
Removing the key
Turn the ignition off, push the
release lever (located above the
ignition), then turn the key toward
you and remove the key.
REVERSE SENSING SYSTEM (IF EQUIPPED)
The Reverse Sensing System (RSS) sounds a tone to warn the driver of
obstacles near the rear bumper when the R (Reverse) is selected and the
vehicle is moving at speeds less than 3 mph (5 km/h). The system is not
effective at speeds above 3 mph (5 km/h) and may not detect certain
angular or moving objects.
To help avoid personal injury, please read and understand the
limitations of the reverse sensing system as contained in this
section. Reverse sensing is only an aid for some (generally large and
fixed) objects when moving in reverse on a flat surface at “parking
speeds”. Inclement weather may also affect the function of the RSS;
this may include reduced performance or a false activation.
To help avoid personal injury, always use caution when in
reverse and when using the RSS.
This system is not designed to prevent contact with small or
moving objects. The system is designed to provide a warning to
assist the driver in detecting large stationary objects to avoid damaging
the vehicle. The system may not detect smaller objects, particularly
those close to the ground.
Certain add-on devices such as large trailer hitches, bike or
surfboard racks and any device that may block the normal
detection zone of the RSS system may create false beeps.
P
U
S
H
2006 F-250/350/450/550(f23)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Driving
181

Vehicles with a higher center of gravity such as utility and
four-wheel drive vehicles handle differently than vehicles with a
lower center of gravity. Utility and four-wheel drive vehicles arenot
designed for cornering at speeds as high as passenger cars any more
than low-slung sports cars are designed to perform satisfactorily under
off-road conditions. Avoid sharp turns, excessive speed and abrupt
maneuvers in these vehicles. Failure to drive cautiously could result in
an increased risk of loss of vehicle control, vehicle rollover, personal
injury and death.
•If the vehicle goes from one type of surface to another (i.e., from
concrete to gravel) there will be a change in the way the vehicle
responds to a maneuver (steering, acceleration or braking). Again,
avoid these abrupt inputs.
Parking
On some 4WD vehicles, when the transfer case is in the N (Neutral)
position, the engine and transmission are disconnected from the rest of
the driveline. Therefore, the vehicle is free to roll even if the automatic
transmission is in P (Park) or the manual transmission is in gear. Do not
leave the vehicle unattended with the transfer case in the N (Neutral)
position. Always set the parking brake fully and turn off the ignition
when leaving the vehicle.
Always set the parking brake fully and make sure the gearshift is
latched in P (Park). Turn the ignition to the LOCK position and
remove the key whenever you leave your vehicle.
If the parking brake is fully released, but the brake warning lamp
remains illuminated, the brakes may not be working properly.
See your authorized dealer.
4WD Systems
4WD (when you select a 4WD mode), uses all four wheels to power the
vehicle. This increases traction, enabling you to drive over terrain and
road conditions that a conventional two-wheel drive vehicle cannot.
2006 F-250/350/450/550(f23)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Driving
192

•Four-wheel-drive operation (if equipped) is less fuel efficient than
two-wheel-drive operation.
•Close windows for high speed driving.
EPA window sticker
Every new vehicle should have the EPA window sticker. Contact your
authorized dealer if the window sticker is not supplied with your vehicle.
The EPA window sticker should be your guide for the fuel economy
comparisons with other vehicles.
It is important to note the box in the lower left corner of the window
sticker. These numbers represent the Range of MPG (L/100 km)
expected on the vehicle under optimum conditions. Your fuel economy
may vary depending upon the method of operation and conditions.
EMISSION CONTROL SYSTEM
Your vehicle is equipped with various emission control components and a
catalytic converter which will enable your vehicle to comply with
applicable exhaust emission standards. To make sure that the catalytic
converter and other emission control components continue to work
properly:
•Use only the specified fuel listed.
•Avoid running out of fuel.
•Do not turn off the ignition while your vehicle is moving, especially at
high speeds.
•Have the items listed in yourscheduled maintenance information
performed according to the specified schedule.
The scheduled maintenance items listed in thescheduled maintenance
informationare essential to the life and performance of your vehicle
and to its emissions system.
If other than Ford, Motorcraft or Ford-authorized parts are used for
maintenance replacements or for service of components affecting
emission control, such non-Ford parts should be equivalent to genuine
Ford Motor Company parts in performance and durability.
Do not park, idle, or drive your vehicle in dry grass or other dry
ground cover. The emission system heats up the engine
compartment and exhaust system, which can start a fire.
Illumination of theService engine soonlight, charging system warning
light or the temperature warning light, fluid leaks, strange odors, smoke
or loss of engine power, could indicate that the emission control system
is not working properly.
2006 F-250/350/450/550(f23)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Maintenance and Specifications
274

