2020 FORD F-250 battery

Readiness for Inspection and
Maintenance (I/M) Testing
Some state and provincial and local
governments may have
Inspection/Maintenance (I/M) programs
to inspect the emission control equipment
on your vehicle. Failure to pass this
inspection could prevent you from getting
a vehicle registration.
If the service engine soon
indicator is on or the bulb does
not work, your vehicle may need
service. See On-Board Diagnostics.
Your vehicle may not pass the I/M test if
the service engine soon indicator is on or
not working properly, for example, the bulb
does not work, or if the OBD-II system has
determined that some of the emission
control systems have not been properly
checked. In this case, the vehicle is not
ready for I/M testing.
If you have just serviced the vehicle ’s
engine or transmission or the battery has
recently run down or you have replaced it,
the OBD-II system may indicate that the
vehicle is not ready for I/M testing. To
determine if the vehicle is ready for I/M
testing, turn the ignition key to the on
position for 15 seconds without cranking
the engine. If the service engine soon
indicator blinks eight times, it means that
the vehicle is not ready for I/M testing; if
the service engine soon indicator stays on
solid, it means that your vehicle is ready
for I/M testing.
The OBD-II system checks the emission
control system during normal driving. A
complete check may take several days.
If the vehicle is not ready for I/M testing,
you can perform the following driving cycle
consisting of mixed city and highway
driving: 1. 15 minutes of steady driving on an
expressway or highway followed by 20
minutes of stop-and-go driving with at
least four 30-second idle periods.
2. Allow your vehicle to sit for at least eight hours with the ignition off. Then,
start the vehicle and complete the
above driving cycle. The vehicle must
warm up to its normal operating
temperature. Once started, do not turn
off the vehicle until the above driving
cycle is complete.
If the vehicle is still not ready for I/M
testing, you need to repeat the above
driving cycle.
SELECTIVE CATALYTIC
REDUCTANT SYSTEM - DIESEL
Your vehicle may have a selective catalytic
reduction system. The system helps reduce
emission levels of oxides of nitrogen from
the exhaust system. The system
automatically injects diesel exhaust fluid
into the exhaust system to enable correct
selective catalytic reduction system
function.
Note: Selective catalytic reduction systems
are not fitted to vehicles in markets where
only high-sulfur diesel fuel is available.
Diesel Exhaust Fluid Level
In order for the system to operate correctly
you must maintain the diesel exhaust fluid
level.
A warning message appears in the
information display when the diesel
exhaust fluid level is low. If a warning
message appears, refill the diesel exhaust
fluid tank as soon as possible. See
Information Messages (page 120).
191
Super Duty (TFE), enUSA, Edition date: 201909, Third-Printing- Engine Emission Control

Upshifts when Accelerating (Recommended for Best Fuel Economy) 10-Speed
36 mph (58 km/h)
34 mph (55 km/h)
7 - 8
45 mph (72 km/h)
44 mph (71 km/h)
8 - 9
49 mph (79 km/h)
47 mph (76 km/h)
9 - 10
Automatic Transmission Adaptive
Learning
This feature's design is to increase
durability and provide consistent shift feel
over the life of your vehicle. A new vehicle
or transmission may have firm shifts, soft
shifts or both. This operation is normal and
does not affect function or durability of the
transmission. Over time, the adaptive
learning process fully updates transmission
operation. Additionally, whenever you
disconnect the battery or install a new
battery, the system must relearn the
strategy.
For F350, F450, F550 and F600
Chassis Cab Vehicles
Your transmission could reduce the load
on the engine when the vehicle stops, and
the gear selector is in drive (D) to reduce
fuel consumption and emissions. The
transmission resumes operation when you
release the brake. This feature activates
when the transmission is sufficiently
warmed, and the vehicle is on a level slope.
Brake-Shift Interlock WARNING: When doing this
procedure, you need to take the
transmission out of park (P) which
means your vehicle can roll freely. To
avoid unwanted vehicle movement,
always fully apply the parking brake prior
to doing this procedure. Use wheels
chocks if appropriate. WARNING:
If the parking brake is
fully released, but the brake warning
lamp remains illuminated, the brakes
may not be working properly. Have your
vehicle checked as soon as possible.
Note: Do not drive your vehicle until you
verify that the brake lamps are working.
Your vehicle comes with brake-shift
interlock that prevents the gearshift lever
from moving from park (P) when you
switch the ignition on but have not pressed
the brake pedal.
If you cannot move the gearshift lever out
of the park (P) position when the ignition
is on and the brake pedal pressed, a
malfunction could have occurred. It is
possible that a fuse has blown, or your
vehicle ’s brake lamps are not operating
properly. See
Fuse Specification Chart
(page 329).
If you do not have a blown fuse and the
brake lamps are working properly, the
following procedure allows you to move
the gearshift lever from park (P):
1. Apply the parking brake. Switch the ignition key to 1 - 0, then remove the
key.
See Starting and Stopping the
Engine (page 168).
2. Move the steering column to the full down and full rearward position,
toward the driver seat.
3. Remove the gearshift lever boot.
204
Super Duty (TFE), enUSA, Edition date: 201909, Third-Printing- Transmission

