FORD F250 2003 Owners Manual

When climbing a steep slope or hill,
start in a lower gear rather than
downshifting to a lower gear from a
higher gear once the ascent has
started. This reduces strain on the
engine and the possibility of stalling.
If you do stall out, do not try to
turn around because you might roll
over. It is better to back down to a
safe location.
Apply just enough power to the
wheels to climb the hill. Too much
power will cause the tires to slip,
spin or lose traction, resulting in
loss of vehicle control.
Descend a hill in the same gear you
would use to climb up the hill to
avoid excessive brake application
and brake overheating. Do not
descend in neutral; instead,
disengage overdrive or manually
shift to a lower gear. When
descending a steep hill, avoid
sudden hard braking as you could
lose control. When you brake hard,
the front wheels can’t turn and if
they aren’t turning, you won’tbe
able to steer. The front wheels have to be turning in order to steer the
vehicle. Rapid pumping of the brake pedal will help you slow the vehicle
and still maintain steering control.
If your vehicle has anti-lock brakes, apply the brakes steadily. Do not
“pump”the brakes.
Driving on snow and ice
4WD vehicles have advantages over 2WD vehicles in snow and ice but
can skid like any other vehicle.
Should you start to slide while driving on snowy or icy roads, turn the
steering wheel in the direction of the slide until you regain control.
Avoid sudden applications of power and quick changes of direction on
snow and ice. Apply the accelerator slowly and steadily when starting
from a full stop.
2003 F250/350/450/550(f23)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA English(fus)
Driving
141

Avoid sudden braking as well. Although a 4WD vehicle may accelerate
better than a two-wheel drive vehicle in snow and ice, it won’t stop any
faster, because as in other vehicles, braking occurs at all four wheels. Do
not become overconfident as to road conditions.
Make sure you allow sufficient distance between you and other vehicles
for stopping. Drive slower than usual and consider using one of the lower
gears. In emergency stopping situations, avoid locking of the wheels. Use
a“squeeze”technique, push on the brake pedal with a steadily increasing
force which allows the wheels to brake yet continue to roll so that you
may steer in the direction you want to travel. If you lock the wheels,
release the brake pedal and repeat the squeeze technique. If your vehicle
is equipped with a Four Wheel Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS), apply the
brake steadily. Do not“pump”the brakes. Refer to theBrakessection of
this chapter for additional information on the operation of the anti-lock
brake system.
Never drive with chains on the front tires of 4WD vehicles without also
putting them on the rear tires. This could cause the rear to slide and
swing around during braking.
Tires, Replacement Requirements
Do not use a size and type of tire and wheel other than that
originally provided by Ford Motor Company because it can affect
the safety and performance of your vehicle, which could result in an
increased risk of loss of vehicle control, vehicle rollover, and/or serious
personal injury or death.
Make sure all tires and wheels on the vehicle are of the same size, type,
tread design, brand and load-carrying capacity. If you have questions
regarding tire replacement, see an authorized Ford or Lincoln/Mercury
dealer.
If you nevertheless decide to equip your 4WD for off-road use with tires
larger than what Ford Motor Company recommends, you should not use
these tires for highway driving.
If you use any tire/wheel combination not recommended by Ford Motor
Company, it may adversely affect vehicle handling and could cause
steering, suspension, axle or transfer case failure as well as the increased
risk of loss of vehicle control.
Do not use“aftermarket lift kits”or other suspension modifications,
whether or not they are used with larger tires and wheels.
These“aftermarket lift kits”could adversely affect the vehicle’s handling
characteristics, which could lead to loss of vehicle control or rollover and
serious injury.
2003 F250/350/450/550(f23)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA English(fus)
Driving
142

