Page 1 of 419
Introduction 4
Instrument Cluster 14
Warning lights and chimes 14
Gauges 21
Entertainment Systems 26
AM/FM stereo 26
AM/FM stereo with CD 28
AM/FM stereo with in-dash six CD 35
Auxiliary input jack 42
USB port 44
Satellite radio information 48
Family entertainment system 51
Navigation system 79
SYNC79
Climate Controls 80
Heater only 80
Manual heating and air conditioning 81
Dual automatic temperature control 84
Lights 89
Headlamps 89
Turn signal control 94
Bulb replacement 95
Driver Controls 103
Windshield wiper/washer control 103
Steering wheel adjustment 104
Power windows 108
Mirrors 110
Speed control 116
Upfitter controls 121
Moon roof 122
Message center 127
Table of Contents
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2009 F-250/350/450/550(f23)
Owners Guide, 3rd Printing
USA(fus)
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
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2009 F-250/350/450/550(f23)
Owners Guide, 3rd Printing
USA(fus)
Page 6 of 419

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
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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 17 of 419

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-Minderchime 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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Page 19 of 419

Door ajar (RTT):Displays when
the ignition is in the on position and
any door is open.
Transmission Tow/Haul Feature
(automatic transmission) (if
equipped):The Tow Haul light
remains illuminated as long as the
Tow/Haul feature is activated. Refer to theDrivingchapter for
transmission function and operation. If the light remains illuminated and
will not cancel using the Tow/Haul switch located on the end of the gear
shift lever, have the system serviced immediately or damage to the
transmission could occur.
Four wheel drive low (if
equipped):Illuminates when
four-wheel drive low is engaged.
Four wheel drive high (if
equipped):Illuminates when
four-wheel drive high is engaged.
Anti-theft system:Flashes when
the SecuriLock™ Passive Anti-theft
System has been activated.
Speed control (if equipped):
Illuminates when the speed control
is activated. Turns off when the
speed control system is deactivated.
Turn signal:Illuminates when the
left or right turn signal or the
hazard lights are turned on. If the
indicators stay on or flash faster, check for a burned out bulb.
High beams:Illuminates when the
high beam headlamps are turned on.
4x4
LOW
4x4
HIGH
2009 F-250/350/450/550(f23)
Owners Guide, 3rd Printing
USA(fus)
Instrument Cluster
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Page 96 of 419

Replacing exterior bulbs
Check the operation of all the bulbs frequently.
Function Number
of bulbsTrade number
Headlamps (aerodynamic) 2 H13/9008
Headlamps (sealed beam) 2 H6054
Park lamp with aerodynamic headlamp 2 3157A or 3157AK
Park lamp with sealed beam headlamp 2 3157
Sidemarker 2 194
Tail/stop/turn/sidemarker (pick-up only) 2 3157
Tail/stop/turn/sidemarker (chassis cabs
only; if equipped)2 3157
Back-up (pick-ups only) 2 921
Back-up (chassis cabs only) 2 3157
High-mount stoplamp 1 922
Fog lamp 2 9145
License plate lamp 2 194
Cargo lamp 2 906
Mirror turn signal 2 2825
Mirror clearance lamp 2 2825
*Front clearance lamps (2) and front
identification lamps (3)5 194
*Rear fender clearance 4 194
Interior visor lamp (if equipped) 4 194
*Rear identification 3 194
All replacement bulbs are clear in color except where noted.
To replace all instrument panel lights - see your authorized dealer
* Dual rear wheels, or if equipped.
2009 F-250/350/450/550(f23)
Owners Guide, 3rd Printing
USA(fus)
Lights
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Page 104 of 419

Windshield wiper rainlamp feature (if equipped with Autolamp)
When the windshield wipers are turned on during daylight, and the
headlamp control is in the autolamp position, the exterior lamps will turn
on after a brief delay and will remain on until the wipers are turned off.
TILT STEERING WHEEL
1. Pull and hold the steering wheel
release control toward you.
2. Move the steering up or down
until you find the desired location.
3. Release the steering wheel
release control. This will lock the
steering wheel in position.
WARNING:Never adjust the steering column when the vehicle
is moving.
TRANSMISSION CONTROL
Tow/Haul feature (5–speed automatic transmission) (if equipped)
To activate, press the transmission
control switch (TCS) located on the
gearshift. The TOW/HAUL indicator
light will illuminate in the
instrument cluster. The transmission
will operate in all gears. Press the
transmission control switch again to deactivate Tow/Haul mode. When
you shut off and re-start your vehicle, the transmission will automatically
return to normal mode with Tow/Haul feature deactivated. For more
information, refer to theDrivingchapter.
WARNING:Do not use the Tow/Haul feature when driving in icy
or slippery conditions as the increased engine braking can cause
the rear wheels to slide and the vehicle to swing around with the
possible loss of vehicle control.
2009 F-250/350/450/550(f23)
Owners Guide, 3rd Printing
USA(fus)
Driver Controls
104