2011 FORD F550 power steering

6.8L V10 gasoline engine
1. Windshield washer fluid reservoir
2. Battery
3. Automatic transmission fluid dipstick
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 1 2
3 5
6 7
8 9 10
4
Maintenance and Specifications
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Owners Guide, 4th Printing
USA (fus)

How fail-safe cooling works
If the engine begins to overheat:
• The engine coolant temperature gauge will move to the red (hot)
area.
• The message center will indicate the engine is overheating.
• The service engine soon indicator will illuminate.
If the engine reaches a preset over-temperature condition, the engine
will automatically switch to alternating cylinder operation. Each disabled
cylinder acts as an air pump and cools the engine.
When this occurs the vehicle will still operate. However:
• The engine power will be limited.
• The air conditioning system will be disabled.
Continued operation will increase the engine temperature and the engine
will completely shut down, causing steering and braking effort to
increase.
Once the engine temperature cools, the engine can be re-started. Take
your vehicle to an authorized dealer as soon as possible to minimize
engine damage.
When fail-safe mode is activated
You have limited engine power when in the fail-safe mode, so drive the
vehicle with caution. The vehicle will not be able to maintain high-speed
operation and the engine will run rough. Remember that the engine is
capable of completely shutting down automatically to prevent engine
damage; therefore:
1. Pull off the road as soon as safely possible and turn off the engine.
2. Arrange for the vehicle to be taken to an authorized dealer.
3. If this is not possible, wait a short period for the engine to cool.
4. Check the coolant level and replenish if low.
WARNING: Never remove the coolant reservoir cap while the
engine is running or hot.
5. Re-start the engine and take your vehicle to an authorized dealer.
Driving the vehicle without repairing the engine problem
increases the chance of engine damage. Take your vehicle to an
authorized dealer as soon as possible.Maintenance and Specifications
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2011 F-250/350/450/550 (f23)
Owners Guide, 4th Printing
USA (fus)

POWER STEERING FLUID
Check the power steering fluid. Refer to scheduled maintenance
information. If adding fluid is necessary, use only MERCON  AT F.
• Gasoline engine shown; diesel
engine similar. Refer to
Identifying components in the
engine compartment in the
diesel supplement.
Check the fluid level when it is at ambient temperature, 20°F–80°F
(-7°C–25°C):
1. Check the fluid level in the reservoir. It should be between the MIN
and MAX range. Do not add fluid if the level is within this range.
2. If the fluid level is low. Add fluid to bring fluid level up to be between
the MIN and MAX range.
3. Start the engine.
4. While the engine idles, turn the steering wheel left and right several
times.
5. Turn the engine off.
6. Recheck the fluid level in the reservoir. Do not add fluid if the level is
between the MIN and MAX range.
7. If the fluid is low, add fluid in small amounts, continuously checking
the level until it is between the MIN and MAX range. Refer to
Maintenance products specifications and capacities in this chapter for
the proper fluid type. Be sure to put the cap back on the reservoir. Maintenance and Specifications
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Owners Guide, 4th Printing
USA (fus)

Item Capacity Ford part name Ford part number /
Ford specification
Hinges, latches, striker
plates, fuel filler door
hinge and seat tracks — Multi-Purpose Grease XG–4 or XL-5 /
ESB-M1C93–B
Lock cylinders — Motorcraft  Penetrating
and Lock Lubricant XL-1 / None
Transmission / parking
brake linkages and
pivots, brake pedal shift — Motorcraft  Premium
Long-Life Grease XG-1-C or XG-1-K /
WSD-M1C227-A
Power steering fluid Keep fluid level
between MIN and
MAX on reservoir Motorcraft 
MERCON  VATF XT-5-QM /
MERCON  V
Transfer case fluid 2.0 quarts (1.9L) Motorcraft  Transfer
Case Fluid XL-12 / —
Automatic transmission
fluid
(5–speed)
317.5 quarts
(16.6L)
4Motorcraft 
MERCON  LV AT F XT-10–QLV /
MERCON  LV
Automatic transmission
fluid
(6-speed)
318.5 quarts
(17.5L)
4, 616.7 quarts
(15.8L)
4, 7Maintenance and Specifications
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2011 F-250/350/450/550 (f23)
Owners Guide, 4th Printing
USA (fus)

Multi-point inspection – Recommended each visit
Accessory drive belt(s) Half-shaft dust boots (if equipped)
Battery performance Horn operation
Clutch operation (if equipped) Radiator, cooler, heater and A/C hoses
Engine air filter Suspension component for leaks or
damage
Exhaust system Steering and linkage
Exterior lamps and hazard
warning system operation Tires for wear and proper pressure,
including spare
Fluid levels*; fill if necessary Windshield for cracks, chips or pits
For oil and fluid leaks Washer spray and wiper operation
*Brake, coolant recovery reservoir, manual and automatic transmission
(with an underhood dipstick), power steering (if equipped) and
window washer
Be sure to ask your dealership service advisor or technician about the
multi-point vehicle inspection. It’s a comprehensive way to perform a
thorough inspection of your vehicle. It’s your checklist that gives you
immediate feedback on the overall condition of your vehicle. You’ll know
what’s been checked, what’s okay, as well as those things that may
require future or immediate attention. The multi-point vehicle inspection
is one more way to keep your vehicle running great!Scheduled Maintenance
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USA (fus)

