Value Shopping for Your Vehicle’s Maintenance Needs
Your dealership recognizes the competitive landscape of maintenance and
light repair automotive services. With factory-trained technicians, and
one-stop service from routine maintenance like oil changes and tire
rotations to repairs like brake service, check out the value your dealers
can offer.
Owner checks and services
Certain basic maintenance checks and inspections should be performed
by the owner or a service technician at the intervals indicated. Service
information and supporting specifications are provided in this owner’s
guide.
Any adverse condition should be brought to the attention of your dealer
or qualified service technician as soon as possible for the proper service
advice. The owner maintenance service checks are generally not covered
by warranties so you may be charged for labor, parts or fluids used.
Engine oil/coolant change intervals
Engine oil (6.2L/6.8L)* 6 months or 7,500 miles (12,000 km)
(whichever comes first)
Engine coolant, initial
change 6 years or 105,000 miles (168,000 km)
(whichever comes first)
Engine coolant, after
initial change Every 3 years or 45,000 miles (72,000 km)
*If your vehicle is equipped with a diesel engine, refer to the diesel
supplement for engine oil/coolant change schedules
Check every month
Engine oil level
Function of all interior and exterior lights
Tires for wear and proper pressure, including spare
Windshield washer fluid level
Check every six months
Battery connections; clean if necessary
Body and door drain holes for obstructions; clean if necessary
Cooling system fluid level and coolant strength
Door weatherstrips for wear; lubricate if necessary
Hinges/latches/outside locks for proper operation; lubricate if necessaryScheduled Maintenance
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2012 F-250/350/450/550 (f23)
Owners Guide, 4th Printing
USA (fus)
Check every six months
Parking brake for proper operation
Safety belts and seat latches for wear and function
Safety warning lamps (brake, ABS, airbag, safety belt) for operation
Washer spray/wiper operation; clean or replace blades as necessary
Multi-point Inspection
In order to keep your vehicle running right, it is important to have the
systems on your vehicle checked regularly. This can help identify
potential issues and prevent major problems. Ford Motor Company
recommends the following multi-point inspection be performed at every
scheduled maintenance interval to help make sure your vehicle keeps
running great.
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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2012 F-250/350/450/550 (f23)
Owners Guide, 4th Printing
USA (fus)
6.2L and 6.8L engines
Miles (x 1,000)* 7.5 15 22.5 30 37.5 45 52.5 60 67.5 75
Kilometers (x 1,000)* 12 24 36 48 60 72 84 96 108 120
Months* 6 12 18 24 30 36 42 48 54 60
Change engine oil and filter • •••••••••
Rotate tires**, inspect tire wear and measure tread depth • •••••••••
Inspect wheels and related components for abnormal noise, wear,
looseness or drag • •••••••••
Perform multi-point inspection (recommended) • •••••••••
Inspect automatic transmission fluid level (if equipped with
dipstick); consult dealer for requirements •••••
Inspect brake pads, shoes, rotors, drums, brake linings, hoses and
parking brake •••••
Inspect engine cooling system concentration and hoses •••••
Inspect exhaust system and heat shields •••••
Inspect front axle and U-joints; lubricate if equipped with grease
fittings (4WD vehicles) •••••
Inspect half-shaft boots (if equipped) •••••
Inspect steering linkage, ball joints, suspension, tie-rod ends,
driveshaft and U-joints; lubricate if equipped with grease fittings •••••
Torque rear U-bolts (Transit Connect) •••••
Inspect cabin air filter (if equipped) • ••••
* Whichever comes first
