traction control FORD F-250 2021 Owners Manual

Rear Occupant Alert System Audible
Warnings .....................................................163
Garage Door Opener
Universal Garage Door Opener ..............
164
Auxiliary Power Points
Auxiliary Power Points ...............................
168
Wireless Accessory Charger ....................
169
Storage Compartments
Center Console ...............................................
171
Overhead Console ........................................
171
Under Seat Storage ......................................
171
Starting and Stopping the Engine
General Information ...................................
174
Ignition Switch ..............................................
174
Keyless Starting ............................................
175
Starting a Gasoline Engine - 6.2L/7.3L ........................................................................\
.
175
Starting a Diesel Engine - 6.7L Diesel ........................................................................\
..
177
Switching Off the Engine - 6.7L Diesel ........................................................................\
.
182
Engine Idle Shutdown ................................
182
Engine Block Heater ...................................
182
Fuel and Refueling
Safety Precautions .....................................
184
Fuel Quality - E85 .......................................
185
Fuel Quality - Gasoline .............................
186
Fuel Quality - Diesel ...................................
187
Running Out of Fuel ...................................
189
Refueling - Gasoline ...................................
189
Refueling - Diesel ........................................
190
Fuel Consumption .......................................
193Engine Emission Control
Emission Law
................................................
194
Catalytic Converter .....................................
195
Selective Catalytic Reductant System - Diesel ............................................................
197
Diesel Particulate Filter ............................
202
Transmission
Automatic Transmission ..........................
207
Power Take-Off ............................................
212
Four-Wheel Drive
Using Four-Wheel Drive ............................
213
Rear Axle
Limited Slip Differential .............................
221
Electronic Locking Differential ................
221
Brakes
General Information ...................................
223
Hints on Driving With Anti-Lock Brakes ........................................................................\
225
Parking Brake ................................................
225
Hill Start Assist ............................................
225
Traction Control
Principle of Operation ................................
227
Using Traction Control ...............................
227
Stability Control
Principle of Operation ...............................
228
Using Stability Control ..............................
229
Trail Control
What Is Trail Control ...................................
231
Switching Trail Control On and Off .......
231
Setting the Trail Control Speed ..............
231
Canceling the Set Speed ..........................
231
Trail Control Indicators ...............................
231
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Super Duty (TFE) Canada/United States of America, enUSA, Edition date: 202008, Third-Printing- Table of Contents

Adaptive Steering
Action
Message
The adaptive steering system detects a difference between
steering wheel angle and the desired road wheel angle. The steering wheel adjusts itself to correct this difference. This adjustment is part of normal system operation.
Adaptive Steering Initial-
ization
The adaptive steering system is off. It is possible that the
steering wheel could not be straight when the vehicle is driving straight ahead. If this message persists, see an authorized dealer.
Adaptive Steering Fault
Service Required
The adaptive steering system integrity cannot be verified. Donot drive the vehicle and contact an authorized dealer immediately.
Adaptive Steering Loss
Do Not Drive
AdvanceTrac and Traction Control Action
Message
The system detects a condition that requires service. Contactan authorized dealer as soon as possible.
Service AdvanceTrac
The status of the AdvanceTrac system after you switched it off.
AdvanceTrac Off
The status of the AdvanceTrac system after you switched it on.
AdvanceTrac On
The status of the AdvanceTrac sport mode after you switched it on.
AdvanceTrac SPORT
MODE
The status of the traction control system after you switchedit off. See Using Traction Control (page 227).
Traction Control Off
The status of the traction control system after you switchedit on. See
Using Traction Control (page 227).
Traction Control On
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Super Duty (TFE) Canada/United States of America, enUSA, Edition date: 202008, Third-Printing- Information Displays

MyKey
Action
Message
You did not program a MyKey.
MyKey not Created
MyKey is active.
MyKey Active Drive
Safely
When switching on your vehicle and MyKey is in use, displaysthat the MyKey speed limit is on.
Speed Limited to XX
MPH/km/h
MyKey is in use and the MyKey speed limit is on and the vehiclespeed is approaching 81 mph (130 km/h).
Near Vehicle Top Speed
You have reached the speed limit set for your MyKey.
Vehicle at Top Speed of
MyKey Setting
You have an active MyKey with a programmed set speed limit.
Check Speed Drive
Safely
Belt-Minder turns on with a MyKey in use.
Buckle Up to Unmute
Audio
With a MyKey in use, AdvanceTrac turns on.
AdvanceTrac On -
MyKey Setting
With a MyKey in use, traction control turns on.
Traction Control On -
MyKey Setting
With a MyKey in use, park aid is always on.
MyKey Park Aid Cannot
be Deactivated
With a MyKey in use, lane keeping alert turns on.
Lane Keeping Alert On
MyKey Setting
Off Road Action
Message
Hill descent control mode is active.
Hill Descent Control Active
Hill descent control mode is inactive.
Hill Descent Control OFF
Your vehicle speed requirement for off-road modeentry has not been met.
For Hill Descent Reduce Speed
XX MPH/km/h or Less
You need to select a transmission gear for hill descentmode.
For Hill Descent Select Gear
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Super Duty (TFE) Canada/United States of America, enUSA, Edition date: 202008, Third-Printing- Information Displays

