Page 2 of 400
Locks and Security 146
Keys 146
Locks 146
Anti-theft system 159
Seating and Safety Restraints 162
Seating 162
Safety restraints 170
Airbags 184
Child restraints 192
Tires, Wheels and Loading 204
Tire information 206
Tire inflation 209
Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) 224
Vehicle loading 236
Trailer towing 242
Trailer brake controller-integrated 246
Recreational towing 253
Driving 255
Starting 255
Brakes 260
Traction Control™ 262
Transmission operation 265
Snowplowing 291
Roadside Emergencies 294
Getting roadside assistance 294
Hazard flasher switch 296
Fuel pump shut-off switch 296
Fuses and relays 297
Changing tires 307
Lug nut torque 321
Jump starting 322
Wrecker towing 327
Table of Contents
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2008 F-250/350/450/550(f23)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Page 10 of 400
These are some of the symbols you may see on your vehicle.
Vehicle Symbol Glossary
Safety Alert
See Owner’s Guide
Fasten Safety BeltAirbag - Front
Airbag - SideChild Seat Lower
Anchor
Child Seat Tether
AnchorBrake System
Anti-Lock Brake SystemParking Brake System
Brake Fluid -
Non-Petroleum BasedParking Aid System
Stability Control SystemSpeed Control
Master Lighting SwitchHazard Warning Flasher
Fog Lamps-FrontFuse Compartment
Fuel Pump ResetWindshield Wash/Wipe
Windshield
Defrost/DemistRear Window
Defrost/Demist
2008 F-250/350/450/550(f23)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Introduction
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Page 100 of 400

ILLUMINATED VISOR MIRROR (IF EQUIPPED)
Lift the mirror cover to turn on the
visor mirror lamp.
OVERHEAD CONSOLE (IF EQUIPPED)
The appearance of your vehicle’s overhead console will vary according to
your option package. If your vehicle is equipped with a moon roof, refer
toOne-touch moonrooflater in this chapter for information on its
operation.
Storage compartment (if equipped)
Press the release on the door to
open the storage compartment.
The storage compartment may be
used to secure sunglasses or a
similar object and the front tab can
be used for holding tickets, paper,
envelopes, etc. The front bin may be
used to store small objects.
AUXILIARY POWER POINT (12VDC)
Power outlets are designed for accessory plugs only. Do not insert
any other object in the power outlet for this will damage the
outlet and blow the fuse. Do not hang any type of accessory or
accessory bracket from the plug. Improper use of the power
outlet can cause damage not covered by your warranty.
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Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Driver Controls
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Page 101 of 400

The auxiliary power point is located
on the instrument panel.
On SuperCab and Crew Cab models,another power point is located
on the rear of the center console (if equipped).
Do not use the power point for operating the cigarette lighter element (if
equipped).
To prevent the fuse from being blown, do not use the power point(s)
over the vehicle capacity of 12 VDC/180W.
To prevent the battery from being discharged, do not use the power
point longer than necessary when the engine is not running.
Always keep the power point caps closed when not being used.
Cigar lighter (if equipped)
Do not plug optional electrical accessories into the cigarette lighter
socket.
Do not hold the lighter in with your hand while it is heating, this will
damage the lighter element and socket. The lighter will be released from
its heating position when it is ready to be used.
Note:If the power point or cigar lighter socket is not working, a fuse
may have blown. Refer to theFuses and relaysin theRoadside
Emergencieschapter information on checking and replacing fuses.
Improper use of the lighter can cause damage not covered by your
warranty.
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Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Driver Controls
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Page 115 of 400

