N (Neutral)
With the gearshift lever in N (Neutral), the vehicle can be started and is
free to roll. Hold the brake pedal down while in this position.
D (Overdrive) with Tow/Haul Off
D (Overdrive) with tow/haul off is the normal driving position for the
best fuel economy. The overdrive function allows automatic upshifts and
downshifts through gears one through five.
D (Overdrive) with Tow/Haul On
The tow/haul feature improves transmission operation when towing a
trailer or a heavy load. All transmission gear ranges are available when
using tow/haul.
To activate tow/haul, press the
button on the end of the gearshift
lever.
The TOW HAUL indicator light will
illuminate in the instrument cluster.
Tow/haul delays upshifts to reduce frequency of transmission shifting.
Tow/haul also provides engine braking in all forward gears when the
transmission is in the D (Overdrive) position; this engine braking will
slow the vehicle and assist the driver in controlling the vehicle when
descending a grade. Depending on driving conditions and load
conditions, the transmission may downshift, slow the vehicle and control
the vehicle speed when descending a hill, without the accelerator pedal
being pressed. The amount of downshift braking provided will vary based
upon the amount the brake pedal is depressed.
To deactivate the tow/haul feature and return to normal driving mode,
press the button on the end of the gearshift lever. The TOW HAUL light
will no longer be illuminated.
When you shut-off and restart the engine, the transmission will
automatically return to normal D (Overdrive) mode (Tow/Haul OFF).
WARNING:Do not use the tow/haul feature when driving in icy
or slippery conditions as the increased engine braking can cause
the rear wheels to slide and the vehicle to swing around with the
possible loss of vehicle control.
Driving
282
2011 F-250/350/450/550(f23)
Owners Guide, 1st Printing
USA(fus)
The TOW HAUL indicator light will
illuminate in the instrument cluster.
Tow/haul delays upshifts to reduce frequency of transmission shifting.
Tow/haul also provides engine braking in all forward gears when the
transmission is in the D (Overdrive) position; this engine braking will
slow the vehicle and assist the driver in controlling the vehicle when
descending a grade. Depending on driving conditions and load
conditions, the transmission may downshift, slow the vehicle and control
the vehicle speed when descending a hill, without the brake pedal being
pressed. The amount of downshift braking provided will vary based upon
the amount the brake pedal is pressed.
Tow/haul may be automatically activated (without pressing the tow/haul
button). This provides engine braking to assist the vehicles braking system
when going downhill and repetitive braking is sensed. Once the tow/haul
mode has been automatically activated it will not automatically deactivate.
To deactivate the tow/haul feature and return to normal driving mode,
press the button on the end of the gearshift lever. The tow/haul light will
no longer be illuminated.
Tow/haul will also deactivate when the vehicle is powered down for a few
minutes.
WARNING:Do not use the tow/haul feature when driving in icy
or slippery conditions as the increased engine braking can cause
the rear wheels to slide and the vehicle to swing around with the
possible loss of vehicle control.
M (Manual) without Overdrive
With the gearshift lever in M (Manual), the driver can change gears up
or down as desired. This is called SelectShift Automatic™ transmission
(SST) mode. By moving the gearshift lever from drive position D
(Overdrive) to M (Manual) you now have control of selecting the gear
you desire using buttons on the shift lever.
To return to normal D (Overdrive) position, move the shift lever back
fromMtoD.
•The transmission will operate in gears one through six.
2 (Second)
Use 2 (Second) to start-up on slippery roads or to provide additional
engine braking on downgrades.
Driving
285
2011 F-250/350/450/550(f23)
Owners Guide, 1st Printing
USA(fus)
By moving the gearshift lever from the D (Drive) position to the M
(Manual) position you may now manually select the gear you desire.
Only the current gear will be displayed. Press the + button or the –
button to upshift or downshift. If the – button is pressed at a vehicle
speed that would cause an engine overspeed, the requested gear will
flash then disappear and the transmission will remain in the current gear.
Recommended shift speeds
Upshift according to the following chart:
Upshifts when accelerating (recommended for best fuel economy)
Shift from: Gasoline engines Diesel engines
1 – 2 15 mph (24 km/h) 12 mph (19 km/h)
2 – 3 25 mph (40 km/h) 19 mph (31 km/h)
3 – 4 40 mph (64 km/h) 26 mph (42 km/h)
4 – 5 45 mph (72 km/h) 34 mph (55 km/h)
5 – 6 50 mph (80 km/h) 46 mph (74 km/h)
In order to prevent the engine from running at too low an RPM, which
may cause it to stall, the SST will still automatically make some
downshifts if it has determined that you have not downshifted in time.
Although the SST will make some downshifts for you, it will still allow
you to downshift at any time as long as the SST determines that the
engine will not be damaged from over-revving.
The SST will not automatically upshift, even if the engine is approaching
the RPM limit. It must be shifted manually by pressing the + button.
Engine damage may occur if excessive engine revving is held
without shifting.
Hill assist feature
The hill assist feature makes it easier to pull away when the vehicle is on
a slope without the need to use the parking brake. When the hill assist
feature is active, the vehicle will remain stationary on the slope for up to
two seconds after you release the brake pedal. During this time, you
have time to move your foot from the brake to the accelerator pedal and
pull away. The brakes are released automatically once the engine has
developed sufficient drive to prevent the vehicle from rolling down the
slope. This is an advantage when pulling away on a slope; for example
from a car park ramp, traffic lights or when reversing uphill into a
parking space.