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 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.
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Super Duty (TFE) Canada/United States of America, enUSA, Edition date: 202008, Third-Printing- Four-Wheel Drive
(If Equipped)E181778 E181779 E181780 E191851

How Your Vehicle Differs from
Other Vehicles
WARNING: Vehicles with a higher
center of gravity (utility and four-wheel
drive vehicles) handle differently than
vehicles with a lower center of gravity
(passenger cars). Avoid sharp turns,
excessive speed and abrupt steering in
these vehicles. Failure to drive cautiously
increases the risk of losing control of your
vehicle, vehicle rollover, personal injury
and death.
Truck and utility vehicles can differ from
some other vehicles. Your vehicle may be
higher to allow it to travel over rough
terrain without getting hung up or
damaging underbody components.
The differences that make your vehicle so
versatile also make it handle differently
than an ordinary passenger car.
Maintain steering wheel control at all
times, especially in rough terrain. Since
sudden changes in terrain can result in
abrupt steering wheel motion, make sure
you grip the steering wheel from the
outside. Do not grip the spokes.
Drive cautiously to avoid vehicle damage
from concealed objects such as rocks and
stumps.
You should either know the terrain or
examine maps of the area before driving.
Map out your route before driving in the
area. To maintain steering and braking
control of your vehicle, you must have all
four wheels on the ground and they must
be rolling, not sliding or spinning. Driving Off-Road With Truck and
Utility Vehicles
Note:
On some models, the initial shift from
two-wheel drive to four-wheel drive while
the vehicle is moving can cause some
momentary clunk and ratcheting sounds.
This is the front drivetrain coming up to
speed and the automatic locking hubs
engaging and is not cause for concern.
Note: Your vehicle may come with a front
air dam that can become damaged (due to
reduced ground clearance) when taking your
vehicle off-road. This air dam can be taken
off by removing 15 bolts.
Four-wheel drive vehicles are specially
equipped for driving on sand, snow, mud
and rough terrain and have operating
characteristics that are somewhat
different from conventional vehicles, both
on and off the road.
Power is supplied to all four wheels
through a transfer case. On four-wheel
drive vehicles, the transfer case allows you
to select 4WD when necessary.
Information on transfer case operation and
shifting procedures can be found in this
chapter. Information on transfer case
maintenance can be found in the
Maintenance chapter. You should become
thoroughly familiar with this information
before you operate your vehicle.
Four-wheel drive (when you select a 4WD
mode) uses all four wheels to power the
vehicle. This increases traction, enabling
you to drive over terrain and road
conditions that a conventional two-wheel
drive vehicle cannot.
216
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(If Equipped)

Basic Operating Principles
•
Drive slower in strong crosswinds which
can affect the normal steering
characteristics of your vehicle.
• When driving your vehicle on surfaces
made slippery by loose sand, water,
gravel, snow or ice proceed with care.
• Do not use 4H or 4L on dry, hard
surfaced roads. Doing so will produce
excessive noise, increase tire wear and
may damage drive components. 4H or
4L modes are only intended for
consistently slippery or loose surfaces.
If Your Vehicle Leaves the Road
If your vehicle leaves the road, reduce your
vehicle speed and avoid severe braking.
When your vehicle speed has been
reduced, ease your vehicle back onto the
road. Do not turn the steering wheel
sharply while returning your vehicle to the
road.
It may be safer to stay on the shoulder of
the road and slow down gradually before
returning to the road. You may lose control
if you do not slow down or if you turn the
steering wheel too sharply or abruptly.
It may be less risky to strike small objects,
such as freeway reflectors, with minor
damage to your vehicle rather than
attempt a sudden return to the road which
could cause your vehicle to slide sideways
out of control or roll over. Remember, your
safety and the safety of others should be
your primary concern.
Emergency Maneuvers
In an unavoidable emergency situation
where a sudden sharp turn must be made,
remember to avoid over-driving your
vehicle (i.e. turn the steering wheel only as
rapidly and as far as required to avoid the
emergency). Excessive steering can result
in loss of vehicle control. Apply smooth
pressure to the accelerator pedal or brake pedal when changes in vehicle speed are
required. Avoid abrupt steering,
acceleration and braking. This could result
in an increased risk of vehicle roll over, loss
of vehicle control and personal injury. Use
all available road surface to bring your
vehicle to a safe direction of travel.
In the event of an emergency stop, avoid
skidding the tires and do not attempt any
sharp steering wheel movements.
If your vehicle goes from one type of
surface to another (i.e. from concrete to
gravel) there will be a change in the way
your vehicle responds to a maneuver (i.e.
steering, acceleration or braking).
Sand
When driving over sand, try to keep all four
wheels on the most solid area of the trail.
Avoid reducing the tire pressures but shift
to a lower gear and drive steadily through
the terrain. Apply the accelerator slowly
and avoid excessive wheel slip.
When driving at slow speeds in deep sand
under high outside temperatures, use a low
gear when possible. Low gear operation
will maximize the engine and transmission
cooling capability.
Avoid driving at excessive speeds, this
causes vehicle momentum to work against
you and your vehicle could become stuck
to the point that assistance may be
required from another vehicle. Remember,
you may be able to back out the way you
came if you proceed with caution.
Mud and Water
Mud
Be cautious of sudden changes in vehicle
speed or direction when you are driving in
mud. Even four-wheel drive vehicles can
lose traction in slick mud. If your vehicle
does slide, steer in the direction of the slide
until you regain control of your vehicle.
217
Super Duty (TFE) Canada/United States of America, enUSA, Edition date: 202008, Third-Printing- Four-Wheel Drive (If Equipped)

