Introduction 4
Instrument Cluster 12
Warning and control lights 12
Gauges 16
Entertainment Systems 20
AM/FM stereo 20
AM/FM stereo cassette 22
AM/FM stereo with CD 25
AM/FM stereo cassette with CD 28
AM/FM stereo with in-dash six CD 32
Climate Controls 38
Heater only 38
Manual heating and air conditioning 39
Lights 41
Headlamps 41
Turn signal control 44
Bulb replacement 45
Driver Controls 52
Windshield wiper/washer control 52
Steering wheel adjustment 53
Moon roof 55
Power windows 57
Mirrors 59
Speed control 61
Message center 70
Table of Contents
1
2004 F250/350/450/550(f23)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA English(fus)
Table of Contents
WARNING LIGHTS AND CHIMES
Standard instrument cluster
Harley—Davidson instrument cluster
Warning lights and gauges can alert you to a vehicle condition that may
become serious enough to cause expensive repairs. A warning light may
illuminate when a problem exists with one of your vehicle’s functions.
Many lights will illuminate when you start your vehicle to make sure the
bulb works. If any light remains on after starting the vehicle, have the
respective system inspected immediately.
Service engine soon:TheService
engine soonindicator light
illuminates when the ignition is first
turned to the ON position to check
the bulb. Solid illumination after the engine is started indicates the On
Board Diagnostics System (OBD-II) has detected a malfunction. Refer to
On board diagnostics (OBD-II)in theMaintenance and Specifications
chapter. If the light is blinking, engine misfire is occurring which could
C
D
H
L
H
E
F
CH
BRAKEPRND2
SELECT
RESET
CHECK
GAGE THEFT
TRANS
TEMP
4x4
LOW
RANGERPMX1000
MPHkm/h0
20406080
00
20
40
60
2004 F250/350/450/550(f23)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA English(fus)
Instrument Cluster
Instrument Cluster
12
Yellow area(warning)—the
transmission fluid is higher than
normal operating temperature. This
can be caused by special operation
conditions (i.e. snowplowing, towing
or off road use). Refer toSpecial
Operating Conditionsin the
Scheduled Maintenance Guidefor
instructions. Operating the
transmission for extended periods of
time with the gauge in the yellow
area may cause internal transmission damage.
Altering the severity of the driving conditions is recommended to lower
the transmission temperature into the normal range.
Red area(over temperature)—
the transmission fluid is overheating.
Stop the vehicle to allow the
temperature to return to normal
range.
If the gauge is operating in the Yellow or Red area, stop the vehicle and
verify the airflow is not restricted such as snow or debris blocking airflow
through the grill. If the gauge continues to show high temperatures, see
your Ford dealer.
2004 F250/350/450/550(f23)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA English(fus)
Instrument Cluster
19
Do not place objects on top of the instrument panel as these
objects may become projectiles in a collision or sudden stop.
MANUAL HEATING AND AIR CONDITIONING SYSTEM
(IF EQUIPPED)
1.Fan speed adjustment:Controls
the volume of air circulated in the
vehicle.
2.Temperature selection:
Controls the temperature of the
airflow in the vehicle.
3.Air flow selections:Controls the direction of the airflow in the
vehicle. See the following for a brief description on each control.
MAX A/C:Uses recirculated air to cool the vehicle. Air flows from the
instrument panel vents only.
A/C:Uses outside air to cool the vehicle. Air flows from the instrument
panel vents only.
:Distributes outside air through the instrument panel vents.
OFF:Outside air is shut out and the fan will not operate.
:Distributes outside air through the instrument panel vents and the
floor vents.
:Distributes outside air through the floor vents.
:Distributes outside air through the windshield defroster vents and
floor vents.
:Distributes outside air through the windshield defroster vents.
Operating tips
•To reduce fog build up on the windshield during humid weather, place
the air flow selector in the
position.
•To reduce humidity build up inside the vehicle, do not drive with the
air flow selector in the OFF or with recirculated air engaged.
•Do not put objects under the front seats that will interfere with the
airflow to the rear seats.
•Remove any snow, ice or leaves from the air intake area at the base of
the windshield.
2004 F250/350/450/550(f23)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA English(fus)
Climate Controls
39
To reset the average fuel economy:
1. Press the MODE control repeatedly until average fuel economy is
displayed (this is the only resettable display).
2. Press the E/M and MODE
controls simultaneously. The display
will illuminate the“AV G”indicator.
While the indicator is lit, release
both controls to reset the average
fuel economy.
Fuel range.This function estimates approximately how far you can
drive with the fuel remaining in your tank under normal driving
conditions. Remember to turn the ignition OFF when refueling to allow
this feature to correctly detect the added fuel.
