suspension FORD F-250 2019 Owners Manual

Maintenance and Modifications
The suspension and steering systems on
your vehicle have been designed and
tested to provide predictable performance
whether loaded or empty. For this reason,
we strongly recommend that you do not
make modifications such as adding or
removing parts (i.e. lift kits or stabilizer
bars) or by using replacement parts not
equivalent to the original factory
equipment.
We recommend that you use caution when
your vehicle has either a high load or device
(i.e. ladder or luggage racks). Any
modifications to your vehicle that raise the
center of gravity may cause your vehicle
to roll over when there is a loss of vehicle
control.
Failure to maintain your vehicle correctly
may void the warranty, increase your repair
cost, reduce vehicle performance and
operational capabilities and adversely
affect you and your passenger's safety. We
recommend you frequently inspect your
vehicle's chassis components when your
vehicle is subject to off road usage.
220
Super Duty (TFE) Canada/United States of America, enUSA, Edition date: 201804, Fourth-Printing Four-Wheel Drive (If Equipped)

PRINCIPLE OF OPERATION
WARNING: Vehicle modifications
involving braking system, aftermarket
roof racks, suspension, steering system,
tire construction and wheel and tire size
may change the handling characteristics
of your vehicle and may adversely affect
the performance of the electronic
stability control system. In addition,
installing any stereo loudspeakers may
interfere with and adversely affect the
electronic stability control system. Install
any aftermarket stereo loudspeaker as
far as possible from the front center
console, the tunnel, and the front seats
in order to minimize the risk of interfering
with the electronic stability control
sensors. Reducing the effectiveness of
the electronic stability control system
could lead to an increased risk of loss of
vehicle control, vehicle rollover, personal
injury and death. WARNING:
Remember that even
advanced technology cannot defy the
laws of physics. It’ s always possible to
lose control of a vehicle due to
inappropriate driver input for the
conditions. Aggressive driving on any
road condition can cause you to lose
control of your vehicle increasing the risk
of personal injury or property damage.
Activation of the electronic stability
control system is an indication that at
least some of the tires have exceeded
their ability to grip the road; this could
reduce the operator ’s ability to control
the vehicle potentially resulting in a loss
of vehicle control, vehicle rollover,
personal injury and death. If your
electronic stability control system
activates, SLOW DOWN.
The system automatically turns on each
time you switch the ignition on. If a fault occurs in either the stability
control or the traction control system, you
may experience the following conditions:
•
The stability and traction control light
illuminates steadily.
• The stability control and traction
control systems do not enhance your
vehicle's ability to maintain traction of
the wheels.
• The Adaptive Steering system (if
equipped) automatically changes the
steering function to a fixed steering
ratio. See
Steering (page 260).
If a driving condition activates either the
stability control or the traction control
system you may experience the following
conditions:
• The stability and traction control light
flashes.
• Your vehicle slows down.
• Reduced engine power.
• A vibration in the brake pedal.
• The brake pedal is stiffer than usual.
• If the driving condition is severe and
your foot is not on the brake, the brake
pedal may move as the system applies
higher brake force.
The stability control system has several
features built into it to help you maintain
control of your vehicle:
Electronic Stability Control
The system enhances your vehicle ’s ability
to prevent skids or lateral slides by
applying brakes to one or more of the
wheels individually and, if necessary,
reducing engine power.
228
Super Duty (TFE) Canada/United States of America, enUSA, Edition date: 201804, Fourth-Printing Stability Control

DRIVER ALERT (IF EQUIPPED)
WARNING:
The system is
designed to aid the driver. It is not
intended to replace your attention and
judgment. You are still responsible to
drive with due care and attention. WARNING:
At all times, you are
responsible for controlling your vehicle,
supervising the system and intervening,
if required. Failure to take care may result
in the loss of control of your vehicle,
serious personal injury or death. WARNING:
The system may not
function if the sensor is blocked. WARNING:
Take regular rest
breaks if you feel tired. Do not wait for
the system to warn you. WARNING:
Certain driving styles
may result in the system warning you
even if you are not feeling tired. WARNING:
In cold and severe
weather conditions the system may not
function. Rain, snow and spray can all
limit sensor performance. WARNING:
The system will not
operate if the sensor cannot track the
road lane markings. WARNING:
If damage occurs in
the immediate area surrounding the
sensor, have your vehicle checked as
soon as possible. WARNING:
The system may not
correctly operate if your vehicle is fitted
with a suspension kit not approved by
us. Note:
Keep the windshield free from
obstructions. For example, bird droppings,
insects and snow or ice.
Note: If the camera is blocked or if the
windshield is damaged, the system may not
function.
Note: The system remembers the last
setting when you start your vehicle, unless
a MyKey ™ is detected.
Note: If enabled in the menu, the system
activates at speeds above
40 mph
(64 km/h). The system automatically monitors your
driving behavior using various inputs
including the front camera sensor.
If the system detects that your driving
alertness is reduced below a certain
threshold, the system will alert you using
a chime and a message in the information
display.
Using Driver Alert
Switching the system on and off
You may switch the system on or off
through the information display by
selecting Settings then Driver Assist then
Driver Alert in the menu. When activated,
the system will monitor your alertness level
based upon your driving behavior in relation
to the lane markings, and other factors.
249
Super Duty (TFE) Canada/United States of America, enUSA, Edition date: 201804, Fourth-Printing Driving AidsE249505

