WARNING LIGHTS AND CHIMES
Vehicles equipped with a manual transmission
Automatic transmission
2009 F-250/350/450/550(f23)
Owners Guide, 3rd Printing
USA(fus)
Instrument Cluster
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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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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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Operating tips
•To reduce fog build up on the windshield during humid weather, place
the air flow selector in the
position.
•To reduce humidity build up inside the vehicle, do not drive with the
air flow selector in the O (OFF) position.
•Do not put objects under the front seats that will interfere with the
airflow to the rear seats.
•Remove any snow, ice or leaves from the air intake area at the base of
the windshield.
•To improve the A/C cool down, drive with the windows slightly open
for 2–3 minutes after start up or until the vehicle has been “aired out.”
During extreme high ambient temperatures when idling stationary for
extended periods of time in gear, it is recommended to run the A/C in
the MAX A/C position, reduce blower fan speed from the highest setting
and put the vehicle’s transmission into the PARK gear position
(automatic transmission only) to continue to receive cool air from your
A/C system.
For maximum cooling performance in MAX A/C mode:
1. Move the temperature control to the coolest setting.
2. Set the fan to the highest speed initially, then adjust in order to
maintain comfort.
To aid in side window defogging and demisting in cold weather:
1. Select
.
2. Select A/C.
3. Set the temperature control to maintain comfort.
4. Set the fan speed to highest setting.
5. Direct the outer instrument panel vents towards the side windows.
2009 F-250/350/450/550(f23)
Owners Guide, 3rd Printing
USA(fus)
Climate Controls
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Operating tips
•To reduce fog build up on the windshield during humid weather, place
the air flow selector in the
position.
•To reduce humidity build up inside the vehicle, do not drive with the
system OFF, or with recirculated air
engaged and A/C off.
•Do not put objects under the front seats that will interfere with the
airflow to the back seats.
•Remove any snow, ice or leaves from the air intake area at the base of
the windshield.
•To improve the A/C cool down, drive with the windows slightly open
for 2-3 minutes after start up or until the vehicle has been “aired out”.
During extreme high ambient temperatures when idling stationary for
extended periods of time in gear, it is recommended to run the A/C in
the MAX A/C position, reduce blower fan speed from the highest setting
and put the vehicle’s transmission into the PARK gear position
(automatic transmission only) to continue to receive cool air from your
A/C system.
For maximum cooling performance (MAX A/C):
Automatic operation:
1. Press AUTO for full automatic operation.
2. Do not override A/C or
(recirculated air).
3. Set the temperature to 60°F (16°C).
Override operation:
1. Select air distribution.
2. Select A/C and
(recirculated air). Use(recirculated air) with
A/C to provide colder airflow.
3. Set the temperature to 60°F (16°C).
4. Set highest fan speed initially, then adjust to maintain comfort.
2009 F-250/350/450/550(f23)
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USA(fus)
Climate Controls
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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)
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Driver Controls
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WARNING:Do not sit on top of a buckled safety belt or insert a
latchplate into the buckle to avoid the Belt-Minderchime. To
do so may adversely affect the performance of the vehicle’s air bag
system.
One-time disable
Any time the safety belt is buckled and then unbuckled during an
ignition on cycle, the Belt-Minderwill be disabled for that ignition cycle
only.
Deactivating/activating the Belt-Minderfeature (Driver only)
Read Steps1-5thoroughly before proceeding with the
deactivation/activation programming procedure.
The Belt-Minderfeature can be deactivated/activated by performing the
following procedure:
Before following the procedure, make sure that the following conditions
are met:
•the parking brake is set
•the gearshift is in P (Park) (automatic transmission) or the neutral
position (manual transmission)
•the ignition switch is in the off position
•all vehicle doors are closed
•the driver’s safety belt is unbuckled
•the parklamps/headlamps are in the off position (If the vehicle is
equipped with Autolamps, this will not affect the procedure)
WARNING:While the design allows you to deactivate your
Belt-Minder, this system is designed to improve your chances of
being safely belted and surviving an accident. We recommend you
leave the Belt-Mindersystem activated for yourself and others who
may use the vehicle. To reduce the risk of injury, do not
deactivate/activate the Belt-Minderfeature while driving the vehicle.
Belt-Minderactivation and deactivation procedure
1. Turn the ignition switch to the on position. (DO NOT START THE
ENGINE)
2. Wait until the safety belt warning light turns off. (Approximately
1 minute)
2009 F-250/350/450/550(f23)
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Seating and Safety Restraints
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the chart/table in the following text). This calculation will give you the
maximum trailer weight possible for your vehicle.
The weight of all additional cargo and passengers must be subtracted
from the maximum trailer weight calculated above.
Further trailer/hitch restrictions and limitations exist depending on the
type of trailer and hitch used. These additional maximum trailer weight
and tongue load limitations are listed in the chart/table that follows the
listing of GCWRs.
Towing a trailer places an additional load on your vehicle’s engine,
transmission, axle, brakes, tires and suspension. Inspect these
components carefully prior to and after any towing operation. Refer to
Transmission fluid temperature gaugein theInstrument Cluster
chapter for the transmission fluid temperature information.
Note:Do not exceed the GCWR listed for your vehicle on the following
chart/table, or the GVWR, GAWR or tire ratings specified on the Tire
Label or Safety Compliance Certification Label.
WARNING:Towing trailers beyond the maximum recommended
trailer weight which exceeds the limit of the vehicle’s GCWR,
GVWR, GAWR or tire ratings could result in engine damage,
transmission damage, structural damage, loss of vehicle control, vehicle
rollover and personal injury.
Maximum GCWR - lb. (kg.)
Engine Rear axle
ratioManual
transmissionAutomatic
transmission
F–250 Pick-up
5.4L 3.73 15000 (6804) 16000 (7257)
4.10 17000 (7711) 18000 (8165)
6.8L 4.10 20000 (9072) 21000 (9525)
4.30 22000 (9979) 22500 (10206)
F–350 Single Rear Wheel (SRW) Pick-up
5.4L 3.73 15000 (6804) 16000 (7257)
4.10 17000 (7711) 18000 (8165)
6.8L 4.10 20000 (9072) 21000 (9525)
4.30 22000 (9979) 23000 (10433)
2009 F-250/350/450/550(f23)
Owners Guide, 3rd Printing
USA(fus)
Tires, Wheels and Loading
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