2013 FORD F250 check engine light

SYMBOL GLOSSARY
WARNING:You risk death or serious injury to yourself and
others if you do not follow the instruction highlighted by the
warning symbol.
These are some of the symbols you may see on your vehicle.
Symbol Description Symbol Description Symbol Description
Safety alertSee Owner’s
ManualAnti-lock
braking
system
Avoid
smoking,
flames, or
sparksBatteryBattery acid
Brake fluid –
non
petroleum
baseBrake systemCabin air
filter
Check fuel
capChild Safety
Door Lock
and UnlockChild seat
lower anchor
Child seat
tether anchorCruise
controlDo not open
when hot
Engine air
filterEngine
coolantEngine
coolant
temperature
Engine oilExplosive gasFan warning
Fasten safety
beltFront airbagFront fog
lamps
10Introduction
2013 F-250/350/450/550(f23)
Owners Guide gf, 3rd Printing, December 2012
USA(fus)

Car Finder
Press the button twice within three seconds. The horn will sound
and the turn signals will flash. We recommend you use this
method to locate your vehicle, rather than using the panic alarm.
Sounding a Panic Alarm
Press the button to activate the alarm. Press the button again
or switch the ignition on to deactivate.
Note:The panic alarm will only operate when the ignition is off.
Remote Start (If Equipped)
WARNING:To avoid exhaust fumes, do not use remote start if
your vehicle is parked indoors or areas that are not well ventilated.
Note:Do not use remote start if your vehicle is low on fuel.
The remote start button is on the transmitter.
This feature allows you to start your vehicle from outside your vehicle.
The transmitter has an extended operating range.
Vehicles with automatic climate control can be configured to operate
when the vehicle is remote started. See theClimate Controlchapter for
more information. A manual climate control system will run at the setting
it was set to when your vehicle was last turned off.
Many states and provinces have restrictions for the use of remote start.
Check your local and state or provincial laws for specific requirements
regarding remote start systems.
The remote start system will not work if:
•the ignition is on
•the alarm system is triggered
•you disable the feature
•the hood is not closed
•the transmission is not inP
•the vehicle battery voltage is too low
•the service engine soon light is on.
64Keys and Remote Control
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)

Service Engine Soon
Theservice engine soonindicator light illuminates when the
ignition is first turned to the on position to check the bulb and to
indicate whether the vehicle is ready for Inspection/Maintenance
(I/M) testing. Normally, the “service engine soon” light will stay on until
the engine is cranked, then turn itself off if no malfunctions are present.
However, if after 15 seconds the “service engine soon” light blinks eight
times, it means that the vehicle is not ready for I/M testing. See the
Readiness for inspection/maintenance (I/M) testingin theFuel and
Refuelingchapter.
Solid illumination after the engine is started indicates the on-board
diagnostics system (OBD-II) has detected a malfunction. Refer to
On-board diagnostics (OBD-II)in theFuel and Refuelingchapter.
If the light is blinking, engine misfire is occurring which could damage
your catalytic converter. Drive in a moderate fashion (avoid heavy
acceleration and deceleration) and have your vehicle serviced
immediately by your authorized dealer.
WARNING:Under engine misfire conditions, excessive exhaust
temperatures could damage the catalytic converter, the fuel
system, interior floor coverings or other vehicle components, possibly
causing a fire.
Stability Control System
Displays when the AdvanceTrac®/Traction control is active.
If the light remains on, have the system serviced immediately.
Stability Control System Off
Illuminates when AdvanceTrac®/Traction control has been
disabled by the driver.
Transmission Tow/Haul
Illuminates when the Tow/Haul feature has been activated.
Refer to theTransmissionchapter for transmission function
and operation. If the light flashes steadily, have the system
serviced immediately, damage to the transmission could occur.
102Instrument Cluster
2013 F-250/350/450/550(f23)
Owners Guide gf, 3rd Printing, December 2012
USA(fus)

