Locks and Security 148
Keys 148
Locks 148
Anti-theft system 159
Seating and Safety Restraints 163
Seating 163
Safety restraints 172
Airbags 184
Child restraints 194
Tires, Wheels and Loading 215
Tire information 218
Tire inflation 220
Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) 236
Vehicle loading 243
Trailer towing 251
Trailer brake controller-integrated 255
Recreational towing 262
Driving 263
Starting 263
Brakes 268
Traction Control™ 270
Transmission operation 275
Reverse sensing system 280
Rear-view camera system 282
Roadside Emergencies 302
Getting roadside assistance 302
Hazard flasher control 303
Fuel pump shut-off switch 304
Fuses and relays 305
Changing tires 314
Wheel lug nut torque 329
Jump starting 330
Wrecker towing 335
Table of Contents
2
2010 F-250/350/450/550(f23)
Owners Guide, 1st Printing
USA(fus)
Warning symbols on your vehicle
When you see this symbol, it is
imperative that you consult the
relevant section of this guide before
touching or attempting adjustment
of any kind.
Protecting the environment
We must all play our part in
protecting the environment. Correct
vehicle usage and the authorized
disposal of waste, cleaning and
lubrication materials are significant
steps towards this aim. Information in this respect is highlighted in this
guide with the tree symbol.
CALIFORNIA Proposition 65 Warning
WARNING:Engine exhaust, some of its constituents, and
certain vehicle components contain or emit chemicals known to
the State of California to cause cancer and birth defects or other
reproductive harm. In addition, certain fluids contained in vehicles and
certain products of component wear contain or emit chemicals known
to the State of California to cause cancer and birth defects or other
reproductive harm.
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 towingin theTires, Wheels and Loadingchapter.
Introduction
5
2010 F-250/350/450/550(f23)
Owners Guide, 1st Printing
USA(fus)
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 toFuel filler capin
theMaintenance and Specificationschapter.
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 toEngine coolantin theMaintenance 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 toFuel 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 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.
Instrument Cluster
18
2010 F-250/350/450/550(f23)
Owners Guide, 1st Printing
USA(fus)
Fuel gauge:Indicates
approximately how much fuel is left
in the fuel tank (when the ignition
is in the on position). The fuel
gauge may vary slightly when the
vehicle is in motion or on a grade.
The FUEL icon and arrow indicates
which side of the vehicle the fuel
filler door is located.
Refer toFilling the tankin theMaintenance and Specifications
chapter for more information.
Battery voltage gauge (manual
transmission only):Indicates the
battery voltage when the ignition is
in the on position. If the pointer
moves and stays outside the normal
operating range, have the vehicle’s
electrical system checked as soon as
possible.
Transmission fluid temperature gauge (automatic transmission
only):If the gauge is in the:
Normal area–the transmission
fluid is within the normal operating
temperature (between “H” and “C”).
Yellow area–the transmission fluid
is higher than normal operating
temperature. This can be caused by
special operating conditions (i.e.
snowplowing, towing or off road
use). Refer toSpecial operating
conditionsin thescheduled
maintenance informationfor
instructions. Operating the transmission for extended periods of time
with the gauge in the yellow area may cause internal transmission
damage.
Instrument Cluster
24
2010 F-250/350/450/550(f23)
Owners Guide, 1st Printing
USA(fus)
•Some messages will reappear after clearing or being reset if a problem
or condition is still present and needs your attention.
•Some messages can be acknowledged and reset by pressing the
SELECT/RESET button. This allows you to use the full message
center functionality by clearing the message.
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.
WIRING FAULT ON TRAILER (if equipped)— Displayed if there
are certain faults in the vehicle wiring and trailer wiring/brake system.
Refer toTrailer towingin theTires, Wheels and Loadingchapter 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 toTrailer towingin theTires, Wheels and Loadingchapter 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
toTrailer towingin theTires, Wheels and Loadingchapter for more
information.
BRAKE FLUID LEVEL LOW— Indicates the brake fluid level is low
and the brake system should be inspected immediately. Refer toBrake
fluidin theMaintenance and Specificationschapter.
Instrument Cluster
29
2010 F-250/350/450/550(f23)
Owners Guide, 1st Printing
USA(fus)
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.
