2017 FORD F250 SUPER DUTY Owners Manual

Procedure for Setting Trailer BrakeController Effort
Choose either the electric option for trailerswith electromagnetic drum brakes, or theelectric over hydraulic option for trailerswith these brake systems.
Trailer Brake Effort Setting
The trailer brake controller allows the userto customize how aggressively the trailerbrakes engage. The default value is the lowsetting and is the recommended settingfor most trailers. If your trailer's brakesrequire more initial voltage, or if you prefermore aggressive trailer braking, then selecteither the medium or the high setting.
Procedure for Setting Trailer BrakeController Mode
Choose the low, medium or high settingfor the required initial trailer brake output.
Procedure for Adjusting Gain
Note:Only perform this procedure in atraffic-free environment at speeds ofapproximately 20-25 mph (30-40 km/h).
The gain setting adjusts the trailer brakecontroller for the specific towing condition.You should change the setting as towingconditions change. Changes to towingconditions include trailer load, vehicle load,road conditions and weather.
The gain should be set to provide themaximum trailer braking assistance whilemaking sure the trailer wheels do not lockwhen using the brakes. Locked trailerwheels may lead to trailer instability.
1.Make sure the trailer brakes are in goodworking condition, functioning normallyand properly adjusted. See your trailerdealer if necessary.
2. Hook up the trailer and make theelectrical connections according to thetrailer manufacturer's instructions.
3. When you plug in a trailer with electricor electric-over-hydraulic brakes, aconfirmation message appears in theinformation display.
4. Use the gain adjustment (+ and -)buttons to increase or decrease thegain setting to the desired startingpoint. A gain setting of 6.0 is a goodstarting point for heavier loads.
5. In a traffic-free environment, tow thetrailer on a dry, level surface at a speedof 20-25 mph (30-40 km/h) andsqueeze the manual control levercompletely.
6. If the trailer wheels lock up, indicatedby squealing tires, reduce the gainsetting. If the trailer wheels turn freely,increase the gain setting. Repeat Steps5 and 6 until the gain setting is at apoint just below trailer wheel lock-up.If towing a heavier trailer, trailer wheellock-up may not be attainable evenwith the maximum gain setting of 10.
Information Display Warning Messages
Note:An authorized dealer can diagnosethe trailer brake controller to determineexactly which trailer fault has occurred.However, your Ford warranty does not coverthis diagnosis if the fault is with the trailer.
TRAILER BRAKE MODULE FAULT
Displays in response to faults sensed bythe trailer brake controller, accompaniedby a single tone. If this message appears,contact an authorized dealer as soon aspossible for diagnosis and repair. Thecontroller may still function, but withdegraded performance.
WIRING FAULT ON TRAILER
Displays when there is a short circuit onthe electric brake output wire.
286
Super Duty (TFE) Canada/United States of America, enUSA, Edition date: 201710, Second Printing
Towing

If this message displays, with no trailerconnected, the problem is with your vehiclewiring or trailer brake controller. Contactan authorized dealer.
If the message only displays with a trailerconnected, the problem is with the trailerwiring. Consult your trailer dealer forassistance. This can be a short to ground(such as a chaffed wire), short to voltage(such as a pulled pin on trailer emergencybreakaway battery) or the trailer brakesmay be drawing too much current.
Points to Remember
Note:Do not attempt removal of the trailerbrake controller without consulting theWorkshop Manual. Damage to the unit mayresult.
•Adjust gain setting before using thetrailer brake controller.
•Adjust gain setting, using the procedureabove, whenever road, weather, traileror vehicle loading conditions changefrom when the gain was initially set.
•Only use the manual control lever forproper adjustment of the gain duringtrailer setup. Misuse, such asapplication during trailer sway, couldcause instability of trailer or towvehicle.
•Avoid towing in adverse weatherconditions. The trailer brake controllerdoes not provide anti-lock control ofthe trailer wheels. Trailer wheels canlock up on slippery surfaces, resultingin reduced stability of trailer and towvehicle.
•The trailer brake controller is equippedwith a feature that reduces output atvehicle speeds below 11 mph (18 km/h)so trailer and vehicle braking is not jerkyor harsh. This feature is only activewhen applying the brakes using yourvehicle's brake pedal, not thecontroller.
•The controller interacts with the brakecontrol system and powertrain controlsystem of your vehicle to provide thebest performance on different roadconditions.
•Your vehicle's brake system and thetrailer brake system workindependently of each other. Changingthe gain setting on the controller doesnot affect the operation of yourvehicle's brakes.
•When you switch the engine off, thecontroller output is disabled and thedisplay and module shut down.
Trailer Lamps
WARNING
Never connect any trailer lamp wiringto the vehicle's tail lamp wiring; thismay damage the electrical systemresulting in fire. Contact your authorizeddealer as soon as possible for assistancein proper trailer tow wiring installation.Additional electrical equipment may berequired.
Trailer lamps are required on most towedvehicles. Make sure all running lights, brakelights, turn signals and hazard lights areworking.
Before Towing a Trailer
Practice turning, stopping and backing upto get the feel of your vehicle-trailercombination before starting on a trip.When turning, make wider turns so thetrailer wheels clear curbs and otherobstacles.
287
Super Duty (TFE) Canada/United States of America, enUSA, Edition date: 201710, Second Printing
Towing

