2013 FORD F250 service

GENERAL INFORMATION
Note:Occasional brake noise is normal. If a metal-to-metal, continuous
grinding or continuous squeal sound is present, the brake linings may
be worn out and should be inspected by an authorized dealer. If your
vehicle has continuous vibration or shudder in the steering wheel while
braking, you should take it to an authorized dealer for inspection.
Note:Brake dust may accumulate on the wheels, even under normal
driving conditions. Some dust is inevitable as the brakes wear and does
not contribute to brake noise. See theVehicle Carechapter for wheel
cleaning instructions.
See theInstrument Clusterchapter for information on the
brake system warning light.
Wet brakes result in reduced braking efficiency. Gently press the brake
pedal a few times when driving from a car wash or standing water to dry
the brakes.
Brake Over Accelerator
In the event the accelerator pedal becomes stuck or entrapped, apply
steady and firm pressure to the brake pedal to slow your vehicle and
reduce engine power. If you experience this condition, apply the brakes
and bring your vehicle to a safe stop. Turn the engine off, shift to
positionPand apply the parking brake, then inspect the accelerator
pedal for any interferences. If none are found and the condition persists,
have your vehicle towed to the nearest authorized dealer.
Brake Assist
Brake assist detects when you brake heavily by measuring the rate at
which you press the brake pedal. It provides maximum braking efficiency
as long as you press the pedal. Brake assist can reduce stopping
distances in critical situations.
Anti-Lock Brake System
This system helps you maintain steering control during emergency stops
by keeping the brakes from locking.
The anti-lock brake system lamp momentarily illuminates when
the ignition is turned on. If the light does not illuminate during
start-up, remains on or flashes, the anti-lock brake system may
be disabled and may need to be serviced.
Brakes223
2013 F-250/350/450/550(f23)
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If the anti-lock brake system is disabled, normal braking is still
effective. If the brake warning lamp illuminates with the parking
brake released, have your brake system serviced immediately.
HINTS ON DRIVING WITH ANTI-LOCK BRAKES
When the system is operating, the brake pedal will pulse and may travel
further. Maintain pressure on the brake pedal. You may also hear a noise
from the system. This is normal.
The anti-lock braking system will not eliminate the dangers inherent
when:
•you drive too closely to the vehicle in front of you.
•your vehicle is hydroplaning.
•you take corners too fast.
•the road surface is poor.
PARKING BRAKE
WARNING:Always set the parking brake fully and make sure that
the transmission selector lever is securely latched in positionP.
To set the parking brake, press the parking brake pedal down until the
pedal stops.
The BRAKE warning lamp in the instrument cluster will illuminate and
remains illuminated until the parking brake is released.
To release, pull the brake release lever located at the lower left side of
the instrument panel.
If you are parking your vehicle on a grade or with a trailer, press and hold
the brake pedal down, then set the parking brake. There may be a little
vehicle movement as the parking brake sets to hold the vehicle’s weight.
This is normal and should be no reason for concern. If needed, press and
hold the service brake pedal down, then try reapplying the parking brake.
Chock the wheels if required. If the parking brake cannot hold the weight
of the vehicle, the parking brake may need to be serviced or the vehicle
may be overloaded.
224Brakes
2013 F-250/350/450/550(f23)
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System indicator lights and messages
WARNING:If a failure has been detected within the Traction
Control System, the stability control light will illuminate steadily.
Verify that the Traction Control System was not manually disabled
using the stability control button. If the stability control light still
illuminates steadily, have the system serviced by an authorized dealer
immediately. Operating your vehicle with Traction Control disabled
could lead to an increased risk of loss of vehicle control, vehicle
rollover, personal injury and death.
The stability control light temporarily illuminates on engine
start-up and flashes when a driving condition activates the
stability system.
The stability control off light temporarily illuminates on engine
start-up and stays on when the traction control system is
turned off or if a problem occurs in the stability system.
226Traction Control
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Steering
To help prevent damage to the power steering system:
•Never hold the steering wheel at its furthest turning points (until it
stops) for more than three to five seconds when the engine is running.
•Do not operate the vehicle with a low power steering pump fluid level
(below the MIN mark on the reservoir).
•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 inWorkshop Manual.
A high crown in the road or high crosswinds may also make the steering
seem to wander/pull.
240Driving Aids
2013 F-250/350/450/550(f23)
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Opening the Tailgate Step
1. Flip down the tailgate.
2. Pull the yellow latch lever to the unlock position to release
the grab handle from its stowed position.
