2008 FORD F250 instrument panel

PLASTIC (NON-PAINTED) EXTERIOR PARTS
Use only approved products to clean plastic parts. These products are
available from your authorized dealer.
•For routine cleaning, use Motorcraft Detail Wash (ZC-3–A).
•If tar or grease spots are present, use Motorcraft Bug and Tar
Remover (ZC-42).
•For plastic headlamp lenses, use Motorcraft Ultra Clear Spray Glass
Cleaner (ZC-23).
WINDOWS AND WIPER BLADES
The windshield, rear and side windows and the wiper blades should be
cleaned regularly. If the wipers do not wipe properly, substances on the
vehicle’s glass or the wiper blades may be the cause. These may include
hot wax treatments used by commercial car washes, water repellant
coatings, tree sap, or other organic contamination; these contaminants
may cause squeaking or chatter noise from the blades, and streaking and
smearing of the windshield. To clean these items, follow these tips:
•The windshield, rear windows and side windows may be cleaned with
a non-abrasive cleaner such as Motorcraft Ultra-Clear Spray Glass
Cleaner (ZC-23), available from your authorized dealer.
•The wiper blades can be cleaned with isopropyl (rubbing) alcohol or
Motorcraft Premium Windshield Washer Concentrate (ZC-32–A),
available from your authorized dealer. This washer fluid contains
special solution in addition to alcohol which helps to remove the hot
wax deposited on the wiper blade and windshield from automated car
wash facilities. Be sure to replace wiper blades when they appear
worn or do not function properly.
•Do not use abrasives, as they may cause scratches.
•Do not use fuel, kerosene, or paint thinner to clean any parts.
INSTRUMENT PANEL/INTERIOR TRIM AND CLUSTER LENS
(EXCEPT HARLEY-DAVIDSON)
Clean the instrument panel, interior trim areas and cluster lens with a
clean and damp, white cotton cloth, then with a clean and dry, white
cotton cloth; you may also use Motorcraft Dash & Vinyl Cleaner
(ZC-38-A) on the instrument panel and interior trim areas.
•Avoid cleaners or polishes that increase the gloss of the upper portion
of the instrument panel. The dull finish in this area helps protect the
driver from undesirable windshield reflection.
2008 F-250/350/450/550(f23)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Cleaning
340

•Be certain to wash or wipe your hands clean if you have been in
contact with certain products such as insect repellent and suntan
lotion in order to avoid possible damage to the interior painted
surfaces.
•Do not use household or glass cleaners as these may damage the
finish of the instrument panel, interior trim and cluster lens.
Do not use chemical solvents or strong detergents when cleaning
the steering wheel or instrument panel to avoid contamination of
the airbag system.
If a staining liquid like coffee/juice has been spilled on the instrument
panel or on interior trim surfaces, clean as follows:
1. Wipe up spilled liquid using a clean white cotton cloth.
2. Apply Motorcraft Deluxe Leather and Vinyl Cleaner (ZC-11-A) [In
Canada use Motorcraft Multi-Purpose Cleaner (CXC-101)] to the wiped
area and spread around evenly.
3. Apply more Motorcraft cleaner to a clean white cotton cloth and press
the cloth onto the soiled area–allow this to set at room temperature for
30 minutes.
4. Remove the soaked cloth, and if it is not soiled badly, use this cloth to
clean the area by using a rubbing motion for 60 seconds.
5. Following this, wipe area dry with a clean white cotton cloth.
INSTRUMENT PANEL AND CONSOLE (HARLEY-DAVIDSON ONLY)
Your vehicle’s instrument panel and console are uniquely painted with both
high and low gloss paints that require special care. The high gloss area is
similar to that of the vehicle’s exterior; the low gloss area is designed to
help protect the driver from undesirable windshield reflection.
High gloss paint area
In order to maintain the finish of the instrument panel and console, the
high gloss areas should be treated similar to the that of exterior paint or
glossy plastic surfaces. When cleaning the high gloss areas:
•Do not usepaper towels or newspaper.
•Do not usesilicone or Teflont (PTFE)-based products.
Dust the high gloss areas with a clean, dry cloth, or use Motorcraft Dusting
Cloth (ZC-24 or ZC-25) or Motorcraft Dusting Cloth Mitts (ZC-47).
For general cleaning, use mild, soapy water and a soft, damp cloth, then
dry with a clean, dry cloth, or use or use Motorcraft Dash & Vinyl Cleaner
(ZC-38-A) or Motorcraft Ultra-Clear Spray Glass Cleaner (ZC-23).
2008 F-250/350/450/550(f23)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Cleaning
341

