2012 FORD F250 instrument panel

WARNING:Remember that even advanced technology cannot
defy the laws of physics. It’s always possible to lose control of a
vehicle due to inappropriate driver input for the conditions. Aggressive
driving on any road condition can cause you to lose control of your
vehicle increasing the risk of personal injury or property damage.
Activation of the AdvanceTracwith RSCsystem is an indication that
at least some of the tires have exceeded their ability to grip the road;
this could reduce the operator’s ability to control the vehicle,
potentially resulting in a loss of vehicle control, vehicle rollover,
personal injury and death. If your AdvanceTracwith RSCsystem
activates, SLOW DOWN.
WARNING:If a failure has been detected within the
AdvanceTracwith RSCsystem, the stability control light will
illuminate steadily. Verify that the AdvanceTracwith RSCsystem is
not manually disabled. Press the stability control button located on the
instrument panel to the right of the climate control system. If the
stability control light still illuminates steadily, have the system serviced
by an authorized dealer immediately. Operating your vehicle with
AdvanceTracwith RSCdisabled could lead to an increased risk of
loss of vehicle control, vehicle rollover, personal injury and death.
The AdvanceTracwith RSCsystem automatically enables each time the
engine is started. All features of the AdvanceTracwith RSCsystem
(TCS, ESC, and RSC) are active and monitor the vehicle from start-up.
However, the system will only intervene if the driving situation requires it.
The AdvanceTracwith RSC
system includes a stability control
button located on the instrument
panel to the right of the climate
control system, a stability control
light and a stability control off light
in the instrument cluster. Both
lights will illuminate temporarily during start-up as part of a normal
system self-check. The stability control light may illuminate (flash)
during certain driving situations which cause the AdvanceTracwith
RSCsystem to operate. If the stability control light and stability control
off light illuminate steadily, have the system serviced by an authorized
dealer immediately. The message center will also indicate a failure with
the AdvanceTracwith RSCsystem.
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Note:If the system cannot be turned off, refer toMyKeyin theLocks
and Securitychapter for more information.
When AdvanceTracwith RSCperforms a normal system self-check,
some drivers may notice a slight movement of the brake, and/or a
rumble, grunting, or grinding noise after startup and when driving off.
When an event occurs that activates AdvanceTracwith RSCyou may
experience the following:
•A slight deceleration of the vehicle
•The stability control light will flash.
•A vibration in the pedal when your foot is on the brake pedal
•If the driving condition is severe and your foot is not on the brake, the
brake pedal may move as the systems applies higher brake forces. You
may also hear a whoosh of air from under the instrument panel during
this severe condition.
•The brake pedal may feel stiffer than usual.
Traction control system (TCS)
Traction control is a driver aid feature that helps your vehicle maintain
traction of the wheels, typically when driving on slippery and/or hilly
road surfaces, by detecting and controlling wheel spin.
Excessive wheel spin is controlled in two ways, which may work
separately or in tandem: engine traction control and brake traction
control. Engine traction control works to limit drive-wheel spin by
momentarily reducing engine power. Brake traction control works to limit
wheel spin by momentarily applying the brakes to the wheel that is
slipping. Traction control is most active at low speeds.
During TCS events the stability control light in the instrument cluster
will flash.
If the TCS is activated excessively in a short period of time, the braking
portion of the system may become temporarily disabled to allow the
brakes to cool down. In this situation, TCS will use only engine power
reduction to help control the wheels from over-spinning. When the
brakes have cooled down, the system will regain all features. Anti-lock
braking, RSC, and ESC are not affected by this condition and will
continue to function during the cool-down period.
The engine traction control and brake traction control system may be
deactivated in certain situations. See theSwitching off AdvanceTrac
with RSCsection following.
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Switching off AdvanceTracwith RSC
If the vehicle is stuck in snow, mud or sand, and seems to lose engine
power, switching off certain features of the AdvanceTracwith RSC
system may be beneficial because the wheels are allowed to spin. This
will restore full engine power and will enhance momentum through the
obstacle. To switch off the AdvanceTracwith RSCsystem, press the
stability control button located on the instrument panel to the right of
the climate control system. Full features of the AdvanceTracwith RSC
system can be restored by pressing the button again or by turning off
and restarting the engine.
