2012 FORD F250 SUPER DUTY engine

System warnings
System warnings alert you to possible problems or malfunctions in your
vehicle’s operating systems.
In the event of a multiple warning situation, the message center will
cycle the display to show all warnings by displaying each one for four
seconds.
The message center will display the last selected feature if there are no
more warning messages.
Types of messages and warnings:
• Some messages will appear briefly to inform you of something you
may need to take action on or be informed of.
• Some messages will appear once and then again when the vehicle is
restarted.
• Some messages will reappear after clearing or being reset if a problem
or condition is still present and needs your attention.
• Some messages can be acknowledged and reset by pressing RESET.
This allows you to use the full message center functionality by clearing
the message.
PARK BRAKE ENGAGED — Displayed when the parking brake is
applied (or not fully released).
CHECK BRAKE SYSTEM — Displayed when a fault has been detected
by the ABS module.
CHECK CHARGING SYSTEM — Displayed when the electrical system
is not maintaining proper voltage. If you are operating electrical
accessories when the engine is idling at a low speed, turn off as many of
the electrical loads as soon as possible. If the warning stays on or comes
on when the engine is operating at normal speeds, contact your
authorized dealer as soon as possible.
DRIVER DOOR AJAR — Displayed when the driver’s door is not
completely closed.
PASSENGER DOOR AJAR — Displayed when the passenger’s door is
not completely closed.
REAR LEFT DOOR AJAR — Displayed when the rear left door is not
completely closed.
REAR RIGHT DOOR AJAR — Displayed when the rear right door is
not completely closed.
CHECK FUEL CAP — Displayed when the fuel cap may not be
properly closed. Refer to What you should know about automotive
fuels in the Maintenance and Specifications chapter.Instrument Cluster
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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 to Brake
fluid in the Maintenance and Specifications chapter.
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 to Rear park aid in 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 to Understanding Your Tire Pressure Monitoring System
(TPMS) in the Tires, Wheels and Loading chapter. 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 to Inflating your
tires in the Tires, Wheels and Loading chapter.
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 to TPMS reset procedure in the Tires, Wheels and
Loading chapter for more information.
TRAIN RIGHT FRONT TIRE (if equipped) — Displayed when
training the TPMS. Refer to TPMS reset procedure in the Tires, Wheels
and Loading chapter for more information.
TRAIN RIGHT REAR TIRE (if equipped) — Displayed when training
the TPMS. Refer to TPMS reset procedure in the Tires, Wheels and
Loading chapter for more information.
TRAIN LEFT REAR TIRE (if equipped) — Displayed when training
the TPMS. Refer to TPMS reset procedure in the Tires, Wheels and
Loading chapter for more information.Instrument Cluster
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TRAILER SWAY REDUCE SPEED (if equipped) — Displayed when
the trailer sway control has detected trailer sway. For more information,
refer to the Driving chapter for more information.
CHECK PARK AID (if equipped) — Displayed when the transmission
is in R (Reverse) and the reverse sensing system (park aid) is disabled.
TRANSPORT MODE CONTACT DEALER (if equipped) —
Displayed when the vehicle is set to transport mode. The transport mode
is used to disable certain vehicle functions to prevent battery discharge
when the vehicle is in the transport/inventory phase and is not driven
long enough to maintain the battery’s charge. This mode can be disabled
by doing the following: Turn the ignition on, without starting the engine.
Press and release the brake pedal fully five times and press the hazard
button four times (on, off, on, off) within 10 seconds.
CHECK LOCKING DIFFERENTIAL (if equipped) — Displayed
when an electronic locking differential (ELD) system fault is present. For
more information, refer to Electronic locking differential (ELD) in the
Driving chapter.
ELD ENGAGED/DISENGAGED (if equipped) — Displayed when the
electronic locking differential is engaged. See Electronic locking
differential in the Driving chapter for more information.
ELD DISENGAGED (if equipped) — Displayed when the electronic
locking differential is disengaged. See Electronic locking differential in
the Driving chapter for more information.
TO ENGAGE ELD RELEASE PEDAL (if equipped) — Displayed
when the electronic locking differential requests this condition be met in
order to engage. See Electronic locking differential in the Driving
chapter for more information.
