2017 FORD F250 SUPER DUTY tow

When backing down a ramp during boatlaunching or retrieval:
•Do not allow the static water level torise above the bottom edge of the rearbumper.
•Do not allow waves to break higherthan 6 in (15 cm) above the bottomedge of the rear bumper.
Exceeding these limits may allow water toenter vehicle components:
•Causing internal damage to thecomponents.
•Affecting driveability, emissions, andreliability.
Replace the rear axle lubricant anytimethe rear axle has been submerged in water.Water may have contaminated the rearaxle lubricant, which is not normallychecked or changed unless a leak issuspected or other axle repair is required.
TOWING THE VEHICLE ON
FOUR WHEELS
WARNING
If your vehicle has a steering wheellock make sure the ignition is in theaccessory or on position when beingtowed.
Emergency Towing
If your vehicle becomes inoperable(without access to wheel dollies,car-hauling trailer, or flatbed transportvehicle), it can be flat-towed (all wheelson the ground, regardless of the powertrainand transmission configuration) under thefollowing conditions:
•Your vehicle is facing forward fortowing in a forward direction.
•Place the transmission in neutral (N).If you cannot move the transmissioninto neutral (N), you may need tooverride it. See Transmission (page205).
•Maximum speed is 35 mph (56 km/h).
•Maximum distance is 50 mi (80 km).
WARNING
If your vehicle has a steering wheellock make sure the ignition is in theaccessory or on position when beingtowed.
Recreational Towing
Note:Put your climate control system inrecirculated air mode to prevent exhaustfumes from entering your vehicle. SeeClimate Control (page 145).
Follow these guidelines if you have a needfor recreational towing, such as towingyour vehicle behind a motorhome. We havedesigned these guidelines to preventdamage to your transmission.
Two-wheel Drive Vehicles
Do not tow your vehicle with any wheelson the ground, as vehicle or transmissiondamage may occur. It is recommended totow your vehicle with all four (4) wheelsoff the ground, such as when using acar-hauling trailer. Otherwise, you cannottow your vehicle.
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Towing

Four-wheel Drive Vehicles Equippedwith a Manual-shift Transfer Case
1. Put the transmission in neutral (N).
2. Put the transfer case in neutral (N).
3.Put the hub locks in the FREE position.Always make sure that both hub locksare set to the same position.
Four-wheel Drive Vehicles Equippedwith an Electronic-shift Transfer Case
Only tow a four-wheel drive vehicle thathas an electronic-shift transfer case withall wheels on the ground. To do this, placethe transfer case in its neutral position andengage the four-wheel-down towingfeature.
Perform the steps in the following sectionafter positioning your vehicle behind thetow vehicle and properly securing themtogether.
Note:Make sure you properly secure yourvehicle to the tow vehicle.
Four-wheel-down Towing
1. Put the ignition in the on position, butdo not start the engine. If your vehiclehas an ignition key, turn the key to on.If your vehicle has intelligent access,press the engine START/STOP buttononce without pressing the brake pedal.
2. Press and hold the brake pedal.
3. Rotate the four-wheel drive switch to2H.
4. Shift the transmission to neutral (N).
5. Rotate the four-wheel drive switchfrom 2H to 4L and back to 2H fivetimes within seven seconds.
Note:If completed successfully, theinformation display shows a messageindicating that your vehicle is safe to towwith all wheels on the ground.
Note:If you do not see the message in thedisplay, you must perform the procedureagain from the beginning.
Note:You may hear an audible noise as thetransfer case shifts into its neutral position.This is normal.
6. Leave the transmission in neutral (N)and turn the ignition as far as it will gotoward the off position (it will not turnfully off when the transmission is inneutral). If your vehicle has an ignitionkey, you must leave the key in theignition while towing. To lock andunlock your vehicle, use the keylessentry keypad or extra set of keys. If yourvehicle has intelligent access, press theengine START/STOP button oncewithout pressing the brake pedal. Youdo not need to leave your keys in thevehicle. You can lock and unlock yourvehicle as you normally do.
7. Release the brake pedal.
WARNINGS
Do not disconnect the battery duringrecreational towing. It prevents thetransfer case from shifting properlyand may cause the vehicle to roll, even ifthe transmission is in park (P).
Shifting the transfer case to itsneutral position for recreationaltowing may cause the vehicle to roll,even if the transmission is in park (P). Itmay injure the driver and others. Make sureyou press the foot brake and the vehicle isin a secure, safe position when you shift toneutral (N).
Note:Failing to put the transfer case in itsneutral position while towing with all fourwheels on the ground will damage vehiclecomponents.
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Towing

