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Working with the engine on
•Automatic transmission:
1. Set the parking brake and shift to P (Park).
2. Block the wheels.
•Manual transmission:
1. Set the parking brake, depress the clutch and place the gearshift in N
(Neutral).
2. Block the wheels.
Note:Do not start your engine with the air cleaner removed and do not
remove it while the engine is running.
OPENING THE HOOD
1. Inside the vehicle, pull the hood
release handle located under the
bottom left corner of the instrument
panel.
2. Go to the front of the vehicle and
release the auxiliary latch located
under the right center of the hood.
Slide the handle to release the
auxiliary latch.
3. Lift the hood until the lift
cylinders hold it open.
2006 F-250/350/450/550(f23)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Maintenance and Specifications
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CHANGING THE WIPER BLADES
1. Pull the wiper arm away from the
vehicle. Turn the blade at an angle
from the wiper arm. Push the lock
pin manually to release the blade
and pull the wiper blade down
toward the windshield to remove it
from the arm.
2. Attach the new wiper to the
wiper arm and press it into place
until a click is heard.
3. Replace wiper blades at least once per year for optimum performance.
4. Poor wiper quality can be improved by cleaning the wiper blades and
the windshield; refer toWindows and wiper bladesin theCleaning
chapter.
5. To prolong the life of the wiper blades, it is highly recommended to
scrape off the ice on the windshield before turning on the wipers. The
layer of ice has many sharp edges and can damage the micro edge of the
wiper rubber element.
ENGINE OIL
Checking the engine oil
Refer to thescheduled maintenance informationfor the appropriate
intervals for checking the engine oil.
1. Make sure the vehicle is on level ground.
2. Turn the engine off and wait a few minutes for the oil to drain into the
oil pan.
3. Set the parking brake and ensure the gearshift is securely latched in P
(Park) (automatic transmission) or 1 (First) (manual transmission).
4. Open the hood. Protect yourself from engine heat.
2006 F-250/350/450/550(f23)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Maintenance and Specifications
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6. Wipe the indicator clean. Insert the indicator fully, then remove it
again.
•If the oil level isbetween the MIN and MAX marks,the oil level is
acceptable.DO NOT ADD OIL.
•If the oil level is below the MIN
mark, add enough oil to raise the
level within the MIN-MAX range.
•Oil levels above the MAX mark may cause engine damage. Some oil
must be removed from the engine by a service technician.
7. Put the indicator back in and ensure it is fully seated.
Adding engine oil
1. Check the engine oil. For instructions, refer toChecking the engine
oilin this chapter.
2. If the engine oil level is not within the normal range, add only certified
engine oil of the recommended viscosity. Remove the engine oil filler cap
and use a funnel to pour the engine oil into the opening.
3. Recheck the engine oil level. Make sure the oil level is not above the
MAX mark on the engine oil level indicator (dipstick).
4. Install the indicator and ensure it is fully seated.
5. Fully install the engine oil filler cap by turning the filler cap clockwise
1/4 of a turn or until the cap is fully seated.
To avoid possible oil loss, DO NOT operate the vehicle with the
engine oil level indicator and/or the engine oil filler cap removed.
2006 F-250/350/450/550(f23)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Maintenance and Specifications
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6. Drive the vehicle to complete the relearning process.
•The vehicle may need to be driven 10 miles (16 km) or more to
relearn the idle and fuel trim strategy.
•If you do not allow the engine to relearn its idle trim, the idle
quality of your vehicle may be adversely affected until the idle
trim is eventually relearned.
If the battery has been disconnected or a new battery has been installed,
the clock and the preset radio stations must be reset once the battery is
reconnected.
•Always dispose of automotive
batteries in a responsible manner.
Follow your local authorized
standards for disposal. Call your
local authorized recycling center
to find out more about recycling
automotive batteries.
ENGINE COOLANT
Checking engine coolant
The concentration and level of engine coolant should be checked at the
mileage (kilometer) intervals listed in thescheduled maintenance
information. The coolant concentration should be maintained at 50/50
coolant and distilled water, which equates to a freeze point of -34°F
(-36°C). Coolant concentration testing is possible with a hydrometer or
antifreeze tester (such as the Rotunda Battery and Antifreeze Tester,
014–R1060). The level of coolant should be maintained at the “FULL
COLD” level or within the “COLD FILL RANGE” in the coolant reservoir.
