
SERVICE RECOMMENDATIONS
To help you service your vehicle:
•We highlight do-it-yourself items in the engine compartment for easy
location.
•We provide a scheduled maintenance guide which makes tracking
routine service easy.
If your vehicle requires professional service, your dealership can provide
the necessary parts and service. Check yourWarranty Guide/Owner
Information Guideto find out which parts and services are covered.
Use only recommended fuels, lubricants, fluids and service parts
conforming to specifications. Motorcraft parts are designed and built to
provide the best performance in your vehicle.
PRECAUTIONS WHEN SERVICING YOUR VEHICLE
•Do not work on a hot engine.
•Make sure that nothing gets caught in moving parts.
•Do not work on a vehicle with the engine running in an enclosed
space, unless you are sure you have enough ventilation.
•Keep all open flames and other burning (cigarettes) material away
from the battery and all fuel related parts.
Working with the engine off
•Automatic transmission:
1. Set the parking brake and shift to P (Park).
2. Turn off the engine and remove the key.
3. Block the wheels.
•Manual transmission:
1. Set the parking brake, depress the clutch and place the gearshift in 1
(First).
2. Turn off the engine and remove the key.
3. Block the wheels.
Working with the engine on
•Automatic transmission:
1. Set the parking brake and shift to P (Park).
2. Block the wheels.
REVIEW COPY
2005 F250/350/450/550(f23), Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)(own2002),
Market:USA_English(fus)
Maintenance and Specifications
Maintenance and Specifications
245

Batteries normally produce explosive gases which can cause
personal injury. Therefore, do not allow flames, sparks or lighted
substances to come near the battery. When working near the battery,
always shield your face and protect your eyes. Always provide proper
ventilation.
When lifting a plastic-cased battery, excessive pressure on the
end walls could cause acid to flow through the vent caps,
resulting in personal injury and/or damage to the vehicle or battery.
Lift the battery with a battery carrier or with your hands on opposite
corners.
Keep batteries out of reach of children. Batteries contain sulfuric
acid. Avoid contact with skin, eyes or clothing. Shield your eyes
when working near the battery to protect against possible splashing of
acid solution. In case of acid contact with skin or eyes, flush
immediately with water for a minimum of 15 minutes and get prompt
medical attention. If acid is swallowed, call a physician immediately.
Battery posts, terminals and related accessories contain lead and
lead compounds.Wash hands after handling.
For information on transmission operation after the battery has been
disconnected, refer toShift strategyin theDrivingchapter.
Because your vehicle’s engine is also electronically controlled by a
computer, some control conditions are maintained by power from the
battery. When the battery is disconnected or a new battery is installed,
the engine must relearn its idle and fuel trim strategy for optimum
driveability and performance. To begin this process:
1. With the vehicle at a complete stop, set the parking brake.
2. Put the gearshift in P (Park) (automatic transmission) or the neutral
position (manual transmission), turn off all accessories and start the
engine.
3. Run the engine until it reaches normal operating temperature.
4. Allow the engine to idle for at least one minute.
5. Turn the A/C on and allow the engine to idle for at least one minute.
6. Drive the vehicle to complete the relearning process.
REVIEW COPY
2005 F250/350/450/550(f23), Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)(own2002),
Market:USA_English(fus)
Maintenance and Specifications
254

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.
BRAKE FLUID RESERVOIR
The fluid level will drop slowly as
the brakes wear, and will rise when
the brake components are replaced.
Fluid levels between the “MIN” and
“MAX” lines are within the normal
operating range; there is no need to
add fluid. If the fluid levels are
outside of the normal operating
range the performance of your
brake system could be
compromised; seek service from
your dealer immediately.
CLUTCH FLUID (IF EQUIPPED)
Check the clutch fluid level. Refer to theScheduled Maintenance
Guidefor the service interval schedules.
Use only a DOT 3 brake fluid designed to meet Ford specification
ESA-M6C25–A. Refer toLubricant Specificationsin this chapter.
Brake fluid is toxic. If brake fluid contacts the eyes, flush eyes
with running water for 15 minutes. Seek medical attention if
irritation persists. If taken internally, drink water and induce vomiting.
Seek medical attention immediately.
During normal operation, the fluid level in the clutch reservoir should
remain constant or rise slightly. If the fluid level drops, refill the fluid
level to the step in the reservoir.
REVIEW COPY
2005 F250/350/450/550(f23), Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)(own2002),
Market:USA_English(fus)
Maintenance and Specifications
272

