Introduction 4
Instrument Cluster 12
Warning and control lights 12
Gauges 15
Entertainment Systems 19
AM/FM stereo 19
AM/FM stereo cassette 21
AM/FM stereo with CD 23
AM/FM stereo cassette with CD 26
CD changer 33
Climate Controls 37
Heater only 37
Manual heating and air conditioning 38
Lights 40
Headlamps 40
Turn signal control 43
Bulb replacement 44
Driver Controls 50
Windshield wiper/washer control 50
Steering wheel adjustment 51
Moon roof 53
Power windows 55
Mirrors 56
Speed control 59
Message center 67
Locks and Security 73
Keys 73
Locks 73
Anti-theft system 75
2004 F250/350/450/550(f23)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA English(fus)
Table of Contents
Table of Contents
1
To aid in side window defogging/demisting in cold weather:
1. Select
2. Set the temperature control to full heat
3. Set the fan speed to HI
4. Direct the outer instrument panel vents towards the side windows
To increase airflow to the outer instrument panel vents, close the vents
located in the middle of the instrument panel.
Do not place objects on top of the instrument panel as these
objects may become projectiles in a collision or sudden stop.
MANUAL HEATING AND AIR
CONDITIONING SYSTEM
1.Fan speed adjustment:Controls
the volume of air circulated in the
vehicle.
2.Temperature selection:
Controls the temperature of the airflow in the vehicle.
3.Air flow selections:Controls the direction of the airflow in the
vehicle. See the following for a brief description on each control.
MAX A/C:Uses recirculated air to cool the vehicle. Air flows from the
instrument panel vents only.
A/C:Uses outside air to cool the vehicle. Air flows from the instrument
panel vents only.
:Distributes outside air through the instrument panel vents.
OFF:Outside air is shut out and the fan will not operate.
:Distributes outside air through the instrument panel vents and the
floor vents.
:Distributes outside air through the floor vents.
:Distributes outside air through the windshield defroster vents and
floor vents.
:Distributes outside air through the windshield defroster vents.
2004 F250/350/450/550(f23)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA English(fus)
Climate Controls
38
Compass calibration adjustment
Perform this adjustment in an open area free from steel structures and
high voltage lines.
For optimum calibration, turn off all electrical accessories (heater/air
conditioning, wipers, etc.) and make sure all vehicle doors are shut.
1. Locate the trip computer located in the overhead console.
2. Start the vehicle.
3. Press and hold both trip
computer controls. After
approximately eight seconds, the
trip computer will enter CAL mode.
CAL mode is indicated when the
display lights the“CAL”indicator.
4. Release both controls. The display
will return to normal, except that
the CAL indicator will remain lit until the compass is successfully
calibrated.
5. Slowly drive the vehicle in a circle (less than 5 km/h [3 mph]) until
the CAL indicator turns off. It may take up to five circles to complete
calibration.
6. The compass is now calibrated.
2004 F250/350/450/550(f23)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA English(fus)
Driver Controls
71
Using the engine block heater (if equipped)
Use of an engine block heater is
strongly recommended if you live in
a region where temperatures reach
-23°C (-10°F) or below. For best
results, plug the heater in at least
three hours before starting the
vehicle. The heater can be plugged
in the night before starting the
vehicle. The plug for the block
heater is exposed in the front of the
vehicle, beneath the grille. Vehicles
equipped with a gasoline engine have the plug exposed on the driver
side of the vehicle; vehicles equipped with a Diesel engine have the plug
exposed on the passenger side of the vehicle.
To reduce the risk of electrical shock, do not use your heater
with ungrounded electrical systems or two-pronged (cheater)
adapters.
Guarding against exhaust fumes
Carbon monoxide is present in exhaust fumes. Take precautions to avoid
its dangerous effects.
If you smell exhaust fumes inside your vehicle, have your dealer
inspect your vehicle immediately. Do not drive if you smell
exhaust fumes.
