stop start FORD F450 2012 Owners Manual

Door ajar (RTT): Displays when
the ignition is in the on position and
any door is not completely closed.
Engine coolant temperature
(RTT): Illuminates when the engine
coolant temperature is high. Stop
the vehicle as soon as possible, switch off the engine and let cool. Refer
to Engine coolant in the Maintenance and Specifications chapter.
WARNING: Never remove the coolant reservoir cap while the
engine is running or hot.
Low tire pressure warning (if
equipped): Illuminates when your
tire pressure is low. If the light
remains on at start up or while
driving, the tire pressure should be
checked. Refer to Inflating your tires in the Tires, Wheels and
Loading chapter. When the ignition is first turned to on, the light will
illuminate for three seconds to ensure the bulb is working. If the light
does not turn on, have the system inspected by your authorized dealer.
For more information on this system, refer to Tire pressure monitoring
system (TPMS) in the Tires, Wheels and Loading chapter.
Hill descent (if equipped):
Displays when using the hill descent
mode. Refer to the Driving chapter
for transmission function and
operation.
Transmission Tow/Haul Feature
(if equipped): Displays when the
Tow/Haul feature has been
activated. Refer to the Driving
chapter for transmission function and operation. If the light flashes
steadily, have the system serviced immediately, damage to the
transmission could occur.Instrument Cluster
18
2012 F-250/350/450/550 (f23)
Owners Guide, 4th Printing
USA (fus)

ADVTRAC ON MYKEY SETTING (if equipped) — Displayed when a
MyKey  is in use when trying to disable the ESC system and the
optional setting is on. Refer to MyKey  in the Locks and Security
chapter for more information.
SERVICE ADVANCETRAC (if equipped) — Displayed when the
AdvanceTrac  system has detected a condition that requires service.
Contact your authorized dealer as soon as possible.
TO STOP ALARM START VEHICLE (if equipped) — Displayed
when the perimeter alarm system is armed and the vehicle is entered
using the key on the driver’s side door. In order to prevent the perimeter
alarm system from triggering, the ignition must be turned to start or on
before the 12 second chime expires. See Perimeter alarm system in the
Locks and Security chapter.
SECURITY SYSTEM FAULT — Displayed when the security system
has detected a fault. See your authorized dealer for service.
WIRING FAULT ON TRAILER (if equipped) — Displayed and
accompanied by a single chime if there are certain faults in the vehicle
wiring and trailer wiring/brake system. Refer to Trailer towing in the
Tires, Wheels and Loading chapter for more information.
TRAILER BRAKE MODULE FAULT (if equipped) — Displayed and
accompanied by a single chime in response to faults sensed by the TBC.
Refer to Trailer towing in the Tires, Wheels and Loading chapter for
more information.
TRAILER CONNECTED (if equipped) — Displayed when a correct
trailer connection (a trailer with electric trailer brakes) is sensed during
a given ignition cycle. Refer to Trailer towing in the Tires, Wheels and
Loading chapter for more information.
TRAILER BRAKE GAIN = XX.X (if equipped) — Displays the
current gain setting for the trailer brake. Refer to Trailer towing in the
Tires, Wheels and Loading chapter for more information.
TBC GAIN = XX.X NO TRAILER (if equipped) — Displays the
current gain setting for the trailer brake when a trailer is not connected.
Refer to Trailer towing in the Tires, Wheels and Loading chapter for
more information.
TRAILER DISCONNECTED (if equipped) — Displayed and
accompanied by a single chime when a trailer connection becomes
disconnected, either intentionally or unintentionally, and has been sensed
during a given ignition cycle. Refer to Trailer towing in the Tires,
Wheels and Loading chapter for more information.Instrument Cluster
32
2012 F-250/350/450/550 (f23)
Owners Guide, 4th Printing
USA (fus)