Tires can be damaged during off-road use. For your safety, tires that are
damaged should not be used for highway driving because they are more
likely to blow out or fail.
You should carefully observe the recommended tire inflation pressure
found on the safety compliance certification label attached to the left
front door lock facing or door latch post pillar. Failure to follow tire
pressure recommendations can adversely affect the way your vehicle
handles. Do not exceed the Ford Motor Company recommended pressure
even if it is less than the maximum pressure allowed for the tire.
Each day before you drive, check
your tires. If one looks lower than
the others, use a tire gauge to check
pressure of all tires, and adjust if
required. Check tire pressure with a
tire gauge every few weeks
(including spare). Safe operation
requires tires that are neither
underinflated nor a vehicle which is
overloaded.
Periodically inspect the tire treads and remove stones, nails, glass or
other objects that may be wedged in the tread grooves. Check for holes
or cuts that may permit air leakage from the tire and make necessary
repairs.
Inspect the tire side walls for cuts, bruises and other damage. If internal
damage to the tire is suspected, have the tire demounted and inspected
in case it needs to be repaired or replaced.
Maintenance and Modifications
The suspension and steering systems on your vehicle have been designed
and tested to provide predictable performance whether loaded or empty
and durable load carrying capability. For this reason, Ford Motor
Company strongly recommends that you do not make modifications such
as adding or removing parts (such as lift kits or stabilizer bars) or by
using replacement parts not equivalent to the original factory equipment.
Any modifications to a vehicle that raise the center of gravity can make
it more likely the vehicle will roll over as a result of a loss of control.
Ford Motor Company recommends that caution be used with any vehicle
equipped with a high load or device (such as ladder racks or pickup box
cover).
2003 F250/350/450/550(f23)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA English(fus)
Driving
143

Failure to maintain your vehicle properly may void the warranty, increase
your repair cost, reduce vehicle performance and operational capabilities
and adversely affect driver and passenger safety. Frequent inspection of
vehicle chassis components is recommended if the vehicle is subjected to
heavy off-road usage.
POWER TAKE OFF (PTO) CAPABILITY (IF EQUIPPED)
Some vehicles are equipped with Power Take Off (PTO) capability. These
vehicles have a special transmission case, internal components and
calibration for PTO usage.
The PTO can be used during mobile and stationary
continuous/intermittent applications.
Gasoline engine:
PTO operation is disabled while the vehicle is in Overdrive (the TCIL will
not be illuminated), in N (Neutral), during engine cranking. Transmission
upshift and downshift schedules will be reduced by about 15% and will
have a firmer shift feel during PTO mobile applications.
The PTO cannot be disabled while the transmission is in D (Drive)
(Overdrive position with Overdrive canceled), 2 (Second) or 1 (First).
Refer to theBody Builder’s Layout Bookfor recommended electrical
installation.
Diesel engine:
The Auxiliary Powertrain Control Module (APCM) will elevate the engine
speed to 1,200 RPM when in PTO mode. PTO operation will be disabled
in stationary drive idle conditions. For more information on the APCM
and PTO operation with the Diesel engine, refer to the APCM manual
supplied with your vehicle.
DRIVING THROUGH WATER
If driving through deep or standing water is unavoidable, proceed very
slowly especially if the depth is not known. Never drive through water
that is higher than the bottom of the hubs (for trucks) or the bottom of
the wheel rims (for cars). Traction or brake capability may be limited
and your vehicle may stall. Water may also enter your engine’s air intake
and severely damage your engine.
Once through the water, always dry the brakes by moving your vehicle
slowly while applying light pressure on the brake pedal. Wet brakes do
not stop the vehicle as quickly as dry brakes.Driving through deep
water where the transmission vent tube is submerged may allow
water into the transmission and cause internal transmission
damage.
2003 F250/350/450/550(f23)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA English(fus)
Driving
144

VEHICLE LOADING
Before loading a vehicle, familiarize yourself with the following terms:
•Base Curb Weight:Weight of the vehicle including any standard
equipment, fluids, lubricants, etc. It does not include occupants or
aftermarket equipment.
•Payload:Combined maximum allowable weight of cargo, occupants
and optional equipment. The payload equals the gross vehicle weight
rating minus base curb weight.
•GVW (Gross Vehicle Weight):Base curb weight plus payload
weight.
•GVWR (Gross Vehicle Weight Rating):Maximum allowable total
weight of the base vehicle, occupants, optional equipment and cargo.
The GVWR is specific to each vehicle and is listed on the Safety
Certification Label on the driver’s door pillar.
•GAWR (Gross Axle Weight Rating):Carrying capacity for each axle
system. The GAWR is specific to each vehicle and is listed on the
Safety Certification Label on the driver’s door pillar.
•GCW (Gross Combined Weight):The combined weight of the
towing vehicle (including occupants and cargo) and the loaded trailer.
•GCWR (Gross Combined Weight Rating):Maximum allowable
combined weight of towing vehicle (including occupants and cargo)
and the loaded trailer.
•Maximum Trailer Weight Rating:Maximum weight of a trailer the
vehicle is permitted to tow. The maximum trailer weight rating is
determined by subtracting the vehicle curb weight for each
engine/transmission combination, any required option weight for trailer
towing and the weight of the driver from the GCWR for the towing
vehicle.
•Maximum Trailer Weight:Maximum weight of a trailer the loaded
vehicle (including occupants and cargo) is permitted to tow. It is
determined by subtracting the weight of the loaded trailer towing
vehicle from the GCWR for the towing vehicle.
•Trailer Weight Range:Specified range of trailer weight from zero to
the maximum trailer weight rating.
Remember to figure in the tongue load of your loaded trailer when
figuring the total weight.
The Safety Certification Label, located on the driver’s door pillar, lists
vehicle weight rating limitations. Before adding any additional equipment,
refer to these limitations.
2003 F250/350/450/550(f23)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA English(fus)
Driving
145