Readiness for Inspection/Maintenance (I/M) testing
In some localities, it may be a legal requirement to pass an I/M test of
the on-board diagnostics system. If yourCheck engine/Service engine
soonlight is on, refer to the description in theWarning lights and
chimessection of theInstrument Clusterchapter. Your vehicle may not
pass the I/M test with theCheck engine/Service engine soonlight on.
If the vehicle’s powertrain system or its battery has just been serviced,
the on-board diagnostics system is reset to a “not ready for I/M test”
condition. To ready the on-board diagnostics system for I/M testing, a
minimum of 30 minutes of city and highway driving is necessary as
described below:
•First, at least 10 minutes of driving on an expressway or highway.
•Next, at least 20 minutes driving in stop-and-go, city-type traffic with
at least four idle periods.
Allow the vehicle to sit for at least eight hours without starting the
engine. Then, start the engine and complete the above driving cycle. The
engine must warm up to its normal operating temperature. Once started,
do not turn off the engine until the above driving cycle is complete.
POWER STEERING FLUID
Check the power steering fluid.
Refer to the scheduled maintenance
guide for the service interval
schedules. If adding fluid is
necessary, use only MERCONAT F.
2006 F-250/350/450/550(f23)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Maintenance and Specifications
276

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

K
Keyless entry system .................86
Keys
positions of the ignition .........165
L
Lamps
autolamp system .......................39
daytime running light ...............40
fog lamps ...................................40
headlamps .................................39
headlamps, flash to pass ..........41
instrument panel, dimming .....41
interior lamps ...........................45
replacing bulbs .............46, 48–53
Lane change indicator
(see Turn signal) ........................45
Lights, warning and indicator ....12
anti-lock brakes (ABS) ..........171
speed control ............................63
Load limits .................................146
Loading instructions .................153
Locks
childproof ..................................81
Lubricant specifications ...........290
Lug nuts ....................................223
Lumbar support, seats ...............94
M
Manual transmission .................178
fluid capacities ........................287
reverse .....................................180
Message center ...............67, 69–70
english/metric button ...............74
system check button ................73warning messages .....................75
Mirrors .........................................55
automatic dimming rearview
mirror ........................................58
fold away ...................................60
heated ........................................58
side view mirrors (power) .......58
signal .........................................59
Moon roof ....................................66
Motorcraft parts ................266, 286
O
Octane rating ............................270
Oil (see Engine oil) ..................254
Overdrive .....................................55
P
Parking brake ............................172
Parts (see Motorcraft parts) ....286
Pedals (see Power adjustable
foot pedals) .................................61
Power adjustable foot pedals .....61
Power distribution box
(see Fuses) ...............................209
Power door locks ........................80
Power mirrors .............................58
Power point .................................56
Power steering ..........................173
fluid, checking and adding ....276
fluid, refill capacity ................287
fluid, specifications .................290
Power Windows ...........................56
Preparing to drive your
vehicle ........................................174
2006 F-250/350/450/550(f23)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Index
310

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