
Turn on the headlights. If the lights are dim,
do not go on at all or when the ignition is
turned to START the lights become dim or
go out, the battery connections may be
loose or corroded, or the battery may be
discharged. If there is a clicking or
stuttering sound coming from the engine
compartment when you turn the key to
START, this may also indicate a loose or
corroded battery connection.
Check the battery connections at the
battery posts, cable connection to the
engine grounding point and at the starter
connection.
If you suspect a discharged battery, have
it checked and corrected.
•
The gearshift lever must be in P (Park)
or N (Neutral) in order for the starter
to operate.
• Try operating the starter switch several
times. This operation may clean
potentially corroded contacts or make
the switch temporarily operable until
you can reach the dealer.
• If all electrical connections are tight
and you need assistance to start, refer
to Jump Starting in the Roadside
Emergencies chapter of your Owner ’s
Manual.
If engine cranks but won ’t start
Prolonged starter cranking (in excess of 10
seconds) could cause damage to the
starter motor or the high-pressure fuel
pump. •
Check the fuel gauge. You may be out
of fuel. If the gauge shows that there
is fuel in the tank, the trouble may be
in the electrical system or the fuel
system. If equipped with an auxiliary
tank, be sure that the tank control
switch is set for the tank with fuel and
not on an empty tank.
• Leaving your ignition key turned to on
for over two minutes without starting
may make starting difficult because
the glow plugs will cease activation.
Reset the system by turning the ignition
key to off and then back to on again.
Note: If the system is out of fuel and the
engine will not start, do not continue
cranking the engine. Continued cranking can
damage the high-pressure fuel pump.
If the engine runs hot
The following could cause the engine to
overheat:
• Lack of coolant
• Dirty cooling system.
• Plugged radiator fins, A/C condenser
and/or oil cooler
• Malfunctioning fan drive
• Driving with frozen coolant
• Sticking thermostat
• Overloading or pulling heavy trailers
during hot weather
• Grill or radiator air blockage
• Slipping or missing drive belt
• Plugged or very dirty air filter
6
Super Duty (TFA) , enUSA Introduction

2.
When the glow plug pre-heat indicator
turns off, turn the key to start and
release the key as soon as the engine
starts. After starting the engine, the
glow plugs may remain on for a period.
If you do not start the engine before
the glow plug activation time ends, you
will need to reset the glow plugs by
turning the key to off.
3. After the engine starts, allow it to idle for about 15 seconds. This is to protect
the engine. Do not increase engine
speed until the oil pressure gauge
indicates normal pressure.
Cold Weather Operation
Note: Idling in cold weather does not heat
the engine to its normal operating
temperature. Long periods of idling,
especially in cold weather, can cause a
buildup of deposits which can cause engine
damage.
Changing to a lighter grade engine oil also
makes starting easier under these
conditions. Refer to Engine oil
specifications. See Technical
Specifications (page 57).
Diesel fuel is adjusted seasonally for cold
temperatures. Diesel fuel which has not
been properly formulated for the ambient
conditions may gel which can clog the fuel
filters. One indication that the fuel filter(s)
may be clogged is if the engine starts, stalls
after a short time, and then does not
restart. If you have been using biodiesel,
you may need to use a fuel with lower
biodiesel content, try another brand, or
discontinue using biodiesel. Do not use
alcohol based additives to correct fuel
gelling. This may result in damage to the
fuel injectors and system. Use the proper
anti-gel and performance improvement
product. See
Technical Specifications
(page 57). Your vehicle is equipped with a fuel and
water separator that recirculates fuel from
the engine to help prevent fuel filter
clogging. To avoid engine fuel starvation
during cold weather operation of 32°F
(0°C) or below, we recommended that
the fuel level in your tank should not drop
below 1⁄4 full. This helps prevent air from
entering the fuel system and stalling the
engine.
Your vehicle is equipped with a selective
catalyst reduction system that uses Diesel
Exhaust Fluid (DEF) to operate properly.
You need to replenish your vehicle
’s DEF
at certain intervals. When filling your
vehicle ’s DEF tank in cold weather, you
must take special care to prevent damage
to the tank. See
Selective Catalytic
Reduction System (page 21).
In cold weather below 32°F (0°C), the
engine may slowly increase to a higher idle
speed if left idling in P (Park). As the engine
warms-up, the engine sound level
decreases due to the activation of
PCM-controlled sound reduction features.
If you operate your vehicle in a heavy
snowstorm or blowing snow conditions,
snow and ice can clog the engine air
induction. If this occurs, the engine may
experience a significant reduction in power
output. At the earliest opportunity, clear
all the snow and/or ice away from inside
the air filter assembly. Remove the air
cleaner cover and the pleated paper filter,
leaving the foam filter in and remove any
snow or ice. Make sure you install the foam
filter correctly in place. Remove any debris,
snow or ice on the foam filter by brushing
the surface with soft brush. Once you have
cleared all of the debris, reinstall the air
filter and assembly.
Do not use water, solvents, or a hard brush
for cleaning the foam filter.
11
Super Duty (TFA) , enUSA Starting and Stopping the Engine

