2009 FORD F250 TPMS

can be found in theMaintenance and Specificationschapter. You
should become thoroughly familiar with this information before you
operate your vehicle.
Normal characteristics
On some 4WD models, the initial shift from two-wheel drive to 4x4 while
the vehicle is moving can cause some momentary clunk and ratcheting
sounds. This is the front drivetrain coming up to speed and the
automatic locking hubs engaging and is not cause for concern.
Sand
When driving over sand, try to keep all four wheels on the most solid
area of the trail. Avoid reducing the tire pressures but shift to a lower
gear and drive steadily through the terrain. Apply the accelerator slowly
and avoid spinning the wheels.
Avoid excessive speed because vehicle momentum can work against you
and cause the vehicle to become stuck to the point that assistance may
be required from another vehicle. Remember, you may be able to back
out the way you came if you proceed with caution.
Note:If air is released from your tires, the Tire Pressure Monitoring
System (TPMS) indicator light may illuminate (if equipped).
Mud and water
If you must drive through high
water, drive slowly. Traction or
brake capability may be limited.
When driving through water,
determine the depth; avoid water
higher than the bottom of the hubs
(if possible) and proceed slowly. If
the ignition system gets wet, the
vehicle may stall.
Once through water, always try the brakes. Wet brakes do not stop the
vehicle as effectively as dry brakes. Drying can be improved by moving
your vehicle slowly while applying light pressure on the brake pedal.
Be cautious of sudden changes in vehicle speed or direction when you
are driving in mud. Even 4WD vehicles can lose traction in slick mud. As
when you are driving over sand, apply the accelerator slowly and avoid
spinning your wheels. If the vehicle does slide, steer in the direction of
the slide until you regain control of the vehicle.
If the transmission, transfer case or front axle are submerged in water,
their fluids should be checked and changed, if necessary.
2009 F-250/350/450/550(f23)
Owners Guide, 3rd Printing
USA(fus)
Driving
307

CHANGING A FLAT TIRE
If you get a flat tire while driving:
•do not brake heavily.
•gradually decrease the vehicle’s speed.
•hold the steering wheel firmly.
•slowly move to a safe place on the side of the road.
Your vehicle may be equipped with a conventional spare tire that is
different in one or more of the following: type, brand, size, speed rating
and tread design. If this is the case, this dissimilar spare tire is still rated
for your vehicle loads (GAWR and GVWR).Temporary spare tires are not
equipped with Tire Pressure Monitor System (TPMS) sensors if the
system is present.
WARNING:The use of tire sealant may damage your Tire
Pressure Monitoring System (if equipped) and should not be
used.
WARNING:If your vehicle is equipped with a Tire Pressure
Monitoring System, refer toTire Pressure Monitoring System
in theTires, Wheels and Loadingchapter for more information. If the
tire pressure monitor sensor becomes damaged, it will no longer
function.
Dissimilar spare tire/wheel information
WARNING:Failure to follow these guidelines could result in an
increased risk of loss of vehicle control, injury or death.
If you have a dissimilar spare tire/wheel, then it is intended for
temporary use only. This means that if you need to use it, you should
replace it as soon as possible with a road tire/wheel that is the same size
and type as the road tires and wheels that were originally provided by
Ford. If the dissimilar spare tire or wheel is damaged, it should be
replaced rather than repaired.
A dissimilar spare tire/wheel is defined as a spare tire and/or wheel that
is different in brand, size or appearance from the road tires and wheels
and can be one of three types:
1.T-type mini-spare:This spare tire begins with the letter “T” for tire
size and may have “Temporary Use Only” molded in the sidewall
2009 F-250/350/450/550(f23)
Owners Guide, 3rd Printing
USA(fus)
Roadside Emergencies
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The usage of a full-size dissimilar spare tire/wheel can lead to
impairment of the following:
•Handling, stability and braking performance
•Comfort and noise
•Ground clearance and parking at curbs
•Winter weather driving capability
•Wet weather driving capability
•All-Wheel driving capability (if applicable)
•Load leveling adjustment (if applicable)
When driving with the full-size dissimilar spare tire/wheel additional
caution should be given to:
•Towing a trailer
•Driving vehicles equipped with a camper body
•Driving vehicles with a load on the cargo rack
Drive cautiously when using a full-size dissimilar spare tire/wheel and
seek service as soon as possible.
Spare tire information
Note:If your vehicle is equipped the tire pressure monitoring system
(TPMS), the system indicator light will illuminate when the spare is in
use. To restore the full functionality of the TPMS system, all road wheels
equipped with the tire pressure monitoring sensors must be mounted on
the vehicle.
If your vehicle is equipped with TPMS, have a flat tire serviced by an
authorized dealer in order to prevent damage to the TPMS sensor; refer
toTire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)in theTires, Wheel and
Loadingchapter. Replace the spare tire with the road tire as soon as
possible.
T-Type/Mini-Spare Tire Information (Harley Davidson only)
Your vehicle may be equipped with a temporary spare tire. This spare
tire is considered “temporary”. Replace the temporary spare with a tire
of the same size, speed rating, and load carrying capacity as the other
road tires as soon as possible.
When driving with the temporary spare tiredo not:
•Exceed 50 mph (80 km/h)
•Load the vehicle beyond maximum vehicle load rating listed on the
Safety Compliance Label
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Owners Guide, 3rd Printing
USA(fus)
Roadside Emergencies
329

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