FORD F250 SUPER DUTY 2020 Owners Manual
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When the oil change message appears in
the information display, it is time for an oil
change. Make sure you perform the oil
change within two weeks or 500 mi
(800 km) of the message appearing. Make
sure you reset the Intelligent Oil-Life
Monitor after each oil change. See
Oil
Change Indicator Reset (page 350).
If your information display resets
prematurely or becomes inoperative, you
should perform the oil change interval at
six months or
5,000 mi (8,000 km) from
your last oil change. Never exceed one year
or
10,000 mi (16,000 km) between oil
change intervals.
You can drive high performance vehicles
in such a way that may lead to higher oil
consumption this includes extended time
at high engine speeds, high loads, engine
braking, hard cornering maneuvers, track
and off-road usage. Under these
conditions, oil consumption of
approximately 1 quart per 500 miles (1 liter
per 800 km) is possible. As a result, you
need to check the engine oil level at every
refueling and adjust to maintain proper
levels to avoid engine damage.
Your vehicle is very sophisticated and built
with multiple, complex, performance
systems. Every manufacturer develops
these systems using different
specifications and performance features.
That is why it is important to rely upon your
dealership to properly diagnose and repair
your vehicle.
We have recommended maintenance
intervals for various parts and component
systems based upon engineering testing.
We rely upon this testing to determine the
most appropriate mileage for replacement
of oils and fluids to protect your vehicle at
the lowest overall cost to you and
recommends against maintenance
schedules that deviate from the scheduled
maintenance information. We strongly recommend the use of only
our genuine or our authorized
re-manufactured replacement parts
engineered for your vehicle.
Additives and Chemicals
This owner's manual and our Workshop
Manual list the recommended additives
and chemicals for your vehicle. We do not
recommend using chemicals or additives
not approved by us as part of your vehicle
’s
normal maintenance. Please consult your
warranty information.
Oils, Fluids and Flushing
In many cases, fluid discoloration is a
normal operating characteristic and, by
itself, does not necessarily indicate a
concern or that the fluid needs to be
changed. However, a qualified expert, such
as the factory-trained technicians at your
dealership, should inspect discolored fluids
that also show signs of overheating or
foreign material contamination
immediately.
Make sure to change your vehicle ’s oils and
fluids at the specified intervals or in
conjunction with a repair. Flushing is a
viable way to change fluid for many vehicle
sub-systems during scheduled
maintenance. It is critical that systems are
flushed only with new fluid that is the same
as that required to fill and operate the
system or using our approved flushing
chemical.
Owner Checks and Services
Make sure you perform the following basic
maintenance checks and inspections every
month or at six-month intervals.
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Check Every Month
Air filter restriction gauge. 1
Engine oil level.
Function of all interior and exterior lights.
Tires including the spare for wear and proper pressure. Windshield washer fluid level.
Fuel and water separator. Drain if necessary or if indicated by the information display. 1
Holes and slots in the tail pipe to make sure they are functional and clear of debris. 1
1 Diesel vehicles only. 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 and safety belt for operation.
Washer spray and wiper operation. Clean or replace blades as necessary.
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Multi-Point Inspection
In order to keep your vehicle running right,
it is important to have the systems on your
vehicle checked regularly. This can help
identify potential issues and prevent major
problems. We recommend having the
following multi-point inspection performed
at every scheduled maintenance interval
to help make sure your vehicle keeps
running great.Multi-Point Inspection
Hazard warning system operation
Accessory drive belt or belts
Horn operation
Battery performance
Radiator, cooler, heater and air conditioninghoses
Engine air filter
Suspension components for leaks ordamage
Exhaust system
Steering and linkage
Exterior lamps operation
Tires including the spare for wear andproper pressure 2
Fluid levels 1
; fill if necessary
Windshield for cracks, chips or pits
For oil and fluid leaks
Washer spray and wiper operation
Half-shaft dust boots
1 Brake, coolant recovery reservoir and window washer.
2 If your vehicle is equipped with a temporary mobility kit, check the tire sealant expiration
Use By date on the canister. Replace as needed.
Be sure to ask your dealership service
advisor or technician about the multi-point
vehicle inspection. It is a comprehensive
way to perform a thorough inspection of
your vehicle. Your checklist gives you
immediate feedback on the overall
condition of your vehicle. NORMAL SCHEDULED
MAINTENANCE
Intelligent Oil-Life Monitor
Your vehicle has an Intelligent Oil-Life
Monitor that determines when you should
change the engine oil based on how you
use your vehicle. By using several
important factors in its calculations, the
monitor helps reduce the cost of owning
your vehicle and reduces environmental
waste at the same time.
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This means you do not have to remember
to change the oil on a mileage-based
schedule. Your vehicle lets you know when
an oil change is due by displaying a
message in the information display.
