Vehicle Symbol Glossary
Power Windows
Front/Rear Power Window Lockout
Child Safety Door
Lock/Unlock Interior Luggage
Compartment Release
Symbol
Panic Alarm Engine Oil
Engine Coolant Engine Coolant
Temperature
Do Not Open When Hot Battery
Avoid Smoking, Flames,
or Sparks Battery Acid
Explosive Gas Fan Warning
Power Steering Fluid Maintain Correct Fluid
Level MAX
MIN
Emission System Engine Air Filter
Passenger Compartment
Air Filter Jack
Check fuel cap Low tire warning
2005 F250/350/450/550 (f23)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA_English (fus) Introduction
11
Pull the right side of the release
lever to release the parking brake;
the release lever pulls at an angle
toward the driver’s door. To prevent
the pedal from releasing too quickly,
place your left foot on the parking
brake pedal, then pull the release
lever, making sure the pedal fully
releases. You may want to pull the
release lever again to make sure the
parking brake is full released.
Always set the parking brake fully and make sure that the
gearshift is securely latched in P (Park) (automatic
transmission) or in 1 (First) (manual transmission).
Note: If your vehicle is equipped with a manual transmission, the engine
may be required to run while power accessories operate and the parking
brake is set. It is recommended that wheel chocks be used during this
operation.
If you’re parking your vehicle on a grade or with a trailer, press and hold
the brake pedal down, then set the parking brake. There may be a little
vehicle movement as the parking brake sets to hold the vehicle’s weight.
This is normal and should be no reason for concern. If needed, press and
hold the service brake pedal down, then try reapplying the parking
brake. Chock the wheels if required. If the parking brake cannot hold the
weight of the vehicle, the parking brake may need to be serviced or the
vehicle may be overloaded.
STEERING
To prevent damage to the power steering system:
• Never hold the steering wheel at its furthest turning points (until it
stops) for more than a few seconds when the engine is running.
• Do not operate the vehicle with a low power steering pump fluid level
(below the FULL COLD mark on the dipstick).
If the power steering system breaks down (or if the engine is turned
off), you can steer the vehicle manually, but it takes more effort.
2005 F250/350/450/550 (f23)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA_English (fus) Driving
185
IDENTIFYING COMPONENTS IN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT
5.4L V8 gasoline engines
Refer to the 6.0 Liter Power Stroke Direct Injection Turbo Diesel
Owner’s Guide Supplement for diesel engine component locations.
1. Transmission fluid dipstick (automatic transmission)
2. Air filter assembly
3. Engine coolant reservoir
4. Brake fluid reservoir
5. Clutch fluid reservoir (manual transmission)
6. Underhood relay box
7. Power steering fluid reservoir
8. Engine oil dipstick
9. Engine oil filler cap
10. Windshield washer fluid reservoir
11. Battery
2005 F250/350/450/550 (f23)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA_English (fus) Maintenance and Specifications
249
6.8L V10 gasoline engine
Refer to the 6.0 Liter Power Stroke Direct Injection Turbo Diesel
Owner’s Guide Supplement for diesel engine component locations.
1. Transmission fluid dipstick (automatic transmission)
2. Engine coolant reservoir
3. Brake fluid reservoir
4. Clutch fluid reservoir (manual transmission)
5. Underhood relay box
6. Power steering fluid reservoir
7. Air filter assembly
8. Engine oil dipstick
9. Engine oil filler cap
10. Windshield washer fluid reservoir
11. Battery 1 2 3 4 5
10 9 8 7 611
2005 F250/350/450/550 (f23)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA_English (fus)Maintenance and Specifications
250
engine must warm up to its normal operating temperature. Once started,
do not turn off the engine until the above driving cycle is complete.
CHECKING AND ADDING POWER STEERING FLUID
Check the power steering fluid.
Refer to the scheduled maintenance
guide for the service interval
schedules. If adding fluid is
necessary, use only MERCON AT F.
Check the fluid level when it is at ambient temperature, 20° – 80° F (-7°
– 25° C):
1. Check the fluid level on the dipstick. It should be between the arrows in
the FULL COLD range. Do not add fluid if the level is within this range.
2. If the fluid level is low. Add fluid to bring fluid level up to be between
the arrows in the FULL COLD range.
3. Start the engine.
4. While the engine idles, turn the steering wheel left and right several times.
5. Turn the engine off.
6. Recheck the fluid level on the dipstick. Do not add fluid if the level is
between the arrows in the FULL COLD range.
