FORD F250 2006 Owners Manual

Introduction 4
Instrument Cluster 12
Warning and control lights 12
Gauges 15
Entertainment Systems 20
AM/FM stereo 20
AM/FM stereo with CD 22
AM/FM stereo cassette with CD 25
AM/FM stereo with in-dash six CD 28
Climate Controls 33
Heater only 33
Manual heating and air conditioning 34
Automatic temperature control 36
Lights 39
Headlamps 39
Turn signal control 44
Bulb replacement 45
Driver Controls 54
Windshield wiper/washer control 54
Steering wheel adjustment 54
Power windows 57
Mirrors 58
Speed control 61
Upfitter controls 64
Moon roof 66
Message center 68
Locks and Security 80
Keys 80
Locks 80
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2006 F-250/350/450/550(f23)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)

Seating and Safety Restraints 90
Seating 90
Safety restraints 97
Airbags 108
Child restraints 117
Tires, Wheels and Loading 129
Tire Information 132
Tire Inflation 133
Vehicle loading 148
Trailer towing 155
Trailer Brake Controller-Integrated 159
Recreational towing 165
Driving 167
Starting 167
Brakes 172
Transmission operation 176
Roadside Emergencies 202
Getting roadside assistance 202
Hazard flasher switch 204
Fuel pump shut-off switch 204
Fuses and relays 205
Changing tires 214
Lug Nut Torque 225
Jump starting 226
Wrecker towing 232
Customer Assistance 234
Reporting safety defects (U.S. only) 240
Cleaning 241
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2006 F-250/350/450/550(f23)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)

Maintenance and Specifications 249
Engine compartment 251
Engine oil 254
Battery 258
Engine Coolant 260
Fuel information 266
Air filter(s) 284
Part numbers 286
Refill capacities 287
Lubricant specifications 290
Accessories 302
Index 305
All rights reserved. Reproduction by any means, electronic or mechanical
including photocopying, recording or by any information storage and retrieval
system or translation in whole or part is not permitted without written
authorization from Ford Motor Company. Ford may change the contents without
notice and without incurring obligation.
Copyright © 2005 Ford Motor Company
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2006 F-250/350/450/550(f23)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)

CALIFORNIA Proposition 65 Warning
WARNING:Engine exhaust, some of its constituents, and
certain vehicle components contain or emit chemicals known to
the State of California to cause cancer and birth defects or other
reproductive harm. In addition, certain fluids contained in vehicles and
certain products of component wear contain or emit chemicals known
to the State of California to cause cancer and birth defects or other
reproductive harm.
CONGRATULATIONS
Congratulations on acquiring your new Ford. Please take the time to get
well acquainted with your vehicle by reading this handbook. The more
you know and understand about your vehicle, the greater the safety and
pleasure you will derive from driving it.
For more information on Ford Motor Company and its products visit the
following website:
•In the United States: www.ford.com
•In Canada: www.ford.ca
•In Australia: www.ford.com.au
•In Mexico: www.ford.com.mx
Additional owner information is given in separate publications.
ThisOwner’s Guidedescribes every option and model variant available
and therefore some of the items covered may not apply to your
particular vehicle. Furthermore, due to printing cycles it may describe
options before they are generally available.
Remember to pass on thisOwner’s Guidewhen reselling the vehicle. It
is an integral part of the vehicle.
Fuel pump shut-off switch:In the event of an accident the
safety switch will automatically cut off the fuel supply to the
engine. The switch can also be activated through sudden vibration (e.g.
collision when parking). To reset the switch, refer to theFuel pump
shut-off switchin theRoadside Emergencieschapter.
2006 F-250/350/450/550(f23)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Introduction
4

