engine FORD F450 2012 Owners Manual

6.2L and 6.8L engines
Every 15,000 miles
(24,000 km) Replace cabin air filter (if equipped)
Every 30,000 miles
(48,000 km) Replace climate-controlled seat filter (if
equipped)
Replace engine air filter
Every 60,000 miles
(96,000 km) Change automatic transmission fluid and filter on
5–speed TorqShift  transmission; consult dealer
for requirements
Replace front wheel bearing grease/grease seal if
non-sealed bearings are used (2WD vehicles)
Every 97,500 miles
(156,000 km) Replace spark plugs
Every 105,000 miles
(168,000 km) Change engine coolant 1
Change manual transmission fluid (except
Escape)
Change rear axle fluid (Dana axles)
Inspect accessory drive belt(s) 2
Every 150,000 miles
(240,000 km) Change automatic transmission fluid and filter
(except 5–speed TorqShift  transmission) (filter
not required on 6F35, 6F50, DPS6 and AWF-21
transmissions); consult dealer for requirements
Change front axle fluid (4WD vehicles)
Change rear axle fluid (RWD vehicles)
Change transfer case fluid (4WD vehicles)
Replace accessory drive belt(s) if not replaced
within the last 100,000 miles (160,000 km)
Replace front wheel bearings and seals if
non-sealed bearings are used (2WD vehicles)1
Initial replacement at 105,000 miles (168,000 km) or 72 months; every
45,000 miles (72,000 km) or 36 months thereafter 2
Perform a follow-up inspection at 120,000 miles (192,000 km) Scheduled Maintenance
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SPECIAL OPERATING CONDITIONS
The following information pertains to 6.2L V8 and 6.8L V10 gasoline
engines only. Scheduled maintenance for the diesel engine can be found
in the diesel supplement.
If you operate your vehicle primarily in one of the more demanding
conditions listed below, you will need to have some items maintained
more frequently. If you only occasionally operate your vehicle under
these conditions, it is not necessary to perform the additional
maintenance. For specific recommendations, see your dealership service
advisor or technician.
Towing a trailer or using a camper or car-top carrier
Inspect frequently,
service as required Inspect and lubricate U-joints
See axle maintenance items under Exceptions
Every 5,000 miles
(8,000 km) Inspect wheels and related components for
abnormal noise, wear, looseness or drag
Rotate tires*, inspect tires for wear and measure
tread depth
Every 5,000 miles
(8,000 km) or
6 months Change engine oil and filter
Inspect and lubricate U-joints
Every 30,000 miles
(48,000 km) Change automatic transmission fluid (except
6R80 and TorqShift  transmissions)
Replace front wheel bearing grease/grease seals if
non-sealed bearings are used (2WD vehicles)
Every 60,000 miles
(96,000 km) Change transfer case fluid (4WD vehicles)
*If equipped with dual rear wheels, rotate front wheels when specified,
rear wheels only if unusual wear is noted Scheduled Maintenance
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2012 F-250/350/450/550 (f23)
Owners Guide, 4th Printing
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Extensive idling and/or low-speed driving for long distances as in
heavy commercial use (i.e. delivery, taxi, patrol car or livery)
Inspect frequently,
service as required Replace cabin air filter (if equipped)
Replace engine air filter
Every 5,000 miles
(8,000 km) Inspect brake system
Inspect wheels and related components for
abnormal noise, wear, looseness or drag
Lubricate control arm and steering ball joints if
equipped with grease fittings
Rotate tires*, inspect tires for wear and measure
tread depth
Every 5,000 miles
(8,000 km) or
6 months Inspect and lubricate U-joints
Every 5,000 miles
(8,000 km), 6 months
or 200 engine hours Change engine oil and filter
Every 30,000 miles
(48,000 km) Change automatic transmission fluid (except 6R80
and TorqShift  transmissions)
Replace front wheel bearing grease/grease seals if
non-sealed bearings are used (2WD vehicles)
Every 60,000 miles
(96,000 km) Change transfer case fluid (4WD vehicles)
Replace spark plugs
*If equipped with dual rear wheels, rotate front wheels when specified,
rear wheels only if unusual wear is noted
Operating in dusty conditions such as unpaved or dusty roads
Inspect frequently,
service as required Replace cabin air filter (if equipped)
Replace engine air filter
Every 5,000 miles
(8,000 km) Inspect the wheels and related components for
