2012 FORD F250 SUPER DUTY steering wheel

POWER STEERING FLUID
Check the power steering fluid. Refer to scheduled maintenance
information. If adding fluid is necessary, use only MERCON  AT F.
• Gasoline engine shown; diesel
engine similar. Refer to
Identifying components in the
engine compartment in 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 capacities in this chapter for
the proper fluid type. Be sure to put the cap back on the reservoir. Maintenance and Specifications
399
2012 F-250/350/450/550 (f23)
Owners Guide, 4th Printing
USA (fus)

6.2L and 6.8L engines
Miles (x 1,000)* 7.5 15 22.5 30 37.5 45 52.5 60 67.5 75
Kilometers (x 1,000)* 12 24 36 48 60 72 84 96 108 120
Months* 6 12 18 24 30 36 42 48 54 60
Change engine oil and filter • •••••••••
Rotate tires**, inspect tire wear and measure tread depth • •••••••••
Inspect wheels and related components for abnormal noise, wear,
looseness or drag • •••••••••
Perform multi-point inspection (recommended) • •••••••••
Inspect automatic transmission fluid level (if equipped with
dipstick); consult dealer for requirements •••••
Inspect brake pads, shoes, rotors, drums, brake linings, hoses and
parking brake •••••
Inspect engine cooling system concentration and hoses •••••
Inspect exhaust system and heat shields •••••
Inspect front axle and U-joints; lubricate if equipped with grease
fittings (4WD vehicles) •••••
Inspect half-shaft boots (if equipped) •••••
Inspect steering linkage, ball joints, suspension, tie-rod ends,
driveshaft and U-joints; lubricate if equipped with grease fittings •••••
Torque rear U-bolts (Transit Connect) •••••
Inspect cabin air filter (if equipped) • ••••
* Whichever comes first
**If equipped with dual rear wheels, rotate front wheels when specified, rear wheels only if unusual wear is noted
Scheduled maintenance for the diesel engine can be found in the diesel supplementScheduled Maintenance
429
2012 F-250/350/450/550 (f23)
Owners Guide, 4th Printing
USA (fus)

6.2L and 6.8L engines
Miles (x 1,000)* 82.5 90 97.5 105 112.5 120 127.5 135 142.5 150
Kilometers (x 1,000)* 132 144 156 168 180 192 204 216 228 240
Months* 66 72 78 84 90 96 102 108 114 120
Change engine oil and filter ••••••••••
Rotate tires**, inspect tire wear and measure tread depth ••••••••••
Inspect wheels and related components for abnormal noise,
wear, looseness or drag ••••••••••
Perform multi-point inspection (recommended) ••••••••••
Inspect automatic transmission fluid level (if equipped with
dipstick); consult dealer for requirements •••••
Inspect brake pads, shoes, rotors, drums, brake linings, hoses
and parking brake •••••
Inspect engine cooling system concentration and hoses •••••
Inspect exhaust system and heat shields •••••
Inspect front axle and U-joints; lubricate if equipped with
grease fittings (4WD vehicles) •••••
Inspect half-shaft boots (if equipped) •••••
Inspect steering linkage, ball joints, suspension, tie-rod ends,
driveshaft and U-joints; lubricate if equipped with grease
fittings •••••
Torque rear U-bolts (Transit Connect) •••••
Inspect cabin air filter (if equipped) •••••
* Whichever comes first
**If equipped with dual rear wheels, rotate front wheels when specified, rear wheels only if unusual wear is noted
Scheduled maintenance for the diesel engine can be found in the diesel supplementScheduled Maintenance
430
2012 F-250/350/450/550 (f23)
Owners Guide, 4th Printing
USA (fus)

Extensive idling and/or low-speed driving for long distances as in
heavy commercial use (i.e. delivery, taxi, patrol car or livery)
Inspect frequently,
service as required Replace cabin air filter (if equipped)
Replace engine air filter
Every 5,000 miles
(8,000 km) Inspect brake system
Inspect wheels and related components for
abnormal noise, wear, looseness or drag
Lubricate control arm and steering ball joints if
equipped with grease fittings
Rotate tires*, inspect tires for wear and measure
tread depth
Every 5,000 miles
(8,000 km) or
6 months Inspect and lubricate U-joints
Every 5,000 miles
(8,000 km), 6 months
or 200 engine hours Change engine oil and filter
Every 30,000 miles
(48,000 km) Change automatic transmission fluid (except 6R80
and TorqShift  transmissions)
Replace front wheel bearing grease/grease seals if
non-sealed bearings are used (2WD vehicles)
Every 60,000 miles
(96,000 km) Change transfer case fluid (4WD vehicles)
Replace spark plugs
*If equipped with dual rear wheels, rotate front wheels when specified,
rear wheels only if unusual wear is noted
Operating in dusty conditions such as unpaved or dusty roads
Inspect frequently,
service as required Replace cabin air filter (if equipped)
Replace engine air filter
Every 5,000 miles
(8,000 km) Inspect the wheels and related components for
abnormal noise, wear, looseness or drag
Rotate tires*, inspect tires for wear and measure
tread depth
Every 5,000 miles
(8,000 km) or
6 months Change engine oil and filter
Inspect and lubricate U-jointsScheduled Maintenance
436
2012 F-250/350/450/550 (f23)
Owners Guide, 4th Printing
USA (fus)

