2012 FORD F250 wheel

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

Event Data Recording
This vehicle is equipped with an event data recorder (EDR). The
main purpose of an EDR is to record, in certain crash or near
crash-like situations, such as an airbag deployment or hitting a
road obstacle; this data will assist in understanding how a
vehicle’s systems performed. The EDR is designed to record data
related to vehicle dynamics and safety systems for a short period
of time, typically 30 seconds or less. The EDR in this vehicle is
designed to record such data as:
•How various systems in your vehicle were operating;
•Whether or not the driver and passenger safety belts were
buckled/fastened;
•How far (if at all) the driver was depressing the accelerator
and/or the brake pedal; and
•How fast the vehicle was travelling; and
•Where the driver was positioning the steering wheel.
This data can help provide a better understanding of the
circumstances in which crashes and injuries occur.
Note: EDR data is recorded by your vehicle only if a non-trivial
crash situation occurs; no data is recorded by the EDR under
normal driving conditions and no personal data or information
(e.g., name, gender, age, and crash location) is recorded (see
limitations regarding 911 Assist and Traffic, directions and
Information privacy below). However, parties, such as law
enforcement, could combine the EDR data with the type of
personally identifying data routinely acquired during a crash
investigation.
To read data recorded by an EDR, special equipment is required,
and access to the vehicle or the EDR is needed. In addition to the
vehicle manufacturer, other parties, such as law enforcement,
that have such special equipment, can read the information if
they have access to the vehicle or the EDR. Ford Motor Company
and Ford of Canada do not access event data recorder
information without obtaining consent, unless pursuant to court
order or where required by law enforcement, other government
authorities or other third parties acting with lawful authority.
Other parties may seek to access the information independently
of Ford Motor Company and Ford of Canada.
Introduction
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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
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2012 F-250/350/450/550(f23)
Owners Guide, 4th Printing
USA(fus)

AdvanceTrac/Traction control
(if equipped):Displays when the
AdvanceTrac/Traction control is
active. If the light remains on, have
the system serviced immediately,
refer to theDrivingchapter for more information.
AdvanceTrac/Traction control
off light (if equipped):Illuminates
when AdvanceTrac/Traction control
has been disabled by the driver.
Refer to theDrivingchapter for
more information.
4X2 (RTT) (if equipped):
Displays momentarily when
two-wheel drive high is selected. If
the light fails to display when the
ignition is turned on, or remains on,
have the system serviced immediately by your authorized dealer.
Four wheel drive low (RTT and
static) (if equipped):Displays
when four-wheel drive low is
engaged. If the light fails to display
when the ignition is turned on, or remains on, have the system serviced
immediately by your authorized dealer.
Four wheel drive high (RTT and
static) (if equipped):Displays
when four-wheel drive high is
engaged. If the light fails to display
when the ignition is turned on, or remains on, have the system serviced
immediately by your authorized dealer.
Electronic locking differential
(RTT and static) (if equipped):
Displays when using the electronic
locking differential.
OFF
4x2
4x4
LOW
4x4
HIGH
Instrument Cluster
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2012 F-250/350/450/550(f23)
Owners Guide, 4th Printing
USA(fus)

Yellow areaThe transmission fluid is higher than normal operating
temperature. This can be caused by special operation conditions (i.e.
snowplowing, towing or off road use). Refer toSpecial operating
conditionsin thescheduled maintenance informationfor instructions.
Operating the transmission for extended periods of time with the gauge
in the yellow area may cause internal transmission damage.
Altering the severity of the driving conditions is recommended to lower
the transmission temperature into the normal range.
Red areaThe transmission fluid is overheating. Stop the vehicle to allow
the temperature to return to normal range.
If the gauge is operating in the yellow or red area, stop the vehicle and
verify the airflow is not restricted such as snow or debris blocking airflow
through the grill. If the gauge continues to show high temperatures, see
your authorized dealer.
4.Fuel gauge:Indicates approximately how much fuel is left in the fuel
tank (when the ignition is in the on position). The fuel gauge may vary
slightly when the vehicle is in motion or on a grade. The fuel icon and
arrow indicates which side of the vehicle the fuel filler door is located.
Refer toFilling the tankin theMaintenance and Specifications
chapter for more information.
5.Speedometer:Indicates the current vehicle speed.
6.Tachometer:Indicates the engine speed in revolutions per minute.
Driving with your tachometer pointer continuously at the top of the scale
may damage the engine.
Odometer and trip odometer:The odometer is displayed on the lower
line in the message center and registers the total accumulated distance
the vehicle has traveled. For trip odometer, refer toStandard message
centerorOptional message centerin this chapter.
STANDARD MESSAGE CENTER
Your vehicle’s message center is capable of monitoring many vehicle
systems and will alert you to potential vehicle problems and various
conditions with an informational message followed by a long indicator
chime.
The message center display is located in the instrument cluster and the
controls are located on the steering wheel.
Instrument Cluster
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2012 F-250/350/450/550(f23)
Owners Guide, 4th Printing
USA(fus)