For removal of fine scuffs and scratches, use Scotch-Britet Microfiber
Cloth or cheese cloth along with Motorcraft Premium Liquid Wax
(ZC-53-A), Motorcraft Paint Sealant (ZC-45), or Motorcraft Custom Clear
Coat Polish (ZC-8-A). Note: Removal of deep scuffs and scratches should
be performed by an authorized dealer or an experienced repair facility.
Low gloss paint area
The low gloss area of the instrument panel’s upper dash should be
cleaned with mild, soapy water and a soft, damp cloth, or Motorcraft
Dash & Vinyl Cleaner (ZC-38-A), then dried with a clean, dry cloth.
When cleaning the low gloss areas:
•Do not usepaper towels or newspaper.
•Do not usesilicone or Teflont (PTFE)-based products.
•Do not useexterior paint waxes or sealants.
Dust the low gloss areas with a clean, dry cloth, or use Motorcraft
Dusting Cloth (ZC-24 or ZC-25) or Motorcraft Dusting Cloth Mitts
(ZC-47).
INTERIOR
For fabric, carpets, cloth seats and safety belts:
•Remove dust and loose dirt with a vacuum cleaner.
•Remove light stains and soil with Motorcraft Professional Strength
Carpet & Upholstery Cleaner (ZC-54).
•If grease or tar is present on the material, spot-clean the area first
with Motorcraft Spot and Stain Remover (ZC-14).
•If a ring forms on the fabric after spot cleaning, clean the entire area
immediately (but do not oversaturate) or the ring will set.
•Do not use household cleaning products or glass cleaners, which can
stain and discolor the fabric and affect the flame retardant abilities of
the seat materials.
Do not use cleaning solvents, bleach or dye on the vehicle’s
seatbelts, as these actions may weaken the belt webbing.
2008 F-250/350/450/550(f23)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Cleaning
342

2. Block the wheels.
•Manual transmission:
1. Set the parking brake, depress the clutch and place the gearshift in N
(Neutral).
2. Block the wheels.
Note:Do not start your engine with the air cleaner removed and do not
remove it while the engine is running.
OPENING THE HOOD
1. Inside the vehicle, pull the hood
release handle located under the
bottom left corner of the instrument
panel.
2. Go to the front of the vehicle and
release the auxiliary latch located
below the passenger side of the
grille, next to the headlamp. Slide
the handle to release the auxiliary
latch.
3. Lift the hood until the lift
cylinders hold it open.
2008 F-250/350/450/550(f23)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Maintenance and Specifications
347

IDENTIFYING YOUR VEHICLE
Safety Compliance Certification Label
The National Highway Traffic Safety
Administration Regulations require
that a Safety Compliance
Certification Label be affixed to a
vehicle and prescribe where the
Safety Compliance Certification
Label may be located. The Safety
Compliance Certification Label is
located on the structure by the
trailing edge of the driver’s door or
the edge of the driver’s door.
Vehicle identification number (VIN)
The vehicle identification number is
located on the driver side
instrument panel. (Please note that
in the graphic XXXX is
representative of your vehicle
identification number.)
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
2008 F-250/350/450/550(f23)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Maintenance and Specifications
388

A
Accessory delay ........................103
Air cleaner filter ...............380, 382
Air conditioning ..........................80
Airbag supplemental restraint
system ........................................184
and child safety seats ............185
description ..............................184
disposal ....................................188
driver airbag ............................186
indicator light .........................187
operation .................................186
passenger airbag .....................186
passenger deactivation
switch ......................................188
Ambulance packages ....................8
Antifreeze
(see Engine coolant) ................356
Anti-lock brake system
(see Brakes) ......................260–261
Anti-theft system ......................159
arming the system ..................160
Audio system
(see Radio) ......................23, 25, 32
Automatic transmission ............265
driving an automatic
overdrive .................................267
fluid, adding ............................375
fluid, checking ........................375
fluid, refill capacities ..............383
Auxiliary Input Jack ...................40
Auxiliary power point ...............100
Axle
refill capacities ........................383
traction lok ..............................264
B
Battery .......................................354acid, treating emergencies .....354
jumping a disabled battery ....322
maintenance-free ....................354
replacement, specifications ...382
servicing ..................................354
Belt-Minder
.............................179
Brakes ........................................260
anti-lock ...........................260–261
anti-lock brake system (ABS)
warning light ...........................261
fluid, checking and adding ....374
fluid, refill capacities ..............383
parking ....................................261
shift interlock ..........................265
trailer .......................................246
Break-in period .............................5
Bulbs ............................................91
C
Capacities for refilling fluids ....383
Cassette tape player ...................23
Cell phone use ..............................7
Child safety restraints ..............193
child safety belts ....................193
Child safety seats ......................196
attaching with tether straps ..200
in front seat ............................197
in rear seat ..............................197
Cleaning your vehicle
engine compartment ..............338
instrument panel ............340–341
interior .....................................342
plastic parts ............................340
safety belts ..............................342
washing ....................................337
waxing .....................................337
wheels ......................................338
wiper blades ............................340
2008 F-250/350/450/550(f23)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Index
392