Note:You can check four-wheel-downtowing status at any time by opening thedriver's door or turning the ignition to theaccessory or on position and verifying amessage displays in the cluster.
To exit four-wheel-down towing and returnthe transfer case to its 2H position:
1.With your vehicle still properly securedto the tow vehicle, put the ignition inthe on position, but do not start theengine. If your vehicle has an ignitionkey, switch the key to on. If your vehiclehas intelligent access, press the engineSTART/STOP button once withoutpressing the brake pedal.
2. Press and hold the brake pedal.
3. Shift the transmission out of neutral(N) and into any other gear.
4. Release the brake pedal.
Note:If completed successfully, the 2Hindicator light illuminates and aconfirmation message displays in theinstrument cluster.
Note:If the indicator light and message donot display, you must perform the procedureagain from the beginning.
Note:You may hear an audible noise as thetransfer case shifts out of its neutralposition. This is normal.
Note:If a message displays in theinstrument cluster stating there is a shiftdelay, transfer case gear tooth blockagemay be present. See Resolving the ShiftDelay Issue after this section.
5.Apply the parking brake and disconnectthe vehicle from the tow vehicle.
6. Release the parking brake, start theengine and shift the transmission todrive (D) to make sure the transfercase is out of neutral (N).
7. If the transfer case does notsuccessfully shift out of neutral (N),set the parking brake until you can haveyour vehicle serviced.
Resolving the Shift Delay Issue
If the instrument cluster displays a shiftdelay message, See InformationMessages (page 128). You need toperform the following steps:
1. Press and hold the brake pedal.
2. Put the transmission into neutral (N),and then start the engine.
3. With the engine running, shift thetransmission to drive (D) and let thevehicle roll forward, up to 3 ft (1 m).You may hear an audible noise as thetransfer case shifts out of its neutralposition. This is normal.
4. When the issue is resolved, theinstrument cluster displays a messagestating neutral tow is disabled.
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Towing

BREAKING-IN
You need to break in new tires forapproximately 300 mi (480 km). Duringthis time, your vehicle may exhibit someunusual driving characteristics.
Avoid driving too fast during the first1,000 mi (1,600 km). Vary your speedfrequently and change up through thegears early. Do not labor the engine.
Drive your new vehicle at least 1,000 mi(1,600 km) before towing a trailer. Makesure you use the specified engine oil. SeeCapacities and Specifications (page422).
Do not add friction modifier compoundsor special break-in oils during the first fewthousand miles (kilometers) of operation.These additives may prevent piston ringseating.
ECONOMICAL DRIVING
Your fuel economy is affected by severalthings, such as how you drive, theconditions you drive under, and how youmaintain your vehicle.
You may improve your fuel economy bykeeping these things in mind:
•Accelerate and slow down in a smooth,moderate fashion.
•Drive at steady speeds withoutstopping.
•Anticipate stops; slowing down mayeliminate the need to stop.
•Combine errands and minimizestop-and-go driving.
•Close the windows for high-speeddriving.
•Drive at reasonable speeds (travelingat 55 mph [88 km/h] uses 15% lessfuel than traveling at 65 mph [105km/h]).
•Keep the tires properly inflated and useonly the recommended size.
•Use the recommended engine oil.
•Perform all regularly scheduledmaintenance.
Avoid these actions; they reduce your fueleconomy:
•Sudden accelerations or hardaccelerations.
•Revving the engine before turning it off.
•Idle for periods longer than one minute.
•Warm up your vehicle on coldmornings.
•Use the air conditioner or frontdefroster.
•Use the speed control in hilly terrain.
•Rest your foot on the brake pedal whiledriving.
•Drive a heavily loaded vehicle or tow atrailer.
•Carry unnecessary weight(approximately 1 mpg [0.4 km/L] islost for every 400 lb [180 kilogram] ofweight carried).
•Driving with the wheels out ofalignment.
Conditions
•Heavily loading a vehicle or towing atrailer may reduce fuel economy at anyspeed.
•Adding certain accessories to yourvehicle (for example bug deflectors,rollbars, light bars, running boards, skiracks or luggage racks) may reducefuel economy.
•To maximize the fuel economy, drivewith the tonneau cover installed (ifequipped).
•Using fuel blended with alcohol maylower fuel economy.
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Driving Hints

