2013 FORD F250 coolant level

GAUGES
Cluster shown in standard measure. Metric similar.
A. Engine oil pressure gauge
B. Engine coolant temperature gauge
C. Transmission fluid temperature gauge
D. Fuel gauge
E. Speedometer
F. Information display. SeeInformation displaysfor more information.
G. Tachometer
Engine Oil Pressure Gauge
Indicates engine oil pressure. The needle should stay in the normal
operating range. If the needle falls below the normal range, stop the
vehicle, turn off the engine and check the engine oil level. Add oil if
needed. If the oil level is correct, have your vehicle checked at your
authorized dealer.
ABCD
GFE
Instrument Cluster97
2013 F-250/350/450/550(f23)
Owners Guide gf, 3rd Printing, December 2012
USA(fus)

Engine Coolant Temperature Gauge
Indicates engine coolant temperature. At normal operating temperature,
the level indicator will be in the normal range. If the engine coolant
temperature exceeds the normal range, stop the vehicle as soon as
safely possible, switch off the engine and let the engine cool.
WARNING:Never remove the coolant reservoir cap while the
engine is running or hot.
Transmission Fluid Temperature Gauge
Indicates transmission fluid temperature. At normal operating
temperature, the level indicator will be in the normal range. If the
transmission fluid temperature exceeds the normal range, stop the
vehicle as soon as safely possible and verify the airflow is not restricted
such as snow or debris blocking airflow through the grill. Also, higher
than normal operating temperature can be caused by special operation
conditions (i.e. snowplowing, towing or off-road use). Refer toSpecial
operating conditions in the scheduled maintenance informationfor
instructions. Operating the transmission for extended periods of time
with the gauge in the higher than normal area may cause internal
transmission damage. Altering the severity of the driving conditions is
recommended to lower the transmission temperature into the normal
range. If the gauge continues to show high temperatures, see your
authorized dealer.
Fuel Gauge
Indicates approximately how much fuel is left in the fuel tank (when the
ignition is on). 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.
Information Display
Odometer
Located in the bottom of the information display Registers the
accumulated distance your vehicle has travelled.
Trip Computer
SeeTrip A/BinInformation Displays.
Vehicle Settings and Personalization
SeeInformation Displays.
98Instrument Cluster
2013 F-250/350/450/550(f23)
Owners Guide gf, 3rd Printing, December 2012
USA(fus)

Charging System
It will illuminate when the 12–volt battery is not charging
properly. Contact your authorized dealer as soon as possible.
This indicates a problem with the electrical system or a related
component.
Check Fuel Cap
It will illuminate when the fuel cap may not be properly
installed. Continued driving with this light on may cause the
Service engine soon warning indicator to come on.
Cruise Control (if equipped)
It will illuminate when you switch this feature on.
Direction Indicator
Illuminates when the left or right turn signal or the hazard
warning flasher is switched on. If the indicators stay on or flash
faster, check for a burned out bulb.
Door Ajar
Displays when the ignition is on and any door is not completely
closed.
Electronic Locking Differential
Displays when using the electronic locking differential.
Engine Oil
If it illuminates with the engine running or when you are
driving, this indicates a malfunction. Stop your vehicle as soon
as it is safe to do so and switch the engine off. Check the
engine oil level.
Note:Do not resume your journey if it illuminates despite the level
being correct. Have the system checked by your authorized dealer.
Engine Coolant Temperature
Illuminates when the engine coolant temperature is high. Stop
the vehicle as soon as possible, switch off the engine and let
cool.
100Instrument Cluster
2013 F-250/350/450/550(f23)
Owners Guide gf, 3rd Printing, December 2012
USA(fus)

Settings (cont’d)
Vehicle Autolamp
DelayOff or XXX seconds
Compass Zone Setting (1–15) See the diagram
below to determine your magnetic zone.
Calibration (When choosing Calibration,
follow the on-screen directions to
calibrate the compass)
Easy
Entry/ExitOn/Off
DTE
Calculation
(distance to
empty)Normal History Used
Towing History Used
Locks Autolock On/Off
Autounlock On/Off
Unlocking One Stage or Two Stage
Maintenance Coolant
(if equipped)Hold OK if coolant
maintenance performed
Fuel Filter
(diesel only)Hold OK if Fuel Filter
Changed
Menu Control Standard: with standard set, pressing the
up/down arrows from a lower level menu
will escape to the main menu.
Memory On: with memory on set, pressing
the up/down arrows will navigate to the
previous lower level menu.
Oil Life Reset Set to XXX% (Hold OK to Reset)
Remote Start Duration 5, 10 or 15 minutes
System Enable/Disable
Windows Remote
OpenOn/Off
Wiper Control On/Off
Information Displays11 7
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Diesel Messages Action / Description
CHECK COOLANT
ADDITIVEDisplayed when the coolant additive needs to be
checked. Refer to your diesel supplement for
more information.
CLEANING
EXHAUST FILTERDisplayed 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.
DRIVE TO CLEAN
EXHAUST SYSTEMDisplayed 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.
Information Displays121
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USA(fus)

