2006 FORD SUPER DUTY trailer

Dissimilar spare tire/wheel information (if equipped)
Failure to follow these guidelines could result in an increased
risk of loss of vehicle control, injury or death.
Your vehicle may be equipped with a dissimilar spare tire/wheel. A
dissimilar spare tire/wheel is defined as a spare tire and/or wheel that is
different in brand, size or appearance from the road tires and wheels. If
you have a dissimilar spare tire/wheel, then it is intended for temporary
use only. This means that if you need to use it, you should replace it as
soon as possible with a road tire/wheel that is the same size and type as
the road tires and wheels that were originally provided by Ford. If the
dissimilar spare tire or wheel is damaged, it should be replaced rather
than repaired.
When driving with the dissimilar spare tire/wheel,do not:
•Exceed 70 mph (113 km/h)
•Use more than one dissimilar spare tire/wheel at a time
•Use commercial car washing equipment
•Use snow chains on the end of the vehicle with the dissimilar spare
tire/wheel
The usage of a dissimilar spare tire/wheel can lead to impairment of the
following:
•Handling, stability and braking performance
•Comfort and noise
•Ground clearance and parking at curbs
•Winter weather driving capability
•Wet weather driving capability
•All-Wheel driving capability (if applicable)
•Load leveling adjustment (if applicable)
When driving with the dissimilar spare tire/wheel additional caution
should be given to:
•Towing a trailer
•Driving vehicles equipped with a camper body
•Driving vehicles with a load on the cargo rack
Drive cautiously when using a dissimilar spare tire/wheel and seek
service as soon as possible.
2006 F-250/350/450/550(f23)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Roadside Emergencies
213

•Revving the engine before turning it off may reduce fuel economy.
•Using the air conditioner or defroster may reduce fuel economy.
•You may want to turn off the speed control in hilly terrain if
unnecessary shifting between third and fourth gear occurs.
Unnecessary shifting of this type could result in reduced fuel
economy.
•Warming up a vehicle on cold mornings is not required and may
reduce fuel economy.
•Resting your foot on the brake pedal while driving may reduce fuel
economy.
•Combine errands and minimize stop-and-go driving.
Maintenance
•Keep tires properly inflated and use only recommended size.
•Operating a vehicle with the wheels out of alignment will reduce fuel
economy.
•Use recommended engine oil. Refer toLubricant specificationsin
this chapter.
•Perform all regularly scheduled maintenance items. Follow the
recommended maintenance schedule and owner maintenance checks
found in your vehicle’sscheduled maintenance information.
Conditions
•Heavily loading a vehicle or towing a trailer may reduce fuel economy
at any speed.
•Carrying unnecessary weight may reduce fuel economy (approximately
1 mpg [0.4 km/L] is lost for every 400 lb [180 kg] of weight carried).
•Adding certain accessories to your vehicle (for example bug
deflectors, rollbars/light bars, running boards, ski/luggage racks) may
reduce fuel economy.
•Using fuel blended with alcohol may lower fuel economy.
•Fuel economy may decrease with lower temperatures during the first
8–10 miles (12–16 km) of driving.
•Driving on flat terrain offers improved fuel economy as compared to
driving on hilly terrain.
•Transmissions give their best fuel economy when operated in the top
cruise gear and with steady pressure on the gas pedal.
2006 F-250/350/450/550(f23)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Maintenance and Specifications
273

Use only a DOT 3 brake fluid designed to meet Ford specification
ESA-M6C25–A. Refer toLubricant Specificationsin this chapter.
Brake fluid is toxic. If brake fluid contacts the eyes, flush eyes
with running water for 15 minutes. Seek medical attention if
irritation persists. If taken internally, drink water and induce vomiting.
Seek medical attention immediately.
During normal operation, the fluid level in the clutch reservoir should
remain constant or rise slightly. If the fluid level drops, refill the fluid
level to the step in the reservoir.
1. Clean the reservoir cap before
removal to prevent dirt and water
from entering the reservoir.
2. Remove cap and rubber
diaphragm from reservoir.
3. Add fluid until the level reaches
the step in the reservoir.
4. Reinstall rubber diaphragm and
cap onto reservoir.
TRANSMISSION FLUID
Checking automatic transmission fluid (if equipped)
Refer to yourscheduled maintenance informationfor scheduled
intervals for fluid checks and changes. Your transmission does not
consume fluid. However, the fluid level should be checked if the
transmission is not working properly, i.e., if the transmission slips or
shifts slowly or if you notice some sign of fluid leakage.
Automatic transmission fluid expands when warmed. To obtain an
accurate fluid check, drive the vehicle until it is at normal operating
temperature (approximately 20 miles [30 km]). If your vehicle has been
operated for an extended period at high speeds, in city traffic during hot
weather or pulling a trailer, the vehicle should be turned off for about
30 minutes to allow fluid to cool before checking.
1. Drive the vehicle 20 miles (30 km) or until it reaches normal operating
temperature.
2. Park the vehicle on a level surface and engage the parking brake.
2006 F-250/350/450/550(f23)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Maintenance and Specifications
278