Driving
287
2011 F-250/350/450/550(f23)
Owners Guide, 1st Printing
USA(fus)
WARNING:The hill assist feature does not replace the parking
brake. When you leave the vehicle, always apply the parking
brake and select first or reverse gear.
Using the hill assist feature
The hill assist feature is activated automatically when the vehicle is
stopped on a slope greater than five degrees. The hill assist feature
operates with the vehicle facing downhill if reverse gear is selected. The
hill assist feature will not operate if the parking brake is activated.
WARNING:You must remain in the vehicle once you have
activated the hill assist feature.
Activating the hill assist feature
1. Press the brake pedal to bring the vehicle to a complete standstill.
Keep the brake pedal pressed.
2. If the sensors detect that the vehicle is on a slope, the hill assist
feature will be activated automatically.
3. When you remove your foot from the brake pedal, the vehicle will
remain on the slope without rolling away for approximately up to two
seconds. This hold time will automatically be extended if you are in the
process of driving off.
4. Drive off in the normal manner. The brakes will be released
automatically.
WARNING:If the engine is revved excessively, or if a
malfunction is detected when the hill assist feature is active, the
hill assist feature will be deactivated.
If your vehicle gets stuck in mud or snow
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 minute or damage to the
transmission and tires may occur, or the engine may overheat.
Driving
288
2011 F-250/350/450/550(f23)
Owners Guide, 1st Printing
USA(fus)
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.
Refer toGaugesin theInstrument Clusterchapter for transmission
fluid temperature information.
Emergency maneuvers
•In an unavoidable emergency situation where a sudden sharp turn
must be made, remember to avoid “over-driving” your vehicle, i.e.,
turn the steering wheel only as rapidly and as far as required to avoid
the emergency. Excessive steering will result in less vehicle control,
not more. Additionally, smooth variations of the accelerator and/or
brake pedal pressure should be utilized if changes in vehicle speed are
called for. Avoid abrupt steering, acceleration or braking which could
result in an increased risk of loss of vehicle control, vehicle rollover
and/or personal injury. Use all available road surface to return the
vehicle to a safe direction of travel.
•In the event of an emergency stop, avoid skidding the tires and do not
attempt any sharp steering wheel movements.
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 arenotdesigned 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.
Driving
301
2011 F-250/350/450/550(f23)
Owners Guide, 1st Printing
USA(fus)
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
303
2011 F-250/350/450/550(f23)
Owners Guide, 1st Printing
USA(fus)
Ford Super Duty Vehicles are qualified for use as a stationary or mobile
power source, within limits detailed in theFord Truck Body Builders
Layout Book,found at www.fleet.ford.com/truckbbas, and through the
Ford Truck Body Builders Advisory Service.
For stationary PTO operation of extended duration (beyond 10 minutes),
diesel engine is recommended. Further consult your aftermarket PTO
installer, since the duration of operation limit for the aftermarket PTO
may be less than the vehicle is capable of.
DRIVING THROUGH WATER
If driving through deep or standing
water is unavoidable, proceed very
slowly especially when the depth is
not known. Never drive through
water that is higher than the bottom
of the wheel rims (for cars) or the
bottom of the hubs (for trucks).
When driving through water, traction or brake capability may be limited.
Also, water may enter your engine’s air intake and severely damage your
engine or your vehicle may stall.Driving through deep water where
the transmission vent tube is submerged may allow water into the
transmission and cause internal transmission damage.
Once through the water, always dry the brakes by moving your
vehicle slowly while applying light pressure on the brake pedal.
Wet brakes do not stop the vehicle as quickly as dry brakes.
SNOWPLOWING
Ford recommends that the Super Duty F-Series used for snow removal
include the Snow Plow Package Option.
Installing the snowplow
Weight limits and guidelines for selecting and installing the snowplow can
be found in theFord Truck Body Builders Layout Book,Snowplow
section, found at www.fleet.ford.com/truckbbas. A typical installation
affects the following:
•Certification to government safety laws such as occupant protection
and airbag deployment, braking, and lighting. Look for an “Alterer’s
Label” on the vehicle from the snowplow installer certifying that the
installation meets all applicable Federal Motor Vehicle Safety
Standards (FMVSS).
Driving
307
2011 F-250/350/450/550(f23)
Owners Guide, 1st Printing
USA(fus)
Fuse/Relay
LocationFuse Amp
RatingProtected Circuits
11 10A Instrument cluster
12 15A Interior lighting, Lighted running
board lamps
13 15A Right turn signals and brake
lamps, Right trailer tow (TT) stop
turn relay
14 15A Left turn signals and brake lamps,
Left TT stop turn relay
15 15A High-mounted stop lamps, Backup
lamps, TT backup relay
16 10A Right low beam headlamp
17 10A Left low beam headlamp
18 10A Keypad illumination, Passive
anti-theft indicator (PATS),
Powertrain control module
(PCM), Brake shift interlock
19 20A Subwoofer
20 20A Power door locks
21 10A Brake on/off switch
22 20A Horn
23 15A Not used (spare)
24 15A Steering wheel control module,
Diagnostic connector, Satellite
radio module, Power fold mirror
relay, Remote keyless entry
25 15A Not used (spare)
26 5A Steering wheel control module
27 20A Amplifier
28 15A Ignition switch
29 20A SYNC, GPS module, Radio
faceplate
Roadside Emergencies
317
2011 F-250/350/450/550(f23)
Owners Guide, 1st Printing
USA(fus)