2013 FORD F250 light

Choosing the Right Fuel With a Flex Fuel Vehicle (If Equipped)
Note:
If your vehicle is FFV capable, it will have a yellow colored fuel cap.
Flex fuel vehicles are designed to use only ethanol fuel blends which
contains 51 to 83% ethanol and UNLEADED FUEL Regular unleaded
gasoline or any mixture of the two fuels.
It is best not to alternate repeatedly between gasoline and E85. If you do
switch fuels, it is recommended that you add as much fuel as possible—at
least half a tank. Do not add less than five gallons (18.9 liters) when
refueling. You should drive the vehicle immediately after refueling for at
least 5 miles (8 kilometers) to allow the vehicle to adapt to the change in
ethanol concentration. If you exclusively use E85 fuel, it is recommended
to fill the fuel tank with regular unleaded gasoline at each scheduled oil
change.
Octane Recommendations
Regular unleaded gasoline with a
pump (R+M)/2 octane rating of 87 is
recommended. Some stations offer
fuels posted as Regular with an
octane rating below 87, particularly
in high altitude areas. Fuels with octane levels below 87 are not
recommended.
Regular unleaded gasoline with a pump (R+M)/2 octane rating of 87 is
recommended. Some stations offer fuels posted as “Regular” with an
octane rating below 87, particularly in high altitude areas. Fuels with
octane levels below 87 are not recommended.
Do not be concerned if your engine sometimes knocks lightly. However, if
it knocks heavily under most driving conditions while you are using fuel
with the recommended octane rating, see your authorized dealer to
prevent any engine damage.
87(R+M)/2 METHOD
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2013 F-250/350/450/550(f23)
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USA(fus)

