Page 2 of 418
Locks and Security 153
Keys 153
Locks 153
Anti-theft system 165
Seating and Safety Restraints 169
Seating 169
Safety restraints 178
Airbags 190
Child restraints 200
Tires, Wheels and Loading 222
Tire information 224
Tire inflation 227
Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) 242
Vehicle loading 253
Trailer towing 259
Trailer brake controller-integrated 264
Recreational towing 271
Driving 272
Starting 272
Brakes 277
Traction Control™ 279
Transmission operation 282
Reverse sensing system 289
Reverse camera 292
Roadside Emergencies 313
Getting roadside assistance 313
Hazard flasher control 314
Fuel pump shut-off switch 315
Fuses and relays 316
Changing tires 325
Wheel lug nut torque 341
Jump starting 342
Wrecker towing 347
Table of Contents
2
2009 F-250/350/450/550(f23)
Owners Guide, 1st Printing
USA(fus)
Page 12 of 418
These are some of the symbols you may see on your vehicle.
Vehicle Symbol Glossary
Safety Alert
See Owner’s Guide
Fasten Safety BeltAirbag - Front
Airbag - SideChild Seat Lower
Anchor
Child Seat Tether
AnchorBrake System
Anti-Lock Brake SystemParking Brake System
Brake Fluid -
Non-Petroleum BasedParking Aid System
Stability Control SystemSpeed Control
Master Lighting SwitchHazard Warning Flasher
Fog Lamps-FrontFuse Compartment
Fuel Pump ResetWindshield Wash/Wipe
Windshield
Defrost/DemistRear Window
Defrost/Demist
2009 F-250/350/450/550(f23)
Owners Guide, 1st Printing
USA(fus)
Introduction
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Page 13 of 418
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, 1st Printing
USA(fus)
Introduction
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Page 16 of 418

chapter. If the light is blinking, engine misfire is occurring which could
damage your catalytic converter. Drive in a moderate fashion (avoid
heavy acceleration and deceleration) and have your vehicle serviced
immediately by your authorized dealer.
WARNING:Under engine misfire conditions, excessive exhaust
temperatures could damage the catalytic converter, the fuel
system, interior floor coverings or other vehicle components, possibly
causing a fire.
Brake system warning light:To
confirm the brake system warning
light is functional, it will
momentarily illuminate when the
ignition is turned to the on position
when the engine is not running, or in a position between on and start, or
by applying the parking brake when the ignition is turned to the on
position. If the brake system warning light does not illuminate at this
time, seek service immediately from your authorized dealer. Illumination
after releasing the parking brake indicates low brake fluid level and the
brake system should be inspected immediately by your servicing
authorized dealer.
WARNING:Driving a vehicle with the brake system warning
light on is dangerous. A significant decrease in braking
performance may occur. It will take you longer to stop the vehicle.
Have the vehicle checked by your authorized dealer immediately.
Driving extended distances with the parking brake engaged can cause
brake failure and the risk of personal injury.
Anti-lock brake system:If the
ABS light stays illuminated or
continues to flash, a malfunction has
been detected, have the system
serviced immediately by your
authorized dealer. Normal braking is still functional unless the brake
warning light also is illuminated.
P!
BRAKE
ABS
2009 F-250/350/450/550(f23)
Owners Guide, 1st 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, 1st Printing
USA(fus)
Instrument Cluster
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Page 25 of 418
Altering the severity of the driving conditions is recommended to lower
the transmission temperature into the normal range.
Red area(over temperature) —
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, 1st Printing
USA(fus)
Instrument Cluster
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2.AUDIO:Press AUDIO repeatedly
to gain access to the following
settings:
TREB (Treble):Press AUDIO to reach the treble setting.
Use
//SEEK.
BASS (Bass):Press AUDIO to reach the bass setting. Use
//
SEEK.
BAL (Balance):Press AUDIO to reach the balance setting.
Use
//SEEKto adjust between the left and right
speakers.
Setting the clock:Press and hold CLK until the hours start to flash,
then use
//SEEKto adjust. To adjust minutes, press CLK
again to make the minutes start to flash and use
//SEEK
to adjust. Press CLK again to exit the clock setting mode.
3.SEEK:Press
SEEKto
access the previous/next strong
station.
4.Memory presets:To set a
station: Select frequency band
AM/FM1/FM2; tune to a station,
press and hold a preset button until sound returns. You may store up to
six stations in each frequency band for a total of 18.
5.AM/FM:Press AM/FM to select
AM/FM1/FM2 frequency band.
6.ON/OFF/Volume:Press VOL -
PUSH to turn ON/OFF. Turn VOL -
PUSH to increase/decrease volume.
2009 F-250/350/450/550(f23)
Owners Guide, 1st Printing
USA(fus)
Entertainment Systems
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7.CLK (Clock):Press CLK to
toggle between the clock and radio
frequency.
AM/FM stereo single CD/satellite compatible sound system
(if equipped)
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.
Accessory delay:Your vehicle is equipped with accessory delay which
allows you to operate the window switches and the audio for up to ten
minutes after the ignition has been turned off or until either front door is
opened.
1.
/: Press/to
manually go up or down the radio
frequency. Press and hold for a fast
advance through radio frequencies.
2009 F-250/350/450/550(f23)
Owners Guide, 1st Printing
USA(fus)
Entertainment Systems
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