automatic transmission fluid FORD F250 2013 Owners Manual

Maintenance 302
General information...................................302
Opening and closing the hood............................303
Under hood overview..................................304
Engine oil dipstick....................................306
Engine oil check......................................306
Engine coolant check..................................307
Automatic transmission fluid check........................313
Brake fluid check.....................................317
Power steering fluid check..............................317
Fuel filter...........................................317
Washer fluid check....................................318
Changing the vehicle battery.............................318
Checking the wiper blades..............................321
Air filter(s).........................................323
Adjusting the headlamps................................325
Changing a bulb......................................326
Bulb specification chart.................................331
Vehicle Care 332
Cleaning products.....................................332
Cleaning the exterior..................................332
Waxing.............................................334
Repairing minor paint damage............................334
Cleaning the engine...................................334
Cleaning the windows and wiper blades.....................335
Cleaning the interior...................................335
Cleaning the instrument panel and instrument cluster lens.......336
Cleaning the alloy wheels...............................340
Vehicle storage.......................................340
6Table of Contents
2013 F-250/350/450/550(f23)
Owners Guide gf, 3rd Printing, December 2012
USA(fus)

UNDER HOOD OVERVIEW
Refer to the diesel supplement for diesel engine component locations.
6.2L V8 Gasoline Engine
A. Windshield washer fluid reservoir
B. Engine oil dipstick
C. Automatic transmission fluid dipstick
D. Brake fluid reservoir
E. Engine coolant reservoir
F. Power distribution box
G. Air filter assembly
H. Power steering fluid reservoir
I. Engine oil filler cap
J. Battery
ADFEBC
GHIJ
304Maintenance
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6.8L V10 Gasoline Engine
A. Windshield washer fluid reservoir
B. Battery
C. Automatic transmission fluid dipstick
D. Engine oil filler cap
E. Engine oil dipstick
F. Power steering fluid reservoir
G. Brake fluid reservoir
H. Engine coolant reservoir
I. Air filter assembly
J. Power distribution box
ABCEHIJFDG
Maintenance305
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TRANSMISSION FLUID CHECK
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.
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]). Verify that the
transmission fluid temperature gauge, located on the instrument
cluster, is within normal range.
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 engine running, parking brake engaged and your foot on the
brake pedal, 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 toUnder Hood Overviewin 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.
Your vehicle is equipped with one of the following dipsticks.
Maintenance313
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High Fluid Level
Type A
Type B
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
Note:Use of a non-approved automatic transmission fluid may cause
internal transmission component damage.
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
Capacities and Specificationschapter.
If necessary, add fluid in 1/2 pint (250 ml) increments through the filler
tube until the level is correct.
Type A
Type B
If an overfill occurs, excess fluid should be removed by a qualified
technician.
Note:An overfill condition of transmission fluid may cause shift and/or
engagement concerns and/or possible damage.
Maintenance315
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Item Capacity Ford part nameFord part number /
Ford specification
Power steering fluidKeep fluid level
between MIN and
MAX on reservoirMotorcraft®
MERCON® V ATFXT-5-QM /
MERCON® V
Transfer case fluid 2.0 quarts (1.9L)Motorcraft® Transfer
Case FluidXL-12 / —
Automatic transmission
fluid
(5–speed)
3,4,7
17.5 quarts
(16.6L)
Motorcraft®
MERCON® LV ATFXT-10–QLV /
MERCON® LV
Automatic transmission
fluid
(6-speed)
3,4,8
18.5 quarts
(17.5L)
16.7 quarts
(15.8L)
Windshield washer fluid Fill as requiredMotorcraft® Premium
Windshield Washer
Concentrate (US)
Premium Quality
Windshield Washer Fluid
(Canada)ZC-32–A (US)
CXC-37-(A, B, D, and F)
(Canada) /
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 blade or 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.
Capacities and Specifications393
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Note:Automatic transmissions that require MERCON® LV should only use MERCON® LV fluid.
