2013 FORD F250 coolant reservoir

Engine Coolant Temperature Gauge
Indicates engine coolant temperature. At normal operating temperature,
the level indicator will be in the normal range. If the engine coolant
temperature exceeds the normal range, stop the vehicle as soon as
safely possible, switch off the engine and let the engine cool.
WARNING:Never remove the coolant reservoir cap while the
engine is running or hot.
Transmission Fluid Temperature Gauge
Indicates transmission fluid temperature. At normal operating
temperature, the level indicator will be in the normal range. If the
transmission fluid temperature exceeds the normal range, stop the
vehicle as soon as safely possible and verify the airflow is not restricted
such as snow or debris blocking airflow through the grill. Also, higher
than normal operating temperature can be caused by special operation
conditions (i.e. snowplowing, towing or off-road use). Refer toSpecial
operating conditions in the scheduled maintenance informationfor
instructions. Operating the transmission for extended periods of time
with the gauge in the higher than normal area may cause internal
transmission damage. Altering the severity of the driving conditions is
recommended to lower the transmission temperature into the normal
range. If the gauge continues to show high temperatures, see your
authorized dealer.
Fuel Gauge
Indicates approximately how much fuel is left in the fuel tank (when the
ignition is on). The fuel gauge may vary slightly when the vehicle is in
motion or on a grade. The fuel icon and arrow indicates which side of
the vehicle the fuel filler door is located.
Information Display
Odometer
Located in the bottom of the information display Registers the
accumulated distance your vehicle has travelled.
Trip Computer
SeeTrip A/BinInformation Displays.
Vehicle Settings and Personalization
SeeInformation Displays.
98Instrument Cluster
2013 F-250/350/450/550(f23)
Owners Guide gf, 3rd Printing, December 2012
USA(fus)

UNDER HOOD OVERVIEW
Refer to the diesel supplement for diesel engine component locations.
6.2L V8 Gasoline Engine
A. Windshield washer fluid reservoir
B. Engine oil dipstick
C. Automatic transmission fluid dipstick
D. Brake fluid reservoir
E. Engine coolant reservoir
F. Power distribution box
G. Air filter assembly
H. Power steering fluid reservoir
I. Engine oil filler cap
J. Battery
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304Maintenance
2013 F-250/350/450/550(f23)
Owners Guide gf, 3rd Printing, December 2012
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6.8L V10 Gasoline Engine
A. Windshield washer fluid reservoir
B. Battery
C. Automatic transmission fluid dipstick
D. Engine oil filler cap
E. Engine oil dipstick
F. Power steering fluid reservoir
G. Brake fluid reservoir
H. Engine coolant reservoir
I. Air filter assembly
J. Power distribution box
ABCEHIJFDG
Maintenance305
2013 F-250/350/450/550(f23)
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Adding Engine Oil
Note:Do not remove the engine oil level dipstick or the filler cap when
the engine is running.
Note:Do not add engine oil further than the MAX mark. Oil levels above
the MAX mark may cause engine damage.
Only use oils certified for gasoline engines by the
American Petroleum Institute (API). An oil with this
trademark symbol conforms to the current engine
and emission system protection standards and fuel
economy requirements of the International Lubricants
Specification Advisory Council (ILSAC), comprised of
U.S. and Japanese automobile manufacturers.
1. Check the engine oil level.
2. If the engine oil level is not within the normal range, add engine oil
that meets Ford specifications. SeeCapacities and Specificationsfor
more information. Remove the engine oil filler cap and use a funnel to
pour the engine oil into the opening.
3. Recheck the engine oil level. Make sure the oil level is not above the
normal operating range on the engine oil level dipstick.
4. Install the dipstick and ensure it is fully seated.
5. Fully install the engine oil filler cap by turning the filler cap clockwise
until three clicks are heard or until the cap is fully seated.
ENGINE COOLANT CHECK
Checking the Engine Coolant
The concentration and level of engine coolant should be checked at the
intervals listed inscheduled maintenance information.
The coolant concentration should be maintained within 48% to 50%, which
equates to a freeze point between -30°F (-34°C) and -34°F (-37°C).
Note:For best results, coolant concentration should be tested with a
refractometer such as Rotunda tool 300-ROB75240 available from your
dealer. Ford does not recommend the use of hydrometers or coolant test
strips for measuring coolant concentrations.
Note:Make sure that the level is between the MIN and MAX marks on
the coolant reservoir.
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2013 F-250/350/450/550(f23)
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•In case of emergency, a large amount of water without engine coolant
may be added in order to reach a vehicle service location. In this
instance, the cooling system must be drained, chemically cleaned with
Motorcraft Premium Cooling System Flush, and refilled with engine
coolant as soon as possible. Water alone (without engine coolant) can
cause engine damage from corrosion, overheating or freezing.
•Do not use alcohol, methanol, brine or any engine coolants mixed with
alcohol or methanol antifreeze (coolant). Alcohol and other liquids can
cause engine damage from overheating or freezing.
•
Do not add extra inhibitors or additives to the coolant. These can be
harmful and compromise the corrosion protection of the engine coolant.
Unscrew the cap slowly. Any pressure will escape as you unscrew the cap.
Add prediluted engine coolant meeting the Ford specification.
SeeCapacities and Specificationsfor more information.
Whenever coolant has been added, the coolant level in the coolant
reservoir should be checked the next few times you drive the vehicle.
If necessary, add enough prediluted engine coolant to bring the coolant
level to the proper level.
Recycled Engine Coolant
Ford Motor Company does not recommend the use of recycled engine
coolant since a Ford-approved recycling process is not yet available.
Used engine coolant should be disposed of in an appropriate
manner. Follow your community’s regulations and standards for recycling
and disposing of automotive fluids.
Severe Climates
If you drive in extremely cold climates:
•It may be necessary to have a Ford authorized dealer increase the
coolant concentration above 50%.
•A coolant concentration of 60% will provide improved freeze point
protection. Engine coolant concentrations above 60% will decrease
the overheat protection characteristics of the engine coolant and may
cause engine damage.
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2013 F-250/350/450/550(f23)
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USA(fus)

