Customer Assistance 298
Reporting safety defects (U.S. only) 304
Reporting safety defects (Canada only) 305
Cleaning 306
Maintenance and Specifications 314
Hood 315
Engine compartment 316
Engine oil 319
Battery 322
Engine coolant 324
Fuel information 330
Air filter(s) 349
Part numbers 350
Maintenance product specifications and capacities 352
Accessories 359
Index 361
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Copyright © 2006 Ford Motor Company
Table of Contents
3
2008 F-250/350/450/550(f23)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Vehicle Symbol Glossary
Power Windows
Front/Rear
Power Window Lockout
Child Safety Door
Lock/UnlockInterior Luggage
Compartment Release
Panic AlarmEngine Oil
Engine CoolantEngine Coolant
Temperature
Do Not Open When HotBattery
Avoid Smoking, Flames,
or SparksBattery Acid
Explosive GasFan Warning
Power Steering FluidMaintain Correct Fluid
LevelMAX
MIN
Emission SystemEngine Air Filter
Passenger Compartment
Air FilterJack
Check Fuel CapLow Tire Pressure
Warning
2008 F-250/350/450/550(f23)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Introduction
11
Language
Note:When entering the SETUP
MENU and a non-English language
has been selected, “PRESS RESET
FOR ENGLISH” will be displayed to
change back to English.
1. Select this function from the SETUP MENU for the current language
to be displayed.
2. Press and hold the SELECT/RESET control to select a new language.
Selectable languages are English, Spanish and French
3. Press the SELECT/RESET control switch for the next SETUP MENU
item or wait for more than 4 seconds to return to the INFO MENU.
System check
Press and hold the SELECT/RESET control switch to select SYSTEM
CHECK when HOLD RESET FOR SYSTEM CHECK is displayed in the
message center. Selecting this function from the INFO MENU causes the
message center to cycle through each of the systems being monitored.
For each of the monitored systems, the message center will indicate
either an OK message or a warning message for two seconds. Pressing
the SELECT/RESET control switch cycles the message center through
each of the systems being monitored.
The sequence of the system check report and how it appears in the
message center is as follows:
1. ENGINE HOURS
2. CHARGING SYSTEM
3. AIR FILTER (Diesel engine only)
4. DOOR AJAR
5. BRAKE SYSTEM
6. FUEL LEVEL
7. TRAILER DISCONNECTED (if equipped)
System warnings
System warnings alert you to possible problems or malfunctions in your
vehicle’s operating systems.
In the event of a multiple warning situation, the message center will cycle
the display to show all warnings by displaying each one for 4 seconds.
2008 F-250/350/450/550(f23)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Driver Controls
119
The message center will display the last selected feature if there are no
more warning messages. This allows you to use the full functionality of
the message center after you acknowledge the warning by pressing the
SELECT/RESET control and clearing the warning message.
Warning messages that have been reset are divided into two categories:
•They will reappear on the display ten minutes from the reset.
•They will not reappear until an ignition OFF-RUN cycle has been
completed.
This acts as a reminder that these warning conditions still exist within
the vehicle.
Warning display Status
Park brake engaged Warning returns after
10 minutes if condition
still exists. Check brake system
Driver door ajar Warning returns after
the ignition key is
turned from OFF to
RUN. Passenger door ajar
Rear left door ajar
Rear right door ajar
Low fuel level
Trailer fault (if equipped)
TBC fault (if equipped)
Trailer disconnected (if equipped)
Check air filter (Diesel engine only)
Low brake fluid level
Drain water separator (Diesel engine only)
DRIVER DOOR AJARDisplayed when the driver’s door is not
completely closed.
PASSENGER DOOR AJARDisplayed when the passenger’s door is not
completely closed.
REAR LEFT DOOR AJARDisplayed when the rear left door is not
completely closed.
REAR RIGHT DOOR AJARDisplayed when the rear right door is not
completely closed.
LOW FUEL LEVEL
Displayed as an early reminder of a low fuel condition.
