FORD F250 SUPER DUTY 2015 Owners Manual

By moving the gearshift lever from the D(Drive) position to the M (Manual) positionyou may now manually select the gear youdesire. Only the current gear will bedisplayed. Press the + button or the –button to upshift or downshift. If the –button is pressed at a vehicle speed that
would cause an engine overspeed, therequested gear will flash then disappearand the transmission will remain in thecurrent gear.
Recommended shift speeds
Upshift according to the following chart:
Upshifts when accelerating (recommended for best fuel economy)
Diesel enginesGasoline enginesShift 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
In order to prevent the engine from runningat too low an RPM, which may cause it tostall, SelectShift will still automaticallymake some downshifts if it has determinedthat you have not downshifted in time.Although SelectShift will make somedownshifts for you, it will still allow you todownshift at any time as long as theSelectShift determines that the engine willnot be damaged from over-revving.
SelectShift will not automatically upshift,even if the engine is approaching the RPMlimit. It must be shifted manually bypressing the + button.
Note:Engine damage may occur ifexcessive engine revving is held withoutshifting.
Automatic Transmission AdaptiveLearning
This feature is designed to increasedurability and provide consistent shift feelover the life of the vehicle. A new vehicleor transmission may have firm shifts, softshifts or both. This operation is considerednormal and will not affect function ordurability of the transmission. Over time,the adaptive learning process will fullyupdate transmission operation.Additionally, whenever the battery isdisconnected or a new battery installed,the strategy must be relearned.
Brake-Shift Interlock
WARNINGS
Do not drive your vehicle until youverify that the brake lamps areworking.
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WARNINGS
When doing this procedure, you willbe taking the vehicle out of parkwhich means the vehicle can rollfreely. To avoid unwanted vehiclemovement, always fully set the parkingbrake prior to doing this procedure. Usewheel chocks if appropriate.
If the parking brake is fully released,but the brake warning lamp remainsilluminated, the brakes may not beworking properly. See your authorizeddealer.
Your vehicle is equipped with a brake-shiftinterlock feature that prevents thegearshift lever from being moved from P(Park) when the ignition is in the 3 (on)position and the brake pedal is not pressed.
If you cannot move the gearshift lever outof P (Park) position with the ignition in the4 (on) position and the brake pedalpressed, a malfunction may have occurred.It is possible that a fuse has blown or thevehicle’s brake lamps are not operatingproperly. See Fuse Specification Chart(page 223).
If the fuse is not blown and the brakelamps are working properly, the followingprocedure will allow you to move thegearshift lever from P (Park):
1. Apply the parking brake. Turn theignition key to 1 (off), then remove thekey.
2. Move the steering column to the fulldown and full rearward position(toward the driver’s seat).
3. Remove the gearshift lever boot.
4. Place fingers into hole where thegearshift lever boot was removed fromand pull top half of shroud up andforward to separate it from the lowerhalf of the shroud. There is a hinge atthe forward edge of the top shroud.Roll the top half of the shroud upwardon the hinge point to clear the hazardflasher button, then pull straightrearward toward the driver’s seat toremove.
5. Remove the top half of the shroud.
6. Remove the three fasteners under thecolumn that secure the lower shroudhalf to the column.
7.Pull the lock lever into the full unlockedposition and remove the lower shroudcover by pulling the lever handlethrough the slot in the cover.
8.Apply the brake and move the gearshiftlever into N (Neutral).
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9. Start the vehicle.
Perform Steps 4 through 8 in reverse order,making sure to engage the hinge pivotsbetween the upper and lower halves of theshroud. Keep slight pressure in the forwarddirection as the halves are rotatedtogether.
If Your Vehicle Gets Stuck In Mudor Snow
Note:Do not rock the vehicle if the engineis not at normal operating temperature ordamage to the transmission may occur.
Note:Do not rock the vehicle for more thana minute or damage to the transmission andtires may occur, or the engine may overheat.
If your vehicle gets stuck in mud or snow,it may be rocked out by shifting betweenforward and reverse gears, stoppingbetween shifts in a steady pattern. Presslightly on the accelerator in each gear.