SAFETY AND ENVIRONMENT PROTECTION
Warning symbols in this guide
How can you reduce the risk of personal injury to yourself or others? In
this guide, answers to such questions are contained in comments
highlighted by the warning triangle symbol. These comments should be
read and observed.
Warning symbols on your vehicle
When you see this symbol, it is
imperative that you consult the
relevant section of this guide before
touching or attempting adjustment
of any kind.
Protecting the environment
We must all play our part in
protecting the environment. Correct
vehicle usage and the authorized
disposal of waste, cleaning and
lubrication materials are significant
steps towards this aim. Information in this respect is highlighted in this
guide with the tree symbol.
BREAKING-IN YOUR VEHICLE
During the first 1,000 miles (1,600 km) of driving, maintain speeds below
70 mph (112 km/h) and vary speeds frequently. This is recommended to
give the moving parts a chance to break-in.
Do not tow a trailer or use your vehicle to snowplow until it has been
driven at least 500 miles (800 km). Refer toTrailer towingin theTires,
Wheels and Loadingchapter for more information on towing a trailer
andSnowplowingin theDrivingchapter.
Do not add friction modifier compounds or special break-in oils during
the first few thousand miles (kilometers) of operation, since these
additives may prevent piston ring seating. SeeEngine oilin the
Maintenance and Specificationschapter for more information on oil
usage.
2006 F-250/350/450/550(f23)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Introduction
5

SPECIAL NOTICES
New Vehicle Limited Warranty
For a detailed description of what is covered and what is not covered by
your vehicle’s New Vehicle Limited Warranty, refer to theWarranty
Guidethat is provided to you along with yourOwner’s Guide.
Service Data Recording
Service data recorders in your vehicle are capable of collecting and
storing diagnostic information about your vehicle. This potentially
includes information about the performance or status of various systems
and modules in the vehicle, such as engine, throttle, steering or brake
systems. In order to properly diagnose and service your vehicle, Ford
Motor Company, Ford of Canada, Ford Motor Company, S.A. de C.V. and
service and repair facilities may access vehicle diagnostic information
through a direct connection to your vehicle when diagnosing or servicing
your vehicle.
Event Data Recording
Other modules in your vehicle — event data recorders — are capable of
collecting and storing data during a crash or near crash event. The
recorded information may assist in the investigation of such an event.
The modules may record information about both the vehicle and the
occupants, potentially including information such as:
•how various systems in your vehicle were operating;
•whether or not the driver and passenger seatbelts were buckled;
•how far (if at all) the driver was depressing the accelerator and/or the
brake pedal;
•how fast the vehicle was traveling; and
•where the driver was positioning the steering wheel.
To access this information, special equipment must be directly connected
to the recording modules. Ford Motor Company, Ford of Canada and
Ford Motor Company, S.A. de C.V. do not access event data recorder
information without obtaining consent, unless pursuant to court order or
where required by law enforcement, other government authorities or
other third parties acting with lawful authority. Other parties may seek to
access the information independently of Ford Motor Company, Ford of
Canada and Ford Motor Company, S.A. de C.V.
2006 F-250/350/450/550(f23)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Introduction
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Vehicle Modification Data Recording
Some aftermarket products may cause severe engine and/or transmission
damage; refer to theWhat is not coveredsection inThe new vehicle
limited warranty for your vehiclechapter of your vehicle’sWarranty
Guidefor more information. Some vehicles are equipped with
Powertrain Control Systems that can detect and store information about
vehicle modifications that increase horsepower and torque output; this
information cannot be erased and will stay in the system’s memory even
if the modification is removed. When a dealer or repair facility works on
your vehicle, it may be necessary for them to access the information in
the Powertrain Control System. This information will likely identify if any
unauthorized modifications have been made to the system and may be
used to determine if repairs will be covered by warranty.
Special instructions
For your added safety, your vehicle is fitted with sophisticated electronic
controls.
Please read the sectionSupplemental restraint system (SRS)
in theSeating and Safety Restraintschapter. Failure to follow
the specific warnings and instructions could result in personal injury.
Front seat mounted rear-facing child or infant seats should
NEVERbe placed in front of an active passenger airbag.
Cell phone use
The use of Mobile Communications Equipment has become increasingly
important in the conduct of business and personal affairs. However,
drivers must not compromise their own or others’ safety when using
such equipment. Mobile Communications can enhance personal safety
and security when appropriately used, particularly in emergency
situations. Safety must be paramount when using mobile communications
equipment to avoid negating these benefits.
Mobile Communication Equipment includes, but is not limited to cellular
phones, pagers, portable email devices, in-vehicle communications
systems, telematics devices and portable two-way radios.
A driver’s first responsibility is the safe operation of the vehicle.
The most important thing you can do to prevent a crash is to
avoid distractions and pay attention to the road. Wait until it is safe to
operate Mobile Communications Equipment.
2006 F-250/350/450/550(f23)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Introduction
7

