2012 FORD F250 ESP

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.
Introduction
6
2012 F-250/350/450/550(f23)
Owners Guide, 4th Printing
USA(fus)

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.
EXPORT UNIQUE (NON–UNITED STATES/CANADA) VEHICLE
SPECIFIC INFORMATION
For your particular global region, your vehicle may be equipped with
features and options that are different from the features and options that
are described in this Owner’s Guide. A market unique supplement may
be supplied that complements this book. By referring to the market
unique supplement, if provided, you can properly identify those features,
recommendations and specifications that are unique to your vehicle. This
Owner’s Guide is written primarily for the U.S. and Canadian Markets.
Features or equipment listed as standard may be different on units built
for Export.Refer to this Owner’s Guide for all other required
information and warnings.
Introduction
11
2012 F-250/350/450/550(f23)
Owners Guide, 4th Printing
USA(fus)

bulb works. If any light remains on after starting the vehicle, refer to the
respective system warning light for additional information.
Standard message center
Note:Some warning lights are
reconfigurable telltale (RTT)
indicator lights and will illuminate in
the message center. These lights
function the same as the other
warning lights.
Optional message center
Note:Some warning lights are
reconfigurable telltale (RTT)
indicator lights and will illuminate in
the message center. These lights
function the same as the other
warning lights. The first three
positions will only display one
warning telltale at a time; the last
three positions can cycle between
different warning telltales.
Service engine soon:The service
engine soon indicator
illuminates when the ignition is first
turned to the on position to check
the bulb and to indicate whether the vehicle is ready for
Inspection/Maintenance (I/M) testing. Normally, the service engine soon
indicator will stay on until the engine is cranked, then turn itself off if no
malfunctions are present. However, if after 15 seconds the service engine
soon indicator blinks eight times, it means that the vehicle is not ready
for I/M testing. See theReadiness for Inspection/Maintenance (I/M)
testingin theMaintenance and Specificationschapter.
Solid illumination after the engine is started indicates the on-board
diagnostics system (OBD-II) has detected a malfunction. Refer to
On-board diagnostics (OBD-II)in theMaintenance and Specifications
chapter. If the light is blinking, engine misfire is occurring which could
damage your catalytic converter. Drive in a moderate fashion (avoid
heavy acceleration and deceleration) and have your vehicle serviced
immediately by your authorized dealer.
Instrument Cluster
15
2012 F-250/350/450/550(f23)
Owners Guide, 4th Printing
USA(fus)

ADVTRAC ON MYKEY SETTING (if equipped)— Displayed when a
MyKeyis in use when trying to disable the ESC system and the
optional setting is on. Refer toMyKeyin theLocks and Security
chapter for more information.
SERVICE ADVANCETRAC (if equipped)— Displayed when the
AdvanceTracsystem has detected a condition that requires service.
Contact your authorized dealer as soon as possible.
TO STOP ALARM START VEHICLE (if equipped)— Displayed
when the perimeter alarm system is armed and the vehicle is entered
using the key on the driver’s side door. In order to prevent the perimeter
alarm system from triggering, the ignition must be turned to start or on
before the 12 second chime expires. SeePerimeter alarm systemin the
Locks and Securitychapter.
SECURITY SYSTEM FAULT— Displayed when the security system
has detected a fault. See your authorized dealer for service.
WIRING FAULT ON TRAILER (if equipped)— Displayed and
accompanied by a single chime if there are certain faults in the vehicle
wiring and trailer wiring/brake system. Refer toTrailer towingin the
Tires, Wheels and Loadingchapter for more information.
TRAILER BRAKE MODULE FAULT (if equipped)— Displayed and
accompanied by a single chime in response to faults sensed by the TBC.
Refer toTrailer towingin theTires, Wheels and Loadingchapter for
more information.
TRAILER CONNECTED (if equipped)— Displayed when a correct
trailer connection (a trailer with electric trailer brakes) is sensed during
a given ignition cycle. Refer toTrailer towingin theTires, Wheels and
Loadingchapter for more information.
TRAILER BRAKE GAIN = XX.X (if equipped)— Displays the
current gain setting for the trailer brake. Refer toTrailer towingin the
Tires, Wheels and Loadingchapter for more information.
TBC GAIN = XX.X NO TRAILER (if equipped)— Displays the
current gain setting for the trailer brake when a trailer is not connected.
Refer toTrailer towingin theTires, Wheels and Loadingchapter for
more information.
TRAILER DISCONNECTED (if equipped)— Displayed and
accompanied by a single chime when a trailer connection becomes
disconnected, either intentionally or unintentionally, and has been sensed
during a given ignition cycle. Refer toTrailer towingin theTires,
Wheels and Loadingchapter for more information.
Instrument Cluster
32
2012 F-250/350/450/550(f23)
Owners Guide, 4th Printing
USA(fus)