POWER TAKE-OFF
Auxiliary equipment called power take-off,or PTO, is often added to the engine ortransmission to operate utility equipment.Examples include a wheel-lift for towtrucks, cranes, tools for construction or tireservice, and pumping fluids. PTOapplications draw auxiliary horsepowerfrom the powertrain, often while thevehicle is stationary. In this condition, thereis limited cooling air flow through theradiator and around the vehicle thatnormally occurs when a vehicle is moving.The aftermarket PTO system installer,having the most knowledge of the finalapplication, is responsible for determiningwhether additional chassis heat protectionor powertrain cooling is required, andalerting the user to the safe and properoperation.
Ford Super Duty Vehicles are approved foruse as a stationary (including split shaftcapability) or mobile power source, withinlimits and operating guidelines detailed inthe Ford Truck Body Builders Layout Book,found at www.fleet.ford.com/truckbbas,and through the Ford Truck Body BuildersAdvisory Service.
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USING FOUR-WHEEL DRIVE
WARNING
For important information regardingsafe operation of this type of vehicle,See General Information (page263).
Note:Do not use 4X4 mode on dry, hardsurfaced roads. Doing so will produceexcessive noise, increase tire wear and maydamage drive components. 4X4 mode isonly intended for consistently slippery orloose surfaces.
Note:If 4X4 low is selected while thevehicle is moving above 3 mph (5 km/h),the 4WD system will not perform a shift.This is normal and should be no reason forconcern. Refer to Shifting to/from 4L (4X4Low) for proper operation.
Manual Shift On Stop (MSOS)4WD system (If Equipped)
Note:Some vehicles may be equipped withwheel ornaments that cover the 4x4 manualhub lock. These ornaments must beremoved to access the manual hub locks.
Note:The vehicle should not be driven in4X4 High or 4X4 Low modes with the hublocks set to FREE as this condition maydamage driveline system components.
The 4WD system is engaged or disengagedby rotating the control for both front wheelhub locks from the FREE or LOCK position,then manually engaging or disengaging thetransfer case with the floor-mountedshifter. For increased fuel economy in 2WD,rotate both hub locks to the FREE position.
Electronic Shift-On-the-Fly(ESOF) 4WD system
Note:If 4X4 Low is selected while thevehicle is moving above 3 mph (5 km/h),the 4WD system will not perform a shift.This is normal and should be no reason forconcern. Refer to Shifting to/from 4L (4X4Low) for proper system operation.
Note:Auto-manual hub locks can bemanually overridden by rotating the hub lockcontrol from AUTO to LOCK.
For proper operation, make sure that eachhub is fully engaged and that both hublocks are set to the same position (bothset to LOCK or both set to AUTO). Toengage LOCK, turn the hub lockscompletely clockwise; to engage AUTO,turn the hub locks completelycounterclockwise.
The ESOF 4WD system:
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EERF
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•provides 4x4 High engagement anddisengagement while the vehicle ismoving.
•is operated by a rotary control locatedon the instrument panel that allowsyou select 4x2, 4x4 High or 4x4 Lowoperation.
•uses auto-manual hub locks that canbe engaged and disengagedautomatically based on the 4x4 modeselected.
•will increase fuel economy when usedin the recommended AUTO lock mode.
4WD Indicator Lights
Note:When a 4X4 system fault is present,the system will typically remain in whichever4X4 mode was selected prior to the faultcondition occurring. It will not default to 4X2in all circumstances. When this warning isdisplayed, have your vehicle serviced by anauthorized dealer.
4X2
Momentarily illuminates when2H is selected.
4X4 HIGH
Continuously illuminates when4H is selected.
4X4 LOW
Continuously illuminates when4L is selected.
CHECK 4X4
Displays when a 4X4 fault ispresent.
Using a Manual Shift On Stop(MSOS) 4wd system (If Equipped)
Note:High shift efforts may be encounteredwhen attempting to shift into and out of 4x4modes. It is recommended to allow thevehicle to roll at a speed below 3 mph (5km/h) when shifting between modes.
