
TIRE CARE
Improper or inadequate vehicle maintenance can cause tires to wear
abnormally. Inspect all your tires, including the spare, frequently, and
replace them if one or more of the following conditions exist:
Tire wear
When the tread is worn down to
1/16th of an inch (2 mm), tires must
be replaced to help prevent your
vehicle from skidding and
hydroplaning. Built-in treadwear
indicators, or “wear bars”, which
look like narrow strips of smooth
rubber across the tread will appear
on the tire when the tread is worn
down to 1/16th of an inch (2 mm).
When the tire tread wears down to
the same height as these “wear bars”, the tire is worn out and must be
replaced.
Damage
Periodically inspect the tire treads and sidewalls for damage (such as
bulges in the tread or sidewalls, cracks in the tread groove and
separation in the tread or sidewall). If damage is observed or suspected
have the tire inspected by a tire professional. Tires can be damaged
during off-road use, so inspection after off-road use is also
recommended.
Age
Tires degrade over time, even when they are not being used. It is
recommended that tires generally be replaced after 6 years of normal
service. Heat caused by hot climates or frequent high loading conditions
can accelerate the aging process.
Safety practices
Driving habits have a great deal to do with your tire mileage and safety.
•Observe posted speed limits
•Avoid fast starts, stops and turns
2006 F-250/350/450/550(f23)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Tires, Wheels and Loading
142

Board membership
The Board consists of:
•Three consumer representatives
•An authorized dealer representative
Consumer candidates for Board membership are recruited and trained by
an independent consulting firm. The authorized dealer Board member is
chosen from an authorized dealer management, recognized for their
business leadership qualities.
What the Board needs
To have your case reviewed you must complete the application in the
DSB brochure and mail it to the address provided on the application
form. Some states will require you to use certified mail, with return
receipt requested.
Your application is reviewed and, if it is determined to be eligible, you
will receive an acknowledgment indicating:
•The file number assigned to your application.
•The toll-free phone number of the DSB’s independent administrator.
Your authorized dealer and a Ford Motor Company representative will
then be asked to submit statements.
To properly review your case, the Board needs the following information:
•Legible copies of all documents and maintenance or repair orders
relevant to the case.
•The year, make, model, and Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) listed
on your vehicle ownership license.
•The date of repair(s) and mileage at the time of occurrence(s).
•The current mileage.
•The name of the authorized dealer(s) who sold or serviced the
vehicle.
•A brief description of your unresolved concern.
•A brief summary of the action taken by the authorized dealer(s) and
Ford Motor Company.
•The names (if known) of all the people you contacted at the
authorized dealer(s).
•A description of the action you expect to resolve your concern.
You will receive a letter of explanation if your application does not
qualify for Board review.
2006 F-250/350/450/550(f23)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Customer Assistance
236

•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

filter, specifications ........257, 286
recommendations ...................257
refill capacities ........................287
specifications ..........................290
Exhaust fumes ..........................169
F
Fail safe cooling ........................265
Fluid capacities .........................287
Foglamps .....................................40
Four-Wheel Drive vehicles .......183
description ..............................187
driving off road .......................189
electronic shift ................183, 187
indicator light .........................184
lever operated shift ................185
manual locking hubs ..............183
preparing to drive your
vehicle .....................................174
Fuel ............................................266
calculating fuel economy..72, 271
cap ...........................................268
capacity ...................................287
choosing the right fuel ...........269
comparisons with EPA fuel
economy estimates .................274
detergent in fuel .....................270
filling your vehicle
with fuel ..................266, 268, 271
filter, specifications ........266, 286
fuel pump shut-off switch .....203
improving fuel economy ........271
octane rating ...........270, 293–294
quality ......................................270
running out of fuel .................270
safety information relating to
automotive fuels .....................266
Fuel pump shut-off switch .......203
Fuses ..................................203–204G
Gas cap (see Fuel cap) ............268
Gas mileage
(see Fuel economy) .................271
Gauges .........................................16
transmission fluid
temperature gauge ...................20
H
Hazard flashers .........................202
Head restraints ...........................89
Headlamps ...................................39
aiming ..................................41, 43
autolamp system .......................39
daytime running lights .............40
flash to pass ..............................41
high beam .................................41
replacing bulbs .............46, 48–50
turning on and off ....................39
Heating
heating and air conditioning
system ...........................33–34, 36
Hood ..........................................250
I
Ignition .......................165, 293–294
Infant seats
(see Safety seats) .....................119
Inspection/maintenance (I/M)
testing ........................................276
Instrument panel
cleaning ...................................244
cluster ........................................12
lighting up panel and
interior .......................................41
J
Jump-starting your vehicle ......224
2006 F-250/350/450/550(f23)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Index
309