2009 FORD F250 maintenance

Customer Assistance 350
Reporting safety defects (U.S. only) 356
Reporting safety defects (Canada only) 356
Cleaning 357
Maintenance and Specifications 367
Engine compartment 369
Engine oil 372
Battery 375
Engine coolant 377
Fuel information 383
Air filter(s) 402
Part numbers 404
Maintenance product specifications and capacities 405
Engine data 409
Accessories 412
Index 414
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Copyright © 2009 Ford Motor Company
Table of Contents
3
2009 F-250/350/450/550(f23)
Owners Guide, 3rd Printing
USA(fus)

PERCHLORATE MATERIAL
Certain components of this vehicle such as airbag modules, seat belt
pretensioners, and button cell batteries may contain Perchlorate Material
– Special handling may apply for service or vehicle end of life disposal.
See www.dtsc.ca.gov/hazardouswaste/perchlorate.
BREAKING-IN YOUR VEHICLE
Your vehicle does not need an extensive break-in. Try not to drive
continuously at the same speed for the first 1,000 miles (1,600 km) of
new vehicle operation. Vary your speed frequently in order to give the
moving parts a chance to break in.
Drive your new vehicle at least 1,000 miles (1,600 km) before towing a
trailer. For more detailed information about towing a trailer, refer to
Trailer towingin theTires, Wheels and Loadingchapter.
Do not add friction modifier compounds or special break-in oils since
these additives may prevent piston ring seating. SeeEngine oilin the
Maintenance and Specificationschapter for more information on oil
usage.
SPECIAL NOTICES
New Vehicle Limited Warranty
For a detailed description of what is covered and what is not covered by
your vehicle’s New Vehicle Limited Warranty, refer to theWarranty
Guide/Customer Information Guidethat is provided to you along with
yourOwner’s Guide.
2009 F-250/350/450/550(f23)
Owners Guide, 3rd Printing
USA(fus)
Introduction
6

Special instructions
For your added safety, your vehicle is fitted with sophisticated electronic
controls.
WARNING:Please read the sectionAirbag Supplemental
Restraint System (SRS)in theSeating and Safety Restraints
chapter. Failure to follow the specific warnings and instructions could
result in personal injury.
WARNING:Front seat mounted rear-facing child or infant seats
shouldNEVERbe placed in front of an active passenger airbag.
Cell phone use
The use of Mobile Communications Equipment has become increasingly
important in the conduct of business and personal affairs. However,
drivers must not compromise their own or others’ safety when using
such equipment. Mobile Communications can enhance personal safety
and security when appropriately used, particularly in emergency
situations. Safety must be paramount when using mobile communications
equipment to avoid negating these benefits.
Mobile Communication Equipment includes, but is not limited to cellular
phones, pagers, portable email devices, in-vehicle communications
systems, telematics devices and portable two-way radios.
WARNING:Driving while distracted can result in loss of vehicle
control, accident and injury. Ford strongly recommends that
drivers use extreme caution when using any device that may take their
focus off the road. The driver’s primary responsibility is the safe
operation of their vehicle. Only use cell phones and other devices not
essential to the driving task when it is safe to do so.
Notice to owners of diesel-powered vehicles
Read the6.0 and 6.4 Liter Power Stroke Direct Injection Turbo Diesel
Owner’s GuideSupplement for information regarding correct operation
and maintenance of your Diesel-powered light truck.
2009 F-250/350/450/550(f23)
Owners Guide, 3rd Printing
USA(fus)
Introduction
9

Harley-Davidson vehicles
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
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.
Service engine soon:TheService
engine soonindicator light
illuminates when the ignition is first
turned to the on position to check
the bulb and to indicate whether the vehicle is ready for
Inspection/Maintenance (I/M) testing. Normally, the “Service engine
soon” light will stay on until the engine is cranked, then turn itself off if
no malfunctions are present. However, if after 15 seconds the “Service
engine soon” light blinks eight times, it means that the vehicle is not
ready for I/M testing. See theReadiness for Inspection/Maintenance
(I/M) testingin theMaintenance and Specificationschapter.
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
2009 F-250/350/450/550(f23)
Owners Guide, 3rd Printing
USA(fus)
Instrument Cluster
15