5.
Reset the Intelligent Oil Life Monitor™.
See the Information Displays chapter
in the Owner's Manual for more
information.
Engine lubrication for severe service
operation
The following conditions define severe
operation for which engine operation with
SAE 5W-40 API CJ-4 is recommended. Oil
and oil filter change intervals will be
determined by the Intelligent Oil Life
Monitor™ as noted previously.
• Frequent or extended idling (over 10
minutes per hour of normal driving)
• Low-speed operation/stationary use
• If vehicle is operated in sustained
ambient temperatures below -10°F
(-23°C) or above 100°F (38°C)
• Frequent low-speed operation,
consistent heavy traffic less than 25
mph (40 km/h)
• Operating in severe dust conditions
• Operating the vehicle off road
• Towing a trailer over 1,000 miles (1,600
km)
• Sustained, high-speed driving at Gross
Vehicle Weight Rating (maximum
loaded weight for vehicle operation)
• Use of fuels with sulfur content other
than ultra-low sulfur diesel (ULSD)
• Use of high-sulfur diesel fuel
ENGINE COOLANT CHECK
Checking the Engine Coolant
When the engine is cold, check the
concentration and level of engine coolant
at the intervals listed in the scheduled
maintenance chapter. See Scheduled
Maintenance (page 59). Note:
Make sure that the level is between
the MIN and MAX marks on the coolant
reservoirs.
Note: Coolant expands when it is hot. The
level may extend beyond the MAX mark
Note: If the level is at the MIN mark, below
the MIN mark, or empty, add coolant
immediately. See
Adding Engine Coolant
in this chapter.
Note: 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, the 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: Automotive fluids are not
interchangeable. Do not use engine coolant
or antifreeze or windshield washer fluid
outside of its specified function and vehicle
location.
Adding Engine Coolant WARNINGS
Do not add engine coolant when the
engine is hot. Steam and scalding
liquids released from a hot cooling
system can burn you badly. Also, you can
be burned if you spill coolant on hot engine
parts. Do not put engine coolant in the
windshield washer fluid container. If
sprayed on the windshield, engine
coolant could make it difficult to see
through the windshield.
45
Super Duty (TFA) , enUSA Maintenance

Normal Maintenance Intervals
At every oil change interval as indicated by the information display
1
Change the engine oil and filter. 2
Refill the diesel exhaust fluid tank.
Rotate the tires 3
, inspect the tires for wear and measure tread depth.
Perform a multi-point inspection (recommended).
Inspect the air filter restriction gauge. Replace the filter if necessary.
Inspect the automatic transmission fluid level. Consult your dealer for requirements.
Inspect the brake pads, shoes, rotors, drums, brake linings, hoses and parking brake.
Inspect the engine and secondary coolant level and hoses.
Inspect the exhaust system and heat shields.
Inspect the front axle and U-joints. Lubricate any grease fittings. (Four-wheel drive
vehicles)
Inspect the steering linkage, ball joints, suspension, tie-rod ends, driveshaft and U-joints.
Lubricate any grease fittings.
1 Do not exceed one year or 10000 miles (16000 kilometers) between service intervals.
2 Reset the Intelligent Oil-Life Monitor after engine oil and filter changes.
3 Vehicles with dual rear wheels should rotate the front wheels when specified; rear wheels
only if unusual wear is noted. Other maintenance items
1
Inspect the engine and secondary cooling system
concentration (freeze-point protection), additive (corro-
sion inhibitor) strength, coolant level and hoses. 2
Every 15000 miles (24000
km)
Replace the engine-mounted and frame-mounted fuel
filters.3
Every 22500 miles (36000
km)
Replace the climate-controlled (heated and cooled) seat
filter.4
Every 30000 miles (48000
km)
Replace the air inlet foam filter.
Every 45000 miles (72000
km)
63
Super Duty (TFA) , enUSA Scheduled Maintenance