The electronic torque overlay steering
system adds supplemental steering assist
to the hydraulic gear when needed,
dependent on vehicle conditions such as
vehicle speed, steering wheel angle, and
steering wheel torque. The hydraulic
steering system provides the majority of
steering assistance. The electronic torque
overlay enables features such as pro trailer
backup assistance and lane departure
warning.
If your vehicle loses electrical power while
you are driving, your vehicle loses electric
power steering assistance. The steering
system still operates, and you can steer
your vehicle with hydraulic assist. Steering
your vehicle with only hydraulic assist
requires more effort.
Extreme continuous steering may increase
the effort required for you to steer your
vehicle. This increased effort prevents
overheating and permanent damage to
the steering system. You do not lose the
ability to steer your vehicle manually.
Typical steering and driving maneuvers
allow the system to cool and return to
normal operation.
Adaptive Learning (If Equipped)
The electronic power steering system
adaptive learning helps correct road
irregularities and improves overall handling
and steering feel. It communicates with
the brake system to help operate
advanced stability control and accident
avoidance systems. Whenever the battery
is disconnected or a new battery installed,
you must drive your vehicle a short
distance before the system relearns the
strategy and reactivates all systems. Adaptive Steering
(If Equipped)
Note: The adaptive steering system has
diagnostic checks that continuously monitor
the system. If the system detects a fault, a
message displays in the information display.
If a red warning message displays, stop your
vehicle as soon as it is safe to do so. The
message may clear if the fault is no longer
present. If an adaptive steering system
warning message appears each time you
start your vehicle, have the system checked
as soon as possible.
The adaptive steering system continually
changes the steering ratio with changes to
vehicle speed, optimizing the steering
response in all conditions. The system also
changes when you switch on the
transmission tow/haul feature. When you
select the tow/haul button, the adaptive
steering system reduces vehicle sensitivity
to steering inputs at higher vehicle speeds,
while maintaining the ease of parking and
maneuverability at low speeds.
Note: The adaptive steering system is
designed with a locking device. With the
lock engaged, the adaptive steering system
remains mechanically locked at a fixed
steering ratio. You may also notice a click
when you switch the vehicle on or after you
switch it off, as the lock disengages or
engages.
Note: If your vehicle loses electrical power
or detects a fault when you are driving, the
system automatically shuts down and you
retain normal steering function with a fixed
steering ratio. During this time it is possible
that the steering wheel may not be straight
when the vehicle is driving straight ahead.
In addition, the driver may notice that the
steering wheel angle required to steer the
vehicle may be different.
257
Super Duty (TFE), enUSA, Edition date: 201909, Third-Printing- Driving Aids

For best results:
•
Use a long, straight, smooth and level
road when attempting to calibrate.
• Drive straight forward.
• Drive between 4–24 mph
(6– 39 km/h).
System Operation
The following warnings or difficulties may
occur during feature operation. Tips to
resolve them are listed below.
Pro Trailer Backup Assist™ System is Not
Available or Trailer Reverse Guidance
System is Not Available:
• The system relies on many
sub-systems in your vehicle to correctly
operate. If those sub-systems are not
correctly operating, the system may
not be available.
• Low battery voltage is a condition that
prevents the system from operating.
Please make sure the battery is
correctly charged if the system is not
available.
• You may need to drive your vehicle
straight forward above
25 mph
(40 km/h) before the system is
available again.
• If the message continues to display,
see your authorized dealer for service.
Pro Trailer Backup Assist™ Driving
Required to Initialize Steering Press Knob
to Exit or Trailer Reverse Guidance Driving
Required to Initialize Steering Press OK to
Exit:
• The steering system needs to learn
internal parameters to fully enable the
feature. Drive your vehicle straight
forward above
25 mph (40 km/h) for
approximately 5 minutes.
• This may occur when your vehicle is
new, the battery voltage is too low, the
battery has been disconnected or your
steering system has been serviced. Sticker lost:
•
If the system cannot initially find the
sticker, it may be necessary for you to
change the lighting conditions by
moving the vehicle and trailer or
waiting until conditions change.
• Check for the following if you receive
the lost sticker message while using
the system.
• Stop your vehicle as soon as the
message displays.
• Make sure the sticker is visible and the
pattern is discernable in the rear view
camera image.
• Clean the sticker and camera to make
sure they are unobstructed.
• Clean the lens with a soft, lint-free
cloth and water.
• Clean the sticker with isopropyl rubbing
alcohol sprayed directly onto the
sticker, and then wipe clean with a soft
cloth.
• Remove any items that may be
blocking the view of the sticker.
Depending on your trailer configuration
and any equipment mounted to your
trailer, it is possible for the sticker to be
blocked from view of the camera as it
rotates on the hitch ball but not be
blocked during setup. Remove the
obstruction if possible. It may be
necessary to remove the sticker from
its current location if the obstruction
cannot be cleared. Place a new sticker
that is visible to the camera in all
positions of the trailer behind your
vehicle.
284
Super Duty (TFE), enUSA, Edition date: 201909, Third-Printing- Towing

