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
•The Total Accessory Reserve Capacity (TARC) is shown on the lower
right side of the vehicle’s Safety Certification Label. This applies to
Ford-completed vehicles of 10,000 lb. GVWR or less. This is the
weight of permanently-attached auxiliary equipment, such as
snowplow frame-mounting hardware, that can be added to the vehicle
and satisfy Ford compliance certification to FMVSS. Exceeding this
weight may require the auxiliary equipment installer additional safety
certification responsibility. The Front Accessory Reserve Capacity
(FARC) is added for customer convenience.
•Rear ballast weight behind the rear axle may be required to prevent
exceeding the FGAWR, and provide front-to-rear weight balance for
proper braking and steering.
•Front wheel toe may require re-adjustment to prevent premature
uneven tire wear. Specifications are found in the Ford Workshop
Manual.
•Headlight aim may require re-adjustment.
•The tire air pressures recommended for general driving are found on
the vehicle’s Safety Certification Label. The maximum cold inflation
pressure for the tire and associated load rating is imprinted on the tire
sidewall. Tire air pressure may require re-adjustment within these
pressure limits to accommodate the additional weight of the snowplow
installation.
•Federal and some local regulations require additional exterior lamps
for snowplow-equipped vehicles. Consult your dealer for additional
information.
Operating the vehicle with the snowplow attached
Do not use your vehicle for snow removal until it has been driven at
least 800 km (500 miles).
The attached snowplow blade restricts airflow to the radiator, and may
cause the engine to run at a higher temperature:
•If you are driving more than 24 km (15 miles) where outside air
temperatures are above freezing, then angle the plow blade to full left
or right to maximize airflow to the radiator.
•If you are driving less than 24 km (15 miles) at speeds up to 64 km/h
(40 mph) in cold weather you will not need to adjust blade position
Follow the severe duty schedule in your scheduled maintenance guide
for engine oil and transmission fluid change intervals.
2004 F250/350/450/550(f23)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA English(fus)
Driving
188
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
REFILL CAPACITIES
FluidFord Part
NameApplication Capacity
Front axle Hypoid Gear Oil
SAE 90F-250/350
(Dana 60 axle)2.7L (5.8 pints)
F-350/450/550
(Dana 60 axle)2.7L (5.8 pints)
Rear axle
1,2Motorcraft SAE
75W-140
Synthetic Rear
Axle LubricantF-250 /350
(10.50 inch
axle)3.3L (6.9 pints)
Motorcraft SAE
75W-90
Synthetic Rear
Axle LubricantF-350/450
(DANA 80)4.0L (8.5 pints)
Motorcraft SAE
80W-90
Premium Rear
Axle LubricantF-550
(Dana 135)11.6L (24.5
pints)
Brake fluid (and
clutch fluid-if
equipped)Motorcraft High
Performance
DOT 3 Motor
Vehicle Brake
FluidAll Fill to line or
step (for clutch)
on reservoir
Engine coolant
3Motorcraft
Premium Gold
Engine Coolant
(yellow-colored)5.4L V8 engine
with A/C25.0L (26.4
quarts)
6.8L V10 engine 26.0L (27.5
quarts)
Engine oil
(includes filter
change)-Gas
engines
7
Motorcraft SAE
5W-20 Premium
Synthetic Blend
Motor Oil (US)
Motorcraft SAE
5W-20 Super
Premium Motor
Oil (Canada)5.4L V8 and
6.8L V10
engines5.7L (6.0
quarts)
2004 F250/350/450/550(f23)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA English(fus)
Maintenance and Specifications
278
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
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
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