FORD F250 2003 Owners Manual

•DRW–Six tire rotation
If your vehicle is equipped with dual
rear wheels it is recommended that
front and rear tires (in pairs) be
rotated only side to side, with the
rear tires maintaining original
vehicle position. After tire rotation,
inflation pressures must be adjusted
for the tires new positions in
accordance with vehicle
requirements.
Replacing the tires
Replace the tires when the wear
band is visible through the tire
treads. Due to exposure to the
elements and exhaust you should
replace the spare tire when you
replace the other tires.
When replacing full size tires, never mix radial bias-belted, or
bias-type tires. Use only the tire sizes that are listed on the
Certification Label. Make sure that all tires are the same size, speed
rating, and load-carrying capacity. Use only the tire combinations
recommended on the label. If you do not follow these precautions,
your vehicle handling may be affected which can lead to loss of vehicle
control, vehicle rollover and/or personal injury.
2003 F250/350/450/550(f23)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA English(fus)
Maintenance and Specifications
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Make sure that all replacement tires are of the same size, type,
speed rating, load-carrying capacity and tread design (e.g.,“All
Terrain”,“Touring”, etc.), as originally offered by Ford.
Do not replace your tires with“high performance”tires or larger
size tires.
Failure to follow these precautions may adversely affect the
handling of the vehicle, and increase the risk of loss of vehicle
control, vehicle rollover and/or personal injury.
Tires that are larger or smaller than your vehicle’s original tires may also
affect the accuracy of your speedometer.
SNOW TIRES AND CHAINS
Snow tires must be the same size and grade as the tires you
currently have on your vehicle.
The tires on your vehicle have all weather treads to provide traction in
rain and snow. However, in some climates, you may need to use snow
tires and chains. If you need to use chains, it is recommended that steel
wheels (of the same size and specifications) be used, as chains may chip
aluminum wheels.
Follow these guidelines when using snow tires and chains:
•Use only SAE Class S chains.
•Install chains securely, verifying that the chains do not touch any
wiring, brake lines or fuel lines.
•Drive cautiously. If you hear the chains rub or bang against your
vehicle, stop and re-tighten the chains. If this does not work, remove
the chains to prevent damage to your vehicle.
•If possible, avoid fully loading your vehicle.
•Remove the tire chains when they are no longer needed. Do not use
tire chains on dry roads.
•The suspension insulation and bumpers will help prevent vehicle
damage. Do not remove these components from your vehicle when
using snow tires and chains.
2003 F250/350/450/550(f23)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA English(fus)
Maintenance and Specifications
252

MOTORCRAFT PART NUMBERS
Component* 5.4L V8 engine 6.8L V10 engine
Air filter element FA-1634 FA-1634
Fuel filter FG-986B FG-986B
Oil filter FL-820-S FL-820-S
PCV valve EV-233 EV-233
Battery (Standard) BXT-65-650 BXT-65-650
Battery (Optional) BXT-65-750 BXT-65-750
Spark plugs-platinum** AGSF-22W AGSF-22W
Automatic Transmission
Filter ***——
*Refer to the6.0 Liter Power Stroke Direct Injection Turbo Diesel
Owner’s Guide Supplementfor Motorcraft diesel engine service part
numbers.
**Refer to Vehicle Emissions Control Information (VECI) decal for spark
plug gap information.
***Only available with 6.0L Diesel engine/TorqShift transmission. Part
number is FT-145.
2003 F250/350/450/550(f23)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA English(fus)
Maintenance and Specifications
253

REFILL CAPACITIES
Fluid Ford Part Name Application Capacity
Front axle Hypoid Gear Oil
SAE 90F-250/350
(Dana 60 axle)2.7L (5.8 pints)
F-350/450/550
(Dana 60 axle)2.7L (5.8 pints)
Rear axle
1,2Motorcraft SAE
75W-140 Synthetic
Rear Axle
LubricantF-250 /350
(10.50 inch
axle)3.3L (6.9 pints)
Motorcraft SAE
75W-90 Synthetic
Rear Axle
LubricantF-350/450
(DANA 80)4.0L (8.5 pints)
Motorcraft SAE
80W-90 Premium
Rear Axle
LubricantF-550
(Dana 135)11.6L (24.5
pints)
Brake fluid
(and clutch
fluid-if
equipped)Motorcraft High
Performance DOT
3 Motor Vehicle
Brake FluidAll Fill to line or
step (for
clutch) on
reservoir
Engine coolant
3Motorcraft
Premium Gold
Engine Coolant
(yellow-colored)5.4L V8 engine
with A/C25.0L (26.4
quarts)
6.8L V10 engine 26.0L (27.5
quarts)
Engine oil
(includes filter
change)-Gas
engines
7
Motorcraft SAE
5W-20 Premium
Synthetic Blend
Motor Oil (US)
Motorcraft SAE
5W-20 Super
Premium Motor Oil
(Canada)5.4L V8 and
6.8L V10
engines5.7L (6.0
quarts)
Engine oil
(includes filter
change)-Diesel
engineRefer to your 6.0L Diesel Supplement
2003 F250/350/450/550(f23)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA English(fus)
Maintenance and Specifications
254

