailer hitch ball position, a
frame-mounted trailer hitch must be installed.
Driving while you tow
When towing a trailer:
•Turn off the speed control. The speed control may shut off
automatically when you are towing on long, steep grades.
•Consult your local motor vehicle speed regulations for towing a trailer.
•If your vehicle is equipped with a 4–speed automatic
transmission:To eliminate excessive transmission shifting, use a
lower gear. This will also assist in transmission cooling. (For additional
information, refer to theUnderstanding the positions of the 4–speed
automatic transmissionsection in this chapter.
•If your vehicle is equipped with a 5–speed automatic
transmission:To eliminate excessive transmission shifting, activate
the Tow/Haul feature. This will also assist in transmission cooling. (For
additional information, refer to theUnderstanding the positions of
the 5–speed automatic transmissionsection in this chapter.
•Anticipate stops and brake gradually.
•Do not exceed the GCWR rating or transmission damage may occur.
2004 F250/350/450/550(f23)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA English(fus)
Driving
185
Fuse/Relay
LocationFuse Amp
RatingPassenger Compartment Fuse
Panel Description
10 10A* A/C clutch
11 20A* Radio (main)
12 20A* Cigar lighter / OBD II
13 5A* Power mirrors/switches
14 15A* Daytime running lamps (DRL)
15—Not used
16—Not used
17 15A* Exterior lamps
18 20A* Turn lamps/Brake on-off switch
(high)
19 10A* Body security module/4x4 module
20 10A* Fuel Injection Control Module
(FICM) relay (Diesel engine only)
21—Not used
22 20A* Engine control
23 20A* Engine control (gasoline engine
only), Climate control (Diesel
engine only)
24 2A* Brake pressure switch/Speed
control
25 10A* 4-Wheel Anti-lock Brake System
(4WABS) module, Variable Fan
Control (VFC) (Diesel engine
only)
26 10A* Air bags
27 15A* Ignition switch Run feed
28 10A* EATC module/Front blower relay
coil
29 10A* Customer access
30 15A* Highbeam headlamps
2004 F250/350/450/550(f23)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA English(fus)
Roadside Emergencies
196
Fuse/Relay
LocationFuse Amp
RatingPassenger Compartment Fuse
Panel Description
31 15A* Clutch interlock switch (manual
transmissions only), Transmission
range sensor (automatic
transmissions only) then to
starter relay coil (all
transmissions), 4x4
32 5A* Radio (start)
33 15A* Front wiper
34 10A* Brake on-off switch
35 10A* Instrument cluster
36 10A* PCM Memory
37 15A* Horn
38 20A* Trailer tow park lamps
39 15A* Trailer tow back-up lamps
40 20A* Fuel pump
41 10A* Instrument cluster
42 15A* Delayed accessory
43 10A* Fog lamps
44—Not used
45 10A* Ignition switch Run/Start feed
46 10A* Left-hand lowbeam
47 10A* Right-hand lowbeam
48—Not used
101 30A** Trailer tow electric brake
102 30A** Door locks/Body security module
103 50A** Ignition switch (gasoline engine
only), FICM power (Diesel engine
only)
104 40A** Heated backlight
105 30A** Fuel heater (Diesel engine only)
106 30A** Front wiper main
107 40A** Front blower motor
2004 F250/350/450/550(f23)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA English(fus)
Roadside Emergencies
197
Fuse/Relay
LocationFuse Amp
RatingPassenger Compartment Fuse
Panel Description
108—Not used
109 30A** Heated seats
110 50A** Ignition switch
111 30A** 4WD/Shift on the fly
112 30A** Left-hand power seats
113 30A** Starter motor
114 30A** Right-hand power seats
115 20A** Trailer tow battery charge
116 30A** Ignition switch
601 30A CB*** Window motors, Moonroof
602 60A** 4WABS module
210—Not used
211—Backup lamps relay (Diesel engine
only)
212—Not used
301—Front blower motor relay
302—Powertrain Control Module (PCM)
relay
303—Fuel heater relay (Diesel engine
only)
304—Heated backlight relay
305—Trailer tow battery charge relay
306—Delayed accessory relay
307—Starter relay
* Mini Fuses ** Maxi Fuses ***Circuit Breaker
Note: (Diesel engine only)The Fuel Injection Control Module (FICM)
logic 15A mini-fuse is located in the underhood relay block.
CHANGING A FLAT TIRE
If you get a flat tire while driving:
•do not brake heavily.
•gradually decrease the vehicle’s speed.
•hold the steering wheel firmly.
2004 F250/350/450/550(f23)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA English(fus)
Roadside Emergencies
198
3. Fully insert the jack handle
through the bumper hole and into
the guide tube. The key and lock
will engage with a slight push and
counterclockwise turn. Some
resistance will be felt when turning
the jack handle assembly.
4. Turn the handle counterclockwise
and lower the spare tire until you
can slide the tire rearward and the
cable is slack.
5. Remove the retainer through the center of the wheel.
Tire change procedure
1. Park on a level surface, activate
hazard flashers and set the parking
brake.
