TRANSMISSION FLUID
Checking automatic transmission fluid (if equipped)
Refer to yourscheduled maintenance informationfor scheduled
intervals for fluid checks and changes. Your transmission does not
consume fluid. However, the fluid level should be checked if the
transmission is not working properly, i.e., if the transmission slips or
shifts slowly or if you notice some sign of fluid leakage.
Automatic transmission fluid expands when warmed. To obtain an
accurate fluid check, drive the vehicle until it is at normal operating
temperature (approximately 20 miles [30 km]). Verify that the
transmission fluid temperature gauge, located on the instrument cluster,
is within normal range.
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.
Maintenance and Specifications
404
2012 F-250/350/450/550(f23)
Owners Guide, 1st Printing
USA(fus)
Inspection/maintenance (I/M)
testing ........................................401
Instrument panel
cleaning ...........................369–370
cluster ........................................14
lighting up panel and
interior .......................................91
J
Jack ............................................334
positioning ...............................334
storage .....................................334
Jump-starting your vehicle ......351
K
Keyless entry system
autolock ...................................141
keypad .....................................152
locking and unlocking doors ..153
programming entry code .......152
Keys ...................................133, 154
positions of the ignition .........269
L
Lamps
autolamp system .......................89
daytime running light ...............91
fog lamps ...................................90
headlamps .................................89
headlamps, flash to pass ..........90
instrument panel, dimming .....91
interior lamps ...........................93
replacing bulbs .............95, 97–99
LATCH anchors .........................210
Lights, warning and indicator ....14
anti-lock brakes (ABS) ..........276
Loading instructions .................255Load limits .................................248
Locks
autolock ...................................141
childproof ................................145
doors ........................................141
Lug nuts ....................................350
Lumbar support, seats .............164
M
Manual transmission
fluid capacities ........................414
Message center ...............22–23, 40
english/metric button ...............28
system check button
................28
warning messages
...............29, 48
Mirrors
...............................108–109
automatic dimming rearview
mirror
......................................108
fold away
.................109, 111–112
heated
........................................83
programmable memory
..........147
side view mirrors (power)
.....109
signal
.......................................112
Moon roof
..................................118
Motorcraftparts
......................413
MyKey
........................................133
N
Navigation system
.......................79
O
Octane rating
....................394–395
Oil (see Engine oil)
..................379
Index
451
2012 F-250/350/450/550(f23)
Owners Guide, 1st Printing
USA(fus)
