check engine light FORD SUPER DUTY 2012 3.G User Guide

Switching off AdvanceTracwith RSC
If the vehicle is stuck in snow, mud or sand, and seems to lose engine
power, switching off certain features of the AdvanceTracwith RSC
system may be beneficial because the wheels are allowed to spin. This
will restore full engine power and will enhance momentum through the
obstacle. To switch off the AdvanceTracwith RSCsystem, press the
stability control button located on the instrument panel to the right of
the climate control system. Full features of the AdvanceTracwith RSC
system can be restored by pressing the button again or by turning off
and restarting the engine.
If you switch off the AdvanceTracwith RSCsystem, the stability
control off light will illuminate steadily. Pressing the stability control
button again will turn off the stability control off light and reactivate the
system.
In R (Reverse), ABS and the engine traction control and brake traction
control features will continue to function; however, ESC and RSCare
disabled.
AdvanceTracwith RSCFeatures (SRW only)
Button functionsStability
control
light
RSCESC TCS
Default at start-upIlluminated
during bulb
checkEnabled Enabled Enabled
Button pressed
momentarilyIlluminated
solidEnabled Enabled
1Disabled
Button pressed and
held for more than
5 seconds at vehicle
speed under 35 mph
(56 km/h)Flashes then
illuminated
solid
2Disabled Disabled Disabled
Vehicle speed
exceeds 35 mph
(56 km/h) after
button is pressed
and held for more
than 5 secondsIlluminated
solidEnabled Enabled
1Disabled
Driving
283
2012 F-250/350/450/550(f23)
Owners Guide, 1st Printing
USA(fus)

AdvanceTracwith RSCFeatures (SRW only)
Button functionsStability
control
light
RSCESC TCS
Button pressed again
after deactivationNot
illuminatedEnabled Enabled Enabled
Transfer case
switched to 4WD
Low
3Illuminated Disabled Disabled Disabled
1ESC has reduced sensitivity compared to fully active system.
2Lamp light starts blinking for 4 seconds after entering press and hold
state.
3Engaging 4WD Low locked automatically disables RSC, ESC and TSC.
Trailer sway control
Your vehicle may be equipped with trailer sway control. When properly
equipped, trailer sway control will use the vehicle’s AdvanceTracwith
RSCsystem to detect and help reduce trailer sway by applying brake
force at individual wheels and, if necessary, by reducing engine power.
WARNING:Trailer sway control does not prevent a trailer from
swaying, it mitigates the sway from increasing once it has
occurred. If you are experiencing trailer sway it is likely that the trailer
is improperly loaded for the correct tongue weight or the speed of the
vehicle and trailer is too high. Pull the vehicle-trailer over to a safe
location to check the trailer weight distribution and tongue load and
reduce speed to a safe level while towing. If trailer sway is
experienced, SLOW DOWN.
During trailer sway control events the stability control light in the
instrument cluster will flash momentarily. The message center will also
displayTRAILER SWAY REDUCE SPEED.In some cases when trailer
sway is detected, the vehicle speed is too high and may be above a
speed at which trailer sway will not grow continuously. This may cause
the system to activate multiple times, causing a gradual reduction in
speed.
Driving
284
2012 F-250/350/450/550(f23)
Owners Guide, 1st Printing
USA(fus)

•Use recommended engine oil. Refer toMaintenance product
specifications and capacitiesin this chapter.
•Perform all regularly scheduled maintenance items. Follow the
recommended maintenance schedule and owner maintenance checks
found inscheduled maintenance information.
Conditions
•Heavily loading a vehicle or towing a trailer may reduce fuel economy
at any speed.
•Carrying unnecessary weight may reduce fuel economy (approximately
1 mpg [0.4 km/L] is lost for every 400 lb [180 kg] of weight carried).
•Adding certain accessories to your vehicle (for example bug
deflectors, rollbars/light bars, running boards, ski/luggage racks) may
reduce fuel economy.
•To maximize the fuel economy, drive with the tonneau cover installed
(if equipped).
•Using fuel blended with alcohol may lower fuel economy.
•Fuel economy may decrease with lower temperatures during the first
8–10 miles (12–16 km) of driving.
•Driving on flat terrain offers improved fuel economy as compared to
driving on hilly terrain.
•Transmissions give their best fuel economy when operated in the top
cruise gear and with steady pressure on the gas pedal.
•Four-wheel-drive operation (if equipped) is less fuel efficient than
two-wheel-drive operation.
•Close windows for high speed driving.
EMISSION CONTROL SYSTEM
WARNING:Do not park, idle, or drive your vehicle in dry grass
or other dry ground cover. The emission system heats up the
engine compartment and exhaust system, which can start a fire.
WARNING:Exhaust leaks may result in entry of harmful and
potentially lethal fumes into the passenger compartment.
Maintenance and Specifications
399
2012 F-250/350/450/550(f23)
Owners Guide, 1st Printing
USA(fus)