7. If the fluid is low, add fluid in small amounts, continuously checking
the level until it reaches the FULL COLD range. Be sure to put the
dipstick back in the reservoir.
2005 F250/350/450/550 (f23)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA_English (fus) Maintenance and Specifications
273
Fluid Ford Part
Name Application Capacity
Engine oil
(includes filter
change)-Gas
engines 6
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
engines 7.0 quarts
(6.6L)
Engine oil
(includes filter
change)-Diesel
engine Refer to your 6.0L Diesel Supplement
Fuel tank N/A Mid-ship tank
(optional on
Chassis Cab) 19.0 gallons
(71.9L )
Short box 30.5 gallons
(115.5L)
Long box 38.0 gallons
(143.9L)
Aft axle 40.0 gallons
(151.4L)
Power steering
fluid Motorcraft
MERCON AT F All Fill to FULL
COLD range on
dipstick
Transfer case
fluid Motorcraft
MERCON AT F 4x4 vehicles 2.0 quarts
(1.9L)
Manual
transmission
fluid Motorcraft
MERCON AT F 6-speed manual 5.8 quarts
(5.5L) 4
2005 F250/350/450/550 (f23)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA_English (fus)Maintenance and Specifications
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Item Ford part
name or
equivalent Ford part
number Ford
specification
Power steering
fluid and
transfer case
fluid (if
equipped) Motorcraft
MERCON AT F XT-2-QDX MERCON
Manual
transmission
(6-speed) Motorcraft
MERCON AT F 2
XT-2-QDX MERCON
Automatic
transmission
TorqShift
(5–speed) Motorcraft
MERCON SP
AT F 2
XT-6–QSP MERCON SP
Windshield
washer fluid Motorcraft
Premium
Windshield
Washer
Concentrate ZC-32–A WSB-M8B16–A21
Add 8 oz.(236 ml) of Additive Friction Modifier XL-3 or equivalent
meeting Ford specification EST-M2C118-A for complete refill of limited
slip axles. Ford design rear axles contain a synthetic lubricant that does
not require changing unless the axle has been submerged in water. Dana
rear axles also contain a synthetic lubricant but do require a change.
Refer to your Scheduled Maintenance Guide for change intervals on
Dana rear axles. 2
Ensure 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.
MERCON , MERCON V and MERCON SP are not
interchangeable. DO NOT mix MERCON , MERCON V and
MERCON SP. Use of dual usage fluids in an automatic
transmission application requiring MERCON SP may cause
transmission damage. Use of a transmission fluid other than the
recommended fluid may cause transmission damage.
2005 F250/350/450/550 (f23)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA_English (fus)Maintenance and Specifications
288
Power steering ..........................185
fluid, checking and adding ....273
fluid, refill capacity ................283
fluid, specifications .........286, 289
Power Windows ...........................57
Preparing to drive your
vehicle ........................................186
R
Radio ..........................20, 22, 25, 28
Relays ........................................215
Remote entry system .................81
illuminated entry ......................84
locking/unlocking doors ...........79
Reverse sensing system ...........193
Roadside assistance ..................213
S
Safety Belt Maintenance ..........107
Safety belts (see Safety
restraints) ............................96–100
Safety defects, reporting ..........239
Safety restraints ..................96–100
belt minder .............................103
extension assembly ................106
for adults ...........................97–100
for children .....................116–117
lap belt ....................................101
safety belt maintenance .........107
warning light and
chime ...............................102–103
Safety seats for children ..........119
Seat belts
(see Safety restraints) ...............96
Seats ............................................89
child safety seats ....................119 cleaning ...................................244
Servicing your vehicle ..............247
Snowplowing .................8, 210–212
Spark plugs, specifications ......282,
289
Special notice ................................9
ambulance conversions ..............8
diesel-powered vehicles .............7
four-wheel drive vehicles .......212
utility-type vehicles ....................7
Specification chart,
lubricants ...........................286, 289
Speed control ..............................62
Starting your vehicle .......178–179,
182
jump starting ..........................224
Steering wheel
controls ......................................65
tilting .........................................55
T
Tailgate ..................................77–78
Tilt steering wheel ......................55
Tires ...................................130–132
alignment ................................156
care ..........................................155
changing ..................................141
checking the pressure ............133
inspecting and inflating .........133
label .........................................154
replacing ..................................136
rotating ....................................157
safety practices .......................156
sidewall information ...............149
snow tires and chains ............159
spare tire .........................137–138
terminology .............................132
tire grades ...............................131
2005 F250/350/450/550 (f23)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA_English (fus)Index
306