Introduction 4
Instrument Cluster 14
Warning lights and chimes 14
Gauges 21
Message center 22
Entertainment Systems 61
AM/FM stereo 61
AM/FM stereo with CD 63
Auxiliary input jack 71
USB port 72
Satellite radio information 76
Navigation system 79
SYNC79
Climate Controls 80
Manual heating and air conditioning 80
Dual electronic automatic temperature control 83
Rear window defroster 87
Lights 89
Headlamps 89
Turn signal control 93
Bulb replacement 94
Driver Controls 100
Windshield wiper/washer control 100
Steering wheel adjustment 101
Power windows 105
Mirrors 108
Speed control 113
Upfitter controls 117
Locks and Security 133
Keys 133
Locks 141
Anti-theft system 153
Table of Contents
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2012 F-250/350/450/550(f23)
Owners Guide, 1st Printing
USA(fus)
•Do not apply the trailer brakes for extended periods of time as they
can overheat and lose effectiveness.
•The trailer brakes (including the shoes, drum and trailer brake
magnets) must be inspected and serviced at intervals specified by the
manufacturer.
•Electric brakes also require periodic adjustment to keep the shoes
properly spaced. If the brakes get hot when driving or if they will not
hold, chances are that they need adjustment.
Backing-up
•Practice backing-up, particularly if you are a novice. Turn the steering
wheel to the right to move the trailer’s rear end to the right.
•Sharp steering movements may cause the trailer to jackknife or go out
of control.
Tires
•Select tires that meet the trailer loading requirements.
•All trailer tires should be of the same size, and construction.
•Always check tow vehicle and trailer tire pressure before towing.
Launching or retrieving a boat
Disconnect the wiring to the trailer before backing the trailer
into the water. Reconnect the wiring to the trailer after the
trailer is removed from the water.
When backing down a ramp during boat launching or retrieval:
•Do not allow the static water level to rise above the bottom edge of
the rear bumper.
•Do not allow waves to break higher than 6 in (15 cm) above the
bottom edge of the rear bumper.
Exceeding these limits may allow water to enter vehicle components:
•Causing internal damage to the components.
•Affecting driveability, emissions and reliability.
Replace the rear axle lubricant any time the axle has been submerged in
water. Rear axle lubricant quantities are not to be checked or changed
unless a leak is suspected or repair required.
Tires, Wheels and Loading
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2012 F-250/350/450/550(f23)
Owners Guide, 1st Printing
USA(fus)
SNOWPLOWING
Ford recommends that the Super Duty F-Series used for snow removal
include the Snow Plow Package Option.
Installing the snowplow
Weight limits and guidelines for selecting and installing the snowplow can
be found in theFord Truck Body Builders Layout Book,Snowplow
section, found at www.fleet.ford.com/truckbbas. A typical installation
affects the following:
•Certification to government safety laws such as occupant protection
and airbag deployment, braking, and lighting. Look for an “Alterer’s
Label” on the vehicle from the snowplow installer certifying that the
installation meets all applicable Federal Motor Vehicle Safety
Standards (FMVSS).
•The Total Accessory Reserve Capacity (TARC) is shown on the lower
right side of the vehicle’s Safety Compliance Certification Label. This
applies to Ford-completed vehicles of 10,000 lb. (4,536 kg) GVWR or
less. This is the weight of permanently-attached auxiliary equipment,
such as snowplow frame-mounting hardware, that can be added to the
vehicle and satisfy Ford compliance certification to FMVSS. Exceeding
this weight may require the auxiliary equipment installer additional
safety certification responsibility. The Front Accessory Reserve
Capacity (FARC) is added for customer convenience.
•Rear ballast weight behind the rear axle may be required to prevent
exceeding the FGAWR, and provide front-to-rear weight balance for
proper braking and steering.
•Front wheel toe may require re-adjustment to prevent premature
uneven tire wear. Specifications are found in the FordWorkshop
Manual.
•Headlight aim may require re-adjustment.
•The tire air pressures recommended for general driving are found on
the vehicle’s Safety Certification Label. The maximum cold inflation
pressure for the tire and associated load rating is imprinted on the tire
sidewall. Tire air pressure may require re-adjustment within these
pressure limits to accommodate the additional weight of the snowplow
installation.
•Federal and some local regulations require additional exterior lamps
for snowplow-equipped vehicles. Consult your authorized dealer for
additional information.
Driving
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2012 F-250/350/450/550(f23)
Owners Guide, 1st Printing
USA(fus)
LATCH .....................................210
recommendations ...................201
Child safety seats - booster
seats ...........................................215
Cleaning your vehicle
engine compartment ..............367
instrument panel ............369–370
interior .....................................371
plastic parts ............................368
safety belts ..............................371
washing ....................................365
waxing .....................................366
wheels ......................................366
wiper blades ............................368
Climate control (see Air
conditioning or Heating) ......80, 83
Clock ......................................62, 64
Compass, electronic
set zone adjustment .................28
Console ......................................102
overhead ..................................102
Controls
power seat ...............................163
steering column ......................115
Coolant
checking and adding ..............383
refill capacities ................386, 414
Cruise control
(see Speed control) ..................113
Customer Assistance ................322
Ford accessories for your
vehicle .....................................373
Ford Extended Service
Plan ..................................424, 427
Getting assistance outside the
U.S. and Canada .....................361
Getting roadside assistance ...322
Getting the service you
need .........................................357Ordering additional owner’s
literature .................................363
Utilizing the
Mediation/Arbitration
Program ...................................361
D
Daytime running lamps
(see Lamps) ................................91
Defrost
rear window and rearview
mirrors .......................................83
windshield .................................83
Dipstick
automatic transmission
fluid ..........................................404
engine oil .................................379
Driving under special
conditions ..................300, 312, 316
sand .........................................314
snow and ice ...........................316
through water .................315, 318
E
Electronic message center ...22, 40
Emergencies, roadside
jump-starting ..........................351
Emergency Flashers .................323
Emission control system ..........399
Engine ........................................418
cleaning ...................................367
coolant .....................................383
diesel ...........................................6
fail-safe cooling .......................387
idle speed control ...................381
refill capacities ........................414
service points ..................376–377
Engine block heater .................273
Engine oil ..................................379
Index
449
2012 F-250/350/450/550(f23)
Owners Guide, 1st Printing
USA(fus)