2008 FORD SUPER DUTY brake light

3. AIR FILTER (Diesel engine only)
4. DOOR AJAR
5. BRAKE SYSTEM
6. FUEL LEVEL
Units (English/Metric)
1. Select this function from the
SETUP menu for the current units
to be displayed.
2. Press the RESET control to
change from English to Metric.
Autolamp timer presets
This feature keeps your headlights on for up to three minutes after the
ignition is switched off.
1. To disable/enable the autolamp
delay feature, select this function
from the SETUP control for the
current display mode.
2. Press the RESET control to select
the new Autolamp delay values of 0, 10, 20, 30, 60, 90, 120 or 180
seconds.
Autolocks
This feature automatically locks all vehicle doors when the vehicle is
shifted into any gear, putting the vehicle in motion.
1. To disable/enable the autolock
feature, select this function from the
SETUP control for the current
display mode.
2. Press the RESET control to turn
the autolocks ON or OFF.
Compass display (if equipped)
The compass heading is displayed as one of N, NE, E, SE, S, SW, W and
NW in the message center display.
The compass reading may be affected when you drive near large
buildings, bridges, power lines and powerful broadcast antenna. Magnetic
or metallic objects placed in, on or near the vehicle may also affect
compass accuracy.
2008 F-250/350/450/550(f23)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Driver Controls
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Do not sit on tope of a buckled safety belt or insert a latchplate
into the buckle to avoid the Belt-Minder
chime. To do so may
adversely affect the performance of the vehicle’s air bag system
One-time disable
Any time the safety belt is buckled and then unbuckled during an
ignition ON cycle, the Belt-Minder
will be disabled for that ignition
cycle only.
Deactivating/activating the Belt-Minderfeature (Driver only)
Read Steps1-5thoroughly before proceeding with the
deactivation/activation programming procedure.
The Belt-Minder
feature can be deactivated/activated by performing the
following procedure:
Before following the procedure, make sure that the following conditions
are met:
•the parking brake is set
•the gearshift is in P (Park) (automatic transmission) or the neutral
position (manual transmission)
•the ignition switch is in the OFF position
•all vehicle doors are closed
•the driver’s safety belt is unbuckled
•the parklamps/headlamps are in the OFF position (If the vehicle is
equipped with Autolamps, this will not affect the procedure)
While the design allows you to deactivate your Belt-Minder
,this
system is designed to improve your chances of being safely
belted and surviving an accident. We recommend you leave the
Belt-Minder
system activated for yourself and others who may use the
vehicle. To reduce the risk of injury, do not deactivate/activate the
Belt-Minder
feature while driving the vehicle.
Belt-Minder
activation and deactivation procedure
1. Turn the ignition switch to the RUN (or ON) position. (DO NOT
START THE ENGINE)
2. Wait until the safety belt warning light turns off. (Approximately 1
minute)
2008 F-250/350/450/550(f23)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Seating and Safety Restraints
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The TBC user interface consists of
the following:
1.+/- (GAIN adjustment
buttons):Pressing these buttons
will adjust the TBC’s power output
to the trailer brakes (in 0.5
increments). The GAIN setting can
be increased to a maximum of 10.0
or decreased to a minimum of 0 (no
trailer braking). Pressing and
holding a button will raise or lower
the setting continuously.
2.Trailer connection indicator:This lamp indicates trailer electrical
connection status.
•When a successful trailer connection is detected, the indicator will be
green.
•If the electrical connection is lost, the indicator will flash red. If the
connection is lost while the vehicle is stationary, the indicator will turn
off after 30 seconds. If the connection is lost while the vehicle is
moving, the indicator will flash until the ignition is turned off, then on
again or if there is a reconnection.
•If no electrical connection is detected after the ignition is turned on,
pressing a GAIN adjustment button will display the GAIN setting.
Sliding the manual control will display the GAIN setting, OUTPUT bar
graph and light the trailer indicator red.
3.GAIN setting display:Shows the current GAIN setting. This will
illuminate when a trailer is connected, flash if the trailer becomes
disconnected, or remain off if no trailer is connected.
4.OUTPUT bar graph:When the vehicle’s brake pedal is pushed, or
when the manual control is activated, green bar indicators will illuminate
to indicate the amount of power going to the trailer brakes relative to
the brake pedal or manual control input.
5.Manual control lever:Slide the control lever to the left to activate
power to the trailer’s electric brakes independent of the tow vehicle’s
brakes (see the followingProcedure for adjusting GAINsection for
instructions on proper use of this feature). If the manual control is
activated while the brake is also applied, the greater of the two inputs
determines the power sent to the trailer brakes.
2008 F-250/350/450/550(f23)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Tires, Wheels and Loading
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•Avoid towing in adverse weather conditions. The TBC does not
provide anti-lock control of the trailer wheels. Trailer wheels can
lock-up on slippery surfaces, resulting in reduced stability of trailer
and tow vehicle.
•The TBC interacts with the brake system of the vehicle, including
ABS, in order to reduce the likelihood of trailer wheel lockup.
Therefore, if these systems are not functioning properly the TBC may
not function at full performance.
•When the vehicle is turned off, the TBC Output is disabled and the
display is shut down. Reactivation of the ignition from 3 (OFF) to 4
(ON) will awaken the TBC module.
•The TBC is only a factory or dealer installed item. Ford is not
responsible for warranty or performance of the TBC due to misuse or
customer installation.
•Do not attempt removal of the TBC without consulting the
Workshop Manual.Damage to the unit may result.
