
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.
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.
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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 in P
(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.
TRANSMISSION FLUID CHECK
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.
306Maintenance
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Engine
•The engine oil and filter should be changed prior to storage, as used
engine oil contains 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.
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.
336Vehicle Care
2013 F-250/350/450/550(f23)
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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)
384Capacities and Specifications
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D
Daytime running lamps
(see Lamps) ................................85
Defrost ...............................145, 147
rear window ............................151
Dipstick
automatic transmission
fluid ..........................................306
engine oil .........................298, 300
Display settings .........................509
Drivebelt ....................................382
Driving under special
conditions ..................205, 215, 217
sand .........................................216
snow and ice ...........................218
through water .................216, 265
Dual automatic temperature
control (DATC) .........................147
E
Electronic message center .......102
Electronic stability control ......225
Emergencies, roadside
jump-starting ..........................274
running out of fuel .................190
Emergency Flashers .................273
Emission control system ..........194
End user license agreement ....537
Engine ................................298, 382
cleaning ...................................329
coolant .....................................301
fail-safe cooling .......................304
refill capacities ........................384
service points ..................298–299
Engine block heater .................185Engine oil
checking and adding ..............300
dipstick ....................................300
filter, specifications ................388
refill capacities ........................384
Event data recording ..................12
Exhaust fumes ..........................185
F
Fail safe cooling ........................304
Filter
fuel ...........................................311
Fleet MyKey programming ........66
Flexible Fuel Vehicle (FFV) ....187
Floor mats .................................266
Fluid capacities .........................384
Fog lamps ....................................86
Four-Wheel Drive vehicles .......207
driving off road .......................214
electronic shift ................207, 211
indicator light .........................208
lever operated shift ................209
manual locking hubs ..............207
Fuel
cap ...........................................192
capacity ...................................384
choosing the right fuel ...........189
filler funnel .............................190
filling your vehicle with fuel ..192
fuel pump shut-off ..................273
octane rating ...................190, 382
quality ......................................189
running out of fuel .................190
safety information relating to
automotive fuels .....................187
Fuel - flex fuel vehicle
(FFV) .................................187, 189
Index557
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