2H (2WD)
For general on-road driving. Sends powerto the rear wheels only and should be usedfor street and highway driving. Providesoptimal smoothness and fuel economy athigh speeds
4H (4x4 High)
Used for extra traction such as in snow oricy roads or in off road situations. Thismode is not intended for use on drypavement.
N (Neutral)
Only used when towing the vehicle. Nopower to front or rear wheels.
4L (4x4 Low)
Uses extra gearing to provide maximumpower to all four wheels at reducedspeeds. Intended only for off roadapplications such as deep sand, steepgrades or pulling heavy objects.
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Shifting between system modes
Note:Do not perform these operations ifthe rear wheels are slipping.
Note:Some noise may be heard as the 4x4system shifts or engages. This is normal. Inorder to reduce engagement noise, it isrecommended that all shifts be performedat speeds below 3 mph (5 km/h).
Note:The vehicle should not be driven in4X4 High with the hub locks disengaged asthis condition may damage driveline systemcomponents.
Engage the locking hubs by rotating thehub lock control from FREE to LOCK, thenmove the transfer case lever from 2H(2WD) to 4H (4x4 High) at a stop or avehicle speed below 3 mph (5 km/h).
Move the transfer case lever from 4H (4x4High) to 2H (2WD) at a stop or a vehiclespeed below 3 mph (5 km/h), thendisengage the locking hubs (optional) byrotating the hub lock control from LOCKto FREE.
For proper operation, make sure that bothindicator arrows on the hub are aligned,and that both hubs are set to either FREEor LOCK.
Shifting to/from 4L (4x4 Low)
1. Bring the vehicle to a stop or a speedbelow 3 mph (5 km/h).
2. Place the transmission in N (Neutral).
3. Move the transfer case shift leverthrough N (Neutral) directly to thedesired position.
4. If the transfer case does not, or onlypartially moves to the desired position,perform a shift with the transmissionin N (Neutral) and the vehicle rolling ata speed below 3 mph (5 km/h).
5.If shifting to 2H (2WD) with the vehicleat a complete stop, disengage thelocking hubs (optional) by rotating thehub lock control from LOCK to FREE.
Using the N (Neutral) position
WARNING
Do not leave the vehicle unattendedwith the transfer case in the N(Neutral) position. Always set theparking brake fully and turn off the ignitionwhen leaving the vehicle.
The transfer case neutral position overridesthe transmission and puts the vehicle inneutral regardless of transmission gearshiftlever position. The vehicle can moveforward or backwards.
This position should only be used whentowing the vehicle.
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Using the Electronic Shift on theFly 4WD system (If Equipped)
2H (2WD)
For general on-road driving. Sends powerto the rear wheels only and should be usedfor street and highway driving. Providesoptimal smoothness and fuel economy athigh speeds.
4H (4X4 HIGH)
Used for extra traction such as in snow oricy roads or in off road situations. Thismode is not intended for use on drypavement.
4L (4X4 LOW)
Uses extra gearing to provide maximumpower to all four wheels at reducedspeeds. Intended only for off-roadapplications such as deep sand, steepgrades, or pulling heavy objects. 4L (4x4low) will not engage while the vehicle ismoving above 3 mph (5 km/h); this isnormal and should be no reason forconcern. Refer to Shifting to/from 4L (4x4low) for proper operation.
Shifting between system modes
Note:Momentarily releasing the acceleratorpedal while performing a shift will improveengagement/disengagement times.
Note:Do not perform this operation if therear wheels are slipping.
Note:Some noise may be heard as thesystem shifts or engages; this is normal.
Note:4X4 high mode is not intended foruse on dry pavement.
You can move the control from 2H or 4Hat a stop or while driving. The informationdisplay may display a message indicatinga 4X4 shift is in progress. Once the shift iscomplete the message center will thendisplay the system mode selected.
If SHIFT DELAYED PULL FORWARD isdisplayed in the information display duringthe mode shift, transfer case gear toothblockage is present. To alleviate thiscondition, place the transmission in aforward gear and move the vehicle forwardapproximately 5 feet (1.5 meters) to allowthe transfer case to complete the modeshift.
Shifting to/from 4L (4X4 low)
Note:Some noise may be heard as thesystem shifts or engages; this is normal.
