2009 FORD F250 warning lights

OPTIONAL MESSAGE CENTER (IF EQUIPPED)
With the ignition in the on position,
the message center, located on your
instrument cluster, displays
important vehicle information
through a constant monitor of
vehicle systems.You may select
display features on the message
center for a display of status. The
system will also notify you of
potential vehicle problems with a
display of system warnings followed
by an indicator chime.
For improved message center readability, if your vehicle is equipped with
Autolamp control, the message center brightness cannot be adjusted
when parking lamps or headlamps are on in bright daytime ambient
conditions, refer toAutolamp controlin theLightschapter. In lower
ambient light conditions, the message center brightness can be adjusted
using the panel dimmer control when parking lamps or headlamps are
on, refer toPanel dimmer controlin theLightschapter.
Selectable features
Reset
Press this button to select and reset
functions shown in the INFO menu
and SETUP menu.
RESET
SETUP
INFO
2009 F-250/350/450/550(f23)
Owners Guide, 3rd Printing
USA(fus)
Driver Controls
137

Low Tire
Pressure
Warning
LightPossible cause Customer Action Required
Flashing
Warning
LightSpare tire in use Your temporary spare tire is in use.
Repair the damaged road wheel and
re-mount it on the vehicle to restore
system functionality. For a
description of how the system
functions under these conditions,
refer toWhen your temporary
spare tire is installedin this
section.
TPMS malfunction If your tires are properly inflated and
your spare tire is not in use and the
TPMS warning light still flashes, have
the system inspected by your
authorized dealer.
When inflating your tires
When putting air into your tires (such as at a gas station or in your
garage), the Tire Pressure Monitoring System may not respond
immediately to the air added to your tires.
It may take up to two minutes of driving over 20 mph (32 km/h) for the
light to turn OFF after you have filled your tires to the recommended
inflation pressure.
How temperature affects your tire pressure
The Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) monitors tire pressure in
each pneumatic tire. While driving in a normal manner, a typical
passenger tire inflation pressure may increase approximately 2 to 4 psi
(14 to 28 kPa) from a cold start situation. If the vehicle is stationary
over night with the outside temperature significantly lower than the
daytime temperature, the tire pressure may decrease approximately 3 psi
(20.7 kPa) for a drop of 30° F (16.6°C) in ambient temperature. This
lower pressure value may be detected by the TPMS as being significantly
lower than the recommended inflation pressure and activate the TPMS
warning for low tire pressure. If the low tire pressure warning light is
ON, visually check each tire to verify that no tire is flat. (If one or more
tires are flat, repair as necessary.) Check air pressure in the road tires. If
any tire is under-inflated, carefully drive the vehicle to the nearest
location where air can be added to the tires. Inflate all the tires to the
recommended inflation pressure.
2009 F-250/350/450/550(f23)
Owners Guide, 3rd Printing
USA(fus)
Tires, Wheels and Loading
249

STARTING
Positions of the ignition
1. Off— shuts off the engine and all
accessories/locks the steering wheel
and allows key removal.
2. Accessory— 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.
WARNING: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.
WARNING: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.
WARNING: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.
2009 F-250/350/450/550(f23)
Owners Guide, 3rd Printing
USA(fus)
Driving
275

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 begins cranking. Your vehicle has a computer assisted cranking
system that assists in starting the engine. After releasing the key from
the 4 (start) position, the engine may continue cranking for up to
2009 F-250/350/450/550(f23)
Owners Guide, 3rd Printing
USA(fus)
Driving
277

