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2008 Ford F250 Owner Guide 4th Printing - Page 240

2008 Ford F250 Manual

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Tires, Wheels and Loading passengers - that the vehicle can handle without risking damage. (Important: The towing vehicles' braking system is rated for operation at GVWR, not at GCWR. Separate functional brakes should be used for safe control of towed vehicles and for trailers where the GCW of the towing vehicle plus the trailer exceed the GVWR of the towing vehicle. The GCW must never exceed the GCWR. Maximum Loaded Trailer Weight - is the highest possible weight of a fully loaded trailer the vehicle can tow. It assumes a vehicle with only mandatory options, no cargo (internal or external), a tongue load of 10-15% (conventional trailer) or king pin weight of 15-25% (fifth wheel trailer), and driver only (150 lb. [68 kg]). Consult your authorized dealer (or the RV and Trailer Towing Guide provided by your authorized dealer) for more detailed information. Tongue Load or Fifth Wheel King Pin Weight - refers to the amount of the weight that a trailer pushes down on a trailer hitch. Examples: For a 5,000 lb. (2,268 kg) conventional trailer, multiply 5,000 by 0.10 and 0.15 to obtain a proper tongue load range of 500 to 750 lb. (227 to 340 kg). For an 11,500 lb. (5,216 kg) fifth wheel trailer, multiply by 0.15 and 0.25 to obtain a proper king pin load range of 1,725 to 2,875 lb. (782 to 1,304 kg) Do not exceed the GVWR or the GAWR specified on the Safety Compliance Certification Label. Do not use replacement tires with lower load carrying capacities than the originals because they may lower the vehicle's GVWR and GAWR limitations. Replacement tires with a higher limit than the originals do not increase the GVWR and GAWR limitations. Exceeding any vehicle weight rating limitation could result in serious damage to the vehicle and/or personal injury. Steps for determining the correct load limit: 1. Locate the statement "The combined weight of occupants and cargo should never exceed XXX kg or XXX lbs." on your vehicle's placard. 2. Determine the combined weight of the driver and passengers that will be riding in your vehicle. 3. Subtract the combined weight of the driver and passengers from XXX kg or XXX lbs. 240 2008 F-250/350/450/550 (f23) Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt) USA (fus)

