Page 1 of 312
Introduction 4
Instrument Cluster 12
Warning and control lights 12
Gauges 15
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 54
Power windows 57
Mirrors 58
Speed control 61
Upfitter controls 64
Moon roof 66
Message center 68
Locks and Security 80
Keys 80
Locks 80
Table of Contents
1
2006 F-250/350/450/550(f23)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Page 5 of 312

SAFETY AND ENVIRONMENT PROTECTION
Warning symbols in this guide
How can you reduce the risk of personal injury to yourself or others? In
this guide, answers to such questions are contained in comments
highlighted by the warning triangle symbol. These comments should be
read and observed.
Warning symbols on your vehicle
When you see this symbol, it is
imperative that you consult the
relevant section of this guide before
touching or attempting adjustment
of any kind.
Protecting the environment
We must all play our part in
protecting the environment. Correct
vehicle usage and the authorized
disposal of waste, cleaning and
lubrication materials are significant
steps towards this aim. Information in this respect is highlighted in this
guide with the tree symbol.
BREAKING-IN YOUR VEHICLE
During the first 1,000 miles (1,600 km) of driving, maintain speeds below
70 mph (112 km/h) and vary speeds frequently. This is recommended to
give the moving parts a chance to break-in.
Do not tow a trailer or use your vehicle to snowplow until it has been
driven at least 500 miles (800 km). Refer toTrailer towingin theTires,
Wheels and Loadingchapter for more information on towing a trailer
andSnowplowingin theDrivingchapter.
Do not add friction modifier compounds or special break-in oils during
the first few thousand miles (kilometers) of operation, since these
additives may prevent piston ring seating. SeeEngine oilin the
Maintenance and Specificationschapter for more information on oil
usage.
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USA(fus)
Introduction
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Page 10 of 312
These are some of the symbols you may see on your vehicle.
Vehicle Symbol Glossary
Safety Alert
See Owner’s Guide
Fasten Safety BeltAirbag-Front
Airbag-SideChild Seat
Child Seat Installation
WarningChild Seat Lower
Anchor
Child Seat Tether
AnchorBrake System
Anti-Lock Brake SystemBrake Fluid -
Non-Petroleum Based
Powertrain MalfunctionSpeed Control
Master Lighting SwitchHazard Warning Flasher
Fog Lamps-FrontFuse Compartment
Fuel Pump ResetWindshield Wash/Wipe
Windshield
Defrost/DemistRear Window
Defrost/Demist
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Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Introduction
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Page 12 of 312
WARNING LIGHTS AND CHIMES
Standard instrument cluster (manual transmission)
Standard instrument cluster (automatic transmission)
Amarillo 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.
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Page 13 of 312

Many lights will illuminate when you start your vehicle to make sure the
bulbs work. If any light remains on after starting the vehicle, have the
respective system inspected immediately.
If your vehicle is equipped with a diesel engine, it has a unique cluster,
refer toStarting the enginein your6.0 Liter Power Stroke Direct
Injection Turbo Diesel Owner’s Guide Supplement.
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
damage your catalytic converter. Drive in a moderate fashion (avoid heavy
acceleration and deceleration) and have your vehicle serviced immediately.
Under engine misfire conditions, excessive exhaust temperatures
could damage the catalytic converter, the fuel system, interior
floor coverings or other vehicle components, possibly causing a fire.
Electronic throttle control:
Illuminates when the engine has
defaulted to a ’limp-home’ operation.
Report the fault to an authorized
dealer at the earliest opportunity.
On vehicles equipped with a message center, “ENGINE FAILSAFE MODE”
will be displayed, refer toMessage Centerin theDriver Controlschapter.
Brake system warning light:To
confirm the brake system warning
light is functional, it will momentarily
illuminate when the ignition is turned
to the ON position when the engine
is not running, or in a position between ON and START, or by applying the
parking brake when the ignition is turned to the ON position. If the brake
system warning light does not illuminate at this time, seek service
immediately from your authorized dealer. Illumination after releasing the
parking brake indicates low brake fluid level and the brake system should
be inspected immediately by your servicing authorized dealer.
P!
BRAKE
2006 F-250/350/450/550(f23)
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USA(fus)
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Page 14 of 312

Driving a vehicle with the brake system warning light on is
dangerous. A significant decrease in braking performance may
occur. It will take you longer to stop the vehicle. Have the vehicle
checked by your authorized dealer immediately.
Anti-lock brake system:If the
ABS light stays illuminated or
continues to flash, a malfunction has
been detected, have the system
serviced immediately. Normal
braking is still functional unless the brake warning light also is
illuminated.
Airbag readiness:If this light fails
to illuminate when ignition is turned
to ON, continues to flash or remains
on, have the system serviced
immediately. A chime will also sound when a malfunction in the
supplemental restraint system has been detected.
Safety belt:Reminds you to fasten
your safety belt. A chime will also
sound to remind you to fasten your
safety belt.
Charging system:Illuminates when
the battery is not charging properly.
Transmission Tow/Haul Feature
(automatic transmission):
Illuminates when the Tow/Haul
feature has been activated. Refer to
theDrivingchapter for transmission function and operation. If the light
flashes steadily, have the system serviced immediately, damage to the
transmission could occur.
Four wheel drive low:Illuminates
when four-wheel drive low is
engaged.
Four wheel drive indicator:
Illuminates when four-wheel drive is
engaged.
ABS
LOW
RANGE
4x4
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Page 15 of 312
Speed control:Illuminates when
the speed control is activated. Turns
off when the speed control system
is deactivated.
Turn signal:Illuminates when the
left or right turn signal or the
hazard lights are turned on. If the
indicators stay on or flash faster, check for a burned out bulb.
High beams:Illuminates when the
high beam headlamps are turned on.
Key-in-ignition warning chime:Sounds when the key is left in the
ignition in the OFF, LOCK or ACCESSORY position and the driver’s door
is opened.
Headlamps on warning chime:Sounds when the headlamps or parking
lamps are on, the ignition is off (the key is not in the ignition) and the
driver’s door is opened.
Parking brake ON warning chime:Sounds when the parking brake is
set, the engine is running and the vehicle is driven more than 3 mph
(5 km).
GAUGES
2006 F-250/350/450/550(f23)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Instrument Cluster
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Page 68 of 312

MINI-MESSAGE CENTER (IF EQUIPPED)
With the ignition in the ON position, the mini message center, located on
your instrument cluster, displays text messages that alert you to possible
problems or malfunctions in your vehicle’s operating systems.
Note:The following warning messages will reappear after an ignition
OFF-ON cycle has been completed.
Door ajar:Displays when the
ignition is in the ON position and
any door is open.
Check fuel cap:Displays when the
fuel cap may not be properly
installed. Continued driving with
this display on may cause the
Service engine soon warning light to
come on. Refer toFuel filler capunder theFuel Information sectionin
theMaintenance and Specificationschapter.
Trailer fault (if equipped):
Displayed if there is a short circuit
on the electric brake output wire or
the trailer brakes are drawing too
much current. Refer toIntegrated
trailer brake controllerin theTires, Wheels and Loadingchapter for
more information.
TBC fault (if equipped):Displays
in response to faults sensed by the
TBC. In the event this message is
seen, please take your vehicle to an
authorized dealer for diagnosis and
repair. Refer toIntegrated trailer brake controllerin theTires, Wheels
and Loadingchapter for more information.
Note:The following warning messages will reappear on the display every
ten minutes.
Low fuel:Displays when the fuel
level in the fuel tank is at or near
empty (refer toFuel gaugein this
chapter).
2006 F-250/350/450/550(f23)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Driver Controls
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