2013 FORD F250 steering

There will also be one power lead
for each switch found as a blunt-cut
and sealed wire located below the
instrument panel and to the left of
the steering column.
They are coded as follows:
SwitchCircuit
NumberWire ColorFuse Amp
Rating
AUX 1 CAC05 Yellow 25A
AUX 2 CAC06 Green with
Brown Trace25A
AUX 3 CAC07 Violet with
Green Trace10A
AUX 4 CAC08 Brown 15A
More detailed information about upfitter switches can be found at
https://www.fleet.ford.com/truckbbas/.
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UNDER HOOD OVERVIEW
Refer to the diesel supplement for diesel engine component locations.
6.2L V8 Gasoline Engine
A. Windshield washer fluid reservoir
B. Engine oil dipstick
C. Automatic transmission fluid dipstick
D. Brake fluid reservoir
E. Engine coolant reservoir
F. Power distribution box
G. Air filter assembly
H. Power steering fluid reservoir
I. Engine oil filler cap
J. Battery
ADFEBC
GHIJ
304Maintenance
2013 F-250/350/450/550(f23)
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6.8L V10 Gasoline Engine
A. Windshield washer fluid reservoir
B. Battery
C. Automatic transmission fluid dipstick
D. Engine oil filler cap
E. Engine oil dipstick
F. Power steering fluid reservoir
G. Brake fluid reservoir
H. Engine coolant reservoir
I. Air filter assembly
J. Power distribution box
ABCEHIJFDG
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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)
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BRAKE FLUID CHECK
Fluid levels between the MIN and MAX lines are within the normal
operating range; there is no need to add fluid. If the fluid levels are
outside of the normal operating range, the performance of the system
could be compromised; seek service from your authorized dealer
immediately.
POWER STEERING FLUID CHECK
Check the power steering fluid. Refer to yourScheduled Maintenance
Information.If adding fluid is necessary, use only MERCON® V ATF.
Note:This procedure is for vehicles with gasoline engines. Vehicles with
diesel engines are similar. Refer toUnder Hood Overviewin your diesel
supplement.
Check the fluid level when it is at ambient temperature, 20°F–80°F
(-7°C–25°C):
1. Check the fluid level in the reservoir. It should be between the MIN
and MAX range. Do not add fluid if the level is within this range.
2. If the fluid level is low. Add fluid to bring fluid level up to be between
the MIN and MAX range.
3. Start the engine.
4. While the engine idles, turn the steering wheel left and right several
times.
5. Turn the engine off.
6. Recheck the fluid level in the reservoir. Do not add fluid if the level is
between the MIN and MAX range.
7. If the fluid is low, add fluid in small amounts, continuously checking
the level until it is between the MIN and MAX range. Refer toCapacities
and Specificationsfor the proper fluid type. Be sure to put the cap
back on the reservoir.
FUEL FILTER
If equipped with a gasoline engine, your vehicle is equipped with a
lifetime fuel filter that is integrated with the fuel tank. Regular
maintenance or replacement is not needed.
If equipped with a diesel engine, refer to the diesel supplement.
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Battery Management System (If Equipped)
The battery management system (BMS) monitors battery conditions
and takes actions to extend battery life. If excessive battery drain is
detected, the system may temporarily disable certain electrical features
to protect the battery. Those electrical accessories affected include the
rear defrost, heated/cooled seats, climate control fan, heated steering
wheel, audio and navigation system. A message may be shown in the
information displays to alert the driver that battery protection actions
are active. These messages are only for notification that an action is
taking place, and not intended to indicate an electrical problem or that
the battery requires replacement.
Electrical accessory installation
To ensure proper operation of the BMS, any electrical devices that are
added to the vehicle should not have their ground connection made
directly at the negative battery post. A connection at the negative
battery post can cause inaccurate measurements of the battery
condition and potential incorrect system operation.
Note:Electrical or electronic accessories added to the vehicle by the
dealer or the owner may adversely affect battery performance and
durability, and may also affect the performance of other electrical
systems in the vehicle.
When a battery replacement is required, the battery should only be
replaced with a Ford recommended replacement battery which matches
the electrical requirements of the vehicle. After battery replacement,
or in some cases after charging the battery with the external charger,
the BMS requires eight hours of vehicle sleep time (key off with doors
closed) to relearn the new battery state of charge. Prior to relearning the
state of charge, the BMS may disable electrical features (to protect the
battery) earlier than normal.
CHECKING THE WIPER BLADES
Run the tip of your fingers over the edge of the blade
to check for roughness.
Clean the wiper blades with washer fluid or water
applied with a soft sponge or cloth.
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For fabric, carpets, cloth seats, safety belts and seats equipped with side
airbags:
•Remove dust and loose dirt with a vacuum cleaner.
•Remove light stains and soil with Motorcraft® Professional Strength
Carpet & Upholstery Cleaner.
•If grease or tar is present on the material, spot-clean the area
first with Motorcraft® Spot and Stain Remover. In Canada, use
Motorcraft® Multi-Purpose Cleaner.
•If a ring forms on the fabric after spot cleaning, clean the entire area
immediately (but do not oversaturate) or the ring will set.
•Do not use household cleaning products or glass cleaners, which can
stain and discolor the fabric and affect the flame retardant abilities of
the seat materials.
CLEANING THE INSTRUMENT PANEL AND INSTRUMENT
CLUSTER LENS
WARNING:Do not use chemical solvents or strong detergents
when cleaning the steering wheel or instrument panel to avoid
contamination of the airbag system.
Clean the instrument panel and cluster lens with a clean, damp, white,
cotton cloth, then use a clean and dry, white, cotton cloth to dry these
areas.
•Avoid cleaners or polishes that increase the gloss of the upper portion
of the instrument panel. The dull finish in this area helps protect the
driver from undesirable windshield reflection.
•Be certain to wash or wipe your hands clean if you have been in
contact with certain products, such as insect repellent and suntan
lotion, in order to avoid possible damage to the interior painted
surfaces.
•Do not use household or glass cleaners as these may damage the
finish of the instrument panel, interior trim and cluster lens.
•Do not allow air fresheners and hand sanitizers to spill on interior
surfaces. If a spill occurs, wipe off immediately. Damage may not be
covered by your warranty.
336Vehicle Care
2013 F-250/350/450/550(f23)
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USA(fus)

Power is supplied to all four wheels through a transfer case or power
transfer unit. Four-wheel drive vehicles allow you to select different drive
modes as necessary. You can find information on transfer case operation
and shifting procedures in theTransmissionchapter. You can find
information on transfer case maintenance in theMaintenancechapter.
You should become thoroughly familiar with this information before you
operate your vehicle.
On some four-wheel drive models, the initial shift from two-wheel drive
to four-wheel drive while the vehicle is moving can cause a momentary
clunk and ratcheting sound. These sounds are normal as the front
drivetrain comes up to speed and are not cause for concern.
How Your Vehicle Differs from Other Vehicles
Sport-utility vehicles, vans and
trucks can differ from some other
vehicles in a few noticeable ways.
Your vehicle may be:
•Higher – to allow higher load
carrying capacity and to allow
it to travel over rough terrain
without getting hung up or
damaging underbody
components.
•
Shorter – to give it the capability
to approach inclines and drive
over the crest of a hill without
getting hung up or damaging
underbody components. All other
things held equal, a shorter
wheelbase may make your vehicle quicker to respond to steering inputs
than a vehicle with a longer wheelbase.
344Wheels and Tires
2013 F-250/350/450/550(f23)
Owners Guide gf, 3rd Printing, December 2012
USA(fus)