2008 FORD F250 maintenance

If the ornament retention towers are
aligned between the studs/lug nuts,
the ornament is improperly
installed. This improper installation
may appear and sound correct, but
will not keep the ornament on the
vehicle. Ornaments improperly
installed in this manner will fall off
or become loose with minimal force
or impact.
Stowing the flat/spare tire
Note:Failure to follow spare tire stowage instructions may result in
failure of cable or loss of spare tire.
1. Lay the tire on the ground with the valve stem facing in the direction
specified on the Tire Changing Instructions located in the glove box.
2. Slide the wheel partially under the vehicle and install the retainer
through the wheel center. Pull on the cable to align the components at
the end of the cable.
3. Turn the jack handle clockwise until the tire is raised to its stowed
position underneath the vehicle. The effort to turn the jack handle
increases significantly and the spare tire carrier ratchets or slips when
the tire is raised to the maximum tightness. Tighten to the best of your
ability, to the point where the ratchet/slip occurs, if possible. The spare
tire carrier will not allow you to overtighten. If the spare tire carrier
ratchets or slips with little effort, take the vehicle to your authorized
dealer for assistance at your earliest convenience.
4. Check that the tire lies flat against the frame and is properly
tightened. Try to push or pull, then turn the tire to be sure it will not
move. Loosen and retighten, if necessary. Failure to properly stow the
spare tire may result in failure of the winch cable and loss of the tire.
5. Repeat this tightness check procedure when servicing the spare tire
pressure (every six months, perscheduled maintenance information),
or at any time that the spare tire is disturbed through service of other
components.
6. If removed, install the spare tire lock (if equipped) into the bumper
drive tube with the spare tire lock key (if equipped) and jack handle.
2008 F-250/350/450/550(f23)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Roadside Emergencies
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UTILIZING THE MEDIATION/ARBITRATION PROGRAM
(CANADA ONLY)
For vehicles delivered to authorized Canadian dealers. In those cases
where you continue to feel that the efforts by Ford of Canada and the
authorized dealer to resolve a factory-related vehicle service concern
have been unsatisfactory, Ford of Canada participates in an impartial
third party mediation/arbitration program administered by the Canadian
Motor Vehicle Arbitration Plan (CAMVAP).
The CAMVAP program is a straight-forward and relatively speedy
alternative to resolve a disagreement when all other efforts to produce a
settlement have failed. This procedure is without cost to you and is
designed to eliminate the need for lengthy and expensive legal
proceedings.
In the CAMVAP program, impartial third-party arbitrators conduct
hearings at mutually convenient times and places in an informal
environment. These impartial arbitrators review the positions of the
parties, make decisions and, when appropriate, render awards to resolve
disputes. CAMVAP decisions are fast, fair, and final as the arbitrator’s
award is binding both to you and Ford of Canada.
CAMVAP services are available in all territories and provinces. For more
information, without charge or obligation, call your CAMVAP Provincial
Administrator directly at 1-800-207-0685.
FORD EXTENDED SERVICE PLAN
You can get more protection for your new car or light truck by
purchasing Ford Extended Service Plan (Ford ESP) coverage. It provides
the following:
•Benefits during the warranty period depending on the plan you
purchase (such as: reimbursement for rentals; coverage for certain
maintenance and wear items).
•Protection against covered repair costs after your Bumper-to-Bumper
Warranty expires.
You may purchase Ford ESP from any participating authorized dealer.
There are several plans available in various time, distance and deductible
combinations which can be tailored to fit your own driving needs. Ford
ESP also offers reimbursement benefits for towing and rental coverage.
When you buy Ford ESP, you receive Peace-of-Mind protection
throughout the United States and Canada, provided by a network of
more than 4,600 participating authorized dealers.
2008 F-250/350/450/550(f23)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Customer Assistance
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LEATHER SEATS (IF EQUIPPED, EXCEPT FOR THE KING RANCH
F–250 AND F–350 CREW CAB)
Your leather seating surfaces have a clear, protective coating over the
leather.
For King Ranch F-250 and F-350 Crew Cab leather seats, refer to
separate section in this chapter.
•To clean, use a soft cloth with Motorcraft Deluxe Leather and Vinyl
Cleaner (ZC-11–A). Dry the area with a soft cloth.
•To help maintain its resiliency and color, use the Motorcraft Deluxe
Leather Care Kit (ZC-11–D), available from your authorized dealer.
•Do not use household cleaning products, alcohol solutions, solvents or
cleaners intended for rubber, vinyl and plastics, or oil/petroleum-based
leather conditioners. These products may cause premature wearing of
the clear, protective coating on the seat.
Note:In some instances, color or dye transfer can occur when wet
clothing comes in contact with leather upholstery. If this occurs, the
leather should be cleaned immediately to avoid permanent staining.
LEATHER SEATS FOR THE KING RANCH F-250 AND F-350 CREW
CAB ONLY (IF EQUIPPED)
Your vehicle is equipped with seating covered in premium, top-grain
leather which is extremely durable, but still requires special care and
maintenance in order to ensure longevity and comfort.
Regular cleaning and conditioning will maintain the appearance of the
leather. Failure to care for the leather can result in drying out and fading
of the material.
Note:In some instances, color or dye transfer can occur when wet
clothing comes in contact with leather upholstery. If this occurs, the
leather should be cleaned immediately to avoid permanent staining.
Cleaning
For dirt, use a vacuum cleaner then use a clean, damp cloth or soft brush.
For routine cleaning, wipe the surface with a soft, damp cloth. For more
thorough cleaning, wipe the surface with a mild soap. If the leather
cannot be completely cleaned using a mild soap and water solution, the
leather may be cleaned using a commercially available cleaning product
“Tanners Preserve Leather Cleaner” and a 3M “Type T” scrubbing pad.
•Clean spills as quickly as possible.
•
Test any cleaner or stain remover on an inconspicuous part of the leather
as cleaners may darken the leather. For more specific cleaning information,
contact the King Ranch Saddle Shop at 1–800–282–KING (5464).
2008 F-250/350/450/550(f23)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Cleaning
343