Section	Page
Table of Contents	1
Introduction	4
PERCHLORATE MATERIAL	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
Export unique (non–United States/Canada) vehicle specific information	9
Instrument Cluster	12
WARNING LIGHTS AND CHIMES	12
GAUGES	19
Entertainment Systems	23
AUDIO SYSTEMS	23
AM/FM stereo system (if equipped)	23
AM/FM stereo single CD/satellite compatible sound system (if equipped)	25
Premium/Audiophile in-dash six CD/MP3/satellite compatible sound system (if equipped)	32
Auxiliary input jack (if equipped)	40
GENERAL AUDIO INFORMATION	41
Satellite radio information (if equipped)	44
NAVIGATION SYSTEM (IF EQUIPPED)	47
FAMILY ENTERTAINMENT DVD SYSTEM (IF EQUIPPED)	48
Quick start	48
To play a DVD in the DVD system:	48
To play a CD in the DVD system:	49
To play an MP3 disc in the DVD system:	49
To play an auxiliary source through the DVD system	50
To listen to audio over the headphones (Dual play mode):	51
Using the infrared (IR) wireless headphones:	51
Using wired headphones (not included):	51
To adjust display brightness:	52
DVD player controls	52
Remote control	55
Battery replacement	57
Headphones	58
Wireless headphones	58
Wired headphones	61
Operation	61
Single play/Dual play	61
Operation with an aftermarket audio system (Headphone only mode)	63
Menu mode	63
Angle mode	63
Aspect ratio	64
Language	64
Subtitles	65
Audio CDs	65
Playing MP3 discs	66
MP3 disc quality factors	66
CD, MP3 and CD player care	67
Playing a DVD	68
Slow play	68
Frame by frame	69
Headphone/auxiliary jacks	69
Audio displays	70
Audio interaction	70
Parental control for the DVD system	70
General information	71
Safety information	72
Federal Communication Commission (FCC) Compliance	73
Care and service of the DVD player	73
Environmental extremes	73
Temperature extremes	74
Humidity and moisture condensation	74
Foreign substances	74
Cleaning the liquid crystal display (LCD) flip-down screen	74
Cleaning DVD and CD discs	74
Compatibility with aftermarket audio systems (headphone only mode)	74
Climate Controls	76
HEATER ONLY SYSTEM (IF EQUIPPED)	76
Operating tips	76
MANUAL HEATING AND AIR CONDITIONING SYSTEMS (IF EQUIPPED)	77
Operating tips	79
DUAL AUTOMATIC TEMPERATURE CONTROL (DATC) SYSTEMS (IF EQUIPPED)	80
Operating tips	83
Lights	85
HEADLAMP CONTROL	85
Autolamp control (if equipped)	85
Foglamp control (if equipped)	85
Daytime running lamps (DRL) (if equipped)	86
High beams	86
Flash-to-pass	86
PANEL DIMMER CONTROL	87
AIMING THE HEADLAMPS	87
Vertical and horizontal aim adjustment (sealed beam headlamps)	87
Vertical aim adjustment (aerodynamic headlamps)	89
TURN SIGNAL CONTROL	90
MAP LAMPS (IF EQUIPPED)	91
BULBS	91
Headlamp condensation	91
Using the right bulbs	91
Replacing exterior bulbs	91
Replacing headlamp bulbs (aerodynamic)	92
Replacing park/turn and sidemarker lamp bulbs (aerodynamic)	93
Replacing headlamp bulbs (sealed beam)	94
Replacing park/turn/sidemarker bulbs (sealed beam)	94
Replacing brake/tail/turn/back-up lamp bulbs - Pick-ups only	95
Replacing brake/tail/turn/back-up lamp bulbs - Chassis cabs only; if equipped	96
Replacing cargo lamp and high-mount brakelamp bulbs	96
Front clearance and identification lamp bulbs	97
Replacing foglamp bulbs (if equipped)	97
Replacing license plate lamp bulbs	97
Driver Controls	98
MULTI-FUNCTION LEVER	98
TILT STEERING WHEEL (IF EQUIPPED)	99
TRANSMISSION CONTROL	99
ILLUMINATED VISOR MIRROR (IF EQUIPPED)	100
OVERHEAD CONSOLE (IF EQUIPPED)	100
Storage compartment (if equipped)	100
AUXILIARY POWER POINT (12VDC)	100
POWER WINDOWS	102
One touch down	102
Power rear slider window (if equipped)	102
Window lock (if equipped)	103
Accessory delay (if equipped)	103
INTERIOR MIRRORS	103
Automatic dimming inside rear view mirror (if equipped)	104
POWER SIDE VIEW MIRRORS (IF EQUIPPED)	104
Heated outside mirrors (if equipped)	105
Fold-away mirrors	105
Powerfold mirrors	105
Telescoping mirrors (if equipped)	107
Memory mirrors (if equipped)	107
Mirror mounted side turn signal indicator (if equipped)	108
Clearance lamps (if equipped)	108
POWER ADJUSTABLE FOOT PEDALS (IF EQUIPPED)	108
SPEED CONTROL (IF EQUIPPED)	109
Setting speed control	109
Resuming a set speed	110
Increasing speed while using speed control	110
