2008 FORD SUPER DUTY lights

•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)
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Tires, Wheels and Loading
227

STARTING
Positions of the ignition
1. OFF/LOCK, shuts off the engine
and all accessories/locks the steering
wheel, gearshift lever and allows key
removal.
2. ACC, allows the electrical
accessories such as the radio to
operate while the engine is not
running. This position also unlocks
the steering wheel.
3. ON, all electrical circuits
operational. Warning lights illuminated. Key position when driving.
4. START, cranks the engine. Release the key as soon as the engine
starts.
Preparing to start your vehicle
Engine starting is controlled by the powertrain control system. This
system meets all Canadian Interference-Causing Equipment standard
requirements regulating the impulse electrical field strength of radio
noise.
When starting a fuel-injected engine, don’t press the accelerator before
or during starting. Only use the accelerator when you have difficulty
starting the engine. For more information on starting the vehicle, refer to
Starting the enginein this chapter.
Extended idling at high engine speeds can produce very high
temperatures in the engine and exhaust system, creating the risk
of fire or other damage.
Do not park, idle, or drive your vehicle in dry grass or other dry
ground cover. The emission system heats up the engine
compartment and exhaust system, which can start a fire.
Do not start your vehicle in a closed garage or in other enclosed
areas. Exhaust fumes can be toxic. Always open the garage door
before you start the engine. SeeGuarding against exhaust fumesin
this chapter for more instructions.
2008 F-250/350/450/550(f23)
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USA(fus)
Driving
231

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)
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USA(fus)
Driving
233

engaged, the vehicle speed must be below 5 mph (8 km/h) with
the brake pedal depressed and the transmission in N (Neutral). If
your vehicle is equipped with a manual transmission, the clutch
pedal also must be depressed.This vehicle is equipped with a
non-synchronous low range gearset which will not allow the
transfer case to shift into 4X4 LOW if vehicle speed is above
5 mph (8 km/h). It is recommended that a shift to 4X4 LOW is
performed while the vehicle is rolling at a speed below 5 mph
(8 km/h).
The 4WD system:
•provides 4x4 High engagement and disengagement while the vehicle is
moving.
•is operated by a rotary control located on the instrument panel that
allows you select 2WD, 4x4 High or 4x4 Low operation.
•uses auto-manual hub locks that can be engaged and disengaged
automatically based on the 4x4 mode selected.
•auto-manual hub locks can be
manually overridden by rotating
the hub lock control from AUTO
to LOCK if desired.
•automatic operation of the
hub locks is recommended,and
will increase fuel economy
•For proper operation, make
sure that each hub is fully
engaged and that both hub
locks are set to the same position (both set to LOCK or both
set to AUTO). To engage LOCK, turn the hub locks completely
clockwise; to engage AUTO, turn the hub locks completely
counterclockwise.
4WD system indicator lights
The 4WD system indicator lights illuminate only under the following
conditions. If these lights illuminate when driving in 2WD, contact your
authorized dealer as soon as possible.
•4x4 HIGH- momentarily
illuminates after the engine is
started. Illuminates when 4H (4x4
High) or 4L (4x4 Low) is
engaged.
4x4
HIGH
2008 F-250/350/450/550(f23)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Driving
249

4. Driving through deep water - the electrical system may be wet.
These temporary malfunctions can be corrected by filling the fuel tank
with good quality fuel, properly tightening the fuel cap or letting the
electrical system dry out. After three driving cycles without these or any
other temporary malfunctions present, the
indicator should stay off
the next time the engine is started. A driving cycle consists of a cold
engine startup followed by mixed city/highway driving. No additional
vehicle service is required.
If the
indicator remains on, have your vehicle serviced at the first
available opportunity. Although some malfunctions detected by the
OBD-II may not have symptoms that are apparent, continued driving
with the
indicator on can result in increased emissions, lower fuel
economy, reduced engine and transmission smoothness, and lead to more
costly repairs.
Readiness for Inspection/Maintenance (I/M) testing
In some localities, it may be a legal requirement to pass an I/M test of
the on-board diagnostics system. If the
indicator is on, refer to the
description in the Warning lights and chimes section of the Instrument
Cluster chapter. Your vehicle may not pass the I/M test with the
indicator on.
If the vehicle’s powertrain system or its battery has just been serviced,
the on-board diagnostics system is reset to a “not ready for I/M test”
condition. To ready the on-board diagnostics system for I/M testing, a
minimum of 30 minutes of city and highway driving is necessary as
described below:
•First, at least 10 minutes of driving on an expressway or highway.
•Next, at least 20 minutes driving in stop-and-go, city-type traffic with
at least four idle periods.
Allow the vehicle to sit for at least eight hours without starting the
engine. Then, start the engine and complete the above driving cycle. The
engine must warm up to its normal operating temperature. Once started,
do not turn off the engine until the above driving cycle is complete.
POWER STEERING FLUID
Check the power steering fluid. Refer to thescheduled maintenance
informationfor the service interval schedules. If adding fluid is
necessary, use only MERCON
AT F.
2008 F-250/350/450/550(f23)
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USA(fus)
Maintenance and Specifications
340