If the level falls below, add coolant per the instructions in theAdding
engine coolantsection.
Your vehicle was factory-filled with a 50/50 engine coolant and water
concentration. If the concentration of coolant falls below 40% or above
60%, the engine parts could become damaged or not work properly.A
50/50 mixture of coolant and water provides the following:
•Freeze protection down to -34°F (-36°C).
•Boiling protection up to 265°F (129°C).
•Protection against rust and other forms of corrosion.
L
E
A
D
RETURN
RECYCLE
2006 F-250/350/450/550(f23)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Maintenance and Specifications
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For vehicles with overflow coolant systems with a non-pressurized cap
on the coolant recovery system, add coolant to the coolant recovery
reservoir when the engine is cool. Add the proper mixture of coolant and
water to the “FULL COLD” level. For all other vehicles which have a
coolant degas system with a pressurized cap, or if it is necessary to
remove the coolant pressure relief cap on the radiator of a vehicle with
an overflow system, follow these steps to add engine coolant.
To reduce the risk of personal injury, make sure the engine is
cool before unscrewing the coolant pressure relief cap. The
cooling system is under pressure; steam and hot liquid can come out
forcefully when the cap is loosened slightly.
1. Before you begin, turn the engine off and let it cool.
2. When the engine is cool, wrap a thick cloth around the coolant
pressure relief cap on the coolant reservoir (a translucent plastic bottle).
Slowly turn cap counterclockwise (left) until pressure begins to release.
3. Step back while the pressure releases.
4. When you are sure that all the pressure has been released, use the
cloth to turn it counterclockwise and remove the cap.
5. Fill the coolant reservoir slowly with the proper coolant mixture (see
above), to within the “COLD FILL RANGE” or the “FULL COLD” level on
the reservoir. If you removed the radiator cap in an overflow system, fill
the radiator until the coolant is visible and radiator is almost full.
6. Replace the cap. Turn until tightly installed. (Cap must be tightly
installed to prevent coolant loss.)
After any coolant has been added, check the coolant concentration (refer
toChecking engine coolant). If the concentration is not 50/50
(protection to –34°F/–36°C), drain some coolant and adjust the
concentration. It may take several drains and additions to obtain a 50/50
coolant concentration.
Whenever coolant has been added, the coolant level in the coolant
reservoir should be checked the next few times you drive the vehicle. If
necessary, add enough 50/50 concentration of engine coolant and
distilled water to bring the liquid level to the proper level.
If you have to add more than 1.0 quart (1.0 liter) of engine coolant per
month, have your authorized dealer check the engine cooling system.
Your cooling system may have a leak. Operating an engine with a low
level of coolant can result in engine overheating and possible engine
damage.
2006 F-250/350/450/550(f23)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Maintenance and Specifications
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Fuel filler cap
Your fuel tank filler cap has an indexed design with a 1/4 turn on/off feature.
When fueling your vehicle:
1. Turn the engine off.
2. Carefully turn the filler cap counterclockwise until it stops.
3. Pull to remove the cap from the fuel filler pipe.
4. To install the cap, align the tabs on the cap with the notches on the
filler pipe.
5. Turn the filler cap clockwise until it clicks.
If the “Check Fuel Cap” indicator comes on and stays on after you start
the engine, the fuel filler cap may not be properly installed. Turn off the
engine, remove the fuel filler cap, align the cap properly and reinstall it.
If you must replace the fuel filler cap, replace it with a fuel filler
cap that is designed for your vehicle. The customer warranty may
be void for any damage to the fuel tank or fuel system if the
correct genuine Ford or Motorcraft fuel filler cap is not used.
The fuel system may be under pressure. If the fuel filler cap is
venting vapor or if you hear a hissing sound, wait until it stops
before completely removing the fuel filler cap. Otherwise, fuel may
spray out and injure you or others.
If you do not use the proper fuel filler cap, excessive pressure or
vacuum in the fuel tank may damage the fuel system or cause
the fuel cap to disengage in a collision, which may result in possible
personal injury.
