2011 FORD F450 Owners Manual

4WD operation is not recommended on dry pavement. Doing so could
result in difficult disengagement of the transfer case, increased tire wear
and decreased fuel economy.
Manual Shift On Stop (MSOS) 4x4 system (if equipped)
The 4WD system is engaged or
disengaged by rotating the control
for both front wheel hub locks from
the FREE or LOCK position, then
manually engaging or disengaging
the transfer case with the
floor-mounted shifter. For increased
fuel economy in 2WD, rotate both
hub locks to the FREE position.
• For proper operation, make
sure that each hub is fully
engaged and that both hub locks are set to the same position
(both set to LOCK or both set to FREE). To engage LOCK,
turn the hub locks completely clockwise; to disengage the hubs
(FREE), turn the hub locks completely counterclockwise.
• The vehicle should not be driven in 4X4 High or 4X4 Low
modes with the hub locks set to FREE as this condition may
damage driveline system components.
• Some vehicles may be equipped with wheel ornaments that cover the
4x4 manual hub lock. These ornaments must be removed to access
the manual hub locks.
Electronic Shift On the Fly (ESOF) 4x4 system (if equipped)
If equipped with the electronic shift 4WD system, and 4X4 Low is
selected while the vehicle is moving above 3 mph (5 km/h), the
4WD system will not perform a shift. This is normal and should be
no reason for concern. Refer to Shifting to/from 4L (4X4 Low) for
proper system operation.
The ESOF 4WD system:
• provides 4x4 High engagement and disengagement while the vehicle is
moving.
• is operated by a rotary control located on the instrument panel that
allows you select 4x2, 4x4 High or 4x4 Low operation.
• uses auto-manual hub locks that can be engaged and disengaged
automatically based on the 4x4 mode selected. Driving
297
2011 F-250/350/450/550 (f23)
Owners Guide, 4th Printing
USA (fus)

• auto-manual hub locks can be
manually overridden by rotating
the hub lock control from AUTO
to LOCK if desired.
• automatic operation of the
hub locks is recommended, and
will increase fuel economy
• For proper operation, make
sure that each hub is fully
engaged and that both hub
locks are set to the same position (both set to LOCK or both
set to AUTO). To engage LOCK, turn the hub locks completely
clockwise; to engage AUTO, turn the hub locks completely
counterclockwise.
4WD system indicator lights
The indicator lights illuminate in the message center in the
reconfigurable telltale (RTT) under the following conditions. Refer to
Warning lights and chimes in the Instrument Cluster chapter.
• 4X2 - Momentarily illuminates
when 2H is selected on electronic
shift 4WD systems only.
• 4X4 HIGH - Illuminates when 4H
(4x4 High) is engaged.
• 4X4 LOW - Illuminates when 4L
(4x4 Low) is engaged.
• CHECK 4X4 – Displays when a
4x4 system fault is present
Using a Manual Shift On Stop (MSOS) 4x4 system (if equipped)
Note: High shift efforts may be encountered when attempting to
shift into and out of 4x4 modes. It is recommended to allow the
vehicle to roll at a speed below 3 mph (5 km/h) when shifting
between modes.
Note: Some noise may be heard as the 4x4 system shifts or engages.
This is normal. In order to reduce engagement noise, it is recommended
that all shifts be performed at speeds below 3 mph (5 km/h). 4x2
4x4
HIGH
4x4
LOWDriving
298
2011 F-250/350/450/550 (f23)
Owners Guide, 4th Printing
USA (fus)

2H (2WD) – For general on-road driving. Sends power to the rear
wheels only should be used for street and highway driving. Provides
optimal smoothness and fuel economy at high speeds.
4H (4x4 High) – Used for extra traction such as in snow or icy roads or
in off road situations. This mode is not intended for use on dry
pavement.
N (Neutral) – Only used when towing the vehicle. No power to front or
rear wheels.
4L (4x4 Low) – Uses extra gearing to provide maximum power to all
four wheels at reduced speeds. Intended only for off road applications
such as deep sand, steep grades or pulling heavy objects.
Shifting from 2H (2WD) to 4H (4x4 High)
Engage the locking hubs by rotating
the hub lock control from FREE to
LOCK, then move the transfer case
lever from 2H (2WD) to 4H (4x4
High) at a stop or a vehicle speed
below 3 mph (5 km/h).
• For proper operation, make
sure that both indicator
arrows on the hub are aligned,
and that both hubs are set to
LOCK.
• Do not shift into 4H (4x4
High) with the rear wheels
slipping.
• The vehicle should not be
driven in 4X4 High with the
hub locks disengaged as this
condition may damage
driveline system components. 2H
4H
4L NDriving
299
2011 F-250/350/450/550 (f23)
Owners Guide, 4th Printing
USA (fus)

