2017 FORD F250 SUPER DUTY automatic transmission

Forced downshifts
•Allowed in drive (D) with the tow/haulfeature on or off.
•Press the accelerator to the floor.
•Allows transmission to select anappropriate gear.
Tow/Haul Mode
WARNING
Do not use the tow/haul featurewhen driving in icy or slipperyconditions as the increased enginebraking can cause the rear wheels to slideand your vehicle to swing around with thepossible loss of vehicle control.
To activate tow/haul, press thebutton on the gearshift leveronce. The TOW HAUL indicatorlight illuminates in the instrument cluster.
The tow/haul feature:
•Delays upshifts to reduce the frequencyof transmission shifting.
•Provides engine braking in all forwardgears, which slows your vehicle andassists you in controlling your vehiclewhen descending a grade.
•Depending on driving conditions andload conditions, may downshift thetransmission, slow your vehicle andcontrol your vehicle speed whendescending a hill, without pressing theaccelerator pedal. The amount ofdownshift braking provided will varybased upon the amount you press thebrake pedal.
The tow/haul feature improvestransmission operation when towing atrailer or a heavy load. All transmissiongear ranges are available when usingtow/haul.
Note:If your vehicle is equipped with theAdaptive Steering System, enabling thetow/haul feature will adjust the steeringresponse. In tow/haul mode the AdaptiveSteering system reduces vehicle sensitivityto steering inputs at higher vehicle speedswhile maintaining the ease of parking andmaneuverability at low speeds. SeeSteering (page 256).
To deactivate the tow/haul feature andreturn to normal driving mode, press thebutton on the gearshift lever whentow/haul is active. The TOW HAUL lightdeactivates. Tow/haul also deactivateswhen you power down your vehicle.
Understanding your SelectShiftAutomatic™ transmission (If Equipped)
Your vehicle is equipped with a SelectShiftAutomatic™ transmission gearshift lever.The SelectShift Automatic transmissiongives you the ability to change gears up ordown (without a clutch) as desired.
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In order to prevent the engine from runningat too low an RPM, which may cause it tostall, SelectShift will still automaticallymake some downshifts if it has determinedthat you have not downshifted in time.Although SelectShift will make somedownshifts for you, it will still allow you todownshift at any time as long as theSelectShift determines that damage willnot be caused to the engine fromover-revving.
SelectShift will not automatically upshift,even if the engine is approaching the RPMlimit. It must be shifted manually bypressing the + button.
Note:Engine damage may occur if youmaintain excessive engine revving withoutshifting.
The SelectShift Automatic transmissionfeature has two modes: PRS and M mode.
PRS (Progressive Range Selection)
Progressive Range Selection gives you theability to lockout gears from the automaticshifting range. This may provide you withan improved driving experience (forexample, in slippery conditions or whenexperiencing a steep grade).
With the gearshift lever in drive (D), pressthe – button to active PRS. The availableand selected gears are indicated on theinstrument cluster.
All available gears will display with thecurrent gear indicated. Press the – buttonagain to lock out gears beginning with thehighest gear. Example: press the – buttontwice to lock out 6th and 5th gears. Onlythe available gears will display and thetransmission will automatically shiftbetween the available gears. Press the +button to unlock gears to allow thetransmission to shift to higher gears. Thetransmission will shift automatically withinthe gear range you select.
Manual (M)
Moving the gearshift lever to the manual(M) position will allow you to manuallyselect the gear you desire. Only the currentgear will display. Use the buttons on thegearshift lever to manually select gears.Press the + button to upshift or the –button to downshift. Return thetransmission to a different gearshiftposition to deactivate manual control.
Recommended shift speeds
Upshift according to the following chart:
Upshifts when accelerating (recommended for best fuel economy)
Diesel enginesGasoline enginesShift from:
12 mph (19 km/h)15 mph (24 km/h)1 – 2
19 mph (31 km/h)25 mph (40 km/h)2 – 3
26 mph (42 km/h)40 mph (64 km/h)3 – 4
34 mph (55 km/h)45 mph (72 km/h)4 – 5
46 mph (74 km/h)50 mph (80 km/h)5 – 6
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Transmission

Automatic Transmission AdaptiveLearning
This feature's design is to increasedurability and provide consistent shift feelover the life of your vehicle. A new vehicleor transmission may have firm shifts, softshifts or both. This operation is normal anddoes not affect function or durability of thetransmission. Over time, the adaptivelearning process fully updates transmissionoperation. Additionally, whenever youdisconnect the battery or install a newbattery, the system must relearn thestrategy.
Brake-Shift Interlock
WARNINGS
Do not drive your vehicle until youverify that the brake lamps areworking.