The following table provides examples of
vehicle use and its impact on oil change
intervals. It is a guideline only. Actual oil
change intervals depend on several factors
and generally decrease with severity of
use.When to Expect the Message Prompting You to Change Your Oil
Vehicle Use and Example
mi (km)
Normal
7,500– 10,000 mi
(12,000– 16,000 km) Normal commuting with highway driving.
No, or moderate, load or towing.
Flat to moderately hilly roads.
No extended idling.
Severe
5,000– 7,500 mi
(8,000– 12,000 km) Moderate to heavy load or towing.
Mountainous or off-road conditions.
Extended idling, 200-300 hours.
Extended hot or cold operation.
Extreme
2,500–5,000 mi
(4,000–8,000 km) Maximum load or towing.
Extreme hot or cold operation.
Use of high sulfur diesel fuel.
Note: Use the appropriate special operating condition for maintenance information when
using high sulfur diesel fuels, operating your vehicle off-road or in dusty conditions, such as
unpaved roads.
Note: For every hour that your vehicle idles, it accumulates the equivalent of approximately
25 mi (40 km).
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Gasoline Engine
Normal Maintenance Intervals
10,000 mi (16,000 km) / 450 Engine Hours or 12 Months - Whichever Comes First
Change the engine oil and filter. 1
Rotate the tires, inspect tire wear and measure the tread depth. 2
Inspect the wheels and related components for abnormal noise, wear, looseness or
drag.
Perform multi-point inspection - recommended.
Inspect the brake pads, shoes, rotors, drums, brake linings, hoses and the parking brake.
Inspect the engine coolant concentration, freeze-point protection, level and the hoses.
Inspect the exhaust system and heat shields.
Inspect the front axle and U-joints. If applicable, lubricate the grease fittings. Four-wheel
drive vehicles.
Inspect the steering linkage, ball joints, suspension, tie-rod ends, driveshaft and the U-
joints. If applicable, lubricate the grease fittings.
1 Reset the Intelligent Oil-Life Monitor after engine oil and filter changes.
2 Rotate the front wheels on vehicles with dual rear wheels when specified. Only rotate
the rear wheels if you notice unusual wear. Brake Fluid Maintenance
1
Change the brake fluid. 2
Every 3 Years
1 Perform this maintenance item every 3 years. Do not exceed the designated time for
the interval.
2 Brake fluid servicing requires special equipment available at your authorized dealer.
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Other Maintenance Items
Replace the cabin air filter.
Every 20,000 mi
(32,180 km)
Replace the engine air filter.
Every
30,000 mi
(48,000 km)
Replace the front wheel bearing grease and grease seal, if
you use non-sealed bearings.
Every
60,000 mi
(96,000 km)
Replace the spark plugs.
Every
100,000 mi
(160,934 km)
Inspect the accessory drive belt or belts. 1
Every
100,000 mi
(160,934 km)
Change the automatic transmission fluid and filter on 6-speed
transmission. Consult dealer for requirements.
Every
150,000 mi
(240,000 km) Replace the accessory drive belt or belts if not replaced within
the last 100,000 mi (160,000 km).
Replace the front wheel bearings and seals if you use non-
sealed bearings.
Change the axle(s) fluid. See exceptions.
Change the transfer case fluid, if applicable.
Change the engine coolant. 2
At
200,000 mi
(320,000 km)
1 If not replaced, inspect the belt or belts every
15,000 mi (24,000 km).
2 Initial replacement at ten years or 200,000 mi (320,000 km), then every five years or
100,000 mi (160,000 km).
Diesel Engine
Electronic Air Filter Maintenance
Minder
Diesel engines have an electronic air filter
maintenance minder that indicates the
status of the engine air filter. You can find
this information within the Vehicle
Maintenance menu, in the information
displays. One of three indications are
possible:
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Result
Engine Air Filter Status
Message
Indicates the engine air filter is performing as expected.
Filter OK
Indicates that there is a higher than expected restriction
across the engine air filter, which could represent an air filter at full useful life or a filter with an obstruction.
Check filter
1
When this displays, inspect the engine air filter and replace if necessary.
After the inspection or engine air filter replacement, you must reset the system in order to change the status from Check Filter to Filter OK.
Indicates that there is an error within the electronic air filter maintenance minder system requiring service.
System fault
1 Reset the engine air filter information monitor after you replace the air filter.
Normal Maintenance Intervals At Every Oil Change Interval as Indicated by the Information Display
1
Change the engine oil and filter. 2
Fuel and water separator. Drain if necessary or if indicated by the information display.
Refill the diesel exhaust fluid tank.
Rotate the tires, inspect the tires for wear and measure the tread depth. 4
Perform a multi-point inspection, recommended.