System Warnings
Note:
The system will not issue warnings
below approximately 40 mph (64 km/h).
The warning system is in two stages. At
first the system issues a temporary warning
that you need to take a rest. This message
will only appear for a short time. If the
system detects further reduction in driving
alertness, another warning may be issued
which will remain in the information display
for a longer time. Press OK on the steering
wheel control to clear the warning. When
active the system will run automatically in
the background and only issue a warning
if required.
Resetting the System
You can reset the system by either:
• Switching the ignition off and on.
• Stopping the vehicle and then opening
and closing the driver ’s door.
LANE KEEPING SYSTEM
(IF
EQUIPPED) WARNING:
You are responsible
for controlling your vehicle at all times.
The system is designed to be an aid and
does not relieve you of your responsibility
to drive with due care and attention.
Failure to follow this instruction could
result in the loss of control of your
vehicle, personal injury or death. WARNING:
Always drive with due
care and attention when using and
operating the controls and features on
your vehicle. WARNING:
In cold and severe
weather conditions the system may not
function. Rain, snow and spray can all
limit sensor performance. WARNING:
The system will not
operate if the sensor cannot track the
road lane markings. WARNING:
The sensor may
incorrectly track lane markings as other
structures or objects. This can result in
a false or missed warning. WARNING:
Large contrasts in
outside lighting can limit sensor
performance. WARNING:
The system may not
operate properly if the sensor is blocked.
Keep the windshield free from
obstruction. WARNING:
If damage occurs in
the immediate area surrounding the
sensor, have your vehicle checked as
soon as possible. WARNING:
The system may not
correctly operate if your vehicle is fitted
with a suspension kit not approved by
us.
Note: The system works as long as the
camera can detect one lane marking at a
speed above
40 mph (64 km/h).
Note: The system may not function with a
blocked camera, or if the windshield is
damaged or dirty.
250
Super Duty (TFE) Canada/United States of America, enUSA, Edition date: 201804, Fourth-Printing Driving Aids

•
Do not operate the vehicle if the power
steering pump fluid level is below the
MIN mark on the reservoir.
• Some noise is normal during operation.
If excessive, check for low power
steering pump fluid level before
seeking service by your dealer.
• Heavy or uneven efforts may be caused
by low power steering fluid. Check for
low power steering pump fluid level
before seeking service by your dealer.
• Do not fill the power steering pump
reservoir above the MAX mark on the
reservoir, as this may result in leaks
from the reservoir.
If the power steering system breaks down
or if you switch the engine off, you can
steer the vehicle manually, but it takes
more effort.
If you have any steering components
serviced or replaced, install new fasteners.
Many fasteners have coatings with thread
adhesive, or have prevailing torque
features you cannot reuse. Do not reuse a
bolt or nut. Torque fasteners to
specifications.
Steering Tips
If the steering wanders or pulls, check for:
• An improperly inflated tire.
• Uneven tire wear.
• Loose or worn suspension
components.
• Loose or worn steering components.
• Improper vehicle alignment.
Note: A high crown in the road or high
crosswinds may also make the steering
seem to wander or pull. Electronic Variable Overlay Power
Steering (If Equipped) WARNING:
The electric power
steering system has diagnostic checks
that continuously monitor the system. If
a fault is detected, a message displays
in the information display. Stop your
vehicle as soon as it is safe to do so.
Switch the ignition off. After at least 10
seconds, switch the ignition on and
watch the information display for a
steering system warning message. If a
steering system warning message
returns, have the system checked as
soon as possible. WARNING:
If the system detects
an error, you may not feel a difference in
the steering, however a serious condition
may exist. Have your vehicle checked as
soon as possible. Failure to do so may
result in loss of steering control.
The electronic variable overlay power
steering system adds supplemental
steering assist to the hydraulic gear when
needed, dependent on vehicle conditions
such as vehicle speed, steering wheel
angle, and steering wheel torque. The
hydraulic steering system provides the
majority of steering assistance. The
electronic variable overlay torque enables
features such as pro trailer backup
assistance and lane departure warning.
If your vehicle loses electrical power while
you are driving, your vehicle loses electric
power steering assistance. The steering
system still operates, and you can steer
your vehicle with hydraulic assist. Steering
your vehicle with only hydraulic assist
requires more effort.
261
Super Duty (TFE) Canada/United States of America, enUSA, Edition date: 201804, Fourth-Printing Driving Aids

