Page 398 of 448

Readiness for Inspection/Maintenance (I/M) testing
Some state/provincial and local governments may have
Inspection/Maintenance (I/M) programs to inspect the emission control
equipment on your vehicle. Failure to pass this inspection could prevent
you from getting a vehicle registration. Your vehicle may not pass the I/M
test if the service engine soon
indicator is on or not working
properly (bulb is burned out), or if the OBD-II system has determined
that some of the emission control systems have not been properly
checked. In this case, the vehicle is considered not ready for I/M testing.
If the service engine soon
indicator is on or the bulb does not
work, the vehicle may need to be serviced. Refer toOn-board
diagnostics (OBD-II)in this chapter.
If the vehicle’s engine or transmission has just been serviced, or the
battery has recently run down or been replaced, the OBD-II system may
indicate that the vehicle is not ready for I/M testing. To determine if the
vehicle is ready for I/M testing, turn the ignition key to the on position
for 15 seconds without cranking the engine. If the service engine
soon
indicator blinks eight times, it means that the vehicle is not
ready for I/M testing; if the service engine soon
indicator stays on
solid, it means that the vehicle is ready for I/M testing.
The OBD-II system is designed to check the emission control system
during normal driving. A complete check may take several days. If the
vehicle is not ready for I/M testing, the following driving cycle consisting
of mixed city and highway driving may be performed:
15 minutes of steady driving on an expressway/highway followed by
20 minutes of stop-and-go driving with at least four 30-second idle
periods.
Allow the vehicle to sit for at least eight hours without starting the
engine. Then, start the engine and complete the above driving cycle. The
engine must warm up to its normal operating temperature. Once started,
do not turn off the engine until the above driving cycle is complete. If
the vehicle is still not ready for I/M testing, the above driving cycle will
have to be repeated.
Maintenance and Specifications
398
2012 F-250/350/450/550(f23)
Owners Guide, 4th Printing
USA(fus)
Page 399 of 448

POWER STEERING FLUID
Check the power steering fluid. Refer toscheduled maintenance
information.If adding fluid is necessary, use only MERCONAT F.
•Gasoline engine shown; diesel
engine similar. Refer to
Identifying components in the
engine compartmentin 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 capacitiesin this chapter for
the proper fluid type. Be sure to put the cap back on the reservoir.
Maintenance and Specifications
399
2012 F-250/350/450/550(f23)
Owners Guide, 4th Printing
USA(fus)
Page 401 of 448

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 engine running, parking brake engaged and your foot on the
brake pedal, 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.
Your vehicle is equipped with one of the following dipsticks.
Low fluid level
Type A
Type B
Do not drive the vehicle if there is no indication of fluid on the dipstick
and the ambient temperature is above 50°F (10°C).
ADD COLD HOT DO NOT ADD
Maintenance and Specifications
401
2012 F-250/350/450/550(f23)
Owners Guide, 4th Printing
USA(fus)
Page 405 of 448
The following procedure is for vehicles equipped with a gasoline engine.
If your vehicle is equipped with a diesel engine, refer to the diesel
supplement.
Note:Do not start your engine with the air cleaner removed and do not
remove it while the engine is running.
Changing the air filter element
1. Locate the mass air flow sensor
electrical connector on the air outlet
tube. This connector will need to be
unplugged.
2. Reposition the locking clip on the
connector (connector shown from
below for clarity), squeeze the
connector and pull it off of the air
outlet tube.
3. Clean the area around the air
tube to air cover connection to
prevent debris from entering the
system and then loosen the bolt on
the air tube clamp so the clamp is
no longer snug to the air tube. It is
not necessary to completely remove
the clamp.
4. Pull the air tube off from the air
cleaner housing.
Maintenance and Specifications
405
2012 F-250/350/450/550(f23)
Owners Guide, 4th Printing
USA(fus)
Page 407 of 448

10. Reconnect the mass air flow
sensor electrical connector to the
outlet tube. Make sure the locking
tab on the connector is in the
“locked” position (connector shown
from below for clarity).
Note:Failure to use the correct air filter element may result in severe
engine damage. The customer warranty may be void for any damage to
the engine if the correct air filter element is not used.
VEHICLE STORAGE
If you plan on storing your vehicle for an extended period of time
(30 days or more), refer to the following maintenance recommendations
to ensure your vehicle stays in good operating condition.
All motor vehicles and their components were engineered and tested for
reliable, regular driving. Long term storage under various conditions may
lead to component degradation or failure unless specific precautions are
taken to preserve the components.
General
•Store all vehicles in a dry, ventilated place.
•Protect from sunlight, if possible.
•If vehicles are stored outside, they require regular maintenance to
protect against rust and damage.
Body
•Wash vehicle thoroughly to remove dirt, grease, oil, tar or mud from
exterior surfaces, rear-wheel housing and underside of front fenders.
See theCleaningchapter for more information.
•Periodically wash vehicles stored in exposed locations.
•Touch-up raw or primed metal to prevent rust.
•Cover chrome and stainless steel parts with a thick coat of auto wax
to prevent discoloration. Re-wax as necessary when the vehicle is
washed. See theCleaningchapter for more information.
Maintenance and Specifications
407
2012 F-250/350/450/550(f23)
Owners Guide, 4th Printing
USA(fus)
Page 408 of 448

