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5. Locate and carefully remove the
engine oil level indicator (dipstick).
6. Wipe the indicator clean. Insert the indicator fully, then remove it
again.
•If the oil level isbetween the MIN and MAX marks,the oil level is
acceptable.DO NOT ADD OIL.
•If the oil level is below the MIN
mark, add enough oil to raise the
level within the MIN-MAX range.
•Oil levels above the MAX mark may cause engine damage. Some oil
must be removed from the engine by a service technician.
7. Put the indicator back in and ensure it is fully seated.
Adding engine oil
1. Check the engine oil. For instructions, refer toChecking the engine
oilin this chapter.
2. If the engine oil level is not within the normal range, add only certified
engine oil of the recommended viscosity. Remove the engine oil filler cap
and use a funnel to pour the engine oil into the opening.
2004 F250/350/450/550(f23)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA English(fus)
Maintenance and Specifications
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•Always dispose of automotive
batteries in a responsible manner.
Follow your local authorized
standards for disposal. Call your
local authorized recycling center
to find out more about recycling
automotive batteries.
ENGINE COOLANT
Checking engine coolant
The concentration and level of engine coolant should be checked at the
mileage intervals listed in the scheduled maintenance guide. The coolant
concentration should be maintained at 50/50 coolant and distilled water,
which equates to a freeze point of -36°C (-34°F). Coolant concentration
testing is possible with a hydrometer or antifreeze tester (such as the
Rotunda Battery and Antifreeze Tester, 014–R1060). The level of coolant
should be maintained at the“cold full”of“cold fill range”level in the
coolant reservoir. If the level falls below, add coolant per the instructions
in theAdding engine coolantsection.
Your vehicle was factory-filled with a 50/50 engine coolant and water
concentration. If the concentration of coolant falls below 40% or above
60%, the engine parts could become damaged or not work properly.A
50–50 mixture of coolant and water provides the following:
•Freeze protection down to -36°C (-34°F).
•Boiling protection up to 129°C (265°F).
•Protection against rust and other forms of corrosion.
•Enables calibrated gauges to work properly.
LEAD
RETURN
RECYCLE
2004 F250/350/450/550(f23)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA English(fus)
Maintenance and Specifications
240
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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