Seating and Safety Restraints 150
Seating 150
Safety restraints 166
Airbags 176
Child restraints 190
Tires, Wheels and Loading 212
Tire information 214
Tire inflation 217
Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) 232
Vehicle loading 239
Trailer towing 247
Trailer brake controller-integrated 251
Recreational towing 258
Driving 259
Starting 259
Brakes 265
Traction Control™ 267
AdvanceTrac268
Hill descent control 275
Transmission operation 281
Reverse sensing system 289
Rear-view camera system 291
Roadside Emergencies 311
Getting roadside assistance 311
Hazard flasher control 312
Fuel pump shut-off 313
Fuses and relays 313
Changing tires 323
Wheel lug nut torque 339
Jump starting 340
Wrecker towing 343
Customer Assistance 345
Reporting safety defects (U.S. only) 351
Reporting safety defects (Canada only) 351
Table of Contents
2
2011 F-250/350/450/550(f23)
Owners Guide, 1st Printing
USA(fus)
Vehicle Modification Data Recording
Some aftermarket products may cause severe engine and/or transmission
damage; refer to theWhat is not coveredsection inThe new vehicle
limited warranty for your vehiclechapter of your vehicle’sWarranty
Guidefor more information. Some vehicles are equipped with
Powertrain Control Systems that can detect and store information about
vehicle modifications that, for example, increase horsepower and torque
output; this information cannot be erased and will stay in the system’s
memory even if the modification is removed. When a dealer or repair
facility works on your vehicle, it may be necessary for them to access the
information in the Powertrain Control System. This information will likely
identify if any unauthorized modifications have been made to the system,
which may be used to determine if the warranty has been violated and if
repairs will be covered by warranty.
CELL PHONE USE
The use of Mobile Communications Equipment has become increasingly
important in the conduct of business and personal affairs. However,
drivers must not compromise their own or others’ safety when using
such equipment. Mobile Communications can enhance personal safety
and security when appropriately used, particularly in emergency
situations. Safety must be paramount when using mobile communications
equipment to avoid negating these benefits.
Mobile Communication Equipment includes, but is not limited to, cellular
phones, pagers, portable email devices, text messaging devices and
portable two-way radios.
WARNING:Driving while distracted can result in loss of vehicle
control, accident and injury. Ford strongly recommends that you
use extreme caution when using any device or feature that may take
your focus off the road. Your primary responsibility is the safe
operation of your vehicle.
We recommend against the use of any handheld device while driving
and that you comply with all applicable laws.
Introduction
10
2011 F-250/350/450/550(f23)
Owners Guide, 1st Printing
USA(fus)
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 toFour-wheel drive (4WD) operationin the
Drivingchapter.
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 toFour-wheel drive (4WD) operationin the
Drivingchapter.
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) operationin theDrivingchapter.
SLOW VEHICLE TO XX KM/H FOR ELD (if equipped)— Displayed
when the vehicle speed requirement for the electronic locking
differential mode has not been met.
SLOW VEHICLE TO XX MPH FOR ELD (if equipped)— Displayed
when the vehicle speed requirement for the electronic locking
differential mode has not been met.
Instrument Cluster
57
2011 F-250/350/450/550(f23)
Owners Guide, 1st Printing
USA(fus)
•loose or worn steering components
•improper steering alignment
If any steering components are serviced or replaced, install new
fasteners (many are coated with thread adhesive or have prevailing
torque features which may not be re-used). Never re-use a bolt or nut.
Torque fasteners to specifications inWorkshop Manual.
A high crown in the road or high crosswinds may also make the steering
seem to wander/pull.
ELECTRONIC LOCKING DIFFERENTIAL (ELD) (IF EQUIPPED)
The electronic locking differential (ELD) is a device housed in the rear
axle which allows both rear wheels to turn at the same speed. It provides
added traction on slippery and/or off road surfaces, particularly when
one wheel is on a poor traction surface. The ELD may be locked or
unlocked by the vehicle operator and can be engaged or disengaged on
the fly. When the axle is unlocked it will function like a standard rear
axle. When the axle is locked it will not allow the rear wheels to rotate
at different speeds when turning. It is not recommended for use on good
traction surfaces such as dry pavement. Doing so may result in abnormal
driving behavior and noise while cornering and excessive tire wear.
The ELD is affected by the following conditions of your vehicle:
•On 2WD vehicles and 4WD vehicles in 2H (4X2) or 4H (4X4 High),
the ELD will not engage if the vehicle speed is above 25 mph
(40 km/h).
•On 2WD vehicles and 4WD vehicles in 2H (4X2) or 4H (4X4 High),
the ELD will automatically disengage at speeds above 25 mph
(40 km/h) and will automatically reengage at speeds below 19 mph
(30 km/h).
•On 4WD vehicles in 4L (4X4 Low), the ELD can be engaged at any
speed and will not automatically disengage.
Activating the electronic locking differential (ELD)
For vehicles equipped with an
electronic shift 4WD system:
Pull the knob on the 4WD control
toward you. The
indicator light
will display in the instrument
cluster.