recommendations ...................321
refill capacities ........................352
Exhaust fumes ..........................234
F
Fail safe cooling ........................328
Family entertainment system ....43
Fluid capacities .........................352
Foglamps .....................................80
Four-Wheel Drive vehicles .......248
description ..............................252
driving off road .......................254
electronic shift ................248, 252
indicator light .........................249
lever operated shift ................250
manual locking hubs ..............248
preparing to drive your
vehicle .....................................239
Fuel ............................................330
calculating fuel
economy ..........................124, 335
cap ...........................................332
capacity ...................................352
choosing the right fuel ...........333
comparisons with EPA fuel
economy estimates .................338
detergent in fuel .....................334
filling your vehicle
with fuel ..................330, 332, 335
filter, specifications ........330, 350
fuel pump shut-off switch .....267
improving fuel economy ........335
octane rating ...................334, 356
quality ......................................334
running out of fuel .................334
safety information relating to
automotive fuels .....................330
Fuel pump shut-off switch .......267
Fuses ..................................268–269G
Gas cap (see Fuel cap) ............332
Gas mileage
(see Fuel economy) .................335
Gauges .........................................18
transmission fluid
temperature gauge ...................22
H
Hazard flashers .........................267
Head restraints .........................151
Headlamps ...................................80
aiming ..................................82, 84
autolamp system .......................80
daytime running lights .............81
flash to pass ..............................81
high beam .................................81
replacing bulbs .............86, 88–90
turning on and off ....................80
Heating
heating and air conditioning
system ...........................71–72, 75
Homelink wireless control
system ........................................112
Hood ..........................................315
I
Ignition ...............................231, 356
Infant seats
(see Safety seats) .....................184
Inspection/maintenance (I/M)
testing ........................................340
Instrument panel
cleaning ...................................309
cluster ........................................12
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USA(fus)
Index
363

lighting up panel and
interior .......................................82
J
Jump-starting your vehicle ......290
K
Keyless entry system ...............146
autolock ...................................136
programming entry code .......146
Keys ...........................................149
positions of the ignition .........231
L
Lamps
autolamp system .......................80
daytime running light ...............81
fog lamps ...................................80
headlamps .................................80
headlamps, flash to pass ..........81
instrument panel, dimming .....82
interior lamps ...........................85
replacing bulbs ....... 85–86, 88–93
Lane change indicator
(see Turn signal) ........................85
Lights, warning and indicator ....12
anti-lock brakes (ABS) ..........235
Load limits .................................212
Loading instructions .................218
Locks
autolock ...................................136
childproof ................................140
Lug nuts ....................................289
Lumbar support, seats .............155
M
Manual transmission .................244fluid capacities ........................352
reverse .....................................245
Message center .................116, 122
english/metric button .............126
system check button ..............125
warning messages ...........119, 128
Mirrors ...................................96, 99
fold away .................100, 102–103
heated ......................................100
side view mirrors (power) .....100
signal .......................................103
Moon roof ..................................110
Motorcraft parts ................330, 350
N
Navigation system .......................43
O
Octane rating ............................334
Oil (see Engine oil) ..................319
Overdrive .....................................95
P
Parking brake ............................236
Parts (see Motorcraft parts) ....350
Pedals (see Power adjustable
foot pedals) ...............................104
Power adjustable foot pedals ...104
Power distribution box
(see Fuses) ...............................273
Power door locks ......................136
Power mirrors ...........................100
Power point .................................96
Power steering ..........................238
2008 F-250/350/450/550(f23)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Index
364

label .........................................211
replacing ..................................202
rotating ....................................204
safety practices .......................203
sidewall information ...............206
snow tires and chains ............211
spare tire .................................278
terminology .............................195
tire grades ...............................195
treadwear ........................194, 201
Towing .......................................219
Trailer Brake
Controller-Integrated ..............223
trailer towing ..........................219
wrecker ....................................296
Traction control ........................237
Traction-lok rear axle ...............239
Trailer Brake
Controller-Integrated ................223
Transfer case
fluid checking .........................348
Transmission
automatic operation .........95, 240
brake-shift interlock (BSI) ....240
fluid, checking and adding
(automatic) .............................343
fluid, checking and adding
(manual) .................................347fluid, refill capacities ..............352
manual operation ....................244
Turn signal ..................................85
U
Upfitter controls .......................109
V
Vehicle Identification Number
(VIN) ..........................................357
Vehicle loading ..........................212
Ventilating your vehicle ...........234
W
Warning lights (see Lights) .......12
Washer fluid ..............................318
Water, Driving through .............262
Windows
power .........................................98
Windshield washer fluid and
wipers ..........................................94
checking and adding fluid .....318
replacing wiper blades ...........318
Wrecker towing .........................296
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Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Index
366