power steering FORD F250 2007 User Guide

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).
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.
VEHICLE USED AS A STATIONARY POWER SOURCE
Auxiliary equipment called power take-off, or PTO, is often added to the
engine or transmission to operate utility equipment. Examples include a
wheel-lift for tow trucks, tools for construction and cranes. PTO
applications draw auxiliary horsepower from the powertrain, often while
the vehicle is stationary. In this condition, there is limited cooling air
flow through the radiator and around the vehicle that normally occurs
when a vehicle is moving. Depending on the level and duration of
auxiliary horsepower draw, vehicle conditions and surrounding
environmental conditions and other factors, this can contribute to
elevated transmission fluid temperatures and result in accelerated fluid
deterioration, fuel vapor over-pressurization, and other concerns. Ford
trucks are fully qualified for stationary PTO operation for 10 minutes or
less of continuous operation. For stationary PTO operation of extended
duration (beyond 10 minutes), diesel engine is recommended. Further
consult your aftermarket PTO installer, since the duration of operation
limit for the aftermarket PTO may be less than 10 minutes.
A more complete description of PTO operation is discussed in theFord
Truck Body Builders Layout Book,found at
www.fleet.ford.com/truckbbas.
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Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
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Driving
203

IDENTIFYING COMPONENTS IN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT
Refer to the6.0 Liter Power Stroke Direct Injection Turbo Diesel
Owner’s Guide Supplementfor diesel engine component locations.
5.4L V8 gasoline engines
1. Transmission fluid dipstick (automatic transmission)
2. Air filter assembly
3. Engine coolant reservoir
4. Brake fluid reservoir
5. Clutch fluid reservoir (manual transmission)
6. Power distribution box
7. Power steering fluid reservoir
8. Engine oil dipstick
9. Engine oil filler cap
10. Windshield washer fluid reservoir
11. Battery
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Maintenance and Specifications
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6.8L V10 gasoline engine
Refer to the6.0 Liter Power Stroke Direct Injection Turbo Diesel
Owner’s Guide Supplementfor diesel engine component locations.
1. Transmission fluid dipstick (automatic transmission)
2. Engine coolant reservoir
3. Brake fluid reservoir
4. Clutch fluid reservoir (manual transmission)
5. Power distribution box
6. Power steering fluid reservoir
7. Air filter assembly
8. Engine oil dipstick
9. Engine oil filler cap
10. Windshield washer fluid reservoir
11. Battery
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Maintenance and Specifications
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Vehicles driven year-round in non-extreme climates should use a 50/50
mixture of engine coolant and distilled water for optimum cooling system
and engine protection.
What you should know about fail-safe cooling (if equipped)
If the engine coolant supply is depleted, this feature allows the vehicle to
be driven temporarily before incremental component damage is incurred.
The “fail-safe” distance depends on ambient temperatures, vehicle load
and terrain.
How fail-safe cooling works
If the engine begins to overheat:
•The engine coolant temperature
gauge will move to the red (hot)
area.
•The message center will indicate
the engine is overheating.
•TheService engine soon
indicator (
) will illuminate.
If the engine reaches a preset over-temperature condition, the engine
will automatically switch to alternating cylinder operation. Each disabled
cylinder acts as an air pump and cools the engine.
When this occurs the vehicle will still operate. However:
•The engine power will be limited.
•The air conditioning system will be disabled.
Continued operation will increase the engine temperature and the engine
will completely shut down, causing steering and braking effort to
increase.
Once the engine temperature cools, the engine can be re-started. Take
your vehicle to a service facility as soon as possible to minimize engine
damage.
When fail-safe mode is activated
You have limited engine power when in the fail-safe mode, so drive the
vehicle with caution. The vehicle will not be able to maintain high-speed
operation and the engine will run rough. Remember that the engine is
capable of completely shutting down automatically to prevent engine
damage, therefore:
1. Pull off the road as soon as safely possible and turn off the engine.
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Maintenance and Specifications
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3. The fuel cap may not have been securely tightened. SeeFuel filler
capin this chapter.
4. Driving through deep water - the electrical system may be wet.
These temporary malfunctions can be corrected by filling the fuel tank
with good quality fuel, properly tightening the fuel cap or letting the
electrical system dry out. After three driving cycles without these or any
other temporary malfunctions present, the
indicator should stay off
the next time the engine is started. A driving cycle consists of a cold
engine startup followed by mixed city/highway driving. No additional
vehicle service is required.
If the
indicator remains on, have your vehicle serviced at the first
available opportunity. Although some malfunctions detected by the
OBD-II may not have symptoms that are apparent, continued driving
with the
indicator on can result in increased emissions, lower fuel
economy, reduced engine and transmission smoothness, and lead to more
costly repairs.
Readiness for Inspection/Maintenance (I/M) testing
In some localities, it may be a legal requirement to pass an I/M test of
the on-board diagnostics system. If the
indicator is on, refer to the
description in the Warning lights and chimes section of the Instrument
Cluster chapter. Your vehicle may not pass the I/M test with the
indicator on.
If the vehicle’s powertrain system or its battery has just been serviced,
the on-board diagnostics system is reset to a “not ready for I/M test”
condition. To ready the on-board diagnostics system for I/M testing, a
minimum of 30 minutes of city and highway driving is necessary as
described below:
•First, at least 10 minutes of driving on an expressway or highway.
•Next, at least 20 minutes driving in stop-and-go, city-type traffic with
at least four idle periods.
Allow the vehicle to sit for at least eight hours without starting the
engine. Then, start the engine and complete the above driving cycle. The
engine must warm up to its normal operating temperature. Once started,
do not turn off the engine until the above driving cycle is complete.
POWER STEERING FLUID
Check the power steering fluid. Refer to thescheduled maintenance
informationfor the service interval schedules. If adding fluid is
necessary, use only MERCON
AT F.
2007 F-250/350/450/550(f23)
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Maintenance and Specifications
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•Gasoline engine shown; diesel
engine similar. Refer to
Identifying components in the
engine compartmentin the
6.0/6.4 Liter Power Stroke
Direct Injection Turbo Diesel
Owner Guide Supplement.
Check the fluid level when it is at ambient temperature, 20°F–80°F
(-7°C–25°C):
1. Check the fluid level on the dipstick. It should be between the arrows
in the FULL COLD range. Do not add fluid if the level is within this
range.
2. If the fluid level is low. Add fluid to bring fluid level up to be between
the arrows in the FULL COLD range.
3. Start the engine.
4. While the engine idles, turn the steering wheel left and right several
times.
5. Turn the engine off.
6. Recheck the fluid level on the dipstick. Do not add fluid if the level is
between the arrows in the FULL COLD range.
7. If the fluid is low, add fluid in small amounts, continuously checking
the level until it reaches the FULL COLD range. Be sure to put the
dipstick back in the reservoir.
2007 F-250/350/450/550(f23)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Maintenance and Specifications
284