Note: Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF) regeneration will not initiate at idle
or in Power Take Off (PTO) mode. When DRIVE TO CLEAN EXHAUST
FILTER is displayed in the message center, PTO and/or Stationary
Elevated Idle Control (SEIC) must be disengaged/inactive in order to
properly clean the DPF. The vehicle must be driven until the CLEANING
EXHAUST FILTER message turns off.
CLEANING EXHAUST FILTER (diesel engine only) — Displayed when
the vehicle has entered the cleaning mode. Various engine actions will raise
the exhaust temperature in the Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF) system to
burn off the particles (exhaust soot). After the particles are burned off, the
exhaust temperature will fall back to normal levels. This message is
NORMAL. Refer to your diesel supplement for more information.
WARNING: When the CLEANING EXHAUST FILTER message
appears in the message center, do not park near flammable
materials, vapors or structures until filter cleaning is complete.
EXHAUST FILTER DRIVE COMPLETE (diesel engine only) —
Displayed when the Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF) has been adequately
cleaned after the DRIVE TO CLEAN EXHAUST FILTER followed by
CLEANING EXHAUST FILTER messages have been displayed. This message
is NORMAL. Refer to your diesel supplement for more information.
EXHAUST FILTER CLEANED (diesel engine only) — Displayed
when the Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF) has been adequately cleaned by
the manual regeneration process (OCR). Refer to your diesel supplement
for more information.
EXHAUST CLEAN STOPPED (diesel engine only) — Displayed when
the Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF) manual regeneration process (OCR) has
been stopped. Refer to your diesel supplement for more information.
STOP SAFELY NOW (diesel engine only) — Displayed and a chime
sounds when the vehicle exhaust system temperature exceeds intended
operating range. If this warning occurs, engine power is reduced and the
engine will shut down when the vehicle speed is below 3 mph (5 km/h).
Stop the vehicle as soon as safely possible and contact your
authorized dealer. Depending on the severity of the over-temperature
condition, the vehicle may not restart after cycling the ignition off. If the
vehicle restarts, there may be limited power. If the exhaust
over-temperature condition reoccurs, the message center will display
STOP SAFELY NOW, the chime will sound, and engine power will be
reduced again and shut down below 3 mph (5 km/h). Refer to your
diesel supplement for more information.Instrument Cluster
36
2012 F-250/350/450/550 (f23)
Owners Guide, 4th Printing
USA (fus)

Trip A/B
In this mode, Trip A or B registers the following:
• Trip Time — shows the elapsed trip time. This timer will stop when
the vehicle is turned off and will restart when the vehicle is restarted.
• Trip Distance — shows the accumulated trip distance.
• Fuel Used — shows the amount of fuel used for a given trip.
• Average MPG (L/100km) — shows the average distance traveled per
unit of fuel used for a given trip.
• Odometer — shows the vehicle’s total accumulated distance. This
value cannot be reset.
Press the right arrow key to reach Trip B. Press the left arrow to go back
to Trip A.
Press OK to pause the Trip A or B screen/press again to un-pause.
Press and hold OK to reset the currently displayed trip information.
Fuel Economy
In this mode, fuel economy information is displayed as follows:
• Instant MPG (L/100km) — shows instantaneous fuel usage.
• Miles (kilometers) to empty — shows the approximate distance the
vehicle can travel before running out of fuel.
• Average MPG (L/100km) — shows the average fuel usage based on
time. See Fuel Hist. following to change the time interval. Press and
hold OK to reset this value.
If you calculate your average fuel economy by dividing miles traveled by
gallons of fuel used (liters of fuel used by 100 kilometers traveled), your
figure may be different than displayed for the following reasons:
• Your vehicle was not perfectly level during fill-up.
• Differences in the automatic shut-off points on the fuel pumps at
service stations.
• Variations in top-off procedure from one fill-up to another.
• Rounding of the displayed values to the nearest 0.1 gallon (liter).
To determine your average highway fuel economy, do the following:
1. Drive the vehicle at least 5 miles (8 km) with the speed control
system engaged to display a stabilized average.
2. Record the highway fuel economy for future reference. Instrument Cluster
41
2012 F-250/350/450/550 (f23)
Owners Guide, 4th Printing
USA (fus)

