FORD F250 2008 Owners Manual

If other than Ford, Motorcraft or Ford-authorized parts are used for
maintenance replacements or for service of components affecting
emission control, such non-Ford parts should be equivalent to genuine
Ford Motor Company parts in performance and durability.
Do not park, idle, or drive your vehicle in dry grass or other dry
ground cover. The emission system heats up the engine
compartment and exhaust system, which can start a fire.
Illumination of theService engine soonlight (
), charging system
warning light or the temperature warning light, fluid leaks, strange odors,
smoke or loss of engine power, could indicate that the emission control
system is not working properly.
Exhaust leaks may result in entry of harmful and potentially
lethal fumes into the passenger compartment.
Do not make any unauthorized changes to your vehicle or engine. By
law, vehicle owners and anyone who manufactures, repairs, services,
sells, leases, trades vehicles, or supervises a fleet of vehicles are not
permitted to intentionally remove an emission control device or prevent
it from working. Information about your vehicle’s emission system is on
the Vehicle Emission Control Information Decal located on or near the
engine. This decal also identifies engine displacement.
Please consult yourWarranty Guidefor complete emission warranty
information.
On board diagnostics (OBD-II)
Your vehicle is equipped with a computer that monitors the engine’s
emission control system. This system is commonly known as the On
Board Diagnostics System (OBD-II). The OBD-II system protects the
environment by ensuring that your vehicle continues to meet
government emission standards. The OBD-II system also assists your
authorized dealer in properly servicing your vehicle. When the
indicator illuminates, the OBD-II system has detected a malfunction.
Temporary malfunctions may cause the
indicator to illuminate.
Examples are:
1. The vehicle has run out of fuel - the engine may misfire or run poorly.
2. Poor fuel quality or water in the fuel - the engine may misfire or run
poorly.
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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.
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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.
•Gasoline engine shown; diesel
engine similar. Refer to
Identifying components in the
engine compartmentin the6.0
and 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 in the reservoir. It should be between the MIN
and MAX 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 MIN and MAX 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 in the reservoir. Do not add fluid if the level is
between the MIN and MAX range.
7. If the fluid is low, add fluid in small amounts, continuously checking
the level until it is between the MIN and MAX range. Be sure to put the
cap back on the reservoir.
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BRAKE FLUID
•Vacuum boost system
•Hydroboost system
•FEAD-driven vacuum pump/brake
booster system
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The fluid level will drop slowly as the brakes wear, and will rise when the
brake components are replaced. Fluid levels between the “MIN” and
“MAX” lines are within the normal operating range; there is no need to
add fluid. If the fluid levels are outside of the normal operating range the
performance of your brake system could be compromised; seek service
from your authorized dealer immediately.
CLUTCH FLUID (IF EQUIPPED)
Check the clutch fluid level. Refer to thescheduled maintenance
informationfor the service interval schedules.
Use only a DOT 3 brake fluid designed to meet Ford specifications. Refer
toMaintenance product specifications and capacitiesin this chapter.
Carefully read cautionary information on product label. For
MEDICAL EMERGENCY INFORMATION, contact a physician or
Poison Control Center immediately; on Ford-Motorcraft products call:
1-800-959-3673 (FORD). Failure to follow these instructions may result
in personal injury.
During normal operation, the fluid level in the clutch reservoir should
remain constant or rise slightly. If the fluid level drops, refill the fluid
level to the step in the reservoir.
1. Clean the reservoir cap before
removal to prevent dirt and water
from entering the reservoir.
2. Remove cap and rubber
diaphragm from reservoir.
3. Add fluid until the level reaches
the step in the reservoir.
4. Reinstall rubber diaphragm and
cap onto reservoir.
TRANSMISSION FLUID
Checking automatic transmission fluid (if equipped)
Refer to yourscheduled maintenance informationfor scheduled
intervals for fluid checks and changes. Your transmission does not
consume fluid. However, the fluid level should be checked if the
transmission is not working properly, i.e., if the transmission slips or
shifts slowly or if you notice some sign of fluid leakage.
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Automatic transmission fluid expands when warmed. To obtain an
accurate fluid check, drive the vehicle until it is at normal operating
temperature (approximately 20 miles [30 km]). If your vehicle has been
operated for an extended period at high speeds, in city traffic during hot
weather or pulling a trailer, the vehicle should be turned off for about 30
minutes to allow fluid to cool before checking.