3. Raise the handle upright until
you feel it latch and see the
latch lever in the lock position.
The yellow lever only needs to be
used when releasing the grab
handle.
4. Rotate the center molding to
unlatch the tailgate step and pull it
toward you to extend it.
5. Flip open the step panel to widen
the step.
Close the Tailgate Step
1. Close the step panel, then lift and fully close the tailgate step into the
tailgate.
2. Slide the latch at the bottom of the handle, then lower the handle.
Note:
•Fully close and latch the tailgate step before moving the vehicle.
•Never drive with the step or grab handle deployed.
•Replace the slip resistance tape (serviceable item) if worn out.
•Replace the handle molding (serviceable item) if damaged.
•Do not tow with the grab handle or step frame.
250Load Carrying
2013 F-250/350/450/550(f23)
Owners Guide gf, 3rd Printing, December 2012
USA(fus)

ESSENTIAL TOWING CHECKS
Follow these guidelines for safe towing:
•Do not tow a trailer until you drive your vehicle at least 1000 miles
(1600 kilometers).
•Consult your local motor vehicle laws for towing a trailer.
•See the instructions included with towing accessories for the proper
installation and adjustment specifications.
•Service your vehicle more frequently if you tow a trailer. See your
scheduled maintenance information.
•If you use a rental trailer, follow the instructions the rental agency
gives you.
For load specification terms found on the tire label and Safety
Compliance label and for instructions on calculating your vehicle’s load,
refer toLoad limitin theLoad Carryingchapter.
Remember to account for the trailer tongue weight as part of your
vehicle load when calculating the total vehicle weight.
Hitches
WARNING:On pick-up trucks, the trailer hitch provided on this
vehicle enhances crash protection for the fuel system. Do not
remove!
Do not use a hitch that either clamps onto the bumper or attaches to the
axle. You must distribute the load in your trailer so that 10–15% for
conventional towing or 15–25% for fifth wheel towing of the total weight
of the trailer is on the tongue.
Weight-Distributing Hitches
WARNING:Do not adjust a weight-distributing hitch to any
position where the rear bumper of the vehicle is higher than it
was before attaching the trailer. Doing so will defeat the function of the
weight-distributing hitch, which may cause unpredictable handling, and
could result in serious personal injury.
When hooking-up a trailer using a weight-distributing hitch, always use
the following procedure:
1. Park the loaded vehicle, without the trailer, on a level surface.
2. Measure the height to the top of your vehicle’s front wheel opening
on the fender. This is H1.
256Towing
2013 F-250/350/450/550(f23)
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•Make sure the stuck vehicle is not loaded heavier than its gross
vehicle weight rating specified on the certification label.
•Always align the tow vehicle and stuck vehicle in a straight line
(within 10 degrees).
•Keep bystanders to thesidesof the vehicle, at a distance of at least
twice the length of the recovery strap. This helps avoid injury from
the hazard of a recovery hook or strap breaking, or a vehicle lurching
into their path.
TRANSPORTING THE VEHICLE
If you need to have your vehicle towed, contact a professional towing
service or, if you are a member of a roadside assistance program, your
roadside assistance service provider.
266Towing
2013 F-250/350/450/550(f23)
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Snowplowing with your Air Bag Equipped Vehicle
WARNING:Do not attempt to service, repair, or modify the air
bag supplemental restraint system (SRS) or its fuses. See your
Ford or Lincoln Mercury dealer.
WARNING:Additional equipment such as snowplow equipment
may effect the performance of the air bag sensors increasing the
risk of injury. Please refer to theBody Builders Layout Bookfor
instructions about the appropriate installation of additional equipment.
WARNING:All occupants of the vehicle, including the driver,
should always properly wear their safety belts, even when an air
bag supplemental restraint system (SRS) is provided.
Your vehicle is equipped with a driver and passenger air bag
supplemental restraint system. The supplemental restrain system is
designed to activate in certain frontal and offset frontal collisions when
the vehicle sustains sufficient longitudinal deceleration.
Careless or high speed driving while plowing snow which results in
sufficient vehicle decelerations can deploy the air bag. Such driving also
increases the risk of accidents.
Never remove or defeat the tripping mechanisms designed into the snow
removal equipment by its manufacturer. Doing so may cause damage to
the vehicle and the snow removal equipment as well as possible air bag
deployment.
274Driving Hints
2013 F-250/350/450/550(f23)
Owners Guide gf, 3rd Printing, December 2012
USA(fus)