DRIVE TO CLEAN EXHAUST SYSTEM (diesel engine only) —
Displayed when the Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF) is full of particles
(exhaust soot) and the vehicle is not being operated in a manner to
allow normal cleaning. This message will stay on until the exhaust filter
cleaning has begun, at which time the CLEANING EXHAUST FILTER
message will be displayed. It is recommended the vehicle operator drive
the vehicle above 30 mph (48 km/h) until the CLEANING EXHAUST
FILTER message turns off. This message is NORMAL. Refer to your
diesel supplement for more information.
Note: If this message is ignored, your vehicle will continue to fill the
Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF) with particles (exhaust soot). If cleaning
is not permitted, the light will illuminate and engine power may be
limited. If the vehicle is still not operated in a manner to allow cleaning,
the service engine soon light will illuminate and engine power will
be further limited. Dealer service will then be required to restore your
vehicle to full-power operation.
STOP SAFELY NOW (diesel engine only) — Displayed and a chime
sounds when the vehicle exhaust system temperature exceeds intended
operating range. If this warning occurs, engine power is reduced and the
engine will shut down when the vehicle speed is below 3 mph (5 km/h).
Stop the vehicle as soon as safely possible and contact your
authorized dealer. Depending on the severity of the over-temperature
condition, the vehicle may not restart after cycling the ignition off. If the
vehicle restarts, there may be limited power. If the exhaust
over-temperature condition reoccurs, the message center will display
STOP SAFELY NOW, the chime will sound, and engine power will be
reduced again and shut down below 3 mph (5 km/h). Refer to your
diesel supplement for more information.
ENGINE OIL DILUTED (diesel engine only) — Displays once the
engine oil has become diluted and needs to be changed. Refer to your
diesel supplement for more information.
ENGINE OIL CHANGE SOON — Displayed when the engine oil life
remaining is 5% to 1%.
OIL CHANGE REQUIRED — Displayed when the oil life left reaches 0%.
ENGINE TURNS OFF IN 1 SECOND (diesel engine only) —
Displayed when the vehicle is in the final second of a countdown to
where the engine will intentionally be turned off by the PCM. The diesel
engine shutdown is a (regulatory) requirement which may be required of
a particular diesel vehicle for sale in states requiring this feature. Refer
to your diesel supplement for more information.Instrument Cluster
50
2012 F-250/350/450/550 (f23)
Owners Guide, 4th Printing
USA (fus)

SPEED LIMITED TO 130 KM/H — Displayed when starting the
vehicle and MyKey  is in use and the MyKey speed limit is on. Refer to
MyKey  in the Locks and Security chapter for more information.
SPEED LIMITED TO 80 MPH — Displayed when starting the vehicle
and MyKey  is in use and the MyKey speed limit is on. Refer to MyKey 
in the Locks and Security chapter for more information.
VEHICLE AT TOP SPEED - MYKEY SETTING — Displayed when a
MyKey  is in use and the MyKey speed limit is on and the vehicle speed
is 80 mph (130 km/h). Refer to MyKey  in the Locks and Security
chapter for more information.
VEHICLE NEAR TOP SPEED — Displayed when a MyKey  is in use
and the MyKey speed limit is on and the vehicle speed is approaching
80 mph (130 km/h). Refer to MyKey  in the Locks and Security
chapter for more information.
CHECK REAR PARK AID (if equipped) — Displayed when the
transmission is in R (Reverse) and the park aid is disabled.
REAR PARK AID OFF (if equipped) — Displayed when the rear park
aid is disabled by the driver.
REAR PARK AID ON (if equipped) — Displayed when the rear park
aid is enabled.
TO STOP ALARM, START VEHICLE (if equipped) — Displayed
when the perimeter alarm system is armed and the vehicle is entered
using the key on the driver’s side door. In order to prevent the perimeter
alarm system from triggering, the ignition must be turned to start or on
before the 12 second chime expires. See Perimeter alarm system in the
Locks and security chapter.
TRAILER BRAKE GAIN: XX.X [OUTPUT] (if equipped) — Displays
the current gain setting for the trailer brake. Refer to Trailer towing in
the Tires, Wheels and Loading chapter for more information.
TRAILER BRAKE GAIN: XX.X NO TRAILER (if equipped) —
Displays the current gain setting for the trailer brake when a trailer is
not connected. Refer to Trailer towing in the Tires, Wheels and
Loading chapter for more information.
TRAILER BRAKE MODULE FAULT (if equipped) — Displayed and
accompanied by a single chime, in response to faults sensed by the TBC.
Refer to Trailer towing in the Tires, Wheels and Loading chapter for
more information.Instrument Cluster
58
2012 F-250/350/450/550 (f23)
Owners Guide, 4th Printing
USA (fus)