4X2
Illuminates momentarily when two-wheel drive high is selected.
If the light fails to display when the ignition is turned on, or
remains on, have the system serviced immediately by your
authorized dealer.
4X4 LOW
Illuminates when four-wheel drive low is engaged. If the light fails
to display when the ignition is turned on, or remains on, have the
system serviced immediately by your authorized dealer.
4X4 HIGH
Illuminates when four-wheel drive high is engaged. If the light fails
to display when the ignition is turned on, or remains on, have the
system serviced immediately by your authorized dealer.
Diesel Warning Lights:If your vehicle is equipped with a diesel engine,
it has some unique warning lights; refer to theInstrument Clusterin
your diesel supplement for detailed information on their function.
•Glow plug pre-heat
•Waterinfuel
•Diesel exhaust fluid
AUDIBLE WARNINGS AND INDICATORS
Key In Ignition Warning Chime
Sounds when the key is left in the ignition in the off or accessory
position and the driver’s door is opened.
Keyless Warning Alert (If Equipped)
Sounds when the keyless vehicle is in RUN and the driver’s door is opened.
Headlamps On Warning Chime
Sounds when the headlamps or parking lamps are on, the ignition is off
(the key is not in the ignition) and the driver’s door is opened.
Parking Brake On Warning Chime
Sounds when you have left the parking brake on and drive your vehicle.
If the warning chime remains on after you have released the parking
brake, have the system checked by your authorized dealer immediately.
Instrument Cluster103
2013 F-250/350/450/550(f23)
Owners Guide gf, 3rd Printing, December 2012
USA(fus)

•TIMER: Displays the trip elapsed drive time. Press and release RESET
to pause the timer. Press and hold RESET to reset the timer.
•TBC GAIN (if equipped): Displays the level of trailer brake gain or if
the trailer is not connected.
•EXHAUST FILTER (Diesel only): For more information, refer to the
Diesel exhaust system: oxidation catalyst/diesel particulate filter
systemin your diesel supplement for more information.
System Check and Vehicle Feature Customization
Press the SETUP button repeatedly to cycle the message center through
the following features:
Note:Some options may appear slightly different or not at all if the
items are optional.
Note:When returning to the SETUP menu and a non-English language
has been selected, HOLD RESET FOR ENGLISH will be displayed to
change back to English. Press and hold the RESET button to change
back to English.
SETUP
RESET FOR
SYSTEM CHECKpress the
RESET buttonOIL LIFE
EXHAUST FLUID LEVEL
(Diesel only)
ENGINE HOURS
ENGINE IDLE HOURS
CHARGING SYSTEM
DOOR
BRAKE SYSTEM
TBC GAIN = XX.X
FUEL LEVEL
MYKEY DISTANCE
MYKEY(S) PROGRAMMED
ADMIN KEYS PROGRAMMED
106Information Displays
2013 F-250/350/450/550(f23)
Owners Guide gf, 3rd Printing, December 2012
USA(fus)

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
2013 F-250/350/450/550(f23)
Owners Guide gf, 3rd Printing, December 2012
USA(fus)

IGNITION SWITCH
Note:To switch the engine off when your vehicle is moving, move the
transmission selector lever to positionN.Use the brakes to bring your
vehicle to a safe stop. After your vehicle has stopped, switch the engine
off and move the transmission selector lever to positionP.Turn the key
to the accessory or off position.
Note:Do not store the key in the ignition after the vehicle is turned off
and you have left the vehicle. This could cause a drain on the battery.
A.Off:The ignition is off.
B.Accessory:Allows the electrical accessories, such as the radio, to
operate while the engine is not running.
C.On:All the electrical circuits are operational. Warning lights are
illuminated. This is the key position when driving.
D.
Start:Cranks the engine. Release the key as soon as the engine starts.
STARTING A GASOLINE ENGINE
When you start the engine, the idle speed increases, this helps to warm
up the engine. If the engine idle speed does not slow down automatically,
have your vehicle checked by an authorized dealer.
Before starting the engine:
•Make sure all occupants have fastened their safety belts.
•Make sure the headlamps and electrical accessories are off.
•Make sure the parking brake is on.
•Move the transmission selector lever to positionP.
•Turn the ignition key to the on position.
C
D
B
A
Starting and Stopping the Engine183
2013 F-250/350/450/550(f23)
Owners Guide gf, 3rd Printing, December 2012
USA(fus)