1Your vehicle’s rear axle(s) may be filled with a synthetic lubricant that
may require a lubricant change. Refer to the scheduled maintenance
guide. Axle lubricant quantities should not need to be checked unless a
leak is suspected, service is required or the axle assembly has been
submerged in water. The axle lubricant should be changed any time the
rear axle has been submerged in water.
2Add 236 ml (8 oz.) of Additive Friction Modifier XL-3or equivalent
meeting Ford Specification EST-M2C118-A for complete refill of
Traction-Lok axles.
3Add the coolant type originally equipped in your vehicle.
4Ensure 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
your scheduled maintenance guide to 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.
5Service refill capacity is determined by filling the transmission to the
bottom of the filler hole with the vehicle on a level surface. The 6–speed
manual transmission is equipped with an in-tank cooler. Verify the fluid
level after operating vehicle to assure correct fluid level.
6Indicates only approximate dry-fill capacity. Some applications may vary
based on cooler size and if equipped with an in-tank cooler. The amount
of transmission fluid and fluid level should be set by the indication on
the dipstick’s normal operating range.
7Use of synthetic or synthetic blend motor oil is not mandatory. Engine
oil need only meet the requirements of Ford specification
WSS-M2C153–H and the API Certification mark.
2004 F250/350/450/550(f23)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA English(fus)
Maintenance and Specifications
280
Vehicle identification number (VIN)
The vehicle identification number is
attached to a metal tag and is
located on the driver side
instrument panel. (Please note that
in the graphic XXXX is
representative of your vehicle
identification number.)
1. World manufacturer identifier
2. Brake type and gross vehicle
weight rating (GVWR)
3. Vehicle line, series, body type
4. Engine type
5. Check digit
6. Model year
7. Assembly plant
8. Production sequence number
Engine number
The engine number (the last eight numbers of the vehicle identification
number) is stamped on the engine block, transmission, frame and
transfer case (if equipped).
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
2004 F250/350/450/550(f23)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA English(fus)
Maintenance and Specifications
293
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
waxing .....................................225
wheels ......................................226
wiper blades ............................227
Clock ............................................33
Clock adjust
AM/FM .................................21, 23
AM/FM Stereo ...........................23
AM/FM/CD ...........................26, 33
AM/FM/Tape/CD .......................30
Clutch
fluid ..........................................257
operation while driving ..........138
recommended shift speeds ....139
Compass, electronic ....................69
calibration .................................71
set zone adjustment .................70
Console ........................................67
overhead ....................................52
Coolant
checking and adding ..............240
refill capacities ................243, 278
specifications ..................281, 284
Cruise control
(see Speed control) ....................59
Customer Assistance ................191
Ford accessories for your
vehicle .....................................230
Ford Extended Service
Plan ..........................................218
Getting assistance outside the
U.S. and Canada .....................222
Getting roadside assistance ...191
Getting the service you
need .........................................216
Ordering additional owner’s
literature .................................223
The Dispute Settlement
Board .......................................218Utilizing the
Mediation/Arbitration
Program ...................................221
D
Daytime running lamps
(see Lamps) ................................41
Dipstick
automatic transmission
fluid ..........................................258
engine oil .................................235
Doors
lubricant specifications ..........281
Driveline universal joint and
slip yoke ....................................262
Driving under special
conditions ..................138, 151, 154
sand .........................................153
snow and ice ...........................155
through water .................153, 158
E
Emergencies, roadside
jump-starting ..........................209
Emergency Flashers .................192
Emission control system ..........253
Engine ........................................284
cleaning ...................................226
coolant .....................................240
diesel ...........................................7
fail-safe coolant ......................244
idle speed control ...................238
lubrication
specifications ..................281, 284
refill capacities ........................278
service points ..........................234
starting after a collision .........192
Engine block heater .................128
Engine oil ..................................235
checking and adding ..............235
dipstick ....................................235
filter, specifications ........237, 277
2004 F250/350/450/550(f23)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA English(fus)
Index
300