**If equipped with dual rear wheels, rotate front wheels when specified, rear wheels only if unusual wear is noted
Scheduled maintenance for the diesel engine can be found in the diesel supplementScheduled Maintenance
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2012 F-250/350/450/550 (f23)
Owners Guide, 4th Printing
USA (fus)
6.2L and 6.8L engines
Miles (x 1,000)* 82.5 90 97.5 105 112.5 120 127.5 135 142.5 150
Kilometers (x 1,000)* 132 144 156 168 180 192 204 216 228 240
Months* 66 72 78 84 90 96 102 108 114 120
Change engine oil and filter ••••••••••
Rotate tires**, inspect tire wear and measure tread depth ••••••••••
Inspect wheels and related components for abnormal noise,
wear, looseness or drag ••••••••••
Perform multi-point inspection (recommended) ••••••••••
Inspect automatic transmission fluid level (if equipped with
dipstick); consult dealer for requirements •••••
Inspect brake pads, shoes, rotors, drums, brake linings, hoses
and parking brake •••••
Inspect engine cooling system concentration and hoses •••••
Inspect exhaust system and heat shields •••••
Inspect front axle and U-joints; lubricate if equipped with
grease fittings (4WD vehicles) •••••
Inspect half-shaft boots (if equipped) •••••
Inspect steering linkage, ball joints, suspension, tie-rod ends,
driveshaft and U-joints; lubricate if equipped with grease
fittings •••••
Torque rear U-bolts (Transit Connect) •••••
Inspect cabin air filter (if equipped) •••••
* Whichever comes first
**If equipped with dual rear wheels, rotate front wheels when specified, rear wheels only if unusual wear is noted
Scheduled maintenance for the diesel engine can be found in the diesel supplementScheduled Maintenance
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2012 F-250/350/450/550 (f23)
Owners Guide, 4th Printing
USA (fus)
6.2L and 6.8L engines
Every 15,000 miles
(24,000 km) Replace cabin air filter (if equipped)
Every 30,000 miles
(48,000 km) Replace climate-controlled seat filter (if
equipped)
Replace engine air filter
Every 60,000 miles
(96,000 km) Change automatic transmission fluid and filter on
5–speed TorqShift transmission; consult dealer
for requirements
Replace front wheel bearing grease/grease seal if
non-sealed bearings are used (2WD vehicles)
Every 97,500 miles
(156,000 km) Replace spark plugs
Every 105,000 miles
(168,000 km) Change engine coolant 1
Change manual transmission fluid (except
Escape)
Change rear axle fluid (Dana axles)
Inspect accessory drive belt(s) 2
Every 150,000 miles
(240,000 km) Change automatic transmission fluid and filter
(except 5–speed TorqShift transmission) (filter
not required on 6F35, 6F50, DPS6 and AWF-21
transmissions); consult dealer for requirements
Change front axle fluid (4WD vehicles)
Change rear axle fluid (RWD vehicles)
Change transfer case fluid (4WD vehicles)
Replace accessory drive belt(s) if not replaced
within the last 100,000 miles (160,000 km)
Replace front wheel bearings and seals if
non-sealed bearings are used (2WD vehicles)1
Initial replacement at 105,000 miles (168,000 km) or 72 months; every
45,000 miles (72,000 km) or 36 months thereafter 2
Perform a follow-up inspection at 120,000 miles (192,000 km) Scheduled Maintenance
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2012 F-250/350/450/550 (f23)
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USA (fus)
SPECIAL OPERATING CONDITIONS
The following information pertains to 6.2L V8 and 6.8L V10 gasoline
engines only. Scheduled maintenance for the diesel engine can be found
in the diesel supplement.
If you operate your vehicle primarily in one of the more demanding
conditions listed below, you will need to have some items maintained
more frequently. If you only occasionally operate your vehicle under
these conditions, it is not necessary to perform the additional
maintenance. For specific recommendations, see your dealership service
advisor or technician.
