Page 1 of 304
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
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Page 14 of 304

Anti-lock brake system:If the
ABS light stays illuminated or
continues to flash, a malfunction has
been detected, have the system
serviced immediately. Normal
braking is still functional unless the brake warning light also is
illuminated.
Air bag readiness:If this light fails
to illuminate when ignition is turned
to ON, continues to flash or remains
on, have the system serviced
immediately. A chime will also sound when a malfunction in the
supplemental restraint system has been detected.
Safety belt:Reminds you to fasten
your safety belt. A chime will also
sound to remind you to fasten your
safety belt.
Charging system:Illuminates when
the battery is not charging properly.
Low fuel:Illuminates when the fuel
level in the fuel tank is at or near
empty (refer toFuel gaugein this
chapter).
Speed control:Illuminates when
the speed control is activated. Turns
off when the speed control system
is deactivated.
Four wheel drive low (if
equipped):Illuminates when
four-wheel drive low is engaged.
Four wheel drive indicator (if
equipped):Illuminates when
four-wheel drive is engaged.
ABS
LOW
RANGE
4x4
2004 F250/350/450/550(f23)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA English(fus)
Instrument Cluster
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Page 45 of 304

Function Number of
bulbsTrade number
Headlamps (aerodynamic) 2 9007
Headlamps (sealed beam) 2 H6054
Park/turn 2 3157 AK
Sidemarker 2 194
Tail/stop/turn/sidemarker 2 3157 K
Backup 2 3156K
High-mount stoplamp 1 922
Foglamp 2 9145
License plate lamp 2 194
Cargo lamp 2 906
Roofmarker 5 194
Rear fender clearance* 4
(a)
Interior visor lamp (if equipped) 4 194
Rear identification 3 194
All replacement bulbs are clear in color except where noted.
To replace all instrument panel lights - see your dealer
(a)Replace entire lamp assembly; bulb is not serviceable.
* Dual rear wheels or if equipped.
Replacing headlamp bulbs (aerodynamic)
1. Make sure that the headlamp control is in the OFF position and open
the hood.
2. Disconnect the electrical connector from the bulb by pulling rearward.
3. Remove bulb retainer ring by
turning it counterclockwise, then
slide the ring off the plastic base
4. Pull bulb out of headlamp
assembly.
2004 F250/350/450/550(f23)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA English(fus)
Lights
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Page 51 of 304

TILT STEERING WHEEL (IF EQUIPPED)
To adjust the steering wheel:
1. Pull and hold the steering wheel
release control toward you.
2. Move the steering wheel up or
down until you find the desired
location.
3. Release the steering wheel
release control. This will lock the
steering wheel in position.
Never adjust the steering wheel when the vehicle is moving.
TRANSMISSION CONTROL
Tow/Haul feature
(5–speed automatic transmission) (if equipped)
•Gearshift lever type A
•Gearshift lever type B
To activate, press the transmission
control switch (TCS) located on the
gearshift. The TOW HAUL indicator
light will illuminate on the gearshift
lever or in the instrument cluster, depending on how your vihicle is
equipped. The transmission will operate in all gears. Press the
transmission control switch again to deactivate Tow Haul mode. When
you shut off and re-start your vehicle, the transmission will automatically
return to normal mode with Tow Haul feature deactivated.
2004 F250/350/450/550(f23)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA English(fus)
Driver Controls
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Page 59 of 304

POWER ADJUSTABLE FOOT PEDALS (IF EQUIPPED)
The accelerator and brake pedal
should only be adjusted when the
vehicle is stopped and the gearshift
lever is in the P (Park) position.
Press and hold the rocker control to
adjust accelerator and brake pedal
toward you or away from you.
The adjustment allows for approximately 73 mm (3 inches) of maximum
travel.
Never adjust the accelerator and brake pedal with feet on the
pedals while the vehicle is moving.
SPEED CONTROL (IF EQUIPPED)
With speed control set, you can maintain a speed of 48 km/h (30 mph)
or more without keeping your foot on the accelerator pedal. Speed
control does not work at speeds below 48 km/h (30 mph).
Do not use the speed control in heavy traffic or on roads that
are winding, slippery or unpaved.
Setting speed control
The controls for using your speed
control are located on the steering
wheel for your convenience.
1. Press the ON control and release
it.
2. Accelerate to the desired speed.
2004 F250/350/450/550(f23)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA English(fus)
Driver Controls
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Page 124 of 304

STARTING
Positions of the ignition
1. ACCESSORY, allows the electrical
accessories such as the radio to
operate while the engine is not
running.
2. LOCK, locks the steering wheel,
automatic transmission gearshift
lever and allows key removal. For
vehicles equipped with a manual
transmission, you must depress the
ignition release lever to release the
key.
3. OFF, shuts off the engine and all accessories without locking the
steering wheel. This position also allows the automatic transmission shift
lever to be moved from the P (Park) position without the brake pedal
being depressed.
When the key is in the ignition and in the OFF position, the
automatic transmission shift lever can be moved from the P
(Park) position without the brake pedal depressed. To avoid unwanted
vehicle movement, always set the parking brake.
4. ON, all electrical circuits operational. Warning lights illuminated. Key
position when driving.
5. START, cranks the engine. Release the key as soon as the engine
starts.
Preparing to start your vehicle
Engine starting is controlled by the powertrain control system. This
system meets all Canadian Interference-Causing Equipment standard
requirements regulating the impulse electrical field strength of radio
noise.
When starting a fuel-injected engine, don’t press the accelerator before
or during starting. Only use the accelerator when you have difficulty
starting the engine. For more information on starting the vehicle, refer to
Starting the enginein this chapter.
3
1
2
5
4
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USA English(fus)
Driving
Driving
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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.
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USA English(fus)
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Four-wheel anti-lock brake system (ABS)
Your vehicle is equipped with an Anti-lock Braking System (ABS). This
system helps you maintain steering control during emergency stops by
keeping the brakes from locking. Noise from the ABS pump motor and
brake pedal pulsation may be observed during ABS braking; this is
normal and should be no reason for concern.
ABS warning lamp
ABS
TheABSlamp in the instrument cluster momentarily illuminates when
the ignition is turned to ON. If the light does not illuminate during start
up, remains on or flashes, the ABS may be disabled and may need to be
serviced.
Even when the ABS is disabled,
normal braking is still effective. (If
your BRAKE warning lamp
illuminates with the parking brake
released, have your brake system serviced immediately.)
Using ABS
When hard braking is required, apply continuous force on the brake
pedal; do not pump the brake pedal since this will reduce the
effectiveness of the ABS and will increase your vehicle’s stopping
distance. The ABS will be activated immediately, allowing you to retain
full steering control during hard braking and on slippery surfaces.
However, the ABS does not decrease stopping distance.
Parking brake
To set the parking brake, press the
parking brake pedal down until the
pedal stops.
2004 F250/350/450/550(f23)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA English(fus)
Driving
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