Operating in sustained ambient temperatures below -10°F (-23°C) or above 100°F (38°C)
Change the engine oil and filter as indicated by the
information display, and perform the services listed in the
scheduled maintenance chart.
As required
Replace the engine-mounted and frame-mounted fuel
filters.
Every 15000 miles (24000
km), six months, 600 engine
hours, or as indicated by the
information display
Replace the wheel bearing grease and grease seals if using
non-sealed bearings. (Two-wheel drive vehicles)
Every 30000 miles (48000
km)
Change the transfer case fluid. (Four-wheel drive vehicles)
Every 60000 miles (96000
km) Operating in dusty or sandy conditions (such as unpaved or dusty roads)
Rotate the tires*
, inspect the tires for wear and measure
tread depth.
Every 7500 miles (12000
km)
Inspect the brake system pads and rotors.
Inspect the air filter restriction gauge. Replace the filter if
necessary.
Inspect the steering and suspension ball joints and tie rods.
Lubricate any grease fittings.
Change the engine oil and filter. **
Every 7500 miles (12000
km), six months or 300
engine hours Inspect and lubricate the U-joints.
Replace the engine-mounted and frame-mounted fuel
filters.
Every 15000 miles (24000
km), six months, 600 engine
hours, or as indicated by the
information display
Replace the air inlet foam filter.
Every 30000 miles (48000
km)
Replace the wheel bearing grease and grease seals if using
non-sealed bearings. (Two-wheel drive vehicles)
* Vehicles with dual rear wheels should rotate the front wheels when specified; rear wheels
only if unusual wear is noted.
** Reset the Intelligent Oil-Life Monitor after engine oil and filter changes.
68
Super Duty (TFA) , enUSA Scheduled Maintenance

Off-road operation
Inspect functional holes in each leg of the twin exhaust
tips and the holes under the shield just inboard of the right
rear tire to make sure they are clean and clear of debris or
foreign materials. Refer to the Vehicle Care chapter of your
owner ’s manual for more information.
As required
Inspect the steering and suspension ball joints and tie rods.
Lubricate any grease fittings.
Rotate the tires*
, inspect the tires for wear and measure
tread depth.
Every 7500 miles (12000
km), six months or 300
engine hours
Inspect the brake system pads and rotors.
Inspect the air filter restriction gauge. Replace the filter if
necessary.
Change the engine oil and filter. **
Every 7500 miles (12000
km) or 300 engine hours
Replace the engine-mounted and frame-mounted fuel
filters.
Every 15000 miles (24000
km), six months, 600 engine
hours, or as indicated by the
information display
Replace the air inlet foam filter.
Every 30000 miles (48000
km)
Replace the wheel bearing grease and grease seals if using
non-sealed bearings. (Two-wheel drive vehicles).
Change the rear axle fluid (Dana rear axles only - some F-
350s; all F-450s and F-550s).
Every 50000 miles (80000
km)
Change the transfer case fluid. (Four-wheel drive vehicles)
Inspect the front axle fluid. (Four-wheel drive vehicles)
* Vehicles with dual rear wheels should rotate the front wheels when specified; rear wheels
only if unusual wear is noted.
** Reset the Intelligent Oil-Life Monitor after engine oil and filter changes.
69
Super Duty (TFA) , enUSA Scheduled Maintenance