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2006 Ford F250 Owner Guide 2nd Printing - Page 155

2006 Ford F250 Manual

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Tires, Wheels and Loading Special loading instructions for owners of pickup trucks and utility-type vehicles For important information regarding safe operation of this type of vehicle, see the Preparing to drive your vehicle section in the Driving chapter of this owner guide. Loaded vehicles may handle differently than unloaded vehicles. Extra precautions, such as slower speeds and increased stopping distance, should be taken when driving a heavily loaded vehicle. Your vehicle can haul more cargo and people than most passenger cars. Depending upon the type and placement of the load, hauling cargo and people may raise the center of gravity of the vehicle. TRAILER TOWING Your vehicle may tow a Conventional/Class IV trailer or fifth wheel trailer provided the maximum trailer weight is less than or equal to the maximum trailer weight listed for your engine and rear axle ratio on the following charts. To calculate your maximum trailer weight: For pickup trucks: Take curb weight, hitch hardware and the driver's weight, then subtract them from the GCWR listed for your vehicle series, engine, transmission and drive axle ratio (refer to the chart/table in the following text). This calculation will give you the maximum trailer weight possible for your vehicle. For chassis cabs and pickup trucks with aftermarket equipment: Weigh your vehicle at a certified scale and subtract this actual curb weight, hitch hardware, and the driver's weight from the GCWR listed for your vehicle series, engine, transmission and drive axle ratio (refer to the chart/table in the following text). This calculation will give you the maximum trailer weight possible for your vehicle. The weight of all additional cargo and passengers must be subtracted from the maximum trailer weight calculated above. Further trailer/hitch restrictions and limitations exist depending on the type of trailer and hitch used. These additional maximum trailer weight and tongue load limitations are listed in the chart/table that follows the listing of GCWRs. 155 2006 F-250/350/450/550 (f23) Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt) USA (fus)