Driving
277
2011 F-250/350/450/550(f23)
Owners Guide, 1st Printing
USA(fus)
For 2WD vehicles and vehicles
equipped with a manual shift
4WD system:
Turn the control to ON. The
indicator light will display in the
instrument cluster.
Once the
light is displayed in the instrument cluster, both rear wheel
axle shafts will be locked together providing added traction.
If the
indicator light in the instrument cluster turns off, one of the
following has occurred:
•The vehicle speed is too high.
•The left and right rear wheel speed difference is too high during an
engagement attempt.
•The system has malfunctioned and will be accompanied by the
CHECK LOCKING DIFFERENTIAL message in the message center.
See your authorized Ford dealer for assistance.
Note:The ELD may have difficulty disengaging either by operator
command or automatically if the driveline is under torque. If driving
conditions allow, releasing the accelerator pedal or turning the steering
wheel in the opposite direction may assist in disengagement.
Note:The ELD is designed for off-road use only and is not intended for
use on dry pavement.
PREPARING TO DRIVE
WARNING:Utility vehicles have a significantly higher rollover
rate than other types of vehicles.
WARNING:In a rollover crash, an unbelted person is
significantly more likely to die than a person wearing a seat belt.
Utility vehicles and trucks have larger tires and increased ground
clearance, giving the vehicle a higher center of gravity than a passenger
car.
Driving
278
2011 F-250/350/450/550(f23)
Owners Guide, 1st Printing
USA(fus)
16. Replace the flat tire with the spare tire, making sure the valve stem
is facing outward on all front an inboard rear wheels. If replacing the
outboard wheel, the valve stem must be facing inward. Reinstall the lug
nuts until the wheel is snug against the hub. Do not fully tighten the lug
nuts until the wheel has been lowered.
17. Lower the wheel by slowly turning the release valve
counterclockwise. Opening the release valve slowly will provide a more
controlled rate of descent.
The following steps apply to all vehicles:
18. Remove the jack and fully
tighten the lug nuts in the order
shown. Refer toWheel lug nut
torque specificationslater in this
chapter for the proper lug nut
torque specification.
8–lug nut torque sequence
10–lug nut torque sequence
Roadside Emergencies
335
2011 F-250/350/450/550(f23)
Owners Guide, 1st Printing
USA(fus)
WHEEL LUG NUT TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS
On vehicles equipped with single rear wheels, retighten the lug nuts to
the specified torque at 500 miles (800 km) after any wheel disturbance
(tire rotation, changing a flat tire, wheel removal, etc.).
On vehicles equipped with dual rear wheels, retighten the wheel lug nuts
to the specified torque at 100 miles (160 km), and again at 500 miles
(800 km) of new vehicle operation and after any wheel disturbance (tire
rotation, changing a flat tire, wheel removal, etc.).
Bolt size Wheel lug nut torque*
ft-lb N•m
M14 x 1.5 165 224
* Torque specifications are for nut and bolt threads free of dirt and
rust. Use only Ford recommended replacement fasteners.
It is important to follow the proper wheel mounting and lug nut torque
procedures.
On all two-piece flat wheel nuts,
apply one drop of motor oil between
the flat washer and the nut.
WARNING:When a wheel is installed, always remove any
corrosion, dirt or foreign materials present on the mounting
surfaces of the wheel or the surface of the wheel hub, brake drum or
brake disc that contacts the wheel. Ensure that any fasteners that
attach the rotor to the hub are secured so they do not interfere with
the mounting surfaces of the wheel. Installing wheels without correct
metal-to-metal contact at the wheel mounting surfaces can cause the
wheel nuts to loosen and the wheel to come off while the vehicle is in
motion, resulting in loss of control.
Roadside Emergencies
339
2011 F-250/350/450/550(f23)
Owners Guide, 1st Printing
USA(fus)
Miles (x 1,000) 7.5 15 22.5 30 37.5 45 52.5 60 67.5 75
Kilometers (x 1,000) 12 24 36 48 60 72 84 96 108 120
Months 6 12 18 24 30 36 42 48 54 60
Change engine oil and filter• •••••••••
Rotate tires, inspect tire wear and measure tread
depth. Vehicles equipped with dual rear wheels
should only rotate if unusual wear is observed.• •••••••••
Inspect the wheels and related components for
abnormal noise, wear, looseness or drag• •••••••••
Perform multi-point inspection (recommended)• •••••••••
Inspect automatic transmission fluid level (if
equipped with a dipstick). Consult dealer for
requirements.•••••
Inspect brake pads, shoes, rotors, drums, brake
linings, hoses and parking brake•••••
Inspect engine cooling system concentration and
hoses•••••
Inspect exhaust system and heat shields•••••
Inspect front axle and U-joints; lubricate if equipped
with grease fittings (4WD vehicles)•••••
Inspect half-shaft boots (if equipped)•••••
Inspect and lubricate steering linkage, ball joints,
suspension, tie-rod ends, driveshaft and U-joints•••••
Torque the rear U-bolts (Transit Connect)•••••
Inspect cabin air filter (if equipped)• ••••
Scheduled Maintenance Guide
420
2011 F-250/350/450/550(f23)
Owners Guide, 1st Printing
USA(fus)