Note:4x4 low mode is not intended for useon 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 desiredposition.
The information display will display amessage indicating a 4X4 shift is inprogress. The information display will thendisplay the system mode selected. If anyof the above shift conditions are not met,the shift will not occur and the informationdisplay will display information guiding thedriver through the proper shiftingprocedures.
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If SHIFT DELAYED PULL FORWARD isdisplayed in the information display,transfer case gear tooth blockage ispresent. To alleviate this condition, placethe transmission in a forward gear, movethe vehicle forward approximately 5 feet(1.5 meters), and shift the transmissionback to neutral to allow the transfer caseto complete the range shift.
How Your Vehicle Differs FromOther Vehicles
WARNING
Vehicles with a higher center ofgravity such as utility and four-wheeldrive vehicles handle differently thanvehicles with a lower center of gravity.Utility and four-wheel drive vehicles arenot designed for cornering at speeds ashigh as passenger cars any more thanlow-slung sports cars are designed toperform satisfactorily under off-roadconditions. Avoid sharp turns, excessivespeed and abrupt maneuvers in thesevehicles. Failure to drive cautiously couldresult in an increased risk of loss of vehiclecontrol, vehicle rollover, personal injury anddeath.
Truck and utility vehicles can differ fromsome other vehicles. Your vehicle may behigher to allow it to travel over roughterrain without getting hung up ordamaging underbody components.
The differences that make your vehicle soversatile also make it handle differentlythan an ordinary passenger car.
Maintain steering wheel control at alltimes, especially in rough terrain. Sincesudden changes in terrain can result inabrupt steering wheel motion, make sureyou grip the steering wheel from theoutside. Do not grip the spokes.
Drive cautiously to avoid vehicle damagefrom concealed objects such as rocks andstumps.
You should either know the terrain orexamine maps of the area before driving.Map out your route before driving in thearea. To maintain steering and brakingcontrol of your vehicle, you must have allfour wheels on the ground and they mustbe rolling, not sliding or spinning.
Driving Off-Road With Truck andUtility Vehicles
Note:On some models, the initial shift fromtwo-wheel drive to four-wheel drive whilethe vehicle is moving can cause somemomentary clunk and ratcheting sounds.This is the front drivetrain coming up tospeed and the automatic locking hubsengaging and is not cause for concern.
Note:Your vehicle may be equipped witha front air dam that can become damaged(due to reduced ground clearance) whentaking your vehicle off-road. This air damcan be taken off by removing two bolts.
Four-wheel drive vehicles are speciallyequipped for driving on sand, snow, mudand rough terrain and have operatingcharacteristics that are somewhatdifferent from conventional vehicles, bothon and off the road.
Power is supplied to all four wheelsthrough a transfer case. On Four-wheeldrive vehicles, the transfer case allows youto select 4WD when necessary.Information on transfer case operation andshifting procedures can be found in thischapter. Information on transfer casemaintenance can be found in theMaintenance chapter. You should becomethoroughly familiar with this informationbefore you operate your vehicle.
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Four-Wheel Drive (If Equipped)

Four-wheel drive (when you select a 4WDmode) uses all four wheels to power thevehicle. This increases traction, enablingyou to drive over terrain and roadconditions that a conventional two-wheeldrive vehicle cannot.
Basic Operating Principles
•Drive slower in strong crosswinds whichcan affect the normal steeringcharacteristics of your vehicle.
•When driving your vehicle on surfacesmade slippery by loose sand, water,gravel, snow or ice proceed with care.
•Do not use Four-wheel drive on dry,hard surfaced roads. Doing so willproduce excessive noise, increase tirewear and may damage drivecomponents. Four-wheel drive modesare only intended for consistentlyslippery or loose surfaces.
If Your Vehicle leaves the Road
If your vehicle leaves the road, reduce yourvehicle speed and avoid severe braking.When your vehicle speed has been reducedease your vehicle back onto the road. Donot turn the steering wheel sharply whilereturning your vehicle to the road.