Tonneau covers
Wheels
Interior style
Electrochromatic compass/temperature interior mirrors
Floor mats
Speed control
Lifestyle
Bedliners and bedmats
Bed tents
Bike racks
Sport Liner
Toolboxes
Towing mirrors
Trailer hitches, wiring harnesses and accessories
Peace of mind
First aid and highway safety kits
Full vehicle covers
Keyless entry
Locking gas cap
Mobile-Easehand-free communication system
Remote start
Vehicle security systems
For maximum vehicle performance, keep the following information in
mind when adding accessories or equipment to your vehicle:
•When adding accessories, equipment, passengers and luggage to your
vehicle, do not exceed the total weight capacity of the vehicle or of
the front or rear axle (GVWR or GAWR as indicated on the Safety
Compliance Certification Label). Consult your authorized dealer for
specific weight information.
•The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) and Canadian Radio
Telecommunications Commission (CRTC) regulate the use of mobile
communications systems — such as two-way radios, telephones and
2006 F-250/350/450/550(f23)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Accessories
305

A
Accessory delay ..........................57
Air cleaner filter .......283–284, 286
Air conditioning ..........................36
Airbag supplemental restraint
system ................................107–108
and child safety seats ............109
description ..............................108
disposal ....................................111
driver airbag ............................110
indicator light .........................111
operation .................................110
passenger airbag .....................110
passenger deactivation
switch ......................................112
Ambulance packages ....................8
Antifreeze
(see Engine coolant) ................260
Anti-lock brake system
(see Brakes) ..............................171
Audio system
(see Radio) ................20, 22, 25, 28
Automatic transmission ............174
driving an automatic
overdrive .................................176
fluid, adding ............................278
fluid, checking ........................278
fluid, refill capacities ..............287
Auxiliary power point .................56
Axle
lubricant specifications ..........290
refill capacities ........................287
traction lok ..............................173
B
Battery .......................................258
acid, treating emergencies .....258jumping a disabled battery ....224
maintenance-free ....................258
replacement, specifications ...286
servicing ..................................258
BeltMinder .................................103
Brakes ........................................170
anti-lock ...................................171
anti-lock brake system (ABS)
warning light ...........................171
fluid, checking and adding ....277
fluid, refill capacities ..............287
fluid, specifications .................290
lubricant specifications ..........290
parking ....................................172
shift interlock ..........................174
trailer .......................................157
Break-in period .............................5
Bulbs ............................................46
C
Capacities for refilling fluids ....287
Cassette tape player .......20, 22, 25
Cell phone use ..............................7
Child safety restraints ..............117
child safety belts ....................117
Child safety seats ......................119
attaching with tether straps ..123
in front seat ............................121
in rear seat ..............................121
Cleaning your vehicle
engine compartment ..............242
instrument panel ....................244
interior .....................................245
interior trim ............................245
plastic parts ............................244
safety belts ..............................245
washing ....................................241
waxing .....................................241
2006 F-250/350/450/550(f23)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Index
307

R
Radio ..........................20, 22, 25, 28
Relays ........................................203
Remote entry system .................82
illuminated entry ......................85
locking/unlocking doors ...........80
Reverse sensing system ...........181
Roadside assistance ..................201
S
Safety Belt Maintenance ..........107
Safety belts
(see Safety restraints) .......96–100
Safety defects, reporting ..........240
Safety restraints ..................96–100
belt minder .............................103
extension assembly ................106
for adults ...........................97–100
for children .....................116–117
lap belt ....................................102
safety belt maintenance .........107
warning light and
chime ...............................102–103
Safety seats for children ..........119
Safety Compliance
Certification Label ....................301
Seat belts
(see Safety restraints) ...............96
Seats ............................................89
child safety seats ....................119
cleaning ...................................246
Servicing your vehicle ..............249
Snowplowing .................8, 197–200
Spark plugs,
specifications .............286, 293–294Special notice ................................9
ambulance conversions ..............8
diesel-powered vehicles .............7
utility-type vehicles ....................7
Specification chart,
lubricants ...................................290
Speed control ..............................61
Starting your vehicle .......165–166,
169
jump starting ..........................224
Steering wheel
controls ......................................66
tilting .........................................54
T
Tailgate ..................................78–79
Tilt steering wheel ......................54
Tires ...................................130–131
alignment ................................143
care ..........................................142
changing ..................................216
checking the pressure ............133
inspecting and inflating .........132
label .........................................141
replacing ..................................136
rotating ....................................144
safety practices .......................142
sidewall information ...............137
snow tires and chains ............145
spare tire .........................212–213
terminology .............................131
tire grades ...............................131
treadwear ........................130, 142
Towing .......................................153
Trailer Brake
Controller-Integrated ..............157
trailer towing ..........................153
wrecker ....................................230
Traction-lok rear axle ...............173
2006 F-250/350/450/550(f23)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Index
311

Trailer Brake
Controller-Integrated ................157
Transfer case
fluid checking .........................283
Transmission
automatic operation .........55, 174
brake-shift interlock (BSI) ....174
fluid, checking and adding
(automatic) .............................278
fluid, checking and adding
(manual) .................................282
fluid, refill capacities ..............287
lubricant specifications ..........290
manual operation ....................178
Turn signal ..................................45
U
Upfitter controls .........................64
V
Vehicle dimensions ...................294Vehicle Identification Number
(VIN) ..........................................301
Vehicle loading
..........................146
Ventilating your vehicle
...........170
W
Warning lights (see Lights)
.......12
Washer fluid
..............................253
Water, Driving through
.............197
Windows
power
.........................................56
Windshield washer fluid and
wipers
..........................................54
checking and adding fluid
.....253
replacing wiper blades
...........253
Wrecker towing
.........................230
2006 F-250/350/450/550(f23)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Index
312