
FORD ESP EXTENDED SERVICE PLANS (U.S. ONLY)
More than 32 million Ford and Lincoln owners have discovered the
powerful protection of Ford ESP. It is the only extended service plan
backed by Ford Motor Company, and provides “peace of mind”
protection beyond the New Vehicle Limited Warranty coverage.
Up to 500+ Covered Vehicle Components
There are four, new-vehicle Extended Service Plans with different levels
of coverage. Ask your dealer for details.
PremiumCare –Our most comprehensive coverage. With over 500
covered components, this plan is so complete that we generally only
discuss what’s not covered!
ExtraCare –Covers 113 components, and includes many high-tech
items.
BaseCare –Covers 84 components.
PowertrainCare –Covers 29 critical components.
Ford ESP is honored by all Ford and Lincoln Dealers in the U.S.
and CanadaIt’s the only extended service plan authorized and backed
by Ford Motor Company. That means you get:
•Reliable, quality service anywhere you go.
•Factory-trained technicians.
•Ford Authorized Parts used with every covered repair.
Rental car reimbursement
If your vehicle is kept overnight for covered repairs,you are
eligible for rental car coverage, including Bumper-to-Bumper warranty
repairs, or manufacturer’s recalls.
Transferable coverage
If you sell your vehicle before your Ford ESP coverage expires, you can
transfer any remaining coverage to the new owner. Whenever you’re
ready to sell your car, prospective buyers may feel better about taking a
risk on your used vehicle. Ford ESP may add resale value!
Plus,exclusive 24/7 roadside assistance,including:
•Towing, flat-tire change and battery jump starts.
•Out-of-fuel and lock-out assistance.
•Travel expense reimbursement for lodging, meals and rental car.
•Destination assistance for taxi, shuttle, rental car coverage and
emergency transportation.
Ford Extended Service Plan
424
2012 F-250/350/450/550(f23)
Owners Guide, 1st Printing
USA(fus)

Off-road operation
Inspect frequently,
service as requiredInspect 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 monthsChange 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 TorqShifttransmissions)
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
intervalIf ran exclusively on E85, fill the fuel tank full
with regular unleaded fuel
Scheduled Maintenance
443
2012 F-250/350/450/550(f23)
Owners Guide, 1st Printing
USA(fus)

EXCEPTIONS
There are several exceptions to the Normal Schedule. They are listed
below:
Normal vehicle axle maintenance:Rear axles and power take-off
(PTO) units with synthetic fluid and light-duty trucks equipped with
Ford-design axles are lubricated for life; do not check or change fluid
unless a leak is suspected, service is required or the assembly has been
submerged in water. During long periods of trailer towing with outside
temperatures above 70°F (21°C) and at wide-open throttle for long
periods above 45 mph (72 km/h), non-synthetic rear axle fluids should
be changed every 3,000 miles (4,800 km) or three months, whichever
comes first. This interval can be waived if the axle is filled with 75W140
synthetic gear fluid meeting Ford specification WSL-M2C192-A, part
number F1TZ-19580-B or equivalent. Add friction modifier XL-3
(EST-M2C118-A) or equivalent for complete refill of Traction-Lok rear
axles (refer toMaintenance product specifications and capacitiesin
theMaintenance and Specificationschapter for details).
Police/Taxi/Livery vehicle axle maintenance:Change rear axle fluid
every 100,000 miles (160,000 km). Rear axle fluid change may be waived
if the axle was filled with 75W140 synthetic gear fluid meeting Ford
specification WSL-M2C192-A, part number FITZ-19580-B or equivalent.
Add four ounces (118 mL) of additive friction modifier XL-3
(EST-M2C118-A) or equivalent for complete refill of Traction-Lok rear
axles. The axle fluid should be changed anytime the axle has been
submerged in water
California fuel filter replacement:If the vehicle is registered in
California, the California Air Resources Board has determined that the
failure to perform this maintenance item will not nullify the emission
warranty or limit recall liability prior to the completion of the vehicle’s
useful life. Ford Motor Company, however, urges you to have all
recommended maintenance services performed at the specified intervals
and to record all vehicle service.
Class A Motorhome:Change brake fluid every two years.
Hot climate oil change intervals:If operating conditions are normal
and you drive your vehicle under typical, everyday conditionsandyou
are using an API performance category oil of SL or later (for example
SM, etc.) then you can follow the 7,500 mile (12,000 km) normal service
oil change intervals schedule. Vehicles operating in the Middle East,
North Africa, Sub-Saharan Africa or locations with similar climates must
follow the oil change interval of 3,000 mile (4,800 km) if the owner is
Scheduled Maintenance
446
2012 F-250/350/450/550(f23)
Owners Guide, 1st Printing
USA(fus)