It may be safer to stay on the shoulder ofthe road and slow down gradually beforereturning to the road. You may lose controlif you do not slow down or if you turn thesteering wheel too sharply or abruptly.
It may be less risky to strike small objects,such as freeway reflectors, with minordamage to your vehicle rather thanattempt a sudden return to the road whichcould cause your vehicle to slide sidewaysout of control or roll over. Remember, yoursafety and the safety of others should beyour primary concern.
Emergency Maneuvers
In an unavoidable emergency situationwhere a sudden sharp turn must be made,remember to avoid over-driving yourvehicle (i.e. turn the steering wheel only asrapidly and as far as required to avoid theemergency). Excessive steering can resultin loss of vehicle control. Apply smoothpressure to the accelerator pedal or brakepedal when changes in vehicle speed arerequired. Avoid abrupt steering,acceleration and braking. This could resultin an increased risk of vehicle roll over, lossof vehicle control and personal injury. Useall available road surface to bring yourvehicle to a safe direction of travel.
In the event of an emergency stop, avoidskidding the tires and do not attempt anysharp steering wheel movements.
If your vehicle goes from one type ofsurface to another (i.e. from concrete togravel) there will be a change in the wayyour vehicle responds to a maneuver (i.e.steering, acceleration or braking).
Sand
When driving over sand, try to keep all fourwheels on the most solid area of the trail.Avoid reducing the tire pressures but shiftto a lower gear and drive steadily throughthe terrain. Apply the accelerator slowlyand avoid excessive wheel slip.
When driving at slow speeds in deep sandunder high outside temperatures, use a lowgear when possible. Low gear operationwill maximize the engine and transmissioncooling capability.
Avoid driving at excessive speeds, thiscauses vehicle momentum to work againstyou and your vehicle could become stuckto the point that assistance may berequired from another vehicle. Remember,you may be able to back out the way youcame if you proceed with caution.
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Four-Wheel Drive (If Equipped)

Mud and Water
Mud
Be cautious of sudden changes in vehiclespeed or direction when you are driving inmud. Even four-wheel drive vehicles canlose traction in slick mud. If your vehicledoes slide, steer in the direction of the slideuntil you regain control of your vehicle.
After driving through mud, clean off residuestuck to rotating driveshafts and tires.Excess mud stuck on tires and rotatingdriveshafts can cause an imbalance thatcould damage drive components.
Water
If you must drive through high water, driveslowly. Traction or brake capability maybe limited.
When driving through water, determine thedepth and avoid water higher than thebottom of the hubs. If the ignition systemgets wet, your vehicle may stall.
Once through water, always try the brakes.Wet brakes do not stop your vehicle aseffectively as dry brakes. Drying can beimproved by applying light pressure to thebrake pedal while moving slowly.
Note:Driving through deep water maydamage the transmission. If the front or rearaxle is submerged in water, the axlelubricant and power transfer unit lubricantshould be checked and changed ifnecessary.
Driving on Hilly or Sloping Terrain
Although natural obstacles may make itnecessary to travel diagonally up or downa hill or steep incline, you should alwaystry to drive straight up or straight down.
Note:Avoid turning on steep slopes or hills.A danger lies in losing traction, slippingsideways and possible vehicle roll over.Whenever driving on a hill, determinebeforehand the route you will use. Do notdrive over the crest of a hill without seeingwhat conditions are on the other side. Donot drive in reverse over a hill without theaid of an observer.
When climbing a steep slope or hill, startin a lower gear rather than downshifting toa lower gear from a higher gear once theascent has started. This reduces strain onthe engine and the possibility of stalling.
If your vehicle stalls, do not try to turnaround because this could cause vehicleroll over. It is better to reverse back to asafe location.
Apply just enough power to the wheels toclimb the hill. Too much power will causethe tires to slip, spin or lose traction,resulting in loss of vehicle control.
Descend a hill in the same gear you woulduse to climb up the hill to avoid excessivebrake application and brake overheating.Do not descend in neutral. Disengageoverdrive or move the transmissionselector lever to a lower gear. Whendescending a steep hill, avoid sudden hardbraking as you could lose control. The frontwheels have to be turning in order to steeryour vehicle.
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