Page 1 of 312
Introduction 4
Instrument Cluster 12
Warning and control lights 12
Gauges 16
Entertainment Systems 20
AM/FM stereo 20
AM/FM stereo with CD 22
AM/FM stereo cassette with CD 25
AM/FM stereo with in-dash six CD 28
Climate Controls 33
Heater only 33
Manual heating and air conditioning 34
Automatic temperature control 36
Lights 39
Headlamps 39
Turn signal control 44
Bulb replacement 45
Driver Controls 54
Windshield wiper/washer control 54
Steering wheel adjustment 55
Moon roof 56
Power windows 57
Mirrors 59
Speed control 62
Message center 66
Locks and Security 79
Keys 79
Locks 79
Table of Contents
1
2005 F250/350/450/550(f23)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA_English(fus)
Table of Contents
Page 16 of 312
GAUGES
Speedometer:Indicates the current vehicle speed.
Standard instrument cluster
Harley—Davidson instrument
cluster
Engine coolant temperature
gauge:Indicates engine coolant
temperature. At normal operating
temperature, the needle will be in
the normal range (between “H” and
“C”).If it enters the red section,
the engine is overheating. Stop
the vehicle as soon as safely
possible, switch off the engine and let the engine cool.
Never remove the coolant reservoir cap while the engine is
running or hot.
2005 F250/350/450/550(f23)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA_English(fus)
Instrument Cluster
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Page 19 of 312

Transmission fluid temperature gauge (automatic transmission
only):If the gauge is in the:
Normal area(normal) - the
transmission fluid is within the
normal operating temperature
(between “H” and “C”).
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.
2005 F250/350/450/550(f23)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA_English(fus)
Instrument Cluster
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Page 34 of 312

To aid in side window defogging/demisting in cold weather:
1. Select
.
2. Adjust the temperature control to maintain comfort.
3. Set the fan speed to the highest setting.
4. Direct the outer instrument panel vents toward the side windows.
To increase airflow to the outer instrument panel vents, close the vents
located in the middle of the instrument panel.
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:Distributes recirculated air through the instrument panel
vents and center console vents (if equipped) to cool the vehicle. This
re-cooling of the interior air is more economical and efficient.
Recirculated air may also help reduce undesirable odors from entering
the vehicle. The temperature selection control will not adjust airflow
temperature when in MAX A/C mode.
:Distributes outside air through the instrument panel vents and
center console vents (if equipped).
2005 F250/350/450/550(f23)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA_English(fus)
Climate Controls
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Page 60 of 312

Heated outside mirrors(if equipped)
The main mirror glass is heated automatically to remove ice, mist and
fog and activates when the vehicle is started.
Note:The mirrors may behotto the touch but will not burn. This is a
normal condition.
Type A
The mirror heating elements are
designed to operate regardless of
the geographic location of the
vehicle. There is no switch to turn
on, or other operator involvement
required other than to start the
vehicle.
Type B
The spotter mirror, below the main
mirror, is not heated and must be
adjusted manually.
Do not remove ice from the mirrors with a scraper or attempt to
readjust the mirror glass if it is frozen in place. These actions
could cause damage to the glass and mirrors.
Mirror mounted side turn signal indicator (if equipped)
When the vehicle turn signals are
activated, the outer portion of the
mirror housing will blink amber.
The turn signal feature can be seen
by other drivers who may approach
from the rear of the vehicle.
2005 F250/350/450/550(f23)
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USA_English(fus)
Driver Controls
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Page 75 of 312

This acts as a reminder that these warning conditions still exist within
the vehicle.
Warning display Status
Reduced engine power Warning cannot be reset
Stop engine safely
Low fuel level Warning returns after 10 minutes
Low brake fluid level
Low oil pressure
Check engine temperature
Trailer disconnected
Water in fuel (diesel only)
Check air filter (diesel only)
Door ajar Warning returns after the ignition key
is turned from OFF to ON.
Check fuel cap
Engine failsafe mode
Check compass module
Trailer fault
TBC fault
DOOR AJAR.Displayed when a door is not completely closed.
CHECK ENGINE TEMPERATURE.Displayed when the engine
coolant is overheating. Stop the vehicle as soon as safely possible, turn
off the engine and let it cool. Check the coolant and coolant level. Refer
toEngine coolantin theMaintenance and Specificationschapter. If
the warning stays on or continues to come on, contact your dealer as
soon as possible.
REDUCED ENGINE POWER.Displayed when the engine is
overheating. Stop the vehicle as soon as safely possible, turn off the
engine. If the warning stays on followed by an indicator chime or
continues to come on, contact your dealer as soon as possible.
STOP ENGINE SAFELY.Displayed when the engine is overheating.
Stop the vehicle as soon as safely possible, turn off the engine. If the
warning stays on followed by an indicator chime or continues to come
on, contact your dealer as soon as possible.
LOW FUEL LEVEL.Displayed as an early reminder of a low fuel
condition.
2005 F250/350/450/550(f23)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA_English(fus)
Driver Controls
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Page 183 of 312

Guarding against exhaust fumes
Carbon monoxide is present in exhaust fumes. Take precautions to avoid
its dangerous effects.
If you smell exhaust fumes inside your vehicle, have your dealer
inspect your vehicle immediately. Do not drive if you smell
exhaust fumes.
Important ventilating information
If the engine is idling while the vehicle is stopped for a long period of
time, open the windows at least one inch (2.5 cm) or adjust the heating
or air conditioning to bring in fresh air.
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 a qualified service technician. If the vehicle
has continuous vibration or shudder in the steering wheel while braking,
the vehicle should be inspected by a qualified service technician.
Refer toBrake system warning
lightin theInstrument Cluster
chapter for information on the brake
system warning light.
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.
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.
P!
BRAKE
ABS
2005 F250/350/450/550(f23)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA_English(fus)
Driving
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Page 207 of 312

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.
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,
disengage overdrive or manually
shift to a lower gear. When
descending a steep hill, avoid
sudden hard braking as you could
lose control. When you brake hard,
the front wheels can’t turn and if
they aren’t turning, you won’t be
able to steer. The front wheels have to be turning in order to steer the
vehicle. Rapid pumping of the brake pedal will help you slow the vehicle
and still maintain steering control.
If your vehicle has anti-lock brakes, apply the brakes steadily. Do not
“pump” the brakes.
2005 F250/350/450/550(f23)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA_English(fus)
Driving
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