Section	Page
Table of Contents	1
Introduction	4
CONGRATULATIONS	4
SAFETY AND ENVIRONMENT PROTECTION	5
Warning symbols in this guide	5
Warning symbols on your vehicle	5
Protecting the environment	5
BREAKING-IN YOUR VEHICLE	5
SPECIAL NOTICES	6
New Vehicle Limited Warranty	6
Service Data Recording	6
Event Data Recording	6
Vehicle Modification Data Recording	7
Special instructions	7
Cell phone use	7
Notice to owners of diesel-powered vehicles	8
Notice to owners of pickup trucks and utility type vehicles	8
Using your vehicle with a snowplow	8
Using your vehicle as an ambulance	8
Using your vehicle as a stationary power source (PTO)	9
Middle East/North Africa vehicle specific information	9
Instrument Cluster	12
WARNING LIGHTS AND CHIMES	12
GAUGES	15
Entertainment Systems	20
AUDIO SYSTEMS	20
AM/FM stereo system (if equipped)	20
AM/FM stereo/single CD sound system (if equipped)	22
AM/FM stereo cassette/single CD sound system (if equipped)	25
Premium in-dash six CD sound system (if equipped)	28
GENERAL AUDIO INFORMATION	31
Climate Controls	33
HEATER ONLY SYSTEM (IF EQUIPPED)	33
Operating tips	33
MANUAL HEATING AND AIR CONDITIONING SYSTEM (IF EQUIPPED)	34
Operating tips	35
AUTOMATIC TEMPERATURE CONTROL SYSTEM (IF EQUIPPED)	36
Operating tips	37
Lights	39
HEADLAMP CONTROL	39
Autolamp control (if equipped)	39
Foglamp control (if equipped)	40
Daytime running lamps (DRL) (if equipped)	40
High beams	41
Flash to pass	41
PANEL DIMMER CONTROL	41
AIMING THE HEADLAMPS	41
Vertical and horizontal aim adjustment (sealed beam headlamps)	42
Vertical aim adjustment (aerodynamic headlamps)	43
TURN SIGNAL CONTROL	44
COURTESY/READING LAMPS (IF EQUIPPED)	45
MAP LAMPS (IF EQUIPPED)	45
BULBS	45
Headlamp condensation	45
Replacing exterior bulbs	46
Replacing headlamp bulbs (aerodynamic)	47
Replacing park/turn and sidemarker lamp bulbs (aerodynamic)	48
Replacing headlamp bulbs (sealed beam)	49
Replacing park/turn/sidemarker bulbs (sealed beam)	50
Replacing tail lamp/turn/backup lamp bulbs — F–250/F–350 only	51
Replacing brake/tail/backup lamp bulbs — F–450/F–550 only	51
Replacing cargo lamp and high-mount brakelamp bulbs	52
Front clearance and identification lamp bulbs	52
Replacing foglamp bulbs (if equipped)	52
Replacing license plate lamp bulbs	53
Driver Controls	54
MULTI-FUNCTION LEVER	54
TILT STEERING WHEEL (IF EQUIPPED)	54
TRANSMISSION CONTROL	55
ILLUMINATED VISOR MIRROR (IF EQUIPPED)	55
OVERHEAD CONSOLE (IF EQUIPPED)	55
Storage compartment (if equipped)	56
AUXILIARY POWER POINT (12VDC)	56
POWER WINDOWS (IF EQUIPPED)	57
One touch down	57
Window lock (if equipped)	57
Power rear slider window (if equipped)	58
Accessory delay (if equipped)	58
AUTOMATIC DIMMING INSIDE REAR VIEW MIRROR (IF EQUIPPED)	58
POWER SIDE VIEW MIRRORS (IF EQUIPPED)	58
Heated outside mirrors (if equipped)	59
Mirror mounted side turn signal indicator (if equipped)	59
Clearance lamps (if equipped)	60
Fold-away mirrors	60
POWER ADJUSTABLE FOOT PEDALS (IF EQUIPPED)	61
SPEED CONTROL (IF EQUIPPED)	61
Setting speed control	61
Resuming a set speed	62
Increasing speed while using speed control	62
Reducing speed while using speed control	63
Turning off speed control	63
Indicator light (if equipped)	63
UPFITTER CONTROLS (IF EQUIPPED)	64
STEERING WHEEL CONTROLS (IF EQUIPPED)	66
Radio control features	66
Climate control features	66
ONE-TOUCH MOON ROOF (IF EQUIPPED)	66
CENTER CONSOLE (IF EQUIPPED)	67
MINI-MESSAGE CENTER (IF EQUIPPED)	68
MESSAGE CENTER (IF EQUIPPED)	69
Selectable features	70
Reset	70
Info menu	70
Odometer/Trip odometer	70
Compass display	70
Compass zone/calibration adjustment	71
Distance to empty (DTE)	72
Average fuel economy (AFE)	72
Engine hour meter	73
Setup menu	73
System check	73
Units (English/Metric)	74
Autolocks	74
Autolamp delay	74
Language	75
System warnings	75
TAILGATE LOCK (IF EQUIPPED)	78
Tailgate removal	79
Locks and Security	80
KEYS	80
POWER DOOR LOCKS (IF EQUIPPED)	80
Smart locks (if equipped)	80
CHILDPROOF DOOR LOCKS (IF EQUIPPED)	81
REMOTE ENTRY SYSTEM (IF EQUIPPED)	81
Unlocking the doors	82
Locking the doors	82
Power door lock disable feature (if equipped)	82
Sounding a panic alarm	83
Replacing the battery	83
Replacing lost remote entry transmitters	84
How to reprogram your remote entry transmitters	84
Illuminated entry	86
KEYLESS ENTRY SYSTEM	86
Programming a personal entry code	86
Erasing personal code	87
Anti-scan feature	87
Unlocking and locking the doors using keyless entry	87
Autolock (if equipped)	88
Relock	88
To deactivate/reactivate the autolock feature using the keypad	88
To deactivate/reactivate the autolock feature using the power door unlock control	89
Seating and Safety Restraints	90
SEATING	90
Head restraints	90
Full bench seat (if equipped)	91
Captain’s chair (if equipped)	93
Adjusting the front power seat (if equipped)	93
Using the manual lumbar support	95
Heated seats (if equipped)	95
REAR FOLDING SEAT SYSTEM WITH LOAD FLOOR (IF EQUIPPED)	96
