🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Ford

Model:

F-Series Super Duty

Model Variant:

F550

Year:

2018

👋 Introduction

Market Position:

Essential diagnostic and repair tool for owners and independent technicians of the Ford F-Series Super Duty F550, providing dealership-level technical information.

Competitive Analysis:

Outperforms generic repair guides by offering model-specific, factory-authorized content. Comparable to official Ford workshop manuals in detail and accuracy.

Key Features:

Comprehensive A-Z repair coverage, detailed step-by-step instructions, high-quality diagrams and schematics, printable format, specific to the 2018 Ford F550.

Target Audience:

Ford F550 owners, fleet managers, independent repair shops, and DIY enthusiasts seeking detailed, accurate service information.

📋 Manual Details

Coverage Areas:

All models and all repairs A-Z

Completeness:

Complete A-Z coverage, intended for all repairs, including routine maintenance, complex diagnostics, and major component overhauls.

Diagnostic Codes:

Includes a comprehensive list of Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs) with their definitions, possible causes, and diagnostic steps. Essential for troubleshooting.

Manual Type:

Service and Repair Manual

Format:

PDF

Language:

English

Compatible Operating Systems:

All versions of Windows and Mac

Required Software:

Adobe PDF Reader, Winzip

📖 Manual Coverage

Systems Covered:

Engine, Control System, Mechanical, Fuel Service, Emission Control, Intake, Exhaust, Cooling, Lube, Ignition, Starting, Charging, Automatic Transmission, Clutch, Manual Transmission, Transfer Case, Propeller Shaft, Drive Shaft, Differential, Axle, Suspension, Tire & Wheel, Brake Control, Brake System, Parking Brake, Steering Column, Power Steering, Air Conditioning, Supplemental Restraint System (SRS), Seat Belt, Engine Immobilizer, Cruise Control, Wiper & Washer, Door Lock, Meter, Audio/Visual, Horn, Windshield/Glass/Mirror, Instrument Panel, Seat, Engine Hood/Door, Exterior & Interior, Electrical Systems, Multiplex/CAN Communication

Body And Chassis:

Detailed coverage of frame, suspension components (leaf springs, shocks, steering knuckles), braking system (front discs, rear discs, ABS modulator), and exhaust systems.

Electrical System:

Detailed coverage of battery, charging system (alternator), starter motor, lighting systems (headlamps, taillamps, auxiliary), and all interior and exterior electrical components. Includes wiring diagrams for all circuits.

Procedures Included:

Maintenance, Service, Diagnosis, Repair, Troubleshooting, Installation, Rebuilds

Engine Rebuild:

Comprehensive procedures for engine disassembly, inspection, component replacement, and reassembly, including torque specifications for all critical fasteners.

Suspension And Steering:

Procedures for inspecting and replacing steering components (tie rods, drag links, steering gears), suspension elements (leaf springs, U-bolts, shock absorbers), and alignment specifications.

Technical Depth:

Factory highly detailed, complete step-by-step instructions, diagrams, illustrations, wiring schematics, and specifications

Diagnostic Troubleshooting:

Includes systematic diagnostic flowcharts, trouble codes (DTCs) interpretation, and procedures for diagnosing electrical and mechanical faults.

📊 Manual Specifications

File Format:

PDF

Print Quality:

Printable, ability to blow up images and print enlarged copies

Searchability:

PDF format allows for text search of specific terms, part numbers, or procedures.

Binding Type:

Digital (PDF), offering flexibility to print specific pages

Paper Type:

Not applicable (digital format), but printable on user's choice of paper

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Options 2018 F550:

6.2L V8 SOHC Gas, 6.7L V8 Power Stroke Turbo Diesel

6.2L V8 Gas Horsepower:

Approximately 385 hp (specific to configurations, refer to manual)

6.2L V8 Gas Torque:

Approximately 430 lb-ft (specific to configurations, refer to manual)

6.7L Power Stroke V8 Turbo Diesel Horsepower:

Approximately 450 hp (specific to configurations, refer to manual)

6.7L Power Stroke V8 Turbo Diesel Torque:

Approximately 935 lb-ft (specific to configurations, refer to manual)

Fuel System Gas:

Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI)

Fuel System Diesel:

High-Pressure Common Rail (HPCR) Direct Injection

Cooling System Type:

Liquid-cooled, pressurized system with engine-driven fan or electric fan, and coolant recovery tank.

Emission Control Systems:

Covers catalytic converters, oxygen sensors, EGR systems (gas and diesel), DPF (diesel), selective catalytic reduction (SCR) systems (diesel), and evaporative emission control (EVAP) systems.

