FORD F-450 2018 Owners Manual
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AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
WARNINGS
Always fully apply the parking brake.
Make sure you shift into park (P) for
vehicles with an automatic
transmission. Switch the ignition off and
remove the key whenever you leave your
vehicle. When your vehicle is stationary, keep
the brake pedal fully pressed when
shifting gears. Failure to follow this
instruction could result in personal injury,
death or property damage. Note:
You may not be able to shift out of
park (P) unless the intelligent access key is
inside your vehicle.
Understanding the Shift Positions
of Your Automatic Transmission
(If Equipped) Putting your vehicle in or out of gear:
1. Fully press down the brake pedal.
2. Move the gearshift lever into the
desired gear.
3. When you are finished driving, come to
a complete stop.
4. Move the gearshift lever and securely latch it in park (P). Park (P)
This position locks the transmission and
prevents the rear wheels from turning.
Reverse (R)
With the gearshift lever in reverse (R), your
vehicle moves backward. Always come to
a complete stop before shifting into and
out of reverse (R).
Neutral (N)
With the gearshift lever in neutral (N), your
vehicle can be started and is free to roll.
Hold the brake pedal down when in this
position.
Drive (D)
Drive (D) is the normal driving position for
the best fuel economy. The drive function
allows automatic upshifts and downshifts
through gears one through six.
M (Manual)
With the gearshift lever in manual (M), the
driver can change gears up or down as
desired. By moving the gearshift lever from
drive position drive (D) to manual (M) you
now have control of selecting the gear you
desire using buttons on the shift lever. See
Understanding your SelectShift
Automatic
™ transmission later in this
section.
To return to normal drive (D) position,
move the shift lever back from manual (M)
to drive (D).
The transmission operates in gears one
through six.
Second (2)
Transmission operates in second (2) gear
only. Use second (2) gear to start-up on
slippery roads.
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First (1)
•
Transmission operates in first (1) gear
only.
• Provides maximum engine braking.
• Allows upshifts by moving gearshift
lever.
• Does not downshift into first (1) gear
at high speeds; allows for first (1) gear
when vehicle reaches slower speeds.
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.
Tow/Haul Mode WARNING
Do not use tow/haul when the road
surface is slippery. Failure to follow
this instruction could result in the
loss of control of your vehicle. To activate tow/haul, press the
button on the gearshift lever
once. The TOW HAUL indicator
light illuminates in the instrument cluster. The tow/haul feature:
•
Delays upshifts to reduce the frequency
of transmission shifting.
• Provides engine braking in all forward
gears, which slows your vehicle and
assists you in controlling your vehicle
when descending a grade.
• Depending on driving conditions and
load conditions, may downshift the
transmission, slow your vehicle and
control your vehicle speed when
descending a hill, without pressing the
accelerator pedal. The amount of
downshift braking provided varies
based upon the amount you press the
brake pedal.
The tow/haul feature improves
transmission operation when towing a
trailer or a heavy load. All transmission
gear ranges are available when using
tow/haul.
Note: If your vehicle is equipped with the
Adaptive Steering System, enabling the
tow/haul feature adjusts the steering
response. In tow/haul mode the Adaptive
Steering system reduces vehicle sensitivity
to steering inputs at higher vehicle speeds
when maintaining the ease of parking and
maneuverability at low speeds. See
Steering (page 259).
To deactivate the tow/haul feature and
return to normal driving mode, press the
button on the gearshift lever when
tow/haul is active. The TOW HAUL light
deactivates. Tow/haul also deactivates
when you power down your vehicle.
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Understanding your SelectShift
Automatic
™ transmission (If Equipped)Your vehicle is equipped with a SelectShift
Automatic
™ transmission gearshift lever.
The SelectShift Automatic transmission
gives you the ability to change gears up or
down (without a clutch) as desired.
In order to prevent the engine from running
at too low an RPM, which may cause it to
stall, SelectShift still automatically make
some downshifts if it has determined that
you have not downshifted in time.
Although SelectShift makes some
downshifts for you, it still allows you to
downshift at any time as long as the
SelectShift determines that damage will
not be caused to the engine from
over-revving.
SelectShift does not automatically upshift,
even if the engine is approaching the RPM
limit. It must be shifted manually by
pressing the + button.
Note: Engine damage may occur if you
maintain excessive engine revving without
shifting. The SelectShift Automatic transmission
feature has two modes: PRS and M mode.
PRS (Progressive Range Selection)
Progressive Range Selection gives you the
ability to lockout gears from the automatic
shifting range. This may provide you with
an improved driving experience (for
example, in slippery conditions or when
experiencing a steep grade).
With the gearshift lever in drive (D), press
the – button to active PRS. The available
and selected gears are indicated on the
instrument cluster.
