2012 Ford F 250 Owners Manual

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Tires, Wheels and Loading WARNING: Never link two straps together with a clevis pin. These heavy metal objects could become projectiles if the strap breaks and can cause serious injury or death. the applied load. cuts, tears or damage. Your vehicle comes equipped with frame-mounted front recovery hooks. These hooks should never have a load applied to them greater than the GVWR of your vehicle. Before using the recovery hooks: • Make sure all attaching points are secure and capable of withstanding • Never use chains, cables or tow straps with metal hook ends. • Only use recovery straps that have a minimum breaking strength two • Make sure the recovery strap is in good condition and free of visible • Use a damper device such as a tarp, heavy blanket or piece of carpet draped over the recovery strap to help absorb the energy in the event the strap breaks. to three times the GVW of the stuck vehicle. specified on the certification label. • Make sure the stuck vehicle is not loaded in excess of its GVWR • Always align the tow vehicle and stuck vehicle in a straight line • Keep bystanders to the sides of the vehicle, at a distance of at least twice the length of the recovery strap. This helps avoid injury from the hazard of a recovery hook or strap breaking, or a vehicle lurching into their path. (within 10 degrees). 264 2012 F-250/350/450/550 (f23) Owners Guide, 4th Printing USA (fus) Driving STARTING Positions of the ignition 1. Off— shuts off the engine and all accessories/locks the steering wheel and allows key removal. Note: In order to switch off the engine while the vehicle is in motion, shift to neutral and use the brakes to bring the vehicle to a safe stop. After the vehicle has stopped, turn the engine off and shift into park. Then, turn the key to the accessory or off position. 2. Accessory— allows the electrical accessories such as the radio to operate while the engine is not running. This position also unlocks the steering wheel. 3. On— all electrical circuits operational. Warning lights illuminated. Key position when driving. 4. Start— cranks the engine. Release the key as soon as the engine begins cranking. Note: Do not store the key in the ignition after the vehicle is turned off and you have left the vehicle. This could cause a drain on the battery. Preparing to start your vehicle Engine starting is controlled by the powertrain control system. The powertrain control system meets all Canadian interference-causing equipment standard requirements regulating the impulse electrical field strength of radio noise. When starting a fuel-injected engine, don’t press the accelerator before or during starting. Only use the accelerator when you have difficulty starting the engine. For more information on starting the vehicle, refer to Starting the engine in this chapter. WARNING: Extended idling at high engine speeds can produce very high temperatures in the engine and exhaust system, creating the risk of fire or other damage. 265 2012 F-250/350/450/550 (f23) Owners Guide, 4th Printing USA (fus) Driving WARNING: Do not park, idle, or drive your vehicle in dry grass or other dry ground cover. The emission system heats up the engine compartment and exhaust system, which can start a fire. WARNING: Do not start your vehicle in a closed garage or in other enclosed areas. Exhaust fumes can be toxic. Always open the garage door before you start the engine. See Guarding against exhaust fumes in this chapter for more instructions. WARNING: If you smell exhaust fumes inside your vehicle, have your dealer inspect your vehicle immediately. Do not drive if you smell exhaust fumes. Important safety precautions When the engine starts, the idle RPM runs faster to warm the engine. If the engine idle speed does not slow down automatically, have the vehicle checked. If your vehicle is operated in a heavy snow storm or blowing snow conditions, the engine air induction may become partially clogged with snow and/or ice. If this occurs, the engine may experience a significant reduction in power output. At the earliest opportunity, clear all the snow and/or ice away from the air induction inlet. The following starting instructions are for vehicles equipped with a gasoline engine; if your vehicle is equipped with a diesel engine, refer to Starting the engine in your diesel supplement. Before starting the vehicle: 1. Make sure all occupants buckle their safety belts. For more information on safety belts and their proper usage, refer to the Seating and Safety Restraints chapter. 266 2012 F-250/350/450/550 (f23) Owners Guide, 4th Printing USA (fus) Driving 2. Make sure the headlamps and electrical accessories are off. • Make sure the parking brake is • Make sure the gearshift is in P set. (Park). 3. Turn the key to 3 (on) without turning the key to 4 (start). Some warning lights will briefly illuminate. See Warning lights and chimes in the Instrument Cluster chapter for more information regarding the warning lights. Starting the engine 1. Turn the key to 3 (on) without turning the key to 4 (start). If there is difficulty in turning the key, rotate the steering wheel until the key turns freely. This condition may occur when: • the front wheels are turned. • a front wheel is against the curb. 2. Turn the key to 4 (start), then release the key as soon as the engine begins cranking. Your vehicle has a computer assisted cranking system that assists in starting the engine. After releasing the key from 267 2012 F-250/350/450/550 (f23) Owners Guide, 4th Printing USA (fus) Driving the 4 (start) position, the engine may continue cranking for up to 10 seconds or until the vehicle starts. Note: Cranking may be stopped at any time by turning the key to the off position. 3. After idling for a few seconds, release the parking brake, apply the brake, shift into gear and drive. Note: If the engine does not start on the first try, turn the key to the off position, wait 10 seconds and try Step 2 again. If the engine still fails to start, press the accelerator to the floor and try Step 2 again, keeping the accelerator on the floor until the engine begins to accelerate above cranking speeds; this will allow the engine to crank with the fuel shut off in case the engine is flooded with fuel. Your vehicle may have remote start capability. Refer to Remote entry system in the Locks and Security chapter. Cold weather starting (flexible fuel vehicles only) The starting characteristics of all grades of E85 ethanol make it unsuitable for use when ambient temperatures fall below 0°F (-18°C). Consult your fuel distributor for the availability of winter grade ethanol. As the outside temperature approaches freezing, ethanol fuel distributors should supply winter grade ethanol (same as with unleaded gasoline). If summer grade ethanol is used in cold weather conditions, 0°F to 32°F (-18°C to 0°C), you may experience increased cranking times, rough idle or hesitation until the engine has warmed up. You may experience a decrease in peak performance when the engine is cold when operating on E85 ethanol. Do not crank the engine for more than 10 seconds at a time as starter damage may occur. If the engine fails to start, turn the key to off and wait 30 seconds before trying again. Do not use starting fluid such as ether in the air intake system. Such fluid could cause immediate explosive damage to the engine and possible personal injury. If you should experience cold weather starting problems on E85 ethanol, and neither an alternative brand of E85 ethanol nor an engine block heater is available, the addition of unleaded gasoline to your tank will improve cold starting performance. Your vehicle is designed to operate on E85 ethanol alone, unleaded gasoline alone, or any mixture of the two. See Choosing the right fuel in the Maintenance and Specifications chapter for more information on ethanol. 268 2012 F-250/350/450/550 (f23) Owners Guide, 4th Printing USA (fus) Driving If the engine fails to start using the preceding instructions (flexible fuel vehicles only) 1. Press and hold down the accelerator 1/3 to 1/2 way to floor, then crank the engine. 2. When the engine starts, release the key, then gradually release the accelerator pedal as the engine speeds up. If the engine still fails to start, repeat Step 1. Guarding against Exhaust Fumes WARNING: If you smell exhaust fumes inside your vehicle, have this checked immediately. Do not drive your vehicle if you smell exhaust fumes. Carbon monoxide is present in exhaust fumes. Take precautions to avoid its dangerous effects. Important Ventilating Information If you stop your vehicle and leave the engine idling for long periods of time, we recommend that you do one of the following: • Open the windows at least one inch (2.5 centimeters). • Set your climate control to outside air. ENGINE BLOCK HEATER (IF EQUIPPED) An engine block heater warms the engine coolant which aids in starting and allows the heater/defroster system to respond quickly. If your vehicle is equipped with this system, your equipment includes a heater element which is installed in your engine block and a wire harness which allows the user to connect the system to a grounded 120 volt A/C electrical source. The engine block heater plug can be located through the center opening of the lower front bumper assembly. The block heater system is most effective when outdoor temperatures reach below 0°F (-18°C). For flexible fuel vehicles, if operating with E85 ethanol, an engine block heater must be used if ambient temperature is below 0°F (-18°C). See Cold weather starting earlier in this chapter for more information on starting with ethanol. WARNING: Failure to follow engine block heater instructions could result in property damage or physical injury. 269 2012 F-250/350/450/550 (f23) Owners Guide, 4th Printing USA (fus) Driving WARNING: To reduce the risk of electrical shock, do not use your heater with ungrounded electrical systems or two-pronged (cheater) adapters. Prior to using the engine block heater, follow these recommendations for proper and safe operation: • For your safety, use an outdoor extension cord that is product certified by Underwriter’s Laboratory (UL) or Canadian Standards Association (CSA). Use only an extension cord that can be used outdoors, in cold temperatures, and is clearly marked “Suitable for Use with Outdoor Appliances.” Never use an indoor extension cord outdoors; it could result in an electric shock or fire hazard. • Use a 16 gauge outdoor extension cord, minimum. • Use as short an extension cord as possible. • Do not use multiple extension cords. Instead, use one extension cord which is long enough to reach from the engine block heater cord to the outlet without stretching. • Make certain that the extension cord is in excellent condition (not patched or spliced). Store your extension cord indoors at temperatures above 32°F (0°C). Outdoor conditions can deteriorate extension cords over a period of time. • To reduce the risk of electrical shock, do not use your heater with ungrounded electrical systems or two pronged (cheater) adapters. Also ensure that the block heater, especially the cord, is in good condition before use. • Make sure that when in operation, the extension cord plug /engine block heater cord plug connection is free and clear of water in order to prevent possible shock or fire. • Be sure that areas where the vehicle is parked are clean and clear of all combustibles such as petroleum products, dust, rags, paper and similar items. • Be sure that the engine block heater, heater cord and extension cord are solidly connected. A poor connection can cause the cord to become very hot and may result in an electrical shock or fire. Be sure to check for heat anywhere in the electrical hookup once the system has been operating for approximately a half hour. • Finally, have the engine block heater system checked during your fall tune-up to be sure it’s in good working order. 