Trailer lamps
Trailer lamps are required on most towed vehicles. Make sure all running
lights, brake lights, turn signals and hazard lights are working. See your
authorized dealer or trailer rental agency for proper instructions and
equipment for hooking up trailer lamps.
Using a step bumper (if equipped)
The rear bumper is equipped with an integral hitch and only requires a
ball with a one inch (25.4 mm) shank diameter. The bumper has a
5,000 lb. (2,270 kg) trailer weight and 500 lb. (227 kg) tongue weight
capacity.
If it is necessary to relocate the trailer hitch ball position, a
frame-mounted trailer hitch must be installed.
Driving while you tow
When towing a trailer:
•Do not drive faster than 70 mph (112 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
2008 F-250/350/450/550(f23)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Tires, Wheels and Loading
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If starting a vehicle with a manual
transmission:
1. Make sure the parking brake is
set.
2. Push the clutch pedal to the floor.
•Turn the key to 3 (ON) without
turning the key to 4 (START).
Some warning lights will briefly illuminate. SeeWarning lights and
chimesin theInstrument Clusterchapter for more information
regarding the warning lights.
Starting the engine
1. Turn the key to 3 (ON) without
turning the key to 4 (START). If
there is difficulty in turning the key,
rotate the steering wheel until the
key turns freely. This condition may
occur when:
•the front wheels are turned
•a front wheel is against the curb
2. Turn the key to 4 (START), then
release the key as soon as the
engine starts. Excessive cranking could damage the starter.
2008 F-250/350/450/550(f23)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Driving
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To reduce the risk of electrical shock, do not use your heater
with ungrounded electrical systems or two-pronged (cheater)
adapters.
BRAKES
Occasional brake noise is normal. If a metal-to-metal, continuous grinding
or continuous squeal sound is present, the brake linings may be worn-out
and should be inspected by your authorized dealer. If the vehicle has
continuous vibration or shudder in the steering wheel while braking, the
vehicle should be inspected by your authorized dealer.
Refer toBrake system warning
lightin theInstrument Cluster
chapter for information on the brake
system warning light.
Four-wheel anti-lock brake system (ABS)
Your vehicle is equipped with an Anti-lock Braking System (ABS). This
system helps you maintain steering control during emergency stops by
keeping the brakes from locking. Noise from the ABS pump motor and
brake pedal pulsation may be observed during ABS braking and the
brake pedal may suddenly travel a little farther as soon as ABS braking is
done and normal brake operation resumes. These are normal
characteristics of the ABS and should be no reason for concern.
ABS warning lamp
The ABS lamp in the instrument
cluster momentarily illuminates
when the ignition is turned on. If
the light does not illuminate during
start up, remains on or flashes, the
ABS may be disabled and may need to be serviced.
Even when the ABS is disabled,
normal braking is still effective. (If
your BRAKE warning lamp
illuminates with the parking brake
released, have your brake system
serviced immediately.)
Using ABS
When hard braking is required, apply continuous force on the brake
pedal; do not pump the brake pedal since this will reduce the
P!
BRAKE
ABS
P!
BRAKE
2008 F-250/350/450/550(f23)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Driving
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If you’re parking your vehicle on a grade or with a trailer, press and hold
the brake pedal down, then set the parking brake. There may be a little
vehicle movement as the parking brake sets to hold the vehicle’s weight.
This is normal and should be no reason for concern. If needed, press and
hold the service brake pedal down, then try reapplying the parking
brake. Chock the wheels if required. If the parking brake cannot hold the
weight of the vehicle, the parking brake may need to be serviced or the
vehicle may be overloaded.
TRACTION CONTROL(IF EQUIPPED)
Your vehicle may be equipped with a Traction Controlsystem. This
system helps you maintain the stability and steerability of your vehicle,
especially on slippery road surfaces such as snow- or ice-covered roads
and gravel roads. The system will allow your vehicle to make better use
of available traction in these conditions.
During Traction Controloperation,
the traction control light will
illuminate and the engine will not
“rev-up” when you push further on
the accelerator. This is normal
system behavior and should be no
reason for concern. Also, if traction control is on when the vehicle is put
into four-wheel drive mode (if equipped), the traction control system will
be automatically disabled. Traction control operation will resume when
the vehicle is placed back into two-wheel drive mode.
Aggressive driving in any road conditions can cause you to lose
control of your vehicle increasing the risk of severe personal
injury or property damage. The occurrence of a Traction Control
event is an indication that at least some of the tires have exceeded
their ability to grip the road; this may lead to an increased risk of loss
of vehicle control, vehicle rollover, personal injury and death. If you
experience a severe road event, SLOW DOWN.
2008 F-250/350/450/550(f23)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Driving
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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.
Understanding the shift positions of the 5–speed automatic
transmission
This vehicle is equipped with an adaptive Transmission Shift Strategy.
Adaptive Shift Strategy offers the optimal transmission operation and
shift quality. When the vehicle’s battery has been disconnected for any
type of service or repair, the transmission will need to relearn the normal
shift strategy parameters, much like having to reset your radio stations
when your vehicle battery has been disconnected. The Adaptive
Transmission Strategy allows the transmission to relearn these operating
parameters. This learning process could take several transmission
upshifts and downshifts; during this learning process, slightly firmer
shifts may occur. After this learning process, normal shift feel and shift
scheduling will resume.
P (Park)
This position locks the transmission and prevents the rear wheels from
turning.
To put your vehicle in gear:
•Start the engine
•Depress the brake pedal
•Move the gearshift lever into the desired gear
To put your vehicle in P (Park):
•Come to a complete stop
•Move the gearshift lever and securely latch it in P (Park)
2008 F-250/350/450/550(f23)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Driving
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