When doing this procedure, you needto take the transmission out of park(P) which means your vehicle canroll freely. To avoid unwanted vehiclemovement, always fully apply the parkingbrake prior to doing this procedure. Usewheels chocks if appropriate.
If the parking brake is fully released,but the brake warning lamp remainsilluminated, the brakes may not beworking properly. Have your vehiclechecked as soon as possible.
Your vehicle is equipped with a brake-shiftinterlock feature that prevents thegearshift lever from moving from park (P)when the ignition is on and the brake pedalis not pressed.
If you cannot move the gearshift lever outof park (P) position with the ignition is onand the brake pedal pressed, a malfunctionmay have occurred. It is possible that afuse has blown or your vehicle’s brakelamps are not operating properly. SeeFuse Specification Chart (page 312).
If the fuse is not blown and the brakelamps are working properly, the followingprocedure allows you to move the gearshiftlever from park (P):
1. Apply the parking brake. Switch theignition key to 1 (off), then remove thekey.
2. Move the steering column to the fulldown and full rearward position(toward the driver’s seat).
3. Remove the gearshift lever boot.
4. Place fingers into hole where youremoved the gearshift lever boot andpull top half of shroud up and forwardto separate it from the lower half of theshroud. There is a hinge at the forwardedge of the top shroud. Roll the tophalf of the shroud upward on the hingepoint to clear the hazard flasher button,then pull straight rearward toward thedriver’s seat to remove.
5. Remove the top half of the shroud.
6. Remove the three fasteners under thecolumn that secure the lower shroudhalf to the column.
7.Pull the lock lever into the full unlockedposition and remove the lower shroudcover by pulling the lever handlethrough the slot in the cover.
8.Apply the brake. Gently lift the overridedisk and move the gearshift lever intoneutral (N).
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If Shift Delayed Pull Forward appears inthe information display, transfer case geartooth blockage is present. To alleviate thiscondition, place the transmission in aforward gear, move the vehicle forwardapproximately 5 ft (1.5 m), and shift thetransmission back to neutral to allow thetransfer case to complete the range shift.
How Your Vehicle Differs FromOther Vehicles
WARNING
Vehicles with a higher center ofgravity (utility and four-wheel drivevehicles) handle differently thanvehicles with a lower center of gravity(passenger cars). Avoid sharp turns,excessive speed and abrupt steering inthese vehicles. Failure to drive cautiouslyincreases the risk of losing control of yourvehicle, vehicle rollover, personal injury anddeath.
Truck and utility vehicles can differ fromsome other vehicles. Your vehicle may behigher to allow it to travel over roughterrain without getting hung up ordamaging underbody components.
The differences that make your vehicle soversatile also make it handle differentlythan an ordinary passenger car.
Maintain steering wheel control at alltimes, especially in rough terrain. Sincesudden changes in terrain can result inabrupt steering wheel motion, make sureyou grip the steering wheel from theoutside. Do not grip the spokes.
Drive cautiously to avoid vehicle damagefrom concealed objects such as rocks andstumps.
You should either know the terrain orexamine maps of the area before driving.Map out your route before driving in thearea. To maintain steering and brakingcontrol of your vehicle, you must have allfour wheels on the ground and they mustbe rolling, not sliding or spinning.
Driving Off-Road With Truck andUtility Vehicles
Note:On some models, the initial shift fromtwo-wheel drive to four-wheel drive whilethe vehicle is moving can cause somemomentary clunk and ratcheting sounds.This is the front drivetrain coming up tospeed and the automatic locking hubsengaging and is not cause for concern.
Note:Your vehicle may be equipped witha front air dam that can become damaged(due to reduced ground clearance) whentaking your vehicle off-road. This air damcan be taken off by removing 15 bolts.
Four-wheel drive vehicles are speciallyequipped for driving on sand, snow, mudand rough terrain and have operatingcharacteristics that are somewhatdifferent from conventional vehicles, bothon and off the road.
Power is supplied to all four wheelsthrough a transfer case. On four-wheeldrive vehicles, the transfer case allows youto select 4WD when necessary.Information on transfer case operation andshifting procedures can be found in thischapter. Information on transfer casemaintenance can be found in theMaintenance chapter. You should becomethoroughly familiar with this informationbefore you operate your vehicle.
Four-wheel drive (when you select a 4WDmode) uses all four wheels to power thevehicle. This increases traction, enablingyou to drive over terrain and roadconditions that a conventional two-wheeldrive vehicle cannot.
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Four-Wheel Drive (If Equipped)

Driving on Snow and Ice
WARNING
If you are driving in slipperyconditions that require tire chains orcables, then it is critical that you drivecautiously. Keep speeds down, allow forlonger stopping distances and avoidaggressive steering to reduce the chancesof a loss of vehicle control which can leadto serious injury or death. If the rear end ofyour vehicle slides while cornering, steer inthe direction of the slide until you regaincontrol of your vehicle.
