FORD F-250 2021 Owners Manual

To return to the normal drive (D) position,
move the shift lever from manual (M) to
drive (D).
The transmission operates through the full
range of gears.
Forced downshifts
•
Allowed in drive (D) with the tow/haul
feature on or off.
• Press the accelerator to the floor.
• Allows transmission to select an
appropriate gear.
Understanding Your SelectShift
Automatic ™ TransmissionNote:
When pressing the button on the
gearshift lever, you can cycle through the
available drive modes. See Drive Control
(page 268).
Your vehicle has a SelectShift Automatic ™
transmission gearshift lever. The
SelectShift Automatic transmission gives
you the ability to change gears up or down
without a clutch. To prevent the engine from running at too
low an RPM, which may cause it to stall,
SelectShift still makes some downshifts
for you if it determines that you have not
downshifted in time. Although SelectShift
makes some downshifts for you, it still
allows you to downshift at any time if the
SelectShift determines that damage to
the engine cannot occur from over-revving.
SelectShift does not upshift, even if the
engine is approaching the RPM limit. Shift
it manually by pressing the + button.
Note:
Engine damage could occur if you
maintain excessive engine revving without
shifting.
The SelectShift Automatic transmission
feature has two modes:
• Progressive Range Selection.
• Manual (M).
Progressive Range Selection - PRS Progressive Range Selection gives you the
ability to lockout gears from the automatic
shifting range. This could provide you with
an improved driving experience, for
example, in slippery conditions or when
experiencing a steep slope.
With the gearshift lever in drive (D), press
the – button to active PRS. The instrument
cluster indicates the available and selected
gears.
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All available gears display with the current
gear indicated. Press the – button again to
lock out gears beginning with the highest
gear, for example, press the – button twice
to lock out 10th and 9th gears. Only the
available gears display, and the
transmission shifts between the available
gears. Press the + button to unlock gears
to allow the transmission to shift to higher
gears. The transmission shifts within the
gear range you select.
Manual (M)
Moving the gearshift lever to the manual
(M) position allows you to manually select
the gear you prefer. Only the current gear
displays. Use the buttons on the gearshift
lever to manually select gears. Press the
+ button to upshift or the – button to
downshift. Return the transmission to a
different gearshift position to deactivate
manual control.
Recommended shift speeds
Upshift according to the following chart: 6-Speed Transmissions
Upshifts when Accelerating (Recom-
mended for Best Fuel Economy)
Gasoline Engines
Shift from:
8 mph (13 km/h)
1 - 2
16 mph (26 km/h)
2 - 3
22 mph (35 km/h)
3 - 4
35 mph (56 km/h)
4 - 5
44 mph (71 km/h)
5 - 6 Upshifts when Accelerating (Recommended for Best Fuel Economy) 10-Speed
Diesel engines
Gasoline engines
Shift from:
10 mph (16 km/h)
7 mph (11 km/h)
1 - 2
15 mph (24 km/h)
10 mph (16 km/h)
2 - 3
19 mph (31 km/h)
17 mph (27 km/h)
3 - 4
22 mph (35 km/h)
20 mph (32 km/h)
4 - 5
25 mph (40 km/h)
23 mph (37 km/h)
5 - 6
31 mph (50 km/h)
29 mph (47 km/h)
6 - 7
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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.
Neutral Idle with 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 339).
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.
2. Move the steering column to the full down and full rearward position,
toward the driver seat.
3. Remove the gearshift lever boot.
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4. Place your fingers into the hole where
you removed the gearshift lever boot
and pull the top half of the shroud up
and forward to separate it from the
lower half of the shroud. There is a
hinge at the forward edge of the top
shroud. Roll the top half of the shroud
upward on the hinge point, then pull
straight rearward toward the driver
seat to remove.
5. Remove the top half of the shroud.
6. Remove the three fasteners under the column that secure the lower shroud
half to the column. 7. Pull the lock lever into the fully
unlocked position and remove the
lower shroud cover by pulling the lever
handle through the slot in the cover.
8. Apply the brake. Gently lift the override
disk and move the gearshift lever into
neutral (N). 9. Start your vehicle.
Perform steps 4 through 8 in reverse order
to get the shroud back together, making
sure to engage the hinge pivots between
the upper and lower halves of the shroud.
Keep slight pressure in the forward
direction as you rotate the halves together.
If Your Vehicle Gets Stuck in Mud
or Snow
If your vehicle is stuck in mud or snow, you
can rock it out by shifting between forward
and reverse gears, stopping between shifts
in a steady pattern. Press lightly on the
accelerator in each gear.