270 2012 F-250/350/450/550 (f23) Owners Guide, 4th Printing USA (fus) Driving How to use the engine block heater Ensure the receptacle terminals are clean and dry prior to use. To clean them, use a dry cloth. Depending on the type of factory installed equipment, your engine block heater system may consume anywhere between 400 watts or 1000 watts of power per hour. Your factory installed block heater system does not have a thermostat; however, maximum temperature is attained after approximately three hours of operation. Block heater operation longer than three hours will not improve system performance and will unnecessarily use additional electricity. Make sure system is unplugged and properly stowed before driving the vehicle. While not in use, make sure the protective cover seals the prongs of the engine block heater cord plug. BRAKES Occasional brake noise is normal. If a metal-to-metal, continuous grinding or continuous squeal sound is present, the brake linings may be worn-out and should be inspected by an authorized dealer. If the vehicle has continuous vibration or shudder in the steering wheel while braking, the vehicle should be inspected by an authorized dealer. Refer to Warning lights and chimes in the Instrument Cluster chapter for information on the brake system warning light. BRAKE Four-wheel anti-lock brake system (ABS) Your vehicle is equipped with an anti-lock braking system (ABS). This system helps you maintain steering control during emergency stops by keeping the brakes from locking. Noise from the ABS pump motor and brake pedal pulsation may be observed during ABS braking and the brake pedal may suddenly travel a little farther as soon as ABS braking is done and normal brake operation resumes. These are normal characteristics of the ABS and should be no reason for concern. Using ABS When hard braking is required, apply continuous force on the brake pedal. Do not pump the brake pedal since this will reduce the effectiveness of the ABS and will increase your vehicle’s stopping distance. The ABS will be activated immediately, allowing you to retain steering control during hard braking and on slippery surfaces. However, the ABS does not decrease stopping distance. 271 2012 F-250/350/450/550 (f23) Owners Guide, 4th Printing USA (fus) Driving Brake assist The brake assist system provides full braking force during panic braking situations. It detects a rapid application of the brake pedal and uses the ABS system to achieve maximum braking pressure. Once a panic brake application is detected, the system will remain activated as long as the brake pedal is pressed or ABS is engaged. The system is deactivated by either releasing the brake pedal or coming to a complete stop. When the system activates, noise from the ABS pump motor and brake pedal pulsation may be observed; this is normal. ABS warning lamp The ABS lamp in the instrument cluster momentarily illuminates when the ignition is turned on. If the light does not illuminate during start up, remains on or flashes, the ABS may be disabled and may need to be serviced. Even when the ABS is disabled, normal braking is still effective. If your BRAKE warning lamp illuminates with the parking brake released, have your brake system serviced immediately by an authorized dealer. BRAKE ABS Brake over accelerator This vehicle is equipped with a brake over accelerator feature. In the event the accelerator pedal becomes stuck or entrapped, applying steady and firm pressure to the brake pedal will both slow the vehicle and reduce engine power. If you experience this condition, apply the brakes and bring your vehicle to a safe stop. Turn the engine off, shift to P (Park) and apply the parking brake, and then inspect the accelerator pedal for any interferences. If none are found and the condition persists, have your vehicle towed to the nearest authorized dealer. 272 2012 F-250/350/450/550 (f23) Owners Guide, 4th Printing USA (fus) Driving BRAKE Parking brake To set the parking brake, press the parking brake pedal down until the pedal stops. The BRAKE warning lamp in the instrument cluster illuminates and remains illuminated until the parking brake is released. Pull the release lever to release the parking brake. To prevent the pedal from releasing too quickly, place your left foot on the service brake pedal, then slowly pull the release lever until the pedal slowly releases. Make sure that the pedal is fully released. You may want to pull the release lever again to make sure the parking brake is fully released. WARNING: Always set the parking brake fully and make sure that the gearshift is securely latched in P (Park). If you’re parking your vehicle on a grade or with a trailer, press and hold the brake pedal down, then set the parking brake. There may be a little vehicle movement as the parking brake sets to hold the vehicle’s weight. This is normal and should be no reason for concern. If needed, press and hold the service brake pedal down, then try reapplying the parking brake. Chock the wheels if required. If the parking brake cannot hold the weight of the vehicle, the parking brake may need to be serviced or the vehicle may be overloaded. 273 2012 F-250/350/450/550 (f23) Owners Guide, 4th Printing USA (fus) Driving ENGINE ONLY TRACTION CONTROL (DUAL REAR WHEEL (DRW) VEHICLES ONLY) This system helps you maintain the stability and steerability of your vehicle, especially on slippery road surfaces such as snow or ice-covered roads and gravel roads. The system will allow your vehicle to make better use of available traction in these conditions. During traction control operation, the traction control light will flash and the engine will not “rev-up” when you press further on the accelerator. This is normal system behavior and should be no reason for concern. Also, if traction control is on when the vehicle is put into four-wheel drive mode (if equipped), the traction control system will be automatically disabled. Traction control operation will resume when the vehicle is placed back into two-wheel drive mode. WARNING: Aggressive driving in any road conditions can cause you to lose control of your vehicle increasing the risk of severe personal injury or property damage. The occurrence of a traction control event is an indication that at least some of the tires have exceeded their ability to grip the road; this may lead to an increased risk of loss of vehicle control, vehicle rollover, personal injury and death. If you experience a severe road event, SLOW DOWN. Switching off engine only traction control The traction control switch is located on the instrument panel to the right of the climate control system. The traction control system will automatically turn on every time the ignition is turned off and on. The traction control system should normally be left on. If you should become stuck in snow or ice or on a very slippery road surface, try switching the traction control system off. This may allow excess wheel spin to “dig” the vehicle out and enable a successful “rocking” maneuver. If a system fault is detected, the TCS OFF indicator will illuminate, the traction control button will not turn the system on or off and your vehicle should be serviced by an authorized dealer. 274 2012 F-250/350/450/550 (f23) Owners Guide, 4th Printing USA (fus) Engine only traction control (DRW only) Driving TCS OFF indicator Not illuminated Button functions Default at start-up Button pressed momentarily Button pressed again after deactivation Transfer case switched to 4WD 1 1Engaging 4WD automatically disables TCS. Illuminated Illuminated Not illuminated TCS Enabled Disabled Enabled Disabled ADVANCETRAC姞 WITH ROLL STABILITY CONTROL™ (RSC姞) STABILITY ENHANCEMENT SYSTEM (SINGLE REAR WHEEL (SRW) VEHICLES ONLY) The AdvanceTrac威 with RSC威 system provides the following stability enhancement features for certain driving situations: • Traction control system (TCS), which functions to help avoid • Electronic stability control (ESC), which functions to help avoid skids • Roll Stability Control™ (RSC威), which functions to help avoid a drive-wheel spin and loss of traction. or lateral slides. vehicle roll-over. WARNING: Vehicle modifications involving braking system, aftermarket roof racks, suspension, steering system, tire construction and/or wheel/tire size may change the handling characteristics of the vehicle and may adversely affect the performance of the AdvanceTrac威 with RSC威 system. In addition, installing any stereo loudspeakers may interfere with and adversely affect the AdvanceTrac威 with RSC威 system. Install any aftermarket stereo loudspeaker as far as possible from the front center console, the tunnel, and the front seats in order to minimize the risk of interfering with the AdvanceTrac威 with RSC威 sensors. Reducing the effectiveness of the AdvanceTrac威 with RSC威 system could lead to an increased risk of loss of vehicle control, vehicle rollover, personal injury and death. 275 2012 F-250/350/450/550 (f23) Owners Guide, 4th Printing USA (fus) Driving WARNING: Remember that even advanced technology cannot defy the laws of physics. It’s always possible to lose control of a vehicle due to inappropriate driver input for the conditions. Aggressive driving on any road condition can cause you to lose control of your vehicle increasing the risk of personal injury or property damage. Activation of the AdvanceTrac威 with RSC威 system is an indication that at least some of the tires have exceeded their ability to grip the road; this could reduce the operator’s ability to control the vehicle, potentially resulting in a loss of vehicle control, vehicle rollover, personal injury and death. If your AdvanceTrac威 with RSC威 system activates, SLOW DOWN. WARNING: If a failure has been detected within the AdvanceTrac威 with RSC威 system, the stability control light will illuminate steadily. Verify that the AdvanceTrac威 with RSC威 system is not manually disabled. Press the stability control button located on the instrument panel to the right of the climate control system. If the stability control light still illuminates steadily, have the system serviced by an authorized dealer immediately. Operating your vehicle with AdvanceTrac威 with RSC威 disabled could lead to an increased risk of loss of vehicle control, vehicle rollover, personal injury and death. The AdvanceTrac威 with RSC威 system automatically enables each time the engine is started. All features of the AdvanceTrac威 with RSC威 system (TCS, ESC, and RSC威) are active and monitor the vehicle from start-up. However, the system will only intervene if the driving situation requires it. The AdvanceTrac威 with RSC威 system includes a stability control button located on the instrument panel to the right of the climate control system, a stability control light and a stability control off light in the instrument cluster. Both lights will illuminate temporarily during start-up as part of a normal system self-check. The stability control light may illuminate (flash) during certain driving situations which cause the AdvanceTrac威 with RSC威 system to operate. If the stability control light and stability control off light illuminate steadily, have the system serviced by an authorized dealer immediately. The message center will also indicate a failure with the AdvanceTrac威 with RSC威 system. 