checking oil FORD F250 SUPER DUTY 2005 Owners Manual

WINDSHIELD WASHER FLUID
Add fluid to fill the reservoir if the
level is low. In very cold weather, do
not fill the reservoir completely.
Only use a washer fluid that meets
Ford specification WSB-M8B16–A2.
Refer to Lubricant specifications
in this chapter.
State or local regulations on volatile organic compounds may restrict the
use of methanol, a common windshield washer antifreeze additive.
Washer fluids containing non-methanol antifreeze agents should be used
only if they provide cold weather protection without damaging the
vehicle’s paint finish, wiper blades or washer system.
If you operate your vehicle in temperatures below 40° F (4.5°C),
use washer fluid with antifreeze protection. Failure to use
washer fluid with antifreeze protection in cold weather could result in
impaired windshield vision and increase the risk of injury or accident.
Note: Do not put washer fluid in the engine coolant reservoir. Washer
fluid placed in the cooling system may harm engine and cooling system
components.
ENGINE OIL
Checking the engine oil
Refer to the scheduled maintenance guide for 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.
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6. Wipe the indicator clean. Insert the indicator fully, then remove it
again.
• If the oil level is between 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 to Checking the engine
oil in 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.
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• 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 intervals listed in the Scheduled Maintenance Guide . 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 the Adding engine coolant
section.
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.
• Enables calibrated gauges to work properly.
L E A D
RETURN
RECYCLE
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washing ....................................240
waxing .....................................240
wheels ......................................241
wiper blades ............................243
Climate control (see Air
conditioning or Heating) ............36
Clutch
fluid ..........................................274
operation while driving ..........191
recommended shift speeds ....191
Compass, electronic
set zone adjustment .................70
Console ........................................66
overhead ....................................56
Controls
steering column ........................65
Coolant
checking and adding ..............257
refill capacities ................261, 283
specifications ..................286, 289
Cruise control
(see Speed control) ....................62
Customer Assistance ................213
Ford accessories for your
vehicle .....................................246
Ford Extended Service
Plan ..........................................237
Getting assistance outside
the U.S. and Canada ..............238
Getting roadside assistance ...213
Getting the service you
need .........................................231
Ordering additional owner’s
literature .................................238
The Dispute Settlement
Board .......................................234
Utilizing the
Mediation/Arbitration
Program ...................................236 D
Daytime running lamps
(see Lamps) ................................40
Dipstick
automatic transmission
fluid ..........................................275
engine oil .................................251
Doors
lubricant specifications ..........286
Driveline universal joint and
slip yoke ....................................279
Driving under special
conditions ..................190, 203, 207
sand .........................................205
snow and ice ...........................208
through water .................206, 209
E
Electronic message center ...66, 68
Emergencies, roadside
jump-starting ..........................224
Emergency Flashers .................214
Emission control system ..........271
Engine ........................................289
cleaning ...................................241
coolant .....................................257
diesel ...........................................7
fail-safe coolant ......................262
idle speed control ...................255
lubrication specifications ......286,
289
refill capacities ........................283
service points ..................249–250
starting after a collision .........214
Engine block heater .................182
Engine oil ..................................251
checking and adding ..............251
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Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
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