ENGINE WARMING PLEASE WAIT XX (diesel engine only)—
Displayed in extremely cold weather, typically below –15°F (–26°C), if
the engine block heater is not utilized. The engine will not respond to
accelerator pedal movement for 30 seconds; this is done so the engine oil
can be properly circulated to avoid engine damage from lack of
lubrication. A timer will begin a countdown from 30 seconds. Once the
counter has reached 0 seconds, OK TO DRIVE will be displayed and the
engine will respond to accelerator pedal movement. Refer to your diesel
supplement for more information.
OK TO DRIVE (diesel engine only)— Displayed when the time
counter has reached 0 (zero) and the engine is sufficiently warm enough
to drive in extremely cold weather (refer to the engine warming please
wait message description mentioned previously). Refer to your diesel
supplement for more information.
WATER IN FUEL DRAIN FILTER (diesel engine only)— Displayed
when the water separator has reached a predetermined capacity and
needs to be drained. Refer to your diesel supplement for more
information.
ENGINE TURNS OFF IN XX (diesel engine only)— Displayed
when the vehicle is in the final 30 seconds of a countdown to where the
engine will intentionally be turned off by the PCM. The diesel engine
shutdown for extended idling is an optional feature. Refer to your diesel
supplement for more information.
ENGINE TURNED OFF (diesel engine only)— Displayed after the
30 second countdown. Refer to your diesel supplement for more information.
DRIVE TO CLEAN EXHAUST FILTER (diesel engine only)—
Displayed when the Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF) is full of particles
(exhaust soot) and the vehicle is not being operated in a manner to
allow normal cleaning. This message will stay on until the exhaust filter
cleaning has begun, at which time the CLEANING EXHAUST FILTER
message will be displayed. It is recommended the vehicle operator drive
the vehicle above 30 mph (48 km/h) until the CLEANING EXHAUST
FILTER message turns off. This message is NORMAL. Refer to your
diesel supplement for more information.
Note:If this message is ignored, your vehicle will continue to fill the
Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF) with particles (exhaust soot). If cleaning
is not permitted, the
light will illuminate and engine power may be
limited. If the vehicle is still not operated in a manner to allow cleaning,
the service engine soon light
will illuminate and engine power will
be further limited. Dealer service will then be required to restore your
vehicle to full-power operation.
Instrument Cluster
35
2012 F-250/350/450/550(f23)
Owners Guide, 4th Printing
USA(fus)

Vehicle* (cont’d)
Menu ControlStandard: with standard set, pressing the up/down
arrows from a lower level menu will escape to the
main menu.
Memory On: with memory on set, pressing the
up/down arrows will navigate to the previous lower
level menu.
Oil Life Reset (if
equipped)Set to XXX% (Press and hold OK to set).
Remote StartDuration 5, 10 or 15 minutes
System Enable/Disable
Wiper Control On/Off
* If equipped—your vehicle may be equipped with some or all of these
options.
MyKey
Create MyKey Hold OK to create MyKey
*AdvanceTrac Always on or Selectable
*MAX Speed 80 MPH (120 km/h) or Off
*Speed Warning 45, 55 or 65 MPH (75, 90 or 105 km/h), Off
*Volume Limiter On/Off
*Clear MyKeys Hold OK to Clear MyKeys
*Only displays if MyKey is programmed.
Language
English, Español, Français
Units
Units English or Metric
System Reset
Hold OK to Reset System to Factory Default
Instrument Cluster
46
2012 F-250/350/450/550(f23)
Owners Guide, 4th Printing
USA(fus)

