1.Fan speed adjustment:Controls the volume of air circulated in the
vehicle.
2.Temperature selection:Controls the temperature of the airflow in
the vehicle.
3.Air flow selections:Controls the direction of the airflow in the
vehicle. See the following for a brief description on each control.
MAX A/C:Distributes recirculated air through the instrument panel
vents only to cool the vehicle. This re-cooling of the interior air is more
economical and efficient. Recirculated air may also help reduce
undesirable odors from entering the vehicle.
:Distributes air through the instrument panel vents.
:Distributes air through the instrument panel vents and the floor
vents.
O (OFF):Outside air is shut out and the fan will not operate.
:Distributes air through the floor vents.
:Distributes air through the windshield defroster vents and floor
vents.
:Distributes outside air through the windshield defroster vents. Can
be used to clear ice or fog from the windshield.
4.
Recirculated air:Press to activate/deactivate air recirculation
in cabin. Recirculated air may reduce the amount of time to cool down
the interior of the vehicle and may also help reduce undesired odors
from reaching the interior of the vehicle. Recirculation engages
automatically with selection of MAX A/C or can be engaged manually in
any other airflow selection except defrost. Recirculation may turn off
automatically in all airflow selections except MAX A/C.
5.A/C:Press to activate/deactivate air conditioning. Use with
recirculated air to improve cooling performance and efficiency. Engages
automatically in MAX A/C,
and.
6.
(Heated mirrors):Press to turn the heated mirrors on and off.
The heated mirrors turn off automatically after 10 minutes.
7.
(Heated seats):Press to turn the heated seats on and off. The
heated seats turn off when the ignition is turned off.
2008 F-250/350/450/550(f23)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Climate Controls
78
ProCarManuals.com
Operating tips
•To reduce fog build up on the windshield during humid weather, place
the air flow selector in the
position.
•To reduce humidity build up inside the vehicle, do not drive with the
air flow selector in the O (OFF) position.
•Do not put objects under the front seats that will interfere with the
airflow to the rear seats.
•Remove any snow, ice or leaves from the air intake area at the base of
the windshield.
•To improve the A/C cool down, drive with the windows slightly open
for 2–3 minutes after start up or until the vehicle has been “aired out.”
For maximum cooling performance in MAX A/C mode:
1. Move the temperature control to the coolest setting.
2. Set the fan to the highest speed initially, then adjust in order to
maintain comfort.
To aid in side window defogging and demisting in cold weather:
1. Select
.
2. Select A/C.
3. Set the temperature control to maintain comfort.
4. Set the fan speed to highest setting.
5. Direct the outer instrument panel vents towards the side windows.
Do not place objects on top of the instrument panel as these
objects may become projectiles in a collision or sudden stop.
2008 F-250/350/450/550(f23)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Climate Controls
79
ProCarManuals.com
•DATC with heated seats and heated mirrors
Temperature conversion:To switch between Fahrenheit and Celsius,
refer toUnits (English/Metric)under eitherStandard Message Center
orOptional Message Centerin theDriver Controlschapter
In order to achieve maximum cooling performance, press
, A/C,,
and set the temperature to 60°F (16°C) and the highest blower setting.
1.
Defrost:Distributes outside air through the windshield defroster
and demister vents. Can be used to clear thin ice or fog from the
windshield. To exit
select another mode.
2.Passenger temperature control:Press to increase/decrease the
passenger side temperature in the vehicle cabin.
3A.Dual:(Single/dual electric temperature control): Allows the driver to
have full control of the cabin temperature settings (single zone) or
allows the passenger to have control of their individual temperature
settings (dual zone control). Press to turn on dual zone mode, press
again to return to single zone.
3B.
Heated mirrors:Press to defrost the outside rear view
mirrors. The heated mirrors will turn off after 10 minutes or can be
turned off by pressing the button again. Refer toPower mirrorsin the
Driver Controlschapter for more information.
2008 F-250/350/450/550(f23)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Climate Controls
81
ProCarManuals.com
4.Recirculation control:Press to activate/deactivate air
recirculation in cabin. Recirculated air may reduce the amount of time to
cool down the interior of the vehicle and may also help reduce undesired
odors from reaching the interior of the vehicle. Recirculation can be
engaged manually in any other airflow selection except
(defrost).
Recirculation may turn off automatically in all airflow selections except
MAX A/C.
5.A/C control:Press to activate/deactivate air conditioning. Use with
recirculated air to improve cooling performance and efficiency. Engages
automatically in AUTO,
(defrost) and(floor/defrost).
6.Manual override controls:Press this control to manually select
where you want the airflow directed. To return to full automatic control,
press AUTO.
7.
:Distributes air through the windshield defroster vents and floor
vents.
8.
:Distributes air through the floor vents.
9.
:Distributes air through the instrument panel vents and the floor
vents.
10.
:Distributes air through the instrument panel vents.
11.
Fan speed control:Press to manually increase or decrease the
fan speed. To return to automatic fan operation, press AUTO.
12.EXT:Press to display outside temperature. Press again to display
cabin temperature settings.
13.OFF:Outside air is shut out and the fan will not operate.
14.Driver temperature control:Press to increase/decrease the driver
side temperature in the vehicle cabin.
15.AUTO:To engage automatic temperature control, press AUTO and
select the desired temperature using the temperature control. The
system will automatically determine fan speed, airflow location, A/C on
or off, and outside or recirculated air, to heat or cool the vehicle to reach
the desired temperature.
16.
Heated seat controls:Press to turn the heated seats on and off.
The heated seats turn off when the ignition is turned off.
