2012 FORD F250 tires

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
Table of Contents
2
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
Table of Contents
3
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.
Introduction
6
2012 F-250/350/450/550(f23)
Owners Guide, 4th Printing
USA(fus)

Door ajar (RTT):Displays when
the ignition is in the on position and
any door is not completely closed.
Engine coolant temperature
(RTT):Illuminates when the engine
coolant temperature is high. Stop
the vehicle as soon as possible, switch off the engine and let cool. Refer
toEngine coolantin theMaintenance and Specificationschapter.
WARNING:Never remove the coolant reservoir cap while the
engine is running or hot.
Low tire pressure warning (if
equipped):Illuminates when your
tire pressure is low. If the light
remains on at start up or while
driving, the tire pressure should be
checked. Refer toInflating your tiresin theTires, Wheels and
Loadingchapter. When the ignition is first turned to on, the light will
illuminate for three seconds to ensure the bulb is working. If the light
does not turn on, have the system inspected by your authorized dealer.
For more information on this system, refer toTire pressure monitoring
system (TPMS)in theTires, Wheels and Loadingchapter.
Hill descent (if equipped):
Displays when using the hill descent
mode. Refer to theDrivingchapter
for transmission function and
operation.
Transmission Tow/Haul Feature
(if equipped):Displays when the
Tow/Haul feature has been
activated. Refer to theDriving
chapter for transmission function and operation. If the light flashes
steadily, have the system serviced immediately, damage to the
transmission could occur.
Instrument Cluster
18
2012 F-250/350/450/550(f23)
Owners Guide, 4th Printing
USA(fus)

PARK BRAKE ENGAGED— Displayed when the parking brake is set,
the engine is running and the vehicle is driven more than 3 mph
(5 km/h). If the warning stays on after the parking brake is released,
contact your authorized dealer as soon as possible.
CHECK BRAKE SYSTEM— Displayed when a fault has been detected
by the ABS module.
BRAKE FLUID LEVEL LOW— Indicates the brake fluid level is low
and the brake system should be inspected immediately. Refer toBrake
fluidin theMaintenance and Specificationschapter.
FUEL LEVEL LOW— Displayed as a reminder of a low fuel condition.
CHECK PARK AID (if equipped)— Displayed when the transmission
is in R (Reverse) and the reverse sensing system (park aid) is disabled.
Refer toRear park aidin this section to enable.
TIRE PRESSURE SENSOR FAULT (if equipped)— Displayed when
a tire pressure sensor is malfunctioning, or your spare tire is in use. For
more information on how the system operates under these conditions,
refer toUnderstanding Your Tire Pressure Monitoring System
(TPMS)in theTires, Wheels and Loadingchapter. If the warning stays
on or continues to come on, contact your authorized dealer as soon as
possible.
LOW TIRE PRESSURE (if equipped)— Displayed when one or more
tires on your vehicle have low tire pressure. Refer toInflating your
tiresin theTires, Wheels and Loadingchapter.
TIRE PRESSURE MONITOR FAULT (if equipped)— Displayed
when the tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS) is functioning. If the
warning stays on or continues to come on, contact your authorized
dealer as soon as possible.
TRAIN LEFT FRONT TIRE (if equipped)— Displayed when training
the TPMS. Refer toTPMS reset procedurein theTires, Wheels and
Loadingchapter for more information.
TRAIN RIGHT FRONT TIRE (if equipped)— Displayed when
training the TPMS. Refer toTPMS reset procedurein theTires, Wheels
and Loadingchapter for more information.
TRAIN RIGHT REAR TIRE (if equipped)— Displayed when training
the TPMS. Refer toTPMS reset procedurein theTires, Wheels and
Loadingchapter for more information.
TRAIN LEFT REAR TIRE (if equipped)— Displayed when training
the TPMS. Refer toTPMS reset procedurein theTires, Wheels and
Loadingchapter for more information.
Instrument Cluster
30
2012 F-250/350/450/550(f23)
Owners Guide, 4th Printing
USA(fus)