2006 F-250/350/450/550(f23)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Maintenance and Specifications
269

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-M2C930-A
and API
Certification
Mark
Hinges, latches,
striker plates,
fuel filler door
hinge and seat
tracksMulti-Purpose
GreaseXG–4 or XL-5 ESB-M1C93–B
Lock cylindersMotorcraft
Penetrating and
Lock LubricantXL-1 none
Transmission
/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
Steering linkage,
knuckle ball
joints
(F-450/550) and
trackbar ball
joint (F-450/550)Motorcraft
Premium
Long-Life GreaseXG-1-C or
XG-1-KWSD-M1C227-A
Power steering
fluid and transfer
case fluid (if
equipped)Motorcraft
MERCONAT FXT-2-QDX MERCON
Manual
transmission
(6-speed)Motorcraft
MERCONAT F
2XT-2-QDX MERCON
2006 F-250/350/450/550(f23)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Maintenance and Specifications
291

Tonneau covers
Wheels
Interior style
Electrochromatic compass/temperature interior mirrors
Floor mats
Speed control
Lifestyle
Bedliners and bedmats
Bed tents
Bike racks
Sport Liner
Toolboxes
Towing mirrors
Trailer hitches, wiring harnesses and accessories
Peace of mind
First aid and highway safety kits
Full vehicle covers
Keyless entry
Locking gas cap
Mobile-Easehand-free communication system
Remote start
Vehicle security systems
For maximum vehicle performance, keep the following information in
mind when adding accessories or equipment to your vehicle:
•When adding accessories, equipment, passengers and luggage to your
vehicle, do not exceed the total weight capacity of the vehicle or of
the front or rear axle (GVWR or GAWR as indicated on the Safety
Compliance Certification Label). Consult your authorized dealer for
specific weight information.
2006 F-250/350/450/550(f23)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Accessories
303

•The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) and Canadian Radio
Telecommunications Commission (CRTC) regulate the use of mobile
communications systems — such as two-way radios, telephones and
theft alarms - that are equipped with radio transmitters. Any such
equipment installed in your vehicle should comply with FCC or CRTC
regulations and should be installed only by your authorized dealer.
•Mobile communications systems may harm the operation of your
vehicle, particularly if they are not properly designed for automotive
use.
•To avoid interference with other vehicle functions, such as anti-lock
braking systems, amateur radio users who install radios and antennas
onto their vehicle should not locate the Amateur Radio Antennas in
the area of the driver’s side hood.
•Electrical or electronic accessories or components that are added to
the vehicle by the authorized dealer or the owner may adversely affect
battery performance and durability.
2006 F-250/350/450/550(f23)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Accessories
304

A
Accessory delay ..........................58
Air cleaner filter .......283–284, 286
Air conditioning ..........................36
Airbag supplemental restraint
system ................................108–109
and child safety seats ............110
description ..............................109
disposal ....................................112
driver airbag ............................111
indicator light .........................112
operation .................................111
passenger airbag .....................111
passenger deactivation
switch ......................................113
Ambulance packages ....................8
Antifreeze
(see Engine coolant) ................260
Anti-lock brake system
(see Brakes) ......................172–173
Audio system
(see Radio) ................20, 22, 25, 28
Automatic transmission ............176
driving an automatic
overdrive .................................177
fluid, adding ............................279
fluid, checking ........................279
fluid, refill capacities ..............287
Auxiliary power point .................56
Axle
lubricant specifications ..........290
refill capacities ........................287
traction lok ..............................175
B
Battery .......................................258
acid, treating emergencies .....258jumping a disabled battery ....226
maintenance-free ....................258
replacement, specifications ...286
servicing ..................................258
BeltMinder .................................104
Brakes ........................................172
anti-lock ...........................172–173
anti-lock brake system (ABS)
warning light ...........................173
fluid, checking and adding ....278
fluid, refill capacities ..............287
fluid, specifications .................290
lubricant specifications ..........290
parking ....................................173
shift interlock ..........................176
trailer .......................................159
Break-in period .............................5
Bulbs ............................................45
C
Capacities for refilling fluids ....287
Cassette tape player .......20, 22, 25
Cell phone use ..............................7
Child safety restraints ..............118
child safety belts ....................118
Child safety seats ......................121
attaching with tether straps ..124
in front seat ............................122
in rear seat ..............................122
Cleaning your vehicle
engine compartment ..............242
instrument panel ....................244
interior .....................................245
interior trim ............................245
plastic parts ............................244
safety belts ..............................245
washing ....................................241
waxing .....................................241
2006 F-250/350/450/550(f23)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Index
305