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250 platform

1996 Ford F-250

Factory specifications, fluid capacities, torque values, EPA fuel economy and the federal safety record for the 1996 F-250.

The 1996 Ford F-250 is a full-size heavy-duty pickup built on the F-250 platform, with routine service centered on a 6.0-quart engine oil fill of 5W-20 API viscosity. Across the 1990–2011 complaint history, this model year generated just 10 owner complaints, with vehicle speed control standing out as the top reported issue and two recalls on record. Against the range’s high of 594 complaints in 1999 and the low of 4 in 1990, the 1996 total sits near the bottom, marking it as one of the quieter, comparatively trouble-free years in this generation’s reliability record.

Model year2011 2010 2009 2008 2007 2006 2005 2004 1996

Quick specs

Fluid capacities, tune-up values and fuel economy at a glance.

Engine oil capacity6.0 qtOEM · verified

Engine oil type5W-20 APIOEM · verified

Lug nut torque140 ft-lbsOEM · verified

Fitment & sizes

Replacement part sizes and factory part numbers — battery, bulbs, filters and belts.

From the factory this vehicle uses a BCI 65 · 650 CCA battery. Each part links to every other vehicle that shares it, so a part you already stock may fit more of your fleet than you'd expect.

Battery groupBCI 65 · 650 CCAOEM · verified

Tire sizeP255-70R16OEM · verified

Wheel / rim7-J inOEM · verified

Full specifications

Engine, drivetrain, dimensions and economy.

Dimensions & weight NHTSA vPIC

Overall length	232.7 in
Overall width	78.7 in
Overall height	71.7 in
Wheelbase	152 in
Curb weight	5289 lb
Track (front / rear)	65.7 / 63.4 in

Performance & power Independent road tests

0–60 mph, quarter-mile, horsepower and torque from independent road tests.

Independent road tests for the F-250 of this era, listed by trim and engine — this page spans more than one engine, so no single horsepower figure is shown.

7.9–9.7 sec0–60 mph (tested)quickest 7.90 sec — 1999 Super Duty XLT Regular Cab 2-door

Year	Trim / engine	0–60	¼ mile	HP	Drivetrain
1999	Super Duty XLT Regular Cab 2-door 6.8L V-10	7.90 sec	16.10 sec	310 hp	4x4
1999	Super Duty XLT SuperCab 4-door 6.8L V10	9.60 sec	17.40 sec	275 hp	4x4
2003	Super Duty King Ranch 6.0L Crew Cab (6.9 ft. Bed) 6.0L Turbo Diesel V8	9.70 sec	17.30 sec	325 hp	4x4
2004	Super Duty Harley-Davidson 6.0L Crew Cab (6.9 ft. Bed) 6.0L Turbo Diesel V8	8.50 sec	16.20 sec	325 hp	4x4

Service quick specs OEM factory data

Capacities, torques and tune-up values from the factory service manual.

This engine holds 6.0 qt of 5W-20 API engine oil, 80W-90 · GL-5 · 75W-140 in the differential, DOT 3 brake fluid. Torque lug nuts to 140 ft-lbs. The firing order is 1-5-4-2-6-3-7-8.

Lubricants & capacities

Brake Fluid	DOT 3
Differential Gear Oil	80W-90 · GL-5 · 75W-140
Differential Gear Oil Capacity	5.5 Pints rear, Ford 8.8 and 9.0
Engine Oil	5W-20 · API
Engine Oil Capacity	6.0 qt
Engine Oil	5W-20 · API
Engine Oil Capacity	6.0 qt
Engine Oil	5W-20 · API

Engine torques

Connecting Rod (Large End) Bearings	40-45 ft-lbs
Connecting Rod (Large End) Bearings	19-24 ft-lbs
Connecting Rod (Large End) Bearings	40-45 ft-lbs
Connecting Rod (Large End) Bearings	45-50 ft-lbs
Crankshaft Pulley and/or Damper Bolts	212 DI Diesel ft-lbs
Engine Flywheel Bolts	75-85 ft-lbs
Engine Flywheel Bolts	79-85 ft-lbs
Engine Flywheel Bolts	75-85 ft-lbs

