Vehicle Symbol Glossary
Power Windows
Front/Rear
Power Window Lockout
Child Safety Door
Lock/UnlockInterior Luggage
Compartment Release
Panic AlarmEngine Oil
Engine CoolantEngine Coolant
Temperature
Do Not Open When HotBattery
Avoid Smoking, Flames,
or SparksBattery Acid
Explosive GasFan Warning
Power Steering FluidMaintain Correct Fluid
LevelMAX
MIN
Service Engine SoonEngine Air Filter
Passenger Compartment
Air FilterJack
Check Fuel CapLow Tire Pressure
Warning
Introduction
13
2011 F-250/350/450/550(f23)
Owners Guide, 1st Printing
USA(fus)
WARNING:Driving a vehicle with the brake system warning
light on is dangerous. A significant decrease in braking
performance may occur. It will take you longer to stop the vehicle.
Have the vehicle checked by your authorized dealer. Driving extended
distances with the parking brake engaged can cause brake failure and
the risk of personal injury.
Anti-lock brake system:If the
ABS light stays illuminated or
continues to flash, a malfunction has
been detected, have the system
serviced immediately by your
authorized dealer. Normal braking is still functional unless the brake
warning light also is illuminated.
Airbag readiness:If this light fails
to illuminate when the ignition is
turned to on, continues to flash or
remains on, have the system
serviced immediately by your
authorized dealer. A chime will sound if there is a malfunction in the
indicator light.
Safety belt:Reminds you to fasten
your safety belt. A Belt-Minder
chime will also sound to remind you
to fasten your safety belt. Refer to
theSeating and Safety Restraints
chapter to activate/deactivate the Belt-Minderchime feature.
Charging system:Illuminates when
the battery is not charging properly.
If it stays on while the engine is
running, there may be a malfunction
with the charging system. Contact your authorized dealer as soon as
possible. This indicates a problem with the electrical system or a related
component.
Engine oil pressure (RTT and
static warning light):Displays
when the oil pressure falls below the
normal range. Refer toEngine oil
in theMaintenance and Specificationschapter.
ABS
Instrument Cluster
17
2011 F-250/350/450/550(f23)
Owners Guide, 1st Printing
USA(fus)
GAUGES
Base cluster with automatic transmission shown. Metric similar.
1.Engine oil pressure gauge:Indicates engine oil pressure. The
needle should stay in the normal operating range (between L and H). If
the needle falls below the normal range, stop the vehicle, turn off the
engine and check the engine oil level. Add oil if needed. If the oil level is
correct, have your vehicle checked at your authorized dealer.
2.Engine coolant temperature gauge:Indicates engine coolant
temperature. At normal operating temperature, the needle will be in the
normal range (between H and C).If it enters the red section, the
engine is overheating. Stop the vehicle as soon as safely possible,
switch off the engine and let the engine cool.
WARNING:Never remove the coolant reservoir cap while the
engine is running or hot.
3.Transmission fluid temperature gauge:If the gauge is in the:
Normal areaThe transmission fluid is within the normal operating
temperature (between H and C).
Yellow areaThe transmission fluid is higher than normal operating
temperature. This can be caused by special operation 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.
km/hRPMx1000
0204060801001
2
01
4
016
0
MPH
1234
65
Instrument Cluster
21
2011 F-250/350/450/550(f23)
Owners Guide, 1st Printing
USA(fus)
ENGINE IDLED SEE MANUAL CONTAMINATED EXHAUST
FLUID (Diesel engine only)— Displayed when the diesel exhaust
fluid is contaminated. The vehicle will enter into an idle-only mode. The
diesel exhaust fluid must be replaced to resume normal operation of the
vehicle. Refer to your diesel supplement for more information.
ENGINE OIL DILUTED(diesel engine only)— Displays once the
engine oil has become diluted and needs to be changed. Refer to your
diesel supplement for more information.
ENGINE OIL CHANGE SOON— Displayed when the engine oil life
remaining is 5% to 1%. Refer to thescheduled maintenance
informationfor more information.
