
Check the fluid level when it is at ambient temperature, 20°F–80°F
(-7°C–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.
BRAKE FLUID
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 authorized dealer immediately.
CLUTCH FLUID (IF EQUIPPED)
Check the clutch fluid level. Refer to thescheduled maintenance
informationfor the service interval schedules.
2006 F-250/350/450/550(f23)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Maintenance and Specifications
277

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 toIdentifying 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.
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]).
2006 F-250/350/450/550(f23)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Maintenance and Specifications
279

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
thescheduled maintenance
informationfor 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
theMotorcraft part numberschart in this chapter.
4. Reinstall housing and check transmission fluid level using procedure in
this section.
2006 F-250/350/450/550(f23)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Maintenance and Specifications
281

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 butdorequire a change.
Refer to yourscheduled maintenance informationfor change intervals
on Dana rear axles.
2Ensure 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
yourscheduled maintenance informationto determine the correct
service interval.
MERCON, MERCONV and MERCONSP are not
interchangeable. DO NOT mix MERCON, MERCONV and
MERCONSP. Use of dual usage fluids in an automatic
transmission application requiring MERCONSP may cause
transmission damage. Use of a transmission fluid other than the
recommended fluid may cause transmission damage.
ENGINE DATA
Engine 5.4L V8 engine 6.8L V10 engine
Cubic inches 330 415
Required fuel 87 octane 87 octane
Firing order 1-3-7-2-6-5-4-8 1-6-5-10-2-7-3-8-4-9
Spark plug gap1.02–1.28mm
(0.040–0.050 inch)*1.02–1.28mm
(0.040–0.050 inch)*
Ignition system Coil on plug Coil on plug
Compression ratio 9.8:1 9.2:1
*The 5.4L 3V and 6.8L 3V spark plug gap CANNOT be adjusted.
2006 F-250/350/450/550(f23)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Maintenance and Specifications
293

1. World manufacturer identifier
2. Brake type and gross vehicle
weight rating (GVWR)
3. Vehicle line, series, body type
4. Engine type
5. Check digit
6. Model year
7. Assembly plant
8. Production sequence number
Engine number
The engine number (the last eight numbers of the vehicle identification
number) is stamped on the engine block, transmission, frame and
transfer case (if equipped).
TRANSMISSION/TRANSAXLE CODE DESIGNATIONS
You can find a transmission/transaxle code on the vehicle Safety
Compliance Certification Label. The following table tells you which
transmission or transaxle each code represents.
2006 F-250/350/450/550(f23)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Maintenance and Specifications
302

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

wheels ......................................242
wiper blades ............................244
Climate control (see Air
conditioning or Heating) ............36
Clutch
fluid ..........................................277
operation while driving ..........178
recommended shift speeds ....179
Compass, electronic
set zone adjustment .................71
Console ........................................67
overhead ....................................55
Controls
steering column ........................66
Coolant
checking and adding ..............260
refill capacities ................264, 287
specifications ..........................290
Cruise control
(see Speed control) ....................61
Customer Assistance ................201
Ford accessories for your
vehicle .....................................247
Ford Extended Service
Plan ..........................................238
Getting assistance outside
the U.S. and Canada ..............239
Getting roadside assistance ...201
Getting the service you
need .........................................232
Ordering additional owner’s
literature .................................240
The Dispute Settlement
Board .......................................235
Utilizing the
Mediation/Arbitration
Program ...................................238D
Daytime running lamps
(see Lamps) ................................40
Dipstick
automatic transmission
fluid ..........................................278
engine oil .................................254
Doors
lubricant specifications ..........290
Driveline universal joint and
slip yoke ....................................283
Driving under special
conditions ..................178, 191, 194
sand .........................................193
snow and ice ...........................195
through water .................193, 197
E
Electronic message center ...67, 69
Emergencies, roadside
jump-starting ..........................224
Emergency Flashers .................202
Emission control system ..........274
Engine ................................293–294
cleaning ...................................242
coolant .....................................260
diesel ...........................................7
fail-safe cooling .......................265
idle speed control ...................258
lubrication specifications .......290
refill capacities ........................287
service points ..................251–252
starting after a collision .........203
Engine block heater .................170
Engine oil ..................................254
checking and adding ..............254
dipstick ....................................254
2006 F-250/350/450/550(f23)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Index
308

K
Keyless entry system .................86
Keys
positions of the ignition .........165
L
Lamps
autolamp system .......................39
daytime running light ...............40
fog lamps ...................................40
headlamps .................................39
headlamps, flash to pass ..........41
instrument panel, dimming .....41
interior lamps ...........................45
replacing bulbs .............46, 48–53
Lane change indicator
(see Turn signal) ........................45
Lights, warning and indicator ....12
anti-lock brakes (ABS) ..........171
speed control ............................63
Load limits .................................146
Loading instructions .................153
Locks
childproof ..................................81
Lubricant specifications ...........290
Lug nuts ....................................223
Lumbar support, seats ...............94
M
Manual transmission .................178
fluid capacities ........................287
reverse .....................................180
Message center ...............67, 69–70
english/metric button ...............74
system check button ................73warning messages .....................75
Mirrors .........................................55
automatic dimming rearview
mirror ........................................58
fold away ...................................60
heated ........................................58
side view mirrors (power) .......58
signal .........................................59
Moon roof ....................................66
Motorcraft parts ................266, 286
O
Octane rating ............................270
Oil (see Engine oil) ..................254
Overdrive .....................................55
P
Parking brake ............................172
Parts (see Motorcraft parts) ....286
Pedals (see Power adjustable
foot pedals) .................................61
Power adjustable foot pedals .....61
Power distribution box
(see Fuses) ...............................209
Power door locks ........................80
Power mirrors .............................58
Power point .................................56
Power steering ..........................173
fluid, checking and adding ....276
fluid, refill capacity ................287
fluid, specifications .................290
Power Windows ...........................56
Preparing to drive your
vehicle ........................................174
2006 F-250/350/450/550(f23)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Index
310