FUEL LEVEL LOW— Displayed as an early reminder of a low fuel
condition.
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 toTrailer towingin the
Tires, Wheels and Loadingchapter 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 toTrailer towingin theTires, Wheels and Loadingchapter 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 toTrailer towingin theTires, Wheels and
Loadingchapter 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 toTrailer towingin theTires,
Wheels and Loadingchapter for more information.
BRAKE FLUID LEVEL LOW— Indicates the brake fluid level is low
and the brake system should be inspected immediately. Refer toBrake
fluidin theMaintenance and Specificationschapter.
LOW TIRE PRESSURE (if equipped)— Displayed when one or more
tires on your vehicle have low tire pressure. Refer toInflating your
tiresin theTires, Wheels and Loadingchapter.
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.
Instrument Cluster
39
2010 F-250/350/450/550(f23)
Owners Guide, 1st Printing
USA(fus)
Your vehicle may be equipped with a
USB port located on the instrument
panel. This feature allows you to
plug in media playing devices,
memory sticks, and also to charge
devices if they support this feature.
For further information on this
feature, refer toAccessing and
using your USB portin theSYNC
supplement orNavigation System
supplement.
GENERAL AUDIO INFORMATION
Radio frequencies:
AM and FM frequencies are established by the Federal Communications
Commission (FCC) and the Canadian Radio and Telecommunications
Commission (CRTC). Those frequencies are:
AM: 530, 540–1700, 1710 kHz
FM: 87.7, 87.9–107.7, 107.9 MHz
Radio reception factors:
There are three factors that can affect radio reception:
•Distance/strength: The further you travel from an FM station, the
weaker the signal and the weaker the reception.
•Terrain: Hills, mountains, tall buildings, power lines, electric fences,
traffic lights and thunderstorms can interfere with your reception.
•Station overload: When you pass a broadcast tower, a stronger signal
may overtake a weaker one and play while the weak station frequency
is displayed.
CD/CD player care
Do:
•Handle discs by their edges only.
(Never touch the playing
surface).
•Inspect discs before playing.
•Clean only with an approved CD
cleaner.
Entertainment Systems
62
2010 F-250/350/450/550(f23)
Owners Guide, 1st Printing
USA(fus)
Satellite radio information (if equipped)
Satellite radio channels:SIRIUS broadcasts a variety of music, news,
sports, weather, traffic and entertainment satellite radio channels. For
more information and a complete list of SIRIUS satellite radio channels,
visit www.sirius.com in the United States, www.sirius-canada.ca in
Canada, or call SIRIUS at 1–888–539–7474.
Satellite radio reception factors:To receive the satellite signal, your
vehicle has been equipped with a satellite radio antenna located on the
roof of your vehicle. The vehicle roof provides the best location for an
unobstructed, open view of the sky, a requirement of a satellite radio
system. Like AM/FM, there are several factors that can affect satellite
radio reception performance:
•Antenna obstructions: For optimal reception performance, keep the
antenna clear of snow and ice build-up and keep luggage and other
material as far away from the antenna as possible.
•Terrain: Hills, mountains, tall buildings, bridges, tunnels, freeway
overpasses, parking garages, dense tree foliage and thunderstorms can
interfere with your reception.
•Station overload: When you pass a ground based broadcast repeating
tower, a stronger signal may overtake a weaker one and result in an
audio mute.
Unlike AM/FM audible static, you will hear an audio mute when there is
a satellite radio signal interference. Your radio display may display NO
SIGNAL to indicate the interference.
SIRIUS satellite radio service:SIRIUS Satellite Radio is a subscription
based satellite radio service that broadcasts music, sports, news and
entertainment programming. A service fee is required in order to receive
SIRIUS service. Vehicles that are equipped with a factory installed
SIRIUS Satellite Radio system include:
•Hardware and limited subscription term, which begins on the date of
sale or lease of the vehicle.
•Use of online media player providing access to all SIRIUS music
channels over the internet using any computer connected to the
internet (U.S. customers only).
For information on extended subscription terms, contact SIRIUS at
1–888–539–7474.
Entertainment Systems
65
2010 F-250/350/450/550(f23)
Owners Guide, 1st Printing
USA(fus)