2011 FORD F550 brake

System Check
Oil Life
Engine Hours
Engine Idle Hours
Doors
Exhaust Fluid Level (diesel only)
Brakes
Trailer Brake
Ctrl. Gain and Output (when trailer is connected)
No trailer (when no trailer is connected)
Trailer Sway
Park Aid Check Rear Park Aid
Fuel Level (distance to empty)
Some items will only display during a system check if a problem has
been detected. If an issue exists on one of the monitored systems, the
message center will display the number of warnings that need immediate
attention in red and the number of informational warnings will be listed
in amber. Use the up/down arrow buttons to scroll through the list; press
the right arrow button to display specific information on the highlighted
warning.
Compass/transmission indicator displays
The compass heading will display in the upper right corner of the
message center; the transmission gear indicator displays in the right side
of the message center when using the SelectShift Automatic™
transmission feature. These displays will not be shown in all screen
modes. For example: when programming certain vehicle features or in
certain information menus.
System warnings and status messages
System warnings alert you to possible problems or malfunctions in your
vehicle’s operating systems.
In the event of a multiple warning situation, the message center will
cycle the display to show all warnings by displaying each one for four
seconds.
The message center will display the last selected feature if there are no
more warning messages.
Types of messages and warnings:
• Some messages will appear briefly to inform you of something you
may need to take action on or be informed of. Instrument Cluster
47
2011 F-250/350/450/550 (f23)
Owners Guide, 4th Printing
USA (fus)

• Some messages will appear once and then again when the vehicle is
restarted.
• 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 OK. This
allows you to use the full message center functionality by clearing the
message.
DOOR AJAR — Displayed when the door is not completely closed.
DRIVER DOOR AJAR — Displayed when the driver door is not
completely closed.
LEFT REAR DOOR AJAR — Displayed when the rear left door is not
completely closed.
PASSENGER DOOR AJAR — Displayed when the passenger door is
not completely closed.
RIGHT REAR DOOR AJAR — Displayed when the rear right door is
not completely closed.
CHECK FUEL CAP — Displayed when the fuel cap may not be
properly closed. Refer to What you should know about automotive
fuels in the Maintenance and Specifications chapter.
FUEL LEVEL LOW — Displayed as a reminder of a low fuel condition.
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.
CHECK BRAKE SYSTEM — Displayed when the brake system needs
servicing. If the warning stays on or continues to come on, contact your
authorized dealer as soon as possible.
PARK BRAKE ENGAGED — Displayed when the parking brake is set,
the engine is running and the vehicle is driven more than 3 mph
(5 km/h). If the warning stays on after the parking brake is released,
contact your authorized dealer as soon as possible.
ADVANCETRAC OFF (if equipped) — Displayed when the
AdvanceTrac  system has been disabled by the driver.
SERVICE ADVANCETRAC (if equipped) — Displayed when the
AdvanceTrac  system has detected a condition that requires service.
Contact your authorized dealer as soon as possible.
TRANSPORT MODE CONTACT DEALER (if equipped) —
Displayed when the vehicle is set to transport mode. The transport modeInstrument Cluster
48
2011 F-250/350/450/550 (f23)
Owners Guide, 4th Printing
USA (fus)

is used to disable certain vehicle functions to prevent battery discharge
when the vehicle is in the transport/inventory phase and is not driven
long enough to maintain the battery’s charge. This mode can be disabled
by doing the following: Turn the ignition on, without starting the engine.
Press and release the brake pedal fully five times and press the hazard
button four times (on, off, on, off) within 10 seconds.
CHECK COOLANT ADDITIVE (diesel engine only) — Displayed
when the coolant additive needs to be checked. Refer to your diesel
supplement for more information.
POWER REDUCED TO LOWER ENGINE TEMP — Displayed when
the engine temperature gauge needle moves to H. You may notice
reduced engine power. Refer to Engine coolant in the Maintenance
and Specifications chapter for more information.
CLEANING EXHAUST FILTER (diesel engine only) — Displayed
when the vehicle has entered the cleaning mode. Various engine actions
will raise the exhaust temperature in the Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF)
system to burn off the particles (exhaust soot). After the particles are
burned off, the exhaust temperature will fall back to normal levels. This
message is NORMAL. Refer to your diesel supplement for more
information.
WARNING: When the CLEANING EXHAUST FILTER message
appears in the message center, do not park near flammable
materials, vapors or structures until filter cleaning is complete.
DRIVE TO CLEAN EXHAUST SYSTEM (diesel engine only) —
Displayed when the Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF) is full of particles
(exhaust soot) and the vehicle is not being operated in a manner to
allow normal cleaning. This message will stay on until the exhaust filter
cleaning has begun, at which time the CLEANING EXHAUST FILTER
message will be displayed. It is recommended the vehicle operator drive
the vehicle above 30 mph (48 km/h) until the CLEANING EXHAUST
FILTER message turns off. This message is NORMAL. Refer to your
diesel supplement for more information.
Note: If this message is ignored, your vehicle will continue to fill the
Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF) with particles (exhaust soot). If cleaning
is not permitted, the light will illuminate and engine power may be
limited. If the vehicle is still not operated in a manner to allow cleaning,
the service engine soon light will illuminate and engine power will
be further limited. Dealer service will then be required to restore your
vehicle to full-power operation. Instrument Cluster
49
2011 F-250/350/450/550 (f23)
Owners Guide, 4th Printing
USA (fus)