Reducing speed while using speed control	111
Turning off speed control	111
STEERING WHEEL CONTROLS (IF EQUIPPED)	112
Audio control features	112
Climate control features (if equipped)	113
UPFITTER CONTROLS (IF EQUIPPED)	114
ONE-TOUCH MOON ROOF (IF EQUIPPED)	115
HOMELINK WIRELESS CONTROL SYSTEM (IF EQUIPPED)	116
Programming	117
Gate Operator & Canadian Programming	118
Operating the HomeLink Wireless Control System	119
Erasing HomeLink buttons	119
Reprogramming a single HomeLink button	119
CENTER CONSOLE (IF EQUIPPED)	120
STANDARD MESSAGE CENTER (IF EQUIPPED)	120
Selectable features	121
Info menu	121
Odometer/Trip odometer	121
Distance to empty (DTE)	121
Average fuel economy (AFE)	122
Setup menu	122
Units (English/Metric)	123
Language	123
System check	123
System warnings	124
OPTIONAL MESSAGE CENTER (IF EQUIPPED)	129
Selectable features	129
Reset	129
Info menu	130
Odometer/Trip odometer	130
Distance to empty (DTE)	130
Average fuel economy (AFE)	130
Drive timer (Elapsed travel timer)	131
Setup menu	131
System check	132
Units (English/Metric)	132
Autolamp timer presets	133
Autolocks	133
Compass display (if equipped)	133
Compass zone/calibration adjustment	134
Language	135
System warnings	135
TAILGATE LOCK (IF EQUIPPED)	140
Tailgate removal	140
Tailgate step (if equipped)	141
Bed extender (if equipped)	142
Locks and Security	146
KEYS	146
POWER DOOR LOCKS (IF EQUIPPED)	146
Smart locks (if equipped)	146
Autolock feature (if equipped)	147
Deactivating/activating autolock feature	147
Power door lock switch autolock enable/disable procedure	147
Keyless entry key pad autolock enable/disable procedure	148
Autounlock feature (if equipped)	148
Deactivating/activating autounlock feature	149
Power door lock switch autounlock enable/disable procedure	149
Keyless entry key pad autounlock enable/disable procedure	150
CHILDPROOF DOOR LOCKS (IF EQUIPPED)	150
REMOTE ENTRY SYSTEM (IF EQUIPPED)	151
Two step door unlocking	151
One step door unlocking	152
Switching from two step to one step door unlocking	152
Locking the doors	152
Car finder	152
Sounding a panic alarm	152
Memory seats/adjustable pedals/mirrors (if equipped)	152
Activating the memory seat feature	153
Deactivating the memory seat feature	153
Replacing the battery	153
Replacing lost remote entry transmitters	154
How to program your remote entry transmitters	154
Perimeter lamps illuminated entry	155
Deactivating/activating perimeter lamps illuminated entry	156
Illuminated entry	156
KEYLESS ENTRY SYSTEM (IF EQUIPPED)	157
Programming a personal entry code and keypad association to memory seats, mirrors and pedals	157
Erasing personal code	158
Anti-scan feature	158
Unlocking and locking the doors using keyless entry	158
SECURILOCK™ PASSIVE ANTI-THEFT SYSTEM (IF EQUIPPED)	159
Anti-theft indicator	159
Automatic arming	160
Automatic disarming	160
Replacement keys	160
Programming spare keys	160
Seating and Safety Restraints	162
SEATING	162
Adjustable head restraints (if equipped)	162
Full bench seat (if equipped)	163
Captain’s chair (if equipped)	165
Adjusting the front power seat (if equipped)	165
Using the manual lumbar support	167
Heated seats (if equipped)	167
Memory seats/power mirrors/adjustable pedals (if equipped)	168
REAR FOLDING SEAT SYSTEM WITH LOAD FLOOR (IF EQUIPPED)	168
SAFETY RESTRAINTS	170
Safety restraints precautions	170
Combination lap and shoulder belts	172
Vehicle sensitive mode	172
Belt sensitive mode	172
Automatic locking mode	172
When to use the automatic locking mode	172
How to use the automatic locking mode	173
How to disengage the automatic locking mode	173
Energy management feature	174
Safety belt pretensioner	174
Front safety belt height adjustment	174
Center lap and shoulder belt (Regular Cab center seating position/SuperCab and Crew Cab rear center seating positions)	175
Safety belt with cinch tongue (Regular Cab center seating positions and SuperCab/Crew Cab rear center seating positions)	176
How to fasten the cinch tongue (Regular Cab center seating positions and SuperCab/Crew Cab rear center seating positions)	177
Lap belts	178
Adjusting the lap belt	178
Safety belt warning light and indicator chime	178
Conditions of operation	179