Note:
Do not rock your vehicle if the engine
is not at normal operating temperature or
damage to the transmission could occur.
Note: Do not rock your vehicle for more
than a minute or damage to the
transmission and tires could occur, or the
engine could overheat.
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POWER TAKE-OFF (IF EQUIPPED)
Note: Use of auxiliary equipment that
exceeds the maximum Power Take-Off
(PTO) load specified in our Truck Body
Builders Layout Book can adversely affect
the performance of the powertrain system.
Refer to the Body Builders Layout Book for
instructions about the appropriate
installation of additional equipment.
Auxiliary equipment called power take-off,
or PTO, is often added to the engine or
transmission to operate utility equipment.
Examples include a wheel-lift for tow
trucks, cranes, tools for construction or tire
service, and pumping fluids. PTO
applications draw auxiliary horsepower
from the powertrain, often while the
vehicle is stationary. In this condition, there
is limited cooling air flow through the
radiator and around the vehicle that
normally occurs when a vehicle is moving.
The aftermarket PTO system installer,
having the most knowledge of the final
application, is responsible for determining
whether additional chassis heat protection
or powertrain cooling is required, and
alerting the user to the safe and proper
operation.
Split Shaft Capability
(If Equipped)
Our Super Duty vehicles are approved for
use as a stationary, including split shaft
capability with 6.7L diesel only, or mobile
power source, within limits and operating
guidelines detailed in our Truck Body
Builders Layout Book. For additional
information, visit
www .f or dbb a s. c om .
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USING FOUR-WHEEL DRIVE
Note:
For important information regarding
the safe operation of this type of vehicle,
see General Information in the Wheels and
Tires chapter.
Note: Do not use 4H or 4L mode on dry,
hard surfaced roads. Doing so can produce
excessive noise, increase tire wear and may
damage drive components. 4X4 mode is
only intended for consistently slippery or
loose surfaces. Use of 4L mode on these
surfaces may produce some noise, such as
occasional clunks, but will not damage drive
components.
Note: If 4X4 low is selected while the
vehicle is moving above 3 mph (5 km/h),
the 4WD system will not perform a shift.
This is normal and should be no reason for
concern. Refer to Shifting to or from 4L (4X4
Low) for proper operation.
Note: You can switch on and switch off the
electronic locking differential by pulling the
4WD control (4WD vehicles) or turning the
electronic locking differential control (2WD
vehicles). See
Electronic Locking
Differential (page 221).
Electronic Shift-On-the-Fly
(ESOF) 4WD system
(If Equipped)
Note: If 4X4 Low is selected while the
vehicle is moving above
3 mph (5 km/h),
the 4WD system will not perform a shift.
This is normal and should be no reason for
concern. Refer to Shifting to or from 4L (4X4
Low) for proper system operation.
Note: Auto-manual hub locks can be
manually locked by rotating the hub lock
control from AUTO to LOCK. For proper operation, make sure that each
hub is fully engaged and that both hub
locks are set to the same position (both
set to LOCK or both set to AUTO). To
engage LOCK, turn the hub locks
completely clockwise; to engage AUTO,
turn the hub locks completely
counterclockwise.
The ESOF 4WD system:
•
Provides 4x4 High engagement and
disengagement while the vehicle is
moving.
• Is operated by a rotary control located
on the instrument panel that allows
you select 4x2, 4x4 High or 4x4 Low
operation.
• Uses auto-manual hub locks that can
be engaged and disengaged
automatically based on the 4x4 mode
selected.
• Will increase fuel economy when used
in the hub lock's recommended AUTO
mode.
4WD Indicator Lights
Note: When a 4X4 system fault is present,
the system will typically remain in whichever
4X4 mode was selected prior to the fault
condition occurring. It will not default to 4X2
in all circumstances. When this warning is
displayed, have your vehicle serviced by an
authorized dealer.
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4X2
Momentarily illuminates when
2H is selected.
4X4 HIGH Continuously illuminates when
4H is selected.
4X4 LOW Continuously illuminates when
4L is selected.
CHECK 4X4 Displays when a 4X4 fault is
present.
Using the Electronic Shift on the
Fly 4WD system (If Equipped) 2H (4X2)
For general on-road driving. Sends power
to the rear wheels only and should be used
for street and highway driving. Provides
optimal smoothness and fuel economy at
high speeds. 4H (4X4 HIGH)
Provides mechanically locked four-wheel
drive power to both the front and rear
wheels for use in off-road or winter
conditions such as deep snow, sand or
mud. This mode is not for use on dry
pavement.
