2012 FORD F550 fuel

Yellow area The 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 to Special operating
conditions in the scheduled maintenance information for 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 area The 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 to Filling the tank in the Maintenance 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 to Standard message
center or Optional message center in 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
22
2012 F-250/350/450/550 (f23)
Owners Guide, 4th Printing
USA (fus)

Selectable features
Info (information menu)
Press the INFO button repeatedly to
cycle through the following features:
TRIP A/B
Registers the distance of individual journeys. Press and release the INFO
button until the TRIP A/B appear in the display (this represents the trip
mode). Press and hold the RESET button for two seconds to reset.
Refer to UNITS later in this section to switch the display from metric to
English.
XXX° (outside air temperature) (if equipped)
This displays the outside temperature.
Refer to UNITS later in this section to switch the display from Metric to
English.
MYKEY MILES (km) (if programmed)
For more information, refer to MyKey  in the Locks and Security
chapter.
XXX MILES (km) TO E
This displays an estimate of approximately how far you can drive with
the fuel remaining in your tank under normal driving conditions.
Remember to turn the ignition off when refueling to allow this feature to
correctly detect the added fuel.
The low fuel indicator will illuminate when the fuel level is at
approximately 1/16 of the tank.
DTE is calculated using a running average fuel economy, which is based
on your recent driving history of 500 miles (800 km). This value is not
the same as the average fuel economy display. The running average fuel
economy is re-initialized to a factory default value if the battery is
disconnected.
XX.X AVG MPG (L/100km)
Average fuel economy displays your average fuel economy in miles/gallon
or liters/100 km. Instrument Cluster
23
2012 F-250/350/450/550 (f23)
Owners Guide, 4th Printing
USA (fus)

If you calculate your average fuel economy by dividing distance traveled
by gallons of fuel used (liters of fuel used by 100 kilometers traveled),
your figure may be different than displayed for the following reasons:
• Your vehicle was not perfectly level during fill-up
• Differences in the automatic shut-off points on the fuel pumps at
service stations
• Variations in top-off procedure from one fill-up to another
• Rounding of the displayed values to the nearest 0.1 gallon (liter)
1. Drive the vehicle at least 5 miles (8 km) with the speed control
system engaged to display a stabilized average.
2. Record the highway fuel economy for future reference.
It is important to press the RESET button (press and hold RESET for
two seconds in order to reset the function) after setting the speed
control to get accurate highway fuel economy readings.
MPG (L/km)
This displays instantaneous fuel economy as a bar graph ranging from ↓
poor economy to ↑ excellent economy.
Your vehicle must be moving to calculate instantaneous fuel economy.
When your vehicle is not moving, this function shows ↓ , one or no bars
illuminated. Instantaneous fuel economy cannot be reset.
TIMER
Timer displays the trip elapsed drive time.
To operate, do the following:
1. Press and release RESET in order to start the timer.
2. Press and release RESET to pause the timer.
3. Press and hold RESET until the timer resets.
TBC GAIN (if equipped)
Displays the level of trailer brake gain or if the trailer is not connected.
EXHAUST FILTER (diesel only)
Refer to Diesel exhaust system: oxidation catalyst/diesel particulate
filter system in your diesel supplement for more information.Instrument Cluster
24
2012 F-250/350/450/550 (f23)
Owners Guide, 4th Printing
USA (fus)

System check and vehicle feature customization
Press the SETUP button repeatedly
to cycle the message center through
the following features:
Note: Some items are optional and
will not appear.
Note: When returning to the
SETUP menu and a non-English
language has been selected, HOLD
RESET FOR ENGLISH will be displayed to change back to English. Press
and hold the RESET button to change back to English.
RESET FOR SYSTEM CHECK
When this message appears, press the RESET button and the message
center will begin to cycle through the following systems and provide a
status of the item if needed.
1. OIL LIFE
2. EXHAUST FLUID LEVEL (Diesel only)
3. ENGINE HOURS
4. ENGINE IDLE HOURS
5. CHARGING SYSTEM
6. DOOR
7. BRAKE SYSTEM
8. TBC GAIN = XX.X (if equipped)
9. FUEL LEVEL
10. MYKEY DISTANCE (if MyKey  is programmed)
11. MYKEY(S) PROGRAMMED
12. ADMIN KEYS PROGRAMMED
Note: Some systems show a message only if a condition is present.
OIL LIFE
This displays the remaining oil life.
An oil change is required whenever indicated by the message center and
according to the recommended maintenance schedule.
To reset the oil monitoring system to 100% after each oil change,
perform the following:
1. Press and release the SETUP button to display “OIL LIFE XXX%
HOLD RESET = NEW”. Instrument Cluster
25
2012 F-250/350/450/550 (f23)
Owners Guide, 4th Printing
USA (fus)

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
29
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 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
30
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)

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
38
2012 F-250/350/450/550 (f23)
Owners Guide, 4th Printing
USA (fus)