2012 FORD F250 Owners Manual

Introduction 5
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 85
Lights 87
Headlamps 87
Turn signal control 91
Interior lamps 92
Bulb replacement 92
Driver Controls 98
Windshield wiper/washer control 98
Steering wheel adjustment 99
Power windows 103
Mirrors 105
Speed control 110
Upfitter controls 114
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2012 F-250/350/450/550(f23)
Owners Guide, 4th Printing
USA(fus)

Locks and Security 129
Keys 129
Locks 137
Anti-theft system 149
Seating and Safety Restraints 153
Seating 153
Rear seats 166
Safety restraints 168
Airbags 180
Child restraints 195
Tires, Wheels and Loading 216
Tire information 219
Tire inflation 221
Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) 237
Vehicle loading 244
Trailer towing 252
Trailer brake controller-integrated 256
Recreational towing 263
Driving 265
Starting 265
Brakes 271
Traction Control™ 274
AdvanceTrac275
Hill descent control 281
Transmission operation 287
Reverse sensing system 296
Rear-view camera system 298
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2012 F-250/350/450/550(f23)
Owners Guide, 4th Printing
USA(fus)

Roadside Emergencies 319
Getting roadside assistance 319
Hazard flasher control 320
Fuel pump shut-off 321
Fuses and relays 321
Changing tires 331
Wheel lug nut torque 347
Jump starting 348
Wrecker towing 351
Customer Assistance 353
Reporting safety defects (U.S. only) 359
Reporting safety defects (Canada only) 360
Cleaning 361
Maintenance and Specifications 370
Engine compartment 371
Engine oil 375
Battery 377
Engine coolant 379
Engine coolant check 379
Fuel information 386
Air filter(s) 405
Part numbers 410
Maintenance product specifications and capacities 411
Engine data 415
Accessories 419
Ford Extended Service Plan 421
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2012 F-250/350/450/550(f23)
Owners Guide, 4th Printing
USA(fus)

Scheduled Maintenance 424
Normal scheduled maintenance and log 428
Index 442
The information contained in this publication was correct at the time of going to
print. In the interest of continuous development, we reserve the right to change
specifications, design or equipment at any time without notice or obligation. No
part of this publication may be reproduced, transmitted, stored in a retrieval
system or translated into any language in any form by any means without our
written permission. Errors and omissions excepted.
© Ford Motor Company 2012
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2012 F-250/350/450/550(f23)
Owners Guide, 4th Printing
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CONGRATULATIONS
Congratulations on acquiring your new Ford. Please take the time to get
well acquainted with your vehicle by reading this handbook. The more
you know and understand about your vehicle, the greater the safety and
pleasure you will derive from driving it.
For more information on Ford Motor Company and its products visit the
following website:
•In the United States: www.ford.com
•In Canada: www.ford.ca
•In Australia: www.ford.com.au
•In Mexico: www.ford.com.mx
Additional owner information is given in separate publications.
This Owner’s Guide describes every option and model variant available
and therefore some of the items covered may not apply to your
particular vehicle. Furthermore, due to printing cycles it may describe
options before they are generally available.
Remember to pass on this Owner’s Guide when reselling the vehicle. It is
an integral part of the vehicle.
WARNING: Fuel pump shut-off:In the event of an accident
this feature will automatically cut off the fuel supply to the
engine. It can also be activated through sudden vibration (e.g. collision
when parking). To restart your vehicle, refer toFuel pump shut-offin
theRoadside Emergencieschapter.
SAFETY AND ENVIRONMENT PROTECTION
Warning symbols in this guide
How can you reduce the risk of personal injury to yourself or others? In
this guide, answers to such questions are contained in comments
highlighted by the warning triangle symbol. These comments should be
read and observed.
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2012 F-250/350/450/550(f23)
Owners Guide, 4th Printing
USA(fus)