abnormal noise, wear, looseness or drag
Rotate tires*, inspect tires for wear and measure
tread depth
Every 5,000 miles
(8,000 km) or
6 months Change engine oil and filter
Inspect and lubricate U-jointsScheduled Maintenance
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Owners Guide, 4th Printing
USA (fus)

Operating in dusty conditions such as unpaved or dusty roads
Every 30,000 miles
(48,000 km) Change automatic transmission fluid (except 6R80
and TorqShift  transmissions)
Replace front wheel bearing grease/grease seals if
non-sealed bearings are used (2WD vehicles)
Every 50,000 miles
(80,000 km) Change rear axle fluid (F-450/550 only)
Every 60,000 miles
(96,000 km) Change transfer case fluid (4WD vehicles)
*If equipped with dual rear wheels, rotate front wheels when specified,
rear wheels only if unusual wear is noted
Off-road operation
Inspect frequently,
service as required Inspect steering linkage, ball joints and U-joints;
lubricate if equipped with grease fittings
Replace cabin air filter (if equipped)
Replace engine air filter
Every 5,000 miles
(8,000 km) or
6 months Change engine oil and filter
Inspect wheels and related components for
abnormal noise, wear, looseness or drag
Rotate tires*, inspect tires for wear and measure
tread depth
Every 30,000 miles
(48,000 km) Change automatic transmission fluid (except 6R80
and TorqShift  transmissions)
Replace front wheel bearing grease/grease seals if
non-sealed bearings are used (2WD vehicles)
Every 50,000 miles
(80,000 km) Change rear axle fluid (F-450/550 only)
Every 60,000 miles
(96,000 km) Change transfer case fluid (4WD vehicles)
*If equipped with dual rear wheels, rotate front wheels when specified,
rear wheels only if unusual wear is noted
Exclusive use of E85 (Flex Fuel Vehicles only)
Every oil change
interval If ran exclusively on E85, fill the fuel tank full
with regular unleaded fuelScheduled Maintenance
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Owners Guide, 4th Printing
USA (fus)

EXCEPTIONS
There are several exceptions to the Normal Schedule. They are listed
below:
Normal vehicle axle maintenance: Rear axles and power take-off
(PTO) units with synthetic fluid and light-duty trucks equipped with
Ford-design axles are lubricated for life; do not check or change fluid
unless a leak is suspected, service is required or the assembly has been
submerged in water. During long periods of trailer towing with outside
temperatures above 70°F (21°C) and at wide-open throttle for long
periods above 45 mph (72 km/h), non-synthetic rear axle fluids should
be changed every 3,000 miles (4,800 km) or three months, whichever
comes first. This interval can be waived if the axle is filled with 75W140
synthetic gear fluid meeting Ford specification WSL-M2C192-A, part
number F1TZ-19580-B or equivalent. Add friction modifier XL-3
(EST-M2C118-A) or equivalent for complete refill of Traction-Lok rear
axles (refer to Maintenance product specifications and capacities in
the Maintenance and Specifications chapter for details).
Police/Taxi/Livery vehicle axle maintenance: Change rear axle fluid
every 100,000 miles (160,000 km). Rear axle fluid change may be waived
if the axle was filled with 75W140 synthetic gear fluid meeting Ford
specification WSL-M2C192-A, part number FITZ-19580-B or equivalent.
Add four ounces (118 mL) of additive friction modifier XL-3
(EST-M2C118-A) or equivalent for complete refill of Traction-Lok rear
axles. The axle fluid should be changed anytime the axle has been
submerged in water
California fuel filter replacement: If the vehicle is registered in
California, the California Air Resources Board has determined that the
failure to perform this maintenance item will not nullify the emission
warranty or limit recall liability prior to the completion of the vehicle’s
useful life. Ford Motor Company, however, urges you to have all
recommended maintenance services performed at the specified intervals
and to record all vehicle service.
Class A Motorhome: Change brake fluid every two years.
Hot climate oil change intervals: Vehicles operating in the Middle
East, North Africa, Sub-Saharan Africa or locations with similar climates
using an American Petroleum Institute (API) Certified for Gasoline
Engines (Certification mark) oil of SM or SN quality, the normal oil
change interval is 5,000 miles (8,000 km).