Note:If you must replace the fuel filler cap, replace it with a fuel filler
cap that is designed for your vehicle. The customer warranty may be
void for any damage to the fuel tank or fuel system if the correct
genuine Ford, Motorcraft® or other certified fuel filler cap is not used.
Your fuel tank filler cap has an indexed design with a 1/4th turn on and
off feature. When fueling your vehicle:
1. Turn the engine off.
2. Carefully turn the filler cap counterclockwise until it spins off.
3. Pull to remove the cap from the fuel filler pipe.
4. To install the cap, align the tabs on the cap with the notches on the
filler pipe.
5. Turn the filler cap clockwise 1/4 of a turn clockwise until it clicks at
least once.
If the Check Fuel Cap light or a Check Fuel Cap message appears in the
instrument cluster and stays on after you start the engine, the fuel filler
cap may not be properly installed.
If the fuel cap light remains on, at the next opportunity, safely pull off of
the road, remove the fuel filler cap, align the cap properly and reinstall
it. The check fuel cap light or Check fuel cap message may not reset
immediately; it may take several driving cycles for the indicators to turn
off. A driving cycle consists of an engine start-up (after four or more
hours with the engine off) followed by normal city and highway driving.
FUEL CONSUMPTION
Filling the Tank
The advertised capacity is the indicated capacity and the empty reserve
combined. Indicated capacity is the difference in the amount of fuel in a
full tank and a tank when the fuel gauge indicates empty. Empty reserve
is the amount of fuel in the tank after the fuel gauge indicates empty.
Note:The amount of usable fuel in the empty reserve varies and should
not be relied upon to increase driving range. When refueling your vehicle
after the fuel gauge indicates empty, you might not be able to refuel the
full amount of the advertised capacity of the fuel tank due to the empty
reserve still present in the tank.
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2013 F-250/350/450/550(f23)
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Your vehicle is equipped with various emission control components
and a catalytic converter which will enable your vehicle to comply with
applicable exhaust emission standards. To make sure that the catalytic
converter and other emission control components continue to work
properly:
•Use only the specified fuel listed.
•Avoid running out of fuel.
•Do not turn off the ignition while your vehicle is moving, especially at
high speeds.
•Have the items listed inScheduled Maintenance Information
performed according to the specified schedule.
The scheduled maintenance items listed inScheduled Maintenance
Informationare essential to the life and performance of your vehicle
and to its emissions system.
If other than Ford, Motorcraft® or Ford-authorized parts are used
for maintenance replacements or for service of components affecting
emission control, such non-Ford parts should be equivalent to genuine
Ford Motor Company parts in performance and durability.
Illumination of the service engine soon indicator, charging system
warning light or the temperature warning light, fluid leaks, strange odors,
smoke or loss of engine power could indicate that the emission control
system is not working properly.
An improperly operating or damaged exhaust system may allow exhaust
to enter the vehicle. Have a damaged or improperly operating exhaust
system inspected and repaired immediately.
Do not make any unauthorized changes to your vehicle or engine. By
law, vehicle owners and anyone who manufactures, repairs, services,
sells, leases, trades vehicles, or supervises a fleet of vehicles are not
permitted to intentionally remove an emission control device or prevent
it from working. Information about your vehicle’s emission system is on
the Vehicle Emission Control Information Decal located on or near the
engine. This decal also lists engine displacement.
Please consult your warranty information for complete emission warranty
information.
196Fuel and Refueling
2013 F-250/350/450/550(f23)
Owners Guide gf, 3rd Printing, December 2012
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D (Overdrive) with Tow/Haul Off
D (Overdrive) with tow/haul off is the normal driving position for the
best fuel economy. The overdrive function allows automatic upshifts and
downshifts through gears one through five.
D (Overdrive) with Tow/Haul On
The tow/haul feature improves transmission operation when towing a
trailer or a heavy load. All transmission gear ranges are available when
using tow/haul.
To activate tow/haul, press the
button on the end of the gearshift
lever.
The TOW HAUL indicator light will illuminate in the instrument
cluster.
Tow/haul delays upshifts to reduce frequency of transmission shifting.
Tow/haul also provides engine braking in all forward gears when the
transmission is in the D (Overdrive) position; this engine braking will
slow the vehicle and assist the driver in controlling the vehicle when
descending a grade. Depending on driving conditions and load conditions,
the transmission may downshift, slow the vehicle and control the
vehicle speed when descending a hill, without the pedals being pressed.
The amount of downshift braking provided will vary based upon the
amount the pedal is depressed.
To deactivate the tow/haul feature and return to normal driving mode,
press the button on the end of the gearshift lever. The TOW HAUL light
will no longer be illuminated.
When you shut-off and restart the engine, the transmission will
automatically return to normal D (Overdrive) mode (Tow/Haul OFF).
3 (Third)
Transmission starts and operates in third gear only.
Used for improved traction on slippery roads. Selecting 3 (Third)
provides engine braking.
2 (Second)
Use 2 (Second) to start-up on slippery roads or to provide additional
engine braking on downgrades.
TOW/H
AUL
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2013 F-250/350/450/550(f23)
Owners Guide gf, 3rd Printing, December 2012
USA(fus)

To put your vehicle in gear:
1. Start the engine
2. Press the brake pedal
3. Move the gearshift lever into the desired gear
To put your vehicle in P (Park):
1. Come to a complete stop
2. Move the gearshift lever and securely latch it in P (Park)
R (Reverse)
With the gearshift lever in R (Reverse), the vehicle will move backward.
Always come to a complete stop before shifting into and out of R
(Reverse).
N (Neutral)
With the gearshift lever in N (Neutral), the vehicle can be started and is
free to roll. Hold the brake pedal down while in this position.
D (Overdrive) with Tow/Haul Off
D (Overdrive) with tow/haul off is the normal driving position for the
best fuel economy. The overdrive function allows automatic upshifts and
downshifts through gears one through six.
D (Overdrive) with Tow/Haul On
The tow/haul feature improves transmission operation when towing a
trailer or a heavy load. All transmission gear ranges are available when
using tow/haul.
To activate tow/haul, press the
button on the end of the gearshift
lever.
The TOW HAUL indicator light will illuminate in the instrument
cluster.
TOW/H
AUL
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2013 F-250/350/450/550(f23)
Owners Guide gf, 3rd Printing, December 2012
USA(fus)