Operating in dusty conditions such as unpaved or dusty roads
Every 30,000 miles
(48,000 km) Change automatic transmission fluid (except 6R80
and TorqShift  transmissions)
Replace front wheel bearing grease/grease seals if
non-sealed bearings are used (2WD vehicles)
Every 50,000 miles
(80,000 km) Change rear axle fluid (F-450/550 only)
Every 60,000 miles
(96,000 km) Change transfer case fluid (4WD vehicles)
*If equipped with dual rear wheels, rotate front wheels when specified,
rear wheels only if unusual wear is noted
Off-road operation
Inspect frequently,
service as required Inspect steering linkage, ball joints and U-joints;
lubricate if equipped with grease fittings
Replace cabin air filter (if equipped)
Replace engine air filter
Every 5,000 miles
(8,000 km) or
6 months Change engine oil and filter
Inspect wheels and related components for
abnormal noise, wear, looseness or drag
Rotate tires*, inspect tires for wear and measure
tread depth
Every 30,000 miles
(48,000 km) Change automatic transmission fluid (except 6R80
and TorqShift  transmissions)
Replace front wheel bearing grease/grease seals if
non-sealed bearings are used (2WD vehicles)
Every 50,000 miles
(80,000 km) Change rear axle fluid (F-450/550 only)
Every 60,000 miles
(96,000 km) Change transfer case fluid (4WD vehicles)
*If equipped with dual rear wheels, rotate front wheels when specified,
rear wheels only if unusual wear is noted
Exclusive use of E85 (Flex Fuel Vehicles only)
Every oil change
interval If ran exclusively on E85, fill the fuel tank full
with regular unleaded fuelScheduled Maintenance
437
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 .........................................353 Ordering 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)

SecuriLock passive anti-theft
system ................................149–150
Servicing your vehicle ..............370
Setting the clock ...................61, 63
Snowplowing .................7, 316–317
SOS Post Crash Alert ...............189
Spark plugs,
specifications .....................410, 415
Special notice ................................8
ambulance conversions ..............8
diesel-powered vehicles .............7
four-wheel drive vehicles .......318
utility-type vehicles ....................7
Speed control ............................110
Starting a flex fuel vehicle .......268
Starting your vehicle ........265–268
jump starting ..........................348
Steering wheel
controls ....................................112
tilting .........................................99
SYNC  ..........................................77
T
Tailgate ......................................123
Tilt steering wheel ......................99
Tire Pressure Monitoring
System (TPMS)
Tires, Wheels and Loading ....237
Tires ...........................219–220, 331
alignment ................................229
care ..........................................225
changing ..................331, 334, 337
checking the pressure ............224
inflating ...................................221
label .........................................236
replacing ..................................227 rotating ....................................230
safety practices .......................229
sidewall information ...............232
snow tires and chains ............243
spare tire .................................332
terminology .............................220
tire grades ...............................220
treadwear ........................219, 226
Towing .......................................252
recreational towing .................263
Trailer Brake
Controller-Integrated ..............256
trailer towing ..........................252
wrecker ....................................351
Traction control ........................274
Trailer Brake
Controller-Integrated ................256
Trailer sway control ..................281
Transfer case
fluid checking .........................404
Transmission .............................287
brake-shift interlock (BSI) ....285
fluid, checking and adding
(automatic) .............................400
fluid, refill capacities ..............411
Turn signal ..................................91
U
Universal garage door opener ..116
Upfitter controls .......................114
USB port ......................................71
V
Vehicle Identification Number
(VIN) ..........................................417
Vehicle loading ..........................244
Ventilating your vehicle ...........269 Index
447
2012 F-250/350/450/550 (f23)
Owners Guide, 4th Printing
USA (fus)