Warning symbols on your vehicle
When you see this symbol, it is
imperative that you consult the
relevant section of this guide before
touching or attempting adjustment
of any kind.
Protecting the environment
We must all play our part in
protecting the environment. Correct
vehicle usage and the authorized
disposal of waste, cleaning and
lubrication materials are significant
steps toward this aim. Information in this respect is highlighted in this
guide with the tree symbol.
CALIFORNIA PROPOSITION 65 WARNING
WARNING:Engine exhaust, some of its constituents, and
certain vehicle components contain or emit chemicals known to
the State of California to cause cancer and birth defects or other
reproductive harm. In addition, certain fluids contained in vehicles and
certain products of component wear contain or emit chemicals known
to the State of California to cause cancer and birth defects or other
reproductive harm.
PERCHLORATE MATERIAL
Certain components of this vehicle such as airbag modules, safety belt
pretensioners, and button cell batteries may contain Perchlorate Material
– Special handling may apply for service or vehicle end of life disposal.
See www.dtsc.ca.gov/hazardouswaste/perchlorate.
BREAKING-IN YOUR VEHICLE
Your vehicle does not need an extensive break-in. Try not to drive
continuously at the same speed for the first 1,000 miles (1,600 km) of
new vehicle operation. Vary your speed frequently in order to give the
moving parts a chance to break in.
Drive your new vehicle at least 1,000 miles (1,600 km) before towing a
trailer. For more detailed information about towing a trailer, refer to
Trailer towingin theTires, Wheels and Loadingchapter.
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Owners Guide, 4th Printing
USA(fus)

Do not add friction modifier compounds or special break-in oils since these
additives may prevent piston ring seating. SeeEngine oilin the
Maintenance and Specificationschapter for more information on oil usage.
SPECIAL NOTICES
New Vehicle Limited Warranty
For a detailed description of what is covered and what is not covered by
your vehicle’s New Vehicle Limited Warranty, refer to theWarranty
Guidethat is provided to you along with your Owner’s Guide.
Special instructions
For your added safety, your vehicle is fitted with sophisticated electronic
controls.
WARNING:Please read the sectionAirbag Supplemental
Restraint System (SRS)in theSeating and Safety Restraints
chapter. Failure to follow the specific warnings and instructions could
result in personal injury.
WARNING:Front seat mounted rear-facing child or infant seats
shouldNEVERbe placed in front of an active passenger airbag.
Notice to owners of diesel-powered vehicles
Read the diesel supplement for information regarding correct operation
and maintenance of your Diesel-powered light truck.
Notice to owners of pickup trucks and utility type vehicles
WARNING:Utility vehicles have a significantly higher rollover
rate than other types of vehicles.
Before you drive your vehicle, please read this Owner’s Guide carefully.
Your vehicle is not a passenger car. As with other vehicles of this type,
failure to operate this vehicle correctly may result in loss of vehicle
control, vehicle rollover, personal injury or death.
Using your vehicle with a snowplow
For more information and guidelines for using your vehicle with a
snowplow, refer to theDrivingchapter.
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Using your vehicle as an ambulance
If your light truck is equipped with the Ford Ambulance Preparation
Package, it may be utilized as an ambulance. Ford urges ambulance
manufacturers to follow the recommendations of theFord Incomplete
Vehicle Manual, Ford Truck Body Builder’s Layout Bookand the
Qualified Vehicle Modifiers (QVM) Guidelinesas well as pertinent
supplements. For additional information, please contact the Truck Body
Builders Advisory Service at http://www.fleet.ford.com/truckbbas/ and
then by selecting “Contact Us” or by phone at 1–877–840–4338.
Use of your Ford light truck as an ambulance, without the Ford Ambulance
Preparation Package voids the Ford New Vehicle Limited Warranty and
may void the Emissions Warranties. In addition, ambulance usage without
the preparation package could cause high underbody temperatures,
overpressurized fuel and a risk of spraying fuel which could lead to fires.
If your vehicle is equipped with the Ford Ambulance Preparation
Package, it will be indicated on the Safety Compliance Certification
Label. The label is located on the driver’s side door pillar or on the rear
edge of the driver’s door. You can determine whether the ambulance
manufacturer followed Ford’s recommendations by directly contacting
that manufacturer. Ford Ambulance Preparation Package is only available
on certain Diesel engine equipped vehicles.
Using your vehicle as a stationary power source (PTO)
Refer to theDrivingchapter for more information and guidelines for
operating a vehicle equipped with an aftermarket power take-off system.
DATA RECORDING
Service Data Recording
Service data recorders in your vehicle are capable of collecting and
storing diagnostic information about your vehicle. This potentially
includes information about the performance or status of various systems
and modules in the vehicle, such as engine, throttle, steering or brake
systems. In order to properly diagnose and service your vehicle, Ford
Motor Company, Ford of Canada, and service and repair facilities may
access or share among them vehicle diagnostic information received
through a direct connection to your vehicle when diagnosing or servicing
your vehicle. For U.S. only (if equipped), if you choose to use the SYNC
Vehicle Health Report, you consent that certain diagnostic information
may also be accessed electronically by Ford Motor Company and Ford
authorized service facilities, and that the diagnostic information may be
used for any purpose. See yourSYNCsupplement for more information.
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2012 F-250/350/450/550(f23)
Owners Guide, 4th Printing
USA(fus)