Engine Messages Action / Description
TRANSPORT MODE
CONTACT DEALERDisplayed 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.
POWER REDUCED
TO LOWER ENGINE
TEMPDisplayed when the engine temperature gauge
needle moves to H. You may notice reduced
engine power. Refer toEngine coolantin the
Maintenancechapter for more information.
Fuel Messages Action / Description
CHECK FUEL CAPDisplayed when the fuel cap may not be
properly closed.
FUEL LEVEL LOWDisplayed as an early reminder of a low fuel
condition.
Key Messages Action / Description
COULD NOT
PROGRAM
INTEGRATED KEYDisplayed when an attempt is made to
program a fifth integrated key. For more
information, refer to theSecuritychapter.
TO DRIVE: TURN
KEY TO ONDisplayed when the factory equipped remote
start is activated.
Maintenance
MessagesAction / Description
ENGINE OIL
CHANGE SOONDisplayed when the engine oil life is nearing
its end.
OIL CHANGE
REQUIREDDisplayed when the oil life left reaches 0%.
128Information Displays
2013 F-250/350/450/550(f23)
Owners Guide gf, 3rd Printing, December 2012
USA(fus)

Adding Engine Oil
Note:Do not remove the engine oil level dipstick or the filler cap when
the engine is running.
Note:Do not add engine oil further than the MAX mark. Oil levels above
the MAX mark may cause engine damage.
Only use oils certified for gasoline engines by the
American Petroleum Institute (API). An oil with this
trademark symbol conforms to the current engine
and emission system protection standards and fuel
economy requirements of the International Lubricants
Specification Advisory Council (ILSAC), comprised of
U.S. and Japanese automobile manufacturers.
1. Check the engine oil level.
2. If the engine oil level is not within the normal range, add engine oil
that meets Ford specifications. SeeCapacities and Specificationsfor
more information. Remove the engine oil filler cap and use a funnel to
pour the engine oil into the opening.
3. Recheck the engine oil level. Make sure the oil level is not above the
normal operating range on the engine oil level dipstick.
4. Install the dipstick and ensure it is fully seated.
5. Fully install the engine oil filler cap by turning the filler cap clockwise
until three clicks are heard or until the cap is fully seated.
ENGINE COOLANT CHECK
Checking the Engine Coolant
The concentration and level of engine coolant should be checked at the
intervals listed inscheduled maintenance information.
The coolant concentration should be maintained within 48% to 50%, which
equates to a freeze point between -30°F (-34°C) and -34°F (-37°C).
Note:For best results, coolant concentration should be tested with a
refractometer such as Rotunda tool 300-ROB75240 available from your
dealer. Ford does not recommend the use of hydrometers or coolant test
strips for measuring coolant concentrations.
Note:Make sure that the level is between the MIN and MAX marks on
the coolant reservoir.
Maintenance307
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Note:Coolant expands when it is hot. The level may extend beyond the
MAX mark.
If the level is at the MIN mark, add coolant immediately. SeeAdding
Engine Coolantin this chapter.
Note:Automotive fluids are not interchangeable; do not use engine
coolant/antifreeze or windshield washer fluid outside of its specified
function and vehicle location.
Adding Engine Coolant
WARNING:Do not add engine coolant when the engine is hot.
Steam and scalding liquids released from a hot cooling system
can burn you badly. Also, you can be burned if you spill coolant on hot
engine parts.
WARNING:Do not put engine coolant in the windshield washer
fluid container. If sprayed on the windshield, engine coolant
could make it difficult to see through the windshield.
WARNING:To reduce the risk of personal injury, make sure the
engine is cool before unscrewing the coolant pressure relief cap.
The cooling system is under pressure; steam and hot liquid can come
out forcefully when the cap is loosened slightly.
WARNING:Do not add coolant further than the MAX mark.
Note:Do not use stop leak pellets, cooling system sealants or additives,
as they can cause damage to the engine cooling and/or heating systems.
This damage would not be covered under your vehicle’s warranty.
Note:During normal vehicle operation, the engine coolant may change
color from orange to pink or light red. As long as the engine coolant is
clear and uncontaminated, this color change does not indicate the engine
coolant has degraded nor does it require the engine coolant to be
drained, the system to be flushed, or the engine coolant to be replaced.
•DO NOT MIX different colors or types of coolant in your vehicle. Make
sure the correct coolant is used. Mixing of engine coolants may harm
your engine’s cooling system. The use of an improper coolant may
harm engine and cooling system components and may void the
warranty.
308Maintenance
2013 F-250/350/450/550(f23)
Owners Guide gf, 3rd Printing, December 2012
USA(fus)