276 2012 F-250/350/450/550 (f23) Owners Guide, 4th Printing USA (fus) Driving Note: If the system cannot be turned off, refer to MyKey威 in the Locks and Security chapter for more information. When AdvanceTrac威 with RSC威 performs a normal system self-check, some drivers may notice a slight movement of the brake, and/or a rumble, grunting, or grinding noise after startup and when driving off. When an event occurs that activates AdvanceTrac威 with RSC威 you may experience the following: • A slight deceleration of the vehicle • The stability control light will flash. • A vibration in the pedal when your foot is on the brake pedal • If the driving condition is severe and your foot is not on the brake, the brake pedal may move as the systems applies higher brake forces. You may also hear a whoosh of air from under the instrument panel during this severe condition. • The brake pedal may feel stiffer than usual. Traction control system (TCS) Traction control is a driver aid feature that helps your vehicle maintain traction of the wheels, typically when driving on slippery and/or hilly road surfaces, by detecting and controlling wheel spin. Excessive wheel spin is controlled in two ways, which may work separately or in tandem: engine traction control and brake traction control. Engine traction control works to limit drive-wheel spin by momentarily reducing engine power. Brake traction control works to limit wheel spin by momentarily applying the brakes to the wheel that is slipping. Traction control is most active at low speeds. During TCS events the stability control light in the instrument cluster will flash. If the TCS is activated excessively in a short period of time, the braking portion of the system may become temporarily disabled to allow the brakes to cool down. In this situation, TCS will use only engine power reduction to help control the wheels from over-spinning. When the brakes have cooled down, the system will regain all features. Anti-lock braking, RSC威, and ESC are not affected by this condition and will continue to function during the cool-down period. The engine traction control and brake traction control system may be deactivated in certain situations. See the Switching off AdvanceTrac威 with RSC威 section following. 277 2012 F-250/350/450/550 (f23) Owners Guide, 4th Printing USA (fus) Driving Electronic stability control (ESC) Electronic stability control (ESC) may enhance your vehicle’s directional stability during adverse maneuvers, for example when cornering severely or avoiding objects in the roadway. ESC operates by applying brakes to one or more of the wheels individually and, if necessary, reducing engine power if the system detects that the vehicle is about to skid or slide laterally. During ESC events, the stability control light in the instrument cluster will flash. Certain adverse driving maneuvers may activate the ESC system, which include but are not limited to: • Taking a turn too fast • Maneuvering quickly to avoid an accident, pedestrian or obstacle • Driving over a patch of ice or other slippery surfaces • Changing lanes on a snow-rutted road • Entering a snow-free road from a snow-covered side street, or vice • Entering a paved road from a gravel road, or vice versa • Cornering while towing a heavily loaded trailer (refer to Trailer versa towing in the Tires, Wheels and Loading chapter). The ESC system may be deactivated in certain situations. See the Switching off AdvanceTrac威 with RSC威 section following. Roll Stability Control™ (RSC威) Roll Stability Control™ (RSC威) may help to maintain roll stability of the vehicle during adverse maneuvers. RSC威 operates by detecting the vehicle’s roll motion and the rate at which it changes and by applying the brakes to one or more wheels individually. During an event that activates the Roll Stability Control™ (RSC威) the stability control light in the instrument cluster will flash. Certain adverse driving maneuvers may activate the Roll Stability Control™ system, which include: • Emergency lane-change • Taking a turn too fast • Quick maneuvering to avoid an accident, pedestrian or obstacle The Roll Stability Control™ system may be deactivated in certain situations. See the Switching off AdvanceTrac威 with RSC威 section following. 278 2012 F-250/350/450/550 (f23) Owners Guide, 4th Printing USA (fus) Driving Switching off AdvanceTrac威 with RSC威 If the vehicle is stuck in snow, mud or sand, and seems to lose engine power, switching off certain features of the AdvanceTrac威 with RSC威 system may be beneficial because the wheels are allowed to spin. This will restore full engine power and will enhance momentum through the obstacle. To switch off the AdvanceTrac威 with RSC威 system, press the stability control button located on the instrument panel to the right of the climate control system. Full features of the AdvanceTrac威 with RSC威 system can be restored by pressing the button again or by turning off and restarting the engine. If you switch off the AdvanceTrac威 with RSC威 system, the stability control off light will illuminate steadily. Pressing the stability control button again will turn off the stability control off light and reactivate the system. In R (Reverse), ABS and the engine traction control and brake traction control features will continue to function; however, ESC and RSC威 are disabled. AdvanceTrac威 with RSC威 Features (SRW only) Stability control light Illuminated during bulb check Illuminated solid Flashes then illuminated solid2 RSC威 ESC TCS Enabled Enabled Enabled Enabled Enabled1 Disabled Disabled Disabled Disabled Illuminated solid Enabled Enabled1 Disabled Button functions Default at start-up Button pressed momentarily Button pressed and held for more than 5 seconds at vehicle speed under 35 mph (56 km/h) Vehicle speed exceeds 35 mph (56 km/h) after button is pressed and held for more than 5 seconds 279 2012 F-250/350/450/550 (f23) Owners Guide, 4th Printing USA (fus) Driving AdvanceTrac威 with RSC威 Features (SRW only) Button functions Stability control light RSC威 ESC TCS Not Enabled Enabled Enabled Disabled Disabled illuminated Illuminated Button pressed again after deactivation Transfer case switched to 4WD Low 3 1ESC has reduced sensitivity compared to fully active system. 2Lamp light starts blinking for 4 seconds after entering press and hold state. 3Engaging 4WD Low locked automatically disables RSC, ESC and TSC. Trailer sway control Your vehicle may be equipped with trailer sway control. When properly equipped, trailer sway control will use the vehicle’s AdvanceTrac威 with RSC威 system to detect and help reduce trailer sway by applying brake force at individual wheels and, if necessary, by reducing engine power. Disabled WARNING: Trailer sway control does not prevent a trailer from swaying, it mitigates the sway from increasing once it has occurred. If you are experiencing trailer sway it is likely that the trailer is improperly loaded for the correct tongue weight or the speed of the vehicle and trailer is too high. Pull the vehicle-trailer over to a safe location to check the trailer weight distribution and tongue load and reduce speed to a safe level while towing. If trailer sway is experienced, SLOW DOWN. During trailer sway control events the stability control light in the instrument cluster will flash momentarily. The message center will also display TRAILER SWAY REDUCE SPEED. In some cases when trailer sway is detected, the vehicle speed is too high and may be above a speed at which trailer sway will not grow continuously. This may cause the system to activate multiple times, causing a gradual reduction in speed. 280 2012 F-250/350/450/550 (f23) Owners Guide, 4th Printing USA (fus) Driving Disabling trailer sway control Trailer sway control can be disabled during any key cycle. See trailer sway control under the Message center in the Instrument Cluster chapter. Note that regardless of chosen enable state, trailer sway control will be re-enabled at each new key cycle. WARNING: Turning off trailer sway control increases the risk of loss of vehicle control, serious injury, or death. Ford does not recommend disabling this feature except in situations where speed reduction may be detrimental (e.g., hill climbing), the driver has significant trailer towing experience, and can control trailer sway and maintain safe operation. HILL DESCENT CONTROL (IF EQUIPPED) Hill descent control allows the driver to set and maintain vehicle speed while descending steep grades in various surface conditions. WARNING: Hill descent control cannot control descent in all surface conditions and circumstances, such as ice or extremely steep grades. Hill descent control is a driver assist system and cannot substitute for good judgment by the driver. Failure to do so may result in loss of vehicle control, crash or serious injury. Hill descent control can maintain vehicle speeds on downhill grades between 2 mph (3 km/h) and 12 mph (20 km/h). Above 20 mph (32 km/h), the system remains armed, but descent speed cannot be set or maintained. WARNING: Hill descent control does not provide hill hold at zero mph (0 km/h). When stopped, the parking brake must be applied and/or the vehicle must be placed in P (Park) or it may roll away. Hill descent control requires a cooling down interval after a period of sustained use. The amount of time that the feature can remain active before cooling varies with conditions. The system will provide a warning in the message center and a chime will sound when the system is about to disengage for cooling. At this time, manually apply the brakes as needed to maintain descent speed. 281 2012 F-250/350/450/550 (f23) Owners Guide, 4th Printing USA (fus) Driving Enabling hill descent control and setting the descent speed 1. Press and release the hill descent button located on the instrument panel. A light in the cluster will illuminate and chime will sound when this feature is activated. 2. To increase descent speed, press the accelerator pedal until the desired speed is reached. To decrease descent speed, press the brake pedal until the desired speed is reached. Whether accelerating or decelerating, once the desired descent speed is reached, remove your feet from the pedals and the chosen vehicle speed will be maintained. Note: Noise from the ABS pump motor may be observed during hill descent control operation. This is a normal characteristic of the ABS and should be no reason for concern. Hill descent modes • At speeds below 20 mph (32 km/h): When the HDC switch is pressed • At speeds below 20 mph (32 km/h): When the HDC switch is pressed and HDC is active, the HDC telltale will flash. and conditions are not correct for hill descent activation, the HDC system will be enabled, the light in the cluster will be on solid and HILL DESCENT CONTROL READY will be displayed in the message center. • At speeds above 20 mph (32 km/h): When the HDC switch is pressed, the HDC system will be enabled, the light in the cluster will not be illuminated and FOR HILL CNTRL, 20 MPH OR LESS will be displayed in the message center. Refer to Message center in the Instrument Cluster chapter for hill descent control messages. STEERING To help prevent damage to the power steering system: • Never hold the steering wheel at its furthest turning points (until it stops) for more than three to five seconds when the engine is running. • Do not operate the vehicle with a low power steering pump fluid level (below the MIN mark on the reservoir). 