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.
2007 F-250/350/450/550(f23)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Driving
196
Power is supplied to all four wheels
through a transfer case. On 4WD
vehicles, the transfer case allows
you to select 4WD when necessary.
Information on transfer case
operation and shifting procedures
can be found in theDriving
chapter. Information on transfer
case maintenance can be found in theMaintenance and Specifications
chapter. You should become thoroughly familiar with this information
before you operate your vehicle.
Normal characteristics
On some 4WD models, the initial shift from two-wheel drive to 4x4 while
the vehicle is moving can cause some momentary clunk and ratcheting
sounds. This is the front drivetrain coming up to speed and the
automatic locking hubs engaging and is not cause for concern.
Sand
When driving over sand, try to keep all four wheels on the most solid
area of the trail. Avoid reducing the tire pressures but shift to a lower
gear and drive steadily through the terrain. Apply the accelerator slowly
and avoid spinning the wheels.
Avoid excessive speed because vehicle momentum can work against you
and cause the vehicle to become stuck to the point that assistance may
be required from another vehicle. Remember, you may be able to back
out the way you came if you proceed with caution.
Mud and water
If you must drive through high
water, drive slowly. Traction or
brake capability may be limited.
When driving through water,
determine the depth; avoid water
higher than the bottom of the hubs
(if possible) and proceed slowly. If
the ignition system gets wet, the
vehicle may stall.
Once through water, always try the brakes. Wet brakes do not stop the
vehicle as effectively as dry brakes. Drying can be improved by moving
your vehicle slowly while applying light pressure on the brake pedal.
2007 F-250/350/450/550(f23)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Driving
197
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,
manually shift to a lower gear. Your
vehicle has anti-lock brakes, apply
the brakes steadily. Do not “pump”
the brakes.
Driving on snow and ice
4WD vehicles have advantages over 2WD vehicles in snow and ice but
can skid like any other vehicle.
Should you start to slide while driving on snowy or icy roads, turn the
steering wheel in the direction of the slide until you regain control.
Avoid sudden applications of power and quick changes of direction on
snow and ice. Apply the accelerator slowly and steadily when starting
from a full stop.
Avoid sudden braking as well. Although a 4WD vehicle may accelerate
better than a two-wheel drive vehicle in snow and ice, it won’t stop any
faster, because as in other vehicles, braking occurs at all four wheels. Do
not become overconfident as to road conditions.
2007 F-250/350/450/550(f23)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Driving
199
Make sure you allow sufficient distance between you and other vehicles
for stopping. Drive slower than usual and consider using one of the lower
gears. In emergency stopping situations, avoid locking of the wheels. Use
a “squeeze” technique, push on the brake pedal with a steadily increasing
force which allows the wheels to brake yet continue to roll so that you
may steer in the direction you want to travel. If you lock the wheels,
release the brake pedal and repeat the squeeze technique. If your vehicle
is equipped with a Four Wheel Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS), apply the
brake steadily. Do not “pump” the brakes. Refer to theBrakessection of
this chapter for additional information on the operation of the anti-lock
brake system.
Never drive with chains on the front tires of 4WD vehicles without also
putting them on the rear tires. This could cause the rear to slide and
swing around during braking.
Maintenance and Modifications
The suspension and steering systems on your vehicle have been designed
and tested to provide predictable performance whether loaded or empty
and durable load carrying capability. For this reason, Ford Motor
Company strongly recommends that you do not make modifications such
as adding or removing parts (such as lift kits or stabilizer bars) or by
using replacement parts not equivalent to the original factory equipment.
Any modifications to a vehicle that raise the center of gravity can make
it more likely the vehicle will roll over as a result of a loss of control.
Ford Motor Company recommends that caution be used with any vehicle
equipped with a high load or device (such as ladder racks or pickup box
cover).
Failure to maintain your vehicle properly may void the warranty, increase
your repair cost, reduce vehicle performance and operational capabilities
and adversely affect driver and passenger safety. Frequent inspection of
vehicle chassis components is recommended if the vehicle is subjected to
heavy off-road usage.
VEHICLE USED AS A STATIONARY POWER SOURCE
Auxiliary equipment called power take-off, or PTO, is often added to the
engine or transmission to operate utility equipment. Examples include a
wheel-lift for tow trucks, tools for construction and cranes. PTO
applications draw auxiliary horsepower from the powertrain, often while
the vehicle is stationary. In this condition, there is limited cooling air
flow through the radiator and around the vehicle that normally occurs
when a vehicle is moving. Depending on the level and duration of
2007 F-250/350/450/550(f23)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Driving
200
auxiliary horsepower draw, vehicle conditions and surrounding
environmental conditions and other factors, this can contribute to
elevated transmission fluid temperatures and result in accelerated fluid
deterioration, fuel vapor over-pressurization, and other concerns. Ford
trucks are fully qualified for stationary PTO operation for 10 minutes or
less of continuous operation. For stationary PTO operation of extended
duration (beyond 10 minutes), diesel engine is recommended. Further
consult your aftermarket PTO installer, since the duration of operation
limit for the aftermarket PTO may be less than 10 minutes.
A more complete description of PTO operation is discussed in theFord
Truck Body Builders Layout Book,found at
www.fleet.ford.com/truckbbas.
DRIVING THROUGH WATER
If driving through deep or standing
water is unavoidable, proceed very
slowly especially when the depth is
not known. Never drive through
water that is higher than the bottom
of the wheel rims (for cars) or the
bottom of the hubs (for trucks).