TO ENGAGE ELD SLOW TO XX MPH/KM/H (if equipped) —
Displayed when the electronic locking differential requests that a certain
speed be met in order to engage. See Electronic locking differential in
the Driving chapter for more information.
CHECK 4X4 (if equipped) — Displayed when a 4X4 system fault is
present. For more information, refer to Four-wheel drive (4WD)
operation in the Driving chapter.
4X4 SHIFT IN PROGRESS — Displayed when the 4X4 system is
making a shift. For further information, refer to Four-wheel drive
(4WD) operation in the Driving chapter.
FOR 4X4 LOW SLOW TO 3 MPH (if equipped) — Displayed when
4X4 LOW is selected while the vehicle is moving. For more information,
refer to Four-wheel drive (4WD) operation in the Driving chapter.Instrument Cluster
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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
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Note: Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF) regeneration will not initiate at idle
or in Power Take Off (PTO) mode. When DRIVE TO CLEAN EXHAUST
FILTER is displayed in the message center, PTO and/or Stationary
Elevated Idle Control (SEIC) must be disengaged/inactive in order to
properly clean the DPF. The vehicle must be driven until the CLEANING
EXHAUST FILTER message turns off.
CLEANING EXHAUST FILTER (diesel engine only) — Displayed when
the vehicle has entered the cleaning mode. Various engine actions will raise
the exhaust temperature in the Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF) system to
burn off the particles (exhaust soot). After the particles are burned off, the
exhaust temperature will fall back to normal levels. This message is
NORMAL. Refer to your diesel supplement for more information.
WARNING: When the CLEANING EXHAUST FILTER message
appears in the message center, do not park near flammable
materials, vapors or structures until filter cleaning is complete.
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.
STOP SAFELY NOW (diesel engine only) — Displayed and a chime
sounds when the vehicle exhaust system temperature exceeds intended
operating range. If this warning occurs, engine power is reduced and the
engine will shut down when the vehicle speed is below 3 mph (5 km/h).
Stop the vehicle as soon as safely possible and contact your
authorized dealer. Depending on the severity of the over-temperature
condition, the vehicle may not restart after cycling the ignition off. If the
vehicle restarts, there may be limited power. If the exhaust
over-temperature condition reoccurs, the message center will display
STOP SAFELY NOW, the chime will sound, and engine power will be
reduced again and shut down below 3 mph (5 km/h). Refer to your
diesel supplement for more information.Instrument Cluster
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2012 F-250/350/450/550 (f23)
Owners Guide, 4th Printing
USA (fus)

REDUCED ENGINE POWER (diesel engine only) — Displayed
approximately two hours after the DRIVE TO CLEAN EXHAUST SYSTEM
message has displayed and the vehicle operator has not driven the vehicle
above 30 mph (48 km/h) for at least 20 minutes to clean the DPF. At this
point the vehicle must be serviced by an authorized dealer. This message is
normal. 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.
SPEED LIMITED XXMPH IN XX MI 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.
XX MPH MAX UPON RESTART EXHAUST FLUID EMPTY (diesel
engine only) — Displayed when the remaining diesel exhaust fluid level
is depleted. Speed will be limited upon restart. The diesel exhaust fluid
must be replenished to resume normal operation of the vehicle. Refer to
your diesel supplement for more information.
SPEED LIMITED TO XX MPH EXHAUST FLUID EMPTY (diesel
engine only) — Displayed when the diesel exhaust fluid is empty. The
diesel exhaust fluid must be replenished to resume normal operation of
the vehicle. Refer to your diesel supplement for more information.
ENGINE IDLED SOON EXHAUST FLUID EMPTY (diesel engine
only) — Displayed when the SCR system detects low exhaust fluid. The
engine will eventually enter into an idle only mode. The diesel exhaust
fluid must be replenished to resume normal operation of the vehicle.
Refer to your diesel supplement for more information.
