2006 FORD F250 SUPER DUTY automatic transmission fluid

1. Clean the reservoir cap before
removal to prevent dirt and water
from entering the reservoir.
2. Remove cap and rubber
diaphragm from reservoir.
3. Add fluid until the level reaches
the step in the reservoir.
4. Reinstall rubber diaphragm and
cap onto reservoir.
TRANSMISSION FLUID
Checking automatic transmission fluid (if equipped)
Refer to your scheduled maintenance information for scheduled
intervals for fluid checks and changes. Your transmission does not
consume fluid. However, the fluid level should be checked if the
transmission is not working properly, i.e., if the transmission slips or
shifts slowly or if you notice some sign of fluid leakage.
Automatic transmission fluid expands when warmed. To obtain an
accurate fluid check, drive the vehicle until it is at normal operating
temperature (approximately 20 miles [30 km]). If your vehicle has been
operated for an extended period at high speeds, in city traffic during hot
weather or pulling a trailer, the vehicle should be turned off for about 30
minutes to allow fluid to cool before checking.
1. Drive the vehicle 20 miles (30 km) or until it reaches normal operating
temperature.
2. Park the vehicle on a level surface and engage the parking brake.
3. With the parking brake engaged and your foot on the brake pedal,
start the engine and move the gearshift lever through all of the gear
ranges. Allow sufficient time for each gear to engage.
4. Latch the gearshift lever in P (Park) and leave the engine running.
5. Remove the dipstick, wiping it clean with a clean, dry lint free rag. If
necessary, refer to Identifying components in the engine compartment
in this chapter for the location of the dipstick.
6. Install the dipstick making sure it is fully seated in the filler tube.
7. Remove the dipstick and inspect the fluid level. The fluid should be in
the designated area for normal operating temperature or ambient
temperature.
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Low fluid level
Do not drive the vehicle if the fluid
level is at the bottom of the dipstick
and the ambient temperature is
above 50°F (10°C).
Correct fluid level
The transmission fluid should be checked at normal operating
temperature 150°F-170°F (66°C-77°C) on a level surface. The normal
operating temperature can be reached after approximately 20 miles (30
km) of driving.
You can check the fluid without driving if the ambient temperature is
above 50°F (10°C). However, if fluid is added at this time, an overfill
condition could result when the vehicle reaches normal operating
temperature.
The transmission fluid should be in
this range if at normal operating
temperature (150°F-170°F
[66°C-77°C]).
The transmission fluid should be in
this range if at ambient temperature
(50°F-95°F [10°C-35°C]).
High fluid level
Fluid levels above the safe range
may result in transmission failure.
An overfill condition of transmission
fluid may cause shift and/or
engagement concerns and/or possible damage.
High fluid levels can be caused by an overheating condition.
Adjusting automatic transmission fluid levels
Before adding any fluid, make sure the correct type is used. The type of
fluid used is normally indicated on the dipstick handle and also in the
Lubricant specifications section in this chapter.
Use of a non-approved automatic transmission fluid may cause
internal transmission component damage.
If necessary, add fluid in 1/2 pint (250 ml) increments through the filler
tube until the level is correct.
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If an overfill occurs, excess fluid
should be removed by a qualified
technician.
An overfill condition of
transmission fluid may cause shift and/or engagement concerns
and/or possible damage.
Do not use supplemental transmission fluid additives, treatments or
cleaning agents. The use of these materials may affect transmission
operation and result in damage to internal transmission components.
Automatic transmission fluid filter (if equipped)
The TorqShift automatic
transmission is equipped with a
serviceable external fluid filter
mounted on the frame rail. Refer to
the scheduled maintenance
information for service intervals.
To replace the transmission filter:
1. Shut off the engine.
2. Unscrew filter housing.
3. Replace filter with a new authorized Motorcraft filter element. Refer to
the Motorcraft part numbers chart in this chapter.
4. Reinstall housing and check transmission fluid level using procedure in
this section.
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Fluid Ford Part Name Application Capacity
Engine oil
(includes filter
change) - diesel
engine Refer to your 6.0 Liter Power Stroke Direct Injection
Turbo Diesel Owner’s Guide 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
Automatic
transmission
fluid 3
Motorcraft
MERCON  SP
AT F TorqShift
(5–speed) 17.5 quarts
(16.6L) 5
(includes
remote filter
element change)
Windshield
washer fluid Motorcraft
Premium
Windshield
Washer
Concentrate All 4.25 quarts
(4.0L)1
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 information for change intervals
on Dana rear axles. 2
Add the coolant type originally equipped in your vehicle.
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3
Ensure the correct automatic transmission fluid is used. Transmission
fluid requirements are indicated on the dipstick handle. Check the
container to verify the fluid being added is of the correct type. Refer to
your scheduled maintenance information 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. 4
Service 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 ensure correct fluid level. 5
Indicates 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. 6
Use of synthetic or synthetic blend motor oil is not mandatory. Engine
oil need only meet the requirements of Ford specification
WSS-M2C930-A and the API Certification mark.
2006 F-250/350/450/550 (f23)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA (fus) Maintenance and Specifications
289