Chassis torques

Leaf Spring to Chassis Bracket	150.0-177.0 ft-lbs
Leaf Spring to Rear Shackle	75.0-115.0 ft-lbs
Leaf Spring Rear Shackle to Chassis Bracket	75.0-115.0 ft-lbs
Lug Nuts	140 ft-lbs
Transfer Case Fill Plug	7.0-17.0 ft-lbs
Transfer Case Drain Plug	7.0-17.0 ft-lbs

Ignition

Cylinder Firing Order	1-5-3-6-2-4
Cylinder Firing Order	1-3-7-2-6-5-4-8
Cylinder Firing Order	1-5-7-2-6-3-7-8
Cylinder Firing Order	1-5-4-2-6-3-7-8
Curb Idle Speed (No Load)	750 rpm
Curb Idle Speed Variance (No Load)	25 rpm
Curb Idle Speed (No Load)	825 rpm
Curb Idle Speed Variance (No Load)	25 rpm

Battery & A/C

Refrigerant	R134a
Refrigerant Capacity	2.38 lbs
Oil Group	PAG
Oil Type	68
Standard BCI Group Number	65
Standard BCI Cranking Performance	650 cca
Optional BCI Group Number	65
Optional BCI Cranking Performance	850 cca

Service checks

Key ON Engine OFF (KOEO)	35-45
RPM	30-45 @ Idle rpm
Key ON Engine OFF (KOEO)	35-45
RPM	30-45 @ Idle rpm
Engine Oil Pressure	40-65 psi
Engine Oil Pressure RPM	1500 rpm
Engine Oil Pressure	40-70 psi
Engine Oil Pressure RPM	3300 rpm

Brakes

Other	DUAL REAR WHEELS / SINGLE REAR WHEELS
Torque to Knuckle	74-100 ft-lbs / 141-190 ft-lbs
Torque Caliper to Bracket	12-20 ft-lbs
Other	DUAL REAR WHEELS / SINGLE REAR WHEELS
Torque Caliper to Bracket	12-20 ft-lbs
Torque to Knuckle	141-190 ft-lbs
Minimum Pad Thickness	Front: 0.030; Rear: 0.030 specification
Other	DUAL REAR WHEELS / SINGLE REAR WHEELS

Multi-step torque procedures OEM · verified

Connecting Rod (Large End) Bearings — tightening sequence 1 stages

52-53 ft. lbs., Step 2: 80

52–53 ft. lbs

Cylinder Head — tightening sequence 2 stages

1	35-40 ft. lbs.	35–40 ft. lbs
2	56-60

Cylinder Head — tightening sequence 3 stages

1	25-35 ft. lbs.	25–35 ft. lbs
2	45-55 ft. lbs.	45–55 ft. lbs
3	85-95

Cylinder Head — tightening sequence 3 stages

Prep (W) Windsor engine

1	85 ft. lbs.	85 ft. lbs
2	95 ft. lbs.	95 ft. lbs
3	105-112

Cylinder Head — tightening sequence 4 stages

Prep First Sequence

1	65 ft. lbs.	65 ft. lbs
2	85 ft. lbs.; Second Sequence	85 ft. lbs
3	105 ft. lbs.	105 ft. lbs
4	105

Cylinder Head — tightening sequence 3 stages

1	80 ft. lbs.	80 ft. lbs
2	110 ft. lbs.	110 ft. lbs
3	130-140

Intake Manifold to Engine Bolts — tightening sequence 1 stages

8-12 ft. lbs., step 2: 12-22 ft. lbs., step 3: 22-35

8–12 ft. lbs

Main Bearings — tightening sequence 1 stages

76 ft. lbs., Step 2: 96

76 ft. lbs

Factory maintenance schedule OEM · verified

Normal service, condensed from the factory interval matrix.