Always ensure that the weight of occupants, cargo and equipment is
within the weight limitations, including both gross vehicle weight and
front and rear gross axle weight rating limits.
Note:Do not exceed the GVWR or the GAWR specified on the
certification label.
Exceeding any vehicle weight rating limitation could result in
serious damage to the vehicle, loss of vehicle control, vehicle
rollover, and/or personal injury.
Do not use replacement tires with lower load carrying capacities than the
originals because they may lower the vehicle’s GVWR and GAWR
limitations. Replacement tires with a higher limit than the originals do
not increase the GVWR and GAWR limitations.
Special loading instructions for owners of pickup trucks and
utility-type vehicles
For important information regarding safe operation of this type
of vehicle, see thePreparing to drive your vehiclesection in
this chapter.
Loaded vehicles may handle differently than unloaded vehicles.
Extra precautions, such as slower speeds and increased stopping
distance, should be taken when driving a heavily loaded vehicle.
Your vehicle can haul more cargo and people than most passenger cars.
Depending upon the type and placement of the load, hauling cargo and
people may raise the center of gravity of the vehicle.
Calculating the load your vehicle can carry/tow
1. Use the appropriate maximum GCWR chart (in theTrailer Towing
section in this chapter) for your type of engine and rear axle ratio.
2. Weigh your vehicle without cargo. To obtain correct weights, take your
vehicle to a shipping company or an inspection station for trucks.
3. Subtract your loaded weight from the maximum GCWR in the chart.
This is the maximum trailer weight your vehicle can tow. It must be
below the maximum trailer weight shown in the chart.
TRAILER TOWING
Your vehicle may tow a Conventional/Class IV trailer or fifth wheel trailer
provided the maximum trailer weight is less than or equal to the
maximum trailer weight listed for your engine and rear axle ratio on the
following charts.
2003 F250/350/450/550(f23)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA English(fus)
Driving
146

2nd unit bodies are not included in maximum trailer weight ratings. The
weight of the additional“body”must be subtracted from the maximum
trailer weight.
Your vehicle’s load capacity is designated by weight, not by volume, so
you cannot necessarily use all available space when loading a vehicle.
Towing a trailer places an additional load on your vehicle’s engine,
transmission, axle, brakes, tires and suspension. Inspect these
components carefully prior to and after any towing operation. The
following trailer towing charts apply to vehicles equipped with gasoline
engines; for Diesel engines, refer to the Diesel supplement.
Note:Do not exceed the GVWR or the GAWR specified on the
certification label.
Towing trailers beyond the maximum recommended gross trailer
weight exceeds the limit of the vehicle and could result in
engine damage, transmission damage, structural damage, loss of vehicle
control, vehicle rollover and personal injury.
Refer toTransmission temperature gaugein theInstrument cluster
chapter for transmission fluid temperature information.
F-250 Regular Cab Pickup
Engine Rear axle
ratioMaximum GCWR -
kg (lbs.)Maximum
trailer weight -
kg (lbs.)
4x2 with manual transmission
5.4L 3.73 6123 (13500) 3537 (7800)
5.4L 4.10 6804 (15000) 4217 (9300)
6.8L 3.73 7484 (16500) 4807 (10600)
6.8L
(without
fifth wheel)4.30 9072 (20000) 5670 (12500)
6.8L (with
fifth wheel)4.30 9072 (20000) 6394 (14100)
2003 F250/350/450/550(f23)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA English(fus)
Driving
147

