2012 FORD F250 power steering

6.2L V8 gasoline engine
1. Windshield washer fluid reservoir
2. Engine oil dipstick
3. Automatic transmission fluid dipstick
4. Brake fluid reservoir
5. Engine coolant reservoir
6. Power distribution box
7. Air filter assembly
8. Power steering fluid reservoir
9. Engine oil filler cap
10. Battery
123456
10987
Maintenance and Specifications
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2012 F-250/350/450/550(f23)
Owners Guide, 4th Printing
USA(fus)

6.8L V10 gasoline engine
1. Windshield washer fluid reservoir
2. Battery
3. Automatic transmission fluid dipstick
4. Engine oil filler cap
5. Engine oil dipstick
6. Power steering fluid reservoir
7. Brake fluid reservoir
8. Engine coolant reservoir
9. Air filter assembly
10. Power distribution box
12356789104
Maintenance and Specifications
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What you should know about fail-safe cooling (if equipped)
If the engine coolant supply is depleted, this feature allows the vehicle to
be driven temporarily before incremental component damage is incurred.
The “fail-safe” distance depends on ambient temperatures, vehicle load
and terrain.
WARNING:If fail-safe cooling activates, pull off the road as
soon as safely possible and turn the engine off. The engine may
automatically shut off while driving without further indication.
How fail-safe cooling works
If the engine begins to overheat:
•The engine coolant temperature gauge will move to the red (hot)
area.
•The message center will indicate the engine is overheating.
•The service engine soon
indicator will illuminate.
If the engine reaches a preset over-temperature condition, the engine
will automatically switch to alternating cylinder operation. Each disabled
cylinder acts as an air pump and cools the engine.
When this occurs the vehicle will still operate. However:
•The engine power will be limited.
•The air conditioning system will be disabled.
Continued operation will increase the engine temperature and the engine
will completely shut down, causing steering and braking effort to
increase.
Once the engine temperature cools, the engine can be restarted. Take
your vehicle to an authorized dealer as soon as possible to minimize
engine damage.
When fail-safe mode is activated
You have limited engine power when in the fail-safe mode, so drive the
vehicle with caution. The vehicle will not be able to maintain high-speed
operation and the engine will run rough. Remember that the engine is
capable of completely shutting down automatically to prevent engine
damage; therefore:
1. Pull off the road as soon as safely possible and turn off the engine.
2. Arrange for the vehicle to be taken to an authorized dealer.
Maintenance and Specifications
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2012 F-250/350/450/550(f23)
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USA(fus)

POWER STEERING FLUID
Check the power steering fluid. Refer toscheduled maintenance
information.If adding fluid is necessary, use only MERCONAT F.
•Gasoline engine shown; diesel
engine similar. Refer to
Identifying components in the
engine compartmentin the
diesel supplement.
Check the fluid level when it is at ambient temperature, 20°F–80°F
(-7°C–25°C):
1. Check the fluid level in the reservoir. It should be between the MIN
and MAX range. Do not add fluid if the level is within this range.
2. If the fluid level is low. Add fluid to bring fluid level up to be between
the MIN and MAX range.
3. Start the engine.
4. While the engine idles, turn the steering wheel left and right several
times.
5. Turn the engine off.
6. Recheck the fluid level in the reservoir. Do not add fluid if the level is
between the MIN and MAX range.
7. If the fluid is low, add fluid in small amounts, continuously checking
the level until it is between the MIN and MAX range. Refer to
Maintenance products specifications and capacitiesin this chapter for
the proper fluid type. Be sure to put the cap back on the reservoir.
Maintenance and Specifications
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Owners Guide, 4th Printing
USA(fus)

Item Capacity Ford part nameFord part number /
Ford specification
Hinges, latches, striker
plates, fuel filler door
hinge and seat tracks— Multi-Purpose GreaseXG–4 or XL-5 /
ESB-M1C93–B
Lock cylinders —MotorcraftPenetrating
and Lock LubricantXL-1 / None
Transmission / parking
brake linkages and
pivots, brake pedal shift—MotorcraftPremium
Long-Life GreaseXG-1-C or XG-1-K /
WSD-M1C227-A
Power steering fluidKeep fluid level
between MIN and
MAX on reservoirMotorcraft
MERCONVATFXT-5-QM /
MERCONV
Transfer case fluid 2.0 quarts (1.9L)MotorcraftTransfer
Case FluidXL-12 / —
Automatic transmission
fluid
(5–speed)
3
17.5 quarts
(16.6L)
4, 6
Motorcraft
MERCONLV AT FXT-10–QLV /
MERCONLV
Automatic transmission
fluid
(6-speed)
3
18.5 quarts
(17.5L)
4, 7
16.7 quarts
(15.8L)
4, 7
Maintenance and Specifications
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USA(fus)