Family entertainment system ....48
Fluid capacities .........................383
Foglamps .....................................85
Four-Wheel Drive vehicles .......276
description ..............................281
driving off road .......................283
electronic shift ................277, 281
indicator light .........................278
lever operated shift ................278
manual locking hubs ..............277
preparing to drive your
vehicle .....................................264
Fuel ............................................362
calculating fuel
economy ..........................130, 367
cap ...........................................364
capacity ...................................383
choosing the right fuel ...........365
comparisons with EPA fuel
economy estimates .................370
detergent in fuel .....................366
filling your vehicle with
fuel ...........................362, 364, 367
filter, specifications ........362, 382
fuel pump shut-off switch .....296
improving fuel economy ........367
octane rating ...................366, 387
quality ......................................366
running out of fuel .................366
safety information relating to
automotive fuels .....................362
Fuel pump shut-off switch .......296
Fuses ..................................297–298
G
Gas cap (see Fuel cap) ............364
Gas mileage
(see Fuel economy) .................367
Gauges .........................................19transmission fluid
temperature gauge ...................23
H
Hazard flashers .........................296
Head restraints .........................162
Headlamps ...................................85
aiming ..................................87, 89
autolamp system .......................85
daytime running lights .............86
flash to pass ..............................86
high beam .................................86
replacing bulbs ...................93–94
turning on and off ....................85
Heating
heating and air conditioning
system ...........................76–77, 80
Homelink wireless control
system ........................................116
Hood ..........................................347
I
Ignition ...............................255, 387
Infant seats
(see Safety seats) .....................196
Inspection/maintenance (I/M)
testing ........................................372
Instrument panel
cleaning ...........................340–341
cluster ........................................12
lighting up panel and interior .87
J
Jump-starting your vehicle ......322
K
Keyless entry system ...............157
2008 F-250/350/450/550(f23)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Index
394

autolock ...................................147
programming entry code .......157
Keys ...........................................160
positions of the ignition .........255
L
Lamps
autolamp system .......................85
daytime running light ...............86
fog lamps ...................................85
headlamps .................................85
headlamps, flash to pass ..........86
instrument panel, dimming .....87
interior lamps ...........................91
replacing bulbs .............91, 93–97
Lane change indicator
(see Turn signal) ........................90
Lights, warning and indicator ....12
anti-lock brakes (ABS) ..........261
Load limits .................................236
Loading instructions .................242
Locks
autolock ...................................147
childproof ................................150
Lug nuts ....................................321
Lumbar support, seats .............167
M
Manual transmission .................269
fluid capacities ........................383
reverse .....................................271
Message center .................120, 129
english/metric button .............132
system check button ..............132
warning messages ...........124, 135
Mirrors ...............................100, 103
fold away .........................105, 107heated ......................................105
side view mirrors (power) .....104
signal .......................................108
Moon roof ..................................115
Motorcraft parts ................362, 382
N
Navigation system .......................47
O
Octane rating ............................366
Oil (see Engine oil) ..................351
Overdrive .....................................99
P
Parking brake ............................261
Parts (see Motorcraft parts) ....382
Pedals (see Power adjustable
foot pedals) ...............................108
Power adjustable foot pedals ...108
Power distribution box
(see Fuses) ...............................303
Power door locks ......................146
Power mirrors ...........................104
Power point ...............................100
Power steering ..........................263
fluid, checking and adding ....373
fluid, refill capacity ................383
Power Windows .........................102
Preparing to drive your
vehicle ........................................264
R
Radio ................................23, 25, 32
2008 F-250/350/450/550(f23)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Index
395