282 2012 F-250/350/450/550 (f23) Owners Guide, 4th Printing USA (fus) Driving • Some noise is normal during operation. If excessive, check for low power steering pump fluid level before seeking service by your dealer. • Heavy or uneven efforts may be caused by low power steering fluid. Check for low power steering pump fluid level before seeking service by your dealer. • Do not fill the power steering pump reservoir above the MAX mark on the reservoir, as this may result in leaks from the reservoir. If the power steering system breaks down (or if the engine is turned off), you can steer the vehicle manually, but it takes more effort. If the steering wanders or pulls, check for: • an improperly inflated tire • uneven tire wear • loose or worn suspension components • loose or worn steering components • improper steering alignment If any steering components are serviced or replaced, install new fasteners (many are coated with thread adhesive or have prevailing torque features which may not be re-used). Never re-use a bolt or nut. Torque fasteners to specifications in Workshop Manual. A high crown in the road or high crosswinds may also make the steering seem to wander/pull. ELECTRONIC LOCKING DIFFERENTIAL (ELD) (IF EQUIPPED) The electronic locking differential (ELD) is a device housed in the rear axle which allows both rear wheels to turn at the same speed. It provides added traction on slippery and/or off road surfaces, particularly when one wheel is on a poor traction surface. The ELD may be locked or unlocked by the vehicle operator and can be engaged or disengaged on the fly. When the axle is unlocked it will function like a standard rear axle. When the axle is locked it will not allow the rear wheels to rotate at different speeds when turning. It is not recommended for use on good traction surfaces such as dry pavement. Doing so may result in abnormal driving behavior and noise while cornering and excessive tire wear. The ELD is affected by the following conditions of your vehicle: • On 2WD vehicles and 4WD vehicles in 2H (4X2) or 4H (4X4 High), the ELD will not engage if the vehicle speed is above 25 mph (40 km/h). 283 2012 F-250/350/450/550 (f23) Owners Guide, 4th Printing USA (fus) Driving • On 2WD vehicles and 4WD vehicles in 2H (4X2) or 4H (4X4 High), the ELD will automatically disengage at speeds above 25 mph (40 km/h) and will automatically reengage at speeds below 19 mph (30 km/h). • On 4WD vehicles in 4L (4X4 Low), the ELD can be engaged at any speed and will not automatically disengage. Activating the electronic locking differential (ELD) For vehicles equipped with an electronic shift 4WD system: Pull the knob on the 4WD control toward you. The indicator light will display in the instrument cluster. For 2WD vehicles and vehicles equipped with a manual shift 4WD system: Turn the control to ON. The indicator light will display in the instrument cluster. light is displayed in the instrument cluster, both rear wheel indicator light in the instrument cluster turns off, one of the Once the axle shafts will be locked together providing added traction. If the following has occurred: • The vehicle speed is too high. • The left and right rear wheel speed difference is too high during an • The system has malfunctioned and will be accompanied by the engagement attempt. CHECK LOCKING DIFFERENTIAL message in the message center. See your authorized Ford dealer for assistance. Note: The ELD may have difficulty disengaging either by operator command or automatically if the driveline is under torque. If driving conditions allow, releasing the accelerator pedal or turning the steering wheel in the opposite direction may assist in disengagement. Note: The ELD is designed for off-road use only and is not intended for use on dry pavement. 284 2012 F-250/350/450/550 (f23) Owners Guide, 4th Printing USA (fus) Driving PREPARING TO DRIVE WARNING: Utility vehicles have a significantly higher rollover rate than other types of vehicles. WARNING: In a rollover crash, an unbelted person is significantly more likely to die than a person wearing a seat belt. Utility vehicles and trucks have larger tires and increased ground clearance, giving the vehicle a higher center of gravity than a passenger car. WARNING: Vehicles with a higher center of gravity such as utility vehicles and trucks handle differently than vehicles with a lower center of gravity. Utility vehicles and trucks are not designed for cornering at speeds as high as passenger cars any more than low-slung sports cars are designed to perform satisfactorily under off-road conditions. Avoid sharp turns, excessive speed or abrupt maneuvers in these vehicles. Failure to drive cautiously could result in an increased risk of loss of vehicle control, vehicle rollover, personal injury and death. WARNING: Loaded vehicles, with a higher center of gravity, may handle differently than unloaded vehicles. Do not overload your vehicle and use extra precautions, such as driving at slower speeds, avoiding abrupt steering changes and allowing for increased stopping distance, when driving a heavily loaded vehicle. Over-loading or loading the vehicle improperly can deteriorate handling capability and contribute to loss of vehicle control and vehicle rollover. BRAKE-SHIFT INTERLOCK This vehicle is equipped with a brake-shift interlock feature that prevents the gearshift lever from being moved from P (Park) when the ignition is in the 3 (on) position and the brake pedal is not pressed. If you cannot move the gearshift lever out of P (Park) with ignition in the on position and the brake pedal pressed, it is possible that a fuse has blown or the vehicle’s brake lamps are not operating properly. Refer to Fuses and relays in the Roadside Emergencies chapter. 285 2012 F-250/350/450/550 (f23) Owners Guide, 4th Printing USA (fus) Driving If the fuse is not blown and the brake lamps are working properly, the following procedure will allow you to move the gearshift lever from P (Park): 1. Apply the parking brake. Turn the ignition key to 1 (off), then remove the key. 2. Move the steering column to the full down and full rearward position (toward the driver’s seat). 3. Remove the gearshift lever boot. 4. Place fingers into hole where the gearshift lever boot was removed from and pull top half of shroud up and forward to separate it from the lower half of the shroud. There is a hinge at the forward edge of the top shroud. Roll the top half of the shroud upward on the hinge point to clear the hazard flasher button, then pull straight rearward toward the driver’s seat to remove. 5. Remove the top half of the shroud. 6. Remove the three fasteners under the column that secure the lower shroud half to the column. 7. Pull the lock lever into the full unlocked position and remove the lower shroud cover by pulling the lever handle through the slot in the cover. 8. Apply the brake and move the gearshift lever into N (Neutral). 9. Start the vehicle. Perform Steps 4 through 8 in reverse order, making sure to engage the hinge pivots between the upper and lower halves of the shroud. Keep slight pressure in the forward direction as the halves are rotated together. 286 2012 F-250/350/450/550 (f23) Owners Guide, 4th Printing USA (fus) Driving WARNING: Do not drive your vehicle until you verify that the brake lamps are working. WARNING: When doing this procedure, you will be taking the vehicle out of park which means the vehicle can roll freely. To avoid unwanted vehicle movement, always fully set the parking brake prior to doing this procedure. Use wheel chocks if appropriate. WARNING: If the parking brake is fully released, but the brake warning lamp remains illuminated, the brakes may not be working properly. See your authorized dealer as soon as possible. AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION OPERATION Understanding the shift positions of the 5–speed automatic transmission (if equipped) This vehicle is equipped with an adaptive transmission shift strategy. Adaptive transmission shift strategy offers the optimal transmission operation and shift quality. When the vehicle’s battery has been disconnected for any type of service or repair, the transmission will need to relearn the normal shift strategy parameters, much like having to reset your radio stations when your vehicle battery has been disconnected. The adaptive transmission shift strategy allows the transmission to relearn these operating parameters. This learning process could take several transmission upshifts and downshifts; during this learning process, slightly firmer shifts may occur. After this learning process, normal shift feel and shift scheduling will resume. P (Park) This position locks the transmission and prevents the rear wheels from turning. To put your vehicle in gear: • Start the engine • Press the brake pedal • Move the gearshift lever into the desired gear 287 2012 F-250/350/450/550 (f23) Owners Guide, 4th Printing USA (fus) Driving To put your vehicle in P (Park): • Come to a complete stop • Move the gearshift lever and securely latch it in P (Park) WARNING: Always set the parking brake fully and make sure the gearshift is latched in P (Park). Turn the ignition to the off position and remove the key whenever you leave your vehicle. R (Reverse) With the gearshift lever in R (Reverse), the vehicle will move backward. Always come to a complete stop before shifting into and out of R (Reverse). N (Neutral) With the gearshift lever in N (Neutral), the vehicle can be started and is free to roll. Hold the brake pedal down while in this position. D (Overdrive) with Tow/Haul Off D (Overdrive) with tow/haul off is the normal driving position for the best fuel economy. The overdrive function allows automatic upshifts and downshifts through gears one through five. D (Overdrive) with Tow/Haul On The tow/haul feature improves transmission operation when towing a trailer or a heavy load. All transmission gear ranges are available when using tow/haul. To activate tow/haul, press the button on the end of the gearshift lever. The TOW HAUL indicator light will illuminate in the instrument cluster. Tow/haul delays upshifts to reduce frequency of transmission shifting. Tow/haul also provides engine braking in all forward gears when the transmission is in the D (Overdrive) position; this engine braking will slow the vehicle and assist the driver in controlling the vehicle when descending a grade. Depending on driving conditions and load conditions, the transmission may downshift, slow the vehicle and control the vehicle speed when descending a hill, without the accelerator pedal being pressed. The amount of downshift braking provided will vary based upon the amount the brake pedal is depressed. 288 2012 F-250/350/450/550 (f23) Owners Guide, 4th Printing USA (fus) Driving To deactivate the tow/haul feature and return to normal driving mode, press the button on the end of the gearshift lever. The TOW HAUL light will no longer be illuminated. When you shut-off and restart the engine, the transmission will automatically return to normal D (Overdrive) mode (Tow/Haul OFF). WARNING: Do not use the tow/haul feature when driving in icy or slippery conditions as the increased engine braking can cause the rear wheels to slide and the vehicle to swing around with the possible loss of vehicle control. 