Page 258 of 312

4. Poor wiper quality can be improved by cleaning the wiper blades and
the windshield; refer toWindows and wiper bladesin theCleaning
chapter.
5. To prolong the life of the wiper blades, it is highly recommended to
scrape off the ice on the windshield before turning on the wipers. The
layer of ice has many sharp edges and can damage the micro edge of the
wiper rubber element.
ENGINE OIL
Checking the engine oil
Refer to thescheduled maintenance informationfor the appropriate
intervals for checking the engine oil.
1. Make sure the vehicle is on level ground.
2. Turn the engine off and wait a few minutes for the oil to drain into the
oil pan.
3. Set the parking brake and ensure the gearshift is securely latched in P
(Park) (automatic transmission) or 1 (First) (manual transmission).
4. Open the hood. Protect yourself from engine heat.
5. Locate and carefully remove the engine oil level indicator (dipstick).
2007 F-250/350/450/550(f23)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Maintenance and Specifications
258
Page 280 of 312

3. The fuel cap may not have been securely tightened.
These temporary malfunctions can be corrected by filling the fuel tank
with good quality fuel and/or properly tightening the fuel cap. After three
driving cycles without these or any other temporary malfunctions
present, the
light should turn off. (A driving cycle consists of a
cold engine startup followed by mixed city/highway driving.) No
additional vehicle service is required.
If the
light remains on, have your vehicle serviced at the first
available opportunity.
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 your
light is on, refer to the
description in theWarning lights and chimessection of the
Instrument Clusterchapter. Your vehicle may not pass the I/M test with
the
light 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.
2007 F-250/350/450/550(f23)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Maintenance and Specifications
280
Page 286 of 312
Checking and adding manual transmission fluid (if equipped)
1. Clean the filler plug.
2. Remove the filler plug and
inspect the fluid level.
3. Fluid level should be at the
bottom of the opening.
4. Add enough fluid through the
filler opening so that the fluid level
is at the bottom of the opening.
5. Install and tighten the fill plug
securely.
Use only fluid that meets Ford specifications. Refer toMaintenance
Product Specifications and Capacitiesin this chapter.
2007 F-250/350/450/550(f23)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Maintenance and Specifications
286
Page 288 of 312
Note:Do not start your engine with the air cleaner removed and do not
remove it while the engine is running.
Changing the air filter element
•5.4L Engine
1. Release two retainer clamps.
2. Pull air filter tray assembly out
toward front of vehicle and lift air
filter element up and out of housing.
The air filter box needs to be free of any debris before installing a new
air filter.
3. Install a new air filter element
into the tray assembly.
4. Return air filter tray to original
position by pressing firmly on the
handle until all rearward movement
stops and secure the two clamps.
2007 F-250/350/450/550(f23)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Maintenance and Specifications
288
Page 289 of 312
•6.8L Engine
1. Loosen the clamps that secures
the air filter cover in place.
2. Carefully separate the two halves of the air filter housing.
3. Remove the air filter element from the air filter housing.
4. Install a new air filter element.
5. Reassemble the two halves of the air filter housing, aligning the
notches and slots. Secure the clamps, making sure not to crimp the air
filter edges between the two halves of the air filter housing. This could
cause filter damage and allow unmetered air to enter the engine if not
properly seated.
2007 F-250/350/450/550(f23)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Maintenance and Specifications
289
Page 299 of 312

Tonneau covers
Wheels
Interior style
Consoles
Electrochromatic compass/temperature interior mirrors
Floor mats
Lifestyle
Ash cup / smoker’s package
Bedliners and bedmats
Cargo organization and management
Towing mirrors
Trailer hitches, wiring harnesses and accessories
Peace of mind
Mobile-easehands-free communication system
Remote start
Vehicle security systems
Wheel locks
For maximum vehicle performance, keep the following information in
mind when adding accessories or equipment to your vehicle:
•When adding accessories, equipment, passengers and luggage to your
vehicle, do not exceed the total weight capacity of the vehicle or of
the front or rear axle (GVWR or GAWR as indicated on the Safety
Compliance Certification Label). Consult your authorized dealer for
specific weight information.
•The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) and Canadian Radio
Telecommunications Commission (CRTC) regulate the use of mobile
communications systems — such as two-way radios, telephones and
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.
2007 F-250/350/450/550(f23)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Accessories
299