OIL CHANGE REQUIRED— Displayed when the oil life left reaches
0%. Refer to thescheduled maintenance informationfor more
information.
LOW FUEL PRESSURE SEE MANUAL (Diesel engine only)—If
this message appears during a cold start or during cold operation 32°F
(0°C) up to 10 minutes after the initial cold start; monitor the message
center and if it disappears and does not re-appear after the engine has
fully warmed up, the low fuel pressure message is most likely caused by
waxed or gelled fuel. To prevent this, use an anti-gel additive. Refer to
your diesel supplement for more information. The customer warranty
may be void from using additives that do not meet or exceed Ford
specifications. If the low fuel pressure message persistently appears after
re-fueling during the cold start and cold operation conditions defined
previously and then disappear when the engine has fully warmed up,
consider different fuel sources.
•Low Fuel Operation: If the message appears when the vehicle is warm
and during low fuel tank level operation, i.e. the tank level is at or
very near empty, refuel the vehicle and operate the vehicle. If the
message reappears after fueling, see below. If the message does not
come back, the low fuel pressure condition was due to low fuel levels
in the fuel tank.
•Normal Operation: If the message appears during normal operation
when the vehicle / engine is fully warm, and fuel level is not low, the
fuel filters must be changed regardless of the maintenance schedule
interval. If replacement of the fuel filter does not remedy the low fuel
pressure message during normal operation as defined above, please
take the vehicle to your authorized dealer.
Instrument Cluster
39
2011 F-250/350/450/550(f23)
Owners Guide, 1st Printing
USA(fus)
•The Total Accessory Reserve Capacity (TARC) is shown on the lower
right side of the vehicle’s Safety Compliance Certification Label. This
applies to Ford-completed vehicles of 10,000 lb. (4,536 kg) GVWR or
less. This is the weight of permanently-attached auxiliary equipment,
such as snowplow frame-mounting hardware, that can be added to the
vehicle and satisfy Ford compliance certification to FMVSS. Exceeding
this weight may require the auxiliary equipment installer additional
safety certification responsibility. The Front Accessory Reserve
Capacity (FARC) is added for customer convenience.
•Rear ballast weight behind the rear axle may be required to prevent
exceeding the FGAWR, and provide front-to-rear weight balance for
proper braking and steering.
•Front wheel toe may require re-adjustment to prevent premature
uneven tire wear. Specifications are found in the FordWorkshop
Manual.
•Headlight aim may require re-adjustment.
•The tire air pressures recommended for general driving are found on
the vehicle’s Safety Certification Label. The maximum cold inflation
pressure for the tire and associated load rating is imprinted on the tire
sidewall. Tire air pressure may require re-adjustment within these
pressure limits to accommodate the additional weight of the snowplow
installation.
•Federal and some local regulations require additional exterior lamps
for snowplow-equipped vehicles. Consult your authorized dealer for
additional information.
Operating the vehicle with the snowplow attached
Do not use your vehicle for snow removal until it has been driven at
least 500 miles (800 km).
The attached snowplow blade restricts airflow to the radiator, and may
cause the engine to run at a higher temperature: Attention to engine
temperature is especially important when outside temperatures are
above freezing. Angle the blade to maximize airflow to the radiator and
monitor engine temperature to determine whether a left or right angle
provides the best performance.
Follow the severe duty schedule in yourscheduled maintenance
informationfor engine oil and transmission fluid change intervals.
Driving
308
2011 F-250/350/450/550(f23)
Owners Guide, 1st Printing
USA(fus)
ENGINE
Engines are more efficient when they are clean because grease and dirt
buildup keep the engine warmer than normal. When washing:
•
Take care when using a power washer to clean the engine. The
high-pressure fluid could penetrate the sealed parts and cause damage.
•Do not spray a hot engine with cold water to avoid cracking the
engine block or other engine components.
•Spray MotorcraftEngine Shampoo and Degreaser (ZC-20) on all
parts that require cleaning and pressure rinse clean.