•Automatic transmission: Place
gearshift lever in P (Park).
•Manual transmission: Place
gearshift lever in R (Reverse).
•Electronic Shift On the Fly 4WD:
Place transfer case in any
position.
•Manual shift transfer case 4WD:
Place transfer case in 2H, 4H or
4L.
To help prevent the vehicle
from moving when you
change a tire, be sure the parking
brake is set, then block (in both
directions) the wheel that is
diagonally opposite (other side
and end of the vehicle) to the tire
being changed.
2. Turn engine off and block the diagonally opposite wheel (block not
provided).
2004 F250/350/450/550(f23)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA English(fus)
Roadside Emergencies
201
SERVICE RECOMMENDATIONS
To help you service your vehicle:
•We highlight do-it-yourself items in the engine compartment for easy
location.
•We provide a scheduled maintenance guide which makes tracking
routine service easy.
If your vehicle requires professional service, your dealership can provide
the necessary parts and service. Check yourWarranty Guide/Owner
Information Guideto find out which parts and services are covered.
Use only recommended fuels, lubricants, fluids and service parts
conforming to specifications. Motorcraft parts are designed and built to
provide the best performance in your vehicle.
PRECAUTIONS WHEN SERVICING YOUR VEHICLE
•Do not work on a hot engine.
•Make sure that nothing gets caught in moving parts.
•Do not work on a vehicle with the engine running in an enclosed
space, unless you are sure you have enough ventilation.
•Keep all open flames and other burning (cigarettes) material away
from the battery and all fuel related parts.
Working with the engine off
•Automatic transmission:
1. Set the parking brake and shift to P (Park).
2. Turn off the engine and remove the key.
3. Block the wheels.
•Manual transmission:
1. Set the parking brake, depress the clutch and place the gearshift in 1
(First).
2. Turn off the engine and remove the key.
3. Block the wheels.
2004 F250/350/450/550(f23)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA English(fus)
Maintenance and Specifications
Maintenance and Specifications
232
CLUTCH FLUID (IF EQUIPPED)
Check the clutch fluid level. Refer to the scheduled maintenance guide
for the service interval schedules.
Use only a DOT 3 brake fluid designed to meet Ford specification
ESA-M6C25–A. Refer toLubricant Specificationsin this chapter.
Brake fluid is toxic. If brake fluid contacts the eyes, flush eyes
with running water for 15 minutes. Seek medical attention if
irritation persists. If taken internally, drink water and induce vomiting.
Seek medical attention immediately.
During normal operation, the fluid level in the clutch reservoir should
remain constant or rise slightly. If the fluid level drops, refill the fluid
level to the step in the reservoir.
1. Clean the reservoir cap before
removal to prevent dirt and water
from entering the reservoir.
2. Remove cap and rubber
diaphragm from reservoir.
3. Add fluid until the level reaches
the step in the reservoir.
4. Reinstall rubber diaphragm and
cap onto reservoir.
2004 F250/350/450/550(f23)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA English(fus)
Maintenance and Specifications
257
A
Accessory delay ..........................56
Air bag supplemental restraint
system ........................................104
and child safety seats ............106
description ..............................104
disposal ....................................108
driver air bag ..........................106
indicator light .........................108
operation .................................106
passenger air bag ...................106
passenger deactivation
switch ......................................109
Air cleaner filter ...............263, 277
Ambulance packages ....................8
Antifreeze
(see Engine coolant) ................240
Anti-lock brake system
(see Brakes) ..............................129
Audio system
(see Radio) ..........19, 21, 23, 26, 30
Automatic transmission ............132
driving an automatic
overdrive .........................133, 135
fluid, adding ............................258
fluid, checking ........................258
fluid, refill capacities ..............278
fluid, specification ..................284
Auxiliary power point .................55
Axle
lubricant specifications ..281, 284
refill capacities ........................278
traction lok ..............................131
B
Battery .......................................238
acid, treating emergencies .....238jumping a disabled battery ....209
maintenance-free ....................238
replacement, specifications ...277
servicing ..................................238
BeltMinder ...................................99
Brakes ........................................128
anti-lock ...................................129
anti-lock brake system (ABS)
warning light ...........................129
fluid, checking and adding ....256
fluid, refill capacities ..............278
fluid, specifications .........281, 284
lubricant specifications ..281, 284
parking ....................................129
shift interlock ..........................132
Bulbs ............................................44
C
Calculating load ........................162
Capacities for refilling fluids ....278
Cassette tape player ...................30
CD changer .................................33
Cell phone use ............................67
Certification Label ....................292
Child safety restraints ..............113
child safety belts ....................113
Child safety seats ......................116
attaching with tether straps ..120
in front seat ............................118
in rear seat ..............................118
Cleaning your vehicle
engine compartment ..............226
instrument panel ....................228
interior .....................................228
interior trim ............................228
plastic parts ............................227
safety belts ..............................228
washing ....................................225
2004 F250/350/450/550(f23)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA English(fus)
Index
Index
299