When Fail-Safe Mode is Activated
WARNING:Never remove the coolant reservoir cap while the
engine is running or hot.
Note:Driving the vehicle without repairing the engine problem increases
the chance of engine damage. Take your vehicle to an authorized dealer
as soon as possible.
You have limited engine power when in the fail-safe mode, so drive the
vehicle with caution. The vehicle will not be able to maintain high-speed
operation and the engine will run rough. Remember that the engine is
capable of completely shutting down automatically to prevent engine
damage; therefore:
1. Pull off the road as soon as safely possible and turn off the engine.
2. Arrange for the vehicle to be taken to an authorized dealer.
3. If this is not possible, wait a short period for the engine to cool.
4. Check the coolant level and replenish if low.
5. Restart the engine and take your vehicle to an authorized dealer.
Engine Fluid Temperature Management (If Equipped)
WARNING:To reduce the risk of collision and injury, be
prepared that the vehicle speed may reduce and the vehicle may
not be able to accelerate with full power until the fluid temperatures
reduce.
Your vehicle has been designed to pull a trailer, but because of the added
load, the vehicle’s engine may temporarily reach higher temperatures
during severe operating conditions such as ascending a long or steep
grade while pulling a trailer in hot ambient temperatures.
At this time, you may notice your engine coolant temperature gauge
needle move toward the H and the POWER REDUCED TO LOWER
TEMP message may appear in the information display.
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2013 F-250/350/450/550(f23)
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USA(fus)

You may notice a reduction in the vehicle’s speed caused by reduced
engine power. Your vehicle has been designed to enter this mode if
certain high temperature/high load conditions take place in order to
manage the engine’s fluid temperatures. The amount of speed reduction
will depend on the vehicle loading, towing, grade, ambient temperature,
and other factors. If this occurs, there is no need to pull off the road.
The vehicle can continue to be driven while this message is active.
The air conditioning may also cycle on and off during severe operating
conditions to protect overheating of the engine. When the engine coolant
temperature decreases to a more normal operating temperature, the air
conditioning will turn on once again.
If you notice any of the following:
•the engine coolant temperature gauge moves fully into the red (hot)
area
•the coolant temperature warning light illuminates
•the service engine soon indicator illuminates
1. Pull off the road as soon as safely possible and place the vehicle inP
(Park).
2. Leave the engine running until the coolant temperature gauge needle
moves away from the H range. After several minutes, if this does not
happen, follow the remaining steps.
3. Turn the engine off and wait for it to cool before checking the coolant
level.
WARNING:Never remove the coolant reservoir cap while the
engine is running or hot.
4. If the coolant level is normal, you may restart your engine and
continue on.
5. If the coolant is low, add coolant, restart the engine and take your
vehicle to an authorized dealer. SeeAdding engine coolantin this
chapter for more information.
Refer to fail-safe cooling for additional information.
312Maintenance
2013 F-250/350/450/550(f23)
Owners Guide gf, 3rd Printing, December 2012
USA(fus)

TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS
Item Capacity Ford part nameFord part number /
Ford specification
Front axle 5.8 pints (2.8L)Motorcraft® SAE
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)Motorcraft® SAE
75W-140 Synthetic Rear
Axle LubricantXY-75W140–QL /
WSL-M2C192-A
Rear axle - F-350
(Dana M80)8.5 pints (4.0L)Motorcraft® SAE
75W-90 Synthetic Rear
Axle LubricantXY-75W90–QLS /
WSS–M2C918–A
Rear axle - F-450/550
(Dana S110/S130)14.0 pints (6.6L)Motorcraft® SAE
75W-140 Synthetic Rear
Axle LubricantXY-75W140–QL /
WSL-M2C192-A
Brake fluidBetween
MIN/MAX on
brake fluid
reservoirMotorcraft® High
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)Motorcraft® Orange
Antifreeze/Coolant
PredilutedVC-3DIL-B (US) /
CVC-3DIL-B (Canada) /
WSS-M97B44-D2 Engine coolant
(6.8L V10 engine)
2
26.7 quarts
(25.3L)
Capacities and Specifications391
2013 F-250/350/450/550(f23)
Owners Guide gf, 3rd Printing, December 2012
USA(fus)