Belt-Minder	179
One-time disable	181
Deactivating/activating the Belt-Minder feature (Driver only)	181
Safety belt extension assembly	183
Safety belt maintenance	183
AIRBAG SUPPLEMENTAL RESTRAINT SYSTEM (SRS)	184
Important SRS precautions	184
Children and airbags	185
How does the airbag supplemental restraint system work?	186
Determining if the system is operational	187
Disposal of airbags and airbag equipped vehicles	188
Passenger airbag ON/OFF switch (if equipped)	188
Turning the passenger airbag off	188
Turning the passenger airbag back on	189
NHTSA deactivation criteria (excluding Canada)	190
Transport Canada deactivation criteria (Canada Only)	191
SAFETY RESTRAINTS FOR CHILDREN	192
Important child restraint precautions	192
Children and safety belts	193
Child booster seats	193
Types of booster seats	194
SAFETY SEATS FOR CHILDREN	196
Child and infant or child safety seats	196
Installing child safety seats with combination lap and shoulder belts	197
Attaching child safety seats with tether straps	200
Tether strap attachment (rear SuperCab only)	202
Tires, Wheels and Loading	204
NOTICE TO UTILITY VEHICLE AND TRUCK OWNERS	204
VEHICLE CHARACTERISTICS	204
How your vehicle differs from other vehicles	205
INFORMATION ABOUT UNIFORM TIRE QUALITY GRADING	206
Treadwear	207
Traction AA A B C	207
Temperature A B C	207
TIRES	208
Glossary of tire terminology	208
INFLATING YOUR TIRES	209
Tire inflation information	211
TIRE CARE	212
Inspecting your tires	212
Tire wear	213
Damage	213
U.S. DOT Tire Identification Number (TIN)	214
Tire replacement requirements	214
Safety practices	215
Highway hazards	216
Tire and wheel alignment	216
Tire rotation	217
INFORMATION CONTAINED ON THE TIRE SIDEWALL	219
Information on “P” type tires	219
Additional information contained on the tire sidewall for “LT” type tires	222
Information on “T” type tires	223
Location of the Tire Label or Safety Compliance Certification Label	223
TIRE PRESSURE MONITORING SYSTEM (TPMS) (IF EQUIPPED)	224
Understanding your Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)	226
When your temporary spare tire is installed	226
When you believe your system is not operating properly	227
When inflating your tires	228
How temperature affects your tire pressure	228
TPMS reset procedure (if applicable)	229
Overview	229
TPMS reset sequence	231
Rotation, pressure adjustment and TPMS reset example	233
SNOW TIRES AND CHAINS	235
VEHICLE LOADING – WITH AND WITHOUT A TRAILER	236
Special loading instructions for owners of pickup trucks and utility-type vehicles	242
TRAILER TOWING	242
Preparing to tow	244
Hitches	244
Integrated hitch rating	245
Weight distributing hitch	245
Safety chains	246
Trailer brakes	246
Integrated trailer brake controller (if equipped)	246
Trailer lamps	250
Using a step bumper (if equipped)	250
Driving while you tow	251
Servicing after towing	251
Trailer towing safety tips	251
General	251
Loading	252
Braking	252
Backing up	253
Tires	253
Launching or retrieving a boat	253
RECREATIONAL TOWING	253
Driving	255
STARTING	255
Positions of the ignition	255
Preparing to start your vehicle	255
Important safety precautions	256
Starting the engine	257
Guarding against exhaust fumes	258
Important ventilating information	258
ENGINE BLOCK HEATER	258
BRAKES	260
Four-wheel anti-lock brake system (ABS)	260
ABS warning lamp	261
Using ABS	261
Parking brake	261
TRACTION CONTROL™ (IF EQUIPPED)	262
STEERING	263
TRACTION-LOK AXLE (IF EQUIPPED)	264
PREPARING TO DRIVE YOUR VEHICLE	264
AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION OPERATION (IF EQUIPPED)	265
Brake-shift interlock	265
Understanding the shift positions of the 5–speed automatic transmission	267
If your vehicle gets stuck in mud or snow	269
MANUAL TRANSMISSION OPERATION (IF EQUIPPED)	269
Using the clutch	269
Recommended shift speeds	270
Reverse	271
Parking your vehicle	271
REVERSE SENSING SYSTEM (IF EQUIPPED)	272
REVERSE CAMERA SYSTEM (IF EQUIPPED)	274
FOUR-WHEEL DRIVE (4WD) OPERATION (IF EQUIPPED)	276
Manual Shift On Stop (MSOS) 4x4 system (if equipped)	277
Electronic Shift On the Fly (ESOF) 4x4 system (if equipped)	277
Using a Manual Shift On Stop (MSOS) 4x4 system (if equipped)	278
Shifting from 2H (2WD) to 4H (4x4 High)	279