The power windows will be inhibited during the remote start and the
radio will not turn on.
The parking lamps will remain on and the engine will run for 5, 10, or
15 minutes, depending on how you programmed the system. To select
the duration of the remote start system refer to Message center in the
Instrument Cluster chapter.
Extending the engine run time
To keep the engine running for another remote start duration, repeat
Steps 1 and 2 with the engine still running. If you programmed the
duration to last 10 minutes, the second 10 minutes will begin
immediately so that, for example, if the vehicle had been running from
the first remote start for five minutes, the engine will continue to run for
a total of 15 minutes. You can only extend the remote start once.
If the vehicle is remote started then remote stopped, wait at least five
seconds before remote starting a second time.
The ignition switch must be turned to the on position and then back to
the off position or allow one hour to pass before using remote start
again.
Turning the engine off after using remote start
• Press
one time. The parking lamps will turn off.
You may have to be closer to the vehicle than when starting due to
ground reflection and the added noise of the running engine.
You can disable or enable the remote start system through the message
center. Refer to Message center in the Instrument Cluster chapter.
SECURICODE™ KEYLESS ENTRY SYSTEM (IF EQUIPPED)
You can use the keyless entry
keypad to lock or unlock the doors
without using a key.
The keypad can be operated with
the factory set 5–digit entry code;
this code is located on the owner’s wallet card in the glove box, is
marked on the computer module, and is available from your authorized
dealer. You can also create your own 5–digit personal entry code.
When pressing the controls on the keypad, press the middle of the
controls to ensure a good activation. Locks and Security
147
2012 F-250/350/450/550 (f23)
Owners Guide, 4th Printing
USA (fus)

Safety Practices
WARNING: If your vehicle is stuck in snow, mud, sand, etc., do
not rapidly spin the tires; spinning the tires can tear the tire and
cause an explosion. A tire can explode in as little as three to five seconds.
WARNING: Do not spin the wheels at over 35 mph (56 km/h).
The tires may fail and injure a passenger or bystander.
Driving habits have a great deal to do with your tire mileage and safety.
• Observe posted speed limits
• Avoid fast starts, stops and turns
• Avoid potholes and objects on the road
• Do not run over curbs or hit the tire against a curb when parking
Highway Hazards
No matter how carefully you drive there’s always the possibility that you
may eventually have a flat tire on the highway. Drive slowly to the
closest safe area out of traffic. This may further damage the flat tire, but
your safety is more important.
If you feel a sudden vibration or ride disturbance while driving, or you
suspect your tire or vehicle has been damaged, immediately reduce your
speed. Drive with caution until you can safely pull off the road. Stop and
inspect the tires for damage. If a tire is under-inflated or damaged,
deflate it, remove wheel and replace it with your spare tire and wheel. If
you cannot detect a cause, have the vehicle towed to the nearest repair
facility or tire dealer to have the vehicle inspected.
Tire and Wheel Alignment
A bad jolt from hitting a curb or pothole can cause the front end of your
vehicle to become misaligned or cause damage to your tires. If your vehicle
seems to pull to one side when you’re driving, the wheels may be out of
alignment. Have an authorized dealer check the wheel alignment periodically.
Wheel misalignment in the front or the rear can cause uneven and rapid
treadwear of your tires and should be corrected by an authorized dealer.
Front-wheel drive vehicles and those with an independent rear
suspension (if equipped) may require alignment of all four wheels.
The tires should also be balanced periodically. An unbalanced tire and
wheel assembly may result in irregular tire wear. Tires, Wheels and Loading
229
2012 F-250/350/450/550 (f23)
Owners Guide, 4th Printing
USA (fus)

