Adding engine coolant
When adding coolant, make sure it is a 50/50 mixture of engine coolant
and distilled water. Add the mixture to the coolant reservoir, when the
engine is cool , until the appropriate fill level is obtained.
Do not add engine coolant when the engine is hot. Steam and
scalding liquids released from a hot cooling system can burn you
badly. Also, you can be burned if you spill coolant on hot engine parts.
Do not put engine coolant in the windshield washer fluid
container. If sprayed on the windshield, engine coolant could
make it difficult to see through the windshield.
• Add Motorcraft Premium Gold Engine Coolant
(yellow-colored), VC-7–A (U.S., except CA, OR and NM),
VC-7–B (CA, OR and NM), meeting Ford Specification
WSS-M97B51–A1.
Note: Use of Motorcraft Cooling System Stop Leak Pellets, VC-6, may
darken the color of Motorcraft Premium Gold Engine Coolant from
yellow to golden tan.
• Do not add/mix an orange-colored, extended life coolant such
as Motorcraft Specialty Orange Engine Coolant, VC-2 (US) or
CXC-209 (Canada), meeting Ford specification WSS-M97B44–D
with the factory-filled coolant. Mixing Motorcraft Specialty Orange
Engine Coolant or any orange-colored extended life product with your
factory filled coolant can result in degraded corrosion protection.
• A large amount of water without engine coolant may be added, in case
of emergency, to reach a vehicle service location. In this instance, the
cooling system must be drained and refilled with a 50/50 mixture of
engine coolant and distilled water as soon as possible. Water alone
(without engine coolant) can cause engine damage from corrosion,
overheating or freezing.
• Do not use alcohol, methanol, brine or any engine coolants
mixed with alcohol or methanol antifreeze (coolant). Alcohol
and other liquids can cause engine damage from overheating or
freezing.
• Do not add extra inhibitors or additives to the coolant. These
can be harmful and compromise the corrosion protection of the engine
coolant.
2006 F-250/350/450/550 (f23)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA (fus)Maintenance and Specifications
262
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.
2006 F-250/350/450/550 (f23)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA (fus)Maintenance and Specifications
288
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.
2006 F-250/350/450/550 (f23)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA (fus)Maintenance and Specifications
292
Transfer case
fluid checking .........................283
Transmission
automatic operation .........55, 176
brake-shift interlock (BSI) ....176
fluid, checking and adding
(automatic) .............................279
fluid, checking and adding
(manual) .................................282
fluid, refill capacities ..............287
lubricant specifications ..........290
manual operation ....................180
Turn signal ..................................44
U
Upfitter controls .........................64
V
Vehicle dimensions ...................293 Vehicle Identification Number
(VIN) ..........................................300
Vehicle loading ..........................148
Ventilating your vehicle ...........171
W
Warning lights (see Lights)
.......12
Washer fluid
..............................253
Water, Driving through
.............198
Windows
power
.........................................57
Windshield washer fluid and
wipers
..........................................54
checking and adding fluid
.....253
replacing wiper blades
...........254
Wrecker towing
.........................232
2006 F-250/350/450/550 (f23)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA (fus)Index
310