2012 FORD F550 oil change

• Lubricate all hood, door and trunk lid hinges, and latches with a light
grade oil. See the Cleaning chapter 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)

Item Capacity Ford part name Ford part number /
Ford specification
Engine and fuel coolant
- diesel engine Refer to the diesel supplement.
Engine oil (includes
filter change) - 6.2L V8
and 6.8L V10 gas
engines
57.0 quarts (6.6L) • Motorcraft  SAE 5W-20
Premium Synthetic
Blend Motor Oil (US)
• Motorcraft  SAE 5W-20
Full Synthetic Motor Oil
(US)
• Motorcraft  SAE 5W-20
Super Premium Motor
Oil (Canada)
• Motorcraft  SAE 5W-20
Synthetic Motor Oil
(Canada) • XO-5W20-QSP (US)
• XO-5W20-QFS (US)
• CXO-5W20–LSP12
(Canada)
• CXO-5W-20-LFS12
(Canada) /
WSS-M2C945-A and API
Certification Mark
Engine oil (includes
filter change) - diesel
engine Refer to the diesel supplement.
Fuel tank (mid-ship) 28 gallons (106L) — —
Fuel tank (plastic) 35 gallons (132L) — —
Fuel tank (Aft axle) 40 gallons (151L) — —
Fuel tank - diesel
engine Refer to the diesel supplement.Maintenance and Specifications
412
2012 F-250/350/450/550 (f23)
Owners Guide, 4th Printing
USA (fus)

owner’s responsibility to determine the equivalency of such parts. Please
consult your Warranty Guide for complete warranty information.
Chemicals or additives not approved by Ford are not required for factory
recommended maintenance. In fact, Ford Motor Company recommends
against the use of such additive products unless specifically
recommended by Ford for a particular application.
Oils, Fluids and Flushing
In many cases, fluid discoloration is a normal operating characteristic
and, by itself, does not necessarily indicate a concern or that the fluid
needs to be changed. However, discolored fluids that also show signs of
overheating and/or foreign material contamination should be inspected
immediately by a qualified expert such as the factory-trained technicians
at your dealership. Your vehicle’s oils and fluids should be changed at the
specified intervals or in conjunction with a repair. Flushing is a viable
way to change fluid for many vehicle sub-systems during scheduled
maintenance. It is critical that systems are flushed only with new fluid
that is the same as that required to fill and operate the system, or using
a Ford-approved flushing chemical.
Genuine Ford Parts and Service
When planning your maintenance services, consider your dealership for
all your vehicle’s needs.
There are a lot of reasons why visiting your dealership for all your
service needs is a great way to help keep your vehicle running great.
Convenience
Many dealerships have extended evening and Saturday hours to make
your service visit more convenient. How’s that for quality service?
Factory-trained Technicians
Service technicians participate in extensive factory-sponsored
certification training to help them become experts on the operation of
your vehicle. Ask your dealership about the training and certification
their technicians have received.
Genuine Ford and Motorcraft  Replacement Parts
Dealerships stock Ford and Motorcraft  branded remanufactured
replacement parts. These parts meet or exceed Ford Motor Company’s
specifications, and we stand behind them. Parts installed at your
dealership carry a nationwide, 12 month/12,000 mile (20,000 km) parts
and labor limited warranty. Your dealer can give you details. Scheduled Maintenance
425
2012 F-250/350/450/550 (f23)
Owners Guide, 4th Printing
USA (fus)

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
426
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
429
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
430
2012 F-250/350/450/550 (f23)
Owners Guide, 4th Printing
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
435
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
436
2012 F-250/350/450/550 (f23)
Owners Guide, 4th Printing
USA (fus)