Page 50 of 304
MULTI-FUNCTION LEVER
Windshield wiper:Rotate the end
of the control away from you to
increase the speed of the wipers;
rotate towards you to decrease the
speed of the wipers.
Windshield washer:Push the end
of the stalk:
•briefly: causes a single swipe of
the wipers without washer fluid.
•a quick push and hold: the wipers
will swipe three times with
washer fluid.
•a long push and hold: the wipers
and washer fluid will be activated for up to ten seconds.
Changing the wiper blades
1. Pull the wiper arm away from the
vehicle. Turn the blade at an angle
from the wiper arm. Push the lock
pin manually to release the blade
and pull the wiper blade down
toward the windshield to remove it
from the arm.
2. Attach the new wiper to the
wiper arm and press it into place
until a click is heard.
3. Replace wiper blades every 6 months for optimum performance.
2004 F250/350/450/550(f23)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA English(fus)
Driver Controls
Driver Controls
50
Page 235 of 304

WINDSHIELD WASHER FLUID
Add fluid to fill the reservoir if the
level is low. In very cold weather, do
not fill the reservoir completely.
Only use a washer fluid that meets
Ford specification WSB-M8B16–A2.
Refer toLubricant specifications
in this chapter.
State or local regulations on volatile organic compounds may restrict the
use of methanol, a common windshield washer antifreeze additive.
Washer fluids containing non-methanol antifreeze agents should be used
only if they provide cold weather protection without damaging the
vehicle’s paint finish, wiper blades or washer system.
If you operate your vehicle in temperatures below 4.5°C (40°
F), use washer fluid with antifreeze protection. Failure to use
washer fluid with antifreeze protection in cold weather could result in
impaired windshield vision and increase the risk of injury or accident.
Note:Do not put washer fluid in the engine coolant reservoir. Washer
fluid placed in the cooling system may harm engine and cooling system
components.
ENGINE OIL
Checking the engine oil
Refer to the scheduled maintenance guide for the appropriate intervals
for checking the engine oil.
1. Make sure the vehicle is on level ground.
2. Turn the engine off and wait a few minutes for the oil to drain into the
oil pan.
3. Set the parking brake and ensure the gearshift is securely latched in P
(Park) (automatic transmission) or 1 (First) (manual transmission).
4. Open the hood. Protect yourself from engine heat.
2004 F250/350/450/550(f23)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA English(fus)
Maintenance and Specifications
235
Page 300 of 304

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
Page 304 of 304

Traction-lok rear axle ...............131
Transfer case
fluid checking .........................262
Transmission
automatic operation .........51, 132
brake-shift interlock (BSI) ....132
fluid, checking and adding
(automatic) .............................258
fluid, checking and adding
(manual) .................................261
fluid, refill capacities ..............278
lubricant specifications ..281, 284
manual operation ....................138
Turn signal ..................................43
V
Vehicle dimensions ...................284Vehicle Identification Number
(VIN) ..........................................293
Vehicle loading ..........................159
Ventilating your vehicle ...........128
W
Warning lights (see Lights) .......12
Washer fluid ..............................235
Water, Driving through .............158
Windows
power .........................................55
Windshield washer fluid and
wipers ..........................................50
checking and adding fluid .....235
replacing wiper blades .............50
Wrecker towing .........................214
2004 F250/350/450/550(f23)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA English(fus)
Index
304