1. Drive the vehicle 20 miles (30 km) or until it reaches normal operating
temperature.
2. Park the vehicle on a level surface and engage the parking brake.
3. With the parking brake engaged and your foot on the brake pedal,
start the engine and move the gearshift lever through all of the gear
ranges. Allow sufficient time for each gear to engage.
4. Latch the gearshift lever in P (Park) and leave the engine running.
5. Remove the dipstick, wiping it clean with a clean, dry lint free rag. If
necessary, refer toIdentifying components in the engine compartment
in this chapter for the location of the dipstick.
6. Install the dipstick making sure it is fully seated in the filler tube.
7. Remove the dipstick and inspect the fluid level. The fluid should be in
the designated area for normal operating temperature or ambient
temperature.
Low fluid level
Do not drive the vehicle if the fluid
level is at the bottom of the dipstick
and the ambient temperature is
above 50°F (10°C).
Correct fluid level
The transmission fluid should be checked at normal operating
temperature 150°F-170°F (66°C-77°C) on a level surface. The normal
operating temperature can be reached after approximately 20 miles (30
km) of driving.
You can check the fluid without driving if the ambient temperature is
above 50°F (10°C). However, if fluid is added at this time, an overfill
condition could result when the vehicle reaches normal operating
temperature.
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The transmission fluid should be in
this range if at normal operating
temperature (150°F-170°F
[66°C-77°C]).
The transmission fluid should be in
this range if at ambient temperature
(50°F-95°F [10°C-35°C]).
High fluid level
Fluid levels above the safe range
may result in transmission failure.
An overfill condition of transmission
fluid may cause shift and/or
engagement concerns and/or possible damage.
High fluid levels can be caused by an overheating condition.
Adjusting automatic transmission fluid levels
Before adding any fluid, make sure the correct type is used. The type of
fluid used is normally indicated on the dipstick handle and also in the
Maintenance Product Specifications and Capacitiessection in this
chapter.
Use of a non-approved automatic transmission fluid may cause
internal transmission component damage.
If necessary, add fluid in 1/2 pint (250 ml) increments through the filler
tube until the level is correct.
If an overfill occurs, excess fluid
should be removed by a qualified
technician.
An overfill condition of
transmission fluid may cause shift and/or engagement concerns
and/or possible damage.
Do not use supplemental transmission fluid additives, treatments or
cleaning agents. The use of these materials may affect transmission
operation and result in damage to internal transmission components.
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Checking and adding manual transmission fluid (if equipped)
1. Clean the filler plug.
2. Remove the filler plug and
inspect the fluid level.
3. Fluid level should be at the
bottom of the opening.
4. Add enough fluid through the
filler opening so that the fluid level
is at the bottom of the opening.
5. Install and tighten the fill plug
securely.
Use only fluid that meets Ford specifications. Refer toMaintenance
Product Specifications and Capacitiesin this chapter.
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TRANSFER CASE FLUID (IF EQUIPPED)
1. Clean the filler plug.
2. Remove the filler plug and
inspect the fluid level.
3. Add only enough fluid through
the filler opening so that the fluid
level is at the bottom of the
opening.
Use only fluid that meets Ford specifications. Refer toMaintenance
Product Specifications and Capacitiesin this chapter.

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DRIVELINE UNIVERSAL JOINT AND SLIP YOKE
If the original universal joints are replaced with universal joints equipped
with grease fittings, lubrication will be necessary. Refer to the
replacement universal joint manufacturer’s recommendation for
lubrication type and maintenance intervals.
AIR FILTER MAINTENANCE
Refer to thescheduled maintenance informationfor the appropriate
intervals for changing the air filter element.
When changing the air filter element, use only the Motorcraft air filter
element listed. Refer toMotorcraft part numbersin this chapter.
The following procedure is for vehicles equipped with a gasoline engine.
If your vehicle is equipped with a diesel engine, refer to the6.0 and 6.4
Liter Power Stroke Direct Injection Turbo Diesel Owner’s Guide
Supplement.
Note:Do not start your engine with the air cleaner removed and do not
remove it while the engine is running.
Changing the air filter element
1. Loosen clamp and disconnect
sensor.
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