2013 FORD SUPER DUTY wiper fluid

Maintenance 296
General information...................................296
Opening and closing the hood............................297
Under hood overview..................................298
Engine oil dipstick....................................300
Engine oil check......................................300
Engine coolant check..................................301
Automatic transmission fluid check........................306
Brake fluid check.....................................311
Power steering fluid check..............................311
Fuel filter...........................................311
Washer fluid check....................................312
Changing the vehicle battery.............................312
Checking the wiper blades..............................315
Air filter(s).........................................317
Adjusting the headlamps................................319
Changing a bulb......................................320
Bulb specification chart.................................325
Vehicle Care 327
Cleaning products.....................................327
Cleaning the exterior..................................327
Waxing.............................................329
Repairing minor paint damage............................329
Cleaning the engine...................................329
Cleaning the windows and wiper blades.....................330
Cleaning the interior...................................330
Cleaning the instrument panel and instrument cluster lens.......331
Cleaning the alloy wheels...............................334
Vehicle storage.......................................335
6Table of Contents
2013 F-250/350/450/550(f23)
Owners Guide gf, 1st Printing
USA(fus)

Symbol Description Symbol Description Symbol Description
Fuel pump
resetFuse
compartmentHazard
warning
flasher
Heated rear
windowInterior
luggage
compartment
releaseJack
Lighting
controlLow tire
pressure
warningMaintain
correct fluid
level
Panic alarmParking aid
systemParking
brake system
Power
steering fluidPower
windows
front and
rearPower
window
lockout
Service
engine soonSide airbagStability
control
Windshield
defrost and
demistWindshield
washer and
wiper
DATA RECORDING
Service Data Recording
Service data recorders in your vehicle are capable of collecting and
storing diagnostic information about your vehicle. This potentially
includes information about the performance or status of various systems
and modules in the vehicle, such as engine, throttle, steering or brake
systems. In order to properly diagnose and service your vehicle, Ford
Motor Company, Ford of Canada, and service and repair facilities may
access or share among them vehicle diagnostic information received
through a direct connection to your vehicle when diagnosing or servicing
your vehicle. Additionally, when your vehicle is in for service or repair,
Introduction11
2013 F-250/350/450/550(f23)
Owners Guide gf, 1st Printing
USA(fus)

WINDSHIELD WIPERS
Note:Fully defrost the windshield in icy conditions before turning on
the windshield wipers.
Rotate the end of the control away
from you to increase the speed of
the wipers. Rotate toward you to
decrease the speed of the wipers.
Speed Dependent Wipers
When your vehicle speed increases, the interval between wipes will
decrease when intermittent wipe is selected.
WINDSHIELD WASHERS
Note:Do not operate the wipers on a dry windshield. This may scratch
the glass, damage the wiper blades or cause the wiper motor to burn out.
Always use the windshield washer before wiping a dry windshield.
Note:Do not operate the washer when the washer reservoir is empty.
This may cause the washer pump to overheat.
Press the end of the stalk to activate
the washer.
•A brief press causes a single wipe without washer fluid.
•A quick press and hold causes the wipers to swipe three times with
washer fluid.
•A long press and hold will activate the wipers and washer fluid for up
to 10 seconds.
A wipe will occur a few seconds after washing to clear any remaining
washer fluid. This feature can be turned on and off in the information
display.
O
F
F
OFF
82Wipers and Washers
2013 F-250/350/450/550(f23)
Owners Guide gf, 1st Printing
USA(fus)

WASHER FLUID CHECK
WARNING:If you operate your vehicle in temperatures below
40°F (5°C), use washer fluid with antifreeze protection. Failure
to use washer fluid with antifreeze protection in cold weather could
result in impaired windshield vision and increase the risk of injury or
accident.
Add fluid to fill the reservoir if the level is low. Only use a washer fluid
that meets Ford specifications. See the technical specifications chart in
theCapacities and Specificationschapter.
State or local regulations on volatile organic compounds may restrict the
use of methanol, a common windshield washer antifreeze additive.
Washer fluids containing non-methanol antifreeze agents should be used
only if they provide cold weather protection without damaging the
vehicle’s paint finish, wiper blades or washer system.
CHANGING THE VEHICLE BATTERY
WARNING:This vehicle may be equipped with more than one
battery, removal of cable from only one battery does not
disconnect the vehicle electrical system. Be sure to disconnect cables
from all batteries when disconnecting power. Failure to do so may
cause serious personal injury or property damage.
WARNING:Batteries normally produce explosive gases which
can cause personal injury. Therefore, do not allow flames, sparks
or lighted substances to come near the battery. When working near the
battery, always shield your face and protect your eyes. Always provide
proper ventilation.
WARNING:When lifting a plastic-cased battery, excessive
pressure on the end walls could cause acid to flow through the
vent caps, resulting in personal injury and/or damage to the vehicle or
battery. Lift the battery with a battery carrier or with your hands on
opposite corners.
312Maintenance
2013 F-250/350/450/550(f23)
Owners Guide gf, 1st Printing
USA(fus)