Item Ford part name
or equivalent Ford part
number Ford
specification
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 information for change intervals
on Dana rear axles. 2
Ensure the correct automatic transmission fluid is used. Transmission
fluid requirements are indicated on the dipstick handle. Check the
container to verify the fluid being added is of the correct type. Refer to
your scheduled maintenance information 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.
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292

A
Accessory delay ..........................58
Air cleaner filter .......283–284, 286
Air conditioning ..........................36
Airbag supplemental restraint
system ................................108–109
and child safety seats ............110
description ..............................109
disposal ....................................112
driver airbag ............................111
indicator light .........................112
operation .................................111
passenger airbag .....................111
passenger deactivation
switch ......................................113
Ambulance packages ....................8
Antifreeze
(see Engine coolant) ................260
Anti-lock brake system
(see Brakes) ......................172–173
Audio system
(see Radio) ................20, 22, 25, 28
Automatic transmission ............176
driving an automatic
overdrive .................................177
fluid, adding ............................279
fluid, checking ........................279
fluid, refill capacities ..............287
Auxiliary power point .................56
Axle
lubricant specifications ..........290
refill capacities ........................287
traction lok ..............................175
B
Battery .......................................258
acid, treating emergencies .....258 jumping a disabled battery ....226
maintenance-free ....................258
replacement, specifications ...286
servicing ..................................258
BeltMinder .................................104
Brakes ........................................172
anti-lock ...........................172–173
anti-lock brake system (ABS)
warning light ...........................173
fluid, checking and adding ....278
fluid, refill capacities ..............287
fluid, specifications .................290
lubricant specifications ..........290
parking ....................................173
shift interlock ..........................176
trailer .......................................159
Break-in period .............................5
Bulbs ............................................45
C
Capacities for refilling fluids ....287
Cassette tape player .......20, 22, 25
Cell phone use ..............................7
Child safety restraints ..............118
child safety belts ....................118
Child safety seats ......................121
attaching with tether straps ..124
in front seat ............................122
in rear seat ..............................122
Cleaning your vehicle
engine compartment ..............242
instrument panel ....................244
interior .....................................245
interior trim ............................245
plastic parts ............................244
safety belts ..............................245
washing ....................................241
waxing .....................................241
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USA (fus) Index
305

wheels ......................................242
wiper blades ............................244
Climate control (see Air
conditioning or Heating) ............36
Clutch
fluid ..........................................278
operation while driving ..........180
recommended shift speeds ....180
Compass, electronic
set zone adjustment .................71
Console ........................................67
overhead ..............................55–56
Controls
steering column ........................66
Coolant
checking and adding ..............260
refill capacities ................264, 287
specifications ..........................290
Cruise control
(see Speed control) ....................61
Customer Assistance ................202
Ford accessories for your
vehicle .....................................248
Ford Extended Service
Plan ..........................................238
Getting assistance outside
the U.S. and Canada ..............239
Getting roadside assistance ...202
Getting the service you
need .........................................234
Ordering additional owner’s
literature .................................240
Utilizing the
Mediation/Arbitration
Program ...................................238
D
Daytime running lamps
(see Lamps) ................................40 Dipstick
automatic transmission
fluid ..........................................279
engine oil .................................254
Doors
lubricant specifications ..........290
Driveline universal joint and
slip yoke ....................................283
Driving under special
conditions ..................179, 192, 196
sand .........................................194
snow and ice ...........................196
through water .................195, 198
E
Electronic message center ...68–69
Emergencies, roadside
jump-starting ..........................226
Emergency Flashers .................204
Emission control system ..........275
Engine ........................................293
cleaning ...................................242
coolant .....................................260
diesel ...........................................8
fail-safe cooling .......................265
idle speed control ...................258
lubrication specifications .......290
refill capacities ........................287
service points ..................251–252
starting after a collision .........204
Engine block heater .................172
Engine oil ..................................254
checking and adding ..............254
dipstick ....................................254
filter, specifications ........257, 286
recommendations ...................257
refill capacities ........................287
specifications ..........................290
2006 F-250/350/450/550 (f23)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA (fus)Index
306