Vehicle Symbol Glossary
Power Windows
Front/Rear
Power Window Lockout
Child Safety Door
Lock/UnlockInterior Luggage
Compartment Release
Panic AlarmEngine Oil
Engine CoolantEngine Coolant
Temperature
Do Not Open When HotBattery
Avoid Smoking, Flames,
or SparksBattery Acid
Explosive GasFan Warning
Power Steering FluidMaintain Correct Fluid
LevelMAX
MIN
Service Engine SoonEngine Air Filter
Passenger Compartment
Air FilterJack
Check Fuel CapLow Tire Pressure
Warning
2009 F-250/350/450/550(f23)
Owners Guide, 3rd Printing
USA(fus)
Introduction
13
DRAIN WATER SEPARATOR (Diesel engine only)— Displayed
when the water separator has reached a predetermined capacity and
needs to be drained. Refer to your6.0 and 6.4 Liter Power Stroke
Direct Injection Turbo Diesel Owner’s Guide Supplementfor more
information.
STOP SAFELY NOW (Diesel engine only)— Displays and a chime
sounds when the vehicle exhaust system temperature exceeds intended
operating range. If this warning occurs, the engine power is reduced and
the engine will shutdown when the vehicle speed is below 3 mph
(5 km/h).Stop the vehicle as soon as safely possibleand contact
your authorized dealer. Depending on the severity of the
over-temperature condition, the vehicle may or may not restart after
cycling the ignition off. If the vehicle restarts, there may be limited
power, or there could be full function. If the exhaust over-temperature
condition reoccurs the message center will display, STOP SAFELY NOW,
the chime will sound, the engine power will be reduced again and shut
down below 3 mph (5km/h).
ENGINE TURNS OFF IN XX (Diesel engine only)— Displayed
when the vehicle is in the final 30 seconds of a countdown to where the
engine will intentionally be turned off by the PCM. The diesel engine
shutdown is a (Regulatory) requirement which may be required of a
particular diesel vehicle for sale in States requiring this feature.
ENGINE TURNED OFF (Diesel engine only)— Displayed after the
30 second countdown.
ENGINE WARMING PLEASE WAIT XX (Diesel engine only)—
Displayed in extremely cold weather; typically around –15°F (–26°C).
The accelerator pedal will not respond to pressing; this is done so the
engine oil can be properly circulated to avoid engine damage from lack
of lubrication. A timer will begin a countdown from 30 seconds, then OK
TO DRIVE will display once the counter has reached 0 (zero) and the
accelerator pedal will respond to pressing.
OK TO DRIVE (Diesel engine only)— Displayed when the time
counter has reached 0 (zero) and the engine is sufficiently warm enough
to drive in extremely cold weather (refer to the ENGINE WARMING
description mentioned previously).
2009 F-250/350/450/550(f23)
Owners Guide, 3rd Printing
USA(fus)
Driver Controls
135
DRIVE TO CLEAN EXHAUST FILTER (Diesel engine only)—
Displayed when the engine control module detects the Diesel Particulate
Filter (DPF) is full of particulates and that the vehicle is not being
operated in a manner to allow automatic cleaning. The vehicle operator
has to drive the vehicle above 30 mph (48 km/h) for at least 20 minutes
to clean the DPF. This will continue to be displayed until an adequate
drive cycle is completed. This message is NORMAL.Note:
Power-Take-Off (PTO) and/or Stationary Elevated Idle (SEIC) must be
disabled in order to initiate Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF) cleaning.
CLEANING EXHAUST FILTER (Diesel engine only)— Displays
continuously when the vehicle has entered the cleaning mode normally;
or when cleaning the filter after a DRIVE TO CLEAN EXHAUST FILTER
message was previously displayed. When this message is displayed
various engine actions will raise the exhaust temperature in the DPF to
clean the exhaust filter. After the exhaust filter is cleaned, the exhaust
temperature will fall back to normal levels. This message is NORMAL.
WARNING:When the CLEANING EXHAUST FILTER message
appears in the message center do not park near flammable
materials, vapors and structures until filter cleaning is complete.
EXHAUST FILTER DRIVE COMPLETE (Diesel engine only)—
Displayed when the vehicle has completed the adequate drive cycle to
clean the DPF. This message is NORMAL.
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.
XX% OIL LIFE CHANGE SOON (Gas engine only)— Displayed
when an oil change will soon be required and shows the percentage of oil
life left.
OIL CHANGE REQUIRED (Gas engine only)— Displayed when the
oil life left reaches 0%, the OIL CHANGE REQUIRED message will be
displayed. OIL LIFE OK displays after you have changed the oil.