If the available API “SM” or “SN” oils are not available, then the oil
change service interval is 3,000 mile (4,800 km).Scheduled Maintenance
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Edge/MKX AWD only – vehicles operating off-road in sand during high
ambient temperatures must replace the AWD PTU (All-wheel drive
Power Transfer Unit) lube every 20,000 miles (32,000 km).
Engine air filter & cabin air filter replacement: Engine air filter and
cabin air filter life is dependent on exposure to dusty and dirty
conditions. Vehicles operated in these conditions will require frequent
inspection and replacement of the engine air filter and cabin air filter.
ENGINE COOLANT CHANGE RECORD
Initial change Six years or 105,000 miles (168,000 km)
(whichever comes first)
After initial change Every three years or 45,000 miles (72,000 km)
Engine Coolant Change Log D EALER
V ALIDATION
:
P&A C ODE
:
RO#: H OURS
:
D AT E
:M ILEAGE
: D EALER
V ALIDATION
:
P&A C ODE
:
RO#: H OURS
:
D AT E
:M ILEAGE
:
D EALER
V ALIDATION
:
P&A C ODE
:
RO#: H OURS
:
D AT E
:M ILEAGE
: D EALER
V ALIDATION
:
P&A C ODE
:
RO#: H OURS
:
D AT E
:M ILEAGE
:
D EALER
V ALIDATION
:
P&A C ODE
:
RO#: H OURS
:
D AT E
:M ILEAGE
: D EALER
V ALIDATION
:
P&A C ODE
:
RO#: H OURS
:
D AT E
:M ILEAGE
:Scheduled Maintenance
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A
Accessory delay ........................104
AdvanceTrac ..............................275
Airbag supplemental restraint
system ........................180, 184, 186
and child safety seats ............181
description ..............180, 184, 186
disposal ....................................194
driver airbag ............182, 185, 187
indicator light .........................189
operation .................182, 185, 187
passenger airbag .....182, 185, 187
passenger deactivation
switch ......................................190
side airbag ...............................184
Air cleaner filter .......404–405, 410
Air conditioning ....................78, 81
manual heating and air
conditioning system .................78
Air filter .....................................410
Ambulance packages ....................8
Antifreeze
(see Engine coolant) ................379
Anti-lock brake system
(see Brakes) ..............................271
Anti-theft system ..............149, 151
arming the system ..........150–151
disarming a triggered
system .....................................152
triggering .................................152
Audio system (see Radio) ...60, 62
Automatic transmission ............290
driving an automatic
overdrive .................................287
fluid, adding ............................400
fluid, checking ........................400
fluid, refill capacities ..............411 Selectshift (SST) ....................293
Auxiliary Input Jack ...................69
Auxiliary powerpoint ................101
Axle
refill capacities ........................411
B
Battery .......................................377
acid, treating emergencies .....377
jumping a disabled battery ....348
maintenance-free ....................377
replacement, specifications ...410
servicing ..................................377
Bed extender ............................126
Belt-Minder  .............................176
Booster seats .............................212
Brakes ........................................271
anti-lock ...................................271
anti-lock brake system (ABS)
warning light ...........................272
fluid, checking and adding ....400
fluid, refill capacities ..............411
parking ....................................273
shift interlock ..........................285
trailer .......................................256
Bulbs ............................................92
C
Capacities for refilling fluids ....411
Cassette tape player ...................60
Cell phone use ............................11
Changing a tire .........................331
Child safety seats ......................199
attaching with tether straps ..206
in front seat ....................200, 206
in rear seat ......................200, 206Index
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LATCH .....................................206
recommendations ...................197
Child safety seats -
booster seats .............................212
Cleaning your vehicle
engine compartment ..............363
instrument panel ............365–366
interior .....................................367
plastic parts ............................364
safety belts ..............................367
washing ....................................361
waxing .....................................362
wheels ......................................362
wiper blades ............................364
Climate control (see Air
conditioning or Heating) ......78, 81
Clock ......................................61, 63
Compass, electronic
set zone adjustment .................27
Console ......................................100
overhead ..................................100
Controls
power seat ...............................159
steering column ......................112
Coolant ......................................379
checking and adding ..............379
refill capacities ................383, 411
Cruise control
(see Speed control) ..................110
Customer Assistance ................319
Ford accessories for your
vehicle .....................................369
Ford Extended Service
Plan ..................................421, 423
Getting assistance outside
the U.S. and Canada ..............357
Getting roadside assistance ...319
Getting the service you
need .........................................353 Ordering additional owner’s
literature .................................359
Utilizing the
Mediation/Arbitration
Program ...................................357
D
Daytime running lamps
(see Lamps) ................................89
Defrost
rear window and rearview
mirrors .......................................81
windshield .................................81
Dipstick
automatic transmission
fluid ..........................................400
engine oil .................................375
Driving under special
