2010 FORD F250 SUPER DUTY traction control

If the power steering system breaks down (or if the engine is turned
off), you can steer the vehicle manually, but it takes more effort.
If the steering wanders or pulls, check for:
• an improperly inflated tire
• uneven tire wear
• loose or worn suspension components
• loose or worn steering components
• improper steering alignment
If any steering components are serviced or replaced, install new
fasteners (many are coated with thread adhesive or have prevailing
torque features which may not be re-used). Never re-use a bolt or nut.
Torque fasteners to specifications in Workshop Manual .
A high crown in the road or high crosswinds may also make the steering
seem to wander/pull.
LIMITED-SLIP AXLE (IF EQUIPPED)
This axle provides added traction on slippery surfaces, particularly when
one wheel is on a poor traction surface. Under normal conditions, the
Limited-slip axle functions like a standard rear axle. The axle may
exhibit a slight noise or vibration in tight turns with low vehicle speed.
This is normal behavior and indicates the axle is working.
PREPARING TO DRIVE
WARNING: Utility vehicles have a significantly higher rollover
rate than other types of vehicles.
WARNING: In a rollover crash, an unbelted person is
significantly more likely to die than a person wearing a seat belt.
Utility vehicles and trucks have larger tires and increased ground
clearance, giving the vehicle a higher center of gravity than a passenger
car.
WARNING: Vehicles with a higher center of gravity such as
utility vehicles and trucks handle differently than vehicles with a
lower center of gravity. Utility vehicles and trucks are not designed for
cornering at speeds as high as passenger cars any more than low-slung
sports cars are designed to perform satisfactorily under off-road
conditions. Avoid sharp turns, excessive speed or abrupt maneuvers in
these vehicles. Failure to drive cautiously could result in an increased
risk of loss of vehicle control, vehicle rollover, personal injury and
death. Driving
273
2010 F-250/350/450/550 (f23)
Owners Guide, 2nd Printing
USA (fus)

the vehicle speed when descending a hill, without the accelerator pedal
being pressed. The amount of downshift braking provided will vary based
upon the amount the brake pedal is depressed.
To deactivate the tow/haul feature and return to normal driving mode,
press the button on the end of the gearshift lever. The TOW HAUL light
will no longer be illuminated.
When you shut-off and restart the engine, the transmission will
automatically return to normal D (Overdrive) mode (Tow/Haul OFF).
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.
3 (Third)
Transmission starts and operates in third gear only.
Used for improved traction on slippery roads. Selecting 3 (Third)
provides engine braking.
2 (Second)
Use 2 (Second) to start-up on slippery roads or to provide additional
engine braking on downgrades.
1 (First)
• Provides maximum engine braking.
• Allows upshifts by moving gearshift lever.
• The transmission will not downshift into 1 (First) at high speeds; it
will downshift to a lower gear and then shift into 1 (First) when the
vehicle reaches slower speeds.
Forced downshifts
• Allowed in D (Overdrive) or D (Drive).
• Press the accelerator to the floor.
• Allows transmission to select an appropriate gear.
If your vehicle gets stuck in mud or snow
If your vehicle gets stuck in mud or snow, it may be rocked out by
shifting between forward and reverse gears, stopping between shifts in a
steady pattern. Press lightly on the accelerator in each gear.
Do not rock the vehicle if the engine is not at normal operating
temperature or damage to the transmission may occur. Driving
277
2010 F-250/350/450/550 (f23)
Owners Guide, 2nd Printing
USA (fus)

Note: If air is released from your tires, the Tire Pressure Monitoring
System (TPMS) indicator light may illuminate (if equipped).
Mud and water
If you must drive through high
water, drive slowly. Traction or
brake capability may be limited.
When driving through water,
determine the depth; avoid water
higher than the bottom of the hubs
(if possible) and proceed slowly. If
the ignition system gets wet, the
vehicle may stall.
Once through water, always try the brakes. Wet brakes do not stop the
vehicle as effectively as dry brakes. Drying can be improved by moving
your vehicle slowly while applying light pressure on the brake pedal.
Be cautious of sudden changes in vehicle speed or direction when you
are driving in mud. Even 4WD vehicles can lose traction in slick mud. As
when you are driving over sand, apply the accelerator slowly and avoid
spinning your wheels. If the vehicle does slide, steer in the direction of
the slide until you regain control of the vehicle.
If the transmission, transfer case or front axle are submerged in water,
their fluids should be checked and changed, if necessary.
Driving through deep water may damage the transmission.
Refer to Transmission temperature gauge in the Instrument Cluster
chapter for transmission fluid temperature information.
If the front or rear axle is submerged in water, the axle lubricant should
be replaced.
After driving through mud, clean off residue stuck to rotating driveshafts
and tires. Excess mud stuck on tires and rotating driveshafts causes an
imbalance that could damage drive components.
“Tread Lightly” is an educational
program designed to increase public
awareness of land-use regulations
and responsibilities in our nations
wilderness areas. Ford Motor
Company joins the U.S. Forest Service and the Bureau of Land
Management in encouraging you to help preserve our national forest and
other public and private lands by “treading lightly.”Driving
296
2010 F-250/350/450/550 (f23)
Owners Guide, 2nd Printing
USA (fus)