F-250 Regular Cab Pickup
Engine Rear axle
ratioMaximum GCWR -
kg (lbs.)Maximum
trailer weight -
kg (lbs.)
4x2 with automatic transmission
5.4L 3.73 6123 (13500) 3537 (7800)
5.4L 4.10 6804 (15000) 4217 (9300)
6.8L 3.73 7711 (17000) 5079 (11200)
6.8L
(without
fifth wheel)4.30 9072 (20000) 5670 (12500)
6.8L (with
fifth wheel)4.30 9072 (20000) 6439 (14200)
4x4 with manual transmission
5.4L 3.73 6123 (13500) 3357 (7400)
5.4L 4.10 6804 (15000) 4037 (8900)
6.8L 3.73 7484 (16500) 4625 (10200)
6.8L
(without
fifth wheel)4.30 9072 (20000) 5670 (12500)
6.8L (with
fifth wheel)4.30 9072 (20000) 6213 (13700)
4x4 with automatic transmission
5.4L 3.73 6123 (13500) 3356 (7400)
5.4L 4.10 6804 (15000) 4036 (8900)
6.8L 3.73 7711 (17000) 4897 (10800)
6.8L
(without
fifth wheel)4.30 9072 (20000) 5670 (12500)
6.8L (with
fifth wheel)4.30 9072 (20000) 6258 (13800)
2003 F250/350/450/550(f23)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA English(fus)
Driving
148

F-250 SuperCab Pickup
Engine Rear axle
ratioMaximum GCWR -
kg (lbs.)Maximum
trailer weight -
kg (lbs.)
4x2 with manual transmission
5.4L 3.73 6123 (13500) 3356 (7400)
5.4L 4.10 6804 (15000) 4036 (8900)
6.8L 3.73 7484 (16500) 4672 (10300)
6.8L
(without
fifth wheel)4.30 9072 (20000) 5670 (12500)
6.8L (with
fifth wheel)4.30 9072 (20000) 6260 (13800)
4x2 with automatic transmission
5.4L 3.73 6123 (13500) 3402 (7500)
5.4L 4.10 6804 (15000) 4082 (9000)
6.8L 3.73 7711 (17000) 4944 (10900)
6.8L
(without
fifth wheel)4.30 9072 (20000) 5670 (12500)
6.8L (with
fifth wheel)4.30 9072 (20000) 6260 (13800)
4x4 with manual transmission
5.4L 3.73 6123 (13500) 3221 (7100)
5.4L 4.10 6804 (15000) 3901 (8600)
6.8L 3.73 7484 (16500) 4491 (9900)
6.8L
(without
fifth wheel)4.30 9072 (20000) 5670 (12500)
6.8L (with
fifth wheel)4.30 9072 (20000) 6078 (13400)
2003 F250/350/450/550(f23)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA English(fus)
Driving
149

F-250 SuperCab Pickup
Engine Rear axle
ratioMaximum GCWR -
kg (lbs.)Maximum
trailer weight -
kg (lbs.)
4x4 with automatic transmission
5.4L 3.73 6123 (13500) 3221 (7100)
5.4L 4.10 6804 (15000) 3901 (8600)
6.8L 3.73 7711 (17000) 4763 (10500)
6.8L
(without
fifth wheel)4.30 9072 (20000) 5670 (12500)
6.8L (with
fifth wheel)4.30 9072 (20000) 6078 (13400)
F-250 Crew Cab Pickup
Engine Rear axle
ratioMaximum GCWR -
kg (lbs.)Maximum
trailer weight -
kg (lbs.)
4x2 with manual transmission
5.4L 3.73 6123 (13500) 3266 (7200)
5.4L 4.10 6804 (15000) 3945 (8700)
6.8L 3.73 7484 (16500) 4581 (10100)
6.8L
(without
fifth wheel)4.30 9072 (20000) 5670 (12500)
6.8L (with
fifth wheel)4.30 9072 (20000) 6169 (13600)
4x2 with automatic transmission
5.4L 3.73 6123 (13500) 3266 (7200)
5.4L 4.10 6804 (15000) 3945 (8700)
6.8L 3.73 7711 (17000) 4807 (10600)
6.8L
(without
fifth wheel)4.30 9072 (20000) 5670 (12500)
6.8L (with
fifth wheel)4.30 9072 (20000) 6169 (13600)
2003 F250/350/450/550(f23)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA English(fus)
Driving
150