Battery Management System (If Equipped)
The battery management system (BMS) monitors battery conditions and
takes actions to extend battery life. If excessive battery drain is
detected, the system may temporarily disable certain electrical features
to protect the battery. Those electrical accessories affected include the
rear defrost, heated/cooled seats, climate control fan, heated steering
wheel, audio and navigation system. A message may be shown in the
information displays to alert the driver that battery protection actions
are active. These messages are only for notification that an action is
taking place, and not intended to indicate an electrical problem or that
the battery requires replacement.
Electrical accessory installation
To ensure proper operation of the BMS, any electrical devices that are
added to the vehicle should not have their ground connection made
directly at the negative battery post. A connection at the negative
battery post can cause inaccurate measurements of the battery condition
and potential incorrect system operation.
Note:Electrical or electronic accessories added to the vehicle by the
dealer or the owner may adversely affect battery performance and
durability, and may also affect the performance of other electrical
systems in the vehicle.
When a battery replacement is required, the battery should only be
replaced with a Ford recommended replacement battery which matches
the electrical requirements of the vehicle. After battery replacement, or
in some cases after charging the battery with the external charger, the
BMS requires eight hours of vehicle sleep time (key off with doors
closed) to relearn the new battery state of charge. Prior to relearning the
state of charge, the BMS may disable electrical features (to protect the
battery) earlier than normal.
CHECKING THE WIPER BLADES
Run the tip of your fingers over the edge of the blade
to check for roughness.
Clean the wiper blades with washer fluid or water
applied with a soft sponge or cloth.
Maintenance315
2013 F-250/350/450/550(f23)
Owners Guide gf, 1st Printing
USA(fus)

CLEANING THE WINDOWS AND WIPER BLADES
The windows and wiper blades should be cleaned regularly. If the wipers
do not wipe properly, substances on the vehicle’s glass or the wiper
blades may cause squeaking or chatter noise from the blades, and
streaking and smearing of the windshield. To clean these items, follow
these tips:
•The windows may be cleaned with a non-abrasive cleaner such as
Motorcraft® Ultra-Clear Spray Glass Cleaner.
•The wiper blades can be cleaned with isopropyl (rubbing) alcohol or
Motorcraft® Premium Windshield Washer Concentrate in the U.S., or
Premium Quality Windshield Washer Fluid in Canada. Be sure to
replace wiper blades when they appear worn or do not function
properly.
•Do not use abrasives, as they may cause scratches.
•Do not use fuel, kerosene, or paint thinner to clean any parts.
If you cannot remove those streaks after cleaning with the glass cleaner
or if the wipers chatter and move in a jerky motion, clean the outer
surface of the windshield and the wiper blades using a sponge or soft
cloth with a neutral detergent or mild-abrasive cleaning solution. After
cleaning, rinse the windshield and wiper blades with clean water. The
windshield is clean if beads do not form when you rinse the windshield
with water.
Note:Do not use sharp objects, such as a razor blade, to clean the
inside of the rear window or to remove decals, as it may cause damage
to the rear window defroster’s heated grid lines.
CLEANING THE INTERIOR
WARNING:Do not use cleaning solvents, bleach or dye on the
vehicle’s safety belts, as these actions may weaken the belt
webbing.
WARNING:On vehicles equipped with seat-mounted airbags, do
not use chemical solvents or strong detergents. Such products
could contaminate the side airbag system and affect performance of the
side airbag in a collision.
330Vehicle Care
2013 F-250/350/450/550(f23)
Owners Guide gf, 1st Printing
USA(fus)

Miscellaneous
•Make sure all linkages, cables, levers and pins under vehicle are
covered with grease to prevent rust.
•Move vehicles at least 25 ft (8 m) every 15 days to lubricate working
parts and prevent corrosion.
Removing Vehicle from Storage
When your vehicle is ready to come out of storage, do the following:
•Wash your vehicle to remove any dirt or grease film build-up on
window surfaces.
•Check windshield wipers for any deterioration.
•Check under the hood for any foreign material that may have collected
during storage (mice/squirrel nests).
•Check the exhaust for any foreign material that may have collected
during storage.
•Check tire pressures and set tire inflation per the Tire Label.
•Check brake pedal operation. Drive the vehicle 15 feet (4.5 meters)
back and forth to remove rust build-up.
•Check fluid levels (including coolant, oil and gas) to make sure there
are no leaks and fluids are at recommended levels.
•If the battery was removed, clean the battery cable ends and inspect.
Contact your authorized dealer if you have any concerns or issues.
Vehicle Care337
2013 F-250/350/450/550(f23)
Owners Guide gf, 1st Printing
USA(fus)

Owner Checks and Services
Certain basic maintenance checks and inspections should be performed
every month or at six month intervals.
Check Every Month
Engine oil level.
Function of all interior and exterior lights.
Tires (including spare) for wear and proper pressure.
Windshield washer fluid level.
Check Every Six Months
Battery connections. Clean if necessary.
Body and door drain holes for obstructions. Clean if necessary.
Cooling system fluid level and coolant strength.
Door weatherstrips for wear. Lubricate if necessary.
Hinges, latches and outside locks for proper operation. Lubricate if
necessary.
Parking brake for proper operation.
Safety belts and seat latches for wear and function.
Safety warning lamps (brake, ABS, airbag, safety belt) for operation.
Washer spray and wiper operation. Clean or replace blades as
necessary.
398Scheduled Maintenance
2013 F-250/350/450/550(f23)
Owners Guide gf, 1st Printing
USA(fus)