If you switch off the AdvanceTracwith RSCsystem, the stability
control off light will illuminate steadily. Pressing the stability control
button again will turn off the stability control off light and reactivate the
system.
In R (Reverse), ABS and the engine traction control and brake traction
control features will continue to function; however, ESC and RSCare
disabled.
AdvanceTracwith RSCFeatures (SRW only)
Button functionsStability
control
light
RSCESC TCS
Default at start-upIlluminated
during bulb
checkEnabled Enabled Enabled
Button pressed
momentarilyIlluminated
solidEnabled Enabled
1Disabled
Button pressed and
held for more than
5 seconds at vehicle
speed under 35 mph
(56 km/h)Flashes then
illuminated
solid
2Disabled Disabled Disabled
Vehicle speed
exceeds 35 mph
(56 km/h) after
button is pressed
and held for more
than 5 secondsIlluminated
solidEnabled Enabled
1Disabled
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Enabling hill descent control and setting the descent speed
1. Press and release the hill descent
button located on the instrument
panel. A light in the cluster will
illuminate and chime will sound
when this feature is activated.
2. To increase descent speed, press the accelerator pedal until the
desired speed is reached. To decrease descent speed, press the brake
pedal until the desired speed is reached.
Whether accelerating or decelerating, once the desired descent speed is
reached, remove your feet from the pedals and the chosen vehicle speed
will be maintained.
Note:Noise from the ABS pump motor may be observed during hill
descent control operation. This is a normal characteristic of the ABS and
should be no reason for concern.
Hill descent modes
•At speeds below 20 mph (32 km/h): When the HDC switch is pressed
and HDC is active, the HDC telltale will flash.
•At speeds below 20 mph (32 km/h): When the HDC switch is pressed
and conditions are not correct for hill descent activation, the HDC
system will be enabled, the light in the cluster will be on solid and
HILL DESCENT CONTROL READY will be displayed in the message
center.
•At speeds above 20 mph (32 km/h): When the HDC switch is pressed,
the HDC system will be enabled, the light in the cluster will not be
illuminated and FOR HILL CNTRL, 20 MPH OR LESS will be displayed
in the message center.
Refer toMessage centerin theInstrument Clusterchapter for hill
descent control messages.
STEERING
To help prevent damage to the power steering system:
•Never hold the steering wheel at its furthest turning points (until it
stops) for more than three to five seconds when the engine is running.
•Do not operate the vehicle with a low power steering pump fluid level
(below the MIN mark on the reservoir).
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The ESOF 4WD system:
•provides 4x4 High engagement and disengagement while the vehicle is
moving.
•is operated by a rotary control located on the instrument panel that
allows you select 4x2, 4x4 High or 4x4 Low operation.
•uses auto-manual hub locks that can be engaged and disengaged
automatically based on the 4x4 mode selected.
•auto-manual hub locks can be
manually overridden by rotating
the hub lock control from AUTO
to LOCK if desired.
•automatic operation of the
hub locks is recommended,and
will increase fuel economy
•For proper operation, make
sure that each hub is fully
engaged and that both hub
locks are set to the same position (both set to LOCK or both
set to AUTO). To engage LOCK, turn the hub locks completely
clockwise; to engage AUTO, turn the hub locks completely
counterclockwise.
4WD system indicator lights
The indicator lights illuminate in the message center in the
reconfigurable telltale (RTT) under the following conditions. Refer to
Warning lights and chimesin theInstrument Clusterchapter.
•4X2- Momentarily illuminates
when 2H is selected on electronic
shift 4WD systems only.
•4X4 HIGH- Illuminates when 4H
(4x4 High) is engaged.
•4X4 LOW- Illuminates when 4L
(4x4 Low) is engaged.
•CHECK 4X4– Displays when a
4x4 system fault is present
4x2
4x4
HIGH
4x4
LOW
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helps to remove the hot wax deposited on the wiper blade and
windshield from automated car wash facilities. Be sure to replace
wiper blades when they appear worn or do not function properly.