3 (Third) Transmission starts and operates in third gear only. Used for improved traction on slippery roads. Selecting 3 (Third) provides engine braking. 2 (Second) Use 2 (Second) to start-up on slippery roads or to provide additional engine braking on downgrades. 1 (First) • Provides maximum engine braking. • Allows upshifts by moving gearshift lever. • The transmission will not downshift into 1 (First) at high speeds; it will downshift to a lower gear and then shift into 1 (First) when the vehicle reaches slower speeds. Forced downshifts • Allowed in D (Overdrive) or D (Drive). • Press the accelerator to the floor. • Allows transmission to select an appropriate gear. 289 2012 F-250/350/450/550 (f23) Owners Guide, 4th Printing USA (fus) Driving Understanding the shift positions of the 6–speed automatic transmission (if equipped) This vehicle is equipped with an adaptive transmission shift strategy. Adaptive transmission shift strategy offers the optimal transmission operation and shift quality. When the vehicle’s battery has been disconnected for any type of service or repair, the transmission will need to relearn the normal shift strategy parameters, much like having to reset your radio stations when your vehicle battery has been disconnected. The adaptive transmission shift strategy allows the transmission to relearn these operating parameters. This learning process could take several transmission upshifts and downshifts; during this learning process, slightly firmer shifts may occur. After this learning process, normal shift feel and shift scheduling will resume. P (Park) This position locks the transmission and prevents the rear wheels from turning. To put your vehicle in gear: 1. Start the engine 2. Press the brake pedal 3. Move the gearshift lever into the desired gear To put your vehicle in P (Park): 1. Come to a complete stop 2. Move the gearshift lever and securely latch it in P (Park) WARNING: Always set the parking brake fully and make sure the gearshift is latched in P (Park). Turn the ignition to the off position and remove the key whenever you leave your vehicle. R (Reverse) With the gearshift lever in R (Reverse), the vehicle will move backward. Always come to a complete stop before shifting into and out of R (Reverse). 290 2012 F-250/350/450/550 (f23) Owners Guide, 4th Printing USA (fus) Driving N (Neutral) With the gearshift lever in N (Neutral), the vehicle can be started and is free to roll. Hold the brake pedal down while in this position. D (Overdrive) with Tow/Haul Off D (Overdrive) with tow/haul off is the normal driving position for the best fuel economy. The overdrive function allows automatic upshifts and downshifts through gears one through six. D (Overdrive) with Tow/Haul On The tow/haul feature improves transmission operation when towing a trailer or a heavy load. All transmission gear ranges are available when using tow/haul. To activate tow/haul, press the button on the end of the gearshift lever. The TOW HAUL indicator light will illuminate in the instrument cluster. Tow/haul delays upshifts to reduce frequency of transmission shifting. Tow/haul also provides engine braking in all forward gears when the transmission is in the D (Overdrive) position; this engine braking will slow the vehicle and assist the driver in controlling the vehicle when descending a grade. Depending on driving conditions and load conditions, the transmission may downshift, slow the vehicle and control the vehicle speed when descending a hill, without the brake pedal being pressed. The amount of downshift braking provided will vary based upon the amount the brake pedal is pressed. Tow/haul may be automatically activated (without pressing the tow/haul button). This provides engine braking to assist the vehicles braking system when going downhill and repetitive braking is sensed. Once the tow/haul mode has been automatically activated it will not automatically deactivate. 291 2012 F-250/350/450/550 (f23) Owners Guide, 4th Printing USA (fus) Driving To deactivate the tow/haul feature and return to normal driving mode, press the button on the end of the gearshift lever. The tow/haul light will no longer be illuminated. Tow/haul will also deactivate when the vehicle is powered down for a few minutes. WARNING: Do not use the tow/haul feature when driving in icy or slippery conditions as the increased engine braking can cause the rear wheels to slide and the vehicle to swing around with the possible loss of vehicle control. M (Manual) without Overdrive With the gearshift lever in M (Manual), the driver can change gears up or down as desired. This is called SelectShift Automatic™ transmission (SST) mode. By moving the gearshift lever from drive position D (Overdrive) to M (Manual) you now have control of selecting the gear you desire using buttons on the shift lever. To return to normal D (Overdrive) position, move the shift lever back from M to D. • The transmission will operate in gears one through six. 2 (Second) Use 2 (Second) to start-up on slippery roads or to provide additional engine braking on downgrades. 1 (First) • Provides maximum engine braking. • Allows upshifts by moving gearshift lever. • The transmission will not downshift into 1 (First) at high speeds; it will downshift to a lower gear and then shift into 1 (First) when the vehicle reaches slower speeds. Forced downshifts • Allowed in D (Overdrive). • Press the accelerator to the floor. • Allows transmission to select an appropriate gear. 292 2012 F-250/350/450/550 (f23) Owners Guide, 4th Printing USA (fus) Driving Understanding your SelectShift Automatic™ transmission (SST) gearshift lever This vehicle is equipped with a SelectShift Automatic™ transmission (SST) gearshift lever. The SST is an automatic transmission with the ability for the driver to change gears up or down (without a clutch) as desired. Use the buttons on the shifter to lock or unlock gears and manually select gears. Press the + button to upshift or the – button to downshift. With the gearshift lever in D (Drive), press the – button to active SST. The available and selected gears will be indicated on the instrument cluster. All available gears will be displayed with the current gear indicated. Press the – button again to lock out gears beginning with the highest gear. Example: press the – button twice to lock out 6th and 5th gears. Only the available gears will be displayed and the transmission will automatically shift between the available gears. Press the + button to unlock gears. By moving the gearshift lever from the D (Drive) position to the M (Manual) position you may now manually select the gear you desire. Only the current gear will be displayed. Press the + button or the – button to upshift or downshift. If the – button is pressed at a vehicle speed that would cause an engine overspeed, the requested gear will flash then disappear and the transmission will remain in the current gear. 293 2012 F-250/350/450/550 (f23) Owners Guide, 4th Printing USA (fus) Driving Recommended shift speeds Upshift according to the following chart: Upshifts when accelerating (recommended for best fuel economy) Shift from: 1 – 2 2 – 3 3 – 4 4 – 5 5 – 6 Gasoline engines 15 mph (24 km/h) 25 mph (40 km/h) 40 mph (64 km/h) 45 mph (72 km/h) 50 mph (80 km/h) Diesel engines 12 mph (19 km/h) 19 mph (31 km/h) 26 mph (42 km/h) 34 mph (55 km/h) 46 mph (74 km/h) In order to prevent the engine from running at too low an RPM, which may cause it to stall, the SST will still automatically make some downshifts if it has determined that you have not downshifted in time. Although the SST will make some downshifts for you, it will still allow you to downshift at any time as long as the SST determines that the engine will not be damaged from over-revving. The SST will not automatically upshift, even if the engine is approaching the RPM limit. It must be shifted manually by pressing the + button. Engine damage may occur if excessive engine revving is held without shifting. Hill start assist (HSA) The hill start assist feature makes it easier to pull away when the vehicle is on a slope without the need to use the parking brake. When the hill start assist feature is active, the vehicle will remain stationary on the slope for up to two seconds after you release the brake pedal. During this time, you have time to move your foot from the brake to the accelerator pedal and pull away. The brakes are released automatically once the engine has developed sufficient drive to prevent the vehicle from rolling down the slope. This is an advantage when pulling away on a slope; for example from a car park ramp, traffic lights or when reversing uphill into a parking space. WARNING: The hill start assist feature does not replace the parking brake. When you leave the vehicle, always apply the parking brake and select first or reverse gear. 294 2012 F-250/350/450/550 (f23) Owners Guide, 4th Printing USA (fus) Driving Using hill start assist The hill start assist feature is activated automatically when the vehicle is stopped on a slope greater than five degrees. The hill start assist feature operates with the vehicle facing downhill if reverse gear is selected. The hill start assist feature will not operate if the parking brake is activated. WARNING: You must remain in the vehicle once you have activated the hill start assist feature. Activating hill start assist 1. Press the brake pedal to bring the vehicle to a complete standstill. Keep the brake pedal pressed. 2. If the sensors detect that the vehicle is on a slope, the hill start assist feature will be activated automatically. 3. When you remove your foot from the brake pedal, the vehicle will remain on the slope without rolling away for approximately up to two seconds. This hold time will automatically be extended if you are in the process of driving off. 4. Drive off in the normal manner. The brakes will be released automatically. WARNING: If the engine is revved excessively, or if a malfunction is detected when the hill start assist feature is active, the hill start assist feature will be deactivated. If Your Vehicle Gets Stuck in Mud or Snow Note: Do not rock the vehicle if the engine is not at normal operating temperature or damage to the transmission may occur. Note: Do not rock the vehicle for more than a minute or damage to the transmission and tires may occur, or the engine may overheat. If your vehicle gets stuck in mud or snow, it may be rocked out by shifting between forward and reverse gears, stopping between shifts in a steady pattern. Press lightly on the accelerator in each gear. 295 2012 F-250/350/450/550 (f23) Owners Guide, 4th Printing USA (fus) Driving REVERSE SENSING SYSTEM (IF EQUIPPED) The reverse sensing system (RSS) sounds a tone to warn the driver of obstacles near the rear bumper when the R (Reverse) is selected and the vehicle is moving at speeds less than 3 mph (5 km/h). The system is not effective at speeds above 3 mph (5 km/h) and may not detect certain angular or moving objects. WARNING: To help avoid personal injury, please read and understand the limitations of the reverse sensing system as contained in this section. Reverse sensing is only an aid for some (generally large and fixed) objects when moving in reverse on a flat surface at “parking speeds”. Inclement weather may also affect the function of the RSS; this may include reduced performance or a false activation. WARNING: To help avoid personal injury, always use caution when in reverse and when using the RSS. WARNING: This system is not designed to prevent contact with small or moving objects. The system is designed to provide a warning to assist the driver in detecting large stationary objects to avoid damaging the vehicle. The system may not detect smaller objects, particularly those close to the ground. WARNING: Certain add-on devices such as large trailer hitches, bike or surfboard racks and any device that may block the normal detection zone of the RSS system may create false beeps. 