Item Capacity Ford part nameFord part number /
Ford specification
Transmission / parking
brake linkages and
pivots, brake and clutch
pedal shaft (if
equipped)—Motorcraft Premium
Long-Life GreaseXG-1-C or XG-1-K /
WSD-M1C227-A
Power steering fluidFill to FULL
COLD range on
dipstickMotorcraft MERCON

AT FXT-2-QDX / MERCON

Transfer case fluid 2.0 quarts (1.9L)Motorcraft MERCON

AT FXT-2-QDX / MERCON

Manual transmission
fluid5.8 quarts (5.5L)
4
Motorcraft MERCON

AT FXT-2-QDX / MERCON

Automatic transmission
fluid
3
17.5 quarts
(16.6L)
5(includes
remote filter
element change)Motorcraft MERCON
SP
AT FXT-6–QSP / MERCON

SP
Windshield washer fluid 4.25 quarts (4.0L)Motorcraft Premium
Windshield Washer
ConcentrateZC-32–A /
WSB-M8B16–A2
1Add 8 oz. (236 ml) of Additive Friction Modifier XL-3 or equivalent meeting Ford Specification
EST-M2C118–A for complete refill of limited slip Ford axles. Ford design rear axles contain a
synthetic lubricant that does not require changing unless the axle has been submerged in water.2Add the coolant type originally equipped in your vehicle.3Ensure the correct automatic transmission fluid is used. Transmission fluid requirements are
indicated on the dipstick handle. Check the container to verify the fluid being added is of the
correct type. Refer to yourscheduled maintenance informationto determine the correct service
interval.
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Maintenance and Specifications
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Climate control (see Air
conditioning or Heating) ............41
Clutch
fluid ..........................................285
operation while driving ..........185
recommended shift speeds ....186
Compass, electronic
set zone adjustment .................77
Console ........................................72
overhead ..............................60–61
Controls
power seat .................................97
steering column ........................69
Coolant
checking and adding ..............267
refill capacities ................271, 294
Cruise control
(see Speed control) ....................66
Customer Assistance ................208
Ford accessories for your
vehicle .....................................254
Ford Extended Service
Plan ..........................................244
Getting assistance outside
the U.S. and Canada ..............245
Getting roadside assistance ...208
Getting the service you
need .........................................240
Ordering additional owner’s
literature .................................246
Utilizing the
Mediation/Arbitration
Program ...................................244
D
Daytime running lamps
(see Lamps) ................................45Dipstick
automatic transmission
fluid ..........................................286
engine oil .................................261
Driveline universal joint and
slip yoke ....................................290
Driving under special
conditions ..................185, 198, 201
sand .........................................200
snow and ice ...........................202
through water .................200, 204
E
Electronic message center ...72, 74
Emergencies, roadside
jump-starting ..........................233
Emergency Flashers .................210
Emission control system ..........281
Engine ........................................298
cleaning ...................................249
coolant .....................................267
diesel ...........................................8
fail-safe cooling .......................272
idle speed control ...................265
refill capacities ........................294
service points ..................258–259
starting after a collision .........210
Engine block heater .................177
Engine oil ..................................261
checking and adding ..............261
dipstick ....................................261
filter, specifications ........264, 293
recommendations ...................264
refill capacities ........................294
Exhaust fumes ..........................176
F
Fail safe cooling ........................272
2007 F-250/350/450/550(f23)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Index
305