SAFETY RESTRAINTS	97
Safety restraints precautions	97
Combination lap and shoulder belts	98
Vehicle sensitive mode	99
Automatic locking mode	99
When to use the automatic locking mode	99
How to use the automatic locking mode	100
How to disengage the automatic locking mode	100
Energy Management Feature	101
Front safety belt height adjustment	101
Lap belts	102
Adjusting the lap belt	102
Safety belt warning light and indicator chime	103
Conditions of operation	104
BeltMinder	104
One time disable	106
Deactivating/activating the BeltMinder feature	106
Safety belt extension assembly	107
Safety belt maintenance	108
AIR BAG SUPPLEMENTAL RESTRAINT SYSTEM (SRS)	108
Important SRS precautions	109
Children and airbags	110
How does the airbag supplemental restraint system work?	111
Determining if the system is operational	112
Disposal of airbags and airbag equipped vehicles	112
Passenger airbag ON/OFF switch (if equipped)	113
Turning the passenger airbag off	113
Turning the passenger airbag back on	114
NHTSA deactivation criteria (excluding Canada)	115
Transport Canada deactivation criteria (Canada Only)	116
SAFETY RESTRAINTS FOR CHILDREN	117
Important child restraint precautions	117
Children and safety belts	118
Child booster seats	118
Types of booster seats	119
SAFETY SEATS FOR CHILDREN	121
Child and infant or child safety seats	121
Installing child safety seats with combination lap and shoulder belts	122
Attaching child safety seats with tether straps	124
Tether strap attachment (rear SuperCab only)	127
Tires, Wheels and Loading	129
NOTICE TO UTILITY VEHICLE AND TRUCK OWNERS	129
VEHICLE CHARACTERISTICS	129
How your vehicle differs from other vehicles	130
INFORMATION ABOUT UNIFORM TIRE QUALITY GRADING	131
Treadwear	131
Traction AA A B C	132
Temperature A B C	132
TIRES	132
Glossary of tire terminology	132
INFLATING YOUR TIRES	133
Tire inflation information	136
TIRE CARE	137
Inspecting your tires	137
Tire wear	138
Damage	138
U.S. DOT Tire Identification Number (TIN)	138
Tire Replacement Requirements	139
Safety practices	139
Highway hazards	140
Tire and wheel alignment	140
Tire rotation	141
INFORMATION CONTAINED ON THE TIRE SIDEWALL	142
Information on “P” type tires	143
Additional information contained on the tire sidewall for “LT” type tires	146
Information on “T” type tires	147
Location of the Tire Label or Safety Compliance Certification Label	147
SNOW TIRES AND CHAINS	148
VEHICLE LOADING – WITH AND WITHOUT A TRAILER	148
Special loading instructions for owners of pickup trucks and utility-type vehicles	155
TRAILER TOWING	155
Preparing to tow	157
Hitches	157
Integrated hitch rating	157
Load equalizing hitch	158
Safety chains	158
Trailer brakes	158
Integrated trailer brake controller (if equipped)	159
Trailer lamps	162
Using a step bumper (if equipped)	162
Driving while you tow	163
Servicing after towing	163
Trailer towing safety tips	163
General	163
Loading	164
Braking	164
Backing up	165
Tires	165
Launching or retrieving a boat	165
RECREATIONAL TOWING	165
Driving	167
STARTING	167
Positions of the ignition	167
Preparing to start your vehicle	167
Important safety precautions	168
Starting the engine	171
Guarding against exhaust fumes	171
Important ventilating information	171
USING THE ENGINE BLOCK HEATER (IF EQUIPPED)	172
BRAKES	172
Four-wheel anti-lock brake system (ABS)	172
ABS warning lamp	173
Using ABS	173
Parking brake	173
STEERING	174
TRACTION-LOK AXLE (IF EQUIPPED)	175
PREPARING TO DRIVE YOUR VEHICLE	175
AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION OPERATION (IF EQUIPPED)	176
Brake-shift interlock	176
Understanding the shift positions of the 5–speed automatic transmission	177
If your vehicle gets stuck in mud or snow	179
MANUAL TRANSMISSION OPERATION (IF EQUIPPED)	180
Using the clutch	180
Recommended shift speeds	180
Reverse	181
Parking your vehicle	182
Removing the key	182
REVERSE SENSING SYSTEM (IF EQUIPPED)	182
FOUR-WHEEL DRIVE (4WD) OPERATION (IF EQUIPPED)	184
Manual Shift On Stop (MSOS) 4x4 system (if equipped)	185
Electronic Shift On the Fly (ESOF) 4x4 system (if equipped)	185
Using a Manual Shift On Stop (MSOS) 4WD system (if equipped)	186
Shifting from 2H (2WD High) to 4H (4WD High)	187
Shifting from 4H (4WD High) to 2H (2WD High)	187
Shifting from 4H (4WD High) to 4L (4WD Low)	187
Shifting from 4L (4WD Low) to 4H (4WD High) or 2H (2WD High)	188
Using the N (Neutral) position	188
Using the Electronic Shift On the Fly (ESOF) 4WD system (if equipped)	189
Positions of the electronic shift system	189
Shifting from 2WD (2WD High) to 4x4 HIGH (4WD High)	189
Shifting from 4x4 HIGH (4WD High) to 2WD (2WD High)	190
Shifting from 4x4 HIGH (4WD High) to 4x4 LOW (4WD Low)	190
Shifting from 4x4 LOW (4WD Low) to 4x4 HIGH (4WD High) or 2WD (2WD High)	190
Driving off-road with truck and utility vehicles	191
How your vehicle differs from other vehicles	191
