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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.
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 toShifting 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 display4X4 SHIFT IN
PROGRESSduring 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.
IfSHIFT DELAYED PULL FORWARDis 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 preforming 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.
Driving
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Owners Guide, 1st Printing
USA(fus)
Page 303 of 441

Sand
When driving over sand, try to keep all four wheels on the most solid
area of the trail. Avoid reducing the tire pressures but shift to a lower
gear and drive steadily through the terrain. Apply the accelerator slowly
and avoid spinning the wheels.
Avoid excessive speed because vehicle momentum can work against you
and cause the vehicle to become stuck to the point that assistance may
be required from another vehicle. Remember, you may be able to back
out the way you came if you proceed with caution.
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 toTransmission temperature gaugein theInstrument 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.
Driving
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USA(fus)
Page 304 of 441

“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 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.
Driving
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USA(fus)
Page 440 of 441

SecuriCode keyless entry
system ........................................145
SecuriLock passive anti-theft
system ................................146–147
Servicing your vehicle ..............361
Setting the clock
AM/FM/CD .................................64
Snowplowing .................7, 307–309
SOS Post Crash Alert ...............185
Spark plugs,
specifications .....................399, 404
Special notice ................................7
ambulance conversions ..............7
diesel-powered vehicles .............6
four-wheel drive vehicles .......309
utility-type vehicles ....................7
Speed control ............................109
Starting a flex fuel vehicle .......262
Starting your vehicle ........259–262
jump starting ..........................340
Steering wheel
controls ....................................111
tilting .........................................98
SYNC..........................................77
T
Tailgate ......................................121
Tilt steering wheel ......................98
Tire Pressure Monitoring
System (TPMS)
Tires, Wheels and Loading ....232
Tires ...........................214–216, 323
alignment ................................224
care ..........................................220
changing ..................323, 326, 329
checking the pressure ............219inflating ...................................217
label .........................................231
replacing ..................................222
rotating ....................................225
safety practices .......................223
sidewall information ...............227
snow tires and chains ............238
spare tire .................................324
terminology
.............................216
tire grades
...............................215
treadwear
........................215, 221
Towing
.......................................247
recreational towing
.................258
Trailer Brake
Controller-Integrated
..............251
trailer towing
..........................247
wrecker
....................................343
Traction control
........................267
Trailer Brake
Controller-Integrated
................251
Trailer sway control
..................275
Transfer case
fluid checking
.........................394
Transmission
.............................281
brake-shift interlock (BSI)
....279
fluid, checking and adding
(automatic)
.............................391
fluid, refill capacities
..............400
Turn signal
..................................90
U
Universal garage door opener
..115
Upfitter controls
.......................112
USB port
......................................71
Index
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2011 F-250/350/450/550(f23)
Owners Guide, 1st Printing
USA(fus)
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