2008 F-250/350/450/550(f23)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Climate Controls
82
ProCarManuals.com
Operating tips
•To reduce fog build up on the windshield during humid weather, place
the air flow selector in the
position.
•To reduce humidity build up inside the vehicle, do not drive with the
system OFF, or with recirculated air
engaged and A/C off.
•Do not put objects under the front seats that will interfere with the
airflow to the back seats.
•Remove any snow, ice or leaves from the air intake area at the base of
the windshield.
•To improve the A/C cool down, drive with the windows slightly open
for 2-3 minutes after start up or until the vehicle has been “aired out”.
For maximum cooling performance (MAX A/C):
Automatic operation:
1. Press AUTO for full automatic operation.
2. Do not override A/C or
(recirculated air).
3. Set the temperature to 60°F (16°C).
Override operation:
1. Select air distribution.
2. Select A/C and
(recirculated air). Use(recirculated air) with
A/C to provide colder airflow.
3. Set the temperature to 60°F (16°C).
4. Set highest fan speed initially, then adjust to maintain comfort.
In
(panel) or(panel/floor) modes:
1. Move temperature control to full cold.
2. Select A/C and
(recirculated air). Use recirculated air with A/C to
provide colder airflow.
3. Set highest fan speed initially, then adjust to maintain comfort.
2008 F-250/350/450/550(f23)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Climate Controls
83
ProCarManuals.com
Driving while you tow
When towing a trailer:
•Do not drive faster than 70 mph (113 km/h) during the first 500 miles
(800 km) of trailer towing and don’t make full-throttle starts.
•Turn off the speed control. The speed control may shut off
automatically when you are towing on long, steep grades.
•Consult your local motor vehicle speed regulations for towing a trailer.
•To eliminate excessive transmission shifting, activate the Tow/Haul
feature. This will also assist in transmission cooling. (For additional
information, refer to theUnderstanding the shift positions of the
5–speed automatic transmissionsection in theDrivingchapter.
•Anticipate stops and brake gradually.
•Do not exceed the GCWR rating or transmission damage may occur.
•Your vehicle may be equipped with a temporary or conventional spare
tire. If the spare tire is different in size (diameter and/or width), tread
type (All-Season or All-Terrain) or is from a different manufacturer
other than the road tires on your vehicle, your spare tire is considered
“temporary”. Consult information on the spare Tire Label or Safety
Compliance Certification Label for limitations when using.
Servicing after towing
If you tow a trailer for long distances, your vehicle will require more
frequent service intervals. Refer to yourscheduled maintenance
informationfor more information.
Trailer towing safety tips
General
•Ensure that the trailer, safety chains and 7–pin electrical connectors
are securely fastened.
•Make sure the truck receiver, draw bar, and coupler are properly
connected and adjusted.
•Check rear view and side mirrors for proper visibility especially when
towing trailer wider than the truck.
•When towing, operate the vehicle at lower speeds than you would
when not towing a trailer. The likelihood of trailer sway is greater at
higher speeds.
2008 F-250/350/450/550(f23)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Tires, Wheels and Loading
251
ProCarManuals.com
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, cranes, tools for construction or tire service,
and pumping fluids. 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. The aftermarket
PTO system installer, having the most knowledge of the final application,
is responsible for determining whether additional chassis heat protection
or powertrain cooling is required, and alerting the user to the safe and
proper operation.
Ford Super Duty Vehicles are qualified for use as a stationary power
source, within limits detailed in theFord Truck Body Builders Layout
Book,found at www.fleet.ford.com/truckbbas, and through the Ford
Truck Body Builders Advisory Service.
Gas engine vehicles are qualified for up to 10 minutes of continuous
operation as a stationary power source, due to the potential for the
normal venting of fuel vapors. 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 the vehicle is capable of.
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.
2008 F-250/350/450/550(f23)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Driving
290
ProCarManuals.com
•Snowplowing with vehicles equipped with a diesel engine may result in
engine overheating in highway driving with snowplow blade raised
unless equipped with the special engine cooling fan clutch that is
included with a snow plow package option.
Operating the vehicle with the snowplow attached
Do not use your vehicle for snow removal until it has been driven at
least 500 miles (800 km).
The attached snowplow blade restricts airflow to the radiator, and may
cause the engine to run at a higher temperature: Attention to engine
temperature is especially important when outside temperatures are
above freezing. Angle the blade to maximize airflow to the radiator and
monitor engine temperature to determine whether a left or right angle
provides the best performance.
Follow the severe duty schedule in yourscheduled maintenance
informationfor engine oil and transmission fluid change intervals.
Snowplowing with your airbag-equipped vehicle
Your vehicle is equipped with a driver and passenger airbag
Supplemental Restraint System (SRS) The SRS is designed to activate in
certain frontal and offset frontal collisions when the vehicle sustains
sufficient longitudinal deceleration.
Careless or high speed driving while plowing snow which results in
sufficient vehicle decelerations can deploy the airbag. Such driving also
increases the risk of accidents.
All occupants of the vehicle, including the driver, should always
properly wear their safety belts, even when an air bag
supplemental restraint system (SRS) is provided.
Never remove or defeat the “tripping mechanisms” designed into the
snow removal equipment by its manufacturer. Doing so may cause
damage to the vehicle and the snow removal equipment as well as
possible airbag deployment.
Do not attempt to service, repair, or modify the air bag
supplemental restraint system (SRS) or its fuses. See your Ford
or Lincoln Mercury dealer.
2008 F-250/350/450/550(f23)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Driving
292
ProCarManuals.com