After driving through mud, clean off residue
stuck to rotating driveshafts and tires.
Excess mud stuck on tires and rotating
driveshafts can cause an imbalance that
could damage drive components.
Water
If you must drive through high water, drive
slowly. Traction or brake capability may
be limited.
When driving through water, determine the
depth and avoid water higher than the
bottom of the hubs. If the ignition system
gets wet, your vehicle may stall.
Once through water, always try the brakes.
Wet brakes do not stop your vehicle as
effectively as dry brakes. Drying can be
improved by applying light pressure to the
brake pedal while moving slowly.
Note:
Driving through deep water may
damage the transmission. If the front or rear
axle is submerged in water, the axle
lubricant and power transfer unit lubricant
should be checked and changed if
necessary.
Driving on Hilly or Sloping Terrain
Although natural obstacles may make it
necessary to travel diagonally up or down
a hill or steep incline, you should always
try to drive straight up or straight down.
Note: Avoid turning on steep slopes or
hills. A danger lies in losing traction, slipping
sideways and possible vehicle roll over.
Whenever driving on a hill, determine
beforehand the route you will use. Do not
drive over the crest of a hill without seeing
what conditions are on the other side. Do
not drive in reverse over a hill without the
aid of an observer.
When climbing a steep slope or hill, start
in a lower gear rather than downshifting to
a lower gear from a higher gear once the
ascent has started. This reduces strain on
the engine and the possibility of stalling. If your vehicle stalls, do not try to turn
around because this could cause vehicle
roll over. It is better to reverse back to a
safe location.
Apply just enough power to the wheels to
climb the hill. Too much power will cause
the tires to slip, spin or lose traction,
resulting in loss of vehicle control.
Descend a hill in the same gear you would
use to climb up the hill to avoid excessive
brake application and brake overheating.
Do not descend in neutral. Disengage
overdrive or move the transmission
selector lever to a lower gear. When
descending a steep hill, avoid sudden hard
braking as you could lose control. The front
wheels have to be turning in order to steer
your vehicle.
If your vehicle has anti-lock brakes, apply
the brakes steadily. Do not pump the
brakes.
Driving on Snow and Ice
WARNING: If you are driving in
slippery conditions that require tire
chains or cables, then it is critical that
you drive cautiously. Keep speeds down,
allow for longer stopping distances and
avoid aggressive steering to reduce the
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Super Duty (TFE) Canada/United States of America, enUSA, Edition date: 202008, Third-Printing- Four-Wheel Drive
(If Equipped)E143949

