2009 FORD F250 check transmission fluid

can be found in theMaintenance and Specificationschapter. You
should become thoroughly familiar with this information before you
operate your vehicle.
Normal characteristics
On some 4WD models, the initial shift from two-wheel drive to 4x4 while
the vehicle is moving can cause some momentary clunk and ratcheting
sounds. This is the front drivetrain coming up to speed and the
automatic locking hubs engaging and is not cause for concern.
Sand
When driving over sand, try to keep all four wheels on the most solid
area of the trail. Avoid reducing the tire pressures but shift to a lower
gear and drive steadily through the terrain. Apply the accelerator slowly
and avoid spinning the wheels.
Avoid excessive speed because vehicle momentum can work against you
and cause the vehicle to become stuck to the point that assistance may
be required from another vehicle. Remember, you may be able to back
out the way you came if you proceed with caution.
Note:If air is released from your tires, the Tire Pressure Monitoring
System (TPMS) indicator light may illuminate (if equipped).
Mud and water
If you must drive through high
water, drive slowly. Traction or
brake capability may be limited.
When driving through water,
determine the depth; avoid water
higher than the bottom of the hubs
(if possible) and proceed slowly. If
the ignition system gets wet, the
vehicle may stall.
Once through water, always try the brakes. Wet brakes do not stop the
vehicle as effectively as dry brakes. Drying can be improved by moving
your vehicle slowly while applying light pressure on the brake pedal.
Be cautious of sudden changes in vehicle speed or direction when you
are driving in mud. Even 4WD vehicles can lose traction in slick mud. As
when you are driving over sand, apply the accelerator slowly and avoid
spinning your wheels. If the vehicle does slide, steer in the direction of
the slide until you regain control of the vehicle.
If the transmission, transfer case or front axle are submerged in water,
their fluids should be checked and changed, if necessary.
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Driving
307

