2012 Ford F350 Super Duty Owner Guide 4th Printing - Page 294

Driving Recommended shift speeds Upshift according to the following chart: Upshifts when accelerating (recommended for best fuel economy) Shift from: Gasoline engines Diesel engines 1-2 15 mph (24 km/h) 12 mph (19 km/h) 2-3 25 mph (40 km/h) 19 mph (31 km/h) 3-4 40 mph (64 km/h) 26 mph (42 km/h) 4-5 45 mph (72 km/h) 34 mph (55 km/h) 5-6 50 mph (80 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)