Maintenance and Specifications 232
Engine compartment 234
Engine oil 235
Battery 238
Fuel information 246
Air filter(s) 263
Part numbers 277
Refill capacities 278
Lubricant specifications 281
Accessories 296
Index 299
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Copyright © 2003 Ford Motor Company
2004 F250/350/450/550(f23)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA English(fus)
Table of Contents
3
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
3. Recheck the engine oil level. Make sure the oil level is not above the
MAX mark on the engine oil level indicator (dipstick).
4. Install the indicator and ensure it is fully seated.
5. Fully install the engine oil filler cap by turning the filler cap clockwise
1/4 of a turn until three clicks are heard or until the cap is fully seated.
To avoid possible oil loss, DO NOT operate the vehicle with the
engine oil level indicator and/or the engine oil filler cap removed.
Engine oil and filter recommendations
Look for this certification
trademark.
Use SAE 5W-20 engine oil.
Only use oils“Certified For Gasoline Engines”by the American
Petroleum Institute (API). To protect your engine’s warranty use
Motorcraft SAE 5W-20 or an equivalent 5W-20 oil meeting Ford
specification WSS-M2C153–H.SAE 5W-20 oil provides optimum fuel
economy and durability performance meeting all requirements for
your vehicle’s engine.
Do not use supplemental engine oil additives, cleaners or other engine
treatments. They are unnecessary and could lead to engine damage that
is not covered by Ford warranty.
Change your engine oil according to the appropriate schedule listed in
the scheduled maintenance guide.
Ford production and aftermarket (Motorcraft) oil filters are designed for
added engine protection and long life. If a replacement oil filter is used
that does not meet Ford material and design specifications, start-up
engine noises or knock may be experienced.
It is recommended you use the appropriate Motorcraft oil filter (or
another brand meeting Ford specifications) for your engine application.
2004 F250/350/450/550(f23)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA English(fus)
Maintenance and Specifications
237
If you have run out of fuel:
•You may need to cycle the ignition from OFF to ON several times after
refueling, to allow the fuel system to pump the fuel from the tank to
the engine.
•Your“Service Engine Soon”indicator may come on. For more
information on the“Service Engine Soon”indicator, refer to the
Instrument clusterchapter.
Fuel Filter
For fuel filter replacement, see your dealer or a qualified service
technician. Refer to the scheduled maintenance guide for the appropriate
intervals for changing the fuel filter.
Replace the fuel filter with an authorized Motorcraft part. The
customer warranty may be void for any damage to the fuel system
if an authorized Motorcraft fuel filter is not used.
ESSENTIALS OF GOOD FUEL ECONOMY
Measuring techniques
Your best source of information about actual fuel economy is you, the
driver. You must gather information as accurately and consistently as
possible. Fuel expense, frequency of fill-ups or fuel gauge readings are
NOT accurate as a measure of fuel economy. We do not recommend
taking fuel economy measurements during the first 1,600 km (1,000
miles) of driving (engine break-in period). You will get a more accurate
measurement after 3,000 km–5,000 km (2,000 miles-3,000 miles).
Filling the tank
The advertised fuel capacity of the fuel tank on your vehicle is equal to
the rated refill capacity of the fuel tank as listed in theRefill capacities
section of this chapter.
The advertised capacity is the amount of the indicated capacity and the
empty reserve combined. Indicated capacity is the difference in the
amount of fuel in a full tank and a tank when the fuel gauge indicates
empty. Empty reserve is the small amount of fuel remaining in the fuel
tank after the fuel gauge indicates empty.
The amount of usable fuel in the empty reserve varies and should
not be relied upon to increase driving range. When refueling your
vehicle after the fuel gauge indicates empty, you might not be
able to refuel the full amount of the advertised capacity of the
fuel tank due to the empty reserve still present in the tank.
2004 F250/350/450/550(f23)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA English(fus)
Maintenance and Specifications
250
The tires on your vehicle have all weather treads to provide traction in
rain and snow. However, in some climates, you may need to use snow
tires and chains. If you need to use chains, it is recommended that steel
wheels (of the same size and specifications) be used, as chains may chip
aluminum wheels.
Follow these guidelines when using snow tires and chains:
•Use only SAE Class S chains.
•Install chains securely, verifying that the chains do not touch any
wiring, brake lines or fuel lines.
•Drive cautiously. If you hear the chains rub or bang against your
vehicle, stop and re-tighten the chains. If this does not work, remove
the chains to prevent damage to your vehicle.
•If possible, avoid fully loading your vehicle.
•Remove the tire chains when they are no longer needed. Do not use
tire chains on dry roads.
•The suspension insulation and bumpers will help prevent vehicle
damage. Do not remove these components from your vehicle when
using snow tires and chains.
MOTORCRAFT PART NUMBERS
Component* 5.4L V8 engine 6.8L V10 engine
Air filter element FA-1634 FA-1634
Fuel filter FG-986B FG-986B
Oil filter FL-820-S FL-820-S
PCV valve EV-233 EV-233
Battery (Standard) BXT-65-650 BXT-65-650
Battery (Optional) BXT-65-750 BXT-65-750
Spark plugs-platinum** AGSF-22W AGSF-22W
Automatic Transmission
Filter ***——
*Refer to the6.0 Liter Power Stroke Direct Injection Turbo Diesel
Owner’s Guide Supplementfor Motorcraft diesel engine service part
numbers.
**Refer to Vehicle Emissions Control Information (VECI) decal for spark
plug gap information.
***Only available with 6.0L Diesel engine/TorqShift transmission. Part
number is FT-145.
2004 F250/350/450/550(f23)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA English(fus)
Maintenance and Specifications
277
FluidFord Part
NameApplication Capacity
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)
5
Automatic
transmission
fluid
4
Motorcraft
MERCONAT F4R100
(4–speed)16.7L (17.7
quarts)6
Motorcraft
MERCONSP
AT FTorqShift
(5–speed)16.6L (17.5
quarts)
6(includes
remote filter
element change)
Windshield
washer fluidMotorcraft
Premium
Windshield
Washer
ConcentrateAll 4.0L (4.25
quarts)
2004 F250/350/450/550(f23)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA English(fus)
Maintenance and Specifications
279
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