2006 FORD SUPER DUTY battery

6.8L V10 gasoline engine
Refer to the6.0 Liter Power Stroke Direct Injection Turbo Diesel
Owner’s Guide Supplementfor 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. Power distribution 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
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2006 F-250/350/450/550(f23)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Maintenance and Specifications
252

BATTERY
Your vehicle is equipped with a
Motorcraft maintenance-free battery
which normally does not require
additional water during its life of
service.
However, for severe usage or in high temperature climates, check the
battery electrolyte level. Refer to thescheduled maintenance
informationfor the service interval schedules.
Keep the electrolyte level in each cell up to the “level indicator”.
Do not overfill the battery cells.
If the electrolyte level in the battery is low, you can add plain tap water
to the battery, as long as you do not use hard water (water with a high
mineral or alkali content). If possible, however, try to only fill the battery
cells with distilled water. If the battery needs water often, have the
charging system checked.
If your battery has a cover/shield, make sure it is reinstalled
after the battery has been cleaned or replaced.
For longer, trouble-free operation, keep the top of the battery clean and
dry. Also, make certain the battery cables are always tightly fastened to
the battery terminals.
If you see any corrosion on the battery or terminals, remove the cables
from the terminals and clean with a wire brush. You can neutralize the
acid with a solution of baking soda and water.
When the battery is disconnected or a new battery installed, the
transmission must learn its adaptive strategy. As a result of this, the
transmission may shift firmly. This operation is considered normal and
will fully update transmission operation to its optimum shift feel.
Note: Electrical or electronic accessories or components added to
the vehicle by the authorized dealer or the owner may adversely
affect battery performance and durability.
2006 F-250/350/450/550(f23)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Maintenance and Specifications
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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.
2006 F-250/350/450/550(f23)
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Maintenance and Specifications
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•The vehicle may need to be driven 10 miles (16 km) or more to
relearn the idle and fuel trim strategy.
•If you do not allow the engine to relearn its idle trim, the idle
quality of your vehicle may be adversely affected until the idle
trim is eventually relearned.
If the battery has been disconnected or a new battery has been installed,
the clock and the preset radio stations must be reset once the battery is
reconnected.
•Always dispose of automotive
batteries in a responsible manner.
Follow your local authorized
standards for disposal. Call your
local authorized recycling center
to find out more about recycling
automotive batteries.
ENGINE COOLANT
Checking engine coolant
The concentration and level of engine coolant should be checked at the
mileage intervals listed in thescheduled maintenance information.
The coolant concentration should be maintained at 50/50 coolant and
distilled water, which equates to a freeze point of -34°F (-36°C). Coolant
concentration testing is possible with a hydrometer or antifreeze tester
(such as the Rotunda Battery and Antifreeze Tester, 014–R1060). The
level of coolant should be maintained at the “FULL COLD” level or
within the “COLD FILL RANGE” in the coolant reservoir. If the level falls
below, add coolant per the instructions in theAdding engine coolant
section.
Your vehicle was factory-filled with a 50/50 engine coolant and water
concentration. If the concentration of coolant falls below 40% or above
60%, the engine parts could become damaged or not work properly.A
50/50 mixture of coolant and water provides the following:
•Freeze protection down to -34°F (-36°C).
•Boiling protection up to 265°F (129°C).
•Protection against rust and other forms of corrosion.
•Enables calibrated gauges to work properly.
L
E
A
D
RETURN
RECYCLE
2006 F-250/350/450/550(f23)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Maintenance and Specifications
260

Readiness for Inspection/Maintenance (I/M) testing
In some localities, it may be a legal requirement to pass an I/M test of
the on-board diagnostics system. If yourCheck engine/Service engine
soonlight is on, refer to the description in theWarning lights and
chimessection of theInstrument Clusterchapter. Your vehicle may not
pass the I/M test with theCheck engine/Service engine soonlight on.
If the vehicle’s powertrain system or its battery has just been serviced,
the on-board diagnostics system is reset to a “not ready for I/M test”
condition. To ready the on-board diagnostics system for I/M testing, a
minimum of 30 minutes of city and highway driving is necessary as
described below:
•First, at least 10 minutes of driving on an expressway or highway.
•Next, at least 20 minutes driving in stop-and-go, city-type traffic with
at least four idle periods.
Allow the vehicle to sit for at least eight hours without starting the
engine. Then, start the engine and complete the above driving cycle. The
engine must warm up to its normal operating temperature. Once started,
do not turn off the engine until the above driving cycle is complete.
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 MERCONAT F.
2006 F-250/350/450/550(f23)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Maintenance and Specifications
276