4L (4X4 LOW)
Provides mechanically locked four-wheel
drive power to both the front and rear
wheels for use on low traction surfaces,
but does so with additional gearing for
increased torque multiplication. Intended
only for off-road applications such as deep
sand, steep grades, or pulling heavy
objects. 4L (4X4 low) will not engage while
your vehicle is moving above
3 mph
(5 km/h); this is normal and should be no
reason for concern. Refer to Shifting to or
from 4L (4X4 low) for proper operation.
Shifting Between System Modes
Note: Momentarily releasing the accelerator
pedal when a shift in progress message
displays improves engagement or
disengagement performance.
Note: Do not perform this operation if the
rear wheels are slipping or when applying
the accelerator pedal.
Note: Some noise may be heard as the
system shifts or engages; this is normal.
Note: 4X4 high mode is not intended for
use on dry pavement.
You can move the control from 2H or 4H
at a stop or while driving. The information
display may display a message indicating
a 4X4 shift is in progress. Once the shift is
complete the message center will then
display the system mode selected.
Shifting to or from 4L (4X4 low)
Note: Some noise may be heard as the
system shifts or engages; this is normal.
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Note:
4x4 low mode is not intended for use
on dry pavement.
1. Bring the vehicle to a speed of 3 mph
(5 km/h) or less.
2. Place the transmission in neutral (N).
3. Move the 4WD control to the preferred
position.
The information display will display a
message indicating a 4X4 shift is in
progress. The information display will then
display the system mode selected. If any
of the above shift conditions are not met,
the shift will not occur and the information
display will display information guiding the
driver through the proper shifting
procedures.
If a message in the information display
shows a Shift Delayed Pull Forward
message, a transfer case gear tooth
blockage is present. To alleviate this
condition, place the transmission in a
forward gear, move the vehicle forward
approximately
5 ft (1.5 m), and shift the
transmission back to neutral to allow the
transfer case to complete the range shift.
Entering and Exiting Rock Crawl
Mode with Tremor Package
(If
Equipped) •
To enter rock crawl, your vehicle must
be in 4x4 low.
• Press the drive mode button on the
shifter column to bring up the
information display and select rock
crawl mode.
• With the switch in 4x4 low position,
press rock crawl mode again to
deactivate it. •
You can now perform a shift out of 4x4
low.
• Refer to Shifting to or from 4L (4x4
low) as described previously for proper
operation of 4x4 low in this procedure.
Operating 4WD Vehicles with
Spare or Mismatched Tires
On four-wheel drive vehicles, the size of
the spare tire can affect the 4X4 system.
If there is a significant difference between
the size of the spare tire and the remaining
tires, you may have limited four-wheel
drive functionality.
When driving with the full-size, dissimilar
spare wheel and tire assembly, we
recommend that you do not:
• Exceed
50 mph (80 km/h) with a 4WD
mode turned on.
• Turn on a 4WD mode unless the
vehicle is stationary.
• Use a 4WD mode on dry pavement.
When driving with the full-size, dissimilar
spare wheel and tire assembly, you may
have limited 4WD functionality, especially
when driving in a mechanically locked 4WD
mode. You may experience the following:
• Additional noise from the transfer case
or other drive components.
• Difficulty shifting out of a mechanically
locked 4WD mode.
Use of a dissimilar spare wheel and tire
assembly may lead to impairment of the
following:
• Comfort and noise.
• Winter weather driving capability.
• Wet driving capability.
• Four-wheel drive capability.
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How Your Vehicle Differs from
Other Vehicles
WARNING: Vehicles with a higher
center of gravity (utility and four-wheel
drive vehicles) handle differently than
vehicles with a lower center of gravity
(passenger cars). Avoid sharp turns,
excessive speed and abrupt steering in
these vehicles. Failure to drive cautiously
increases the risk of losing control of your
vehicle, vehicle rollover, personal injury
and death.
Truck and utility vehicles can differ from
some other vehicles. Your vehicle may be
higher to allow it to travel over rough
terrain without getting hung up or
damaging underbody components.
The differences that make your vehicle so
versatile also make it handle differently
than an ordinary passenger car.
Maintain steering wheel control at all
times, especially in rough terrain. Since
sudden changes in terrain can result in
abrupt steering wheel motion, make sure
you grip the steering wheel from the
outside. Do not grip the spokes.
