
SAFETY AND ENVIRONMENT PROTECTION
Warning symbols in this guide
How can you reduce the risk of personal injury to yourself or others? In
this guide, answers to such questions are contained in comments
highlighted by the warning triangle symbol. These comments should be
read and observed.
Warning symbols on your vehicle
When you see this symbol, it is
imperative that you consult the
relevant section of this guide before
touching or attempting adjustment
of any kind.
Protecting the environment
We must all play our part in
protecting the environment. Correct
vehicle usage and the authorized
disposal of waste, cleaning and
lubrication materials are significant
steps towards this aim. Information in this respect is highlighted in this
guide with the tree symbol.
BREAKING-IN YOUR VEHICLE
During the first 1,000 miles (1,600 km) of driving, maintain speeds below
70 mph (112 km/h) and vary speeds frequently. This is recommended to
give the moving parts a chance to break-in.
Do not tow a trailer or use your vehicle to snowplow until it has been
driven at least 500 miles (800 km). Refer toTrailer towingin theTires,
Wheels and Loadingchapter for more information on towing a trailer
andSnowplowingin theDrivingchapter.
Do not add friction modifier compounds or special break-in oils during
the first few thousand miles (kilometers) of operation, since these
additives may prevent piston ring seating. SeeEngine oilin the
Maintenance and Specificationschapter for more information on oil
usage.
2008 F-250/350/450/550(f23)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Introduction
5

Driving while distracted can result in loss of vehicle control,
accident and injury. Ford strongly recommends that drivers use
extreme caution when using any device that may take their focus off
the road. The drivers primary responsibility is the safe operation of
their vehicle. Only use cell phones and other devices not essential to
the driving task when it is safe to do so.
Notice to owners of diesel-powered vehicles
Read the6.0/6.4 Liter Power Stroke Direct Injection Turbo Diesel
Owner’s Guide Supplementfor information regarding correct operation
and maintenance of your Diesel-powered light truck.
Notice to owners of pickup trucks and utility type vehicles
Utility vehicles have a significantly higher rollover rate than
other types of vehicles.
Before you drive your vehicle, please read thisOwner’s Guidecarefully.
Your vehicle is not a passenger car. As with other vehicles of this type,
failure to operate this vehicle correctly may result in loss of vehicle
control, vehicle rollover, personal injury or death.
Be sure to readDriving off-road with truck and utility vehiclesin the
Drivingchapter.
Using your vehicle with a snowplow
For more information and guidelines for using your vehicle with a
snowplow, refer toSnowplowingin theDrivingchapter.
Using your vehicle as an ambulance
If your light truck is equipped with the Ford Ambulance Preparation
Package, it may be utilized as an ambulance. Ford urges ambulance
manufacturers to follow the recommendations of theFord Incomplete
Vehicle Manual, Ford Truck Body Builder’s Layout Bookand the
Qualified Vehicle Modifiers (QVM) Guidelinesas well as pertinent
supplements. For additional information, please contact the Truck Body
Builders Advisory Service at 1–877–840–4338.
Use of your Ford light truck as an ambulance, without the Ford
Ambulance Preparation Package voids the Ford New Vehicle Limited
Warranty and may void the Emissions Warranties. In addition, ambulance
usage without the preparation package could cause high underbody
temperatures.
2008 F-250/350/450/550(f23)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Introduction
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bulbs work. If any light remains on after starting the vehicle, refer to the
respective system warning light description for additional information.
Note:Some Warning Lights are reconfigurable telltale (RTT) indicator
lights and will illuminate in the Message Center Display and function the
same as the warning light.
Check engine:TheCheck engine
indicator light illuminates when the
ignition is first turned to the RUN
position to check the bulb. Solid
illumination after the engine is started indicates the On Board
Diagnostics System (OBD-II) has detected a malfunction. Refer toOn
board diagnostics (OBD-II)in theMaintenance and Specifications
chapter. If the light is blinking, engine misfire is occurring which could
damage your catalytic converter. Drive in a moderate fashion (avoid
heavy acceleration and deceleration) and have your vehicle serviced
immediately.
Under engine misfire conditions, excessive exhaust temperatures
could damage the catalytic converter, the fuel system, interior
floor coverings or other vehicle components, possibly causing a fire.
Brake system warning light:To
confirm the brake system warning
light is functional, it will
momentarily illuminate when the
ignition is turned to the RUN
position when the engine is not running, or in a position between RUN
and START, or by applying the parking brake when the ignition is turned
to the RUN position. If the brake system warning light does not
illuminate at this time, seek service immediately from your authorized
dealer. Illumination after releasing the parking brake indicates low brake
fluid level and the brake system should be inspected immediately by
your servicing authorized dealer.