K
Keyless entry system .................92
Keys
positions of the ignition .........172
L
Lamps
autolamp system .......................44
daytime running light ...............45
fog lamps ...................................45
headlamps .................................44
headlamps, flash to pass ..........46
instrument panel, dimming .....46
interior lamps ...........................50
replacing bulbs ...................51–58
Lane change indicator
(see Turn signal) ........................50
Lights, warning and indicator ....12
anti-lock brakes (ABS) ..........178
speed control ............................68
Load limits .................................153
Loading instructions .................159
Locks
childproof ..................................87
Lug nuts ....................................232
Lumbar support, seats ...............99
M
Manual transmission .................185
fluid capacities ........................294
reverse .....................................187
Message center ...............72, 74–75
english/metric button ...............79
system check button ................78warning messages .....................80
Mirrors .........................................60
automatic dimming rearview
mirror ........................................63
fold away ...................................65
heated ........................................64
side view mirrors (power) .......64
signal .........................................65
Moon roof ....................................71
Motorcraft parts ................273, 293
O
Octane rating ............................277
Oil (see Engine oil) ..................261
Overdrive .....................................60
P
Parking brake ............................179
Parts (see Motorcraft parts) ....293
Pedals (see Power adjustable
foot pedals) .................................66
Power adjustable foot pedals .....66
Power distribution box
(see Fuses) ...............................217
Power door locks ........................85
Power mirrors .............................64
Power point .................................61
Power steering ..........................180
fluid, checking and adding ....283
fluid, refill capacity ................294
Power Windows ...........................62
Preparing to drive your
vehicle ........................................181
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Index
307

R
Radio ................................21, 23, 28
Relays ........................................211
Remote entry system .................88
illuminated entry ......................91
locking/unlocking doors ...........85
Reverse sensing system ...........188
Roadside assistance ..................208
S
Safety Belt Maintenance ..........112
Safety belts (see Safety
restraints) ..................101, 103–105
Safety defects,
reporting ............................246–247
Safety restraints ........101, 103–105
BeltMinder
............................108
extension assembly ................112
for adults .........................103–105
for children .....................121–122
lap belt ....................................106
safety belt maintenance .........112
warning light and
chime ...............................107–108
Safety seats for children ..........125
Safety Compliance
Certification Label ....................299
Satellite Radio Information ........34
Seat belts
(see Safety restraints) .............101
Seats ............................................94
child safety seats ....................125
cleaning ...................................253
Servicing your vehicle ..............256
Snowplowing .................8, 204–207Spark plugs,
specifications .....................293, 298
Special notice ................................9
ambulance conversions ..............8
diesel-powered vehicles .............8
utility-type vehicles ....................8
Speed control ..............................66
Starting your vehicle .......172–173,
176
jump starting ..........................233
Steering wheel
controls ......................................69
tilting .........................................59
T
Tailgate ..................................83–84
Tilt steering wheel ......................59
Tires ...................................135–136
alignment ................................145
care ..........................................141
changing ..................................225
checking the pressure ............140
inspecting and inflating .........137
label .........................................152
replacing ..................................143
rotating ....................................145
safety practices .......................144
sidewall information ...............147
snow tires and chains ............153
spare tire .........................220, 222
terminology .............................136
tire grades ...............................136
treadwear ........................135, 142
Towing .......................................160
Trailer Brake
Controller-Integrated ..............164
trailer towing ..........................160
wrecker ....................................238
Traction-lok rear axle ...............181
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Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Index
308