296 2012 F-250/350/450/550 (f23) Owners Guide, 4th Printing USA (fus) Driving The RSS detects obstacles up to 6 feet (2 meters) from the rear bumper with a decreased coverage area at the outer corners of the bumper, (refer to the figures for approximate zone coverage areas). As you move closer to the obstacle, the rate of the tone increases. When the obstacle is less than 10 inches (25.0 cm) away, the tone will sound continuously. If the RSS detects a stationary or receding object further than 10 inches (25.0 cm) from the side of the vehicle, the tone will sound for only three seconds. Once the system detects an object approaching, the tone will sound again. While receiving a warning the radio volume may be reduced to a predetermined level. After the warning goes away, the radio will return to the previous volume. The RSS may have reduced performance or an increased chance of false detection if the tailgate is not locked and in the upright position. If the tailgate is down, the RSS tone may be heard intermittently or continuously. The tone may also be heard if items in the truck bed protrude rearward outside the bed. The RSS automatically turns on when the gearshift lever is placed in R (Reverse) and the ignition is on. A control in the message center allows the driver to disable the system. Refer to Message center in the Instrument Cluster chapter for more information. Note: If the system cannot be turned off, refer to MyKey™ restricted features in the Locks and Security chapter for more information. Note: If your vehicle is equipped with a fully integrated electronic trailer brake controller (TBC) and a trailer with electric trailer brakes is connected to your vehicle, the RSS will be disabled. When the vehicle is shifted into reverse, the message center display will remain in the Rear Park Aid Off selection. For more information on the TBC, refer to the Tires, Wheels and Loading chapter. 297 2012 F-250/350/450/550 (f23) Owners Guide, 4th Printing USA (fus) Driving Keep the RSS sensors (located on the rear bumper/fascia) free from snow, ice and large accumulations of dirt (do not clean the sensors with sharp objects). If the sensors are covered, it will affect the accuracy of the RSS. If your vehicle sustains damage to the rear bumper/fascia, leaving it misaligned or bent, the sensing zone may be altered causing inaccurate measurement of obstacles or false alarms. REARVIEW CAMERA SYSTEM (IF EQUIPPED) The rearview camera system, located on the tailgate, provides a video image, which appears in the rearview mirror or on the navigation screen (if equipped), of the area behind the vehicle. It adds assistance to the driver while reversing or reverse parking the vehicle. To use the camera system, place the transmission in R (Reverse); an image will display on the left portion of the rearview mirror or on the navigation screen (if equipped). The area displayed on the screen may vary according to the vehicle orientation and/or road condition. 298 2012 F-250/350/450/550 (f23) Owners Guide, 4th Printing USA (fus) Driving • (1) Rear bumper • (2) Red zone • (3) Yellow zone • (4) Green zone • (5) Centerline of vehicle Always use caution while backing. Objects in the red zone are closest to your vehicle and objects in the green zone are further away. Objects are getting closer to your vehicle as they move from the green zone to the yellow or red zones. Use the side mirrors and rearview mirror to get better coverage on both sides and rear of the vehicle. Image delay if displayed through the rearview mirror: When shifting out of R (Reverse) and into any other gear, the image in the rearview mirror will remain on for a few seconds before it shuts off to assist in parking or trailer hookup. Image delay if displayed through the navigation screen: After shifting out of R (Reverse) and into any gear other than P (Park), the image in the navigation screen will remain until the vehicle speed reaches 5 mph (8 km/h), only if the rear camera delay feature is on, or until any navigation radio button is pressed. Note: The default setting for the rear camera delay is off. Press the “Settings” button found on the navigation screen (if equipped) to set the rear camera delay feature to on or off. When towing, the camera system will only see what is being towed behind the vehicle; this might not provide adequate coverage as it usually provides in normal operation and some objects might not be seen. The camera lens for the camera is located on the tailgate. Keep the lens clean so the video image remains clear and undistorted. Clean the lens with a soft, lint-free cloth and non-abrasive cleaner. Note: If the camera system image is not clear or seems distorted, it may be covered with water droplets, snow, mud or any other substance. If this occurs, clean the camera lens before using the camera system. 299 2012 F-250/350/450/550 (f23) Owners Guide, 4th Printing USA (fus) Driving WARNING: The camera system is a reverse aid supplement device that still requires the driver to use it in conjunction with the rear view mirror and the side mirrors for maximum coverage. WARNING: Objects that are close to either corner of the bumper or under the bumper, might not be seen on the screen due to the limited coverage of the camera system. WARNING: Back up as slow as possible since higher speeds might limit your reaction time to stop the vehicle. WARNING: Do not use the camera system with the tailgate open. If the back end of the vehicle is hit or damaged, then check with your authorized dealer to have your rearview camera system checked for proper coverage and operation. Night time and dark area use At night time or in dark areas, the camera system relies on the reverse lamp lighting to produce an image. Therefore it is necessary that both reverse lamps are operating in order to get a clear image in the dark. If either of the lamps are not operating, stop using the camera system, at least in the dark, until the lamp(s) are replaced and functioning. Servicing • If the image comes on while the vehicle is not in R (Reverse), have • If the image is not clear, then check if there is anything covering the lens such as dirt, mud, ice, snow, etc. If the image is still not clear after cleaning, have your system inspected by your authorized dealer. the system inspected by your authorized dealer. 300 2012 F-250/350/450/550 (f23) Owners Guide, 4th Printing USA (fus) Driving FOUR-WHEEL DRIVE (4WD) OPERATION (IF EQUIPPED) WARNING: For important information regarding safe operation of this type of vehicle, see Preparing to drive your vehicle in this chapter. When four–wheel drive (4WD) is engaged, power is supplied to all four wheels through a transfer case. 4WD can be selected when additional driving power is desired. 4WD operation is not recommended on dry pavement. Doing so could result in difficult disengagement of the transfer case, increased tire wear and decreased fuel economy. Manual Shift On Stop (MSOS) 4x4 system (if equipped) The 4WD system is engaged or disengaged by rotating the control for both front wheel hub locks from the FREE or LOCK position, then manually engaging or disengaging the transfer case with the floor-mounted shifter. For increased fuel economy in 2WD, rotate both hub locks to the FREE position. • For proper operation, make sure that each hub is fully engaged and that both hub locks are set to the same position (both set to LOCK or both set to FREE). To engage LOCK, turn the hub locks completely clockwise; to disengage the hubs (FREE), turn the hub locks completely counterclockwise. • The vehicle should not be driven in 4X4 High or 4X4 Low modes with the hub locks set to FREE as this condition may damage driveline system components. • Some vehicles may be equipped with wheel ornaments that cover the 4x4 manual hub lock. These ornaments must be removed to access the manual hub locks. Electronic Shift-On-the-Fly (ESOF) 4x4 system (if equipped) If equipped with the electronic shift 4WD system, and 4X4 Low is selected while the vehicle is moving above 3 mph (5 km/h), the 4WD system will not perform a shift. This is normal and should be no reason for concern. Refer to Shifting to/from 4L (4X4 Low) for proper system operation. 301 2012 F-250/350/450/550 (f23) Owners Guide, 4th Printing USA (fus) Driving moving. allows you select 4x2, 4x4 High or 4x4 Low operation. The ESOF 4WD system: • provides 4x4 High engagement and disengagement while the vehicle is • is operated by a rotary control located on the instrument panel that • uses auto-manual hub locks that can be engaged and disengaged • auto-manual hub locks can be manually overridden by rotating the hub lock control from AUTO to LOCK if desired. automatically based on the 4x4 mode selected. • automatic operation of the hub locks is recommended, and will increase fuel economy • For proper operation, make sure that each hub is fully engaged and that both hub locks are set to the same position (both set to LOCK or both set to AUTO). To engage LOCK, turn the hub locks completely clockwise; to engage AUTO, turn the hub locks completely counterclockwise. 4WD system indicator lights The indicator lights illuminate in the message center in the reconfigurable telltale (RTT) under the following conditions. Refer to Warning lights and chimes in the Instrument Cluster chapter. • 4X2 - Momentarily illuminates 4x2 4x4 HIGH 4x4 LOW when 2H is selected on electronic shift 4WD systems only. • 4X4 HIGH - Illuminates when 4H (4x4 High) is engaged. • 4X4 LOW - Illuminates when 4L • CHECK 4X4 – Displays when a (4x4 Low) is engaged. 4x4 system fault is present 302 2012 F-250/350/450/550 (f23) Owners Guide, 4th Printing USA (fus) Driving Using a Manual Shift On Stop (MSOS) 4x4 system (if equipped) Note: High shift efforts may be encountered when attempting to shift into and out of 4x4 modes. It is recommended to allow the vehicle to roll at a speed below 3 mph (5 km/h) when shifting between modes. Note: Some noise may be heard as the 4x4 system shifts or engages. This is normal. In order to reduce engagement noise, it is recommended that all shifts be performed at speeds below 3 mph (5 km/h). 2H (2WD) – For general on-road driving. Sends power to the rear wheels only should be used for street and highway driving. Provides optimal smoothness and fuel economy at high speeds. 4H (4x4 High) – Used for extra traction such as in snow or icy roads or in off road situations. This mode is not intended for use on dry pavement. N (Neutral) – Only used when towing the vehicle. No power to front or rear wheels. 