Tow/haul delays upshifts to reduce frequency of transmission shifting.
Tow/haul also provides engine braking in all forward gears when the
transmission is in the D (Overdrive) position; this engine braking will
slow the vehicle and assist the driver in controlling the vehicle when
descending a grade. Depending on driving conditions and load conditions,
the transmission may downshift, slow the vehicle and control the vehicle
speed when descending a hill, without the pedals being pressed.
The amount of downshift braking provided will vary based upon the
amount the brake pedal is pressed.
Tow/haul may be automatically activated (without pressing the tow/haul
button). This provides engine braking to assist the vehicles braking
system when going downhill and repetitive braking is sensed. Once the
tow/haul mode has been automatically activated it will not automatically
deactivate.
To deactivate the tow/haul feature and return to normal driving mode,
press the button on the end of the gearshift lever. The tow/haul light will
no longer be illuminated.
Tow/haul will also deactivate when the vehicle is powered down for a few
minutes.
M (Manual) without Overdrive
With the gearshift lever in M (Manual), the driver can change gears up
or down as desired. This is called SelectShift Automatic™ transmission
(SST) mode. By moving the gearshift lever from drive position D
(Overdrive) to M (Manual) you now have control of selecting the gear
you desire using buttons on the shift lever.
To return to normal D (Overdrive) position, move the shift lever back
fromMtoD.
•The transmission will operate in gears one through six.
2 (Second)
Use 2 (Second) to start-up on slippery roads or to provide additional
engine braking on downgrades.
1 (First)
•Provides maximum engine braking.
•Allows upshifts by moving gearshift lever.
•The transmission will not downshift into 1 (First) at high speeds; it
will downshift to a lower gear and then shift into 1 (First) when the
vehicle reaches slower speeds.
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2013 F-250/350/450/550(f23)
Owners Guide gf, 3rd Printing, December 2012
USA(fus)

6. Remove the three fasteners
under the column that secure the
lower shroud half to the column.
7. Pull the lock lever into the full
unlocked position and remove the
lower shroud cover by pulling the
lever handle through the slot in the
cover.
8. Apply the brake and move the gearshift lever into N (Neutral).
9. Start the vehicle.
Perform Steps 4 through 8 in reverse order, making sure to engage the
hinge pivots between the upper and lower halves of the shroud. Keep
slight pressure in the forward direction as the halves are rotated
together.
If Your Vehicle Gets Stuck in Mud or Snow
Note:Do not rock the vehicle if the engine is not at normal operating
temperature or damage to the transmission may occur.
Note:Do not rock the vehicle for more than a minute or damage to the
transmission and tires may occur, or the engine may overheat.
If your vehicle gets stuck in mud or snow, it may be rocked out by
shifting between forward and reverse gears, stopping between shifts in a
steady pattern. Press lightly on the accelerator in each gear.
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2013 F-250/350/450/550(f23)
Owners Guide gf, 3rd Printing, December 2012
USA(fus)

HILL START ASSIST
WARNING:The hill start assist feature does not replace the
parking brake. When you leave the vehicle, always apply the
parking brake and shift the transmission into P (Park).
WARNING:You must remain in the vehicle once you have
activated the hill start assist feature.
WARNING:During all times, you are responsible for controlling
the vehicle, supervising the hill start assist system and
intervening, if required.
WARNING:If the engine is revved excessively, or if a
malfunction is detected when the hill start assist feature is
active, the hill start assist feature will be deactivated.
Hill start assist keeps your vehicle stationary long enough to move your
foot from the brake pedal to the accelerator pedal when your vehicle is
on a slope.
The brakes are released automatically once the engine has developed
sufficient drive to prevent the vehicle from rolling down the slope. This
is an advantage when pulling away on a slope, (for example from a car
park ramp, traffic lights or when reversing uphill into a parking space).
Using Hill Start Assist
1. Press the brake pedal to bring the vehicle to a complete standstill.
Keep the brake pedal pressed.
2. If the sensors detect that the vehicle is on a slope, the hill start assist
feature will be activated automatically.
3. When you remove your foot from the brake pedal, the vehicle will
remain on the slope without rolling away for approximately two or three
seconds. This hold time will automatically be extended if you are in the
process of driving off.
4. Drive off in the normal manner. The brakes will be released
automatically.
208Transmission
2013 F-250/350/450/550(f23)
Owners Guide gf, 3rd Printing, December 2012
USA(fus)