When driving through water, traction or brake capability may be limited.
Also, water may enter your engine’s air intake and severely damage your
engine or your vehicle may stall.Driving through deep water where
the transmission vent tube is submerged may allow water into the
transmission and cause internal transmission damage.
Once through the water, always dry the brakes by moving your
vehicle slowly while applying light pressure on the brake pedal.
Wet brakes do not stop the vehicle as quickly as dry brakes.
SNOWPLOWING
Ford recommends that the Super Duty F-Series used for snow removal
include a snow plow package option.
2007 F-250/350/450/550(f23)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Driving
201
BRAKE FLUID
The fluid level will drop slowly as
the brakes wear, and will rise when
the brake components are replaced.
Fluid levels between the “MIN” and
“MAX” lines are within the normal
operating range; there is no need to
add fluid. If the fluid levels are
outside of the normal operating
range the performance of your
brake system could be
compromised; seek service from
your authorized dealer immediately.
CLUTCH FLUID (IF EQUIPPED)
Check the clutch fluid level. Refer to thescheduled maintenance
informationfor the service interval schedules.
Use only a DOT 3 brake fluid designed to meet Ford specifications. Refer
toMaintenance product specifications and capacitiesin this chapter.
Carefully read cautionary information on product label. For
additional information see product Material Safety Data Sheet
(MSDS). For 24-hour MEDICAL EMERGENCY INFORMATION on
Ford-Motorcraft products call: 1-800-959-3673 (FORD). Failure to
follow these instructions may result in personal injury.
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.
2007 F-250/350/450/550(f23)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Maintenance and Specifications
282
A
Accessory delay ..........................61
Air cleaner filter .......287–288, 290
Air conditioning ..........................39
Airbag supplemental restraint
system ................................110–111
and child safety seats ............112
description ..............................111
disposal ....................................114
driver airbag ............................113
indicator light .........................114
operation .................................113
passenger airbag .....................113
passenger deactivation
switch ......................................115
Ambulance packages ....................8
Antifreeze
(see Engine coolant) ................264
Anti-lock brake system
(see Brakes) ......................174–175
Audio system
(see Radio) ......................20, 22, 27
Automatic transmission ............178
driving an automatic
overdrive .................................180
fluid, adding ............................283
fluid, checking ........................283
fluid, refill capacities ..............291
Auxiliary power point .................59
Axle
refill capacities ........................291
traction lok ..............................178
B
Battery .......................................262
acid, treating emergencies .....262
jumping a disabled battery ....230maintenance-free ....................262
replacement, specifications ...290
servicing ..................................262
BeltMinder...............................106
Brakes ........................................174
anti-lock ...........................174–175
anti-lock brake system (ABS)
warning light ...........................175
fluid, checking and adding ....282
fluid, refill capacities ..............291
parking ....................................176
shift interlock ..........................178
trailer .......................................161
Break-in period .............................5
Bulbs ............................................48
C
Capacities for refilling fluids ....291
Cassette tape player .............20, 22
Cell phone use ..............................7
Child safety restraints ..............120
child safety belts ....................120
Child safety seats ......................123
attaching with tether straps ..127
in front seat ............................124
in rear seat ..............................124
Cleaning your vehicle
engine compartment ..............246
instrument panel ....................248
interior .....................................249
interior trim ............................249
plastic parts ............................247
safety belts ..............................249
washing ....................................245
waxing .....................................245
wheels ......................................246
wiper blades ............................248
2007 F-250/350/450/550(f23)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Index
301
L
Lamps
autolamp system .......................42
daytime running light ...............43
fog lamps ...................................43
headlamps .................................42
headlamps, flash to pass ..........44
instrument panel, dimming .....44
interior lamps ...........................48
replacing
bulbs .................. 48–50, 52, 54–56
Lane change indicator
(see Turn signal) ........................48
Lights, warning and indicator ....12
anti-lock brakes (ABS) ..........175
speed control ............................66
Load limits .................................150
Loading instructions .................156
Locks
childproof ..................................85
Lug nuts ....................................229
Lumbar support, seats ...............97
M
Manual transmission .................182
fluid capacities ........................291
reverse .....................................184
Message center ...............70, 72–73
english/metric button ...............77
system check button ................76
warning messages .....................78
Mirrors .........................................58
automatic dimming rearview
mirror ........................................61
fold away ...................................63
heated ........................................62
side view mirrors (power) .......61signal .........................................62
Moon roof ....................................69
Motorcraft parts ................270, 290
O
Octane rating ............................274
Oil (see Engine oil) ..................258
Overdrive .....................................58
P
Parking brake ............................176
Parts (see Motorcraft parts) ....290
Pedals (see Power adjustable
foot pedals) .................................64
Power adjustable foot pedals .....64
Power distribution box
(see Fuses) ...............................214
Power door locks ........................83
Power mirrors .............................61
Power point .................................59
Power steering ..........................177
fluid, checking and adding ....281
fluid, refill capacity ................291
Power Windows ...........................60
Preparing to drive your
vehicle ........................................178
R
Radio ................................20, 22, 27
Relays ........................................208
Remote entry system .................86
illuminated entry ......................89
locking/unlocking doors ...........83
Reverse sensing system ...........185
2007 F-250/350/450/550(f23)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Index
304