When Towing a Trailer
•Check your hitch, electrical connectionsand trailer wheel lug nuts thoroughlyafter you have traveled 50 mi (80 km).
•Do not drive faster than 70 mph(113 km/h) during the first 500 mi(800 km).
•Do not make full-throttle starts.
•When stopped in congested or heavytraffic during hot weather, place thegearshift in position P to aid engine andtransmission cooling and to help A/Cperformance.
•Turn off the speed control with heavyloads or in hilly terrain. The speedcontrol may turn off automaticallywhen you are towing on long, steepgrades.
•Shift to a lower gear when driving downa long or steep hill. Do not apply thebrakes continuously, as they mayoverheat and become less effective.
•If your transmission is equipped with aGrade Assist or Tow/Haul feature, usethis feature when towing. This providesengine braking and helps eliminateexcessive transmission shifting foroptimum fuel economy andtransmission cooling.
•If your vehicle is equipped withAdaptive Steering and you haveenabled Tow/Haul, the AdaptiveSteering system adjusts the steeringresponse to match your vehicle’s load.The system reduces vehicle sensitivityto steering inputs at higher vehiclespeeds while it maintains the ease ofparking and maneuverability at lowspeeds.
•If your vehicle is equipped withAdvanceTrac with RSC, this systemmay turn on during typical corneringmaneuvers with a heavily loaded trailer.This is normal. Turning the corner at aslower speed while towing may reducethis tendency.
•If you are towing a trailer frequently inhot weather, hilly conditions, at thegross combined weight rating (or anycombination of these factors), considerrefilling your rear axle with syntheticgear lubricant (if the axle is not alreadyfilled with it).
•Allow more distance for stopping witha trailer attached. Anticipate stops andbrake gradually.
•Avoid parking on a grade. However, ifyou must park on a grade:
1. Turn the steering wheel to point yourvehicle tires away from traffic flow.
2. Set your vehicle parking brake.
3. Place the automatic transmission inposition P.
4. Place wheel chocks in front and backof the trailer wheels. (Chocks notincluded with vehicle.)
Your vehicle may be equipped with atemporary or conventional spare tire. A"temporary" spare tire is different in size(diameter or width), tread-type(All-Season or All Terrain) or is from adifferent manufacturer than the road tireson your vehicle. Consult information on thetire label or Safety Compliance label forlimitations when using.
Launching or Retrieving a Boat orPersonal Watercraft (PWC)
Note:Disconnect the wiring to the trailerbefore backing the trailer into the water.
Note:Reconnect the wiring to the trailerafter you remove the trailer from the water.
288
Super Duty (TFE) Canada/United States of America, enUSA, Edition date: 201710, Second Printing
Towing

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.
289
Super Duty (TFE) Canada/United States of America, enUSA, Edition date: 201710, Second Printing
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.
290
Super Duty (TFE) Canada/United States of America, enUSA, Edition date: 201710, Second Printing
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.
291
Super Duty (TFE) Canada/United States of America, enUSA, Edition date: 201710, Second Printing
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.
292
Super Duty (TFE) Canada/United States of America, enUSA, Edition date: 201710, Second Printing
Driving Hints

•Fuel economy may decrease with lowertemperatures during the first 8–10miles (12–16 kilometers) of driving.
•Driving on flat terrain offers improvedfuel economy as compared to drivingon hilly terrain.
•Transmissions give their best fueleconomy when operated in the topcruise gear and with steady pressureon the gas pedal.
•Four-wheel-drive operation (ifequipped) is less fuel efficient thantwo-wheel-drive operation.
•Close the windows for high-speeddriving.
DRIVING THROUGH WATER
WARNING
Do not drive through flowing or deepwater as you may lose control of yourvehicle.
Note:Driving through standing water cancause vehicle damage.
Note:Engine damage can occur if waterenters the air filter.
Before driving through standing water,check the depth. Never drive through waterthat is higher than the bottom of the wheelhubs.
When driving through standing water, drivevery slowly and do not stop your vehicle.Your brake performance and traction maybe limited. After driving through water andas soon as it is safe to do so:
•Lightly press the brake pedal to dry thebrakes and to check that they work.
•Check that the horn works.
•Check that the exterior lights work.
•Turn the steering wheel to check thatthe steering power assist works.
FLOOR MATS
WARNINGS
Always use floor mats that aredesigned to fit the foot well of yourvehicle. Only use floor mats thatleave the pedal area unobstructed. Onlyuse floor mats that are firmly secured toretention posts so that they cannot slip outof position and interfere with the pedalsor impair safe operation of your vehicle inother ways.
Pedals that cannot move freely cancause loss of vehicle control andincrease the risk of serious personalinjury.
Always make sure that the floormats are properly attached to theretention posts in the carpet that aresupplied with your vehicle. Floor mats mustbe properly secured to both retention poststo make sure mats do not shift out ofposition.
Never place floor mats or any othercovering in the vehicle foot well thatcannot be properly secured toprevent them from moving and interferingwith the pedals or the ability to control thevehicle.
293
Super Duty (TFE) Canada/United States of America, enUSA, Edition date: 201710, Second Printing
Driving HintsE176913