MOTORCRAFT PART NUMBERS
Component 5.4L V8 engine 6.8L V10 engine
Air filter element FA-1754 FA-1782
Fuel filter FG-1011 FG-1011
Oil filter FL-820-S FL-820-S
PCV valve
1
Battery (Standard) BXT-65-650 BXT-65-650
Battery (Optional) BXT-65-750 BXT-65-750
Spark plugs-platinum
2
Remote Automatic
Transmission Filter3FT-145 FT–145
1The PCV valve is a critical emission component. It is one of the items
listed in thescheduled maintenance informationand is essential to
the life and performance of your vehicle and to its emissions system.
For PCV valve replacement, see your authorized dealer. Refer to the
scheduled maintenance informationfor the appropriate intervals for
changing the PCV valve.
Replace the PCV valve with one that meets Ford material and
design specifications for your vehicle, such as a Motorcraft or
equivalent replacement part. The customer warranty may be void
for any damage to the emissions system if such a PCV valve is not
used.
2For spark plug replacement, see your authorized dealer. Refer to the
scheduled maintenance informationfor the appropriate intervals for
changing the spark plugs.
Replace the spark plugs with ones that meet Ford material and
design specifications for your vehicle, such as Motorcraft or
equivalent replacement parts. The customer warranty may be
void for any damage to the engine if such spark plugs are not
used.
3Also available with 6.0L Diesel engine/TorqShift transmission. Part
number is FT-145.
2006 F-250/350/450/550(f23)
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theft alarms - that are equipped with radio transmitters. Any such
equipment installed in your vehicle should comply with FCC or CRTC
regulations and should be installed only by your authorized dealer.
•Mobile communications systems may harm the operation of your
vehicle, particularly if they are not properly designed for automotive
use.
•To avoid interference with other vehicle functions, such as anti-lock
braking systems, amateur radio users who install radios and antennas
onto their vehicle should not locate the Amateur Radio Antennas in
the area of the driver’s side hood.
•Electrical or electronic accessories or components that are added to
the vehicle by the authorized dealer or the owner may adversely affect
battery performance and durability.
2006 F-250/350/450/550(f23)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Accessories
306

A
Accessory delay ..........................57
Air cleaner filter .......283–284, 286
Air conditioning ..........................36
Airbag supplemental restraint
system ................................107–108
and child safety seats ............109
description ..............................108
disposal ....................................111
driver airbag ............................110
indicator light .........................111
operation .................................110
passenger airbag .....................110
passenger deactivation
switch ......................................112
Ambulance packages ....................8
Antifreeze
(see Engine coolant) ................260
Anti-lock brake system
(see Brakes) ..............................171
Audio system
(see Radio) ................20, 22, 25, 28
Automatic transmission ............174
driving an automatic
overdrive .................................176
fluid, adding ............................278
fluid, checking ........................278
fluid, refill capacities ..............287
Auxiliary power point .................56
Axle
lubricant specifications ..........290
refill capacities ........................287
traction lok ..............................173
B
Battery .......................................258
acid, treating emergencies .....258jumping a disabled battery ....224
maintenance-free ....................258
replacement, specifications ...286
servicing ..................................258
BeltMinder .................................103
Brakes ........................................170
anti-lock ...................................171
anti-lock brake system (ABS)
warning light ...........................171
fluid, checking and adding ....277
fluid, refill capacities ..............287
fluid, specifications .................290
lubricant specifications ..........290
parking ....................................172
shift interlock ..........................174
trailer .......................................157
Break-in period .............................5
Bulbs ............................................46
C
Capacities for refilling fluids ....287
Cassette tape player .......20, 22, 25
Cell phone use ..............................7
Child safety restraints ..............117
child safety belts ....................117
Child safety seats ......................119
attaching with tether straps ..123
in front seat ............................121
in rear seat ..............................121
Cleaning your vehicle
engine compartment ..............242
instrument panel ....................244
interior .....................................245
interior trim ............................245
plastic parts ............................244
safety belts ..............................245
washing ....................................241
waxing .....................................241
2006 F-250/350/450/550(f23)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Index
307