Driving on hilly or sloping terrain
Although natural obstacles may make it necessary to travel diagonally up
or down a hill or steep incline, you should always try to drive straight up
or straight down. Avoid driving crosswise or turning on steep
slopes or hills . A danger lies in losing traction, slipping sideways and
possibly rolling over. Whenever driving on a hill, determine beforehand
the route you will use. Do not drive over the crest of a hill without
seeing what conditions are on the other side. Do not drive in reverse
over a hill without the aid of an observer.
When climbing a steep slope or hill,
start in a lower gear rather than
downshifting to a lower gear from a
higher gear once the ascent has
started. This reduces strain on the
engine and the possibility of stalling.
If you do stall out, do not try to
turn around because you might roll
over. It is better to back down to a
safe location.
Apply just enough power to the
wheels to climb the hill. Too much
power will cause the tires to slip,
spin or lose traction, resulting in
loss of vehicle control.
Descend a hill in the same gear you
would use to climb up the hill to
avoid excessive brake application
and brake overheating. Do not
descend in neutral; instead,
manually shift to a lower gear. Your
vehicle has anti-lock brakes, apply
the brakes steadily. Do not “pump”
the brakes.
Driving on snow and ice
4WD vehicles have advantages over 2WD vehicles in snow and ice but
can skid like any other vehicle. Driving
297
2010 F-250/350/450/550 (f23)
Owners Guide, 2nd Printing
USA (fus)

Fuse/Relay
Location Fuse Amp
Rating Protected Circuits
32 10A Restraints control module (RCM),
Passenger airbag deactivation
indicator
33 10A Trailer tow brake controller, Trailer
tow battery charge relay coil
34 5A Not used (spare)
35 10A Reverse sensing system (RSS), 4x4
module, 4x4 solenoid, Traction control
switch, Tow/Haul switch (Diesel
engine)
36 5A Passive anti-theft system (PATS)
transceiver, Cluster control
37 10A Climate control, PTC control
38 20A Subwoofer
39 20A Radio, Navigation radio and amplifier
40 20A 4x4 module, Satellite radio module,
SYNC
, GPS
41 15A Radio, Auto dimming rear view mirror,
Lock switch illumination
42 10A Heated seat relay coil, Upfitter switch
relay coils, Heated mirror relay coil
43 10A Fuel tank selector switch, 4x4 module
44 10A Run customer access feed (PTO)
45 5A Front wiper logic, Blower motor relay
coil
46 7.5A Not used (spare)
47 30A Circuit
Breaker Power windows, Moon roof, Power
rear sliding window
48 Relay Delayed accessory
Power distribution box
The power distribution box is located in the engine compartment. The
power distribution box contains high-current fuses that protect your
vehicle’s main electrical systems from overloads.Roadside Emergencies
310
2010 F-250/350/450/550 (f23)
Owners Guide, 2nd Printing
USA (fus)

tilting .......................................121
SYNC
..........................................97
T
Tailgate ......................................143
Temperature control (see
Climate control) ..........................98
Tilt steering wheel ....................121
Tire Pressure Monitoring
System (TPMS)
Tires, Wheels and Loading ....237
Tires ...................................219–220
alignment ................................229
care ..........................................225
changing ..........................318, 320
checking the pressure ............224
inflating ...................................221
label .........................................236
replacing ..................................227
rotating ....................................229
safety practices .......................228
sidewall information ...............231
snow tires and chains ............243
spare tire .................................316
terminology .............................220
tire grades ...............................220
treadwear ........................219, 226
Towing .......................................251
recreational towing .................262
Trailer Brake
Controller-Integrated ..............256
trailer towing ..........................251
wrecker ....................................336
Traction control ........................271
Trailer Brake
Controller-Integrated ................256 Transfer case
fluid checking .........................388
Transmission
automatic operation ...............275
brake-shift interlock (BSI) ....274
fluid, checking and adding
(automatic) .............................384
fluid, checking and adding
(manual) .................................387
fluid, refill capacities ..............391
manual operation ....................278
Turn signal ................................112
U
Upfitter controls .......................137
USB port ......................................60
V
Vehicle Identification Number
(VIN) ..........................................396
Vehicle loading ..........................244
Ventilating your vehicle ...........267
W
Warning lights (see Lights) .......14
Washer fluid ..............................359
Water, Driving through .............299
Windows
power .......................................124
Windshield washer fluid and
wipers ........................................120
checking and adding fluid .....359
replacing wiper blades ...........359
Wrecker towing .........................336Index
408
2010 F-250/350/450/550 (f23)
Owners Guide, 2nd Printing
USA (fus)