Introduction 4
Instrument Cluster 14Warning lights and chimes 14
Gauges 20
Message center 24
Entertainment Systems 42AM/FM stereo 42
AM/FM stereo with CD 44
AM/FM stereo with in-dash six CD 51
Auxiliary input jack 58
USB port 60
Satellite radio information 64
Family entertainment system 67
Navigation system 97
SYNC 97
Climate Controls 98Heater only 98
Manual heating and air conditioning 99
Dual automatic temperature control 102
Lights 107Headlamps 107
Turn signal control 112
Bulb replacement 113
Driver Controls 120Windshield wiper/washer control 120
Steering wheel adjustment 121
Power windows 124
Mirrors 126
Speed control 131
Upfitter controls 137
Moon roof 138Table of Contents
1
2010 F-250/350/450/550 (f23)
Owners Guide, 2nd Printing
USA (fus)
Locks and Security 148Keys 148
Locks 148
Anti-theft system 159
Seating and Safety Restraints 164Seating 164
Safety restraints 173
Airbags 185
Child restraints 195
Tires, Wheels and Loading 217Tire information 219
Tire inflation 221
Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) 237
Vehicle loading 244
Trailer towing 251
Trailer brake controller-integrated 256
Recreational towing 262
Driving 264Starting 264
Brakes 269
Traction Control™ 271
Transmission operation 275
Reverse sensing system 280
Rear-view camera system 282
Roadside Emergencies 303Getting roadside assistance 303
Hazard flasher control 304
Fuel pump shut-off switch 305
Fuses and relays 306
Changing tires 315
Wheel lug nut torque 330
Jump starting 331
Wrecker towing 336Table of Contents
2
2010 F-250/350/450/550 (f23)
Owners Guide, 2nd Printing
USA (fus)
PERCHLORATE MATERIAL
Certain components of this vehicle such as airbag modules, seat belt
pretensioners, and button cell batteries may contain Perchlorate Material –
Special handling may apply for service or vehicle end of life disposal. See
www.dtsc.ca.gov/hazardouswaste/perchlorate.
BREAKING-IN YOUR VEHICLE
Your vehicle does not need an extensive break-in. Try not to drive
continuously at the same speed for the first 1,000 miles (1,600 km) of
new vehicle operation. Vary your speed frequently in order to give the
moving parts a chance to break in.
Drive your new vehicle at least 1,000 miles (1,600 km) before towing a
trailer. For more detailed information about towing a trailer, refer to
Trailer towing in the Tires, Wheels and Loading chapter.
Do not add friction modifier compounds or special break-in oils since
these additives may prevent piston ring seating. See Engine oil in the
Maintenance and Specifications chapter for more information on oil
usage.
SPECIAL NOTICES
New Vehicle Limited Warranty
For a detailed description of what is covered and what is not covered by
your vehicle’s New Vehicle Limited Warranty, refer to the Warranty
Guide/Customer Information Guide that is provided to you along with
your Owner’s Guide.
Special instructions
For your added safety, your vehicle is fitted with sophisticated electronic
controls.
WARNING: Please read the section Airbag Supplemental
Restraint System (SRS) in the Seating and Safety Restraints
chapter. Failure to follow the specific warnings and instructions could
result in personal injury.
WARNING: Front seat mounted rear-facing child or infant seats
should NEVER be placed in front of an active passenger airbag.Introduction
6
2010 F-250/350/450/550 (f23)
Owners Guide, 2nd Printing
USA (fus)
Using your vehicle as a stationary power source (PTO)
Refer to the Driving chapter for more information and guidelines for
operating a vehicle equipped with an aftermarket power take-off system.
DATA RECORDING
Service Data Recording
Service data recorders in your vehicle are capable of collecting and
storing diagnostic information about your vehicle. This potentially
includes information about the performance or status of various systems
and modules in the vehicle, such as engine, throttle, steering or brake
systems. In order to properly diagnose and service your vehicle, Ford
Motor Company, Ford of Canada, and service and repair facilities may
access or share among them vehicle diagnostic information received
through a direct connection to your vehicle when diagnosing or servicing
your vehicle. For U.S. only (if equipped), if you choose to use the SYNC
Vehicle Health Report, you consent that certain diagnostic information
may also be accessed electronically by Ford Motor Company and Ford
authorized service facilities, and that the diagnostic information may be
used for any purpose. See your SYNC supplement for more information.