Genuine Ford and Motorcraftreplacement parts
Dealerships stock Ford and Motorcraftbranded replacement parts.
These parts meet or exceed Ford Motor Company’s specifications, and
we stand behind them. Parts installed at your dealership carry a
nationwide, 12 month/12,000 mile (20,000 km) parts and labor limited
warranty. Your dealer can give you details.
Value shopping for your vehicle’s maintenance needs
Your dealership recognizes the competitive landscape of maintenance and
light repair automotive services. With factory-trained technicians, and
one-stop service from routine maintenance like oil changes and tire
rotations to repairs like brake service, check out the value your dealers
can offer.
Owner checks and services
Certain basic maintenance checks and inspections should be performed
by the owner or a service technician at the intervals indicated. Service
information and supporting specifications are provided in this owner’s
guide.
Any adverse condition should be brought to the attention of your dealer
or qualified service technician as soon as possible for the proper service
advice. The owner maintenance service checks are generally not covered
by warranties so you may be charged for labor, parts or fluids used.
Engine oil/coolant change intervals
Engine oil (6.2L/6.8L)*6 months or 7,500 miles (12,000 km)
(whichever comes first)
Engine coolant, initial
change6 years or 105,000 miles (168,000 km)
(whichever comes first)
Engine coolant, after
initial changeEvery 3 years or 45,000 miles (72,000 km)
*If your vehicle is equipped with a diesel engine, refer to the diesel
supplement for engine oil/coolant change schedules
Check every month
Engine oil level
Function of all interior and exterior lights
Tires for wear and proper pressure, including spare
Windshield washer fluid level
Scheduled Maintenance
430
2012 F-250/350/450/550(f23)
Owners Guide, 1st Printing
USA(fus)

A
Accessory delay ........................107
AdvanceTrac ..............................279
Airbag supplemental restraint
system ........................184, 188, 190
and child safety seats ............186
description ..............184, 188, 190
disposal ....................................198
driver airbag ............186, 189, 191
indicator light .........................193
operation .................186, 189, 191
passenger airbag .....186, 189, 191
passenger deactivation
switch ......................................194
side airbag ...............................188
Air cleaner filter ...............408, 413
Air conditioning ....................80, 83
manual heating and air
conditioning system .................80
Ambulance packages ....................7
Antifreeze
(see Engine coolant) ................383
Anti-lock brake system
(see Brakes) ..............................275
Anti-theft system ..............153, 155
arming the system ..........154, 156
disarming a triggered
system .....................................156
triggering .................................156
Audio system (see Radio) ...61, 63
Automatic transmission ............294
driving an automatic
overdrive .................................291
fluid, adding ............................404
fluid, checking ........................404
fluid, refill capacities ..............414
Selectshift (SST) ....................297
Auxiliary Input Jack ...................71Auxiliary power point ...............103
Axle
refill capacities ........................414
B
Battery .......................................381
acid, treating emergencies .....381
jumping a disabled battery ....351
maintenance-free ....................381
replacement, specifications ...413
servicing ..................................381
Bed extender ............................130
Belt-Minder.............................180
Booster seats .............................215
Brakes ........................................275
anti-lock ...................................275
anti-lock brake system (ABS)
warning light ...........................276
fluid, checking and adding ....403
fluid, refill capacities ..............414
parking ....................................277
shift interlock ..........................289
trailer .......................................260
Bulbs ............................................94
C
Capacities for refilling fluids ....414
Car2UHome Automation
System .......................................120
Cassette tape player ...................61
Cell phone use ............................10
Changing a tire .........................334
Child safety seats ......................203
attaching with tether straps ..210
in front seat ....................204, 210
in rear seat ......................204, 210
Index
448
2012 F-250/350/450/550(f23)
Owners Guide, 1st Printing
USA(fus)

Inspection/maintenance (I/M)
testing ........................................401
Instrument panel
cleaning ...........................369–370
cluster ........................................14
lighting up panel and
interior .......................................91
J
Jack ............................................334
positioning ...............................334
storage .....................................334
Jump-starting your vehicle ......351
K
Keyless entry system
autolock ...................................141
keypad .....................................152
locking and unlocking doors ..153
programming entry code .......152
Keys ...................................133, 154
positions of the ignition .........269
L
Lamps
autolamp system .......................89
daytime running light ...............91
fog lamps ...................................90
headlamps .................................89
headlamps, flash to pass ..........90
instrument panel, dimming .....91
interior lamps ...........................93
replacing bulbs .............95, 97–99
LATCH anchors .........................210
Lights, warning and indicator ....14
anti-lock brakes (ABS) ..........276
Loading instructions .................255Load limits .................................248
Locks
autolock ...................................141
childproof ................................145
doors ........................................141
Lug nuts ....................................350
Lumbar support, seats .............164
M
Manual transmission
fluid capacities ........................414
Message center ...............22–23, 40
english/metric button ...............28
system check button
................28
warning messages
...............29, 48
Mirrors
...............................108–109
automatic dimming rearview
mirror
......................................108
fold away
.................109, 111–112
heated
........................................83
programmable memory
..........147
side view mirrors (power)
.....109
signal
.......................................112
Moon roof
..................................118
Motorcraftparts
......................413
MyKey
........................................133
N
Navigation system
.......................79
O
Octane rating
....................394–395
Oil (see Engine oil)
..................379
Index
451
2012 F-250/350/450/550(f23)
Owners Guide, 1st Printing
USA(fus)