Many of the world’s automakers approved the World-Wide Fuel Charter
that recommends gasoline specifications to provide improved
performance and emission control system protection for your vehicle.
Gasolines that meet the World-Wide Fuel Charter should be used when
available. Ask your fuel supplier about gasolines that meet the
World-Wide Fuel Charter.
Cleaner air
Ford endorses the use of reformulated “cleaner-burning” gasolines to
improve air quality, per the recommendations in theChoosing the right
fuelsection.
Running out of fuel
Avoid running out of fuel because this situation may have an adverse
effect on powertrain components.
If you have run out of fuel:
•You may need to cycle the ignition from off to on several times after
refueling to allow the fuel system to pump the fuel from the tank to
the engine. On restarting, cranking time will take a few seconds longer
than normal.
•Normally, adding 1 gallon (3.8L) of fuel is enough to restart the
engine. If the vehicle is out of fuel and on a steep grade, more than
1 gallon (3.8L) may be required.
•The service engine soon
indicator may come on. For more
information on the service engine soon
indicator, refer to
Warning lights and chimesin theInstrument Clusterchapter.
ESSENTIALS OF GOOD FUEL ECONOMY
Measuring techniques
Your best source of information about actual fuel economy is you, the
driver. You must gather information as accurately and consistently as
possible. Fuel expense, frequency of fill-ups or fuel gauge readings are
NOT accurate as a measure of fuel economy. We do not recommend
taking fuel economy measurements during the first 1,000 miles
(1,600 km) of driving (engine break-in period). You will get a more
accurate measurement after 2,000 miles–3,000 miles
(3,000 km–5,000 km).
Filling the tank
The advertised fuel capacity of the fuel tank on your vehicle is equal to
the rated refill capacity of the fuel tank as listed in theMaintenance
product specifications and capacitiessection of this chapter.
2009 F-250/350/450/550(f23)
Owners Guide, 3rd Printing
USA(fus)
Maintenance and Specifications
388

Inspection/maintenance (I/M)
testing ........................................394
Instrument panel
cleaning ...........................361–362
cluster ........................................14
lighting up panel
and interior ...............................91
J
Jump-starting your vehicle ......343
K
Keyless entry system
autolock ...................................156
keypad .....................................166
locking and unlocking
doors ........................................167
programming entry code .......166
Keys ...........................................169
positions of the ignition .........275
L
Lamps
autolamp system .......................89
daytime running light ...............90
fog lamps ...................................89
headlamps .................................89
headlamps, flash to pass ..........90
instrument panel, dimming .....91
interior lamps ...........................95
replacing bulbs .................97–102
LATCH anchors .........................215
Lights, warning and indicator ....14
anti-lock brakes (ABS) ..........281
Limited-slip axle .......................284
Load limits .................................256
Loading instructions .................262Locks
autolock ...................................156
childproof ................................159
doors ........................................155
Lug nuts ....................................342
Lumbar support, seats .....176–177
M
Manual transmission .................289
fluid capacities ........................405
reverse .....................................291
Message center .................127, 137
english/metric button .............142
system check button ..............140
warning messages ...........131, 144
Mirrors ...............................110–111
automatic dimming rearview
mirror ......................................110
fold away .........................112, 114
side view mirrors (power) .....111
signal .......................................115
Moon roof ..................................122
Motorcraft parts ................383, 404
N
Navigation system .......................79
O
Octane rating ............................387
Oil (see Engine oil) ..................372
Overdrive ...................................104
P
Parking brake ............................281
Parts (see Motorcraft parts) ....404
2009 F-250/350/450/550(f23)
Owners Guide, 3rd Printing
USA(fus)
Index
417

Steering wheel
controls ....................................118
tilting .......................................104
SYNC
..........................................79
T
Tailgate ......................................150
Temperature control
(see Climate control) .................80
Tilt steering wheel ....................104
Tire Pressure Monitoring
System (TPMS)
Tires, Wheels and Loading ....245
Tires ...................................227–229
alignment ................................237
care ..........................................233
changing ..........................330, 332
checking the pressure ............232
inflating ...................................230
label .........................................244
replacing ..................................235
rotating ....................................238
safety practices .......................236
sidewall information ...............240
snow tires and chains ............255
spare tire .........................327, 329
terminology .............................229
tire grades ...............................228
treadwear ........................228, 234
Towing .......................................262
recreational towing .................274
Trailer Brake
Controller-Integrated ..............267
trailer towing ..........................262
wrecker ....................................348
Traction control ........................282
Trailer Brake
Controller-Integrated ................267Transfer case
fluid checking .........................401
Transmission
automatic operation .......104, 285
brake-shift interlock (BSI) ....285
fluid, checking and adding
(automatic) .............................397
fluid, checking and adding
(manual) .................................400
fluid, refill capacities ..............405
manual operation ....................289
Turn signal ..................................94
U
Upfitter controls .......................121
USB port ......................................44
V
Vehicle Identification Number
(VIN) ..........................................410
Vehicle loading ..........................256
Ventilating your vehicle ...........278
W
Warning lights (see Lights) .......14
Washer fluid ..............................371
Water, Driving through .............311
Windows
power .......................................108
Windshield washer fluid and
wipers ........................................103
checking and adding fluid .....371
replacing wiper blades ...........372
Wrecker towing .........................348
2009 F-250/350/450/550(f23)
Owners Guide, 3rd Printing
USA(fus)
Index
419