Event Data Recording
Other modules in your vehicle — event data recorders — are
capable of collecting and storing data during a crash or near
crash event. The recorded information may assist in the
investigation of such an event. The modules may record
information about both the vehicle and the occupants, potentially
including information such as:
• how various systems in your vehicle were operating;
• whether or not the driver and passenger seatbelts were
buckled;
• how far (if at all) the driver was depressing the accelerator
and/or the brake pedal;
• how fast the vehicle was traveling;
• where the driver was positioning the steering wheel; and
• longitude and latitude of vehicle at last location, using GPS
technology and advanced vehicle sensors.Introduction
8
2010 F-250/350/450/550 (f23)
Owners Guide, 2nd Printing
USA (fus)
Low tire pressure warning (if
equipped): Illuminates when your
tire pressure is low. If the light
remains on at start up or while
driving, the tire pressure should be
checked. Refer to Inflating your tires in the Tires, Wheels and
Loading chapter. When the ignition is first turned to on, the light will
illuminate for three seconds to ensure the bulb is working. If the light
does not turn on, have the system inspected by your authorized dealer.
For more information on this system, refer to Understanding your tire
pressure monitoring system (TPMS) in the Tires, Wheels and
Loading chapter.
Charging system: Illuminates when
the battery is not charging properly.
If it stays on while the engine is
running, there may be a malfunction
with the charging system. Contact your authorized dealer as soon as
possible. This indicates a problem with the electrical system or a related
component.
Powertrain malfunction/Reduced
power/Electronic throttle
control (RTT): Displays when the
engine has defaulted to a
“limp-home” operation or when a transmission problem has been
detected and shifting may be restricted. If the light remains on, have the
system serviced immediately by your authorized dealer.
Traction control (RTT) (if
equipped): Displays when the
traction control system is active. If
the light remains on, have the
system serviced immediately by
your authorized dealer. Refer to Traction control in the Driving chapter
for more information
Check fuel cap (RTT): Displays
when the fuel cap may not be
properly installed. Continued driving
with this light on may cause the
Service engine soon warning light to
come on. Refer to Fuel filler cap in
the Maintenance and Specifications chapter.Instrument Cluster
17
2010 F-250/350/450/550 (f23)
Owners Guide, 2nd Printing
USA (fus)
Engine coolant temperature
(RTT): Displays when the engine
coolant temperature is high. Stop
the vehicle as soon as safely possible, switch off the engine and let it
cool. Refer to Engine coolant in the Maintenance and Specifications
chapter.
WARNING: Never remove the coolant reservoir cap while the
engine is running or hot.
Low fuel (RTT): Displays when
the fuel level in the fuel tank is at
or near empty (refer to Fuel gauge
in this chapter).
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 the Driving chapter 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. 4x4
LOW
4x4
HIGHInstrument Cluster
18
2010 F-250/350/450/550 (f23)
Owners Guide, 2nd Printing
USA (fus)
WIRING FAULT ON TRAILER (if equipped) — Displayed if there
are certain faults in the vehicle wiring and trailer wiring/brake system.
Refer to Trailer towing in the Tires, Wheels and Loading chapter for
more information.
TRAILER BRAKE MODULE FAULT (if equipped) — Displayed and
accompanied by a single chime, in response to faults sensed by the TBC.
Refer to Trailer towing in the Tires, Wheels and Loading chapter for
more information.
TRAILER DISCONNECTED (if equipped) — Displayed when a
trailer connection becomes disconnected, either intentionally or
unintentionally, and has been sensed during a given ignition cycle. Refer
to Trailer towing in the Tires, Wheels and Loading chapter for more
information.