Under the factory schedule, replace the engine oil and filter every 5,000 mi; spark plugs every 60,000 mi; coolant every 30,000 mi. The big-interval services (every 30,000 mi for coolant, and the transmission fluid) are the ones owners most often skip — on a lower-mileage example, assume the original fluids are still in it and check them first.

At 5,000 mi	Clutch Master Cylinder (inspect fluid level) · Clutch Release Lever Pivot Points (lubricate) · Driveshaft Slip Yoke (lubricate) · Driveshaft U-Joint (lubricate) · Exhaust System (Complete) (inspect) · Shift Linkage (lubricate)
Every 5,000 mi	Engine Oil (drain & refill) · Engine Oil Filter (replace) · Fuel Filter Water Separator (inspect) · Tire & Wheel Assembly (rotate)
Every 10,000 mi	Clutch Master Cylinder (inspect fluid level) · Driveshaft Slip Yoke (lubricate) · Driveshaft U-Joint (lubricate) · Exhaust System (Complete) (inspect) · Shift Linkage (lubricate) · Steering Linkage (lubricate)
Every 12,000 mi	Battery (inspect)
Every 15,000 mi	Brake System (inspect) · Clutch Release Lever Pivot Points (lubricate) · Disc Brake Caliper Guide Pin (lubricate) · Engine Coolant System (leak inspection) · Transfer Case Shift Linkage (lubricate)
Every 30,000 mi	Accessory Drive Belt (inspect) · Engine Air Filter Element (replace) · Engine Breather Filter (replace) · Engine Coolant System (drain, flush & refill) · Fuel Filter (replace) · Locking Hub (inspect)
At 50,000 mi	Engine Coolant System (drain, flush & refill)
At 60,000 mi	Accessory Drive Belt (inspect)
Every 60,000 mi	Air Injection System (inspect) · PCV Valve (replace) · Spark Plugs (replace) · Transfer Case Assembly (drain & refill) · Transmission Assembly (drain & refill)

Reliability & federal safety record

Owner-reported issues, recalls, investigations and service bulletins on record with NHTSA — an unfiltered look at what owners actually experience.

The 1996 model year shows 191 complaints and 5 recalls, which is lower than the 1995 peak of 204 complaints but higher than the early‑1990s totals of 4‑165 complaints. Compared with the following years, 1996 precedes the sharp rise to 311 complaints in 1997 and the extreme peak of 594 complaints in 1999, while its recall count of five sits within the early‑1990s range of four to ten and is well below the 1997‑1999 recall spikes of nine to nineteen. Thus, 1996 falls in a period of moderately elevated complaint activity after the initial surge and before the later‑generation highs. The data do not specify any root cause for these figures. Taken together, the complaint and recall levels for 1996 are above the lowest points in the record but below the worst years, indicating average reliability for the generation and suggesting it is a reasonable, though not outstanding, choice pending a thorough inspection.

Open recalls

NHTSA campaigns

104

Service bulletins

Manufacturer communications

ODI investigations

Office of Defects Investigation

Owner complaints

0 involved a crash · 1 a fire

Owner complaints by model year NHTSA · this generation & adjacent

’90 ’91 ’92 ’93 ’94 ’95’96’97 ’98 ’99 ’00 ’01 ’02 ’03 ’04 ’05 ’06 ’07 ’08 ’09 ’11

Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, by component

All 10 complaints on record, top 7 components.

Vehicle Speed Control3

Engine & Engine Cooling2

Power Train1

Fuel System, Other1

Fuel System, Gasoline,Fuel System, Other1

Electrical System1

Suspension1

Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation complaint database.

Recalls NHTSA · verified

Showing 2 of 2 campaigns on record for this vehicle.