Basic operating principles	191
If your vehicle goes off the edge of the pavement	192
If your vehicle gets stuck	192
Emergency maneuvers	193
Parking	193
Normal characteristics	194
Sand	194
Mud and water	195
Driving on hilly or sloping terrain	196
Driving on snow and ice	196
Maintenance and Modifications	197
VEHICLE USED AS A STATIONARY POWER SOURCE	198
DRIVING THROUGH WATER	198
SNOWPLOWING	199
Installing the snowplow	199
Operating the vehicle with the snowplow attached	200
Snowplowing with your airbag-equipped vehicle	200
Transmission operation while plowing	201
Removing the snowplow frame mount	201
Roadside Emergencies	202
ROADSIDE ASSISTANCE	202
Getting roadside assistance	202
Using roadside assistance	203
Roadside coverage beyond basic warranty	203
HAZARD FLASHER	204
FUEL PUMP SHUT-OFF SWITCH	204
FUSES AND RELAYS	205
Fuses	205
Standard fuse amperage rating and color	206
Passenger compartment fuse panel	206
Power distribution box	211
Relays	214
CHANGING A FLAT TIRE	214
Dissimilar spare tire/wheel information	214
Full-size Matching Spare Tire/Wheel Information	216
Location of the spare tire and tools	216
Removing the spare tire (with spare tire carrier only)	217
Tire change procedure	218
Stowing the flat/spare tire	225
WHEEL LUG NUT TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS	225
JUMP STARTING YOUR VEHICLE	226
Preparing your vehicle	227
Connecting the jumper cables	227
Jump starting	229
Removing the jumper cables	230
WRECKER TOWING	232
Customer Assistance	234
GETTING THE SERVICES YOU NEED	234
At home	234
Away from home	234
Additional Assistance	235
IN CALIFORNIA (U.S. ONLY)	236
THE BETTER BUSINESS BUREAU (BBB) AUTO LINE PROGRAM (U.S. ONLY)	237
UTILIZING THE MEDIATION/ARBITRATION PROGRAM (CANADA ONLY)	238
FORD EXTENDED SERVICE PLAN	238
GETTING ASSISTANCE OUTSIDE THE U.S. AND CANADA	239
ORDERING ADDITIONAL OWNER’S LITERATURE	240
Obtaining a French owner’s guide	240
REPORTING SAFETY DEFECTS (U.S. ONLY)	240
Cleaning	241
WASHING THE EXTERIOR	241
WAXING	241
PAINT CHIPS	242
ALUMINUM WHEELS AND WHEEL COVERS	242
ENGINE	242
PLASTIC (NON-PAINTED) EXTERIOR PARTS	244
WINDOWS AND WIPER BLADES	244
INSTRUMENT PANEL AND CLUSTER LENS	244
INTERIOR TRIM	245
INTERIOR	245
LEATHER SEATS (IF EQUIPPED, EXCEPT FOR THE KING RANCH F–250 AND F–350 CREWCAB)	245
LEATHER SEATS FOR THE KING RANCH F-250 AND F-350 CREWCAB ONLY (IF EQUIPPED)	246
UNDERBODY	247
FORD, LINCOLN AND MERCURY CAR CARE PRODUCTS	248
Maintenance and Specifications	249
SERVICE RECOMMENDATIONS	249
PRECAUTIONS WHEN SERVICING YOUR VEHICLE	249
Working with the engine off	249
Working with the engine on	250
OPENING THE HOOD	250
IDENTIFYING COMPONENTS IN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT	251
WINDSHIELD WASHER FLUID	253
CHANGING THE WIPER BLADES	254
ENGINE OIL	254
Checking the engine oil	254
Adding engine oil	256
Engine oil and filter recommendations	257
Use SAE 5W-20 engine oil.	257
BATTERY	258
ENGINE COOLANT	260
Checking engine coolant	260
Adding engine coolant	262
Recycled engine coolant	264
Coolant refill capacity	264
Severe climates	264
What you should know about fail-safe cooling (if equipped)	265
How fail-safe cooling works	265
When fail-safe mode is activated	266
FUEL FILTER	266
WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW ABOUT AUTOMOTIVE FUELS	266
Important safety precautions	266
Refueling	268
Fuel filler cap	269
Choosing the right fuel	270
Octane recommendations	270
Fuel quality	270
Cleaner air	271
Running out of fuel	271
ESSENTIALS OF GOOD FUEL ECONOMY	271
Measuring techniques	271
Filling the tank	271
Calculating fuel economy	272
Driving style — good driving and fuel economy habits	273
Habits	273
Maintenance	273
Conditions	274
EPA window sticker	274
EMISSION CONTROL SYSTEM	275
On board diagnostics (OBD-II)	276
Readiness for Inspection/Maintenance (I/M) testing	276
POWER STEERING FLUID	277
BRAKE FLUID	278
CLUTCH FLUID (IF EQUIPPED)	278
TRANSMISSION FLUID	279
Checking automatic transmission fluid (if equipped)	279
Low fluid level	280
Correct fluid level	280
High fluid level	280
Adjusting automatic transmission fluid levels	280
Automatic transmission fluid filter (if equipped)	281
Checking and adding manual transmission fluid (if equipped)	282
CHECKING AND ADDING TRANSFER CASE FLUID (IF EQUIPPED)	283
DRIVELINE UNIVERSAL JOINT AND SLIP YOKE	283
AIR FILTER MAINTENANCE	283
Changing the air filter element	284
MOTORCRAFT PART NUMBERS	286
REFILL CAPACITIES	287
LUBRICANT SPECIFICATIONS	290
ENGINE DATA	293
VEHICLE DIMENSIONS	293
F–250 Regular Cab and SuperCab	293
F–250 Crew Cab	294
F–350 (except Crew Cab)	295
F–350 Crew Cab	296
F–450	297
F–550	298
IDENTIFYING YOUR VEHICLE	300
Safety Compliance Certification Label	300
Vehicle identification number (VIN)	300
TRANSMISSION/TRANSAXLE CODE DESIGNATIONS	301
Accessories	302
GENUINE FORD ACCESSORIES FOR YOUR VEHICLE	302
Exterior style	302
Interior style	303
Lifestyle	303
Peace of mind	303