Shifting from 4H (4x4 High) to 2H (2WD)	279
Shifting from 4H (4x4 High) to 4L (4x4 Low)	280
Shifting from 4L (4x4 Low) to 4H (4x4 High) or 2H (2WD)	280
Using the N (Neutral) position	280
Using the Electronic Shift On the Fly (ESOF) 4x4 system (if equipped)	281
Positions of the electronic shift system	281
Shifting from 2WD to 4x4 HIGH	281
Shifting from 4x4 HIGH to 2WD	282
Shifting from 4x4 HIGH to 4x4 LOW	282
Shifting from 4x4 LOW to 4x4 HIGH or 2WD	282
Driving off-road with truck and utility vehicles	283
How your vehicle differs from other vehicles	283
Basic operating principles	284
If your vehicle goes off the edge of the pavement	284
If your vehicle gets stuck	284
Emergency maneuvers	285
Parking	285
Normal characteristics	286
Sand	286
Mud and water	287
Driving on hilly or sloping terrain	288
Driving on snow and ice	288
Maintenance and Modifications	289
VEHICLE USED AS A STATIONARY POWER SOURCE	290
DRIVING THROUGH WATER	290
SNOWPLOWING	291
Installing the snowplow	291
Operating the vehicle with the snowplow attached	292
Snowplowing with your airbag-equipped vehicle	292
Transmission operation while plowing	293
Roadside Emergencies	294
ROADSIDE ASSISTANCE	294
Getting roadside assistance	294
Using roadside assistance	295
Roadside coverage beyond basic warranty	295
HAZARD FLASHER	296
FUEL PUMP SHUT-OFF SWITCH	296
FUSES AND RELAYS	297
Fuses	297
Standard fuse amperage rating and color	298
Passenger compartment fuse panel	298
Power distribution box	303
CHANGING A FLAT TIRE	307
Stopping and securing the vehicle	310
Location of the spare tire and tools	311
Removing the spare tire (with spare tire carrier only)	311
Tire change procedure	312
Stowing the flat/spare tire	320
WHEEL LUG NUT TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS	321
JUMP STARTING YOUR VEHICLE	322
Preparing your vehicle	322
Connecting the jumper cables	323
Jump starting	325
Removing the jumper cables	325
WRECKER TOWING	327
Emergency Towing	328
Customer Assistance	329
GETTING THE SERVICES YOU NEED	329
At home	329
Away from home	329
Additional Assistance	330
IN CALIFORNIA (U.S. ONLY)	331
THE BETTER BUSINESS BUREAU (BBB) AUTO LINE PROGRAM (U.S. ONLY)	332
UTILIZING THE MEDIATION/ARBITRATION PROGRAM (CANADA ONLY)	333
FORD EXTENDED SERVICE PLAN	333
GETTING ASSISTANCE OUTSIDE THE U.S. AND CANADA	334
ORDERING ADDITIONAL OWNER’S LITERATURE	335
Obtaining a French owner’s guide	335
REPORTING SAFETY DEFECTS (U.S. ONLY)	335
REPORTING SAFETY DEFECTS (CANADA ONLY)	336
Cleaning	337
WASHING THE EXTERIOR	337
WAXING	337
PAINT CHIPS	338
ALUMINUM WHEELS AND WHEEL COVERS	338
ENGINE	338
PLASTIC (NON-PAINTED) EXTERIOR PARTS	340
WINDOWS AND WIPER BLADES	340
INSTRUMENT PANEL/INTERIOR TRIM AND CLUSTER LENS (EXCEPT HARLEY-DAVIDSON)	340
INSTRUMENT PANEL AND CONSOLE (HARLEY-DAVIDSON ONLY)	341
INTERIOR	342
LEATHER SEATS (IF EQUIPPED, EXCEPT FOR THE KING RANCH F–250 AND F–350 CREW CAB)	343
LEATHER SEATS FOR THE KING RANCH F-250 AND F-350 CREW CAB ONLY (IF EQUIPPED)	343
UNDERBODY	344
FORD, LINCOLN AND MERCURY CAR CARE PRODUCTS	345
Maintenance and Specifications	346
SERVICE RECOMMENDATIONS	346
PRECAUTIONS WHEN SERVICING YOUR VEHICLE	346
Working with the engine off	346
Working with the engine on	346
OPENING THE HOOD	347
IDENTIFYING COMPONENTS IN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT	348
WINDSHIELD WASHER FLUID	350
CHANGING THE WIPER BLADES	350
ENGINE OIL	351
Checking the engine oil	351
Adding engine oil	352
Engine oil and filter recommendations	353
Use SAE 5W-20 engine oil	353
BATTERY	354
ENGINE COOLANT	356
Checking engine coolant	356
Adding engine coolant	357
Recycled engine coolant	359
Coolant refill capacity	359
Severe climates	360
What you should know about fail-safe cooling (if equipped)	360
How fail-safe cooling works	361
When fail-safe mode is activated	361
FUEL FILTER	362
WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW ABOUT AUTOMOTIVE FUELS	362
Important safety precautions	362
Refueling	364
Fuel filler cap	364
Choosing the right fuel	365
Octane recommendations	366
Fuel quality	366
Cleaner air	366
Running out of fuel	366
ESSENTIALS OF GOOD FUEL ECONOMY	367
Measuring techniques	367
Filling the tank	367
Calculating fuel economy	368