TOWING A TRAILER
WARNING: Do not exceed
the GVWR or the GAWR
specified on the certification
label. WARNING:
Towing trailers
beyond the maximum
recommended gross trailer
weight exceeds the limit of your
vehicle and could result in engine
damage, transmission damage,
structural damage, loss of
vehicle control, vehicle rollover
and personal injury. WARNING:
Do not exceed
the lowest rating capacity for
your vehicle or trailer hitch.
Overloading your vehicle or
trailer hitch can impair your
vehicle stability and handling.
Failure to follow this instruction
could result in the loss of control
of your vehicle, personal injury or
death. WARNING: Do not cut, drill,
weld or modify the trailer hitch.
Modifying the trailer hitch could
reduce the hitch rating. Note:
To prevent your trailer from
accumulating distance, and the
trailer information status appearing
when you restart your vehicle after
disconnecting your trailer, you must
deactivate your trailer. Using the
information display, go to the
Towing menu and then the Select
Trailer option. Select the No active
trailer option. See
Information
Displays (page 112).
Your vehicle may have electrical
items, such as fuses or relays,
related to towing. See
Fuses
(page 318).
Your vehicle may have ability to
modify trailer towing features.
See
General Information (page
112).
Your vehicle's load capacity
designation is by weight, not by
volume, so you cannot necessarily
use all available space when
loading a vehicle or trailer.
Towing a trailer places an extra
load on your vehicle's engine,
transmission, axle, brakes, tires
and suspension. Inspect these
components periodically during,
and after, any towing operation.
273
Super Duty (TFE) Canada/United States of America, enUSA, Edition date: 201804, Fourth-Printing Towing

remove the sticker from its current
location if the obstruction cannot
be cleared. Place a new sticker that
is visible to the camera in all
positions of the trailer behind your
vehicle.
• You can change your sticker
location by going into the trailer
menu, selecting trailer options,
selecting change trailer settings
and then selecting the change
sticker option. The previous sticker
must be removed. ONLY ONE
STICKER SHOULD BE PLACED
ON THE TRAILER FOR CORRECT
SYSTEM FUNCTION.
• The camera system uses the
entered measurements to help
locate the sticker. Inaccurate
measurements reduce the system ’s
ability to locate the sticker. Check
the measurements entered into the
system are correct. Refer to the
step 4 of trailer reverse guidance
setup for instructions on
measurements.
• You can change your measurement
by going into the trailer menu,
selecting trailer options, selecting
change trailer setting and then
selecting the change sticker option.
Disregard the prompt to remove
this sticker and continue to the next
step if you only plan to update the
measurements for the current
sticker location.
System does not backup straight:
• Factors such as the drawbar
connection to the hitch receiver, road
camber, road grade and compliance in
the trailer suspension can influence
how straight the system is able to
reverse your trailer when the wheel is
not turned. You can compensate for
the trailer drifting to the right or left by slowly turning the wheel until the trailer
is following your desired path and then
holding the wheel in that position. If
you would like to recalibrate the
system for straight backing, you can do
so with the following procedure.
•
Go into the trailer menu, select
trailer options, select change trailer
setting and then select the change
sticker option. Your saved
measurements show. Do not
change them, but continue to
confirm measurements. Once you
confirm the measurements, the
system then prompts you to
perform the calibration procedure.
Note: The system is designed to be used
with the same trailer connection every time
the trailer is chosen from the selection
menu. Using a different drawbar or a
different pin hole, on drawbars with more
than one pin hole, when connecting the
drawbar to your vehicle affects the trailer
measurements. Take the measurements
again and update if required.
TRAILER SWAY CONTROL (IF
EQUIPPED) WARNING: Turning off trailer sway
control increases the risk of loss of
vehicle control, serious injury or death.
Ford does not recommend disabling this
feature except in situations where speed
reduction may be detrimental (such as
hill climbing), the driver has significant
trailer towing experience, and can control
trailer sway and maintain safe operation.
Note: This feature does not prevent trailer
sway, but reduces it once it begins.
Note: This feature cannot stop all trailers
from swaying.
282
Super Duty (TFE) Canada/United States of America, enUSA, Edition date: 201804, Fourth-Printing Towing