Match case Limit results 1 per page

Special loading instructions for owners of pickup trucks and

utility-type vehicles

For important information regarding safe operation of this type

of vehicle, see the

Preparing to drive your vehicle

section in

the

Driving

chapter of this owner guide.

Loaded vehicles may handle differently than unloaded vehicles.

Extra precautions, such as slower speeds and increased stopping

distance, should be taken when driving a heavily loaded vehicle.

Your vehicle can haul more cargo and people than most passenger cars.

Depending upon the type and placement of the load, hauling cargo and

people may raise the center of gravity of the vehicle.

TRAILER TOWING

Your vehicle may tow a Conventional/Class IV trailer or fifth wheel trailer

provided the maximum trailer weight is less than or equal to the

maximum trailer weight listed for your engine and rear axle ratio on the

following charts.

To calculate your maximum trailer weight:

For pickup trucks:

Take curb weight, hitch hardware and the driver’s

weight, then subtract them from the GCWR listed for your vehicle series,

engine, transmission and drive axle ratio

(refer to the chart/table in the

following text)

. This calculation will give you the maximum trailer

weight possible for your vehicle.

For chassis cabs and pickup trucks with aftermarket equipment:

Weigh your vehicle at a certified scale and subtract this actual curb

weight, hitch hardware, and the driver’s weight from the GCWR listed for

your vehicle series, engine, transmission and drive axle ratio

(refer to

the chart/table in the following text)

. This calculation will give you the

maximum trailer weight possible for your vehicle.

The weight of all additional cargo and passengers must be subtracted

from the maximum trailer weight calculated above.

Further trailer/hitch restrictions and limitations exist depending on the

type of trailer and hitch used. These additional maximum trailer weight

and tongue load limitations are listed in the chart/table that follows the

listing of GCWRs.

2006 F-250/350/450/550

(f23)

Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)

USA

(fus)

Tires, Wheels and Loading

155