checking and adding ..............379
dipstick ....................................379
filter, specifications ........380, 413
recommendations ...................380
refill capacities ........................414
Event data recording ....................8
Exhaust fumes ..........................273
F
Fail safe cooling ........................387
Fleet MyKey programming ......133
Flexible Fuel Vehicle (FFV) ....390
Floor mats .........................126–127
Fluid capacities .........................414
Fog lamps ....................................90
Four-Wheel Drive vehicles .......304
driving off road .......................311
electronic shift ................305, 309
indicator light .........................306
lever operated shift ................306
manual locking hubs ..............305
preparing to drive your
vehicle .....................................289
Fuel ............................................390
calculating fuel
economy ............................25, 396
cap ...........................................393
capacity ...................................414
choosing the right fuel ...........394
detergent in fuel .....................396
filling your vehicle with
fuel ...........................390, 393, 397
filter, specifications ........390, 413
fuel pump shut-off ..................324
improving fuel economy ........396
octane rating ...........394–395, 418
quality ......................................395
running out of fuel .................396safety information relating to
automotive fuels .....................390
Fuel - flex fuel vehicle
(FFV) .........................390, 394–395
Fuses ..................................324–325
G
Garage door opener ..................120
Gas cap (see Fuel cap) ............393
Gas mileage
(see Fuel economy) .................396
Gauges .........................................21
H
Hazard flashers .........................323
Headlamps ...................................89
aiming ..................................91–92
autolamp system .......................89
daytime running lights .............91
flash to pass ..............................90
high beam .................................90
replacing bulbs .........................95
turning on and off ....................89
Heating
heating and air conditioning
system .................................80, 83
Hill descent mode .....................285
Hill start assist ..........................299
Hood ..........................................375
I
Ignition ...............................269, 418
Illuminated visor mirror ...........101
Infant seats
(see Safety seats) .....................203
Index
450
2012 F-250/350/450/550(f23)
Owners Guide, 1st Printing
USA(fus)

SecuriCode keyless entry
system ........................................152
SecuriLock passive anti-theft
system ................................153–154
Servicing your vehicle ..............374
Setting the clock ...................62, 64
Snowplowing .................7, 319–320
SOS Post Crash Alert ...............193
Spark plugs,
specifications .....................413, 418
Special notice ................................7
ambulance conversions ..............7
diesel-powered vehicles .............6
four-wheel drive vehicles .......321
utility-type vehicles ....................6
Speed control ............................113
Starting a flex fuel vehicle .......272
Starting your vehicle ........269–272
jump starting ..........................351
Steering wheel
controls ....................................115
tilting .......................................101
SYNC..........................................79
T
Tailgate ......................................127
Tilt steering wheel ....................101
Tire Pressure Monitoring
System (TPMS)
Tires, Wheels and Loading ....240
Tires ...........................222–224, 334
alignment ................................232
care ..........................................228
changing ..................334, 337, 340
checking the pressure ............227
inflating ...................................225label .........................................239
replacing ..................................230
rotating ....................................233
safety practices .......................231
sidewall information ...............234
snow tires and chains ............247
spare tire .................................335
terminology .............................224
tire grades ...............................223
treadwear ........................223, 229
Towing .......................................255
recreational towing .................267
Trailer Brake
Controller-Integrated ..............260
trailer towing ..........................255
wrecker ....................................355
Traction control ........................278
Trailer Brake
Controller-Integrated ................260
Trailer sway control ..................285
Transfer case
fluid checking .........................407
Transmission .............................291
brake-shift interlock (BSI) ....289
fluid, checking and adding
(automatic) .............................404
fluid, refill capacities ..............414
Turn signal ..................................93
U
Universal garage door opener ..120
Upfitter controls .......................117
USB port ......................................72
V
Vehicle Identification Number
(VIN) ..........................................420
Vehicle loading ..........................248
Index
453
2012 F-250/350/450/550(f23)
Owners Guide, 1st Printing
USA(fus)