Driving a vehicle with the brake system warning light on is
dangerous. A significant decrease in braking performance may
occur. It will take you longer to stop the vehicle. Have the vehicle
checked by your authorized dealer immediately. Driving extended
distances with the parking brake engaged can cause brake failure and
the risk of personal injury.
P!
BRAKE
2008 F-250/350/450/550(f23)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Instrument Cluster
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Satellite radio reception factors:To receive the satellite signal, your
vehicle has been equipped with a satellite radio antenna located on the
roof of your vehicle. The vehicle roof provides the best location for an
unobstructed, open view of the sky, a requirement of a satellite radio
system. Like AM/FM, there are several factors that can affect satellite
radio reception performance:
•Antenna Obstructions: For optimal reception performance, keep the
antenna clear of snow and ice build-up and keep luggage and other
material as far away from the antenna as possible.
•Terrain: Hills, mountains, tall buildings, bridges, tunnels, freeway
overpasses, parking garages, dense tree foliage and thunderstorms can
interfere with your reception.
•Station overload: When you pass a ground based broadcast repeating
tower, a stronger signal may overtake a weaker one and result in an
audio mute.
Unlike AM/FM audible static, you will hear an audio mute when there is
a satellite radio signal interference. Your radio display may display NO
SIGNAL to indicate the interference.
SIRIUS satellite radio service:SIRIUS Satellite Radio is a continental
U.S. based satellite radio service that broadcasts over 120 channels of
music, sports, news and entertainment coast-to-coast. A service fee is
required in order to receive SIRIUS service. Vehicles that are equipped
with a factory installed SIRIUS Satellite Radio system include:
•Hardware and limited subscription term, which begins on the date of
sale or lease of the vehicle.
•SIRIUS online media player access: providing access to all 100%
commercial-free music channels over the internet. Call SIRIUS at
1–888–539–7474 to obtain login instructions and your password.
For information on extended subscription terms, contact SIRIUS at
1–888–539–7474.
Note:SIRIUS reserves the unrestricted right to change, rearrange, add
or delete programming including canceling, moving or adding particular
channels, and its prices, at any time, with or without notice to you. Ford
Motor Company shall not be responsible for any such programming
changes.
Satellite Radio Electronic Serial Number (ESN):This12digit
Satellite Serial Number is needed to activate, modify or track your
satellite radio account. You will need this number when communicating
with SIRIUS. While in Satellite Radio mode, you can view this number on
the radio display by pressing AUX and Preset 1 control simultaneously.
2008 F-250/350/450/550(f23)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Entertainment Systems
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Foreign substances
Exercise care to prevent dirt and foreign objects from entering the DVD
player compartment. Be especially careful not to spill liquids of any kind
onto the media controls or into the system. If liquid is accidentally
spilled onto the system, immediately turn the system OFF and consult a
qualified service technician.
Cleaning the liquid crystal display (LCD) flip-down screen
Clean the display screen by applying a small amount of water or any
ammonia-based household glass cleaner directly to a soft cloth. Rub the
screen gently until the dust, dirt or fingerprints are removed. Do not
spray the screen directly with water or glass cleaning solvents. Overspray
from these fluids could drip down into the internal electronics of the
screen and cause damage. Do not apply excessive pressure while
cleaning the screen.
Cleaning DVD and CD discs
Inspect all discs for contamination before playing. If necessary, clean
discs only with an approved DVD and CD cleaner and wipe from the
center out to the edge. Do not use circular motion.
Compatibility with aftermarket audio systems
(headphone only mode)
When the Family Entertainment System (FES) detects that the original
radio supplied by Ford Motor Company has been removed from the
vehicle, the FES will work in a state referred to as “Headphone Only
Mode.” This mode allows the FES to operate as a standalone system,
without interface to the radio.
While operating in Headphone Only Mode, the system will have limited
functionality.
•The system will only output audio to the headphones. It will not be
capable of providing audio to the speakers.
•The available sources in FES Headphone Only Mode are DVD-DISC
and DVD-AUX, regardless of headphone channel (A or B).
•When a disc is inserted into the FES while in Headphone Only Mode,
both headphone channels (A and B) will be connected to FES-DISC.