TRAIN LEFT FRONT TIRE — Displayed when training the TPMS
system. Refer to TPMS reset procedure in the Tires, Wheels and
Loading chapter for more information.
TRAIN LEFT REAR TIRE — Displayed when training the TPMS
system. Refer to TPMS reset procedure in the Tires, Wheels and
Loading chapter for more information.
TRAIN RIGHT FRONT TIRE — Displayed when training the TPMS
system. Refer to TPMS reset procedure in the Tires, Wheels and
Loading chapter for more information.
TRAIN RIGHT REAR TIRE — Displayed when training the TPMS
system. Refer to TPMS reset procedure in the Tires, Wheels and
Loading chapter for more information.
TRAIN SPARE TIRE (if equipped) — Displayed when training the
TPMS. Refer to TPMS reset procedure in the Tires, Wheels and
Loading chapter for more information.
TRAINING COMPLETE — Displayed when training of the TPMS
system is complete. Refer to TPMS reset procedure in the Tires, Wheels
and Loading chapter for more information.
POWER STEERING ASSIST FAULT — The power steering system
has disabled power steering assist due to a system error; service is
required.
SERVICE POWER STEERING — The power steering system has
detected a condition that requires service.
SERVICE POWER STEERING NOW — The power steering system
has detected a condition that requires service immediately.
BUCKLE UP TO UNMUTE AUDIO — Displayed when a MyKey  is in
use and Belt-Minder  is activated. Refer to MyKey  in the Locks and
Security chapter for more information.
TRACTION CONTROL OFF (if equipped) — Displayed when the
traction control has been disabled by the driver. Refer to the Driving
chapter for more information.
CHECK 4X4 (if equipped) — Displayed when a 4X4 system fault is
present. For more information, refer to Four-wheel drive (4WD)
operation in the Driving chapter.
4X4 SHIFT IN PROGRESS (if equipped) — Displayed when the 4X4
system is making a shift. For further information, refer to Four-wheel
drive (4WD) operation in the Driving chapter.
FOR 4X4 LOW APPLY BRAKE (if equipped) — Displayed when
trying to select 4X4 LOW. For more information, refer to Four-wheel
drive (4WD) operation in the Driving chapter.Instrument Cluster
54
2011 F-250/350/450/550 (f23)
Owners Guide, 4th Printing
USA (fus)