Airbag readiness:If this light fails
to illuminate when ignition is turned
to on, continues to flash or remains
on, have the system serviced
immediately by your authorized dealer. A chime will sound when there is
a malfunction in the indicator light.
Safety belt:Reminds you to fasten
your safety belt. A Belt-Minder

chime will also sound to remind you
to fasten your safety belt. Refer to
theSeating and Safety Restraints
chapter to activate/deactivate the Belt-Minder
chime feature.
Engine oil pressure:Illuminates
when the oil pressure falls below the
normal range. Refer toEngine oil
in theMaintenance and
Specificationschapter.
Low tire pressure warning (if
equipped):Illuminates when your
tire pressure is low. If the light
remains on at start up or while
driving, the tire pressure should be
checked. Refer toInflating Your Tiresin theTires, Wheels and
Loadingchapter. When the ignition is first turned to on, the light will
illuminate for three seconds to ensure the bulb is working. If the light
does not turn on, have the system inspected by your authorized dealer.
For more information on this system, refer toUnderstanding Your Tire
Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)in theTires, Wheels and
Loadingchapter.
Charging system:Illuminates when
the battery is not charging properly.
If it stays on while the engine is
running, there may be a malfunction
with the charging system. Contact your authorized dealer as soon as
possible. This indicates a problem with the electrical system or a related
component.
2009 F-250/350/450/550(f23)
Owners Guide, 3rd Printing
USA(fus)
Instrument Cluster
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Powertrain malfunction/Reduced
power/Electronic throttle
control (RTT):Displays when the
engine has defaulted to a
“limp-home” operation or when a
transmission problem has been
detected and shifting may be restricted. If the light remains on, have the
system serviced immediately by your authorized dealer.
Traction Control™ (RTT) (if
equipped):Displays when the
Traction Control™ system is active.
If the light remains on, have the
system serviced immediately by
your authorized dealer. Refer to
Traction Control™in theDrivingchapter for more information
Check fuel cap (RTT):Displays
when the fuel cap may not be
properly installed. Continued driving
with this light on may cause the
Service engine soon warning light to
come on. Refer toFuel filler capin
theMaintenance and Specificationschapter.
Engine coolant temperature
(RTT):Displays when the engine
coolant temperature is high. Stop
the vehicle as soon as safely
possible, switch off the engine and
let it cool. Refer toEngine coolant
in theMaintenance and Specificationschapter.
WARNING:Never remove the coolant reservoir cap while the
engine is running or hot.
Low fuel (RTT):Displays when
the fuel level in the fuel tank is at
or near empty (refer toFuel gauge
in this chapter).
2009 F-250/350/450/550(f23)
Owners Guide, 3rd Printing
USA(fus)
Instrument Cluster
18

Engine oil pressure gauge:
Indicates engine oil pressure. The
needle should stay in the normal
operating range (between “L” and
“H”). If the needle falls below the
normal range, stop the vehicle, turn
off the engine and check the engine
oil level. Add oil if needed. If the oil
level is correct, have your vehicle checked at your authorized dealer.
Fuel gauge:Indicates
approximately how much fuel is left
in the fuel tank (when the ignition
is in the on position). The fuel
gauge may vary slightly when the
vehicle is in motion or on a grade.
The FUEL icon and arrow indicates
which side of the vehicle the fuel
filler door is located.
Refer toFilling the tankin theMaintenance and Specifications
chapter for more information.
Battery voltage gauge (manual
transmission only):Indicates the
battery voltage when the ignition is
in the on position. If the pointer
moves and stays outside the normal
operating range, have the vehicle’s
electrical system checked as soon as
possible.
2009 F-250/350/450/550(f23)
Owners Guide, 3rd Printing
USA(fus)
Instrument Cluster
24

Transmission fluid temperature gauge (automatic transmission
only):If the gauge is in the:
Normal area–the transmission
fluid is within the normal operating
temperature (between “H” and “C”).
Yellow area–the transmission fluid
is higher than normal operating
temperature. This can be caused by
special operating conditions (i.e.
snowplowing, towing or off road
use). Refer toSpecial Operating
Conditionsin thescheduled
maintenance informationfor
instructions. Operating the transmission for extended periods of time
with the gauge in the yellow area may cause internal transmission
damage.
Altering the severity of the operating conditions is recommended to
lower the transmission temperature into the normal range.
Red area–the transmission fluid is
overheating. Stop the vehicle to
allow the temperature to return to
normal range.
If the gauge is operating in the Yellow or Red area, stop the vehicle and
verify the airflow is not restricted such as snow or debris blocking airflow
through the grill. If the gauge continues to show high temperatures, see
your authorized dealer.
2009 F-250/350/450/550(f23)
Owners Guide, 3rd Printing
USA(fus)
Instrument Cluster
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