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 45
Bulb replacement 46
Driver Controls 54
Windshield wiper/washer control 54
Steering wheel adjustment 54
Power windows 56
Mirrors 58
Speed control 61
Upfitter controls 64
Moon roof 66
Message center 67
Table of Contents
1
2006 F-250/350/450/550(f23)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
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.
2006 F-250/350/450/550(f23)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Instrument Cluster
12
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
P!
BRAKE
2006 F-250/350/450/550(f23)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Instrument Cluster
13
Four wheel drive low:Illuminates
when four-wheel drive low is
engaged.
Four wheel drive indicator:
Illuminates when four-wheel drive is
engaged.
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).LOW
RANGE
4x4
2006 F-250/350/450/550(f23)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Instrument Cluster
15
STARTING
Positions of the ignition
1. ACCESSORY, allows the electrical
accessories such as the radio to
operate while the engine is not
running.
2. LOCK, locks the steering wheel,
automatic transmission gearshift
lever and allows key removal. For
vehicles equipped with a manual
transmission, you must depress the
ignition release lever to release the
key.
3. OFF, shuts off the engine and all accessories without locking the
steering wheel. This position also allows the automatic transmission shift
lever to be moved from the P (Park) position without the brake pedal
being depressed.
When the key is in the ignition and in the OFF position, the
automatic transmission shift lever can be moved from the P
(Park) position without the brake pedal depressed. To avoid unwanted
vehicle movement, always set the parking brake.
4. ON, all electrical circuits operational. Warning lights illuminated. Key
position when driving.
5. START, cranks the engine. Release the key as soon as the engine
starts.
Preparing to start your vehicle
Engine starting is controlled by the powertrain control system. This
system meets all Canadian Interference-Causing Equipment standard
requirements regulating the impulse electrical field strength of radio
noise.
When starting a fuel-injected engine, don’t press the accelerator before
or during starting. Only use the accelerator when you have difficulty
starting the engine. For more information on starting the vehicle, refer to
Starting the enginein this chapter.
3
1
2
5
4
2006 F-250/350/450/550(f23)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Driving
165
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
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
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