Seating and Safety Restraints 84
Seating 84
Safety restraints 91
Air bags 104
Child restraints 113
Driving 124
Starting 124
Brakes 128
Transmission operation 132
Vehicle loading 159
Trailer towing 162
Roadside Emergencies 191
Getting roadside assistance 191
Hazard flasher switch 192
Fuel pump shut-off switch 192
Fuses and relays 193
Changing tires 198
Jump starting 209
Wrecker towing 214
Customer Assistance 216
Reporting safety defects (U.S. only) 224
Cleaning 225
2004 F250/350/450/550(f23)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA English(fus)
Table of Contents
2
GETTING ROADSIDE ASSISTANCE
To fully assist you should you have a vehicle concern, Ford Motor
Company offers a complimentary roadside assistance program. This
program is separate from the New Vehicle Limited Warranty. The service
is available:
•24–hours, seven days a week
•for the New Vehicle Limited Warranty period of three years or 60,000
km (36,000 miles), whichever occurs first on Ford and Mercury
vehicles, and four years or 80,000 km (50,000 miles) on Lincoln
vehicles.
Roadside assistance will cover:
•changing a flat tire
•jump-starts
•lock-out assistance
•limited fuel delivery
•towing of your disabled vehicle to the nearest Ford Motor Company
dealership, or your selling dealer if within 56.3 km (35 miles) of the
nearest Ford Motor Company dealership (one tow per disablement).
Even non-warranty related tows, like accidents or getting stuck in the
mud or snow, are covered (some exclusions apply, such as impound
towing or repossession).
Canadian customers refer to your Owner Information Guide for
information on:
•coverage period
•exact fuel amounts
•towing of your disabled vehicle
•emergency travel expense reimbursement
•travel planning benefits
USING ROADSIDE ASSISTANCE
Complete the roadside assistance identification card and place it in your
wallet for quick reference. In the United States, this card is found in the
Owner Guide portfolio in the glove compartment in Ford vehicles and is
mailed to you if you own a Mercury or Lincoln. In Canada, the card is
found in the Owner Information Guide in the glove compartment.
2004 F250/350/450/550(f23)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA English(fus)
Roadside Emergencies
Roadside Emergencies
191
When a wheel is installed, always remove any corrosion, dirt or
foreign materials present on the mounting surfaces of the wheel
or the surface of the front disc brake hub and rotor that contacts the
wheel. Installing wheels without correct metal-to-metal contact at the
wheel mounting surfaces can cause the wheel nuts to loosen and the
wheel to come off while the vehicle is in motion, resulting in loss of
control.
JUMP STARTING YOUR VEHICLE
The gases around the battery can explode if exposed to flames,
sparks, or lit cigarettes. An explosion could result in injury or
vehicle damage.
Batteries contain sulfuric acid which can burn skin, eyes and
clothing, if contacted.
Do not attempt to push-start your vehicle. Automatic
transmissions do not have push-start capability; doing so may
damage the catalytic converter.
Preparing your vehicle
When the battery is disconnected or a new battery is installed, the
transmission must relearn its shift strategy. As a result, the transmission
may have firm and/or soft shifts. This operation is considered normal and
will not affect function or durability of the transmission. Over time, the
adaptive learning process will fully update transmission operation.
1.Use only a 12–volt supply to start your vehicle.
2. Do not disconnect the battery of the disabled vehicle as this could
damage the vehicle’s electrical system.
3. Park the booster vehicle close to the hood of the disabled vehicle
making sure the two vehiclesdo nottouch. Set the parking brake on
both vehicles and stay clear of the engine cooling fan and other moving
parts.
4. Check all battery terminals and remove any excessive corrosion before
you attach the battery cables. Ensure that vent caps are tight and level.
5. Turn the heater fan on in both vehicles to protect any electrical
surges. Turn all other accessories off.
2004 F250/350/450/550(f23)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA English(fus)
Roadside Emergencies
209
Jump starting
1. Start the engine of the booster vehicle and run the engine at
moderately increased speed.
2. Start the engine of the disabled vehicle.
3. Once the disabled vehicle has been started, run both engines for an
additional three minutes before disconnecting the jumper cables.
Removing the jumper cables
Remove the jumper cables in the reverse order that they were
connected.
1. Remove the jumper cable from thegroundmetal surface.
Note:In the illustrations,lightning boltsare used to designate the
assisting (boosting) battery.