•Never wash or rinse the engine while it is hot or running; water in the
running engine may cause internal damage.
•Never wash or rinse any ignition coil, spark plug wire or spark plug
well, or the area in and around these locations.
•Cover the highlighted areas to prevent water damage when cleaning
the engine.
•6.2L V8 gasoline engine
Cleaning
354
2011 F-250/350/450/550(f23)
Owners Guide, 1st Printing
USA(fus)
For routine cleaning, wipe the surface with a soft, damp cloth. For more
thorough cleaning, wipe the surface with a mild soap and water solution.
•Clean spills as quickly as possible.
•Test any cleaner or stain remover on an inconspicuous part of the
leather as cleaners may darken the leather.
•Do not spill coffee, ketchup, mustard, orange juice or oil-based
products on the leather as they may permanently stain the leather.
•Do not use household cleaning products, alcohol solutions, solvents or
cleaners intended for rubber, vinyl or plastics.
Scratches
Natural Markings - Because the leather in the seat comes from genuine
steer hides, there will be evidence of naturally occurring markings, such
as small scars. These markings give character to the seating covers and
should be considered as proof of a genuine leather product.
In order to lessen the appearance of certain scratches and other wear
marks, apply conditioner on the affected area following the same
instructions as in theConditioningsection.
Conditioning
Bottles of King RanchLeather Conditioner are available at the King
RanchSaddle Shop. Visit the website atwww.krsaddleshop.com,or
telephone (in the United States) 1–800–282–KING (5464). If you are
unable to obtain King RanchLeather Conditioner, use another premium
leather conditioner.
•Clean the surfaces using the steps outlined in theCleaningsection.
•Ensure the leather is dry then apply a nickel-sized amount of
conditioner to a clean, dry cloth.
•Rub the conditioner into leather until it disappears. Allow the
conditioner to dry and repeat the process for the entire interior. If a
film appears, wipe off film with a dry, clean cloth.
UNDERBODY
Flush the complete underside of your vehicle frequently. Keep body and
door drain holes free from packed dirt.
Note:Use care when using a power washer to clean the driveline,
especially the driveshaft and interfacing components. The high-pressure
fluid could penetrate the sealed parts and cause damage.
Cleaning
359
2011 F-250/350/450/550(f23)
Owners Guide, 1st Printing
USA(fus)
•Warming up a vehicle on cold mornings is not required and may
reduce fuel economy.
•Resting your foot on the brake pedal while driving may reduce fuel
economy.
•Combine errands and minimize stop-and-go driving.
Maintenance
•Keep tires properly inflated and use only recommended size.
•Operating a vehicle with the wheels out of alignment will reduce fuel
economy.
•Use recommended engine oil. Refer toMaintenance product
specifications and capacitiesin this chapter.
•Perform all regularly scheduled maintenance items. Follow the
recommended maintenance schedule and owner maintenance checks
found inscheduled maintenance information.
Conditions
•Heavily loading a vehicle or towing a trailer may reduce fuel economy
at any speed.
•Carrying unnecessary weight may reduce fuel economy (approximately
1 mpg [0.4 km/L] is lost for every 400 lb [180 kg] of weight carried).
•Adding certain accessories to your vehicle (for example bug
deflectors, rollbars/light bars, running boards, ski/luggage racks) may
reduce fuel economy.
•To maximize the fuel economy, drive with the tonneau cover installed
(if equipped).
•Using fuel blended with alcohol may lower fuel economy.
•Fuel economy may decrease with lower temperatures during the first
8–10 miles (12–16 km) of driving.
•Driving on flat terrain offers improved fuel economy as compared to
driving on hilly terrain.
•Transmissions give their best fuel economy when operated in the top
cruise gear and with steady pressure on the gas pedal.
•Four-wheel-drive operation (if equipped) is less fuel efficient than
two-wheel-drive operation.
•Close windows for high speed driving.
Maintenance and Specifications
386
2011 F-250/350/450/550(f23)
Owners Guide, 1st Printing
USA(fus)