ENGINE TURNS OFF IN XX SECONDS (diesel engine only)—
Displayed when the vehicle is in the final 30 seconds of a countdown to
where the engine will intentionally be turned off by the PCM. The diesel
engine shutdown for extended idling is an optional feature. Refer to your
diesel supplement for more information.
ENGINE TURNED OFF (diesel engine only)— Displayed after the
30 second countdown. Refer to your diesel supplement for more
information.
ENGINE WARMING PLEASE WAIT (diesel engine only)—
Displayed in extremely cold weather, typically below –15°F (–26°C), if
the engine block heater is not utilized. The engine will not respond to
accelerator pedal movement for 30 seconds; this is done so the engine oil
can be properly circulated to avoid engine damage from lack of
lubrication. A timer will begin a countdown from 30 seconds. Once the
counter has reached 0 seconds, OK TO DRIVE will be displayed and the
engine will respond to accelerator pedal movement. Refer to your diesel
supplement for more information.
EXHAUST FILTER DRIVE COMPLETE (diesel engine only)—
Displayed when the Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF) has been adequately
cleaned after the DRIVE TO CLEAN EXHAUST FILTER followed by
CLEANING EXHAUST FILTER messages have been displayed. This
message is NORMAL. Refer to your diesel supplement for more
information.
EXHAUST FILTER CLEANED (diesel engine only)— Displayed
when the Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF) has been adequately cleaned by
the manual regeneration process (OCR). Refer to your diesel supplement
for more information.
EXHAUST CLEAN STOPPED (diesel engine only)— Displayed
when the Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF) manual regeneration process
(OCR) has been stopped. Refer to your diesel supplement for more
information.
EXHAUST FLUID RANGE XXX MI (diesel engine only)— Displays
the distance you can travel before depleting the remaining diesel exhaust
fluid. Refer to your diesel supplement for more information.
IN XX MILES, SPEED LIMITED TO XX MPH EXHAUST FLUID
EMPTY (diesel engine only)— Displayed when the diesel exhaust
fluid is nearing empty. The vehicle’s top speed will become limited in the
displayed distance. The diesel exhaust fluid must be replenished to
resume normal operation of the vehicle. Refer to your diesel supplement
for more information.
Instrument Cluster
51
2012 F-250/350/450/550(f23)
Owners Guide, 4th Printing
USA(fus)

SPEED LIMITED TO 130 KM/H— Displayed when starting the
vehicle and MyKeyis in use and the MyKey speed limit is on. Refer to
MyKeyin theLocks and Securitychapter for more information.
SPEED LIMITED TO 80 MPH— Displayed when starting the vehicle
and MyKeyis in use and the MyKey speed limit is on. Refer toMyKey
in theLocks and Securitychapter for more information.
VEHICLE AT TOP SPEED - MYKEY SETTING— Displayed when a
MyKeyis in use and the MyKey speed limit is on and the vehicle speed
is 80 mph (130 km/h). Refer toMyKeyin theLocks and Security
chapter for more information.
VEHICLE NEAR TOP SPEED— Displayed when a MyKeyis in use
and the MyKey speed limit is on and the vehicle speed is approaching
80 mph (130 km/h). Refer toMyKeyin theLocks and Security
chapter for more information.
CHECK REAR PARK AID (if equipped)— Displayed when the
transmission is in R (Reverse) and the park aid is disabled.
REAR PARK AID OFF (if equipped)— Displayed when the rear park
aid is disabled by the driver.
REAR PARK AID ON (if equipped)— Displayed when the rear park
aid is enabled.
TO STOP ALARM, START VEHICLE (if equipped)— Displayed
when the perimeter alarm system is armed and the vehicle is entered
using the key on the driver’s side door. In order to prevent the perimeter
alarm system from triggering, the ignition must be turned to start or on
before the 12 second chime expires. SeePerimeter alarm systemin the
Locks and securitychapter.
TRAILER BRAKE GAIN: XX.X [OUTPUT] (if equipped)— Displays
the current gain setting for the trailer brake. Refer toTrailer towingin
theTires, Wheels and Loadingchapter for more information.
TRAILER BRAKE GAIN: XX.X NO TRAILER (if equipped)—
Displays the current gain setting for the trailer brake when a trailer is
not connected. Refer toTrailer towingin theTires, Wheels and
Loadingchapter for more information.
TRAILER BRAKE MODULE FAULT (if equipped)— Displayed and
accompanied by a single chime, in response to faults sensed by the TBC.
Refer toTrailer towingin theTires, Wheels and Loadingchapter for
more information.
Instrument Cluster
58
2012 F-250/350/450/550(f23)
Owners Guide, 4th Printing
USA(fus)