Note:Excessive tire slippage can causetransmission damage.
Four-wheel drive vehicles have advantagesover two-wheel drive vehicles in snow andice but can skid like any other vehicle.Should you start to slide while driving onsnowy or icy roads, turn the steering wheelin the direction of the slide until you regaincontrol.
Avoid sudden applications of power andquick changes of direction on snow andice. Apply the accelerator slowly andsteadily when starting from a full stop.
Avoid sudden braking. Although afour-wheel drive vehicle may acceleratebetter than a two-wheel drive vehicle insnow and ice, it will not stop any faster asbraking occurs at all four wheels. Do notbecome overconfident as to roadconditions.
Make sure you allow sufficient distancebetween you and other vehicles forstopping. Drive slower than usual andconsider using one of the lower gears. Inemergency stopping situations, apply thebrake steadily. Do not pump the brakepedal. See Hints on Driving WithAnti-Lock Brakes (page 222).
If Your Vehicle Gets Stuck In Mud orSnow
WARNING
Do not spin the wheels at over34 mph (55 km/h). The tires may failand injure a passenger or bystander.
If your vehicle gets stuck in mud or snow,it may be rocked out by shifting betweenforward and reverse gears, stoppingbetween shifts in a steady pattern. Presslightly on the accelerator in each gear.
Note:Do not rock your vehicle if the engineis not at normal operating temperature,damage to the transmission may occur.
Note:Do not rock your vehicle for morethan a minute, damage to the transmissionand tires may occur or the engine mayoverheat.
Parking
WARNINGS
If the parking brake is fully released,but the brake warning lamp remainsilluminated, the brakes may not beworking properly. Have your vehiclechecked as soon as possible.
Always set the parking brake andleave your vehicle with thetransmission in park (P).
On some four-wheel drive vehicles, whenthe transfer case is in the N (Neutral)position, the engine and transmission aredisconnected from the rest of the driveline.Therefore, the vehicle is free to roll even ifthe automatic transmission is in P (Park)or the manual transmission is in gear. Donot leave the vehicle unattended with thetransfer case in the N (Neutral) position.Always set the parking brake fully and turnoff the ignition when leaving the vehicle.
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Four-Wheel Drive (If Equipped)

GENERAL INFORMATION
Note:Occasional brake noise is normal. Ifa metal-to-metal, continuous grinding orcontinuous squeal sound is present, thebrake linings may be worn-out. Have thesystem checked by an authorized dealer. Ifyour vehicle has continuous vibration orshudder in the steering wheel while braking,have it checked by an authorized dealer.
Note:Brake dust may accumulate on thewheels, even under normal drivingconditions. Some dust is inevitable as thebrakes wear and does not contribute tobrake noise. See Cleaning the Wheels(page 370).
See Warning Lamps andIndicators (page 105).
Wet brakes result in reduced brakingefficiency. Gently press the brake pedal afew times when driving from a car wash orstanding water to dry the brakes.
Brake Over Accelerator
In the event the accelerator pedalbecomes stuck or entrapped, apply steadyand firm pressure to the brake pedal toslow the vehicle and reduce engine power.If you experience this condition, apply thebrakes and bring your vehicle to a safestop. Move the transmission to park (P),switch the engine off and apply the parkingbrake. Inspect the accelerator pedal forany interference. If none are found and thecondition persists, have your vehicle towedto the nearest authorized dealer.
Brake Assist
Brake assist detects when you brakerapidly by measuring the rate at which youpress the brake pedal. It providesmaximum braking efficiency as long as youpress the pedal, and can reduce stoppingdistances in critical situations.
Anti-lock Brake System
This system helps you maintain steeringcontrol during emergency stops by keepingthe brakes from locking.
This lamp momentarilyilluminates when you switch theignition on. If the light does notilluminate during start up, remains on orflashes, the system may be disabled. Havethe system checked by an authorizeddealer. If the anti-lock brake system isdisabled, normal braking is still effective.
If the brake warning lampremains illuminated after yourelease the parking brake, havethe system checked by an authorizeddealer.
Diesel Engine Braking (If Equipped)
WARNING
Do not use tow/haul or enginebraking when driving in icy or slipperyconditions as the increased brakingcan cause the rear wheels to slide and yourvehicle to swing around with the possibleloss of vehicle control.
This feature increases engine braking athigher engine speeds to provide bettergrade descent control with less brake andtransmission wear and tear. It alsoimproves engine braking when towing orcarrying heavy loads.
Press the button on the switchbank next to the audio unit toswitch the system on or off.
There are two engine brake modes, manualand automatic.
