Roadside Emergencies 319Getting 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 353Reporting safety defects (U.S. only) 359
Reporting safety defects (Canada only) 360
Cleaning 361
Maintenance and Specifications 370Engine 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 421Table of Contents
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USA (fus)
HILL DESCENT CONTROL READY (if equipped) — Displayed
when the hill descent control switch is turned on.
REDUCE ACCELERATOR TO PREVENT WHEEL SLIP (if
equipped) — Displayed when the vehicle senses that torque to the
drive wheels has overcome the available traction.
SHIFT DELAYED PULL FORWARD (if equipped) — May display
when shifting to or from 4X4 LOW. For more information, refer to
Four-wheel drive (4WD) operation in the Driving chapter.
SLOW VEHICLE TO XX KM/H FOR ELD (if equipped) — Displayed
when the vehicle speed requirement for the electronic locking
differential mode has not been met.
SLOW VEHICLE TO XX MPH FOR ELD (if equipped) — Displayed
when the vehicle speed requirement for the electronic locking
differential mode has not been met.
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.
CHECK SPEED DRIVE SAFELY — Displayed when a MyKey is in
use and the optional setting is on and the vehicle exceeds a preselected
speed. Refer to MyKey in the Locks and Security chapter for more
information.
COULD NOT PROGRAM INTEGRATED KEY — 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 the Locks
and Security chapter.
ESC ALWAYS ON - MYKEY SETTING — Displayed when a MyKey is
in use and the ESC cannot be deactivated. Refer to MyKey in the Locks
and Security chapter for more information.
MYKEY ACTIVE DRIVE SAFELY — Displayed when a MyKey is in
use. Refer to MyKey in the Locks and Security chapter for more
information.
MYKEY COULD NOT PROGRAM — Displayed when an attempt is
made to program a spare key using two existing MyKeys. Refer to
MyKey in the Locks and Security chapter for more information.
SECURITY SYSTEM FAULT (if equipped) — Displayed when the
security system has detected a fault. See your authorized dealer for
service. Instrument Cluster
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• Some noise is normal during operation. If excessive, check for low
power steering pump fluid level before seeking service by your dealer.
• Heavy or uneven efforts may be caused by low power steering fluid.
Check for low power steering pump fluid level before seeking service
by your dealer.
• Do not fill the power steering pump reservoir above the MAX mark on
the reservoir, as this may result in leaks from the reservoir.
If the power steering system breaks down (or if the engine is turned
off), you can steer the vehicle manually, but it takes more effort.
If the steering wanders or pulls, check for:
• an improperly inflated tire
• uneven tire wear
• loose or worn suspension components
• loose or worn steering components
• improper steering alignment
If any steering components are serviced or replaced, install new
fasteners (many are coated with thread adhesive or have prevailing
torque features which may not be re-used). Never re-use a bolt or nut.
Torque fasteners to specifications in Workshop Manual .
A high crown in the road or high crosswinds may also make the steering
seem to wander/pull.
ELECTRONIC LOCKING DIFFERENTIAL (ELD) (IF EQUIPPED)
The electronic locking differential (ELD) is a device housed in the rear
axle which allows both rear wheels to turn at the same speed. It provides
added traction on slippery and/or off road surfaces, particularly when
one wheel is on a poor traction surface. The ELD may be locked or
unlocked by the vehicle operator and can be engaged or disengaged on
the fly. When the axle is unlocked it will function like a standard rear
axle. When the axle is locked it will not allow the rear wheels to rotate
at different speeds when turning. It is not recommended for use on good
traction surfaces such as dry pavement. Doing so may result in abnormal
driving behavior and noise while cornering and excessive tire wear.
The ELD is affected by the following conditions of your vehicle:
• On 2WD vehicles and 4WD vehicles in 2H (4X2) or 4H (4X4 High),
the ELD will not engage if the vehicle speed is above 25 mph
(40 km/h). Driving
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• On 2WD vehicles and 4WD vehicles in 2H (4X2) or 4H (4X4 High),
the ELD will automatically disengage at speeds above 25 mph
(40 km/h) and will automatically reengage at speeds below 19 mph
(30 km/h).
• On 4WD vehicles in 4L (4X4 Low), the ELD can be engaged at any
speed and will not automatically disengage.
Activating the electronic locking differential (ELD)
For vehicles equipped with an
electronic shift 4WD system:
Pull the knob on the 4WD control
toward you. The indicator light
will display in the instrument
cluster.
For 2WD vehicles and vehicles
equipped with a manual shift
4WD system:
Turn the control to ON. The
indicator light will display in the
instrument cluster.
Once the light is displayed in the instrument cluster, both rear wheel
axle shafts will be locked together providing added traction.
If the indicator light in the instrument cluster turns off, one of the
following has occurred:
• The vehicle speed is too high.
• The left and right rear wheel speed difference is too high during an
engagement attempt.
• The system has malfunctioned and will be accompanied by the
CHECK LOCKING DIFFERENTIAL message in the message center.
See your authorized Ford dealer for assistance.
Note: The ELD may have difficulty disengaging either by operator
command or automatically if the driveline is under torque. If driving
conditions allow, releasing the accelerator pedal or turning the steering
wheel in the opposite direction may assist in disengagement.
Note: The ELD is designed for off-road use only and is not intended for
use on dry pavement.Driving
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The following steps apply to all vehicles:
18. Remove the jack and fully
tighten the lug nuts in the order
shown. Refer to Wheel lug nut
torque specifications later in this
chapter for the proper lug nut
torque specification.
8–lug nut torque sequence
10–lug nut torque sequence
19. Stow the flat tire. Refer to Stowing the flat/spare tire if the vehicle
is equipped with a spare tire carrier.
20. Stow the jack, jack handle and lug wrench. Make sure the jack is
securely fastened so it does not rattle when driving.
21. Unblock the wheels. Roadside Emergencies
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WHEEL LUG NUT TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS
WARNING: When a wheel is installed, always remove any
corrosion, dirt or foreign materials present on the mounting
surfaces of the wheel or the surface of the wheel hub, brake drum or
brake disc that contacts the wheel. Ensure that any fasteners that
attach the rotor to the hub are secured so they do not interfere with
the mounting surfaces of the wheel. Installing wheels without correct
metal-to-metal contact at the wheel mounting surfaces can cause the
wheel nuts to loosen and the wheel to come off while the vehicle is in
motion, resulting in loss of control.
On vehicles equipped with single rear wheels, retighten the lug nuts to
the specified torque at 100 miles (160 km) after any wheel disturbance
(tire rotation, changing a flat tire, wheel removal, etc.).
On vehicles equipped with dual rear wheels, retighten the wheel lug nuts
to the specified torque at 100 miles (160 km), and again at 500 miles
(800 km) of new vehicle operation and after any wheel disturbance (tire
rotation, changing a flat tire, wheel removal, etc.).
Bolt size Wheel lug nut torque*
ft-lb N • m
M14 x 1.5 165 224
* Torque specifications are for nut and bolt threads free of dirt and
rust. Use only Ford recommended replacement fasteners.
It is important to follow the proper wheel mounting and lug nut torque
procedures.
On all two-piece flat wheel nuts,
apply one drop of motor oil between
the flat washer and the nut. Roadside Emergencies
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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
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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
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2012 F-250/350/450/550 (f23)
Owners Guide, 4th Printing
USA (fus)