Use of any fluid other than the recommended fluid may cause transmission damage.4Indicates 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.5Use of synthetic or synthetic blend motor oil is not mandatory. Engine oil must meet or exceed the
requirements of Ford specification WSS-M2C945-A, SAE 5W-20, and display the API Starburst
Certification Mark.6If the Ford specification is not shown on the oil container, the oil container must display the API
Starburst Certification Mark and the correct viscosity.7Refer toChecking automatic transmission fluidin this chapter for the correct dipstick type.
Fill to the proper capacity according to dipstick Type A.8Refer toChecking automatic transmission fluidin this chapter for the correct dipstick type.
Fill to the proper capacity according to dipstick Type B.
394Capacities and Specifications
2013 F-250/350/450/550(f23)
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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. Ford Motor Company
recommends the following multi-point inspection be performed at every
scheduled maintenance interval to help make sure your vehicle keeps
running great.
Multi-point inspection
Accessory drive belt(s) Horn operation
Battery performance Radiator, cooler, heater and A/C hoses
Engine air filter Suspension component for leaks or
damage
Exhaust system Steering and linkage
Exterior lamps and hazard
warning system operationTires (including spare) for wear and
proper pressure
**
Fluid levels*; fill if necessary Windshield for cracks, chips or pits
For oil and fluid leaks Washer spray and wiper operation
*Brake, coolant recovery reservoir, automatic transmission, power
steering and window washer.
**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. It is your checklist that gives you
immediate feedback on the overall condition of your vehicle. You will
know what has been checked, what is okay, as well as those things that
may require future or immediate attention. The multi-point vehicle
inspection is one more way to keep your vehicle running great!
406Scheduled Maintenance
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NORMAL SCHEDULED MAINTENANCE AND LOG
Normal scheduled maintenance – 6.2L and 6.8L engines only*
Every 7500 miles
(12000 km) or
six months
(whichever comes
first)Change engine oil and filter.
Rotate tires**, inspect tire wear and measure
tread depth.
Inspect wheels and related components for
abnormal noise, wear, looseness or drag.
Perform multi-point inspection
(recommended).
Every 15000 miles
(24000 km) or
12 months (whichever
comes first)Inspect automatic transmission fluid level.
Consult dealer for requirements.
Inspect brake pads, shoes, rotors, drums,
brake linings, hoses and parking brake.
Inspect engine cooling system strength and
hoses.
Inspect exhaust system and heat shields.
Inspect front axle and U-joints. Lubricate if
equipped with grease fittings (Four–wheel
drive vehicles).
Inspect steering linkage, ball joints,
suspension, tie-rod ends, driveshaft and
U-joints. Lubricate if equipped with grease
fittings.
*Scheduled maintenance for the 6.7L diesel engine can be found in the
diesel supplement.
**Vehicles equipped with dual rear wheels should rotate the front wheels
when specified; rear wheels only if unusual wear is noted.
408Scheduled Maintenance
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Other maintenance items
Every 30000 miles
(48000 km)Replace climate-controlled (heated and
cooled) seat filter (if equipped).
Replace engine air filter.
Every 60000 miles
(96000 km)Change automatic transmission fluid and filter
on 5–speed transmission. Consult dealer for
requirements.
Replace front wheel bearing grease and grease
seal if non-sealed bearings are used.
Every 97500 miles
(156000 km)Replace spark plugs.
Every 105000 miles
(168000 km)Change engine coolant.
*
Change rear axle fluid (Dana axles).
Inspect accessory drive belt(s).**
Every 150000 miles
(240000 km)Change automatic transmission fluid and filter
on 6–speed transmission. Consult dealer for
requirements.
Change front axle fluid (Four–wheel drive
vehicles).
Change rear axle fluid (non-Dana axles).
Change transfer case fluid (Four–wheel drive
vehicles).
Replace accessory drive belt(s) if not replaced
within the last 100000 miles (160000 km).
Replace front wheel bearings and seals if
non-sealed bearings are used.
*Initial replacement at six years or 105000 miles (168000 kilometers),
then every three years or 45000 miles (72000 kilometers).
**If not replaced, inspect every 15000 miles (24000 kilometers).
Scheduled Maintenance409
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