Match case Limit results 1 per page

passengers – that the vehicle can handle without risking damage.

(Important: The towing vehicles’ braking system is rated for operation at

GVWR, not at GCWR. Separate functional brakes should be used for safe

control of towed vehicles and for trailers where the GCW of the towing

vehicle plus the trailer exceed the GVWR of the towing vehicle.

The

GCW must never exceed the GCWR.

Maximum Loaded Trailer Weight

– is the highest possible weight of a

fully loaded trailer the vehicle can tow. It assumes a vehicle with only

mandatory options, no cargo (internal or external), a tongue load of

10–15% (conventional trailer) or king pin weight of 15–25% (fifth wheel

trailer), and driver only (150 lb. [68 kg]).

Consult your authorized

dealer (or the

RV and Trailer Towing Guide

provided by your

authorized dealer) for more detailed information.

Tongue Load or Fifth Wheel King Pin Weight

– refers to the amount

of the weight that a trailer pushes down on a trailer hitch.

Examples:

For a 5,000 lb. (2,268 kg) conventional trailer, multiply 5,000

by 0.10 and 0.15 to obtain a proper tongue load range of 500 to 750 lb.

(227 to 340 kg). For an 11,500 lb. (5,216 kg) fifth wheel trailer, multiply

by 0.15 and 0.25 to obtain a proper king pin load range of 1,725 to

2,875 lb. (782 to 1,304 kg)

Do not exceed the GVWR or the GAWR specified on the Safety

Compliance Certification Label.

Do not use replacement tires with lower load carrying capacities

than the originals because they may lower the vehicle’s GVWR

and GAWR limitations. Replacement tires with a higher limit than the

originals do not increase the GVWR and GAWR limitations.

Exceeding any vehicle weight rating limitation could result in

serious damage to the vehicle and/or personal injury.

Steps for determining the correct load limit:

1. Locate the statement “The combined weight of occupants and cargo

should never exceed XXX kg or XXX lbs.” on your vehicle’s placard.

2. Determine the combined weight of the driver and passengers that will

be riding in your vehicle.

3. Subtract the combined weight of the driver and passengers from XXX

kg or XXX lbs.

2008 F-250/350/450/550

(f23)

Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)

USA

(fus)

Tires, Wheels and Loading

240