
SAFETY AND ENVIRONMENT PROTECTION
Warning symbols in this guide
How can you reduce the risk of personal injury to yourself or others? In
this guide, answers to such questions are contained in comments
highlighted by the warning triangle symbol. These comments should be
read and observed.
Warning symbols on your vehicle
When you see this symbol, it is
imperative that you consult the
relevant section of this guide before
touching or attempting adjustment
of any kind.
Protecting the environment
We must all play our part in
protecting the environment. Correct
vehicle usage and the authorized
disposal of waste, cleaning and
lubrication materials are significant
steps towards this aim. Information in this respect is highlighted in this
guide with the tree symbol.
BREAKING-IN YOUR VEHICLE
During the first 1,000 miles (1,600 km) of driving, maintain speeds below
70 mph (112 km/h) and vary speeds frequently. This is recommended to
give the moving parts a chance to break-in.
Do not tow a trailer or use your vehicle to snowplow until it has been
driven at least 500 miles (800 km). Refer toTrailer towingin theTires,
Wheels and Loadingchapter for more information on towing a trailer
andSnowplowingin theDrivingchapter.
Do not add friction modifier compounds or special break-in oils during
the first few thousand miles (kilometers) of operation, since these
additives may prevent piston ring seating. SeeEngine oilin the
Maintenance and Specificationschapter for more information on oil
usage.
2007 F-250/350/450/550(f23)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Introduction
5

Bolt size Wheel lug nut torque*
lb.ft. N•m
M14 x 1.5 150 200
* Torque specifications are for nut and bolt threads free of dirt and
rust. Use only Ford recommended replacement fasteners.
On all two-piece flat wheel nuts,
apply one drop of motor oil between
the flat washer and the nut. Do not
apply motor oil to the wheel nut
threads or the wheel stud threads.
When a wheel is installed, always remove any corrosion, dirt or
foreign materials present on the mounting surfaces of the wheel
or the surface of the front disc brake hub and rotor that contacts the
wheel. Installing wheels without correct metal-to-metal contact at the
wheel mounting surfaces can cause the wheel nuts to loosen and the
wheel to come off while the vehicle is in motion, resulting in loss of
control.
JUMP STARTING YOUR VEHICLE
The gases around the battery can explode if exposed to flames,
sparks, or lit cigarettes. An explosion could result in injury or
vehicle damage.
Batteries contain sulfuric acid which can burn skin, eyes and
clothing, if contacted.
Do not attempt to push-start your automatic transmission
vehicle. Automatic transmissions do not have push-start
capability. Attempting to push-start a vehicle with an automatic
transmission may cause transmission damage.
Preparing your vehicle
When the battery is disconnected or a new battery is installed, the
transmission must relearn its shift strategy. As a result, the transmission
2007 F-250/350/450/550(f23)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Roadside Emergencies
230

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

6. Wipe the indicator clean. Insert the indicator fully, then remove it
again.
•If the oil level isbetween the MIN and MAX marks,the oil level is
acceptable.DO NOT ADD OIL.
•If the oil level is below the MIN
mark, add enough oil to raise the
level within the MIN-MAX range.
•Oil levels above the MAX mark may cause engine damage. Some oil
must be removed from the engine by a service technician.
7. Put the indicator back in and ensure it is fully seated.
Adding engine oil
1. Check the engine oil. For instructions, refer toChecking the engine
oilin this chapter.
2. If the engine oil level is not within the normal range, add only certified
engine oil of the recommended viscosity. Remove the engine oil filler cap
and use a funnel to pour the engine oil into the opening.
3. Recheck the engine oil level. Make sure the oil level is not above the
MAX mark on the engine oil level indicator (dipstick).
4. Install the indicator and ensure it is fully seated.
5. Fully install the engine oil filler cap by turning the filler cap clockwise
1/4 of a turn or until the cap is fully seated.
To avoid possible oil loss, DO NOT operate the vehicle with the
engine oil level indicator and/or the engine oil filler cap removed.
2007 F-250/350/450/550(f23)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Maintenance and Specifications
260

Engine oil and filter recommendations
Look for this certification
trademark.
Use SAE 5W-20 engine oil.
Only use oils “Certified For Gasoline Engines” by the American
Petroleum Institute (API). An oil with this trademark symbol conforms
to the current engine and emission system protection standards and fuel
economy requirements of the International Lubricant Standardization and
Approval Committee (ILSAC), comprised of U.S. and Japanese
automobile manufacturers.
To protect your engine’s warranty use Motorcraft SAE 5W-20 or an
equivalent SAE 5W-20 oil meeting Ford specification WSS-M2C930-A.
SAE 5W-20 oil provides optimum fuel economy and durability
performance meeting all requirements for your vehicle’s engine.
Do not use supplemental engine oil additives, cleaners or other engine
treatments. They are unnecessary and could lead to engine damage that
is not covered by Ford warranty.
Change your engine oil and filter according to the appropriate schedule
listed in thescheduled maintenance information.
Ford production and aftermarket (Motorcraft) oil filters are designed for
added engine protection and long life. If a replacement oil filter is used
that does not meet Ford material and design specifications, start-up
engine noises or knock may be experienced.
It is recommended you use the appropriate Motorcraft oil filter (or
another brand meeting Ford specifications) for your engine application.
2007 F-250/350/450/550(f23)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Maintenance and Specifications
261

