
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)

WARNING LIGHTS AND CHIMES
Vehicles equipped with a manual transmission
Vehicles equipped with an automatic transmission
Warning lights and gauges can alert you to a vehicle condition that may
become serious enough to cause expensive repairs. A warning light may
illuminate when a problem exists with one of your vehicle’s functions.
Many lights will illuminate when you start your vehicle to make sure the
2008 F-250/350/450/550(f23)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
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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)
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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
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Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
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Diesel warning lights:
•Glow plug pre-heat
•Waterinfuel
•Low oil pressure
Key-in-ignition warning chime:Sounds when the key is left in the
ignition in the OFF, LOCK or ACCESSORY position and the driver’s door
is opened.
Headlamps on warning chime:Sounds when the headlamps or parking
lamps are on, the ignition is off (the key is not in the ignition) and the
driver’s door is opened.
Parking brake ON warning chime:Sounds when the parking brake is
set, the engine is running and the vehicle is driven more than 3 mph
(5 km). If the warning remains on after the parking brake is off, contact
your authorized dealer as soon as possible.
Turn signal chime:Sounds when the turn signal lever has been
activated to signal a turn and not turned off after the vehicle is driven
more than 2 miles (3.2 km).
Message center activation chime:Sounds when some warning
messages appears in the message center display for the first time.
Overspeed chime (if equipped):Sounds when the vehicle speed
reaches 120 km/h (75 mph) or higher.
Airbag secondary warning chime:Sounds to inform the driver, in the
event that the airbag readiness warning lamp is inoperable, that there is
a fault in the supplemental restraint system
2008 F-250/350/450/550(f23)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
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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)
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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.
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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 MERCONAT F.
2008 F-250/350/450/550(f23)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
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