Fluid Ford Part Name Application Capacity
Fuel tank N/A Mid-ship tank
(optional on
Chassis Cab)71.9L (19.0
gallons)
Right side
saddle mounted
tank (optional
on Chassis Cab)87.1L (23.0
gallons)
Short box 109.8L (29.0
gallons)
Long box 143.9L (38.0
gallons)
Aft axle 151.4L (40.0
gallons)
Power steering
fluidMotorcraft
MERCONAT FAll Fill to FULL
COLD range on
dipstick
Transfer case
fluidMotorcraft
MERCONAT F4x4 vehicles 1.9L (2.0
quarts)
Manual
transmission
fluidMotorcraft
MERCONAT F6-speed manual 5.5L (5.8
quarts)
5
Automatic
transmission
fluid
4
Motorcraft
MERCONAT F4R100
(4–speed)16.7L (17.7
quarts)6
Motorcraft
MERCONSP ATFTorqShift
(5–speed)16.6L (17.5
quarts)
6(includes
remote filter
element
change)
Windshield
washer fluidMotorcraft
Premium
Windshield Washer
ConcentrateAll 4.0L (4.25
quarts)
2003 F250/350/450/550(f23)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA English(fus)
Maintenance and Specifications
255

1Your vehicle’s rear axle(s) may be filled with a synthetic lubricant that
may require a lubricant change. Refer to the scheduled maintenance
guide. Axle lubricant quantities should not need to be checked unless a
leak is suspected, service is required or the axle assembly has been
submerged in water. The axle lubricant should be changed any time the
rear axle has been submerged in water.
2Add 236 ml (8 oz.) of Additive Friction Modifier XL-3or equivalent
meeting Ford Specification EST-M2C118-A for complete refill of
Traction-Lok axles.
3Add the coolant type originally equipped in your vehicle.
4Ensure the correct automatic transmission fluid is used. Transmission
fluid requirements are indicated on the end of the dipstick. Check the
container to verify the fluid being added is of the correct type. Refer to
your scheduled maintenance guide to determine the correct service
interval.
Some transmission fluids may be labeled as dual usage, such as
MERCONand MERCONV. These dual usage fluids are not to be used
in an automatic transmission that requires use of the MERCONtype
fluid. However, these dual usage fluids may be used in transmissions that
require the MERCONV type fluid.
MERCON, MERCONV and MERCONSP are not
interchangeable. DO NOT mix MERCON, MERCONV and
MERCONSP. Use of dual usage fluids in an automatic
transmission application requiring MERCONSP may cause
transmission damage. Use of a transmission fluid other than the
recommended fluid may cause transmission damage.
5Service refill capacity is determined by filling the transmission to the
bottom of the filler hole with the vehicle on a level surface. The 6–speed
manual transmission is equipped with an in-tank cooler. Verify the fluid
level after operating vehicle to assure correct fluid level.
6Indicates only approximate dry-fill capacity. Some applications may vary
based on cooler size and if equipped with an in-tank cooler. The amount
of transmission fluid and fluid level should be set by the indication on
the dipstick’s normal operating range.
7Use of synthetic or synthetic blend motor oil is not mandatory. Engine
oil need only meet the requirements of Ford specification
WSS-M2C153–H and the API Certification mark.
2003 F250/350/450/550(f23)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA English(fus)
Maintenance and Specifications
256

LUBRICANT SPECIFICATIONS
ItemFord part
name or
equivalentFord part
numberFord
specification
Spindle bearingHigh
Temperature
4X4 Front Axle
and Wheel
Bearing GreaseE8TZ-19590–A ESA-M1C198–A
Front axle
(4X4)Hypoid Gear Oil
SAE 90C6AZ-19580–E ESW-M2C105–A
Rear axleMotorcraft SAE
75W-140 High
Performance
Synthetic Rear
Axle Lube
1
XY-75W140–QL WSL-M2C192-A
Motorcraft SAE
75W-90
Synthetic Rear
Axle LubricantXY-75W90–GLS–
Motorcraft SAE
80W-90
Premium Rear
Axle Lubricant
(Dana 135
axles)
1
XY-80W90-QL WSP-M2C197-A
Brake fluid and
clutch fluid (if
equipped)Motorcraft High
Performance
DOT 3 Motor
Vehicle Brake
FluidPM-1 ESA-M6C25-A
and DOT 3
Engine coolant Motorcraft
Premium Gold
Engine Coolant
(yellow-colored)VC-7–A WSS-M97B51-A1
2003 F250/350/450/550(f23)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA English(fus)
Maintenance and Specifications
257