ROADSIDE ASSISTANCE
Vehicles Sold in the United States:Getting Roadside Assistance
To fully assist you should you have avehicle concern, Ford Motor Companyoffers a complimentary roadsideassistance program. This program isseparate from the New Vehicle LimitedWarranty. The service is available:
•24 hours a day, seven days a week.
•For the coverage period listed on theRoadside Assistance Card included inyour Owner's Manual portfolio.
Roadside Assistance covers:
•A flat tire change with a good spare, ifprovided with the vehicle (exceptvehicles supplied with a tire inflationkit).
•Battery jump start.
•Lock-out assistance (key replacementcost is the customer's responsibility).
•Fuel delivery — independent servicecontractors, if not prohibited by state,local or municipal law, shall deliver upto 2 gal (7.6 L) of gasoline or 5 gal(18.9 L) of diesel fuel to a disabledvehicle. Roadside Assistance limits fueldelivery service to two no-chargeoccurrences within a 12-month period.
•Winch out — available within 100 ft(30.5 m) of a paved or countymaintained road, no recoveries.
•Towing — independent servicecontractors, if not prohibited by state,local or municipal law, shall tow Fordeligible vehicles to an authorized dealerwithin 35 mi (56 km) of thedisablement location or to the nearest
authorized dealer. If a memberrequests a tow to an authorized dealerthat is more than 35 mi (56 km) fromthe disablement location, the membershall be responsible for any mileagecosts in excess of 35 mi (56 km).
Roadside Assistance includes up to $200for a towed trailer if the disabled eligiblevehicle requires service at the nearestauthorized dealer. If the towing vehicle isoperational but the trailer is not, then thetrailer does not qualify for any roadsideservices.
Vehicles Sold in the United States:Using Roadside Assistance
Complete the roadside assistanceidentification card and place it in yourwallet for quick reference. This card is inthe owner's information portfolio in theglove compartment.
United States Ford vehicle customers whorequire Roadside Assistance, call1-800-241-3673.
If you need to arrange roadside assistancefor yourself, Ford Motor Companyreimburses a reasonable amount fortowing to the nearest dealership within35 mi (56 km). To obtain reimbursementinformation, United States Ford vehiclecustomers call 1-800-241-3673.Customers need to submit their originalreceipts.
Vehicles Sold in Canada: GettingRoadside Assistance
To fully assist you should you have avehicle concern, Ford Motor Company ofCanada, Limited offers a complimentaryroadside assistance program. This programis eligible within Canada or the continentalUnited States.
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Roadside Emergencies

