Vehicle Symbol Glossary
Power Windows
Front/Rear
Power Window Lockout
Child Safety Door
Lock/UnlockInterior Luggage
Compartment Release
Panic AlarmEngine Oil
Engine CoolantEngine Coolant
Temperature
Do Not Open When HotBattery
Avoid Smoking, Flames,
or SparksBattery Acid
Explosive GasFan Warning
Power Steering FluidMaintain Correct Fluid
LevelMAX
MIN
Emission SystemEngine Air Filter
Passenger Compartment
Air FilterJack
Check Fuel CapLow Tire Pressure
Warning
2008 F-250/350/450/550(f23)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Introduction
11
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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Traction control (RTT)
(if equipped):Displays when the
Traction Controlsystem is active.
If the light remains on, have the
system serviced immediately by
your authorized dealer. Refer to
Traction controlin theDrivingchapter for more information
Check fuel cap (RTT):Displays
when the fuel cap may not be
properly installed. Continued driving
with this light on may cause the
Service engine soon warning light to
come on. Refer toFuel filler capin
theMaintenance and Specificationschapter.
Engine coolant temperature
(RTT):Displays when the engine
coolant temperature is high. Stop
the vehicle as soon as safely
possible, switch off the engine and
let it cool. Refer toEngine coolant
in theMaintenance and Specificationschapter.
Never remove the coolant reservoir cap while the engine is
running or hot.
Low fuel (RTT):Displays when
the fuel level in the fuel tank is at
or near empty (refer toFuel gauge
in this chapter).
Door ajar (RTT):Displays when
the ignition is in the RUN position
and any door is open.
2008 F-250/350/450/550(f23)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Instrument Cluster
15
Transmission Tow/Haul Feature
(automatic transmission)
(if equipped):The Tow Haul light
remains illuminated as long as the
Tow/Haul feature is activated. Refer to theDrivingchapter for
transmission function and operation. If the light remains illuminated and
will not cancel using the Tow/Haul switch located on the end of the gear
shift lever, have the system serviced immediately or damage to the
transmission could occur.
Four wheel drive low
(if equipped):Illuminates when
four-wheel drive low is engaged.
Four wheel drive high
(if equipped):Illuminates when
four-wheel drive high is engaged.
Anti-theft:Flashes when the
SecuriLockPassive Anti-Theft
System has been activated.
Speed control (if equipped):
Illuminates when the speed control
is activated. Turns off when the
speed control system is deactivated.
Turn signal:Illuminates when the
left or right turn signal or the
hazard lights are turned on. If the
indicators stay on or flash faster, check for a burned out bulb.
High beams:Illuminates when the
high beam headlamps are turned on.
If your vehicle is equipped with a diesel engine, it has some unique
warning lights; refer toInstrument Clusterin your6.0/6.4 Liter Power
Stroke Direct Injection Turbo Diesel Owner’s Guide Supplementfor
detailed information on their function.
4x4
LOW
4x4
HIGH
2008 F-250/350/450/550(f23)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Instrument Cluster
16
Odometer:Registers the total miles
(kilometers) of the vehicle. Refer to
Standard message centeror
Optional message centerin the
Driver Controlschapter on how to
switch the display from Metric to
English.
Trip odometer:Registers the miles
(kilometers) of individual journeys.
If equipped with a one button
message center (Select/Reset),
press and release the
SELECT/RESET button on the
cluster to toggle between odometer and trip odometer display. To reset,
press and hold for less than 2 seconds.
If equipped with a three button message center,press and release
the message center INFO button until TRIP A or TRIP B appears in the
display. Press the RESET button to reset.
Tachometer:Indicates the engine
speed in revolutions per minute.
Driving with your tachometer
pointer continuously at the top of
the scale may damage the engine.
Engine oil pressure gauge:
Indicates engine oil pressure. The
needle should stay in the normal
operating range (between “L” and
“H”). If the needle falls below the
normal range, stop the vehicle, turn
off the engine and check the engine
oil level. Add oil if needed. If the oil
level is correct, have your vehicle checked at your authorized dealer.
2008 F-250/350/450/550(f23)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Instrument Cluster
19
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.
2008 F-250/350/450/550(f23)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Driver Controls
97
Language
Note:When entering the SETUP
MENU and a non-English language
has been selected, “PRESS RESET
FOR ENGLISH” will be displayed to
change back to English.
1. Select this function from the SETUP MENU for the current language
to be displayed.
2. Press and hold the SELECT/RESET control to select a new language.
Selectable languages are English, Spanish and French
3. Press the SELECT/RESET control switch for the next SETUP MENU
item or wait for more than 4 seconds to return to the INFO MENU.
System check
Press and hold the SELECT/RESET control switch to select SYSTEM
CHECK when HOLD RESET FOR SYSTEM CHECK is displayed in the
message center. Selecting this function from the INFO MENU causes the
message center to cycle through each of the systems being monitored.
For each of the monitored systems, the message center will indicate
either an OK message or a warning message for two seconds. Pressing
the SELECT/RESET control switch cycles the message center through
each of the systems being monitored.
The sequence of the system check report and how it appears in the
message center is as follows:
1. ENGINE HOURS
2. CHARGING SYSTEM
3. AIR FILTER (Diesel engine only)
4. DOOR AJAR
5. BRAKE SYSTEM
6. FUEL LEVEL
7. TRAILER DISCONNECTED (if equipped)
System warnings
System warnings alert you to possible problems or malfunctions in your
vehicle’s operating systems.
In the event of a multiple warning situation, the message center will cycle
the display to show all warnings by displaying each one for 4 seconds.
2008 F-250/350/450/550(f23)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Driver Controls
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The message center will display the last selected feature if there are no
more warning messages. This allows you to use the full functionality of
the message center after you acknowledge the warning by pressing the
SELECT/RESET control and clearing the warning message.
Warning messages that have been reset are divided into two categories:
•They will reappear on the display ten minutes from the reset.
•They will not reappear until an ignition OFF-RUN cycle has been
completed.
This acts as a reminder that these warning conditions still exist within
the vehicle.
Warning display Status
Park brake engaged Warning returns after
10 minutes if condition
still exists. Check brake system
Driver door ajar Warning returns after
the ignition key is
turned from OFF to
RUN. Passenger door ajar
Rear left door ajar
Rear right door ajar
Low fuel level
Trailer fault (if equipped)
TBC fault (if equipped)
Trailer disconnected (if equipped)
Check air filter (Diesel engine only)
Low brake fluid level
Drain water separator (Diesel engine only)
DRIVER DOOR AJARDisplayed when the driver’s door is not
completely closed.
PASSENGER DOOR AJARDisplayed when the passenger’s door is not
completely closed.
REAR LEFT DOOR AJARDisplayed when the rear left door is not
completely closed.
REAR RIGHT DOOR AJARDisplayed when the rear right door is not
completely closed.
LOW FUEL LEVEL
Displayed as an early reminder of a low fuel condition.
2008 F-250/350/450/550(f23)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Driver Controls
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