2013 FORD F250 air condition

If you drive in extremely hot climates:
•It may be necessary to have a Ford authorized dealer decrease the
coolant concentration to 40%.
•A coolant concentration of 40% will provide improved overheat
protection. Engine coolant concentrations below 40% will decrease the
corrosion and freeze protection characteristics of the engine coolant
and may cause engine damage.
Vehicles driven year-round in non-extreme climates should use
prediluted engine coolant for optimum cooling system and engine
protection.
What You Should Know About Fail-Safe Cooling (If Equipped)
WARNING:If fail-safe cooling activates, pull off the road as soon
as safely possible and turn the engine off. The engine may
automatically shut off while driving without further indication.
If the engine coolant supply is depleted, this feature allows the vehicle to
be driven temporarily before incremental component damage is incurred.
The “fail-safe” distance depends on ambient temperatures, vehicle load
and terrain.
How Fail-Safe Cooling Works
If the engine begins to overheat:
•The engine coolant temperature gauge will move to the red (hot)
area.
•The information display will indicate the engine is overheating.
•The service engine soon indicator will illuminate.
If the engine reaches a preset over-temperature condition, the engine
will automatically switch to alternating cylinder operation. Each disabled
cylinder acts as an air pump and cools the engine.
When this occurs the vehicle will still operate. However:
•The engine power will be limited.
•The air conditioning system will be disabled.
Continued operation will increase the engine temperature and the engine
will completely shut down, causing steering and braking effort to
increase.
Once the engine temperature cools, the engine can be restarted. Take
your vehicle to an authorized dealer as soon as possible to minimize
engine damage.
310Maintenance
2013 F-250/350/450/550(f23)
Owners Guide gf, 3rd Printing, December 2012
USA(fus)

When Fail-Safe Mode is Activated
WARNING:Never remove the coolant reservoir cap while the
engine is running or hot.
Note:Driving the vehicle without repairing the engine problem increases
the chance of engine damage. Take your vehicle to an authorized dealer
as soon as possible.
You have limited engine power when in the fail-safe mode, so drive the
vehicle with caution. The vehicle will not be able to maintain high-speed
operation and the engine will run rough. Remember that the engine is
capable of completely shutting down automatically to prevent engine
damage; therefore:
1. Pull off the road as soon as safely possible and turn off the engine.
2. Arrange for the vehicle to be taken to an authorized dealer.
3. If this is not possible, wait a short period for the engine to cool.
4. Check the coolant level and replenish if low.
5. Restart the engine and take your vehicle to an authorized dealer.
Engine Fluid Temperature Management (If Equipped)
WARNING:To reduce the risk of collision and injury, be
prepared that the vehicle speed may reduce and the vehicle may
not be able to accelerate with full power until the fluid temperatures
reduce.
Your vehicle has been designed to pull a trailer, but because of the added
load, the vehicle’s engine may temporarily reach higher temperatures
during severe operating conditions such as ascending a long or steep
grade while pulling a trailer in hot ambient temperatures.
At this time, you may notice your engine coolant temperature gauge
needle move toward the H and the POWER REDUCED TO LOWER
TEMP message may appear in the information display.
Maintenance311
2013 F-250/350/450/550(f23)
Owners Guide gf, 3rd Printing, December 2012
USA(fus)

You may notice a reduction in the vehicle’s speed caused by reduced
engine power. Your vehicle has been designed to enter this mode if
certain high temperature/high load conditions take place in order to
manage the engine’s fluid temperatures. The amount of speed reduction
will depend on the vehicle loading, towing, grade, ambient temperature,
and other factors. If this occurs, there is no need to pull off the road.
The vehicle can continue to be driven while this message is active.
The air conditioning may also cycle on and off during severe operating
conditions to protect overheating of the engine. When the engine coolant
temperature decreases to a more normal operating temperature, the air
conditioning will turn on once again.
If you notice any of the following:
•the engine coolant temperature gauge moves fully into the red (hot)
area
•the coolant temperature warning light illuminates
•the service engine soon indicator illuminates
1. Pull off the road as soon as safely possible and place the vehicle inP
(Park).
2. Leave the engine running until the coolant temperature gauge needle
moves away from the H range. After several minutes, if this does not
happen, follow the remaining steps.
3. Turn the engine off and wait for it to cool before checking the coolant
level.
WARNING:Never remove the coolant reservoir cap while the
engine is running or hot.
4. If the coolant level is normal, you may restart your engine and
continue on.
5. If the coolant is low, add coolant, restart the engine and take your
vehicle to an authorized dealer. SeeAdding engine coolantin this
chapter for more information.
Refer to fail-safe cooling for additional information.
312Maintenance
2013 F-250/350/450/550(f23)
Owners Guide gf, 3rd Printing, December 2012
USA(fus)