ItemFord part
name or
equivalentFord part
numberFord
specification
Engine oilMotorcraft SAE
5W-20 Premium
Synthetic Blend
Motor Oil (US)
Motorcraft SAE
5W-20 Super
Premium Motor
Oil (Canada)XO-5W20-QSP
(US)
CXO-5W20–LSP12
(Canada)
WSS-M2C153-H
and API
Certification
Mark
Hinges, latches,
striker plates,
fuel filler door
hinge and seat
tracksMulti-Purpose
GreaseXG–4 or XL-5 ESR-M1C159-A
or
ESB-M1C93–B
Lock cylindersMotorcraft
penetrating and
lock lubricantXL-1 none
Transmission
/steering/parking
brake linkages
and pivots,
brake and clutch
pedal shaft (if
equipped)Motorcraft
Premium
Long-Life GreaseXG-1-C or
XG-1-KESA-M1C75-B
Power steering
fluid and
transfer case
fluid (if
equipped)Motorcraft
MERCONAT FXT-2-QDX MERCON
Manual
transmission
(6-speed)Motorcraft
MERCONAT F
2
XT-2-QDX MERCON
2003 F250/350/450/550(f23)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA English(fus)
Maintenance and Specifications
258

ItemFord part
name or
equivalentFord part
numberFord
specification
Automatic
transmission
4R100
(4–speed)Motorcraft
MERCONAT F
2
XT-2-QDX MERCON
Automatic
transmission
TorqShift
(5–speed)Motorcraft
MERCONSP
AT F
2
XT-6–QSP MERCONSP
Windshield
washer fluidMotorcraft
Premium
Windshield
Washer
ConcentrateZC-32–A WSB-M8B16–A2
1Add 236 ml (8 oz.) of Additive Friction Modifier XL-3 or equivalent
meeting Ford specification EST-M2C118-A for complete refill of
Traction-Lok axles. Ford design rear axles contain a synthetic lubricant
that does not require changing unless the axle has been submerged in
water. Dana rear axles also contain a synthetic lubricant butdorequire a
change. Refer to your“Service Guide”for change intervals on Dana rear
axles.
2Ensure the correct automatic transmission fluid is used. Transmission
fluid requirements are indicated on the end of the dipstick. Check the
container to verify the fluid being added is of the correct type. Refer to
your scheduled maintenance guide to determine the correct service
interval.
Some transmission fluids may be labeled as dual usage, such as
MERCONand MERCONV. These dual usage fluids are not to be used
in an automatic transmission that requires use of the MERCONtype
fluid. However, these dual usage fluids may be used in transmissions that
require the MERCONV type fluid.
MERCON, MERCONV and MERCONSP are not
interchangeable. DO NOT mix MERCON, MERCONV and
MERCONSP. Use of dual usage fluids in an automatic
transmission application requiring MERCONSP may cause
transmission damage. Use of a transmission fluid other than the
recommended fluid may cause transmission damage.
2003 F250/350/450/550(f23)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA English(fus)
Maintenance and Specifications
259

ENGINE DATA
Engine* 5.4L V8 engine 6.8L V10 engine
Cubic inches 330 415
Required fuel 87 octane 87 octane
Firing order 1-3-7-2-6-5-4-8 1-6-5-10-2-7-3-8-4-9
Spark plug gap1.3-1.4 mm
(0.052-0.056 inch)1.3-1.4 mm
(0.052-0.056 inch)
Ignition system Coil on plug Coil on plug
Compression ratio 9.0:1 9.0:1
*Refer to the6.0 Liter Power Stroke Direct Injection Turbo Diesel
Owner’s Guide Supplementfor Motorcraft diesel engine service part
numbers.
VEHICLE DIMENSIONS
F250–Regular and Super Cab
Dimension Body style
Regular
Cab 4x2Regular
Cab 4x4Super Cab
4x2Super Cab
4x4
(1) Overall
height1935 mm
(76.2 in)2005 mm
(78.9 in)1943 mm
(76.5 in)
b2008 mm
(79.0 in)b
(2) Track
(Front /
Rear)1736 mm
(68.3 in) /
1729 mm
(68 in)1736 mm
(68.3 in) /
1729.3 mm
(68 in)1736 mm
(68.3 in) /
1729.3 mm
(68 in)1736 mm
(68.3 in) /
1729.3 mm
(68 in)
(3) Overall
width2031 mm
(79.9 in)2031 mm
(79.9 in)2031 mm
(79.9 in)2031 mm
(79.9 in)
(4)
Wheelbase3479.8 mm
(137 in)3479.8 mm
(137 in)3610.7 mm
(141.8 in)
a
4013.2 mm
(158 in)b
3610.7 mm
(141.8 in)a
4013.2 mm
(158 in)b
2003 F250/350/450/550(f23)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA English(fus)
Maintenance and Specifications
260