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 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.
Tire Rotation
WARNING: If the tire label
shows different tire pressures for
the front and rear tires and the
vehicle has a tire pressure
monitoring system, then you
need to update the settings for
the system sensors. Always
perform the system reset
procedure after tire rotation. If
you do not reset the system, it
may not provide a low tire
pressure warning when
necessary.
Note: If your tires show uneven
wear ask an authorized dealer to
check for and correct any wheel
misalignment, tire imbalance or
mechanical problem involved
before tire rotation. Note:
Your vehicle may be
equipped with a dissimilar spare
wheel and tire assembly. A
dissimilar spare wheel and tire
assembly is defined as a spare
wheel and tire assembly that is
different in brand, size or
appearance from the road tires and
wheels. If you have a dissimilar
spare wheel and tire assembly it is
intended for temporary use only
and should not be used in a tire
rotation.
Note: After having your tires
rotated, inflation pressure must be
checked and adjusted to the
vehicle requirements.
Rotating your tires at the
recommended interval (as
indicated in the Scheduled
Maintenance chapter) will help
your tires wear more evenly,
providing better tire performance
and longer tire life. Sometime
irregular tire wear can be
corrected by rotating the tires. Rear-wheel drive vehicles and
four-wheel drive vehicles (front
tires at left of diagram).
396
Super Duty (TFE) Canada/United States of America, enUSA, Edition date: 201804, Fourth-Printing Wheels and TiresE142548

vehicle control, vehicle rollover, personal
injury and death. Additionally, the use of
non-recommended tires and wheels
could cause steering, suspension, axle,
transfer case or power transfer unit
failure.
Note: Do not use snow chains on vehicles
with 20 inch wheels and tires.
The tires on your vehicle have all-weather
treads to provide traction in rain and snow.
However, in some climates, you may need
to use snow tires and cables. If you need
to use cables, it is recommended that steel
wheels (of the same size and
specifications) be used, as cables may chip
aluminum wheels.
Note: The suspension insulation and
bumpers will help prevent vehicle damage.
Do not remove these components from your
vehicle when using snow tires and chains.
Follow these guidelines when using snow
tires and chains:
• If possible, avoid fully loading your
vehicle
• Use only SAE Class S chains.
• Install chains securely, verifying that
the chains do not touch any wiring,
brake lines or fuel lines.
• Drive cautiously. If you hear the chains
rub or bang against your vehicle, stop
and retighten the chains. If this does
not work, remove the chains to prevent
damage to your vehicle.
• Remove the tire chains when they are
no longer needed. Do not use tire
chains on dry roads.
If you have any questions regarding snow
chains or cables, please contact your
authorized dealer. TIRE PRESSURE MONITORING
SYSTEM
Vehicle Tire Pressure Monitoring
System WARNING: The tire pressure
monitoring system is not a substitute for
manually checking tire pressures. You
should periodically check tire pressures
using a pressure gauge. Failure to
correctly maintain tire pressures could
increase the risk of tire failure, loss of
control, vehicle rollover and personal
injury. Check each tire, including the
spare, if provided, 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.
398
Super Duty (TFE) Canada/United States of America, enUSA, Edition date: 201804, Fourth-Printing Wheels and Tires

Multi-Point Inspection
In order to keep your vehicle running right,
it is important to have the systems on your
vehicle checked regularly. This can help
identify potential issues and prevent major
problems. We recommend having the
following multi-point inspection performed
at every scheduled maintenance interval
to help make sure your vehicle keeps
running great.Multi-Point Inspection
Hazard warning system operation
Accessory drive belt or belts
Horn operation
Battery performance
Radiator, cooler, heater and air conditioninghoses
Engine air filter
Suspension components for leaks ordamage
Exhaust system
Steering and linkage
Exterior lamps operation
Tires including the spare for wear andproper pressure 2
Fluid levels 1
; fill if necessary
Windshield for cracks, chips or pits
For oil and fluid leaks
Washer spray and wiper operation
Half-shaft dust boots
1 Brake, coolant recovery reservoir, automatic transmission and window washer
2 If your vehicle is equipped with a temporary mobility kit, check the tire sealant expiration
Use By date on the canister. Replace as needed.
Be sure to ask your dealership service
advisor or technician about the multi-point
vehicle inspection. It is a comprehensive
way to perform a thorough inspection of
your vehicle. Your checklist gives you
immediate feedback on the overall
condition of your vehicle.
583
Super Duty (TFE) Canada/United States of America, enUSA, Edition date: 201804, Fourth-Printing Scheduled Maintenance