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Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
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Entertainment Systems
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•(4) Horizontal reference line
•(5) Center of headlamps
•(6) Center line of the vehicle
2. The center of the headlamp is marked either on the lens (a circle or
cross marker) or on the bulb shield, internal to the lamp (mark or
feature). Measure the height from the center of your headlamp to the
ground (2) and mark an 8 foot (2.4 meter) long horizontal line on the
wall or screen (1) at this height (masking tape works well).
3. Turn on the low beam headlamps
and open the hood.
4. Locate the high intensity area of
the beam pattern and place the top
edge of the intensity zone even with
the horizontal reference line (4). If
the top edge of the high intensity
area is not even with the horizontal
line, follow the next step to adjust
it.
5. Locate the vertical adjuster (2)
for each headlamp. Adjust the aim
by turning the adjuster control
either clockwise (to adjust up) or
counterclockwise (to adjust down).
6. In addition to the horizontal line
marked in step 2, a pair of vertical
lines (5) must be marked at the
center line of the headlamps on the
wall or screen.
7. On the wall or screen, locate the high intensity area of the beam
pattern. The left edge of the high intensity area should be even with the
vertical line corresponding to the headlamp under adjustment. If the left
edge of the high intensity area is not even with the vertical line, follow
the next step to adjust it.
8. Locate the horizontal adjuster (1) for each headlamp. Turn it
clockwise or counterclockwise, to place the left edge of the high
intensity area even with the vertical line corresponding to the headlamp
under adjustment.
2008 F-250/350/450/550(f23)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Lights
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the mirrors at high speeds, they may not fully fold forward/rearward -
slow down and powerfold or manually fold the mirrors in order to
complete the fold operation.
If the powerfold mirrors feel loose or fold very easily, it is possible that
the powerfold mechanism is out of sync. The powerfold mechanism gets
out of sync when a mirror is manually folded partially in toward the door,
then electrically powerfolded.
Note:The mirrors willnotbe out of sync if the mirrors are manually
folded all the way in or out and then powerfolded.
In order to re-sync the mirrors, manually fold the mirrors toward the
door until a click is heard. Then press the powerfold switch to
electrically fold the mirrors in then out.
Telescoping mirrors (if equipped)
The telescoping feature allows the
mirror to extend approximately
2.75 inches (70 mm). This feature is
especially useful to the driver when
towing a trailer. Mirrors can be
manually pulled out or pushed in to
the desired telescopic position.
If equipped with power telescoping
mirrors, you can simultaneously
position both mirrors using the
power telescope switch found on
the door trim panel.
•To telescope the mirrors
outboard, press and hold the left
side of the power telescope
switch until the mirrors reach their desired position. When the end of
travel is reached, it is normal to hear the power telescoping motors
running as long as you continue to hold the switch.
•To telescope the mirrors inboard, press and hold the right side of the
power telescope switch until the mirrors reach their desired position.
2008 F-250/350/450/550(f23)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Driver Controls
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PARK BRAKE ENGAGEDDisplayed when the parking brake is applied
(or not fully released).
CHECK BRAKE SYSTEMDisplayed when a fault has been detected by
the ABS module.
TRAILER FAULT (if equipped):Displayed if there is a short circuit on
the electric brake output wire or the trailer brakes are drawing too much
current. Refer toIntegrated trailer brake controllerin theTires,
Wheels and Loadingchapter for more information.
TBC FAULT (if equipped):Displayed in response to faults sensed by
the trailer brake controller (TBC). In the event this message is seen,
please take your vehicle to an authorized dealer for diagnosis and repair.
Refer toIntegrated trailer brake controllerin theTires, Wheels and
Loadingchapter for more information.
TRAILER DISCONNECTED (if equipped):Displayed when a trailer
connection becomes disconnected, either intentionally or unintentionally,
and has been sensed during a given ignition cycle. Refer toIntegrated
trailer brake controllerin theTires, Wheels and Loadingchapter for
more information.
CHECK AIR FILTER (Diesel engine only):Refer toInstrument
Clusterin your6.0/6.4 Liter Power Stroke Direct Injection Turbo
Diesel Owner’s Guide Supplement.
LOW BRAKE FLUID LEVELIndicates the brake fluid level is low and
the brake system should be inspected immediately. Refer toBrake fluid
in theMaintenance and Specificationschapter.
DRAIN WATER SEPARATOR (Diesel engine only)Displayed when
the water separator has reached a predetermined capacity and needs to
be drained. Refer to your6.0/6.4 Liter Power Stroke Direct Injection
Turbo Diesel Owner’s Guide Supplementfor more information.
2008 F-250/350/450/550(f23)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
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Driver Controls
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