If the system remains on one message for
an extended time, is not progressing
through the typical calibration steps or if
Pro Trailer Backup Assist™ Trailer Not
Detected. Shift to Park Press Knob to Exit,
Pro Trailer Backup Assist™ Trailer Not
Detected. Refer to Owner's Manual. Press
Knob to Exit or Trailer Reverse Guidance
Trailer Not Detected. Refer to Owner's
Manual. Press OK to Exit displays, check
the following:
•
Verify the sensor is correctly installed.
See Fifth Wheel and Gooseneck Trailer
Sensor Installation.
• Verify the trailer length is within the
allowed range of 10– 39 ft (3–11.94 m).
• Verify you are calibrating on a smooth
road surface.
Repeat calibration on a different route if
you have verified the previous checks.
System Operation
The following warnings or difficulties may
occur during system operation. Tips to
resolve them are listed in the following
section.
Pro Trailer Backup Assist™ System is Not
Available or Trailer Reverse Guidance
System is Not Available:
• The system relies on many
sub-systems in your vehicle to correctly
operate. If those sub-systems are not
correctly operating, the system may
not be available.
• Low battery voltage is a condition that
prevents the system from operating.
Please make sure the battery is
correctly charged if the system is not
available.
• If the message continues to display,
see your authorized dealer for service. Pro Trailer Backup Assist™ Driving
Required to Initialize Steering Press Knob
to Exit or Trailer Reverse Guidance Driving
Required to Initialize Steering Press OK to
Exit:
•
The steering system needs to learn
internal parameters to fully enable the
feature. Drive your vehicle straight
forward above 25 mph (40 km/h) for
approximately 5 minutes.
• This may occur when your vehicle is
new, the battery voltage is too low, the
battery has been disconnected or your
steering system has been serviced.
Pro Trailer Backup Assist™ Sensor Not
Detected Refer to Owner's Manual Press
Knob to Exit or Trailer Reverse Guidance
Sensor Not Detected Refer to Owner's
Manual Press OK to Exit:
• Check that the 12 way connector is fully
inserted into the 12 way socket. The red
rubber seal is not visible when the
connector is fully inserted.
• Check that the wiring harness sensor
connection is fully inserted at the trailer
sensor.
• Check for damaged wiring between the
12 way connector and the trailer sensor.
• Only one sensor can be connected to
your vehicle at a time. If you have a 7/12
pin connector in the truck bed and in
the bumper, check to make sure that
only one sensor is connected.
Note: If you did not purchase the fifth wheel
prep pack, you need to replace the 7/4 way
trailer connector in your bumper with a 7/12
pin connector. See your authorized dealer.
Pro Trailer Backup Assist™ Trailer Not
Detected. Refer to Owner's Manual. Press
Knob to Exit or Trailer Reverse Guidance
Trailer Not Detected. Refer to Owner's
Manual. Press OK to Exit:
• If the message continues to display,
see your authorized dealer for service.
288
Super Duty (TFE), enUSA, Edition date: 201909, Third-Printing- Towing