A
Accessory delay ..........................60
Air bag supplemental
restraint system ................108–109
and child safety seats ............110
description ..............................109
disposal ....................................112
driver air bag ..........................111
indicator light .........................112
operation .................................111
passenger air bag ...................111
passenger deactivation
switch ......................................113
Air cleaner filter ...............278, 280
Air conditioning ..........................37
Ambulance packages ....................8
Antifreeze (see
Engine coolant) ........................255
Anti-lock brake system
(see Brakes) ..............................181
Audio system
(see Radio) ................20, 22, 25, 28
Automatic transmission ............184
driving an automatic
overdrive .................................186
fluid, adding ............................273
fluid, checking ........................273
fluid, refill capacities ..............281
fluid, specification ..................287
Auxiliary power point .................58
Axle
lubricant specifications ..283, 287
refill capacities ........................281
traction lok ..............................183
B
Battery .......................................253acid, treating emergencies .....253
jumping a disabled battery ....221
maintenance-free ....................253
replacement, specifications ...280
servicing ..................................253
BeltMinder .................................104
Brakes ........................................181
anti-lock ...................................181
anti-lock brake system
(ABS) warning light ...............181
fluid, checking and adding ....272
fluid, refill capacities ..............281
fluid, specifications .........283, 287
lubricant specifications ..283, 287
parking ....................................182
shift interlock ..........................184
Break-in period .............................5
Bulbs ............................................47
C
Capacities for refilling fluids ....281
Cassette tape player .......20, 22, 25
Cell phone use ............................67
Certification Label ....................294
Child safety restraints ..............118
child safety belts ....................118
Child safety seats ......................120
attaching with tether straps ..124
in front seat ............................122
in rear seat ..............................122
Cleaning your vehicle
engine compartment ..............239
instrument panel ....................241
interior .....................................241
interior trim ............................241
plastic parts ............................240
safety belts ..............................241
washing ....................................238
REVIEW COPY
2005 F250/350/450/550(f23), Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)(own2002),
Market:USA_English(fus)
Index
Index
299

K
Keyless entry system .................86
Keys
positions of the ignition .........175
L
Lamps
autolamp system .......................40
daytime running light ...............41
fog lamps ...................................41
headlamps .................................40
headlamps, flash to pass ..........42
instrument panel, dimming .....42
interior lamps ...........................46
replacing bulbs ...................47–54
Lane change indicator
(see Turn signal) ........................46
Lights, warning and indicator ....12
anti-lock brakes (ABS) ..........181
speed control ............................65
Load limits .................................160
Loading instructions .................165
Locks
childproof ..................................81
Lubricant specifications ...283, 287
Lug nuts ....................................148
Lumbar support, seats ...............95
M
Manual transmission .................188
fluid capacities ........................281
lubricant specifications ..........287
reverse .....................................190
Message center ...............67, 69–70
english/metric button ...............74
system check button ................73warning messages .....................75
Mirrors ...................................56, 60
automatic dimming rearview
mirror ........................................60
fold away ...................................62
heated ........................................60
side view mirrors (power) .......60
signal .........................................61
Moon roof ....................................57
Motorcraft parts ................265, 280
O
Octane rating ............................264
Oil (see Engine oil) ..................249
Overdrive .....................................56
P
Parking brake ............................182
Parts (see Motorcraft parts) ....280
Pedals (see Power adjustable
foot pedals) .................................63
Power adjustable foot pedals .....63
Power distribution box
(see Fuses) ...............................219
Power door locks ........................80
Power mirrors .............................60
Power point .................................58
Power steering ..........................183
fluid, checking and adding ....271
fluid, refill capacity ................281
fluid, specifications .........283, 287
Power Windows ...........................58
Preparing to drive
your vehicle ...............................184
R
Radio ..........................20, 22, 25, 28
REVIEW COPY
2005 F250/350/450/550(f23), Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)(own2002),
Market:USA_English(fus)
Index
302

Relays ........................................213
Remote entry system .................82
illuminated entry ......................85
locking/unlocking doors ...........80
Reverse sensing system ...........191
Roadside assistance ..................211
S
Safety Belt Maintenance ..........108
Safety belts (see
Safety restraints) ................97–101
Safety defects, reporting ..........237
Safety restraints ..................97–101
belt minder .............................104
extension assembly ................107
for adults ...........................98–101
for children .....................117–118
lap belt ....................................102
safety belt maintenance .........108
warning light and
chime ...............................103–104
Safety seats for children ..........120
Seat belts (see
Safety restraints) ........................97
Seats ............................................90
child safety seats ....................120
cleaning ...................................242
Servicing your vehicle ..............245
Snowplowing .................8, 208–210
Spark plugs,
specifications .....................280, 287
Special notice ................................9
ambulance conversions ..............8
diesel-powered vehicles .............8
four-wheel drive vehicles .......210
utility-type vehicles ....................8Specification chart,
lubricants ...........................283, 287
Speed control ..............................63
Starting your vehicle .......175–176,
179
jump starting ..........................221
Steering wheel
controls ......................................66
tilting .........................................56
T
Tailgate ..................................78–79
Tilt steering wheel ......................56
Tires ...................................131–132
alignment ................................156
care ..........................................155
changing ..................................141
checking the pressure ............134
inspecting and inflating .........133
label .........................................154
replacing ..................................137
rotating ....................................157
safety practices .......................156
sidewall information ...............149
snow tires and chains ............160
spare tire .........................137–138
terminology .............................132
tire grades ...............................132
treadwear ........................131, 155
Towing .......................................165
trailer towing ..........................165
wrecker ....................................227
Traction-lok rear axle ...............183
Transfer case
fluid checking .........................277
Transmission
automatic operation .........56, 184
brake-shift interlock (BSI) ....184
REVIEW COPY
2005 F250/350/450/550(f23), Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)(own2002),
Market:USA_English(fus)
Index
303