2009 F-250/350/450/550(f23)
Owners Guide, 3rd Printing
USA(fus)
Driver Controls
136
DRAIN WATER SEPARATOR (Diesel engine only)— Displayed
when the water separator has reached a predetermined capacity and
needs to be drained. Refer to your6.0 and 6.4 Liter Power Stroke
Direct Injection Turbo Diesel Owner’s Guide Supplementfor more
information.
STOP SAFELY NOW (Diesel engine only)— Displays and a chime
sounds when the vehicle exhaust system temperature exceeds intended
operating range. If this warning occurs, the engine power is reduced and
the engine will shutdown when the vehicle speed is below 3 mph
(5 km/h).Stop the vehicle as soon as safely possibleand contact
your authorized dealer. Depending on the severity of the
over-temperature condition, the vehicle may or may not restart after
cycling the ignition off. If the vehicle restarts, there may be limited
power, or there could be full function. If the exhaust over-temperature
condition reoccurs the message center will display, STOP SAFELY NOW,
the chime will sound, the engine power will be reduced again and shut
down below 3 mph (5km/h).
ENGINE WARMING PLEASE WAIT XX (Diesel engine only)—
Displayed in extremely cold weather; typically around –15°F (–26°C).
The accelerator pedal will not respond to pressing; this is done so the
engine oil can be properly circulated to avoid engine damage from lack
of lubrication. A timer will begin a countdown from 30 seconds, then OK
TO DRIVE will display once the counter has reached 0 (zero) and the
accelerator pedal will respond to pressing.
OK TO DRIVE (Diesel engine only)— Displayed when the time
counter has reached 0 (zero) and the engine is sufficiently warm enough
to drive in extremely cold weather (refer to the ENGINE WARMING
description mentioned previously).
ENGINE TURNS OFF IN XX (Diesel engine only)— Displayed
when the vehicle is in the final 30 seconds of a countdown to where the
engine will intentionally be turned off by the PCM. The diesel engine
shutdown is a (Regulatory) requirement which may be required of a
particular diesel vehicle for sale in States requiring this feature.
ENGINE TURNED OFF (Diesel engine only)— Displayed after the
30 second countdown.
2009 F-250/350/450/550(f23)
Owners Guide, 3rd Printing
USA(fus)
Driver Controls
148
DRIVE TO CLEAN EXHAUST FILTER (Diesel engine only)—
Displayed when the engine control module detects the Diesel Particulate
Filter (DPF) is full of particulates and that the vehicle is not being
operated in a manner to allow automatic cleaning. The vehicle operator
will have to drive the vehicle above 30 mph (48 km/h) for at least
20 minutes to clean the DPF. This message will continue to be displayed
until an adequate drive cycle is completed. This message is NORMAL.
Note:Power-Take-Off (PTO) and/or Stationary Elevated Idle (SEIC)
must be disabled in order to initiate Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF)
cleaning.
CLEANING EXHAUST FILTER (Diesel engine only)— Displays
continuously when the vehicle has entered the cleaning mode normally;
or when cleaning the filter after a DRIVE TO CLEAN EXHAUST FILTER
message was previously displayed. When this message is displayed
various engine actions will raise the exhaust temperature in the DPF to
clean the exhaust filter. After the exhaust filter is cleaned, the exhaust
temperature will fall back to normal levels. This message is NORMAL.
WARNING:When the CLEANING EXHAUST FILTER message
appears in the message center do not park near flammable
materials, vapors and structures until filter cleaning is complete.
EXHAUST FILTER DRIVE COMPLETE (Diesel engine only)—
Displayed when the vehicle has completed the adequate drive cycle to
clean the DPF. This message is NORMAL.
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.
XX% OIL LIFE CHANGE SOON (Gas engine only)— Displayed
when an oil change will soon be required and shows the percentage of oil
life left.
OIL CHANGE REQUIRED (Gas engine only)— Displayed when the
oil life left reaches 0%, the OIL CHANGE REQUIRED message will be
displayed. OIL LIFE OK displays after you have changed the oil.
2009 F-250/350/450/550(f23)
Owners Guide, 3rd Printing
USA(fus)
Driver Controls
149
•The snow plow prep package includes a unique powertrain control
strategy which is required for diesel engine cooling during highway
driving with the snowplow raised.
Operating the vehicle with the snowplow attached
Do not use your vehicle for snow removal until it has been driven at
least 500 miles (800 km).
The attached snowplow blade restricts airflow to the radiator, and may
cause the engine to run at a higher temperature: Attention to engine
temperature is especially important when outside temperatures are
above freezing. Angle the blade to maximize airflow to the radiator and
monitor engine temperature to determine whether a left or right angle
provides the best performance.
Follow the severe duty schedule in yourscheduled maintenance
informationfor engine oil and transmission fluid change intervals.
Snowplowing with your airbag-equipped vehicle
Your vehicle is equipped with a driver and passenger airbag
Supplemental Restraint System (SRS) The SRS is designed to activate in
certain frontal and offset frontal collisions when the vehicle sustains
sufficient longitudinal deceleration.