🔧 Transmission

Standard Transmission F550:

TorqueShift SelectShift 6-speed automatic (Heavy-Duty)

Optional Transmission F550:

Not typically offered for F550 chassis, primarily an automatic application.

Transmission Features:

Selectable drive modes (e.g., Tow/Haul), manual shifting capability via gear selector.

Drive Axles:

Dana Spicer heavy-duty axles, available with various gear ratios tailored for towing and load-carrying. Manual includes axle assembly and differential service procedures.

📐 Dimensions

Cab Configurations:

Regular Cab, SuperCab, Crew Cab

F550 Wheelbase Range:

Variable based on chassis configuration (e.g., 164 inches to 208 inches, refer to manual for specifics)

Wheelbase Examples F550:

Common chassis cab wheelbases include 164.7", 176.7", 192.7", 208.7" (refer to manual for exact specifications based on VIN)

F550 Gvwr Range:

37,000 lbs to 40,000 lbs (Class 4/5 ratings, refer to manual for specific GVWR by configuration)

F550 Curb Weight Range:

Varies significantly with configuration, approximately 7,000 lbs - 9,000 lbs (refer to manual)

🛡️ Safety Features

Safety Ratings:

Specific NHTSA/IIHS ratings for F550 chassis cab are less common than for pickup truck variants. Focus is on structural integrity for intended use. Refer to manual for specific structural data.

Active Safety Features:

Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Electronic Stability Control (ESC), Trailer Sway Control, available AdvanceTrac with Roll Stability Control.

Braking System:

Four-wheel disc brakes with heavy-duty calipers, vented rotors, and ABS. Manual details brake component inspection, replacement, and bleeding procedures.

Passive Safety Features:

Front airbags, side-curtain airbags (depending on cab configuration), advanced high-strength steel frame, safety canopy system.

💡 Technology Features

Infotainment Options:

Available SYNC 3 infotainment system with touchscreen, navigation, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto integration. Basic AM/FM/CD systems also available.

Driver Assistance Features:

Available features include Trailer Reverse Guidance, Lane Departure Warning, Adaptive Cruise Control, and Blind Spot Information System (BLIS) with trailer coverage.

Connectivity Features:

USB ports, Bluetooth connectivity for hands-free calling and audio streaming, available Wi-Fi hotspot.

Powertrain Control Module:

PCM and TCM calibration, software updates, and diagnostic procedures for the engine and transmission control modules are comprehensively covered.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval Gas:

Typically 7,500 miles or 6 months (refer to manual for exact interval based on driving conditions)

Oil Change Interval Diesel:

Typically 10,000 miles or 12 months (refer to manual for exact interval based on driving conditions and DEF usage)

Tire Rotation Interval:

Every 7,500 miles or as recommended by tire manufacturer.

Engine Oil Gas Spec:

SAE 5W-20, API SN or ILSAC GF-5 certified (refer to manual for precise Ford specification WSS-M2C946-A)

Engine Oil Diesel Spec:

SAE 10W-30 or 15W-40, API CK-4 certified (refer to manual for precise Ford specification WSS-M2C171-F1)

Coolant Spec:

Ford Super Duty Coolant (VC-13-G) or equivalent (e.g., Motorcraft Yellow)

Transmission Fluid Spec:

MERCON LV (for 6R140 Automatic Transmission)

Power Steering Fluid:

Ford Power Steering Fluid or equivalent meeting Ford specification WSS-M2C195-A.

Brake Fluid:

DOT 3 High-Temperature Brake Fluid.

Common Issues Diesel Emissions:

Potential for Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF) regeneration issues, Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR) system problems, and Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF) system faults. Refer to manual for diagnostic procedures.

Common Issues Electronics:

Intermittent electrical gremlins, issues with CAN bus communication, and sensor failures can occur in complex modern vehicles. Manual provides detailed wiring diagrams for diagnosis.

📚 Vehicle History

Ford Truck Heritage:

Ford has a long-standing legacy in heavy-duty trucks, with the F-Series being a dominant force in the market for decades, known for durability and capability.

Super Duty Evolution:

The Super Duty line, introduced for the 1999 model year, established a separate class of trucks above the F-150, catering to heavy-duty commercial and towing needs. The F550 represents the higher end of this spectrum.

F550 Chassis Design:

The F550 is a chassis cab model, designed to be fitted with specialized bodies (e.g., dump beds, service bodies, tow trucks), and its construction reflects this utilitarian purpose with robust framing and suspension.

F550 Production Location:

Kentucky Truck Plant, Louisville, Kentucky, USA