2008 FORD SUPER DUTY checking oil

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).
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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.
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Maintenance and Specifications
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6. Drive the vehicle to complete the relearning process.
•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 (kilometer) 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 “COLD
FILL RANGE” in the coolant reservoir. If the level falls below, add
coolant per the instructions in theAdding engine coolantsection.
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
2008 F-250/350/450/550(f23)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Maintenance and Specifications
324

Climate control (see Air
conditioning or Heating) ............75
Clock adjust
6-CD in dash .............................31
AM/FM/CD .................................25
Clutch
fluid ..........................................342
operation while driving ..........244
recommended shift speeds ....244
Compass, electronic
set zone adjustment
...............127
Console
......................................116
overhead
....................................96
Controls
power seat
...............................154
steering column
......................107
Coolant
checking and adding
..............324
refill capacities
................327, 352
Cruise control
(see Speed control)
..................104
Customer Assistance
................265
Ford accessories for your
vehicle
.....................................313
Ford Extended Service
Plan
..........................................302
Getting assistance outside the
U.S. and Canada
.....................303
Getting roadside assistance
...265
Getting the service you
need
.........................................298
Ordering additional owner’s
literature
.................................304
Utilizing the
Mediation/Arbitration
Program
...................................302D
Daytime running lamps
(see Lamps) ................................81
Dipstick
automatic transmission
fluid ..........................................343
engine oil .................................319
Driveline universal joint and
slip yoke ....................................348
Driving under special
conditions ..................243, 256, 259
sand .........................................258
snow and ice ...........................260
through water .................258, 262
DVD system .................................43
E
Electronic message
center .................................116, 122
Emergencies, roadside
jump-starting ..........................290
Emergency Flashers .................267
Emission control system ..........338
Engine ........................................356
cleaning ...................................307
coolant .....................................324
diesel ...........................................8
fail-safe cooling .......................328
idle speed control ...................322
refill capacities ........................352
service points ..................316–317
starting after a collision .........267
Engine block heater .................234
Engine oil ..................................319
checking and adding ..............319
dipstick ....................................319
filter, specifications ........321, 350
2008 F-250/350/450/550(f23)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Index
362