Towing a trailer or using a camper or car-top carrier
Inspect frequently,
service as required Inspect and lubricate U-joints
See axle maintenance items under Exceptions
Every 5,000 miles
(8,000 km) Inspect wheels and related components for
abnormal noise, wear, looseness or drag
Rotate tires*, inspect tires for wear and measure
tread depth
Every 5,000 miles
(8,000 km) or
6 months Change engine oil and filter
Inspect and lubricate U-joints
Every 30,000 miles
(48,000 km) Change automatic transmission fluid (except
6R80 and TorqShift transmissions)
Replace front wheel bearing grease/grease seals if
non-sealed bearings are used (2WD vehicles)
Every 60,000 miles
(96,000 km) Change transfer case fluid (4WD vehicles)
*If equipped with dual rear wheels, rotate front wheels when specified,
rear wheels only if unusual wear is noted Scheduled Maintenance
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2012 F-250/350/450/550 (f23)
Owners Guide, 4th Printing
USA (fus)
Extensive idling and/or low-speed driving for long distances as in
heavy commercial use (i.e. delivery, taxi, patrol car or livery)
Inspect frequently,
service as required Replace cabin air filter (if equipped)
Replace engine air filter
Every 5,000 miles
(8,000 km) Inspect brake system
Inspect wheels and related components for
abnormal noise, wear, looseness or drag
Lubricate control arm and steering ball joints if
equipped with grease fittings
Rotate tires*, inspect tires for wear and measure
tread depth
Every 5,000 miles
(8,000 km) or
6 months Inspect and lubricate U-joints
Every 5,000 miles
(8,000 km), 6 months
or 200 engine hours Change engine oil and filter
Every 30,000 miles
(48,000 km) Change automatic transmission fluid (except 6R80
and TorqShift transmissions)
Replace front wheel bearing grease/grease seals if
non-sealed bearings are used (2WD vehicles)
Every 60,000 miles
(96,000 km) Change transfer case fluid (4WD vehicles)
Replace spark plugs
*If equipped with dual rear wheels, rotate front wheels when specified,
rear wheels only if unusual wear is noted
Operating in dusty conditions such as unpaved or dusty roads
Inspect frequently,
service as required Replace cabin air filter (if equipped)
Replace engine air filter
Every 5,000 miles
(8,000 km) Inspect the wheels and related components for
abnormal noise, wear, looseness or drag
Rotate tires*, inspect tires for wear and measure
tread depth
Every 5,000 miles
(8,000 km) or
6 months Change engine oil and filter
Inspect and lubricate U-jointsScheduled Maintenance
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2012 F-250/350/450/550 (f23)
Owners Guide, 4th Printing
USA (fus)
Operating in dusty conditions such as unpaved or dusty roads
Every 30,000 miles
(48,000 km) Change automatic transmission fluid (except 6R80
and TorqShift transmissions)
Replace front wheel bearing grease/grease seals if
non-sealed bearings are used (2WD vehicles)
Every 50,000 miles
(80,000 km) Change rear axle fluid (F-450/550 only)
Every 60,000 miles
(96,000 km) Change transfer case fluid (4WD vehicles)
*If equipped with dual rear wheels, rotate front wheels when specified,
rear wheels only if unusual wear is noted
Off-road operation
Inspect frequently,
service as required Inspect steering linkage, ball joints and U-joints;
lubricate if equipped with grease fittings
Replace cabin air filter (if equipped)
Replace engine air filter
Every 5,000 miles
(8,000 km) or
6 months Change engine oil and filter
Inspect wheels and related components for
abnormal noise, wear, looseness or drag
Rotate tires*, inspect tires for wear and measure
tread depth
Every 30,000 miles
(48,000 km) Change automatic transmission fluid (except 6R80
and TorqShift transmissions)
Replace front wheel bearing grease/grease seals if
non-sealed bearings are used (2WD vehicles)
Every 50,000 miles
(80,000 km) Change rear axle fluid (F-450/550 only)
Every 60,000 miles
(96,000 km) Change transfer case fluid (4WD vehicles)
*If equipped with dual rear wheels, rotate front wheels when specified,
rear wheels only if unusual wear is noted
Exclusive use of E85 (Flex Fuel Vehicles only)
Every oil change
interval If ran exclusively on E85, fill the fuel tank full
with regular unleaded fuelScheduled Maintenance
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2012 F-250/350/450/550 (f23)
Owners Guide, 4th Printing
USA (fus)