Important ventilating information
If the engine is idling while the vehicle is stopped for a long period of
time, open the windows at least 2.5 cm (one inch) or adjust the heating
or air conditioning to bring in fresh air.
BRAKES
Occasional brake noise is normal. If a metal-to-metal, continuous grinding
or continuous squeal sound is present, the brake linings may be worn-out
and should be inspected by a qualified service technician. If the vehicle
has continuous vibration or shudder in the steering wheel while braking,
the vehicle should be inspected by a qualified service technician.
2004 F250/350/450/550(f23)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA English(fus)
Driving
128
How fail-safe cooling works
If the engine begins to overheat:
•The engine coolant temperature
gauge will move to the red (hot)
area.
•The
andsymbol will
illuminate.
•TheService Engine Soon
indicator light will illuminate.
If the engine reaches a preset
over-temperature condition, the engine will automatically switch to
alternating cylinder operation. Each disabled cylinder acts as an air
pump and cools the engine.
When this occurs the vehicle will still operate. However:
•The engine power will be limited.
•The air conditioning system will be disabled.
Continued operation will increase the engine temperature and the engine
will completely shut down, causing steering and braking effort to
increase.
Once the engine temperature cools, the engine can be re-started. Take
your vehicle to a service facility as soon as possible to minimize engine
damage.
When fail-safe mode is activated
You have limited engine power when in the fail-safe mode, so drive the
vehicle with caution. The vehicle will not be able to maintain high-speed
operation and the engine will run rough. Remember that the engine is
capable of completely shutting down automatically to prevent engine
damage, therefore:
1. Pull off the road as soon as safely possible and turn off the engine.
2. Arrange for the vehicle to be taken to a service facility.
3. If this is not possible, wait a short period for the engine to cool.
4. Check the coolant level and replenish if low.
Never remove the coolant reservoir cap while the engine is
running or hot.
2004 F250/350/450/550(f23)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA English(fus)
Maintenance and Specifications
245
recommendations ...................237
refill capacities ........................278
specifications ..................281, 284
Exhaust fumes ..........................128
F
Fail safe cooling ........................244
Fluid capacities .........................278
Foglamps .....................................41
Four-Wheel Drive vehicles .......143
description ..............................147
driving off road .......................149
electronic shift ................143, 147
indicator light .........................144
lever operated shift ................145
manual locking hubs ..............143
preparing to drive your
vehicle .....................................131
Fuel ............................................246
calculating fuel economy .......250
cap ...........................................248
capacity ...................................278
choosing the right fuel ...........248
comparisons with EPA fuel
economy estimates .................253
detergent in fuel .....................249
filling your vehicle with
fuel ...........................246, 248, 250
filter, specifications ........250, 277
fuel pump shut-off switch .....192
improving fuel economy ........250
octane rating ...................249, 284
quality ......................................249
running out of fuel .................249
safety information relating to
automotive fuels .....................246
Fuel pump shut-off switch .......192
Fuses ..................................193–194
G
Garage door opener ....................53Garage Door Opener
(see Homelink wireless
control system) ...........................62
Gas cap (see Fuel cap) ............248
Gas mileage
(see Fuel economy) .................250
Gauges .........................................15
transmission fluid
temperature gauge ...................19
GAWR
(Gross Axle Weight Rating)
calculating ...............................162
GVWR
(Gross Vehicle Weight Rating)
calculating ...............................162
H
Hazard flashers .........................192
Head restraints ...........................89
Headlamps ...................................40
aiming ........................................43
autolamp system .......................40
daytime running lights .............41
flash to pass ..............................42
high beam .................................42
replacing bulbs ...................45–46
turning on and off ....................40
Heating
heating and air conditioning
system .................................37–38
HomeLink universal
transceiver
(see Garage door opener) .........65
Homelink wireless control
system ..........................................62
Hood ..........................................233
I
Ignition ...............................124, 284
2004 F250/350/450/550(f23)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA English(fus)
Index
301