TIRES NOT TRAINED – REPEAT (if equipped)— Displayed when
an error occurs while training the TPMS. Refer toTPMS reset procedure
in theTires, Wheels and Loadingchapter for more information.
TRAINING COMPLETE (if equipped)— Displayed when training of
the TPMS is complete. Refer toTPMS reset procedurein theTires,
Wheels and Loadingchapter for more information.
TRACTION CONTROL OFF (if equipped)— Displayed when the
traction control has been disabled by the driver. Refer to theDriving
chapter for more information.
INTKEY COULD NOT PROGRAM— Displayed when an attempt is
made to program a fifth integrated key to the remote keyless entry
system. For more information on integrated key, refer to theLocks and
Securitychapter.
KEY COULD NOT PROGRAM— Displayed when an attempt is made
to program a spare key using two existing MyKeys. Refer toMyKeyin
theLocks and Securitychapter for more information.
VEHICLE SPEED 80 MPH MAX— Displayed when a MyKeyis in
use and the Admin has enabled the MyKey speed limit and the vehicle
speed is 80 mph (130 km/h). Refer toMyKeyin 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.
CHECK SPEED DRIVE SAFELY— Displayed when a MyKeyis in
use and the optional setting is on and the vehicle exceeds a preselected
speed. Refer toMyKeyin theLocks and Securitychapter 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.
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 Securitychapter for
more information.
BUCKLE UP TO UNMUTE AUDIO— Displayed when a MyKeyis in
use and Belt-Minderis activated. Refer toMyKeyin theLocks and
Securitychapter for more information.
Instrument Cluster
31
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)

WATER IN FUEL DRAIN FILTER SEE MANUAL (if equipped)—
Displayed when the water separator has reached a predetermined
capacity and needs to be drained. Refer to your diesel supplement for
more information.
LOW TIRE PRESSURE— Displayed when one or more tires on your
vehicle have low tire pressure. Refer toInflating Your Tiresin the
Tires, Wheels and Loadingchapter.
TIRE PRESSURE MONITOR FAULT— Displayed when the Tire
Pressure Monitoring System is malfunctioning. If the warning stays on or
continues to come on, have the system inspected by your authorized
dealer.
TIRE PRESSURE SENSOR FAULT— Displayed when a tire pressure
sensor is malfunctioning, or your spare tire is in use. For more
information on how the system operates under these conditions, refer to
Understanding Your Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)in the
Tires, Wheels and Loadingchapter. If the warning stays on or
continues to come on, contact your authorized dealer as soon as
possible.
TIRES NOT TRAINED - REPEAT— Displayed when an error occurs
while training the TPMS. Refer toTPMS reset procedurein theTires,
Wheels and Loadingchapter for more information.
TRAIN INNER LEFT REAR TIRE— Displayed when training the
TPMS. Refer toTPMS reset procedurein theTires, Wheels and
Loadingchapter for more information.
TRAIN INNER RIGHT REAR TIRE— Displayed when training the
TPMS. Refer toTPMS reset procedurein theTires, Wheels and
Loadingchapter for more information.
TRAIN LEFT FRONT TIRE— Displayed when training the TPMS
system. Refer toTPMS reset procedurein theTires, Wheels and
Loadingchapter for more information.
TRAIN LEFT REAR TIRE— Displayed when training the TPMS
system. Refer toTPMS reset procedurein theTires, Wheels and
Loadingchapter for more information.
TRAIN RIGHT FRONT TIRE— Displayed when training the TPMS
system. Refer toTPMS reset procedurein theTires, Wheels and
Loadingchapter for more information.
TRAIN RIGHT REAR TIRE— Displayed when training the TPMS
system. Refer toTPMS reset procedurein theTires, Wheels and
Loadingchapter for more information.
Instrument Cluster
54
2012 F-250/350/450/550(f23)
Owners Guide, 4th Printing
USA(fus)