2. Remove the jumper cable on the negative (-) connection of the
booster vehicle’s battery.
+–+–
+–+–
2004 F250/350/450/550(f23)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA English(fus)
Roadside Emergencies
212
3. Remove the jumper cable from the positive (+) terminal of the booster
vehicle’s battery.
4. Remove the jumper cable from the positive (+) terminal of the
disabled vehicle’s battery.
After the disabled vehicle has been started and the jumper cables
removed, allow it to idle for several minutes so the engine computer can
relearnits idle conditions.
+–+–
+–+–
2004 F250/350/450/550(f23)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA English(fus)
Roadside Emergencies
213
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
Infant seats
(see Safety seats) .....................116
Inspection/maintenance (I/M)
testing ........................................255
Instrument panel
cleaning ...................................228
cluster ........................................12
lighting up panel and
interior .......................................42
J
Jump-starting your vehicle ......209
K
Keyless entry system .................80
autolock .....................................79
Keys
positions of the ignition .........124
L
Lamps
autolamp system .......................40
bulb replacement
specifications chart ..................44
daytime running light ...............41
fog lamps ...................................41
headlamps .................................40
headlamps, flash to pass ..........42
instrument panel, dimming .....42
interior lamps .....................43–44
replacing bulbs ...................44–49
Lane change indicator
(see Turn signal) ........................43
Lights, warning and indicator ....12
anti-lock brakes (ABS) ..........129
speed control ............................61
Load limits .................................159Loading instructions .................162
Locks
autolock .....................................79
childproof ..................................74
Lubricant specifications ...281, 284
Lumbar support, seats ...............88
M
Manual transmission .................138
fluid capacities ........................278
lubricant specifications ..........284
reverse .....................................140
Message center ...........................67
english/metric button ...............68
menu button .............................68
Mirrors .........................................52
fold away ...................................58
heated ........................................57
side view mirrors (power) .......56
Moon roof ....................................53
Motorcraft parts ................250, 277
O
Octane rating ............................249
Oil (see Engine oil) ..................235
Overdrive .....................................51
P
Parking brake ............................129
Parts (see Motorcraft parts) ....277
Pedals (see Power adjustable
foot pedals) .................................59
Power adjustable foot pedals .....59
Power distribution box
(see Fuses) ...............................194
2004 F250/350/450/550(f23)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA English(fus)
Index
302
Power door locks ..................73, 79
Power point .................................55
Power steering ..........................130
fluid, checking and adding ....256
fluid, refill capacity ................278
fluid, specifications .........281, 284
Power Windows ...........................55
Preparing to drive your
vehicle ........................................131
R
Radio ....................19, 21, 23, 26, 30
Relays ........................................193
Remote entry system .................75
illuminated entry ......................78
locking/unlocking doors ...........73
Reverse sensing system ...........141
Roadside assistance ..................191
S
Safety Belt Maintenance ..........103
Safety belts
(see Safety restraints) ...91–95, 97
Safety defects, reporting ..........224
Safety restraints ....................91–97
belt minder ...............................99
extension assembly ................103
for adults .............................92–95
for children .............................113
lap belt ......................................98
safety belt maintenance .........103
warning light and chime ..........99
Safety seats for children ..........116
Seat belts
(see Safety restraints) ...............91
Seats ............................................84child safety seats ....................116
cleaning ...................................229
Servicing your vehicle ..............232
Setting the clock
AM/FM stereo ...........................21
AM/FM/CD .................................26
AM/FM/Tape/CD .......................30
Premium In-dash Six CD .........33
Snowplowing .................8, 187–190
Spare tire
(see Changing the Tire) ...........199
Spark plugs,
specifications .....................277, 284
Special notice ................................9
ambulance conversions ..............8
diesel-powered vehicles .............7
four-wheel drive vehicles .......189
utility-type vehicles ....................7
Specification chart,
lubricants ...........................281, 284
Speed control ..............................59
Starting your
vehicle ........................124–125, 127
jump starting ..........................209
Steering wheel
tilting .........................................51
T
Tailgate ........................................72
Tilt steering wheel ......................51
Tires ...........................................264
changing ..................199, 201, 208
snow tires and chains ............276
tire grades ...............................265
treadwear ................................264
Towing .......................................162
trailer towing ..........................162
wrecker ....................................214
2004 F250/350/450/550(f23)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA English(fus)
Index
303