conditions ..................295, 309, 312
sand .........................................311
snow and ice ...........................313
through water .................311, 315
E
Electronic message center ...22, 39
Emergencies, roadside
jump-starting ..........................348
Emergency Flashers .................320
Emission control system ..........396
Engine ........................................415
cleaning ...................................363
coolant .....................................379
diesel ...........................................7
fail-safe cooling .......................384
idle speed control ...................377
refill capacities ........................411
service points ..................371–373
Engine block heater .................269 Index
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Engine oil ..................................375
checking and adding ..............375
dipstick ....................................375
filter, specifications ........376, 410
recommendations ...................376
refill capacities ........................411
Event data recording ....................9
Exhaust fumes ..........................269
F
Fail safe cooling ........................384
Fleet MyKey programming ......129
Flexible Fuel Vehicle (FFV) ....386
Floor mats .........................122–123
Fluid capacities .........................411
Fog lamps ....................................88
Four-Wheel Drive vehicles .......301
driving off road .......................307
electronic shift ................301, 306
indicator light .........................302
lever operated shift ................303
manual locking hubs ..............301
preparing to drive your
vehicle .....................................285
Fuel ............................................386
calculating fuel
economy ............................25, 393
cap ...........................................389
capacity ...................................411
choosing the right fuel ...........390
detergent in fuel .....................392
filling your vehicle
with fuel ..................386, 389, 393
filter, specifications ................386
fuel pump shut-off ..................321
improving fuel economy ........393
octane rating ...................391, 415
quality ......................................391 running out of fuel .................392
safety information relating
to automotive fuels ................386
Fuel - flex fuel vehicle
(FFV) .........................386, 390–391
Fuses ..................................321–322
G
Garage door opener ..................116
Gas cap (see Fuel cap) ............389
Gas mileage
(see Fuel economy) .................393
Gauges .........................................21
H
Hazard flashers .........................320
Headlamps ...................................87
aiming ........................................90
autolamp system .......................87
daytime running lights .............89
flash to pass ..............................88
high beam .................................88
replacing bulbs .........................94
turning on and off ....................87
Heating
heating and air conditioning
system .................................78, 81
Hill descent mode .....................281
Hill start assist ..........................294
Hood ..........................................371
I
Ignition ...............................265, 415
Illuminated visor mirror .............99Index
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2012 F-250/350/450/550 (f23)
Owners Guide, 4th Printing
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Infant seats
(see Safety seats) .....................199
Inspection/maintenance (I/M)
testing ........................................398
Instrument panel
cleaning ...........................365–366
cluster ........................................14
lighting up panel and
interior .......................................89
J
Jack ............................................331
positioning ...............................331
storage .....................................331
Jump-starting your vehicle ......348
K
Keyless entry system
autolock ...................................137
keypad .....................................148
locking and unlocking doors ..149
programming entry code .......148
Keys ...................................129, 150
positions of the ignition .........265
L
Lamps
autolamp system .......................87
daytime running light ...............89
fog lamps ...................................88
headlamps .................................87
headlamps, flash to pass ..........88
instrument panel, dimming .....89
interior lamps ...........................92
replacing bulbs ...................94–97
LATCH anchors .........................206
Lights, warning and indicator ....14 anti-lock brakes (ABS) ..........272
Loading instructions .................251
Load limits .................................244
Locks
autolock ...................................137
childproof ................................141
doors ........................................137
Lug nuts ....................................347
Lumbar support, seats .....160–161
M
Manual transmission
fluid capacities ........................411
Message center ...............22–23, 39
english/metric button ...............27
system check button ................27
warning messages ...............29, 48
Mirrors ...............................105–106
automatic dimming rearview
mirror ......................................105
fold away .........................107–109
heated ........................................81
programmable memory ..........143
side view mirrors (power) .....106
signal .......................................109
Moon roof ..................................115
Motorcraft  parts ......................410
MyKey ........................................129
N
Navigation system .......................77
O
Octane rating ............................391
Oil (see Engine oil) ..................375 Index
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2012 F-250/350/450/550 (f23)
Owners Guide, 4th Printing
USA (fus)