LATCH .....................................204
recommendations ...................195
Child safety seats - booster
seats ...........................................209
Cleaning your vehicle
engine compartment ..............358
instrument panel ............361–362
interior .....................................363
plastic parts ............................360
safety belts ..............................363
washing ....................................357
waxing .....................................358
wheels ......................................358
wiper blades ............................360
Climate control (see Air
conditioning or Heating) ......77, 80
Clock ......................................60, 62
Compass, electronic
set zone adjustment .................27
Console ........................................99
overhead ..............................98–99
Controls
power seat ...............................157
steering column ......................111
Coolant
checking and adding ..............375
refill capacities ................378, 407
Cruise control (see Speed
control) ......................................109
Customer Assistance ................314
Ford accessories for your
vehicle .....................................365
Ford Extended Service
Plan ..................................418, 421
Getting assistance outside the
U.S. and Canada .....................353
Getting roadside assistance ...314
Getting the service you
need .........................................349 Ordering additional owner’s
literature .................................355
Utilizing the
Mediation/Arbitration
Program ...................................353
D
Daytime running lamps (see
Lamps) .........................................88
Defrost
rear window and rearview
mirrors .......................................80
windshield .................................80
Dipstick
automatic transmission
fluid ..........................................396
engine oil .................................371
Driving under special
conditions ..................292, 304, 308
sand .........................................306
snow and ice ...........................308
through water .................307, 310
E
Electronic message center ...22, 39
Emergencies, roadside
jump-starting ..........................343
Emergency Flashers .................315
Emission control system ..........392
Engine ........................................411
cleaning ...................................358
coolant .....................................375
diesel ...........................................7
fail-safe cooling .......................379
idle speed control ...................373
refill capacities ........................407
service points ..................367–369
Engine block heater .................266Index
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2011 F-250/350/450/550 (f23)
Owners Guide, 4th Printing
USA (fus)

P
Parental MyKey
programming .............................127
Parking brake ............................269
Parts
(see Motorcraft  parts) ...........406
Pedals (see Power adjustable
foot pedals) ...............................108
Power adjustable foot pedals ...108
Power distribution box (see
Fuses) ........................................322
Power door locks ......................135
Power mirrors ...........................104
Power point ...............................100
Power steering ..........................279
fluid, checking and adding ....395
fluid, refill capacity ................407
Power Windows .........................102
Preparing to drive your
vehicle ........................................281
R
Radio ......................................59, 61
Rear-view camera system .........294
Recommendations for
attaching safety restraints for
children ......................................195
Relays ........................................316
Remote entry system .......140–141
illuminated entry ....................143
locking/unlocking doors .........141
Remote start ...........................144
replacement/additional
transmitters .............................143
replacing the batteries ...........142 Remote start .............................144
Remote start climate
operation .....................................84
Reverse sensing system ...........292
Roadside assistance ..................314
S
Safety belts (see Safety
restraints) ..........166–168, 170–173
Safety Canopy ...................183–184
Safety defects, reporting ..........356
Safety restraints ................166–173
Belt-Minder  ...........................174
extension assembly ................172
for adults .........167–168, 170–172
for children .............................192
warning light and
chime ...............................173–174
Safety restraints - LATCH
anchors ......................................204
Safety seats for children ..........197
Safety Compliance
Certification Label ....................412
Satellite Radio Information ........73
Scheduled Maintenance Guide
Normal Scheduled
Maintenance and Log .............428
Seats ..........................................151
child safety seats ....................197
cleaning ...................................364
climate control ..................80, 159
easy access/easyout feature ..161
memory seat ...................142, 161
SecuriCode keyless entry
system ........................................146 Index
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2011 F-250/350/450/550 (f23)
Owners Guide, 4th Printing
USA (fus)

SecuriLock passive anti-theft
system ................................147–148
Servicing your vehicle ..............366
Setting the clock ...................60, 62
Snowplowing .................7, 311–312
SOS Post Crash Alert ...............187
Spark plugs,
specifications .....................406, 411
Special notice ................................8
ambulance conversions ..............8
diesel-powered vehicles .............7
four-wheel drive vehicles .......313
utility-type vehicles ....................7
Speed control ............................109
Starting a flex fuel vehicle .......265
Starting your vehicle ........262–265
jump starting ..........................343
Steering wheel
controls ....................................111
tilting .........................................98
SYNC  ..........................................76
T
Tailgate ......................................121
Tilt steering wheel ......................98
Tire Pressure Monitoring
System (TPMS)
Tires, Wheels and Loading ....234
Tires ...........................216–218, 326
alignment ................................226
care ..........................................222
changing ..................326, 329, 332
checking the pressure ............221
inflating ...................................219
label .........................................233
replacing ..................................224 rotating ....................................227
safety practices .......................225
sidewall information ...............228
snow tires and chains ............241
spare tire .................................327
terminology .............................218
tire grades ...............................217
treadwear ........................217, 223
Towing .......................................249
recreational towing .................261
Trailer Brake
Controller-Integrated ..............254
trailer towing ..........................249
wrecker ....................................347
Traction control ........................270
Trailer Brake
Controller-Integrated ................254
Trailer sway control ..................277
Transfer case
fluid checking .........................400
Transmission .............................284
brake-shift interlock (BSI) ....282
fluid, checking and adding
(automatic) .............................396
fluid, refill capacities ..............407
Turn signal ..................................90
U
Universal garage door opener ..114
Upfitter controls .......................112
USB port ......................................70
V
Vehicle Identification Number
(VIN) ..........................................413
Vehicle loading ..........................242
Ventilating your vehicle ...........266Index
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2011 F-250/350/450/550 (f23)
Owners Guide, 4th Printing
USA (fus)