Shifting from 4H (4x4 High) to 2H (2WD)
Move the transfer case lever to 2H
(2WD) at a stop or a vehicle speed
below 3 mph (5 km/h).
With the vehicle at complete stop,
disengage the locking hubs
(optional) by rotating the hub lock
control from LOCK to FREE.
• For proper operation, make
sure that both indicator arrows on the hub are aligned, and
that both hubs are set to FREE.
Shifting from 2H (2WD) or 4H (4x4 High) to 4L (4x4 Low)
1. Bring the vehicle to a stop or a speed below 3 mph (5 km/h).
2. Place the transmission in N (Neutral).
3. Move the transfer case shift lever
through N (Neutral) directly to 4L
(4x4 Low).
4. If the shift lever does not, or only
partially moves to the 4L (4x4 Low)
position, perform a shift with the
transmission in N (Neutral) and the
vehicle rolling at a speed below
3 mph (5 km/h). This will ensure the transfer case is fully engaged into
4L (4x4 Low).
Note: The vehicle should not be driven in 4X4 High with the hub locks
disengaged as this condition may damage driveline system components.
Shifting from 4L (4x4 Low) to 4H (4x4 High) or 2H (2WD)
1. Bring the vehicle to a stop or a speed below 3 mph (5 km/h).
2. Place the gearshift lever in N (Neutral). 2H
4H
4L N
2H
4H
4L NDriving
300
2011 F-250/350/450/550 (f23)
Owners Guide, 4th Printing
USA (fus)

3. Move the transfer case shift lever
through N (Neutral) directly to 4H
(4x4 High) or 2H (2WD).
4. If the transfer case will not
engage into 4H (4x4 High) or 2H
(2WD), perform a shift with the
transmission in N (Neutral) and the
vehicle rolling at a speed below
3 mph (5 km/h).
5. If shifting to 2H (2WD) with the vehicle at a complete stop, disengage
the locking hubs (optional) by rotating the hub lock control from LOCK
to FREE.
Using the N (Neutral) position
The transfer case neutral
position overrides the
transmission and puts the
vehicle in neutral regardless of
transmission gearshift lever
position. The vehicle can move
forward or backwards.
This position should only be used
when towing the vehicle.
WARNING: Do not leave the vehicle unattended with the
transfer case in the N (Neutral) position. Always set the parking
brake fully and turn off the ignition when leaving the vehicle.
Using the electronic shift 4WD system (if equipped)
2H (2WD) - For general on-road
driving. Sends power to the rear
wheels only and should be used for
street and highway driving. Provides
optimal smoothness and fuel
economy at high speeds.
4H (4X4 High) - Used for extra
traction such as in snow or icy roads or in off road situations. This
mode is not intended for use on dry pavement. 2H
4H
4L N
2H
4H
4L NDriving
301
2011 F-250/350/450/550 (f23)
Owners Guide, 4th Printing
USA (fus)