Drive cautiously to avoid vehicle damage
from concealed objects such as rocks and
stumps.
You should either know the terrain or
examine maps of the area before driving.
Map out your route before driving in the
area. To maintain steering and braking
control of your vehicle, you must have all
four wheels on the ground and they must
be rolling, not sliding or spinning. Driving Off-Road With Truck and
Utility Vehicles
Note:
On some models, the initial shift from
two-wheel drive to four-wheel drive while
the vehicle is moving can cause some
momentary clunk and ratcheting sounds.
This is the front drivetrain coming up to
speed and the automatic locking hubs
engaging and is not cause for concern.
Note: Your vehicle may come with a front
air dam that can become damaged (due to
reduced ground clearance) when taking your
vehicle off-road. This air dam can be taken
off by removing 15 bolts.
Four-wheel drive vehicles are specially
equipped for driving on sand, snow, mud
and rough terrain and have operating
characteristics that are somewhat
different from conventional vehicles, both
on and off the road.
Power is supplied to all four wheels
through a transfer case. On four-wheel
drive vehicles, the transfer case allows you
to select 4WD when necessary.
Information on transfer case operation and
shifting procedures can be found in this
chapter. Information on transfer case
maintenance can be found in the
Maintenance chapter. You should become
thoroughly familiar with this information
before you operate your vehicle.
Four-wheel drive (when you select a 4WD
mode) uses all four wheels to power the
vehicle. This increases traction, enabling
you to drive over terrain and road
conditions that a conventional two-wheel
drive vehicle cannot.
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(If Equipped)

Basic Operating Principles
•
Drive slower in strong crosswinds which
can affect the normal steering
characteristics of your vehicle.
• When driving your vehicle on surfaces
made slippery by loose sand, water,
gravel, snow or ice proceed with care.
• Do not use 4H or 4L on dry, hard
surfaced roads. Doing so will produce
excessive noise, increase tire wear and
may damage drive components. 4H or
4L modes are only intended for
consistently slippery or loose surfaces.
If Your Vehicle Leaves the Road
If your vehicle leaves the road, reduce your
vehicle speed and avoid severe braking.
When your vehicle speed has been
reduced, ease your vehicle back onto the
road. Do not turn the steering wheel
sharply while returning your vehicle to the
road.
It may be safer to stay on the shoulder of
the road and slow down gradually before
returning to the road. You may lose control
if you do not slow down or if you turn the
steering wheel too sharply or abruptly.
It may be less risky to strike small objects,
such as freeway reflectors, with minor
damage to your vehicle rather than
attempt a sudden return to the road which
could cause your vehicle to slide sideways
out of control or roll over. Remember, your
safety and the safety of others should be
your primary concern.
Emergency Maneuvers
In an unavoidable emergency situation
where a sudden sharp turn must be made,
remember to avoid over-driving your
vehicle (i.e. turn the steering wheel only as
rapidly and as far as required to avoid the
emergency). Excessive steering can result
in loss of vehicle control. Apply smooth
pressure to the accelerator pedal or brake pedal when changes in vehicle speed are
required. Avoid abrupt steering,
acceleration and braking. This could result
in an increased risk of vehicle roll over, loss
of vehicle control and personal injury. Use
all available road surface to bring your
vehicle to a safe direction of travel.
In the event of an emergency stop, avoid
skidding the tires and do not attempt any
sharp steering wheel movements.
If your vehicle goes from one type of
surface to another (i.e. from concrete to
gravel) there will be a change in the way
your vehicle responds to a maneuver (i.e.
steering, acceleration or braking).
Sand
When driving over sand, try to keep all four
wheels on the most solid area of the trail.
Avoid reducing the tire pressures but shift
to a lower gear and drive steadily through
the terrain. Apply the accelerator slowly
and avoid excessive wheel slip.
When driving at slow speeds in deep sand
under high outside temperatures, use a low
gear when possible. Low gear operation
will maximize the engine and transmission
cooling capability.
Avoid driving at excessive speeds, this
causes vehicle momentum to work against
you and your vehicle could become stuck
to the point that assistance may be
required from another vehicle. Remember,
you may be able to back out the way you
came if you proceed with caution.
Mud and Water
Mud
Be cautious of sudden changes in vehicle
speed or direction when you are driving in
mud. Even four-wheel drive vehicles can
lose traction in slick mud. If your vehicle
does slide, steer in the direction of the slide
until you regain control of your vehicle.
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