TIRE PRESSURE MONITORING SYSTEM (TPMS) (IF EQUIPPED)
WARNING: The tire pressure monitoring system is NOT a
substitute for manually checking tire pressure. The tire pressure
should be checked periodically (at least monthly) using a tire gauge,
see Inflating your tires in this chapter. Failure to properly maintain
your tire pressure could increase the risk of tire failure, loss of control,
vehicle rollover and personal injury.
Each tire, including the spare (if
provided), should be checked
monthly when cold and inflated to
the inflation pressure recommended
by the vehicle manufacturer on the
vehicle placard or tire inflation pressure label. (If your vehicle has tires
of a different size than the size indicated on the vehicle placard or tire
inflation pressure label, you should determine the proper tire inflation
pressure for those tires.)
As an added safety feature, your vehicle has been equipped with a tire
pressure monitoring system (TPMS) that illuminates a low tire pressure
telltale when one or more of your tires is significantly under-inflated.
Accordingly, when the low tire pressure telltale illuminates, you should
stop and check your tires as soon as possible, and inflate them to the
proper pressure. Driving on a significantly under-inflated tire causes the
tire to overheat and can lead to tire failure. Under-inflation also reduces
fuel efficiency and tire tread life, and may affect the vehicle’s handling
and stopping ability.
Please note that the TPMS is not a substitute for proper tire
maintenance, and it is the driver’s responsibility to maintain correct tire
pressure, even if under-inflation has not reached the level to trigger
illumination of the TPMS low tire pressure telltale.
Your vehicle has also been equipped with a TPMS malfunction indicator
to indicate when the system is not operating properly. The TPMS
malfunction indicator is combined with the low tire pressure telltale.
When the system detects a malfunction, the telltale will flash for
approximately one minute and then remain continuously illuminated.
This sequence will continue upon subsequent vehicle start-ups as long as
the malfunction exists.
When the malfunction indicator is illuminated, the system may not be
able to detect or signal low tire pressure as intended. TPMS malfunctions
may occur for a variety of reasons, including the installation of Tires, Wheels and Loading
237
2012 F-250/350/450/550 (f23)
Owners Guide, 4th Printing
USA (fus)

2. Manual control lever: Slide the control lever to the left to activate
power to the trailer’s electric brakes independent of the tow vehicle’s
brakes (see the following Procedure for adjusting GAIN section for
instructions on proper use of this feature). If the manual control is
activated while the brake is also applied, the greater of the two inputs
determines the power sent to the trailer brakes.
• Stop lamps: Activating the TBC manual control lever illuminates both
the trailer brake lamps and the tow vehicle brake lamps except the
center high-mount stop lamp (presuming proper trailer electrical
connection). Pressing the vehicle brake pedal also illuminates both
trailer and vehicle brake lamps.
Procedure for adjusting GAIN:
The GAIN setting is used to set the TBC for the specific towing condition
and should be changed as towing conditions change. Changes to towing
conditions include trailer load, vehicle load, road conditions and weather.
The GAIN should be set to provide the maximum trailer braking
assistance while ensuring the trailer wheels do not lock when braking;
locked trailer wheels may lead to trailer instability.
Note: This should only be performed in a traffic-free environment at
speeds of approximately 20–25 mph (30–40 km/h).
1. Make sure the trailer brakes are in good working condition, functioning
normally and properly adjusted. See your trailer dealer if necessary.
2. Hook up the trailer and make the electrical connections according to
the trailer manufacturer’s instructions.
3. When a trailer with electric brakes is plugged in, the TRAILER
CONNECTED message displays in the instrument cluster message center.
4. Use the GAIN adjustment (+/-) buttons to increase or decrease the
GAIN setting to the desired starting point. A GAIN setting of 6.0 is a
good starting point for heavier loads.
5. In a traffic-free environment, tow the trailer on a dry, level surface at
a speed of 20–25 mph (30–40 km/h) and squeeze the manual control
lever completely.
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.Tires, Wheels and Loading
258
2012 F-250/350/450/550 (f23)
Owners Guide, 4th Printing
USA (fus)