Page 411 of 454

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.
•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.
Maintenance and Specifications
411
2012 F-250/350/450/550(f23)
Owners Guide, 1st Printing
USA(fus)
Page 412 of 454

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.
Brakes
•Make sure brakes and parking brake are fully released.
Tires
•Maintain recommended air pressure.
Miscellaneous
•Make sure all linkages, cables, levers and pins under vehicle are
covered with grease to prevent rust.
•Move vehicles at least 25 feet (8 m) every 15 days to lubricate
working parts and prevent corrosion.
Maintenance and Specifications
412
2012 F-250/350/450/550(f23)
Owners Guide, 1st Printing
USA(fus)
Page 414 of 454

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)MotorcraftSpecialty
Orange Engine Coolant
(orange-colored)VC-3-B (US) /
CVC-3-B (Canada) /
WSS-M97B44-D Engine coolant
(6.8L V10 engine)
2
26.7 quarts
(25.3L)
Maintenance and Specifications
414
2012 F-250/350/450/550(f23)
Owners Guide, 1st Printing
USA(fus)
Page 416 of 454
Item Capacity Ford part nameFord part number /
Ford specification
Hinges, latches, striker
plates, fuel filler door
hinge and seat tracks— Multi-Purpose GreaseXG–4 or XL-5 /
ESB-M1C93–B
Lock cylinders —MotorcraftPenetrating
and Lock LubricantXL-1 / None
Transmission / parking
brake linkages and
pivots, brake pedal shift—MotorcraftPremium
Long-Life GreaseXG-1-C or XG-1-K /
WSD-M1C227-A
Power steering fluidKeep fluid level
between MIN and
MAX on reservoirMotorcraft
MERCONVATFXT-5-QM /
MERCONV
Transfer case fluid 2.0 quarts (1.9L)MotorcraftTransfer
Case FluidXL-12 / —
Automatic transmission
fluid
(5–speed)
3
17.5 quarts
(16.6L)
4, 6
Motorcraft
MERCONLV AT FXT-10–QLV /
MERCONLV
Automatic transmission
fluid
(6-speed)
3
18.5 quarts
(17.5L)
4, 7
16.7 quarts
(15.8L)
4, 7
Maintenance and Specifications
416
2012 F-250/350/450/550(f23)
Owners Guide, 1st Printing
USA(fus)
Page 420 of 454
Vehicle identification number (VIN)
The vehicle identification number is
located on the driver side
instrument panel.
Please note that in the graphic,
XXXX is representative of your
vehicle identification number.
The Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) contains the following
information:
1. World manufacturer identifier
2. Brake system / Gross Vehicle
Weight Rating (GVWR) / Restraint
Devices and their location
3. Make, vehicle line, series, body
type
4. Engine type
5. Check digit
6. Model year
7. Assembly plant
8. Production sequence number
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
Maintenance and Specifications
420
2012 F-250/350/450/550(f23)
Owners Guide, 1st Printing
USA(fus)
Page 425 of 454

Ford ESP Can Quickly Pay for Itself
One service bill – the cost of parts and labor – can easily exceed the
price of your Ford ESP Service Contract. With Ford ESP, you minimize
your risk for unexpected repair bills and rising repair costs.
Avoid the rising cost of properly maintaining your vehicle!
Ford ESP also offers a Premium Maintenance Plan that covers items that
routinely wear out.
The coverage is prepaid, so you never have to worry about affording
your vehicle maintenance. It covers regular checkups, routine
inspections, preventive care and replacement of items that require
periodic attention fornormal “wear”:
•Wiper blades•Brake pads and linings
•Spark plugs (except
California)•Shock absorbers
•Clutch disc•Belts and hoses
Contact your selling Ford or Lincoln dealership today so they can
customize a Ford Extended Service Plan that fits your driving lifestyle
and budget.
Interest free finance options available
Take advantage of our installment payment plan, just a 10% down
payment will provide you with an affordable no interest, no-fee payment
opportunity.
Ford Extended Service Plan
425
2012 F-250/350/450/550(f23)
Owners Guide, 1st Printing
USA(fus)
Page 430 of 454

Genuine Ford and Motorcraftreplacement parts
Dealerships stock Ford and Motorcraftbranded 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.
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
change6 years or 105,000 miles (168,000 km)
(whichever comes first)
Engine coolant, after
initial changeEvery 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
Scheduled Maintenance
430
2012 F-250/350/450/550(f23)
Owners Guide, 1st Printing
USA(fus)
Page 431 of 454

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 necessary
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 ensure 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 operationTires 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
Scheduled Maintenance
431
2012 F-250/350/450/550(f23)
Owners Guide, 1st Printing
USA(fus)