Habits
•Smooth, moderate operation can yield up to 10% savings in fuel.
•Steady speeds without stopping will usually give the best fuel
economy.
•Idling for long periods of time (greater than one minute) may waste
fuel.
•Anticipate stopping; slowing down may eliminate the need to stop.
•Sudden or hard accelerations may reduce fuel economy.
•Slow down gradually.
•Driving at reasonable speeds (traveling at 55 mph [88 km/h] uses 15%
less fuel than traveling at 65 mph [105 km/h]).
•Revving the engine before turning it off may reduce fuel economy.
•Using the air conditioner or defroster may reduce fuel economy.
•You may want to turn off the speed control in hilly terrain if
unnecessary shifting between third and fourth gear occurs.
Unnecessary shifting of this type could result in reduced fuel
economy.
•Warming up a vehicle on cold mornings is not required and may
reduce fuel economy.
•Resting your foot on the brake pedal while driving may reduce fuel
economy.
•Combine errands and minimize stop-and-go driving.
Maintenance
•Keep tires properly inflated and use only recommended size.
•Operating a vehicle with the wheels out of alignment will reduce fuel
economy.
•Use recommended engine oil. Refer toMaintenance Product
Specifications and Capacitiesin this chapter.
•Perform all regularly scheduled maintenance items. Follow the
recommended maintenance schedule and owner maintenance checks
found in your vehicle’sscheduled maintenance information.
Conditions
•Heavily loading a vehicle or towing a trailer may reduce fuel economy
at any speed.
•Carrying unnecessary weight may reduce fuel economy (approximately
1 mpg [0.4 km/L] is lost for every 400 lb [180 kg] of weight carried).
2007 F-250/350/450/550(f23)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Maintenance and Specifications
277

1Add 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 yourscheduled
maintenance informationfor change intervals on Dana rear axles.2Add the coolant type originally equipped in your vehicle.3Ensure 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.4Service refill capacity is determined by filling the transmission to the bottom of the filler hole with
the vehicle on a level surface. The 6–speed manual transmission is equipped with an in-tank cooler.
Verify the fluid level after operating vehicle to ensure correct fluid level.5Indicates only approximate dry-fill capacity. Some applications may vary based on cooler size and
if equipped with an in-tank cooler. The amount of transmission fluid and fluid level should be set
by the indication on the dipstick’s normal operating range.6Use of synthetic or synthetic blend motor oil is not mandatory. Engine oil need only meet the
requirements of Ford specification WSS-M2C930-A and the API Certification mark.
2007 F-250/350/450/550(f23)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Maintenance and Specifications
294

Climate control (see Air
conditioning or Heating) ............39
Clutch
fluid ..........................................282
operation while driving ..........182
recommended shift speeds ....183
Compass, electronic
set zone adjustment .................74
Console ........................................70
overhead ..............................58–59
Controls
steering column ........................69
Coolant
checking and adding ..............264
refill capacities ................268, 291
Cruise control
(see Speed control) ....................64
Customer Assistance ................205
Ford accessories for your
vehicle .....................................252
Ford Extended Service
Plan ..........................................242
Getting assistance outside the
U.S. and Canada .....................243
Getting roadside assistance ...205
Getting the service you
need .........................................238
Ordering additional owner’s
literature .................................243
Utilizing the
Mediation/Arbitration
Program ...................................241
D
Daytime running lamps
(see Lamps) ................................43
Dipstick
automatic transmission
fluid ..........................................283engine oil .................................258
Driveline universal joint and
slip yoke ....................................287
Driving under special
conditions ..................182, 195, 198
sand .........................................197
snow and ice ...........................199
through water .................197, 201
E
Electronic message center ...70, 72
Emergencies, roadside
jump-starting ..........................230
Emergency Flashers .................207
Emission control system ..........278
Engine ........................................295
cleaning ...................................246
coolant .....................................264
diesel ...........................................8
fail-safe cooling .......................269
idle speed control ...................262
refill capacities ........................291
service points ..................254–255
starting after a collision .........207
Engine block heater .................174
Engine oil ..................................258
checking and adding ..............258
dipstick ....................................258
filter, specifications ........261, 290
recommendations ...................261
refill capacities ........................291
Exhaust fumes ..........................173
F
Fail safe cooling ........................269
Fluid capacities .........................291
Foglamps .....................................43
2007 F-250/350/450/550(f23)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Index
302