•Lubricate all hood, door and trunk lid hinges, and latches with a light
grade oil. See theCleaningchapter for more information.
•Cover interior trim to prevent fading.
•Keep all rubber parts free from oil and solvents.
Engine
•The engine oil and filter should be changed prior to storage, as used
engine oil contain contaminates that may cause engine damage.
•Start the engine every 15 days. Run at fast idle until it reaches normal
operating temperature.
•With your foot on the brake, shift through all the gears while the
engine is running.
Fuel system
•Fill the fuel tank with high-quality fuel until the first automatic shutoff
of the fuel pump nozzle.
Note:During extended periods of vehicle storage (30 days or more),
fuel may deteriorate due to oxidation. Add a quality gas stabilizer
product to the vehicle fuel system whenever actual or expected storage
periods exceed 30 days. Follow the instructions on the additive label.
The vehicle should then be operated at idle speed to circulate the
additive throughout the fuel system.
Cooling system
•Protect against freezing temperatures.
•When removing vehicle from storage, check coolant fluid level.
Confirm there are no cooling system leaks, and fluid is at the
recommended level.
Battery
•Check and recharge as necessary. Keep connections clean.
•If storing your vehicle for more than 30 days without recharging the
battery, it may be advisable to disconnect the battery cables to ensure
battery charge is maintained for quick starting.
Note:If battery cables are disconnected, it will be necessary to reset
memory features.
Maintenance and Specifications
408
2012 F-250/350/450/550(f23)
Owners Guide, 4th Printing
USA(fus)
Page 410 of 448
MOTORCRAFT PART NUMBERS
Component 6.2L V8 engine 6.8L V10 engine
Air filter element FA-1883 FA-1883
Oil filter FL-820-S FL-820-S
Battery (standard) BXT-65-650 BXT-65-650
Battery (optional) BXT-65-750 BXT-65-750
Spark plugs-platinum
1
Seat filter FS-107
Windshield wiper
bladeWW-2201-PF
1For spark plug replacement, see your authorized dealer. Refer to the
scheduled maintenance informationfor the appropriate intervals for
changing the spark plugs.
Replace the spark plugs with ones that meet Ford material and
design specifications for your vehicle, such as Motorcraftor
equivalent replacement parts. The customer warranty may be
void for any damage to the engine if such spark plugs are not
used.
Maintenance and Specifications
410
2012 F-250/350/450/550(f23)
Owners Guide, 4th Printing
USA(fus)
Page 411 of 448

MAINTENANCE PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS AND CAPACITIES
Item Capacity Ford part nameFord part number /
Ford specification
Front axle 5.8 pints (2.8L)MotorcraftSAE 80W-90
Premium Rear Axle
LubricantXY-80W-90–QL /
WSP-M2C197–A
Spindle bearing —High Temperature 4X4
Front Axle and Wheel
Bearing GreaseXG-11 /
WSS-M1C267-A1
Rear axle - F-250/350
(10.50 inch axle)
1
6.9 pints (3.3L)MotorcraftSAE
75W-140 Synthetic Rear
Axle LubricantXY-75W140–QL /
WSL-M2C192-A
Rear axle - F-350 (Dana
M80)8.5 pints (4.0L)MotorcraftSAE 75W-90
Synthetic Rear Axle
LubricantXY-75W90–QLS /
WSS–M2C918–A
Rear axle - F-450/550
(Dana S110/S130)14.0 pints (6.6L)MotorcraftSAE
75W-140 Synthetic Rear
Axle LubricantXY-75W140–QL /
WSL-M2C192-A
Brake fluidBetween
MIN/MAX on
brake fluid
reservoirMotorcraftHigh
Performance DOT 3
Motor Vehicle Brake
FluidPM-1–C / WSS-M6C62-A
or WSS-M6C65-A1
Engine coolant
(6.2L V8 engine)
2
21.3 quarts
(20.2L)MotorcraftOrange
Antifreeze/Coolant
PredilutedVC-3DIL-B (US) /
CVC-3DIL-B (Canada) /
WSS-M97B44-D2 Engine coolant
(6.8L V10 engine)
2
26.7 quarts
(25.3L)
Maintenance and Specifications
411
2012 F-250/350/450/550(f23)
Owners Guide, 4th Printing
USA(fus)