Manual Engine Braking
1. Press the button to switch on manualengine braking.
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2. Release the accelerator pedal tomaximize engine braking.
3. Apply the brakes. The transmissiondownshifts to lower gears.
Note:You can shift the transmission tolower gears with progressive range selection(PRS) or manual shifting independent ofpressing the brakes.
Note:You can also use manual enginebraking with cruise control to improve gradedescent control.
Automatic Engine Braking
1. Press the button twice to switch onautomatic engine braking.
2.Release the accelerator or brake pedal.The system remembers your vehiclespeed.
Note:The system automatically activatesthe engine brake and, if necessary,downshifts the transmission to lower gearsto not exceed your vehicle's set speed whenthe brake or accelerator were last released.
Note:Use this when driving downhill andcarrying heavy loads or trailering.
Warning Lamp Conditions
•Illuminates when this feature isswitched on and the system isoperating properly. See WarningLamps and Indicators (page 105).
•Flashes when the engine brake isdisabled due to a fault or the enginedoes not meet the required brakingconditions.
•Does not illuminate when the switchor indicator is faulty.
You can switch the system on at anytime.The system becomes active once thebraking conditions are met.
Braking Conditions
•Your vehicle is in a forward gear.
•The engine speed is above about 1500RPM.
•Your foot is off the accelerator.
You can use this feature with tow/haul orprogressive range selection to providefurther increased engine braking. Thetransmission automatically upshifts toprevent the engine from entering the redzone on the tachometer. See AutomaticTransmission (page 205).
HINTS ON DRIVING WITH
ANTI-LOCK BRAKES
Note:When the system is operating, thebrake pedal may pulse and may travelfurther. Maintain pressure on the brakepedal. You may also hear a noise from thesystem. This is normal.
The anti-lock braking system will noteliminate the risks when:
•You drive too closely to the vehicle infront of you.
•Your vehicle is hydroplaning.
•You take corners too fast.
•The road surface is poor.
PARKING BRAKE
WARNING
Always set the parking brake fullyand make sure the transmission isplaced in park (P). Failure to set theparking brake and engage park could resultin vehicle roll-away, property damage orbodily injury. Turn the ignition to the lockposition and remove the key whenever youleave your vehicle.
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Brakes

Apply the parking brake whenever yourvehicle is parked. Press the pedaldownward to set the parking brake. Thebrake warning lamp in the instrumentcluster will illuminate and remainsilluminated until the parking brake isreleased.
To release, pull the brake release leverlocated at the lower left side of theinstrument panel.
If you are parking your vehicle on a gradeor with a trailer, press and hold the brakepedal down, then set the parking brake.There may be a little vehicle movement asthe parking brake sets to hold the vehicle'sweight. This is normal and should be noreason for concern. If needed, press andhold the service brake pedal down, thentry reapplying the parking brake. Chock thewheels if required. If the parking brakecannot hold the weight of the vehicle, theparking brake may need to be serviced orthe vehicle may be overloaded.
HILL START ASSIST
WARNINGS
The system does not replace theparking brake. When you leave yourvehicle, always apply the parkingbrake and shift the transmission into park(P) (automatic transmission) or first gear(1) (manual transmission).
You must remain in your vehicle onceyou have activated the system.
During all times, you are responsiblefor controlling your vehicle,supervising the system andintervening, if required.
If the engine is revved excessively, orif a malfunction is detected, thesystem will be deactivated.
The system makes it easier to pull awaywhen your vehicle is on a slope without theneed to use the parking brake.
When the system is active, your vehicle willremain stationary on the slope for two tothree seconds after you release the brakepedal. This allows you time to move yourfoot from the brake to the acceleratorpedal. The brakes release automaticallywhen the engine has sufficient torque toprevent your vehicle from rolling down thegrade. This is an advantage when pullingaway on a slope, for example from a carpark ramp, traffic lights or when reversinguphill into a parking space.
The system will activate automatically onany slope that will cause significant vehiclerollback. For vehicles with a manualtransmission, you can switch this featureoff using the information display. SeeInformation Displays (page 111). Thesystem will remain on or off depending onhow it was last set.
Note:There is no warning lamp to indicatethe system is either on or off.
Note:If your vehicle is equipped with AutoHold, Hill Start Assist will not be availablewhile Auto Hold is active.
Using Hill Start Assist
1. Bring your vehicle to a completestandstill. Keep the brake pedalpressed and select an uphill gear (forexample, first (1) when facing uphill orreverse (R) when facing downhill).
2. If the sensors detect that your vehicleis on a slope, the system will activateautomatically.
3. When you remove your foot from thebrake pedal, your vehicle will remainon the slope without rolling away forabout two or three seconds. This holdtime will automatically be extended ifyou are in the process of driving off.
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Brakes