All available gears display with the current
gear indicated. Press the – button again to
lock out gears beginning with the highest
gear. Example: press the – button twice to
lock out 6th and 5th gears. Only the
available gears display and the
transmission automatically shifts between
the available gears. Press the + button to
unlock gears to allow the transmission to
shift to higher gears. The transmission
shifts automatically 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 desire. 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:
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Upshifts When Accelerating (Recommended for Best Fuel Economy)
Diesel engines
Gasoline engines
Shift 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
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.
Brake-Shift Interlock WARNINGS
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. 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 is equipped with a brake-shift
interlock feature that prevents the
gearshift lever from moving from park (P)
when the ignition is on and the brake pedal
is not pressed.
If you cannot move the gearshift lever out
of park (P) position with the ignition is on
and the brake pedal pressed, a malfunction
may 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 317).
If the fuse is not blown 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 (off), then remove the
key.
2. Move the steering column to the full down and full rearward position
(toward the driver ’s seat).
3. Remove the gearshift lever boot.
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4. Place fingers into hole where you
removed the gearshift lever boot and
pull top half of 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 to clear the hazard flasher button,
then pull straight rearward toward the
driver ’s 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 full 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,
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
Note:
Do not rock your vehicle if the engine
is not at normal operating temperature or
damage to the transmission may occur.
Note: Do not rock your vehicle for more
than a minute or damage to the
transmission and tires may occur, or the
engine may overheat.
If your vehicle is stuck in mud or snow, you
may 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.
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POWER TAKE-OFF (If Equipped)
WARNING
Use of auxiliary equipment that
exceeds the maximum Power
Take-Off (PTO) load specified in the
Ford 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.
Ford Super Duty Vehicles are approved for
use as a stationary (including split shaft
capability) or mobile power source, within
limits and operating guidelines detailed in
the Ford Truck Body Builders Layout Book,
found at www.fleet.ford.com/truckbbas,
and through the Ford Truck Body Builders
Advisory Service.
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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 223).
Manual Shift On Stop (MSOS)
4WD system
(If Equipped)
Note: The vehicle should not be driven in
4X4 High or 4X4 Low modes with the hub
locks set to FREE as this condition may
damage driveline system components. The 4WD system is engaged or disengaged
by rotating the control for both front wheel
hub locks from the FREE or LOCK position,
then manually engaging or disengaging the
transfer case with the floor-mounted
shifter. For increased fuel economy in 2WD,
rotate both hub locks to the FREE position.
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 overridden by rotating the hub lock
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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.
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 a Manual Shift On Stop
(MSOS) 4WD system (If Equipped)
Note: High shift efforts may be encountered
when attempting to shift into and out of 4x4
modes. It is recommended to allow the
vehicle to roll at a speed below
3 mph
(5 km/h) when shifting between modes. 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)
Used for extra traction such as in snow or
icy roads or in off road situations. This
mode is not intended for use on dry
pavement.
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N (Neutral)
Only used when towing the vehicle. No
power to front or rear wheels.
4L (4X4 Low)
Uses extra gearing to provide maximum
power to all four wheels at reduced
speeds. Intended only for off road
applications such as deep sand, steep
grades or pulling heavy objects.
Shifting between system modes
Note:
Do not perform these operations if
the rear wheels are slipping or when
applying the accelerator pedal.
Note: Some noise may be heard as the 4x4
system shifts or engages. This is normal. In
order to reduce engagement noise, it is
recommended that all shifts be performed
at speeds below3 mph (5 km/h).
Note: The vehicle should not be driven in
4X4 High with the hub locks disengaged as
this condition may damage driveline system
components.
Engage the locking hubs by rotating the
hub lock control from FREE to LOCK, then
move the transfer case lever from 2H to
4H at a stop or a vehicle speed below
3 mph (5 km/h)
.
Move the transfer case lever from 4H to
2H at a stop or a vehicle speed below
3 mph (5 km/h)
, then disengage the
locking hubs (optional) by rotating the hub
lock control from LOCK to FREE.
For proper operation, make sure that both
hubs are set to either FREE or LOCK.
Shifting to or from 4L (4X4 Low)
1. Bring the vehicle to a stop or a speed below
3 mph (5 km/h).
2. Place the transmission in N (Neutral). 3. Move the transfer case shift lever
through N (Neutral) directly to the
desired position.
4. If the transfer case does not, or only partially moves to the desired position,
perform a shift with the transmission
in N (Neutral) and the vehicle rolling at
a speed below
3 mph (5 km/h).
5. If shifting to 2H with the vehicle at a complete stop, disengage the locking
hubs (optional) by rotating the hub
lock control from LOCK to FREE.
Using the N (Neutral) position WARNING
Always set the parking brake and
leave your vehicle with the
transmission in park (P).
The transfer case neutral position overrides
the transmission and puts the vehicle in
neutral regardless of transmission gearshift
lever position. The vehicle can move
forward or backwards.
This position should only be used when
towing the vehicle.
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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.
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 N (Neutral).
3. Move the 4WD control to the desired 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.
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