LIMITED SLIP DIFFERENTIAL
(IF EQUIPPED)
This axle provides added traction on
slippery surfaces, particularly when one
wheel is on a poor traction surface. Under
normal conditions, the limited-slip axle
functions like a standard rear axle. The axle
may exhibit a slight noise or vibration
during tight turns with low vehicle speed.
This is normal behavior and indicates the
axle is working.
ELECTRONIC LOCKING
DIFFERENTIAL (IF EQUIPPED)
Note: The electronic locking differential is
for off-road use only and is not for use on
dry pavement. Using the electronic locking
differential on dry pavement will result in
increased tire wear, noise and vibration.
The electronic locking differential is a
device housed in the rear axle that allows
both rear wheels to turn at the same
speed. The electronic locking differential
can provide additional traction should your
vehicle become stuck. You can activate
the differential electronically and shift it
on the fly within the differential operating
speed range. The differential is for use in
mud, rocks, sand, or any off-road condition
where you need maximum traction. It is
not for use on dry pavement.
The following conditions will affect the
electronic locking differential:
• The electronic locking differential will
not engage if your vehicle speed is
above 20 mph (32 km/h) in 4x2, or 4x4
High modes.
• The electronic locking differential will
not engage if your vehicle speed is
above or
56 mph (90 km/h) in 4X4
Low. •
The electronic locking differential may
not engage if you press your
accelerator pedal during an
engagement attempt. A message may
display in the instrument display
guiding you to release the accelerator
pedal.
• In 4x2, and 4x4 High modes, the
electronic locking differential will
automatically disengage at speeds
above
25 mph (41 km/h) and will
automatically reengage at speeds
below
20 mph (32 km/h).
• In 4L (4X4 low), the electronic locking
differential will automatically
disengage at speeds above
62 mph
(100 km/h) and will automatically
reengage at speeds below 56 mph
(90 km/h).
• The AdvanceTrac system has the
ability to take over control of the
electronic locking differential and
disable it during driving maneuvers
when necessary.
When you switch the system on, if you do
not meet the required conditions for
electronic locking differential activation,
the instrument cluster will display the
appropriate information guiding you
through the proper activation process.
Activating the Electronic Locking
Differential
Note: Do not use electronic locking
differential on dry, hard surfaced roads.
Doing so will produce excessive noise,
vibration and increase tire wear.
Note: If the electronic locking differential
has difficulty disengaging, release the
accelerator pedal and turn the steering
wheel in the opposite direction while rolling.
221
Super Duty (TFE) Canada/United States of America, enUSA, Edition date: 202008, Third-Printing- Rear Axle

For 4WD vehicles
Pull the 4WD control knob toward you.
For 2WD vehicles
Turn the control to ON.
Once the indicator light
illuminates in the information
display, both rear wheel axle
shafts will be locked together providing
added traction.
If the indicator does not come on, or the
indicator turns off while driving, one of the
following has occurred:
• The vehicle speed is too high.
• The left and right rear wheel speed
difference is too high during an
engagement attempt. •
The system has malfunctioned and is
accompanied by a message in the
information display. See your
authorized Ford dealer for assistance.
• The vehicle is experiencing an anti-lock
brake activation.
Operating ELD With a Spare or
Mismatched Tires
On vehicles with an ELD, the size of the
spare tire can affect performance of the
system. If there is a significant difference
between the two rear tires, you may have
limited ELD functionality. If the electronic
locking differential has difficulty
disengaging, release the accelerator pedal
and turn the steering wheel in the opposite
direction when rolling. We recommend
engaging and disengaging the ELD at a
stop when you mount a spare on the rear
axle.
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Super Duty (TFE) Canada/United States of America, enUSA, Edition date: 202008, Third-Printing- Rear AxleE227398 E183740 E163170

PRINCIPLE OF OPERATION
The traction control system helps avoid
drive wheel spin and loss of traction.
If your vehicle begins to slide, the system
applies the brakes to individual wheels
and, when needed, reduces engine power
at the same time. If the wheels spin when
accelerating on slippery or loose surfaces,
the system reduces engine power in order
to increase traction.
USING TRACTION CONTROL
WARNING: The stability and
traction control light illuminates steadily
if the system detects a failure. Make sure
you did not manually disable the traction
control system using the information
display controls or the switch. If the
stability control and traction control light
is still illuminating steadily, have the
system serviced by an authorized dealer
immediately. Operating your vehicle with
the traction control disabled could lead
to an increased risk of loss of vehicle
control, vehicle rollover, personal injury
and death.
The system automatically turns on each
time you switch the ignition on.
If your vehicle is stuck in mud or snow,
switching traction control off may be
beneficial as this allows the wheels to spin.
Note: When you switch traction control off,
stability control remains fully active.
Note: For additional information on the
traction and stability control systems. See
Using Stability Control
(page 229). Switching the System Off
When you switch the system off or on, a
message appears in the information
display showing system status.
Use the traction and stability control
switch on the instrument panel to switch
the system off or on.
The switch illuminates when traction
control is off.
When you place your vehicle into
four-wheel drive low mode the traction
control disables. Traction control resumes
full operation when you put your vehicle
back into two-wheel drive mode.
System Indicator Lights and
Messages
The stability and traction control
light:
• Temporarily illuminates on engine
start-up.
• Flashes when a driving condition
activates either of the systems.
• Illuminates if a problem occurs in either
of the systems. The stability and traction control
off light temporarily illuminates
on engine start-up and stays on
when you switch the traction control
system off.
227
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