•Do not use abrasives, as they may cause scratches.
•Do not use fuel, kerosene, or paint thinner to clean any parts.
INSTRUMENT PANEL/INTERIOR TRIM AND CLUSTER LENS
(EXCEPT HARLEY-DAVIDSON)
Clean the instrument panel, interior trim areas and cluster lens with a
clean and damp, white cotton cloth, then with a clean and dry, white
cotton cloth.
•Avoid cleaners or polishes that increase the gloss of the upper portion
of the instrument panel. The dull finish in this area helps protect the
driver from undesirable windshield reflection.
•Be certain to wash or wipe your hands clean if you have been in
contact with certain products such as insect repellent and suntan
lotion in order to avoid possible damage to the interior painted
surfaces.
•Do not use household or glass cleaners as these may damage the
finish of the instrument panel, interior trim and cluster lens.
•Do not allow air fresheners and hand sanitizers to spill on interior
surfaces. If a spill occurs,wipe off immediately. Damage may not be
covered by your warranty.
WARNING:Do not use chemical solvents or strong detergents
when cleaning the steering wheel or instrument panel to avoid
contamination of the airbag system.
If a staining liquid like coffee/juice has been spilled on the instrument
panel or on interior trim surfaces, clean as follows:
1. Wipe up spilled liquid using a clean white cotton cloth.
2. Wipe the surface with a damp, clean, white cotton cloth. For more
thorough cleaning, use a mild soap and water solution. If the spot cannot
be completely cleaned by this method, the area may be cleaned using a
commercially available cleaning product designed for automotive
interiors.
3. If necessary, apply more soap and water solution or cleaning product
to a clean, white, cotton cloth and press the cloth onto the soiled
area–allow this to set at room temperature for 30 minutes.
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4. Remove the soaked cloth, and if it is not soiled badly, use this cloth to
clean the area by using a rubbing motion for 60 seconds.
5. Following this, wipe area dry with a clean, white, cotton cloth.
INSTRUMENT PANEL AND CONSOLE (HARLEY-DAVIDSON ONLY)
Your vehicle’s instrument panel and console are uniquely painted with
both high and low gloss paints that require special care. The high gloss
area is similar to that of the vehicle’s exterior; the low gloss area is
designed to help protect the driver from undesirable windshield
reflection.
High gloss paint area
In order to maintain the finish of the instrument panel and console, the
high gloss areas should be treated similar to the that of exterior paint or
glossy plastic surfaces. When cleaning the high gloss areas:
•Do not usepaper towels or newspaper.
•Do not usesilicone or Teflon(PTFE)-based products.
Dust the high gloss areas with a clean, dry cloth, or use Motorcraft
Dusting Cloth (ZC-24).
For general cleaning, use mild, soapy water and a soft, damp cloth, then
dry with a clean, dry cloth.
For removal of fine scuffs and scratches, use Scotch-Brite Microfiber
Cloth or cheese cloth along with MotorcraftPremium Liquid Wax
(ZC-53-A). Note: Removal of deep scuffs and scratches should be
performed by an authorized dealer or an experienced repair facility.
Low gloss paint area
The low gloss area of the instrument panel’s upper dash should be
cleaned with mild, soapy water and a soft, damp cloth, then dried with a
clean, dry cloth. When cleaning the low gloss areas:
•Do not usepaper towels or newspaper.
•Do not usesilicone or Teflon(PTFE)-based products.
•Do not useexterior paint waxes or sealants.
Dust the low gloss areas with a clean, dry cloth, or use Motorcraft
Dusting Cloth (ZC-24).
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OPENING THE HOOD
1. Inside the vehicle, pull the hood
release handle located under the
bottom left corner of the instrument
panel.
2. Go to the front of the vehicle to
release the auxiliary latch located at
the top center of the grille. Slide the
handle left to release the auxiliary
latch.
3. Lift the hood until the lift
cylinders hold it open.
IDENTIFYING COMPONENTS IN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT
Refer to the diesel supplement for diesel engine component locations.
Maintenance and Specifications
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