Page 2 of 419
Locks and Security 155
Keys 155
Locks 155
Anti-theft system 168
Seating and Safety Restraints 172
Seating 172
Safety restraints 181
Airbags 193
Child restraints 202
Tires, Wheels and Loading 225
Tire information 227
Tire inflation 230
Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) 245
Vehicle loading 256
Trailer towing 262
Trailer brake controller-integrated 267
Recreational towing 274
Driving 275
Starting 275
Brakes 280
Traction Control™ 282
Transmission operation 285
Reverse sensing system 292
Reverse camera 294
Roadside Emergencies 315
Getting roadside assistance 315
Hazard flasher control 316
Fuel pump shut-off switch 317
Fuses and relays 318
Changing tires 327
Wheel lug nut torque 342
Jump starting 343
Wrecker towing 348
Table of Contents
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2009 F-250/350/450/550(f23)
Owners Guide, 3rd Printing
USA(fus)
Page 7 of 419

Service Data Recording
Service data recorders in your vehicle are capable of collecting and
storing diagnostic information about your vehicle. This potentially
includes information about the performance or status of various systems
and modules in the vehicle, such as engine, throttle, steering or brake
systems. In order to properly diagnose and service your vehicle, Ford
Motor Company, Ford of Canada, and service and repair facilities may
access vehicle diagnostic information through a direct connection to your
vehicle when diagnosing or servicing your vehicle. For U.S. only (if
equipped), if you choose to use the SYNCVehicle Health Report, you
consent that certain diagnostic information may also be accessed
electronically by Ford Motor Company and Ford authorized service
facilities, and that the diagnostic information may be used for any
purpose. See yourSYNCsupplement for more information.
Event Data Recording
Other modules in your vehicle — event data recorders — are capable of
collecting and storing data during a crash or near crash event. The
recorded information may assist in the investigation of such an event.
The modules may record information about both the vehicle and the
occupants, potentially including information such as:
•how various systems in your vehicle were operating;
•whether or not the driver and passenger seatbelts were buckled;
•how far (if at all) the driver was depressing the accelerator and/or the
brake pedal;
•how fast the vehicle was traveling; and
•where the driver was positioning the steering wheel.
2009 F-250/350/450/550(f23)
Owners Guide, 3rd Printing
USA(fus)
Introduction
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Page 12 of 419
These are some of the symbols you may see on your vehicle.
Vehicle Symbol Glossary
Safety Alert
See Owner’s Guide
Fasten Safety BeltAirbag - Front
Airbag - SideChild Seat Lower
Anchor
Child Seat Tether
AnchorBrake System
Anti-Lock Brake SystemParking Brake System
Brake Fluid -
Non-Petroleum BasedParking Aid System
Stability Control SystemSpeed Control
Master Lighting SwitchHazard Warning Flasher
Fog Lamps-FrontFuse Compartment
Fuel Pump ResetWindshield Wash/Wipe
Windshield
Defrost/DemistRear Window
Defrost/Demist
2009 F-250/350/450/550(f23)
Owners Guide, 3rd Printing
USA(fus)
Introduction
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Page 16 of 419

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 by your authorized dealer.
WARNING: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 on position
when the engine is not running, or in a position between on and start, or
by applying the parking brake when the ignition is turned to the on
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.
WARNING: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.
Anti-lock brake system:If the
ABS light stays illuminated or
continues to flash, a malfunction has
been detected, have the system
serviced immediately by your
authorized dealer. Normal braking is still functional unless the brake
warning light also is illuminated.
P!
BRAKE
ABS
2009 F-250/350/450/550(f23)
Owners Guide, 3rd Printing
USA(fus)
Instrument Cluster
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Page 20 of 419

If your vehicle is equipped with a diesel engine, it has some unique
warning lights; refer toInstrument Clusterin your6.0 and 6.4 Liter
Power Stroke Direct Injection Turbo Diesel Owner’s Guide
Supplementfor detailed information on their function.
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 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 75 mph (120 km/h) 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
2009 F-250/350/450/550(f23)
Owners Guide, 3rd Printing
USA(fus)
Instrument Cluster
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Page 90 of 419
Daytime running lamps (DRL) (if equipped)
Turns the headlamps on with a reduced output.
To activate:
•the ignition must be in the on position,
•the headlamp control is in the off or parking lamp position and
•the parking brake must be disengaged.
WARNING:Always remember to turn on your headlamps at
dusk or during inclement weather. The Daytime Running Lamp
(DRL) system does not activate the tail lamps and generally may not
provide adequate lighting during these conditions. Failure to activate
your headlamps under these conditions may result in a collision.
High beams
Push the lever toward the
instrument panel to activate. Pull
the lever towards you to deactivate.
Flash to pass
Pull toward you slightly to activate
and release to deactivate.
O
F
F
2009 F-250/350/450/550(f23)
Owners Guide, 3rd Printing
USA(fus)
Lights
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2. Remove the three screws and one
bolt from the top and bottom of the
park lamp/bezel assembly.
3. Pull the assembly straight out
disengaging snap clip.
4. Remove the bulb assembly,
sidemarker or park/turn by turning
it counterclockwise. (Top view of
assembly shown.)
5. Pull the old bulb out from the
socket.
Install the new bulb(s) in reverse order.
Replacing brake/tail/turn/back-up lamp bulbs - Pick-ups only
1. Make sure the headlamps are off
and then open the tailgate to expose
the lamp assemblies.
2. Remove the two bolts from the
tail lamp assembly and carefully pull
the lamp assembly from the tailgate
pillar by releasing the two retaining
tabs.
2009 F-250/350/450/550(f23)
Owners Guide, 3rd Printing
USA(fus)
Lights
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3. Rotate the bulb socket counterclockwise and remove from lamp
assembly.
4. Pull the bulb straight out of the socket.
Install the new bulb(s) in reverse order.
Replacing brake/tail/turn/back-up lamp bulbs - Chassis cabs only
(if equipped)
1. Make sure the headlamps are off.
2. Remove the four screws and the
lamp lens from lamp assembly.
3. Carefully pull the bulb straight
out of the socket and push in the
new bulb.
Replacing cargo lamp and high-mount brakelamp bulbs
1. Make sure the headlamps are off.
2. Remove the two screws and lamp
assembly from vehicle as wiring
permits.
3. Remove the bulb socket by
rotating counterclockwise.
4. Pull the bulb straight out of the
socket.
2009 F-250/350/450/550(f23)
Owners Guide, 3rd Printing
USA(fus)
Lights
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