There will also be one power lead
for each switch found as a blunt-cut
and sealed wire located below the
instrument panel and to the left of
the steering column.
They are coded as follows:
Switch Circuit number Wire color Fuse
AUX 1 CAC05 Yellow 30A
AUX 2 CAC06 Green with
Brown Trace30A
AUX 3 CAC07 Violet with
Green Trace10A
AUX 4 CAC08 Brown 15A
More detailed information about the Upfitter switches can be found in
theUpfitter Switchesbulletin found at
www.fleet.ford.com/truckbbas/non-html/Q117.pdf.
ONE-TOUCH MOON ROOF (IF EQUIPPED)
The moon roof control is located on the overhead console.
Note:The moon roof will open to
the“comfort”position first before
opening all the way. The “comfort”
position helps to alleviate rumbling
wind noise which may happen in the
vehicle with the roof fully opened.
To open the moon roof:The moon
roof is equipped with a one-touch
open feature. Press and release the
AUTO control. The moon roof will open to the “comfort” position. Press
and release the control again to fully open. To stop the one-touch open
feature press either the AUTO or
control again.
2008 F-250/350/450/550(f23)
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USA(fus)
Driver Controls
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Page 185 of 400

Never place your arm over the air bag module as a deploying air
bag can result in serious arm fractures or other injuries.
To properly position yourself away from the airbag:
•Move your seat to the rear as far as you can while still reaching the
pedals comfortably.
•Recline the seat slightly one or two degrees from the upright position.
Do not put anything on or over the air bag module. Placing
objects on or over the air bag inflation area may cause those
objects to be propelled by the air bag into your face and torso causing
serious injury.
Do not attempt to service, repair, or modify the airbag
supplemental restraint systems or its fuses. See your authorized
dealer.
The front passenger air bag is not designed to offer protection to
an occupant in the center front seating position.
Modifying or adding equipment to the front end of the vehicle
(including frame, bumper, front end body structure and tow
hooks) may affect the performance of the airbag system, increasing the
risk of injury. Do not modify the front end of the vehicle.
Additional equipment such as snowplow equipment may effect
the performance of the airbag sensors increasing the risk of
injury. Please refer to theFord Truck Body Builders Layout Bookfor
instructions about the appropriate installation of additional equipment.
Children and airbags
For additional important safety information, read all information on
safety restraints in this guide.
Children must always be properly restrained. Failure to follow these
instructions may increase the risk of injury in a collision.
2008 F-250/350/450/550(f23)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Seating and Safety Restraints
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Page 253 of 400

Backing up
•Practice backing up, particularly if you are a novice. Turn the steering
wheel to the right to move the trailer’s rear end to the right.
•Sharp steering movements may cause the trailer to jackknife or go out
of control.
Tires
•All trailer tires should be of the same size, and construction.
•Select tires that meet the trailer loading requirements.
•Always check tow vehicle and trailer tire pressure before towing.
Launching or retrieving a boat
When backing down a ramp during boat launching or retrieval,
•Do not allow the static water level to rise above the bottom edge of
the rear bumper.
•Do not allow waves to break higher than 6 inches (15 cm) above the
bottom edge of the rear bumper.
•Disconnect the trailer tow electrical connector to prevent blown fuses
caused by water entering into your trailer’s electrical wiring.
Exceeding these limits may allow water to enter critical vehicle
components, adversely affecting driveability, emissions and reliability.
Replace front and rear axle lubricants any time the axles have been
submerged in water. Axle lubricant quantities are not to be checked
unless a leak is suspected.
RECREATIONAL TOWING
Follow these guidelines if you have a need for recreational (RV) towing.
An example of recreational towing would be towing your vehicle behind
a motorhome. These guidelines are designed to ensure that your
transmission is not damaged.
2008 F-250/350/450/550(f23)
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USA(fus)
Tires, Wheels and Loading
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2. Apply the brake. Use a tool (or a
small screwdriver) to pry out the
access cover. Insert the tool into the
access hole and slide the white
override button towards the left.
Move the gear shift lever into N
(Neutral) while holding the white
override disc towards the left.
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.
3. Start the vehicle.
If it is necessary to use the above procedure to move the gearshift lever,
it is possible that a fuse has blown or the vehicle’s brakelamps are not
operating properly. Refer toFuses and relaysin theRoadside
Emergencieschapter.
Do not drive your vehicle until you verify that the brakelamps
are working.
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 as soon as possible.
2008 F-250/350/450/550(f23)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Driving
266