2008 F-250/350/450/550(f23)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Driver Controls
120
3. AIR FILTER (Diesel engine only)
4. DOOR AJAR
5. BRAKE SYSTEM
6. FUEL LEVEL
Units (English/Metric)
1. Select this function from the
SETUP menu for the current units
to be displayed.
2. Press the RESET control to
change from English to Metric.
Autolamp timer presets
This feature keeps your headlights on for up to three minutes after the
ignition is switched off.
1. To disable/enable the autolamp
delay feature, select this function
from the SETUP control for the
current display mode.
2. Press the RESET control to select
the new Autolamp delay values of 0, 10, 20, 30, 60, 90, 120 or 180
seconds.
Autolocks
This feature automatically locks all vehicle doors when the vehicle is
shifted into any gear, putting the vehicle in motion.
1. To disable/enable the autolock
feature, select this function from the
SETUP control for the current
display mode.
2. Press the RESET control to turn
the autolocks ON or OFF.
Compass display (if equipped)
The compass heading is displayed as one of N, NE, E, SE, S, SW, W and
NW in the message center display.
The compass reading may be affected when you drive near large
buildings, bridges, power lines and powerful broadcast antenna. Magnetic
or metallic objects placed in, on or near the vehicle may also affect
compass accuracy.
2008 F-250/350/450/550(f23)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Driver Controls
126
Warning messages that have been reset are divided into two categories:
•They will reappear on the display ten minutes from the reset.
•They will not reappear until an ignition OFF-RUN cycle has been
completed.
This acts as a reminder that these warning conditions still exist within
the vehicle.
Warning display Status
Park brake engaged Warning returns after
10 minutes if condition
still exists. Check brake system
Driver door ajar Warning returns after
the ignition key is
turned from OFF to
RUN. Passenger door ajar
Rear left door ajar
Rear right door ajar
Low fuel level
Trailer fault (if equipped)
TBC fault (if equipped)
Trailer disconnected (if equipped)
Check air filter (Diesel engine only)
Low brake fluid level
Drain water separator (Diesel engine only)
DRIVER DOOR AJARDisplayed when the driver’s door is not
completely closed.
PASSENGER DOOR AJARDisplayed when the passenger’s door is not
completely closed.
REAR LEFT DOOR AJARDisplayed when the rear left door is not
completely closed.
REAR RIGHT DOOR AJARDisplayed when the rear right door is not
completely closed.
LOW FUEL LEVEL
Displayed as an early reminder of a low fuel condition.
PARK BRAKE ENGAGEDDisplayed when the parking brake is applied
(or not fully released).
CHECK BRAKE SYSTEMDisplayed when a fault has been detected by
the ABS module.
2008 F-250/350/450/550(f23)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Driver Controls
129
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.
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.
2008 F-250/350/450/550(f23)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Maintenance and Specifications
321
Driving the vehicle without repairing the engine problem
increases the chance of engine damage. Take your vehicle to a
service facility as soon as possible.
FUEL FILTER
For fuel filter replacement, see your authorized dealer. Refer to the
scheduled maintenance informationfor the appropriate intervals for
changing the fuel filter.
Replace the fuel filter with an authorized Motorcraft part. The
customer warranty may be void for any damage to the fuel system
if an authorized Motorcraft fuel filter is not used.
WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW ABOUT AUTOMOTIVE FUELS
Important safety precautions
Do not overfill the fuel tank. The pressure in an overfilled tank
may cause leakage and lead to fuel spray and fire.
The fuel system may be under pressure. If the fuel filler cap is
venting vapor or if you hear a hissing sound, wait until it stops
before completely removing the fuel filler cap. Otherwise, fuel may
spray out and injure you or others.
If you do not use the proper fuel filler cap, excessive pressure or
vacuum in the fuel tank may damage the fuel system or cause
the fuel cap to disengage in a collision, which may result in possible
personal injury.
Automotive fuels can cause serious injury or death if misused or
mishandled.
Gasoline may contain benzene, which is a cancer-causing agent.
2008 F-250/350/450/550(f23)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Maintenance and Specifications
330