4L (4X4 Low) - Uses extra gearing to provide maximum power to all
four wheels at reduced speeds. Intended only for off-road applications
such as deep sand, steep grades or pulling heavy objects. 4L (4X4 low)
will not engage while the vehicle is moving above 3 mph (5 km/h); this is
normal and should be no reason for concern. Refer to Shifting to/from
4L (4X4 low) for proper operation.
Shifting between 2H (4X2) and 4H (4X4 high)
Move the 4WD control between 2H (4X2) and 4H (4X4 high) at any
forward speed. The message center will display 4X4 SHIFT IN
PROGRESS during the system shift. “4X4 HIGH” will display in the
message center if 4H is selected and “4X2” will momentarily display in
the message center if 2H is selected.
If SHIFT DELAYED PULL FORWARD is displayed in the message
center during the mode shift, transfer case gear tooth blockage is
present. To alleviate this condition, place the transmission in a forward
gear and move the vehicle forward approximately 5 feet (2 meters) to
allow the transfer case to complete the mode shift.
Note: Momentarily releasing the accelerator pedal while performing a
shift will improve engagement/disengagement times.
Note: Do not perform this operation if the rear wheels are slipping.
Note: Some noise may be heard as the system shifts or engages; this is
normal.
Note: 4X4 high mode is not intended for use on dry pavement.
Shifting to/from 4L (4X4 low)
1. Bring the vehicle to a speed of 3 mph (5 km/h) or less.
2. Place the transmission in N (Neutral).
3. Move the 4WD control to the desired position.
The message center will display 4X4 SHIFT IN PROGRESS during the
shift. The message center will then display the system mode selected. If
any of the above shift conditions are not met, the shift will not occur and
the message center will display information guiding the driver through
the proper shifting procedures.
If SHIFT DELAYED PULL FORWARD is displayed in the message
center, transfer case gear tooth blockage is present. To alleviate this
condition, place the transmission in a forward gear, move the vehicle
forward approximately 5 feet (1.5 m), and shift the transmission back to
neutral to allow the transfer case to complete the range shift.Driving
302
2011 F-250/350/450/550 (f23)
Owners Guide, 4th Printing
USA (fus)

Note: Some noise may be heard as the system shifts or engages; this is
normal.
Note: 4x4 low mode is not intended for use on dry pavement.
Driving off-road with truck and utility vehicles
4WD vehicles are specially equipped for driving on sand, snow, mud and
rough terrain and have operating characteristics that are somewhat
different from conventional vehicles, both on and off the road.
Your vehicle may be equipped with a long front air dam that may become
damaged (due to reduced ground clearance) when taking your vehicle
off-road. This air dam can either be removed or a shorter air dam can be
purchased from your authorized dealer. In either case, if the air dam is
to be removed (or replaced) before going off-road, refer to the
Workshop Manual for the procedure or have your authorized dealer
perform the work for you.
How your vehicle differs from other vehicles
Truck and utility vehicles can differ from some other vehicles. Your
vehicle may be higher to allow it to travel over rough terrain without
getting hung up or damaging underbody components.
The differences that make your vehicle so versatile also make it handle
differently than an ordinary passenger car.
Maintain steering wheel control at all times, especially in rough terrain.
Since sudden changes in terrain can result in abrupt steering wheel
motion, make sure you grip the steering wheel from the outside. Do not
grip the spokes.
Drive cautiously to avoid vehicle damage from concealed objects such as
rocks and stumps.
You should either know the terrain or examine maps of the area before
driving. Map out your route before driving in the area. To maintain
steering and braking control of your vehicle, you must have all four
wheels on the ground and they must be rolling, not sliding or spinning.
Basic operating principles
• Do not use 4WD on dry, hard surfaced roads. Doing so will produce
excessive noise, increase tire wear and may damage drive components.
4WD modes are only intended for consistently slippery or loose
surfaces.
• Drive slower in strong crosswinds which can affect the normal steering
characteristics of your vehicle. Driving
303
2011 F-250/350/450/550 (f23)
Owners Guide, 4th Printing
USA (fus)

• Be extremely careful when driving on pavement made slippery by
loose sand, water, gravel, snow or ice.
If your vehicle goes off the edge of the pavement
• If your vehicle goes off the edge of the pavement, slow down, but
avoid severe brake application, ease the vehicle back onto the
pavement only after reducing your speed. Do not turn the steering
wheel too sharply while returning to the road surface.
• It may be safer to stay on the apron or shoulder of the road and slow
down gradually before returning to the pavement. You may lose
control if you do not slow down or if you turn the steering wheel too
sharply or abruptly.
• It often may be less risky to strike small objects, such as highway
reflectors, with minor damage to your vehicle rather than attempt a
sudden return to the pavement which could cause the vehicle to slide
sideways out of control or roll over. Remember, your safety and the
safety of others should be your primary concern.
WARNING: Vehicles with a higher center of gravity such as
utility and four-wheel drive vehicles handle differently than
vehicles with a lower center of gravity. Utility and four-wheel drive
vehicles 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 and 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.
If your vehicle gets stuck
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.
Do not rock the vehicle for more than a few minutes or damage
to the transmission and tires may occur or the engine may
overheat.
WARNING: Do not spin the wheels at over 35 mph (56 km/h).
The tires may fail and injure a passenger or bystander.Driving
304
2011 F-250/350/450/550 (f23)
Owners Guide, 4th Printing
USA (fus)