FOR 4X4 LOW SHIFT TO N (if equipped) — Displayed when 4X4
LOW is selected and the vehicle is stopped. For more information, refer
to Four-wheel drive (4WD) operation in the Driving chapter.
FOR 4X4 LOW SLOW TO 3 MPH (if equipped) — Displayed when
4X4 LOW is selected while the vehicle is moving. For more information,
refer to Four-wheel drive (4WD) operation in the Driving chapter.
TO EXIT 4X4 LOW APPLY BRAKE (if equipped) — Displayed when
2WD is selected from 4X4 LOW mode. For more information, refer to
Four-wheel drive (4WD) operation in the Driving chapter.
TO EXIT 4X4 LOW SHIFT TO N (if equipped) — Displayed when
2WD is selected while the vehicle has been stopped in 4X4 LOW. For
more information, refer to Four-wheel drive (4WD) operation in the
Driving chapter.
TO EXIT 4X4 LOW SLOW TO 3 MPH (if equipped) — Displayed
when 2WD is selected while the vehicle is operating in 4X4 LOW. For
more information, refer to Four-wheel drive (4WD) operation in the
Driving chapter.
FOR HILL DESCENT REDUCE SPEED (if equipped) — Displayed
when the vehicle speed requirement for off-road mode entry has not
been met.
FOR HILL DESCENT SELECT GEAR (if equipped) — Displayed
when the driver is able to select a transmission gear for hill descent
mode.
HILL DESCENT - DRIVER RESUME CONTROL (if equipped) —
Displayed when hill descent control mode is deactivated and the driver
must resume control.
HILL DESCENT CONTROL FAULT (if equipped) — Displayed when
a hill descent system fault is present.
HILL DESCENT CONTROL OFF (if equipped) — Displayed when
hill descent control mode becomes inactive.
HILL DESCENT CONTROL OFF SYSTEM COOLING (if equipped)
— Displayed when the hill descent system is cooling due to overuse.
HILL DESCENT CONTROL READY (if equipped) — Displayed
when the hill descent control switch is turned on.
REDUCE ACCELERATOR TO PREVENT WHEEL SLIP (if
equipped) — Displayed when the vehicle senses that torque to the
drive wheels has overcome the available traction.
SHIFT DELAYED PULL FORWARD (if equipped) — May display
when shifting to or from 4X4 LOW. For more information, refer to
Four-wheel drive (4WD) operation in the Driving chapter.Instrument Cluster
55
2011 F-250/350/450/550 (f23)
Owners Guide, 4th Printing
USA (fus)

VEHICLE AT TOP SPEED - MYKEY SETTING — Displayed when a
MyKey  is in use and the MyKey speed limit is on and the vehicle speed
is 80 mph (130 km/h). Refer to MyKey  in the Locks and Security
chapter for more information.
VEHICLE NEAR TOP SPEED — Displayed when a MyKey  is in use
and the MyKey speed limit is on and the vehicle speed is approaching
80 mph (130 km/h). Refer to MyKey  in the Locks and Security
chapter for more information.
CHECK REAR PARK AID (if equipped) — Displayed when the
transmission is in R (Reverse) and the park aid is disabled.
REAR PARK AID OFF (if equipped) — Displayed when the rear park
aid is disabled by the driver.
REAR PARK AID ON (if equipped) — Displayed when the rear park
aid is enabled.
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.
TRAILER BRAKE GAIN: XX.X [OUTPUT] (if equipped) — Displays
the current gain setting for the trailer brake. Refer to Trailer towing in
the Tires, Wheels and Loading chapter for more information.
TRAILER BRAKE GAIN: XX.X NO TRAILER (if equipped) —
Displays the current gain setting for the trailer brake when a trailer is
not connected. 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 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
57
2011 F-250/350/450/550 (f23)
Owners Guide, 4th Printing
USA (fus)

TRAILER SWAY REDUCE SPEED (if equipped) — Displayed when
the trailer sway control has detected trailer sway. For more information,
refer to the Driving chapter for more information.
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.
Instrument Cluster
58
2011 F-250/350/450/550 (f23)
Owners Guide, 4th Printing
USA (fus)

Daytime running lamps (DRL) (if equipped)
Turns the headlamps on with a reduced output.
To activate:
• the ignition must be in the on position,
• the headlamp control is in the off or parking lamp position and
• the parking brake must be disengaged.
WARNING: Always remember to turn on your headlamps at
dusk or during inclement weather. The Daytime Running Lamp
(DRL) system does not activate the tail lamps and generally may not
provide adequate lighting during these conditions. Failure to activate
your headlamps under these conditions may result in a collision.
PANEL DIMMER CONTROL
Use to adjust the brightness of the
instrument panel and all applicable
lit components in the vehicle during
headlamp and parking lamp
operation.
• Tapthetoporbottomofthe
control to brighten/dim all interior
lit components incrementally, or
• Press and hold at the first
position the top or bottom of the
control until the desired lighting level is reached.
• Press and hold the top of the control to the full on position to activate
the “dome on” feature. This will turn on the interior courtesy lights.
The lights will remain on until the bottom of the control is pressed.
AIMING THE HEADLAMPS
Your vehicle is equipped with an aerodynamic headlamp system. The
aerodynamic headlamps can only be aimed in the vertical direction
(up/down) using the procedure following. The headlamps on your vehicle
are properly aimed at the assembly plant and should not normally need
adjustment.Lights
88
2011 F-250/350/450/550 (f23)
Owners Guide, 4th Printing
USA (fus)