POST-CRASH ALERT SYSTEM
The system flashes the direction indicatorsand sounds the horn (intermittently) in theevent of a serious impact that deploys anairbag (front, side, side curtain or safetycanopy) or the seatbelt pretensioners.
The horn and indicators turn off when:
•You press the hazard control button.
•You press the panic button on theremote entry transmitter (if equipped).
•Your vehicle runs out of power.
TRANSPORTING THE VEHICLE
WARNINGS
Block the wheels to help prevent thevehicle from moving.
Unexpected and possibly suddenvehicle movement may occur if youdo not take these precautions.
If you need to have your vehicle towed,contact a professional towing service or,if you are a member of a roadsideassistance program, your roadsideassistance service provider.
We recommend the use of a wheel lift anddollies or flatbed equipment to tow yourvehicle. Do not tow with a slingbelt. FordMotor Company has not approved aslingbelt towing procedure. Vehicledamage may occur if towed incorrectly, orby any other means.
Ford Motor Company produces a towingmanual for all authorized tow truckoperators. Have your tow truck operatorrefer to this manual for proper hook-upand towing procedures for your vehicle.
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Roadside EmergenciesE143886

It is acceptable to have your two-wheeldrive vehicle towed with the front wheelson the ground (without dollies) and therear wheels off the ground.
We recommend towing a four-wheel drivevehicle with all wheels off the ground, suchas using a wheel lift and dollies or flatbedequipment. However, it is acceptable touse a wheel lift to raise the rear of yourvehicle so long as, depending on vehicleconfiguration, you perform the followingbefore towing:
•If your vehicle is equipped with amanual-shift transfer case, make surethe front wheel hub locks are in theFREE position before towing.
•If your vehicle is equipped with anelectronic shift-on-the-fly transfercase, make sure you turn thefour-wheel drive control to the 2Hposition before towing.
Note:Towing an electronic shift-on-the-flyfour-wheel drive vehicle with the frontwheels on the ground without disengagingthe front hubs may cause damage to theautomatic transmission.
Note:Towing a two-wheel drive vehicle oran electronic shift-on-the-fly four-wheeldrive vehicle with the rear wheels on theground for more than 50 miles (80 km) orfaster than 35 mph (56 km/h) may causedamage to the automatic transmission.
Note:Using wheel lift equipment to tow adual rear wheel vehicle requires removingan outer rear wheel before towing.
TOWING POINTS
WARNINGS
Using recovery hooks is dangerousand should only be done by a personfamiliar with proper vehicle recoverysafety practices. Improper use of recoveryhooks may cause hook failure or separationfrom the vehicle and could result in seriousinjury or death.
Always slowly remove the slack fromthe recovery strap prior to pulling.Failure to do so can introducesignificantly higher loads which can causethe recovery hooks to break off, or therecovery strap to fail which can causeserious injury or death.
Never link two straps together witha clevis pin. These heavy metalobjects could become projectiles ifthe strap breaks and can cause seriousinjury or death.
Your vehicle comes equipped withframe-mounted front recovery hooks.These hooks should never have a loadapplied to them greater than the grossvehicle weight rating of your vehicle.
Before using recovery hooks:
•Make sure all attaching points aresecure and capable of withstandingthe applied load.
•Never use chains, cables or tow strapswith metal hook ends.
•Only use recovery straps that have aminimum breaking strength two tothree times the gross vehicle weight ofthe stuck vehicle.
•Make sure the recovery strap is in goodcondition and free of visible cuts, tearsor damage.
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Roadside Emergencies

•Use a damper device such as a tarp,heavy blanket or piece of carpetdraped over the recovery strap to helpabsorb the energy in the event thestrap breaks.
•Make sure the stuck vehicle is notloaded heavier than its gross vehicleweight rating specified on thecertification label.
•Always align the tow vehicle and stuckvehicle in a straight line (within 10degrees).
•Keep bystanders to the sides of thevehicle, at a distance of at least twicethe length of the recovery strap. Thishelps avoid injury from the hazard of arecovery hook or strap breaking, or avehicle lurching into their path.
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Roadside Emergencies