4L (4x4 Low) – Uses extra gearing to provide maximum power to all four wheels at reduced speeds. Intended only for off road applications such as deep sand, steep grades or pulling heavy objects. Shifting from 2H (2WD) to 4H (4x4 High) Engage the locking hubs by rotating the hub lock control from FREE to LOCK, then move the transfer case lever from 2H (2WD) to 4H (4x4 High) at a stop or a vehicle speed below 3 mph (5 km/h). • For proper operation, make sure that both indicator arrows on the hub are aligned, and that both hubs are set to LOCK. 303 2012 F-250/350/450/550 (f23) Owners Guide, 4th Printing USA (fus) Driving • Do not shift into 4H (4x4 High) with the rear wheels slipping. • The vehicle should not be driven in 4X4 High with the hub locks disengaged as this condition may damage driveline system components. Shifting from 4H (4x4 High) to 2H (2WD) Move the transfer case lever to 2H (2WD) at a stop or a vehicle speed below 3 mph (5 km/h). With the vehicle at complete stop, disengage the locking hubs (optional) by rotating the hub lock control from LOCK to FREE. • For proper operation, make 2H 4H 4L 2H 4H 4L sure that both indicator arrows on the hub are aligned, and that both hubs are set to FREE. Shifting from 2H (2WD) or 4H (4x4 High) to 4L (4x4 Low) 1. Bring the vehicle to a stop or a speed below 3 mph (5 km/h). 2. Place the transmission in N (Neutral). 3. Move the transfer case shift lever through N (Neutral) directly to 4L (4x4 Low). 4. If the shift lever does not, or only partially moves to the 4L (4x4 Low) position, perform a shift with the transmission in N (Neutral) and the vehicle rolling at a speed below 3 mph (5 km/h). This will ensure the transfer case is fully engaged into 4L (4x4 Low). Note: The vehicle should not be driven in 4X4 High with the hub locks disengaged as this condition may damage driveline system components. 2H 4H 4L 304 2012 F-250/350/450/550 (f23) Owners Guide, 4th Printing USA (fus) Driving 4L 2H 4H Shifting from 4L (4x4 Low) to 4H (4x4 High) or 2H (2WD) 1. Bring the vehicle to a stop or a speed below 3 mph (5 km/h). 2. Place the gearshift lever in N (Neutral). 3. Move the transfer case shift lever through N (Neutral) directly to 4H (4x4 High) or 2H (2WD). 4. If the transfer case will not engage into 4H (4x4 High) or 2H (2WD), perform a shift with the transmission in N (Neutral) and the vehicle rolling at a speed below 3 mph (5 km/h). 5. If shifting to 2H (2WD) with the vehicle at a complete stop, disengage the locking hubs (optional) by rotating the hub lock control from LOCK to FREE. Using the N (Neutral) position The transfer case neutral position overrides the transmission and puts the vehicle in neutral regardless of transmission gearshift lever position. The vehicle can move forward or backwards. This position should only be used when towing the vehicle. 2H 4H 4L WARNING: Do not leave the vehicle unattended with the transfer case in the N (Neutral) position. Always set the parking brake fully and turn off the ignition when leaving the vehicle. 305 2012 F-250/350/450/550 (f23) Owners Guide, 4th Printing USA (fus) Driving Using the electronic shift 4WD system (if equipped) 2H (2WD) - For general on-road driving. Sends power to the rear wheels only and should be used for street and highway driving. Provides optimal smoothness and fuel economy at high speeds. 4H (4X4 HIGH) - Used for extra traction such as in snow or icy roads or in off road situations. This mode is not intended for use on dry pavement. 4L (4X4 LOW) - Uses extra gearing to provide maximum power to all four wheels at reduced speeds. Intended only for off-road applications such as deep sand, steep grades, or pulling heavy objects. 4L (4x4 low) will not engage while the vehicle is moving above 3 mph (5 km/h); this is normal and should be no reason for concern. Refer to Shifting to/from 4L (4x4 low) for proper operation. Shifting between 2H (4X2) and 4H (4X4 High) Move the 4WD control between 2H (4X2) and 4H (4X4 HIGH ) at any forward speed. The message center will display 4X4 SHIFT IN PROGRESS during the system shift. 4X4 HIGH will display in the message center if 4H is selected and 4X2 will momentarily display in the message center if 2H is selected. If SHIFT DELAYED PULL FORWARD is displayed in the message center during the mode shift, transfer case gear tooth blockage is present. To alleviate this condition, place the transmission in a forward gear and move the vehicle forward approximately 5 feet (2 meters) to allow the transfer case to complete the mode shift. Note: Momentarily releasing the accelerator pedal while performing a shift will improve engagement/disengagement times. Note: Do not perform this operation if the rear wheels are slipping. Note: Some noise may be heard as the system shifts or engages; this is normal. Note: 4X4 high mode is not intended for use on dry pavement. Shifting to/from 4L (4X4 low) 1. Bring the vehicle to a speed of 3 mph (5 km/h) or less. 2. Place the transmission in N (Neutral). 3. Move the 4WD control to the desired position. 306 2012 F-250/350/450/550 (f23) Owners Guide, 4th Printing USA (fus) Driving The message center will display 4X4 SHIFT IN PROGRESS during the shift. The message center will then display the system mode selected. If any of the above shift conditions are not met, the shift will not occur and the message center will display information guiding the driver through the proper shifting procedures. If SHIFT DELAYED PULL FORWARD is displayed in the message center, transfer case gear tooth blockage is present. To alleviate this condition, place the transmission in a forward gear, move the vehicle forward approximately 5 feet (1.5 m), and shift the transmission back to neutral to allow the transfer case to complete the range shift. Note: Some noise may be heard as the system shifts or engages; this is normal. Note: 4x4 low mode is not intended for use on dry pavement. Driving off-road with truck and utility vehicles 4WD vehicles are specially equipped for driving on sand, snow, mud and rough terrain and have operating characteristics that are somewhat different from conventional vehicles, both on and off the road. Your vehicle may be equipped with a long front air dam that may become damaged (due to reduced ground clearance) when taking your vehicle off-road. This air dam can either be removed or a shorter air dam can be purchased from your authorized dealer. In either case, if the air dam is to be removed (or replaced) before going off-road, refer to the Workshop Manual for the procedure or have your authorized dealer perform the work for you. How your vehicle differs from other vehicles Truck and utility vehicles can differ from some other vehicles. Your vehicle may be higher to allow it to travel over rough terrain without getting hung up or damaging underbody components. The differences that make your vehicle so versatile also make it handle differently than an ordinary passenger car. Maintain steering wheel control at all times, especially in rough terrain. Since sudden changes in terrain can result in abrupt steering wheel motion, make sure you grip the steering wheel from the outside. Do not grip the spokes. Drive cautiously to avoid vehicle damage from concealed objects such as rocks and stumps. 307 2012 F-250/350/450/550 (f23) Owners Guide, 4th Printing USA (fus) Driving You should either know the terrain or examine maps of the area before driving. Map out your route before driving in the area. To maintain steering and braking control of your vehicle, you must have all four wheels on the ground and they must be rolling, not sliding or spinning. Basic operating principles • Do not use 4WD on dry, hard surfaced roads. Doing so will produce excessive noise, increase tire wear and may damage drive components. 4WD modes are only intended for consistently slippery or loose surfaces. • Drive slower in strong crosswinds which can affect the normal steering • Be extremely careful when driving on pavement made slippery by characteristics of your vehicle. loose sand, water, gravel, snow or ice. If your vehicle goes off the edge of the pavement • If your vehicle goes off the edge of the pavement, slow down, but avoid severe brake application, ease the vehicle back onto the pavement only after reducing your speed. Do not turn the steering wheel too sharply while returning to the road surface. • It may be safer to stay on the apron or shoulder of the road and slow down gradually before returning to the pavement. You may lose control if you do not slow down or if you turn the steering wheel too sharply or abruptly. • It often may be less risky to strike small objects, such as highway reflectors, with minor damage to your vehicle rather than attempt a sudden return to the pavement which could cause the vehicle to slide sideways out of control or roll over. Remember, your safety and the safety of others should be your primary concern. WARNING: Vehicles with a higher center of gravity such as utility and four-wheel drive vehicles handle differently than vehicles with a lower center of gravity. Utility and four-wheel drive vehicles are not designed for cornering at speeds as high as passenger cars any more than low-slung sports cars are designed to perform satisfactorily under off-road conditions. Avoid sharp turns, excessive speed and abrupt maneuvers in these vehicles. Failure to drive cautiously could result in an increased risk of loss of vehicle control, vehicle rollover, personal injury and death. 308 2012 F-250/350/450/550 (f23) Owners Guide, 4th Printing USA (fus) Driving If your vehicle gets stuck If your vehicle gets stuck in mud or snow, it may be rocked out by shifting between forward and reverse gears, stopping between shifts, in a steady pattern. Press lightly on the accelerator in each gear. If your vehicle is severely stuck, it may need to be pulled out. Front tow/recovery hooks can be used to recover a vehicle struck in the mud or snow. Refer to Recovery hooks in the Tires, Wheels and Loading chapter for more information. Do not rock the vehicle if the engine is not at normal operating temperature or damage to the transmission may occur. Do not rock the vehicle for more than a few minutes or damage to the transmission and tires may occur or the engine may overheat. WARNING: Do not spin the wheels at over 35 mph (56 km/h). The tires may fail and injure a passenger or bystander. Refer to Gauges in the Instrument Cluster chapter for transmission fluid temperature information. Emergency maneuvers • In an unavoidable emergency situation where a sudden sharp turn must be made, remember to avoid “over-driving” your vehicle, i.e., turn the steering wheel only as rapidly and as far as required to avoid the emergency. Excessive steering will result in less vehicle control, not more. Additionally, smooth variations of the accelerator and/or brake pedal pressure should be utilized if changes in vehicle speed are called for. Avoid abrupt steering, acceleration or braking which could result in an increased risk of loss of vehicle control, vehicle rollover and/or personal injury. Use all available road surface to return the vehicle to a safe direction of travel. • In the event of an emergency stop, avoid skidding the tires and do not attempt any sharp steering wheel movements. 