2013 FORD F250 towing

SPECIAL OPERATING CONDITIONS – 6.2L AND 6.8L ENGINES
ONLY
Note:If your vehicle is equipped with the 6.7L diesel engine, see the
diesel supplement for special operating condition maintenance.
If you operate your vehicleprimarilyin one of the more demanding
conditions listed below, you need to have some items maintained more
frequently. If you onlyoccasionallyoperate 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 requiredInspect and lubricate U-joints.
See axle maintenance items underExceptions.
Every 5000 miles
(8000 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 5000 miles
(8000 km) or
six monthsChange engine oil and filter.
Inspect and lubricate U-joints.
Every 30000 miles
(48000 km)Replace front wheel bearing grease and grease
seals if non-sealed bearings are used.
*Vehicles equipped with dual rear wheels should rotate the front wheels
when specified; rear wheels only if unusual wear is noted.
Scheduled Maintenance413
2013 F-250/350/450/550(f23)
Owners Guide gf, 3rd Printing, December 2012
USA(fus)

EXCEPTIONS
Normal vehicle axle maintenance:Rear axles and power take-off 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
3000 miles (4800 kilometers) 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 (seeTechnical specificationsin
theCapacities and Specificationschapter for details).
Police/Taxi/Livery vehicle axle maintenance:Change rear axle fluid
every 100000 miles (160000 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.
Hot climate oil change intervals:Vehicles operating in the Middle
East, North Africa, Sub-Saharan Africa or locations with similar climates
using an American Petroleum Institute (API) Certified for Gasoline
Engines (Certification mark) oil of SM or SN quality, the normal oil
change interval is 5000 miles (8000 kilometers).
If the available API SM or SN oils are not available, then the oil change
service interval is 3000 miles (4800 kilometers).
Engine air filter replacement:Engine air filter life is dependent on
exposure to dusty and dirty conditions. Vehicles operated in these
conditions require frequent inspection and replacement of the engine air
filter.
418Scheduled Maintenance
2013 F-250/350/450/550(f23)
Owners Guide gf, 3rd Printing, December 2012
USA(fus)

terminology .............................347
tire grades ...............................346
treadwear ........................346, 358
Touchscreen features
(climate) ....................................534
Towing .......................253, 266, 268
recreational towing .................268
Trailer Brake
Controller-Integrated ..............259
trailer towing ..........................253
wrecker ....................................266
Traction control ........................225
Traffic, Directions and
Information ................................445
Traffic preferences ...................542
Trailer Brake
Controller-Integrated ................259
Trailer sway control ..................254
Transfer case
fluid checking .........................316
Transmission .............................199
brake-shift interlock (BSI) ....206
fluid, checking and adding
(automatic) .............................313
fluid, refill capacities ..............391
Turn signal ..................................88
U
Universal garage door opener ..168
Upfitter controls .......................300
USB port ....................142–143, 494Using privacy mode ..................429
V
Vehicle health report ........443, 518
Vehicle Identification Number
(VIN) ..........................................395
Vehicle loading ..........................241
Ventilating your vehicle ...........186
Voice commands in media
mode ..........................................451
Voice commands in phone
mode ..........................................427
Voice recognition ......................472
W
Warning lights (see Lights) .......99
Washer fluid ..............................318
reservoir ..................................304
Water, Driving through .............270
Wi-Fi ..........................................531
Windows
power .........................................90
Windshield washer fluid and
wipers ..........................................84
checking and adding fluid .....318
replacing wiper blades ...........322
reservoir ..................................304
Wrecker towing .........................266
576Index
2013 F-250/350/450/550(f23)
Owners Guide gf, 3rd Printing, December 2012
USA(fus)