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WARNING:If the parking brake is fully released, but the brake
warning lamp remains illuminated, the brakes may not be
working properly. See your authorized dealer.
4WD Systems
4WD (when you select a 4WD mode), uses all four wheels to power the
vehicle. This increases traction, enabling you to drive over terrain and
road conditions that a conventional two-wheel drive vehicle cannot.
Power is supplied to all four wheels through a transfer case. On 4WD
vehicles, the transfer case allows you to select 4WD when necessary.
Information on transfer case operation and shifting procedures can be
found in theDrivingchapter. Information on transfer case maintenance
can be found in theMaintenance and Specificationschapter. You
should become thoroughly familiar with this information before you
operate your vehicle.
Normal characteristics
On some 4WD models, the initial shift from two-wheel drive to 4x4 while
the vehicle is moving can cause some momentary clunk and ratcheting
sounds. This is the front drivetrain coming up to speed and the
automatic locking hubs engaging and is not cause for concern.
Sand
When driving over sand, try to keep all four wheels on the most solid
area of the trail. Avoid reducing the tire pressures but shift to a lower
gear and drive steadily through the terrain. Apply the accelerator slowly
and avoid spinning the wheels.
Avoid excessive speed because vehicle momentum can work against you
and cause the vehicle to become stuck to the point that assistance may
be required from another vehicle. Remember, you may be able to back
out the way you came if you proceed with caution.
Note:If air is released from your tires, the Tire Pressure Monitoring
System (TPMS) indicator light may illuminate (if equipped).
2009 F-250/350/450/550(f23)
Owners Guide, 1st Printing
USA(fus)
Driving
305
Page 325 of 418

Fuse/Relay
LocationFuse Amp
RatingProtected Circuits
74 20A**Gasoline engines:VPWR:
HEGO, CMS, MAFS, EVMV,
CMCV, VCT, IMTV
Diesel engine:VPWR: Engine
loads
75 5A** Back-up relay coil power
76 20A**Gasoline engines:VPWR: PCM
Diesel engine:VPWR: ECM
77 10A** ABS module logic
* Cartridge fuses ** Mini fuses
CHANGING A FLAT TIRE
If you get a flat tire while driving:
•do not brake heavily.
•gradually decrease the vehicle’s speed.
•hold the steering wheel firmly.
•slowly move to a safe place on the side of the road.
Your vehicle may be equipped with a conventional spare tire that is
different in one or more of the following: type, brand, size, speed rating
and tread design. If this is the case, this dissimilar spare tire is still rated
for your vehicle loads (GAWR and GVWR).Temporary spare tires are not
equipped with Tire Pressure Monitor System (TPMS) sensors if the
system is present.
WARNING:The use of tire sealant may damage your Tire
Pressure Monitoring System (if equipped) and should not be
used.
WARNING:If your vehicle is equipped with a Tire Pressure
Monitoring System, refer toTire Pressure Monitoring System
in theTires, Wheels and Loadingchapter for more information. If the
tire pressure monitor sensor becomes damaged, it will no longer
function.
2009 F-250/350/450/550(f23)
Owners Guide, 1st Printing
USA(fus)
Roadside Emergencies
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3.Full-size dissimilar spare without label on wheel
When driving with the full-size dissimilar spare tire/wheel,do not:
•Exceed 70 mph (113 km/h)
•Use more than one dissimilar spare tire/wheel at a time
•Use commercial car washing equipment
•Use snow chains on the end of the vehicle with the dissimilar spare
tire/wheel
The usage of a full-size dissimilar spare tire/wheel can lead to
impairment of the following:
•Handling, stability and braking performance
•Comfort and noise
•Ground clearance and parking at curbs
•Winter weather driving capability
•Wet weather driving capability
•All-Wheel driving capability (if applicable)
•Load leveling adjustment (if applicable)
When driving with the full-size dissimilar spare tire/wheel additional
caution should be given to:
•Towing a trailer
•Driving vehicles equipped with a camper body
•Driving vehicles with a load on the cargo rack
Drive cautiously when using a full-size dissimilar spare tire/wheel and
seek service as soon as possible.
Spare tire information
Note:If your vehicle is equipped the tire pressure monitoring system
(TPMS), the system indicator light will illuminate when the spare is in
use. To restore the full functionality of the TPMS system, all road wheels
equipped with the tire pressure monitoring sensors must be mounted on
the vehicle.
If your vehicle is equipped with TPMS, have a flat tire serviced by an
authorized dealer in order to prevent damage to the TPMS sensor; refer
toTire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)in theTires, Wheel and
Loadingchapter. Replace the spare tire with the road tire as soon as
possible.
2009 F-250/350/450/550(f23)
Owners Guide, 1st Printing
USA(fus)
Roadside Emergencies
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T
Tailgate ......................................148
Temperature control (see
Climate control) ..........................80
Tilt steering wheel ....................104
Tire Pressure Monitoring
System (TPMS)
Tires, Wheels and Loading ....242
Tires ...................................224–226
alignment ................................234
care ..........................................230
changing ..........................328, 331
checking the pressure ............229
inflating ...................................227
label .........................................241
replacing ..................................232
rotating ....................................235
safety practices .......................234
sidewall information ...............237
snow tires and chains ............252
spare tire .........................326, 328
terminology .............................226
tire grades ...............................225
treadwear ........................225, 231
Towing .......................................259
recreational towing .................271
Trailer Brake
Controller-Integrated ..............264
trailer towing ..........................259
wrecker ....................................347
Traction control ........................279
Trailer Brake
Controller-Integrated ................264
Transfer case
fluid checking .........................400Transmission
automatic operation .......104, 282
brake-shift interlock (BSI) ....282
fluid, checking and adding
(automatic) .............................396
fluid, checking and adding
(manual) .................................399
fluid, refill capacities ..............404
manual operation ....................287
Turn signal ..................................94
U
Upfitter controls .......................121
USB port ......................................44
V
Vehicle Identification Number
(VIN) ..........................................409
Vehicle loading ..........................253
Ventilating your vehicle ...........275
W
Warning lights (see Lights) .......14
Washer fluid ..............................371
Water, Driving through .............309
Windows
power .......................................108
Windshield washer fluid and
wipers ........................................103
checking and adding fluid .....371
replacing wiper blades ...........372
Wrecker towing .........................347
2009 F-250/350/450/550(f23)
Owners Guide, 1st Printing
USA(fus)
Index
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