4.On the wall or screen you will
observe a light pattern with a distinct
horizontal edge towards the right.
If this edge is not at the horizontal
reference line, the beam will need
to be adjusted so the edge is at the
same height as the horizontal
reference line.
5.Locate the vertical adjuster on
each headlamp. Use a number 2
Phillips screwdriver to turn the
adjuster either counterclockwise
or clockwise in order to adjust
the vertical aim of the headlamp.
The upper edge of the light pattern
should touch the horizontal
reference line.
6. Repeat Steps 3–5 for the other
headlamp.
7. Close the hood and turn off the lamps.
HORIZONTAL AIM IS NOT REQUIRED FOR THIS VEHICLE AND IS
NOT ADJUSTABLE.
CHANGING A BULB
Lamp Assembly Condensation
Exterior lamps are vented to accommodate normal changes in pressure.
Condensation can be a natural by-product of this design. When moist air
enters the lamp assembly through the vents, there is a possibility that
condensation can occur when the temperature is cold. When normal
condensation occurs, a thin film of mist can form on the interior of the
lens. The thin mist eventually clears and exits through the vents during
normal operation. Clearing time may take as long as 48 hours under dry
weather conditions.
These are examples of acceptable condensation:
•Presence of thin mist (no streaks, drip marks or droplets).
•Fine mist covers less than 50% of the lens.
326Maintenance
2013 F-250/350/450/550(f23)
Owners Guide gf, 3rd Printing, December 2012
USA(fus)

Note:Do not reduce tire pressure to change the ride characteristics of
the vehicle. If you do not maintain the inflation pressure at the levels
specified by Ford, your vehicle may experience a condition known as
shimmy. Shimmy is a severe vibration and oscillation in the steering
wheel after the vehicle travels over a bump or dip in the road that
does not dampen out by itself. Shimmy may result from significant
under-inflation of the tires, improper tires (load range, size, or type),
or vehicle modifications such as lift-kits. In the event that your vehicle
experiences shimmy, you should slowly reduce speed by either lifting off
the accelerator pedal or lightly applying the brakes. The shimmy will
cease as the vehicle speed decreases.
Maximum Inflation Pressureis the tire manufacturer’s maximum
permissible pressure or the pressure at which the maximum load
can be carried by the tire. This pressure is normally higher than the
manufacturer’s recommended cold inflation pressure which can be found
on the Safety Compliance Certification Label (affixed to either the door
hinge pillar, door-latch post, or the door edge that meets the door-latch
post, next to the driver’s seating position), or Tire Label which is located
on the B-Pillar or the edge of the driver’s door. The cold inflation
pressure should never be set lower than the recommended pressure
on the Safety Compliance Certification Label or Tire Label.
When weather temperature changes occur, tire inflation pressures also
change. A 10°F (6°C) temperature drop can cause a corresponding
drop of 1 psi (7 kPa) in inflation pressure. Check your tire pressures
frequently and adjust them to the proper pressure which can be found
on the Safety Compliance Certification Label or Tire Label.
To check the pressure in your tire(s):
1. Make sure the tires are cool, meaning they are not hot from driving
even a mile.
If you are checking tire pressure when the tire is hot (for example,
driven more than 1 mile [1.6 kilometers]), never bleed or reduce air
pressure. The tires are hot from driving and it is normal for pressures
to increase above recommended cold pressures. A hot tire at or below
recommended cold inflation pressure could be significantly
under-inflated.
Note:If you have to drive a distance to get air for your tire(s), check
and record the tire pressure first and add the appropriate air pressure
when you get to the pump. It is normal for tires to heat up and the air
pressure inside to go up as you drive.
2. Remove the cap from the valve on one tire, then firmly press the tire
gauge onto the valve and measure the pressure.
354Wheels and Tires
2013 F-250/350/450/550(f23)
Owners Guide gf, 3rd Printing, December 2012
USA(fus)