Inspect the air filter restriction gauge. Replace the air filter if necessary. 3
Inspect the brake pads, shoes, rotors, drums, brake linings, hoses and the parking brake.
Inspect the engine and secondary cooling system coolant concentration freeze-point
protection, level and the hoses.
Inspect the exhaust system and heat shields.
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At Every Oil Change Interval as Indicated by the Information Display
1
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 the U-
joints. Lubricate any grease fittings.
1 Do not exceed one year/10,000 mi (16,000 km) or 350 engine hours between service
intervals.
2 Reset the Intelligent Oil-Life Monitor after engine oil and filter changes.
3 Reset the engine air filter information monitor after you replace the air filter.
4 Rotate the front wheels on vehicles with dual rear wheels when specified. Only rotate
the rear wheels if you notice unusual wear. Brake Fluid Maintenance
1
Change the brake fluid. 2
Every 3 Years
1 Perform this maintenance item every 3 years. Do not exceed the designated time for
the interval.
2 Brake fluid servicing requires special equipment available at your authorized dealer. Other Maintenance items
1
Replace the cabin air filter.
Every
20,000 mi
(32,000 km)
Replace the engine air filter. 2
Every
30,000 mi
(48,000 km) Replace the engine-mounted and frame-mounted fuel filters.
Inspect the engine and secondary cooling system coolant
concentration freeze-point protection, additive corrosion
inhibitor strength, coolant level, and hoses. Add coolant
additive if necessary.
Replace the engine air inlet foam filter.
Every
50,000 mi
(80,467 km)
Replace the front wheel bearing grease and grease seal if
using non-sealed bearings. Two-wheel drive vehicles.
Every
60,000 mi
(96,000 km)
Inspect the accessory drive belt or belts. 3
At
90,000 mi
(144,000 km)
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Other Maintenance items
1
Change the automatic transmission fluid and filter. Consult
dealer for requirements.
Every 150,000 mi
(240,000 km) Replace the accessory drive belt or belts if not replaced
within the last 100,000 mi (160,000 km)
Replace the front wheel bearings and seals if using non-
sealed bearings. Two-wheel drive vehicles.
Change the axle(s) fluid. See exceptions.
Change the transfer case fluid, if equipped.
Change the engine and secondary cooling system coolant. 4
At
200,000 mi
(320,000 km)
1 You can perform these maintenance items within
3,000 mi (4,800 km) of the last oil
change. Do not exceed the designated distance for the interval.
2 Reset the engine air filter information monitor after you replace the air filter.
3 Perform follow-up inspections every 15,000 mi (24,000 km) after the initial inspection.
Replace the belt or belts at
150,000 mi (240,000 km).
4 Initial replacement at ten years or 200,000 mi (320,000 km), then every five years or
100,000 mi (160,000 km).
SPECIAL OPERATING
CONDITIONS SCHEDULED
MAINTENANCE
Gasoline Engine
If you operate your vehicle primarily in any
of the following conditions, you need to
perform extra maintenance as indicated.
If you operate your vehicle occasionally
under any of these conditions, it is not
necessary to perform the extra
maintenance. For specific
recommendations, see your dealership
service advisor or technician.
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Towing a Trailer or Using a Car-top Carrier
Inspect and lubricate the U-joints grease fittings - if
applicable.
Inspect frequently, service
as required
See the axle maintenance items under Exceptions.
Inspect the wheels and related components for abnormal
noise, wear, looseness or drag.
Every
5,000 mi (8,000 km)
Rotate tires, inspect tires for wear and measure tread
depth.1
Change the engine oil and filter.
Every
5,000 mi (8,000 km)
or six months. Inspect and lubricate the U-joints grease fittings. - if
applicable.
Replace the front wheel bearing grease and grease seals
if you use non-sealed bearings.
Every
30,000 mi
(48,000 km)
Change the transfer case fluid, four-wheel drive vehicles.
Every
60,000 mi
(96,000 km) Replace the spark plugs.
1 Rotate the front wheels on vehicles with dual rear wheels when specified. Only rotate
the rear wheels if you notice unusual wear. Extensive Idling or Low-speed Driving for Long Distances, as in Heavy Commercial Use
- Such as Delivery, Taxi, Patrol Car or Livery
Replace the engine air filter.
Inspect frequently, service
as required
Replace the cabin air filter.
Inspect the brake system.
Every
5,000 mi (8,000 km)
Inspect the wheels and related components for abnormal
noise, wear, looseness or drag.
Lubricate the control arm and steering ball joints grease
fittings - if applicable.
Rotate the tires, inspect tires for wear and measure the
tread depth.1
Inspect and lubricate the U-joints grease fittings - if
applicable.
Every
5,000 mi (8,000 km)
or six months
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