The DTE function will flash for 5 seconds when you have approximately:
•50 miles (80 km) left before you run out of fuel
•25 miles (40 km )
•10 miles (16 km)
DTE is calculated using a running average fuel economy, which is based
on your recent driving history of 500 miles (800 km). This value is not
the same as the average fuel economy display. The running average fuel
economy is reinitialized to a factory default value if the battery is
disconnected.
Outside air temperature
The temperature can be displayed in
Centigrade or Fahrenheit by
pressing the E/M control.
If the outside temperature falls
below 38°F(3°C), the display will
alternate from“ICE”to the outside
temperature at a two second rate
for one minute.
Off.In this mode the display is off.
Compass
The compass display is contained in the overhead console. The vehicle
heading is displayed as one of N, NE, E, SE, S, SW, W and NW.
2004 F250/350/450/550(f23)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA English(fus)
Driver Controls
71
The compass heading is displayed in average fuel economy modes, fuel
range modes and temperature modes.
The compass reading may be affected when you drive near large
buildings, bridges, power lines and powerful broadcast antennas.
Magnetic or metallic objects placed in or on the vehicle may also affect
compass accuracy. Adjustments may need to be made to the zone and
calibration of the compass.
Compass zone adjustment
1. Determine which magnetic zone
you are in for your geographic
location by referring to the zone
map.
2. Locate the trip computer on the
overhead console.
3. Turn ignition to the ON position.
4. Press and hold both trip
computer controls. After
approximately four seconds, the trip
computer will enter zone setting
mode. Zone setting mode is
indicated when the display lights the
“ZONE”indicator.
5. Release both controls.
Subsequent pressing of either control will increment the zone. Press the
control repeatedly until the correct zone setting for your geographic
location is displayed on the trip computer.
6. To exit the zone setting mode and save the displayed zone in memory,
release both controls for greater than five seconds.
Compass calibration adjustment
Perform this adjustment in an open area free from steel structures and
high voltage lines.
For optimum calibration, turn off all electrical accessories (heater/air
conditioning, wipers, etc.) and make sure all vehicle doors are shut.
1. Locate the trip computer located in the overhead console.
1 2 3
4
5
6 7 8 9 101112 13 14 15
2004 F250/350/450/550(f23)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA English(fus)
Driver Controls
72
Do not use extensions to change the fit of the shoulder belt
across the torso.
Safety belt maintenance
Inspect the safety belt systems periodically to make sure they work
properly and are not damaged. Inspect the safety belts to make sure
there are no nicks, tears or cuts. Replace if necessary. All safety belt
assemblies, including retractors, buckles, front seat belt buckle
assemblies, buckle support assemblies (slide bar-if equipped), shoulder
belt height adjusters (if equipped), shoulder belt guide on seatback (if
equipped), child safety seat LATCH and tether anchors, and attaching
hardware, should be inspected after a collision. Ford Motor Company
recommends that all safety belt assemblies in use in vehicles involved in
a collision be replaced. However, if the collision was minor and a
qualified technician finds that the belts do not show damage and
continue to operate properly, they do not need to be replaced. Safety
belt assemblies not in use during a collision should also be inspected and
replaced if either damage or improper operation is noted.
Failure to inspect and if necessary replace the safety belt
assembly under the above conditions could result in severe
personal injuries in the event of a collision.
Refer toInteriorin theCleaningchapter.
AIR BAG SUPPLEMENTAL RESTRAINT SYSTEM (SRS)
2004 F250/350/450/550(f23)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA English(fus)
Seating and Safety Restraints
105
If the air bag has deployed,the air bag will not function
again and must be replaced immediately.If the air bag is not
replaced, the unrepaired area will increase the risk of injury in a
collision.
The SRS consists of:
•driver and passenger air bag modules (which include the inflators and
air bags),
•one or more impact and safing sensors,
•a readiness light and tone
•and the electrical wiring which connects the components.
The diagnostic module monitors its own internal circuits and the
supplemental air bag electrical system wiring (including the impact
sensors), the system wiring, the air bag system readiness light, the air
bag back up power and the air bag ignitors.
Determining if the system is operational
The SRS uses a readiness light in the instrument cluster or a tone to
indicate the condition of the system. Refer toAir bag readinesssection
in theInstrument Clusterchapter. Routine maintenance of the air bag is
not required.
A difficulty with the system is indicated by one or more of the following:
•The readiness light will either
flash or stay lit.
•The readiness light will not
illuminate immediately after
ignition is turned on.
•A series of five beeps will be heard. The tone pattern will repeat
periodically until the problem and/or light are repaired.
If any of these things happen, even intermittently, have the SRS serviced
at your dealership or by a qualified technician immediately. Unless
serviced, the system may not function properly in the event of a
collision.
Disposal of air bags and air bag equipped vehicles (including
pretensioners)
See your local dealership or qualified technician. Air bags MUST BE
disposed of by qualified personnel.
2004 F250/350/450/550(f23)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA English(fus)
Seating and Safety Restraints
109