96V146000Structure:Frame And MembersReported 01/08/1996

THE CROSSMEMBER FRAME GUSSETS WERE INSTALLED WITH UNDERSIZED THREADED FASTENERS FOLLOWING A BREAKDOWN OF THE PRODUCTION RIVET GUN THAT IS GENERALLY USED. THIS GUSSET IS THE ATTACHMENT POINT FOR THE REAR STRAP OF THE… Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE CROSSMEMBER GUSSET FASTENERS WITH THE SPECIFIED ALTERNATIVE FASTENERS (BOLTS).

97V209000Engine And Engine Cooling:Exhaust System:Emission Control:Gas Recirculation Valve (Egr Valve)Reported 13/11/1997

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: MOTOR HOME CHASSIS. HOT EXHAUST GASSES CAN LEAK FROM THE EXHAUST GAS RETURN (EGR) TUBE ON THE ENGINE. A HOLE CAN DEVELOP IN THE FLEXIBLE SECTION OF THE TUBE. HEAT DAMAGE TO THE PASSENGER COMPARTMENT… Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE EGR TUBE.

Technical service bulletins NHTSA · verified

Showing 5 of 104 bulletins on record with NHTSA.

Bulletin	Date	Component	Summary
03211	2003-10-30	Engine And Engine Cooling	LOSS OF POWER AND MALFUNCTION INDICATOR LAMP MAY ALSO ILLUMINATE WITH DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE…
03213	2003-10-30	Engine And Engine Cooling	A NO-START OR REDUCED POWER CONDITION MAY OCCUR INTERMITTENTLY. *TT
032112	2003-10-30	Power Train	ON VEHICLES WITH TRANSMISSION BUILD DATES PRIOR TO 9/20/95, THE OVERDRIVE CANCEL LAMP MAY…
032114	2003-10-30	Engine And Engine Cooling	THE FRONT END ACCESSORY DRIVE (FEAD) BELT MAY WEAR, SHRED AND/OR COME OFF DURING…
032121	2003-10-30	Engine And Engine Cooling	A HIGH NUMBER OF HIGH PRESSURE REXROTH PUMPS AND INJECTION PRESSURE REGULATORS (IPR) ARE…

Common OBD-II trouble codes

The most common OBD-II codes for this vehicle's emissions system. These are standardized SAE J2012 definitions, not vehicle-specific fault reports.

P0420

Catalyst system efficiency below threshold — Bank 1

P0300

Random / multiple cylinder misfire detected

P0171

System too lean — Bank 1

P0455

Evaporative emission system leak detected — large leak

P0128

Coolant thermostat below regulating temperature

P0442

Evaporative emission system leak detected — small leak

VIN tools

Decode factory build data for a specific vehicle by VIN.

VIN

Decode a VIN to confirm the transmission and build data for a specific F-250. OEM

Build data

Plant, GVWR class, engine and body data for any 17-character VIN.

Recalls

Check open recall campaigns against a specific vehicle by VIN.

Vehicles with shared specs

Find every vehicle that shares this one's battery, bulbs, oil capacity, platform or parts.

Group 65 battery Vehicles taking 6.0 qt 250-platform vehicles

Reference guides

Cross-vehicle references for the kinds of data on this page.

Vehicle recalls & TSBs OBD-II trouble codes Torque specifications Maintenance schedules Fluid capacities & specs

Frequently asked

How much oil does the 1996 F-250 take?

6.0 qt of 5W-20 API, per the factory manual.

Does the 1996 F-250 have open recalls?

NHTSA lists 2 recall campaign(s) for this model year. Check your specific vehicle by VIN.

1996 Ford F-250

Quick specs

Fitment & sizes

Full specifications

Dimensions & weight NHTSA vPIC

Performance & power Independent road tests

Service quick specs OEM factory data

Lubricants & capacities

Engine torques

Chassis torques

Ignition

Battery & A/C

Service checks

Brakes

Multi-step torque procedures OEM · verified

Factory maintenance schedule OEM · verified

Reliability & federal safety record

Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, by component

Recalls NHTSA · verified

Technical service bulletins NHTSA · verified

Common OBD-II trouble codes

VIN tools

Vehicles with shared specs

Reference guides

Related vehicles

Other years

Frequently asked