309 2012 F-250/350/450/550 (f23) Owners Guide, 4th Printing USA (fus) Driving WARNING: Vehicles with a higher center of gravity such as utility and four-wheel drive vehicles handle differently than vehicles with a lower center of gravity. Utility and four-wheel drive vehicles are not designed for cornering at speeds as high as passenger cars any more than low-slung sports cars are designed to perform satisfactorily under off-road conditions. Avoid sharp turns, excessive speed and abrupt maneuvers in these vehicles. Failure to drive cautiously could result in an increased risk of loss of vehicle control, vehicle rollover, personal injury and death. • If the vehicle goes from one type of surface to another (i.e., from concrete to gravel) there will be a change in the way the vehicle responds to a maneuver (steering, acceleration or braking). Again, avoid these abrupt inputs. Parking On some 4WD vehicles, when the transfer case is in the N (Neutral) position, the engine and transmission are disconnected from the rest of the driveline. Therefore, the vehicle is free to roll even if the automatic transmission is in P (Park). Do not leave the vehicle unattended with the transfer case in the N (Neutral) position. Always set the parking brake fully and turn off the ignition when leaving the vehicle. WARNING: Always set the parking brake fully and make sure the gearshift is latched in P (Park). Turn the ignition to the off position and remove the key whenever you leave your vehicle. WARNING: If the parking brake is fully released, but the brake warning lamp remains illuminated, the brakes may not be working properly. See your authorized dealer. 4WD systems 4WD (when you select a 4WD mode), uses all four wheels to power the vehicle. This increases traction, enabling you to drive over terrain and road conditions that a conventional two-wheel drive vehicle cannot. Power is supplied to all four wheels through a transfer case. On 4WD vehicles, the transfer case allows you to select 4WD when necessary. Information on transfer case operation and shifting procedures can be found in the Driving chapter. Information on transfer case maintenance 310 2012 F-250/350/450/550 (f23) Owners Guide, 4th Printing USA (fus) Driving can be found in the Maintenance and Specifications chapter. You should become thoroughly familiar with this information before you operate your vehicle. Normal characteristics On some 4WD models, the initial shift from two-wheel drive to 4x4 while the vehicle is moving can cause some momentary clunk and ratcheting sounds. This is the front drivetrain coming up to speed and the automatic locking hubs engaging and is not cause for concern. Sand When driving over sand, try to keep all four wheels on the most solid area of the trail. Avoid reducing the tire pressures but shift to a lower gear and drive steadily through the terrain. Apply the accelerator slowly and avoid spinning the wheels. Avoid excessive speed because vehicle momentum can work against you and cause the vehicle to become stuck to the point that assistance may be required from another vehicle. Remember, you may be able to back out the way you came if you proceed with caution. Note: If air is released from your tires, the Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) indicator light may illuminate (if equipped). Mud and water If you must drive through high water, drive slowly. Traction or brake capability may be limited. When driving through water, determine the depth; avoid water higher than the bottom of the hubs (if possible) and proceed slowly. If the ignition system gets wet, the vehicle may stall. Once through water, always try the brakes. Wet brakes do not stop the vehicle as effectively as dry brakes. Drying can be improved by moving your vehicle slowly while applying light pressure on the brake pedal. Be cautious of sudden changes in vehicle speed or direction when you are driving in mud. Even 4WD vehicles can lose traction in slick mud. As when you are driving over sand, apply the accelerator slowly and avoid spinning your wheels. If the vehicle does slide, steer in the direction of the slide until you regain control of the vehicle. If the transmission, transfer case or front axle are submerged in water, their fluids should be checked and changed, if necessary. 311 2012 F-250/350/450/550 (f23) Owners Guide, 4th Printing USA (fus) Driving Driving through deep water may damage the transmission. Refer to Transmission temperature gauge in the Instrument Cluster chapter for transmission fluid temperature information. If the front or rear axle is submerged in water, the axle lubricant should be replaced. After driving through mud, clean off residue stuck to rotating driveshafts and tires. Excess mud stuck on tires and rotating driveshafts causes an imbalance that could damage drive components. “Tread Lightly” is an educational program designed to increase public awareness of land-use regulations and responsibilities in our nations wilderness areas. Ford Motor Company joins the U.S. Forest Service and the Bureau of Land Management in encouraging you to help preserve our national forest and other public and private lands by “treading lightly.” Driving on hilly or sloping terrain Although natural obstacles may make it necessary to travel diagonally up or down a hill or steep incline, you should always try to drive straight up or straight down. Avoid driving crosswise or turning on steep slopes or hills. A danger lies in losing traction, slipping sideways and possibly rolling over. Whenever driving on a hill, determine beforehand the route you will use. Do not drive over the crest of a hill without seeing what conditions are on the other side. Do not drive in reverse over a hill without the aid of an observer. 312 2012 F-250/350/450/550 (f23) Owners Guide, 4th Printing USA (fus) Driving When climbing a steep slope or hill, start in a lower gear rather than downshifting to a lower gear from a higher gear once the ascent has started. This reduces strain on the engine and the possibility of stalling. If you do stall out, do not try to turn around because you might roll over. It is better to back down to a safe location. Apply just enough power to the wheels to climb the hill. Too much power will cause the tires to slip, spin or lose traction, resulting in loss of vehicle control. Descend a hill in the same gear you would use to climb up the hill to avoid excessive brake application and brake overheating. Do not descend in neutral; instead, manually shift to a lower gear. Your vehicle has anti-lock brakes, apply the brakes steadily. Do not “pump” the brakes. Driving on snow and ice 4WD vehicles have advantages over 2WD vehicles in snow and ice but can skid like any other vehicle. Should you start to slide while driving on snowy or icy roads, turn the steering wheel in the direction of the slide until you regain control. Avoid sudden applications of power and quick changes of direction on snow and ice. Apply the accelerator slowly and steadily when starting from a full stop. Avoid sudden braking as well. Although a 4WD vehicle may accelerate better than a two-wheel drive vehicle in snow and ice, it won’t stop any faster, because as in other vehicles, braking occurs at all four wheels. Do not become overconfident as to road conditions. 313 2012 F-250/350/450/550 (f23) Owners Guide, 4th Printing USA (fus) Driving Make sure you allow sufficient distance between you and other vehicles for stopping. Drive slower than usual and consider using one of the lower gears. In emergency stopping situations, avoid locking of the wheels. Use a “squeeze” technique, push on the brake pedal with a steadily increasing force which allows the wheels to brake yet continue to roll so that you may steer in the direction you want to travel. If you lock the wheels, release the brake pedal and repeat the squeeze technique. If your vehicle is equipped with a Four Wheel Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS), apply the brake steadily. Do not “pump” the brakes. Refer to the Brakes section of this chapter for additional information on the operation of the anti-lock brake system. WARNING: If you are driving in slippery conditions that require tire cables, then it is critical that you drive cautiously. Keep speeds down, allow for longer stopping distances and avoid aggressive steering to reduce the chances of a loss of vehicle control which can lead to serious injury or death. If the rear end of the vehicle slides while cornering, steer in the direction of the slide until you regain control of the vehicle. Maintenance and modifications The suspension and steering systems on your vehicle have been designed and tested to provide predictable performance whether loaded or empty and durable load carrying capability. For this reason, Ford Motor Company strongly recommends that you do not make modifications such as adding or removing parts (such as lift kits or stabilizer bars) or by using replacement parts not equivalent to the original factory equipment. Any modifications to a vehicle that raise the center of gravity can make it more likely the vehicle will roll over as a result of a loss of control. Ford Motor Company recommends that caution be used with any vehicle equipped with a high load or device (such as ladder racks or pickup box cover). Failure to maintain your vehicle properly may void the warranty, increase your repair cost, reduce vehicle performance and operational capabilities and adversely affect driver and passenger safety. Frequent inspection of vehicle chassis components is recommended if the vehicle is subjected to heavy off-road usage. 314 2012 F-250/350/450/550 (f23) Owners Guide, 4th Printing USA (fus) Driving VEHICLE USED AS A STATIONARY POWER SOURCE Auxiliary equipment called power take-off, or PTO, is often added to the engine or transmission to operate utility equipment. Examples include a wheel-lift for tow trucks, cranes, tools for construction or tire service, and pumping fluids. PTO applications draw auxiliary horsepower from the powertrain, often while the vehicle is stationary. In this condition, there is limited cooling air flow through the radiator and around the vehicle that normally occurs when a vehicle is moving. The aftermarket PTO system installer, having the most knowledge of the final application, is responsible for determining whether additional chassis heat protection or powertrain cooling is required, and alerting the user to the safe and proper operation. Ford Super Duty Vehicles are approved for use as a stationary (including split shaft capability) or mobile power source, within limits and operating guidelines detailed in the Ford Truck Body Builders Layout Book, found at www.fleet.ford.com/truckbbas, and through the Ford Truck Body Builders Advisory Service. DRIVING THROUGH WATER If driving through deep or standing water is unavoidable, proceed very slowly. Never drive through water that is higher than the bottom of the wheel rims (for cars) or the bottom of the hubs (for trucks). When driving through water, traction or brake capability may be limited. Also, water may enter your engine’s air intake and severely damage your engine or your vehicle may stall. Driving through deep water where the transmission vent tube is submerged may allow water into the transmission and cause internal transmission damage. Once through the water, always dry the brakes by moving your vehicle slowly while applying light pressure on the brake pedal. Wet brakes do not stop the vehicle as quickly as dry brakes. 315 2012 F-250/350/450/550 (f23)

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2012 Ford F 250 Owners Manual