Notice to owners of diesel-powered vehicles
Read the6.0 Liter Power Stroke Direct Injection Turbo Diesel Owner’s
GuideSupplement for information regarding correct operation and
maintenance of your Diesel-powered light truck.
Notice to owners of pickup trucks and utility type vehicles
Utility vehicles have a significantly higher rollover rate than
other types of vehicles.
Before you drive your vehicle, please read thisOwner’s Guidecarefully.
Your vehicle is not a passenger car. As with other vehicles of this type,
failure to operate this vehicle correctly may result in loss of vehicle
control, vehicle rollover, personal injury or death.
Be sure to readDriving off roadin theDrivingchapter.
Using your vehicle with a snowplow
For more information and guidelines for using your vehicle with a
snowplow, refer to theDrivingchapter.
Using your vehicle as an ambulance
If your light truck is equipped with the Ford Ambulance Preparation
Package, it may be utilized as an ambulance. Ford urges ambulance
manufacturers to follow the recommendations of theFord Incomplete
Vehicle Manual, Ford Truck Body Builder’s Layout Bookand the
Qualified Vehicle Modifiers (QVM) Guidelinesas well as pertinent
supplements. For additional information, please contact the Truck Body
Builders Advisory Service at 1–877–840–4338.
Use of your Ford light truck as an ambulance, without the Ford
Ambulance Preparation Package voids the Ford New Vehicle Limited
Warranty and may void the Emissions Warranties. In addition, ambulance
usage without the preparation package could cause high underbody
temperatures, overpressurized fuel and a risk of spraying fuel which
could lead to fires.
2006 F-250/350/450/550(f23)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Introduction
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If your vehicle is equipped with the
Ford Ambulance Preparation
Package, it will be indicated on the
Safety Compliance Certification
Label. The label is located on the
driver’s side door pillar or on the
rear edge of the driver’s door. You
can determine whether the
ambulance manufacturer followed
Ford’s recommendations by directly
contacting that manufacturer. Ford
Ambulance Preparation Package is
only available on certain 6.0L Diesel
engine equipped vehicles.
Using your vehicle as a stationary power source (PTO)
Refer to theDrivingchapter for more information and guidelines for
operating a vehicle equipped with an aftermarket power take-off system.
Middle East/North Africa vehicle specific information
For your particular global region, your vehicle may be equipped with
features and options that are different from the ones that are described
in thisOwner’s Guide;therefore, a supplement has been supplied that
complements this book. By referring to the pages in the provided
supplement, you can properly identify those features, recommendations
and specifications that are unique to your vehicle.Refer to this
Owner’s Guide for all other required information and warnings.
2006 F-250/350/450/550(f23)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Introduction
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These are some of the symbols you may see on your vehicle.
Vehicle Symbol Glossary
Safety Alert
See Owner’s Guide
Fasten Safety BeltAirbag-Front
Airbag-SideChild Seat
Child Seat Installation
WarningChild Seat Lower
Anchor
Child Seat Tether
AnchorBrake System
Anti-Lock Brake SystemBrake Fluid -
Non-Petroleum Based
Powertrain MalfunctionSpeed Control
Master Lighting SwitchHazard Warning Flasher
Fog Lamps-FrontFuse Compartment
Fuel Pump ResetWindshield Wash/Wipe
Windshield
Defrost/DemistRear Window
Defrost/Demist
2006 F-250/350/450/550(f23)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Introduction
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