ESSENTIAL TOWING CHECKS
WARNING: Do not exceed the
maximum vertical load on the tow ball.
Failure to follow this instruction could
result in the loss of control of your
vehicle, personal injury or death.
Follow these guidelines for safe towing:
• Do not tow a trailer until you drive your
vehicle at least
1,000 mi (1,600 km).
• Consult your local motor vehicle laws
for towing a trailer.
• See the instructions included with
towing accessories for the proper
installation and adjustment
specifications.
• Service your vehicle more frequently if
you tow a trailer. See your scheduled
maintenance information.
See
Scheduled Maintenance (page 553).
• If you use a rental trailer, follow the
instructions the rental agency gives
you.
See
Load Limits in the Load Carrying
chapter for load specification terms found
on the tire label and Safety Compliance
label and instructions on calculating your
vehicle's load.
Vehicles with a diesel engine have an
engine braking feature.
See General
Information (page 217).
Remember to account for the trailer
tongue weight as part of your vehicle load
when calculating the total vehicle weight.
Some vehicles will have the ability to
modify trailer towing features. See
General Information
(page 109). Trailer Towing Connector
When attaching the trailer wiring connector
to your vehicle, only use a proper fitting
connector that works with the vehicle and
trailer functions. Some seven-position
connectors may have the SAE J2863 logo,
which confirms that it is the proper wiring
connector and works correctly with your
vehicle.
Function
Color
Left turn signal and stop lamp
Yellow
Ground (-)
White
Electric brakes
Blue
Right turn signal and stop
lamp
Green
Battery (+)
Orange
Running lights
Brown
Reverse lights
Grey
295
Super Duty (TFE), enUSA, Edition date: 201909, Third-Printing- TowingE163167

Note:
If your vehicle is equipped with a
factory brake controller, the Battery (+)
Orange wire is powered when you start the
engine and you apply the brakes at least
once when a trailer with brake lamps is
connected. If your vehicle is not equipped
with a factory brake controller, relays control
the system and it becomes active when you
power on your vehicle.
Dynamic Hitching Using the Rear
View Camera System
Note: Active guidelines and fixed guidelines
are only available when the transmission is
in reverse (R).
Use the centerline (B) guideline to assist
you in setting your steering wheel properly
to help align the trailer hitch and tongue. Active guidelines.
A
Centerline.
B
Fixed guideline: Green zone.
C
Fixed guideline: Yellow zone.
D
Fixed guideline: Red zone.
E
Rear bumper.
F
Fixed guidelines are always shown in the
display, but the active guidelines only
display when the steering wheel is turned.
To use active guidelines, turn the steering
wheel to point the guidelines toward an
intended path. If the steering wheel
position is changed while reversing, your
vehicle might deviate from the original
intended path.
296
Super Duty (TFE), enUSA, Edition date: 201909, Third-Printing- TowingABCD
F
E
E142436

6. If the trailer wheels lock up, indicated
by squealing tires, reduce the gain
setting. If the trailer wheels turn freely,
increase the gain setting. Repeat Steps
5 and 6 until the gain setting is at a
point just below trailer wheel lock-up.
If towing a heavier trailer, trailer wheel
lock-up may not be attainable even
with the maximum gain setting of 10.
Information Display Warning Messages
Note: An authorized dealer can diagnose
the trailer brake controller to determine
exactly which trailer fault has occurred.
However, your Ford warranty does not cover
this diagnosis if the fault is with the trailer.
TRAILER BRAKE MODULE FAULT
Displays in response to faults sensed by
the trailer brake controller, accompanied
by a single tone. If this message appears,
contact an authorized dealer as soon as
possible for diagnosis and repair. The
controller may still function, but with
degraded performance.
WIRING FAULT ON TRAILER
Displays when there is a short circuit on
the electric brake output wire.
If this message displays, with no trailer
connected, the problem is with your vehicle
wiring or trailer brake controller. Contact
an authorized dealer.
If the message only displays with a trailer
connected, the problem is with the trailer
wiring. Consult your trailer dealer for
assistance. This can be a short to ground
(such as a chaffed wire), short to voltage
(such as a pulled pin on trailer emergency
breakaway battery) or the trailer brakes
may be drawing too much current. Points to Remember
Note:
Do not attempt removal of the trailer
brake controller without consulting the
Workshop Manual. Damage to the unit may
result.
• Adjust gain setting before using the
trailer brake controller.
• Adjust gain setting, using the procedure
above, whenever road, weather, trailer
or vehicle loading conditions change
from when the gain was initially set.
• Only use the manual control lever for
proper adjustment of the gain during
trailer setup. Misuse, such as
application during trailer sway, could
cause instability of trailer or tow
vehicle.
• Avoid towing in adverse weather
conditions. The trailer brake controller
does not provide anti-lock control of
the trailer wheels. Trailer wheels can
lock up on slippery surfaces, resulting
in reduced stability of trailer and tow
vehicle.
• The trailer brake controller is equipped
with a feature that reduces output at
vehicle speeds below 11 mph (18 km/h)
so trailer and vehicle braking is not jerky
or harsh. This feature is only active
when applying the brakes using your
vehicle's brake pedal, not the
controller.
• The controller interacts with the brake
control system and powertrain control
system of your vehicle to provide the
best performance on different road
conditions.
302
Super Duty (TFE), enUSA, Edition date: 201909, Third-Printing- Towing