SERVICE RECOMMENDATIONS
To help you service your vehicle, we providescheduled maintenance
informationwhich makes tracking routine service easy.
If your vehicle requires professional service, your authorized dealer can
provide the necessary parts and service. Check yourWarranty
Guide/Customer 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 pedal, place the gearshift in
1 (First), and release the clutch pedal.
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).
2. Block the wheels.
•Manual transmission:
1. Set the parking brake, depress the clutch pedal, place the gearshift in
N (Neutral), and release the clutch pedal.
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Maintenance and Specifications
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CLUTCH FLUID (IF EQUIPPED)
Check the fluid level. Refer toscheduled maintenance informationfor
the service interval schedules.
During normal operation, the fluid level in the clutch reservoir should
remain constant. If the fluid level drops, refill the fluid level to the step
in the reservoir.
Use only a DOT 3 brake fluid designed to meet Ford specifications. Refer
toMaintenance product specifications and capacitiesin this chapter.
WARNING:Carefully read cautionary information on product
label. For MEDICAL EMERGENCY INFORMATION contact a
physician or Poison Control Center immediately; on Ford-Motorcraft
products call: 1-800-959-3673 (FORD). Failure to follow these
instructions may result in personal injury.
1. Clean the reservoir cap before
removal to prevent dirt and water
from entering the reservoir.
2. Remove cap and rubber
diaphragm from reservoir.
3. Add fluid until the level reaches
the step in the reservoir.
4. Reinstall rubber diaphragm and
cap onto reservoir.
TRANSMISSION FLUID
Checking automatic transmission fluid (if equipped)
Refer to yourscheduled maintenance informationfor scheduled
intervals for fluid checks and changes. Your transmission does not
consume fluid. However, the fluid level should be checked if the
transmission is not working properly, i.e., if the transmission slips or
shifts slowly or if you notice some sign of fluid leakage.
Automatic transmission fluid expands when warmed. To obtain an
accurate fluid check, drive the vehicle until it is at normal operating
temperature (approximately 20 miles [30 km]). If your vehicle has been
operated for an extended period at high speeds, in city traffic during hot
weather or pulling a trailer, the vehicle should be turned off for about
30 minutes to allow fluid to cool before checking.
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Maintenance and Specifications
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1. Drive the vehicle 20 miles (30 km) or until it reaches normal operating
temperature.
2. Park the vehicle on a level surface and engage the parking brake.
3. With the parking brake engaged and your foot on the brake pedal,
start the engine and move the gearshift lever through all of the gear
ranges. Allow sufficient time for each gear to engage.
4. Latch the gearshift lever in P (Park) and leave the engine running.
5. Remove the dipstick, wiping it clean with a clean, dry lint free rag. If
necessary, refer toIdentifying components in the engine compartment
in this chapter for the location of the dipstick.
6. Install the dipstick making sure it is fully seated in the filler tube.
7. Remove the dipstick and inspect the fluid level. The fluid should be in
the designated area for normal operating temperature or ambient
temperature.
Low fluid level
Do not drive the vehicle if the fluid
level is at the bottom of the dipstick
and the ambient temperature is
above 50°F (10°C).
Correct fluid level
The transmission fluid should be checked at normal operating
temperature 150°F-170°F (66°C-77°C) on a level surface. The normal
operating temperature can be reached after approximately 20 miles
(30 km) of driving.
You can check the fluid without driving if the ambient temperature is
above 50°F (10°C). However, if fluid is added at this time, an overfill
condition could result when the vehicle reaches normal operating
temperature.
The transmission fluid should be in
this range if at normal operating
temperature (150°F-170°F
[66°C-77°C]).
The transmission fluid should be in
this range if at ambient temperature
(50°F-95°F [10°C-35°C]).
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Maintenance and Specifications
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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.
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Maintenance and Specifications
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Item Capacity Ford part nameFord part number /
Ford specification
Automatic transmission
fluid (5R110)
3
17.5 quarts
(16.6L)
5(includes
remote filter
element change)Motorcraft
MERCON
LV AT FXT-10–QLV /
MERCON
LV
Windshield washer fluid 3.5 quarts (3.3L)Motorcraft Premium
Windshield Washer
ConcentrateZC-32–A /
WSB-M8B16–A2
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 Ford axles. Ford design rear axles contain a
synthetic lubricant that does not require changing unless the axle has been submerged in water.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 blade or 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.
Automatic transmissions that require MERCON
LV should only use MERCON
LV fluid.
Use of any 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.
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Maintenance and Specifications
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A
Accessory delay ........................110
Air cleaner filter ...............402, 404
Air conditioning ..........................84
Airbag supplemental restraint
system ........................................193
and child safety seats ............195
description ..............................193
disposal ....................................197
driver airbag ............................195
indicator light .........................197
operation .................................195
passenger airbag .....................195
passenger deactivation
switch ......................................198
Ambulance packages ..................10
Antifreeze
(see Engine coolant) ................377
Anti-lock brake system
(see Brakes) ......................280–281
Anti-theft system ..............168, 171
arming the system ..........169, 171
disarming a triggered
system .....................................171
triggering .................................171
Audio system
(see Radio) ......................26, 28, 35
Automatic transmission ............285
driving an automatic
overdrive .................................287
fluid, adding ............................397
fluid, checking ........................397
fluid, refill capacities ..............405
Auxiliary Input Jack ...................42
Auxiliary power point ...............107
Axle
refill capacities ........................405B
Battery .......................................375
acid, treating emergencies .....375
jumping a disabled battery ....343
maintenance-free ....................375
replacement, specifications ...404
servicing ..................................375
Belt-Minder
.............................189
Booster seats .............................221
Brakes ........................................280
anti-lock ...........................280–281
anti-lock brake system (ABS)
warning light ...........................281
fluid, checking and adding ....396
fluid, refill capacities ..............405
parking ....................................281
shift interlock ..........................285
trailer .......................................267
Bulbs ............................................95
C
Capacities for refilling fluids ....405
Cassette tape player ...................26
Cell phone use ..............................9
Child safety seats ......................206
attaching with tether
straps .......................................215
in front seat ....................207, 211
in rear seat ..............207, 211, 215
LATCH .....................................215
Child safety seats - booster
seats ...........................................221
Cleaning your vehicle
engine compartment ..............359
instrument panel ............361–362
interior .....................................363
plastic parts ............................360
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Index
414

safety belts ..............................363
washing ....................................357
waxing .....................................358
wheels ......................................358
wiper blades ............................360
Climate control (see Air
conditioning or Heating) ......80, 84
Clock adjust
6-CD in dash .............................37
AM/FM/CD .................................30
Clutch
fluid ..........................................397
operation while driving ..........290
recommended shift speeds ....290
Compass, electronic
set zone adjustment ...............143
Console ......................................106
overhead ..................................105
Controls
power seat ...............................175
steering column ......................118
Coolant
checking and adding ..............377
refill capacities ................381, 405
Cruise control
(see Speed control) ..................116
Customer Assistance ................315
Ford accessories for your
vehicle .....................................365
Ford Extended
Service Plan ............................354
Getting assistance outside the
U.S. and Canada .....................354
Getting roadside assistance ...315
Getting the service
you need .................................350
Ordering additional owner’s
literature .................................355Utilizing the
Mediation/Arbitration
Program ...................................353
D
Daytime running lamps
(see Lamps) ................................90
Dipstick
automatic transmission
fluid ..........................................397
engine oil .................................372
Driving under special
conditions ..................289, 305, 308
sand .........................................307
snow and ice ...........................309
through water .................307, 311
DVD system .................................51
E
Electronic message
center .................................127, 137
Emergencies, roadside
jump-starting ..........................343
Emergency Flashers .................316
Emission control system ..........392
Engine ........................................409
cleaning ...................................359
coolant .....................................377
diesel ...........................................9
fail-safe cooling .......................382
idle speed control ...................375
refill capacities ........................405
service points ..................369–370
starting after a collision .........317
Engine oil ..................................372
checking and adding ..............372
dipstick ....................................372
filter, specifications ........374, 404
2009 F-250/350/450/550(f23)
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Index
415