BRAKE FLUID LEVEL LOW — Indicates the brake fluid level is low
and the brake system should be inspected immediately. Refer to Brake
fluid in the Maintenance and Specifications chapter.
LOW TIRE PRESSURE (if equipped) — Displayed when one or more
tires on your vehicle have low tire pressure. Refer to Inflating your
tires in the Tires, Wheels and Loading chapter.
TIRE PRESSURE MONITOR FAULT (if equipped) — Displayed
when the Tire Pressure Monitoring System is malfunctioning. If the
warning stays on or continues to come on, contact your authorized
dealer as soon as possible.
TIRE PRESSURE SENSOR FAULT (if equipped) — Displayed when
a tire pressure sensor is malfunctioning, or your spare tire is in use. For
more information on how the system operates under these conditions,
refer to Understanding Your Tire Pressure Monitoring System
(TPMS) in the Tires, Wheels and Loading chapter. If the warning stays
on or continues to come on, contact your authorized dealer as soon as
possible.
ENGINE WARMING PLEASE WAIT XX (Diesel engine only) —
Displayed in extremely cold weather, typically below –15°F (–26°C), if
the engine block heater is not utilized. The engine will not respond to
accelerator pedal movement for 30 seconds; this is done so the engine oil
can be properly circulated to avoid engine damage from lack of
lubrication. A timer will begin a countdown from 30 seconds. Once the
counter has reached 0 (zero) seconds, OK TO DRIVE will be displayed
and the engine will respond to accelerator pedal movement. Refer to
your Power Stroke 6.0 and 6.4 Liter Direct Injection Turbo Diesel
Owner’s Guide Supplement for more information.Instrument Cluster
29
2010 F-250/350/450/550 (f23)
Owners Guide, 2nd Printing
USA (fus)
PARK BRAKE ENGAGED — Displayed when the parking brake is
applied (or not fully released).
CHECK BRAKE SYSTEM — Displayed when a fault has been detected
by the ABS module.
DRIVER DOOR AJAR — Displayed when the driver’s door is not
completely closed.
PASSENGER DOOR AJAR — Displayed when the passenger’s door is
not completely closed.
REAR LEFT DOOR AJAR — Displayed when the rear left door is not
completely closed.
REAR RIGHT DOOR AJAR — Displayed when the rear right door is
not completely closed.
XXX MILES TO E FUEL LEVEL LOW — Displayed as an early
reminder of a low fuel condition.
CHECK PARK AID (if equipped) — Displayed when the transmission
is in R (Reverse) and the reverse sensing system (park aid) is disabled.
TO STOP ALARM START VEHICLE (if equipped) — Displayed
when the perimeter alarm system is armed and the vehicle is entered
using the key on the driver’s side door. In order to prevent the perimeter
alarm system from triggering, the ignition must be turned to start or on
before the 12–second chime expires. See Perimeter alarm system in the
Locks and Security chapter.
WIRING FAULT ON TRAILER (if equipped) — Displayed and
accompanied by a single chime if there are certain faults in the vehicle
wiring and trailer wiring/brake system. Refer to Trailer towing in the
Tires, Wheels and Loading chapter for more information.
TRAILER BRAKE MODULE FAULT (if equipped) — Displayed and
accompanied by a single chime in response to faults sensed by the TBC.
Refer to Trailer towing in the Tires, Wheels and Loading chapter for
more information.
TRAILER CONNECTED (if equipped) — Displayed when a correct
trailer connection (a trailer with electric trailer brakes) is sensed during
a given ignition cycle. Refer to Trailer towing in the Tires, Wheels and
Loading chapter for more information.
TRAILER DISCONNECTED (if equipped) — Displayed and
accompanied by a single chime when a trailer connection becomes
disconnected, either intentionally or unintentionally, and has been sensed
during a given ignition cycle. Refer to Trailer towing in the Tires,
Wheels and Loading chapter for more information.Instrument Cluster
38
2010 F-250/350/450/550 (f23)
Owners Guide, 2nd Printing
USA (fus)