Multi-point Inspection
In order to keep your vehicle running right, it is important to have
the systems on your vehicle checked regularly. This can help identify
potential issues and prevent major problems. Ford Motor Company
recommends the following multi-point inspection be performed at every
scheduled maintenance interval to help make sure your vehicle keeps
running great.
Multi-point inspection
Accessory drive belt(s) Horn operation
Battery performance Radiator, cooler, heater and A/C hoses
Engine air filter Suspension component for leaks or
damage
Exhaust system Steering and linkage
Exterior lamps and hazard
warning system operationTires (including spare) for wear and
proper pressure
**
Fluid levels*; fill if necessary Windshield for cracks, chips or pits
For oil and fluid leaks Washer spray and wiper operation
*Brake, coolant recovery reservoir, automatic transmission, power
steering and window washer.
**If your vehicle is equipped with a temporary mobility kit, check the tire
sealant expiration Use By date on the canister. Replace as needed.
Be sure to ask your dealership service advisor or technician about the
multi-point vehicle inspection. It is a comprehensive way to perform a
thorough inspection of your vehicle. It is your checklist that gives you
immediate feedback on the overall condition of your vehicle. You will
know what has been checked, what is okay, as well as those things that
may require future or immediate attention. The multi-point vehicle
inspection is one more way to keep your vehicle running great!
406Scheduled Maintenance
2013 F-250/350/450/550(f23)
Owners Guide gf, 3rd Printing, December 2012
USA(fus)

Extensive idling or low-speed driving for long distances as in
heavy commercial use (such as delivery, taxi, patrol car or livery)
Inspect frequently,
service as requiredReplace engine air filter.
Every 5000 miles
(8000 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 5000 miles
(8000 km) or
six monthsChange engine oil and filter.
Inspect and lubricate U-joints.
Every 30000 miles
(48000 km)Replace front wheel bearing grease and grease
seals if non-sealed bearings are used.
Every 60000 miles
(96000 km)Change transfer case fluid (4WD vehicles).
Replace spark plugs.
*Vehicles equipped with dual rear wheels should rotate the front wheels
when specified; rear wheels only if unusual wear is noted.
Operating in dusty or sandy conditions such as unpaved or
dusty roads
Inspect frequently,
service as requiredReplace engine air filter.
Every 5000 miles
(8000 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 5000 miles
(8000 km) or
six monthsChange engine oil and filter.
Inspect and lubricate U-joints.
Every 30000 miles
(48000 km)Replace front wheel bearing grease and grease
seals if non-sealed bearings are used.
414Scheduled Maintenance
2013 F-250/350/450/550(f23)
Owners Guide gf, 3rd Printing, December 2012
USA(fus)

Operating in dusty or sandy conditions such as unpaved or
dusty roads
Every 50000 miles
(80000 km)Change rear axle fluid (F-450/550 only).
Every 60000 miles
(96000 km)Change transfer case fluid (4WD vehicles).
*Vehicles equipped with dual rear wheels should rotate the front wheels
when specified; rear wheels only if unusual wear is noted.
Off-road operation
Inspect frequently,
service as requiredInspect steering linkage, ball joints and U-joints,
Lubricate if equipped with grease fittings.
Replace engine air filter.
Every 5000 miles
(8000 km) or
six monthsChange engine oil and filter.
Inspect the wheels and related components for
abnormal noise, wear, looseness or drag.
Rotate tires
*, inspect tires for wear and measure
tread depth.
Every 30000 miles
(48000 km)Replace front wheel bearing grease and grease
seals if non-sealed bearings are used.
Every 50000 miles
(80000 km)Change rear axle fluid (F-450/550 only).
Every 60000 miles
(96000 km)Change transfer case fluid (4WD vehicles).
*Vehicles equipped with dual rear wheels should rotate the front wheels
when specified; rear wheels only if unusual wear is noted.
Exclusive use of E85 (flex fuel vehicles only)
Every oil change
intervalIf ran exclusively on E85, fill the fuel tank full
with regular unleaded fuel.
Scheduled Maintenance415
2013 F-250/350/450/550(f23)
Owners Guide gf, 3rd Printing, December 2012
USA(fus)