Check every six months
Parking brake for proper operation
Safety belts and seat latches for wear and function
Safety warning lamps (brake, ABS, airbag, safety belt) for operation
Washer spray/wiper operation; clean or replace blades as necessary
Multi-point Inspection
In order to keep your vehicle running right, it is important to have the
systems on your vehicle checked regularly. This can help identify
potential issues and prevent major problems. Ford Motor Company
recommends the following multi-point inspection be performed at every
scheduled maintenance interval to help make sure your vehicle keeps
running great.
Multi-point inspection – Recommended each visit
Accessory drive belt(s) Half-shaft dust boots (if equipped)
Battery performance Horn operation
Clutch operation (if equipped) Radiator, cooler, heater and A/C hoses
Engine air filter Suspension component for leaks or
damage
Exhaust system Steering and linkage
Exterior lamps and hazard
warning system operationTires for wear and proper pressure,
including spare
Fluid levels*; fill if necessary Windshield for cracks, chips or pits
For oil and fluid leaks Washer spray and wiper operation
*Brake, coolant recovery reservoir, manual and automatic transmission
(with an underhood dipstick), power steering (if equipped) and window
washer
Be sure to ask your dealership service advisor or technician about the
multi-point vehicle inspection. It’s a comprehensive way to perform a
thorough inspection of your vehicle. It’s your checklist that gives you
immediate feedback on the overall condition of your vehicle. You’ll know
what’s been checked, what’s okay, as well as those things that may
require future or immediate attention. The multi-point vehicle inspection
is one more way to keep your vehicle running great!
Scheduled Maintenance
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2012 F-250/350/450/550(f23)
Owners Guide, 4th Printing
USA(fus)

LATCH .....................................206
recommendations ...................197
Child safety seats -
booster seats .............................212
Cleaning your vehicle
engine compartment ..............363
instrument panel ............365–366
interior .....................................367
plastic parts ............................364
safety belts ..............................367
washing ....................................361
waxing .....................................362
wheels ......................................362
wiper blades ............................364
Climate control (see Air
conditioning or Heating) ......78, 81
Clock ......................................61, 63
Compass, electronic
set zone adjustment .................27
Console ......................................100
overhead ..................................100
Controls
power seat ...............................159
steering column ......................112
Coolant ......................................379
checking and adding ..............379
refill capacities ................383, 411
Cruise control
(see Speed control) ..................110
Customer Assistance ................319
Ford accessories for your
vehicle .....................................369
Ford Extended Service
Plan ..................................421, 423
Getting assistance outside
the U.S. and Canada ..............357
Getting roadside assistance ...319
Getting the service you
need .........................................353Ordering additional owner’s
literature .................................359
Utilizing the
Mediation/Arbitration
Program ...................................357
D
Daytime running lamps
(see Lamps) ................................89
Defrost
rear window and rearview
mirrors .......................................81
windshield .................................81
Dipstick
automatic transmission
fluid ..........................................400
engine oil .................................375
Driving under special
conditions ..................295, 309, 312
sand .........................................311
snow and ice ...........................313
through water .................311, 315
E
Electronic message center ...22, 39
Emergencies, roadside
jump-starting ..........................348
Emergency Flashers .................320
Emission control system ..........396
Engine ........................................415
cleaning ...................................363
coolant .....................................379
diesel ...........................................7
fail-safe cooling .......................384
idle speed control ...................377
refill capacities ........................411
service points ..................371–373
Engine block heater .................269
Index
443
2012 F-250/350/450/550(f23)
Owners Guide, 4th Printing
USA(fus)

P
Parental MyKey
programming .............................129
Parking brake ............................273
Parts
(see Motorcraftparts) ...........410
Pedals (see Power adjustable
foot pedals) ...............................110
Power adjustable foot pedals ...110
Power distribution box
(see Fuses) ...............................327
Power door locks ......................137
Power mirrors ...........................106
Powerpoint ................................101
Power steering ..........................282
fluid, checking and adding ....399
fluid, refill capacity ................411
Power Windows .........................103
Preparing to drive your
vehicle ........................................285
R
Radio ......................................60, 62
Rear-view camera system .........298
Recommendations for
attaching safety restraints
for children ................................197
Relays ........................................321
Remote entry system .......141–142
illuminated entry ....................145
locking/unlocking doors .........142
Remote start ...........................146
replacement/additional
transmitters .............................145
replacing the batteries ...........144Remote start .............................146
Remote start climate
operation .....................................85
Reverse sensing system ...........296
Roadside assistance ..................319
S
Safety belts
(see Safety restraints) ...........168,
170, 172, 174–175
Safety Canopy ...................185–186
Safety defects, reporting ..359–360
Safety restraints ...............168, 170,
172, 174–175
Belt-Minder...........................176
extension assembly ................175
for adults .................170, 172, 174
for children .............................195
warning light and chime ........176
Safety restraints -
LATCH anchors .........................206
Safety seats for children ..........199
Safety Compliance
Certification Label ....................416
Satellite Radio Information ........74
Scheduled Maintenance Guide
Normal Scheduled
Maintenance and Log .............428
Seats ..........................................153
child safety seats ....................199
cleaning ...................................368
climate control ..................81, 162
easy access/easyout feature ..164
memory seat ...................143, 163
SecuriCode keyless entry
system ........................................147
Index
446
2012 F-250/350/450/550(f23)
Owners Guide, 4th Printing
USA(fus)