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Off-road Operation
Inspect frequently,
service as requiredInspect steering linkage, ball joints and U-joints,
Lubricate if equipped with grease fittings.
Replace engine air filter.
Every 5000 miles
(8000 km) or six
monthsChange engine oil and filter.
Inspect the wheels and related components for
abnormal noise, wear, looseness or drag.
Rotate tires
*, inspect tires for wear and measure
tread depth.
Every 30000 miles
(48000 km)Replace front wheel bearing grease and grease
seals if non-sealed bearings are used.
Every 50000 miles
(80000 km)Change rear axle fluid (F-450/550 only).
Every 60000 miles
(96000 km)Change transfer case fluid (4WD vehicles).
*Vehicles equipped with dual rear wheels should rotate the front wheels
when specified; rear wheels only if unusual wear is noted.
Exclusive Use of E85 (Flex Fuel Vehicles Only)
Every oil change
intervalIf ran exclusively on E85, fill the fuel tank full
with regular unleaded fuel.
408Scheduled Maintenance
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Page 412 of 563

EXCEPTIONS
Normal vehicle axle maintenance:Rear axles and power take-off
(PTO) 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.
Scheduled Maintenance411
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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
2013 F-250/350/450/550(f23)
Owners Guide gf, 1st Printing
USA(fus)