ENGINE IDLED SEE MANUAL (diesel engine only) — Displayed
when a problem exists with the SCR system. The vehicle will enter into
an idle-only mode. If the exhaust fluid is empty, it must be replenished
to resume normal operation of the vehicle. Refer to your diesel
supplement for more information.
SPEED LIMITED XXMPH IN XXXMI EXHAUST FLUID SYSTEM
FAULT (diesel engine only) — Displayed when the SCR system
detects a fault. The vehicle’s top speed will become limited in the
displayed distance and count down from this point. Refer to your diesel
supplement for more information. Contact your authorized dealer as soon
as possible. Instrument Cluster
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2012 F-250/350/450/550 (f23)
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USA (fus)

XX MPH MAX UPON RESTART EXHAUST FLUID SYSTEM FAULT
(diesel engine only) — Displayed when the SCR system detects a
fault. The vehicle’s top speed will become limited upon restarting. Refer
to your diesel supplement for more information. Contact your authorized
dealer as soon as possible.
SPEED LIMITED TO XX MPH EXHAUST FLUID SYSTEM FAULT
(diesel engine only) — Displayed when the SCR system detects a
fault. The vehicle’s top speed is limited. Refer to your diesel supplement
for more information. Contact your authorized dealer as soon as possible.
ENGINE IDLED SOON EXHAUST FAULT SEE MANUAL (diesel
engine only) — Displayed when the SCR system detects a fault. The
engine will eventually enter into an idle-only mode. Refer to your diesel
supplement for more information. Contact your authorized dealer as soon
as possible.
ENGINE IDLED SEE MANUAL EXHAUST FLUID SYSTEM FAULT
(diesel engine only) — Displayed when the SCR system detects a
fault. The engine will enter into an idle only mode. Refer to your diesel
supplement for more information. Contact your authorized dealer as soon
as possible.
ENGINE OIL DILUTED (diesel engine only) — Displays once the
engine oil has become diluted and needs to be changed. Refer to your
diesel supplement for more information.
ENGINE OIL CHANGE SOON — Displayed when the engine oil life
remaining is 5% to 1%. Refer to the scheduled maintenance
information for more information.
OIL CHANGE REQUIRED — Displayed when the oil life left reaches
0%. Refer to the scheduled maintenance information for more
information.
LOW FUEL PRESSURE SEE MANUAL (diesel engine only) —If
this message appears during a cold start or during cold operation 32°F
(0°C) up to 10 minutes after the initial cold start; monitor the message
center and if it disappears and does not re-appear after the engine has
fully warmed up, the low fuel pressure message is most likely caused by
waxed or gelled fuel. To prevent this, use an anti-gel additive. Refer to
your diesel supplement for more information. The customer warranty
may be void from using additives that do not meet or exceed Ford
specifications. If the low fuel pressure message persistently appears after
re-fueling during the cold start and cold operation conditions defined
previously and then disappear when the engine has fully warmed up,
consider different fuel sources.Instrument Cluster
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• Low Fuel Operation: If the message appears when the vehicle is warm
and during low fuel tank level operation, i.e. the tank level is at or
very near empty, refuel the vehicle and operate the vehicle. If the
message reappears after fueling, see below. If the message does not
come back, the low fuel pressure condition was due to low fuel levels
in the fuel tank.
• Normal Operation: If the message appears during normal operation
when the vehicle / engine is fully warm, and fuel level is not low, the
fuel filters must be changed regardless of the maintenance schedule
interval. If replacement of the fuel filter does not remedy the low fuel
pressure message during normal operation as defined above, please
take the vehicle to your authorized dealer.
OPTIONAL MESSAGE CENTER (IF EQUIPPED)
Your vehicle’s message center is capable of monitoring many vehicle
systems and will alert you to potential vehicle problems and various
conditions with a informational messages and/or warnings.
The message center is also used to program/configure the different
features of your vehicle.
The message center display is located in the instrument cluster. Use the
steering wheel mounted buttons to navigate through the message center.
Press the up/down buttons to move
up/down through the message
center choices.
Press the left/right buttons to move
left/right through the message
center choices. OK
OKInstrument Cluster
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2012 F-250/350/450/550 (f23)
Owners Guide, 4th Printing
USA (fus)