Page 1 of 418
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 47
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
1
2009 F-250/350/450/550(f23)
Owners Guide, 1st Printing
USA(fus)
Page 270 of 418

Braking
•The trailer brakes must be inspected and serviced at intervals
specified by the manufacturer. This includes the shoes, drum and
trailer brake magnets.
•Electric brakes also require periodic adjustment to keep the shoes
properly spaced. If the brakes get hot when driving or if they will not
hold, chances are that they need adjustment.
•Anticipate the need to stop; allow much more distance and time to
stop than normal.
•Do not apply the trailer brakes for extended periods of time as they
can overheat and lose effectiveness.
Backing up
•Practice backing up, particularly if you are a novice. Turn the steering
wheel to the right to move the trailer’s rear end to the right.
•Sharp steering movements may cause the trailer to jackknife or go out
of control.
Tires
•All trailer tires should be of the same size, and construction.
•Select tires that meet the trailer loading requirements.
•Always check tow vehicle and trailer tire pressure before towing.
Launching or retrieving a boat
Disconnect the wiring to the trailer before backing the trailer
into the water. Reconnect the wiring to the trailer after the
trailer is removed from the water.
When backing down a ramp during boat launching or retrieval:
•do not allow the static water level to rise above the bottom edge of
the rear bumper.
•do not allow waves to break higher than 6 inches (15 cm) above the
bottom edge of the rear bumper.
Exceeding these limits may allow water to enter vehicle components:
•causing internal damage to the components.
•affecting driveability, emissions and reliability.
Replace the rear axle lubricant any time the axle has been submerged in
water. Rear axle lubricant quantities are not to be checked or changed
unless a leak is suspected or repair required.
2009 F-250/350/450/550(f23)
Owners Guide, 1st Printing
USA(fus)
Tires, Wheels and Loading
270
Page 310 of 418

SNOWPLOWING
Ford recommends that the Super Duty F-Series used for snow removal
include the Snow Plow Package Option.
Installing the snowplow
Weight limits and guidelines for selecting and installing the snowplow can
be found in theFord Truck Body Builders Layout Book,Snowplow
section, found at www.fleet.ford.com/truckbbas. A typical installation
affects the following:
•Certification to government safety laws such as occupant protection
and airbag deployment, braking, and lighting. Look for an “Alterer’s
Label” on the vehicle from the snowplow installer certifying that the
installation meets all applicable Federal Motor Vehicle Safety
Standards (FMVSS).
•The Total Accessory Reserve Capacity (TARC) is shown on the lower
right side of the vehicle’s Safety Compliance Certification Label. This
applies to Ford-completed vehicles of 10,000 lb. (4,536 kg) GVWR or
less. This is the weight of permanently-attached auxiliary equipment,
such as snowplow frame-mounting hardware, that can be added to the
vehicle and satisfy Ford compliance certification to FMVSS. Exceeding
this weight may require the auxiliary equipment installer additional
safety certification responsibility. The Front Accessory Reserve
Capacity (FARC) is added for customer convenience.
•Rear ballast weight behind the rear axle may be required to prevent
exceeding the FGAWR, and provide front-to-rear weight balance for
proper braking and steering.
•Front wheel toe may require re-adjustment to prevent premature
uneven tire wear. Specifications are found in the FordWorkshop
Manual.
•Headlight aim may require re-adjustment.
•The tire air pressures recommended for general driving are found on
the vehicle’s Safety Certification Label. The maximum cold inflation
pressure for the tire and associated load rating is imprinted on the tire
sidewall. Tire air pressure may require re-adjustment within these
pressure limits to accommodate the additional weight of the snowplow
installation.
•Federal and some local regulations require additional exterior lamps
for snowplow-equipped vehicles. Consult your authorized dealer for
additional information.
2009 F-250/350/450/550(f23)
Owners Guide, 1st Printing
USA(fus)
Driving
310
Page 414 of 418

washing ....................................357
waxing .....................................358
wheels ......................................358
wiper blades ............................360
Climate control (see Air
conditioning or Heating) ......80, 84
Clock adjust
6-CD in dash .............................37
AM/FM/CD .................................30
Clutch
fluid ..........................................396
operation while driving ..........287
recommended shift speeds ....288
Compass, electronic
set zone adjustment ...............141
Console ......................................106
overhead ..................................105
Controls
power seat ...............................172
steering column ......................118
Coolant
checking and adding ..............377
refill capacities ................381, 404
Cruise control (see Speed
control) ......................................116
Customer Assistance ................313
Ford accessories for your
vehicle .....................................365
Ford Extended Service
Plan ..........................................353
Getting assistance outside the
U.S. and Canada .....................354
Getting roadside assistance ...313
Getting the service you
need .........................................349
Ordering additional owner’s
literature .................................355Utilizing the
Mediation/Arbitration
Program ...................................353
D
Daytime running lamps
(see Lamps) ................................90
Dipstick
automatic transmission
fluid ..........................................396
engine oil .................................372
Driving under special
conditions ..................286, 303, 306
sand .........................................305
snow and ice ...........................307
through water .................306, 309
DVD system .................................51
E
Electronic message
center .................................127, 136
Emergencies, roadside
jump-starting ..........................342
Emergency Flashers .................314
Emission control system ..........391
Engine ........................................408
cleaning ...................................359
coolant .....................................377
diesel .........................................10
fail-safe cooling .......................382
idle speed control ...................375
refill capacities ........................404
service points ..................369–370
starting after a collision .........315
Engine oil ..................................372
checking and adding ..............372
dipstick ....................................372
filter, specifications ........374, 403
2009 F-250/350/450/550(f23)
Owners Guide, 1st Printing
USA(fus)
Index
414