Introduction 4
Instrument Cluster 14
Warning lights and chimes 14
Gauges 21
Message center 22
Entertainment Systems 60
AM/FM stereo 60
AM/FM stereo with CD 62
Auxiliary input jack 69
USB port 71
Satellite radio information 74
Navigation system 77
SYNC77
Climate Controls 78
Manual heating and air conditioning 78
Dual electronic automatic temperature control 81
Rear window defroster 84
Lights 86
Headlamps 86
Turn signal control 90
Bulb replacement 91
Driver Controls 97
Windshield wiper/washer control 97
Steering wheel adjustment 98
Power windows 102
Mirrors 104
Speed control 109
Upfitter controls 112
Locks and Security 126
Keys 126
Locks 134
Anti-theft system 146
Table of Contents
1
2011 F-250/350/450/550(f23)
Owners Guide, 1st Printing
USA(fus)
Braking
•Anticipate the need to stop; allow much more distance and time to
stop than normal.
•Do not apply the trailer brakes for extended periods of time as they
can overheat and lose effectiveness.
•The trailer brakes must be inspected and serviced at intervals
specified by the manufacturer. This includes the shoes, drum and
trailer brake magnets.
•Electric brakes also require periodic adjustment to keep the shoes
properly spaced. If the brakes get hot when driving or if they will not
hold, chances are that they need adjustment.
Backing-up
•Practice backing-up, particularly if you are a novice. Turn the steering
wheel to the right to move the trailer’s rear end to the right.
•Sharp steering movements may cause the trailer to jackknife or go out
of control.
Tires
•Select tires that meet the trailer loading requirements.
•All trailer tires should be of the same size, and construction.
•Always check tow vehicle and trailer tire pressure before towing.
Launching or retrieving a boat
Disconnect the wiring to the trailer before backing the trailer
into the water. Reconnect the wiring to the trailer after the
trailer is removed from the water.
When backing down a ramp during boat launching or retrieval:
•Do not allow the static water level to rise above the bottom edge of
the rear bumper.
•Do not allow waves to break higher than 6 in (15 cm) above the
bottom edge of the rear bumper.
Exceeding these limits may allow water to enter vehicle components:
•Causing internal damage to the components.
•Affecting driveability, emissions and reliability.
Replace the rear axle lubricant any time the axle has been submerged in
water. Rear axle lubricant quantities are not to be checked or changed
unless a leak is suspected or repair required.
Tires, Wheels and Loading
257
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)
in rear seat ......................195, 202
LATCH .....................................202
Child safety seats - booster
seats ...........................................207
Cleaning your vehicle
engine compartment ..............354
instrument panel ............356–357
interior .....................................357
plastic parts ............................355
safety belts ..............................357
washing ....................................352
waxing .....................................353
wheels ......................................353
wiper blades ............................355
Climate control (see Air
conditioning or Heating) ......78, 81
Clock adjust
AM/FM/CD .................................64
Compass, electronic
set zone adjustment .................27
Console ........................................99
overhead ....................................99
Controls
power seat ...............................156
steering column ......................111
Coolant
checking and adding ..............370
refill capacities ................374, 400
Cruise control
(see Speed control) ..................109
Customer Assistance ................311
Ford accessories for your
vehicle .....................................360
Ford Extended Service
Plan ..................................411, 414
Getting assistance outside
the U.S. and Canada ..............349
Getting roadside assistance ...311Getting the service you
need .........................................345
Ordering additional owner’s
literature .................................351
Utilizing the
Mediation/Arbitration
Program ...................................349
D
Daytime running lamps
(see Lamps) ................................88
Defrost
rear window and rearview
mirrors .......................................81
windshield .................................81
Dipstick
automatic transmission
fluid ..........................................391
engine oil .................................366
Driving under special
conditions ..................288, 301, 304
sand .........................................303
snow and ice ...........................305
through water .................303, 307
E
Electronic message center ...22, 40
Emergencies, roadside
jump-starting ..........................340
Emergency Flashers .................312
Emission control system ..........387
Engine ........................................404
cleaning ...................................354
coolant .....................................370
diesel ...........................................6
fail-safe cooling .......................374
idle speed control ...................368
Index
436
2011 F-250/350/450/550(f23)
Owners Guide, 1st Printing
USA(fus)