Introduction 4
Instrument Cluster 12
Warning lights and chimes 12
Gauges 18
Entertainment Systems 22
AM/FM stereo 22
AM/FM stereo with CD 24
AM/FM stereo with in-dash six CD 30
Auxiliary input jack 36
Satellite radio information 40
Navigation system 43
Family entertainment system 43
Climate Controls 71
Heater only 71
Manual heating and air conditioning 72
Dual automatic temperature control 75
Lights 80
Headlamps 80
Turn signal control 85
Bulb replacement 85
Driver Controls 94
Windshield wiper/washer control 94
Steering wheel adjustment 95
Power windows 98
Mirrors 99
Speed control 104
Upfitter controls 109
Moon roof 110
Message center 116
Tailgate 131
Table of Contents
1
2008 F-250/350/450/550(f23)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
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
The relays are coded as shown in
the accompanying illustration.
There will also be one power lead
for each switch found as a blunt-cut
and sealed wire located below the
instrument panel and to the left of
the steering column.
They are coded as follows:
Switch Circuit number Wire color Fuse
AUX 1 CAC05 Yellow 30A
AUX 2 CAC06 Green with
Brown Trace30A
AUX 3 CAC07 Violet with
Green Trace10A
AUX 4 CAC08 Brown 15A
More detailed information about the Upfitter switches can be found in
theUpfitter Switchesbulletin found at
www.fleet.ford.com/truckbbas/non-html/Q117.pdf.
ONE-TOUCH MOON ROOF (IF EQUIPPED)
The moon roof control is located on the overhead console.
RELAY
1 RELAY
2 RELAY
3 RELAY
4
2008 F-250/350/450/550(f23)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Driver Controls
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Power is supplied to all four wheels
through a transfer case or power
transfer unit. 4WD vehicles allow
you to select different drive modes
as necessary. Information on shifting
procedures and maintenance can be
found in yourOwner’s Guide.You
should become thoroughly familiar
with this information before you operate your vehicle.
On some 4WD models, the initial shift from two-wheel drive to 4WD
while the vehicle is moving can cause a momentary clunk and ratcheting
sound. These sounds are normal as the front drivetrain comes up to
speed and is not cause for concern.
Do not become overconfident in the ability of 4WD and AWD
vehicles. Although a 4WD or AWD vehicle may accelerate better
than two-wheel drive vehicle in low traction situations, it won’t stop
any faster than two-wheel drive vehicles. Always drive at a safe speed.
How your vehicle differs from other vehicles
SUV and trucks can differ from
some other vehicles in a few
noticeable ways. Your vehicle may
be:
•Higher – to allow higher load
carrying capacity and to allow it
to travel over rough terrain
without getting hung up or
damaging underbody components.
•Shorter – to give it the capability
to approach inclines and drive
over the crest of a hill without
getting hung up or damaging
underbody components. All other
things held equal, a shorter
wheelbase may make your vehicle
quicker to respond to steering inputs than a vehicle with a longer
wheelbase.
2008 F-250/350/450/550(f23)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Tires, Wheels and Loading
193
U.S. DOT Tire Identification Number (TIN)
U.S. and Canada Federal regulations require tire manufacturers to place
standardized information on the sidewall of all tires. This information
identifies and describes the fundamental characteristics of the tire and
also provides a U.S. DOT Tire Identification Number for safety standard
certification and in case of a recall.
This begins with the letters “DOT” and indicates that the tire meets all
federal standards. The next two numbers or letters are the plant code
designating where it was manufactured, the next two are the tire size
code and the last four numbers represent the week and year the tire was
built. For example, the numbers 317 mean the 31st week of 1997. After
2000 the numbers go to four digits. For example, 2501 means the 25th
week of 2001. The numbers in between are identification codes used for
traceability. This information is used to contact customers if a tire defect
requires a recall.
Tire replacement requirements
Your vehicle is equipped with tires designed to provide a safe ride and
handling capability.
Only use replacement tires and wheels that are the same size,
load index, speed rating and type (such as P-metric versus
LT-metric or all-season versus all-terrain) as those originally provided
by Ford. The recommended tire and wheel size may be found on either
the Safety Compliance Certification Label or the Tire Label which is
located on the B-Pillar or edge of the driver’s door. If this information
is not found on these labels then you should consult your Ford Dealer.
Use of any tire or wheel not recommended by Ford can affect the
safety and performance of your vehicle, which could result in an
increased risk of loss of vehicle control, vehicle rollover, personal injury
and death. Additionally the use of non-recommended tires and wheels
could cause steering, suspension, axle or transfer case/power transfer
unit failure. If you have questions regarding tire replacement, see an
authorized dealer.
2008 F-250/350/450/550(f23)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Tires, Wheels and Loading
202
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.
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Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Driving
231
effectiveness of the ABS and will increase your vehicle’s stopping
distance. The ABS will be activated immediately, allowing you to retain
full steering control during hard braking and on slippery surfaces.
However, the ABS does not decrease stopping distance.
Parking brake
To set the parking brake, press the
parking brake pedal down until the
pedal stops.
The BRAKE warning lamp in the
instrument cluster illuminates and
remains illuminated until the
parking brake is released.
Pull the release lever to release the
parking brake. To prevent the pedal
from releasing too quickly, place
your left foot on the parking brake
pedal, then pull the release lever,
making sure the pedal fully releases.
You may want to pull the release
lever again to make sure the parking
brake is fully released.
Always set the parking brake fully and make sure that the
gearshift is securely latched in P (Park) (automatic
transmission) or in 1 (First) (manual transmission).
Note:If your vehicle is equipped with a manual transmission, the engine
may be required to run while power accessories operate and the parking
brake is set. It is recommended that wheel chocks be used during this
operation.
P!
BRAKE
2008 F-250/350/450/550(f23)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Driving
236
The Traction Controlswitch,
located on the instrument panel to
the left of the climate control
system, has an indicator light that
illuminates when the system is off.
The Traction Controlsystem will
automatically turn on every time the
ignition is turned off and on. The
Traction Controlsystem should normally be left on.
If you should become stuck in snow or ice or on a very slippery road
surface, try switching the Traction Controlsystem off. This may allow
excess wheel spin to “dig” the vehicle out and enable a successful
“rocking” maneuver.
If a system fault is detected, the traction control active light will
illuminate, the Traction Controlbutton will not turn the system on or
off and your vehicle should be serviced by an authorized dealer.
STEERING
To help prevent damage to the power steering system:
•Never hold the steering wheel at its furthest turning points (until it
stops) for more than three to five seconds when the engine is running.
•Do not operate the vehicle with a low power steering pump fluid level
(below the FULL COLD mark on the dipstick).
•Some noise is normal during operation. If excessive, check for low
power steering pump fluid level before seeking service by your dealer.
•Heavy or uneven efforts may be caused by low power steering fluid.
Check for low power steering pump fluid level before seeking service
by your dealer.
•Do not fill the power steering pump reservoir above the FULL HOT
mark on the dipstick, as this may result in leaks from the reservoir.
If the power steering system breaks down (or if the engine is turned
off), you can steer the vehicle manually, but it takes more effort.
If the steering wanders or pulls, check for:
•an improperly inflated tire
•uneven tire wear
•loose or worn suspension components
•loose or worn steering components
•improper steering alignment
If any steering components are serviced or replaced, install new
fasteners (many are coated with thread adhesive or have prevailing
2008 F-250/350/450/550(f23)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Driving
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