SERVICE RECOMMENDATIONS
To help you service your vehicle:
•We highlight do-it-yourself items in the engine compartment for easy
location.
•We provide a scheduled maintenance guide which makes tracking
routine service easy.
If your vehicle requires professional service, your authorized dealer can
provide the necessary parts and service. Check yourWarranty
Guide/Owner Information Guideto find out which parts and services
are covered.
Use only recommended fuels, lubricants, fluids and service parts
conforming to specifications. Motorcraft parts are designed and built to
provide the best performance in your vehicle.
PRECAUTIONS WHEN SERVICING YOUR VEHICLE
•Do not work on a hot engine.
•Make sure that nothing gets caught in moving parts.
•Do not work on a vehicle with the engine running in an enclosed
space, unless you are sure you have enough ventilation.
•Keep all open flames and other burning (cigarettes) material away
from the battery and all fuel related parts.
Working with the engine off
•Automatic transmission:
1. Set the parking brake and shift to P (Park).
2. Turn off the engine and remove the key.
3. Block the wheels.
•Manual transmission:
1. Set the parking brake, depress the clutch and place the gearshift in 1
(First).
2. Turn off the engine and remove the key.
3. Block the wheels.
Working with the engine on
•Automatic transmission:
1. Set the parking brake and shift to P (Park).
2008 F-250/350/450/550(f23)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Maintenance and Specifications
346

2. Block the wheels.
•Manual transmission:
1. Set the parking brake, depress the clutch and place the gearshift in N
(Neutral).
2. Block the wheels.
Note:Do not start your engine with the air cleaner removed and do not
remove it while the engine is running.
OPENING THE HOOD
1. Inside the vehicle, pull the hood
release handle located under the
bottom left corner of the instrument
panel.
2. Go to the front of the vehicle and
release the auxiliary latch located
below the passenger side of the
grille, next to the headlamp. Slide
the handle to release the auxiliary
latch.
3. Lift the hood until the lift
cylinders hold it open.
2008 F-250/350/450/550(f23)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Maintenance and Specifications
347

IDENTIFYING COMPONENTS IN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT
Refer to the6.0 and 6.4 Liter Power Stroke Direct Injection Turbo
Diesel Owner’s Guide Supplementfor diesel engine component
locations.
5.4L V8 gasoline engines
1. Windshield washer fluid reservoir
2. Battery
3. Transmission fluid dipstick (automatic transmission)
4. Engine oil filler cap
5. Engine oil dipstick
6. Power steering fluid reservoir
7. Brake fluid reservoir
8. Engine coolant reservoir
9. Air filter assembly
10. Power distribution box
2008 F-250/350/450/550(f23)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Maintenance and Specifications
348

6.8L V10 gasoline engine
1. Windshield washer fluid reservoir
2. Battery
3. Transmission fluid dipstick (automatic transmission)
4. Engine oil filler cap
5. Engine oil dipstick
6. Power steering fluid reservoir
7. Brake fluid reservoir
8. Engine coolant reservoir
9. Air filter assembly
10. Power distribution box
2008 F-250/350/450/550(f23)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Maintenance and Specifications
349

WINDSHIELD WASHER FLUID
Add fluid to fill the reservoir if the
level is low. In very cold weather, do
not fill the reservoir completely.
Only use a washer fluid that meets
Ford specification WSB-M8B16–A2.
Do not use any special washer fluid
such as windshield water
repellant-type fluid or bug wash as
this may cause a
squeaking/chattering noise, streaking
or smearing. Refer toMaintenance
Product Specifications and Capacitiesin this chapter.
State or local regulations on volatile organic compounds may restrict the
use of methanol, a common windshield washer antifreeze additive.
Washer fluids containing non-methanol antifreeze agents should be used
only if they provide cold weather protection without damaging the
vehicle’s paint finish, wiper blades or washer system.
If you operate your vehicle in temperatures below 40°F (5°C),
use washer fluid with antifreeze protection. Failure to use
washer fluid with antifreeze protection in cold weather could result in
impaired windshield vision and increase the risk of injury or accident.
Note:Do not put washer fluid in the engine coolant reservoir. Washer
fluid placed in the cooling system may harm engine and cooling system
components.
CHANGING THE WIPER BLADES
1. Pull the wiper arm away from the
vehicle. Turn the blade at an angle
from the wiper arm. Push the lock
pin manually to release the blade
and pull the wiper blade down
toward the windshield to remove it
from the arm.
2. Attach the new wiper to the
wiper arm and press it into place
until a click is heard.
3. Replace wiper blades at least once per year for optimum performance.
2008 F-250/350/450/550(f23)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Maintenance and Specifications
350