Careless or high speed driving while plowing snow which results in
sufficient vehicle decelerations can deploy the airbag. Such driving also
increases the risk of accidents.
WARNING:All occupants of the vehicle, including the driver,
should always properly wear their safety belts, even when an air
bag supplemental restraint system (SRS) is provided.
Never remove or defeat the “tripping mechanisms” designed into the
snow removal equipment by its manufacturer. Doing so may cause
damage to the vehicle and the snow removal equipment as well as
possible airbag deployment.
WARNING:Do not attempt to service, repair, or modify the air
bag supplemental restraint system (SRS) or its fuses. See your
Ford or Lincoln Mercury dealer.
2009 F-250/350/450/550(f23)
Owners Guide, 3rd Printing
USA(fus)
Driving
313
•The wiper blades can be cleaned with isopropyl (rubbing) alcohol or
Motorcraft Premium Windshield Washer Concentrate (ZC-32–A),
available from your authorized dealer. This washer fluid contains
special solution in addition to alcohol which helps to remove the hot
wax deposited on the wiper blade and windshield from automated car
wash facilities. Be sure to replace wiper blades when they appear
worn or do not function properly.
•Do not use abrasives, as they may cause scratches.
•Do not use fuel, kerosene, or paint thinner to clean any parts.
INSTRUMENT PANEL/INTERIOR TRIM AND CLUSTER LENS
(EXCEPT HARLEY-DAVIDSON)
Clean the instrument panel, interior trim areas and cluster lens with a
clean and damp, white cotton cloth, then with a clean and dry, white
cotton cloth.
•Avoid cleaners or polishes that increase the gloss of the upper portion
of the instrument panel. The dull finish in this area helps protect the
driver from undesirable windshield reflection.
•Be certain to wash or wipe your hands clean if you have been in
contact with certain products such as insect repellent and suntan
lotion in order to avoid possible damage to the interior painted
surfaces.
•Do not use household or glass cleaners as these may damage the
finish of the instrument panel, interior trim and cluster lens.
WARNING:Do not use chemical solvents or strong detergents
when cleaning the steering wheel or instrument panel to avoid
contamination of the airbag system.
If a staining liquid like coffee/juice has been spilled on the instrument
panel or on interior trim surfaces, clean as follows:
1. Wipe up spilled liquid using a clean white cotton cloth.
2. Wipe the surface with a damp, clean, white cotton cloth. For more
thorough cleaning, use a mild soap and water solution. If the spot cannot
be completely cleaned by this method, the area may be cleaned using a
commercially available cleaning product designed for automotive
interiors.
3. If necessary, apply more soap and water solution or cleaning product
to a clean, white, cotton cloth and press the cloth onto the soiled
area–allow this to set at room temperature for 30 minutes.
2009 F-250/350/450/550(f23)
Owners Guide, 3rd Printing
USA(fus)
Cleaning
361
Maintenance
•Keep tires properly inflated and use only recommended size.
•Operating a vehicle with the wheels out of alignment will reduce fuel
economy.
•Use recommended engine oil. Refer toMaintenance product
specifications and capacitiesin this chapter.
•Perform all regularly scheduled maintenance items. Follow the
recommended maintenance schedule and owner maintenance checks
found inscheduled maintenance information.
Conditions
•Heavily loading a vehicle or towing a trailer may reduce fuel economy
at any speed.
•Carrying unnecessary weight may reduce fuel economy (approximately
1 mpg [0.4 km/L] is lost for every 400 lb [180 kg] of weight carried).
•Adding certain accessories to your vehicle (for example bug
deflectors, rollbars/light bars, running boards, ski/luggage racks) may
reduce fuel economy.
•To maximize the fuel economy, drive with the tonneau cover installed
(if equipped).
•Using fuel blended with alcohol may lower fuel economy.
•Fuel economy may decrease with lower temperatures during the first
8–10 miles (12–16 km) of driving.
•Driving on flat terrain offers improved fuel economy as compared to
driving on hilly terrain.
•Transmissions give their best fuel economy when operated in the top
cruise gear and with steady pressure on the gas pedal.
•Four-wheel-drive operation (if equipped) is less fuel efficient than
two-wheel-drive operation.
•Close windows for high speed driving.
EPA fuel economy estimates
Every new vehicle should have a window sticker containing EPA fuel
economy estimates. Contact your authorized dealer if the window sticker
is not supplied with your vehicle. The EPA fuel economy estimates
should be your guide for the fuel economy comparisons with other
vehicles. Your fuel economy may vary depending upon the method of
operation and conditions.
2009 F-250/350/450/550(f23)
Owners Guide, 3rd Printing
USA(fus)
Maintenance and Specifications
391