check engine light FORD F-450 2021 Owners Manual

Brake system
Cabin air filter
Check fuel cap
Child safety door lock or unlock
Child seat lower anchor
Child seat tether anchor
Cruise control
Do not open when hot
Engine air filter
Engine coolant
Engine coolant temperature
Engine oil
Explosive gas
Fan warning
Fasten seatbelt Flammable
Front airbag
Front fog lamps
Fuel pump reset
Fuse compartment
Hazard flashers
Heated rear window
Windshield defrosting system
Interior luggage compartment
release
Jack
Keep out of reach of children
Lighting control
Low tire pressure warning
Maintain correct fluid level
Note operating instructions
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Super Duty (TFE) Canada/United States of America, enUSA, Edition date: 202008, Third-Printing- IntroductionE270480 E139223 E141128 E71340 E71880 E231160 E67017 E161353

Engine Oil Pressure Gauge
Indicates engine oil pressure. The needle
should stay in the normal operating range
(between L and H). If the needle falls
below the normal range, stop your vehicle,
turn off the engine and check the engine
oil level. Add oil if needed. If the oil level is
correct, have your vehicle checked by an
authorized dealer.
Engine Coolant Temperature
Gauge
WARNING: Do not remove the
coolant reservoir cap when the engine is
on or the cooling system is hot. Wait 10
minutes for the cooling system to cool
down. Cover the coolant reservoir cap
with a thick cloth to prevent the
possibility of scalding and slowly remove
the cap. Failure to follow this instruction
could result in personal injury.
Indicates engine coolant temperature. At
normal operating temperature, the level
indicator will be in the normal range. If the
engine coolant temperature exceeds the
normal range, stop your vehicle as soon as
safely possible, switch off the engine and
let the engine cool.
Fuel Gauge
Note: The fuel gauge may vary slightly
when your vehicle is moving or on a slope.
The fuel gauge indicates about how much
fuel is in the fuel tank.
The arrow adjacent to the fuel pump
symbol indicates on which side of your
vehicle the fuel filler door is located. Low Fuel Reminder
A low fuel level reminder displays and
sounds when the distance to empty
reaches
75 mi (120 km) to empty for
MyKey, and at 50 mi (80 km), 25 mi
(40 km), 10 mi (20 km) and 0 mi (0 km)
for all vehicle keys.
Note: The low fuel reminder can appear at
different fuel gauge positions depending on
fuel economy conditions. This variation is
normal.
Transmission Fluid Temperature
Gauge
Indicates transmission fluid temperature.
At normal operating temperature, the level
indicator will be in the normal range. If the
transmission fluid temperature exceeds
the normal range, stop the vehicle as soon
as safely possible and verify the airflow is
not restricted such as snow or debris
blocking airflow through the grill. Also,
higher than normal operating temperature
can be caused by special operation
conditions (i.e. snowplowing, towing or
off-road use). Operating the transmission
for extended periods with the gauge in the
higher than normal area may cause
internal transmission damage. You need
to alter the severity of your driving
conditions to lower the transmission
temperature into the normal range. If the
gauge continues to show high
temperatures, see an authorized dealer.
Turbo Boost Gauge
(If Equipped)
Indicates the amount of manifold air
pressure in the engine.
DEF Gauge
(If Equipped)
Indicates the current DEF level.
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Battery
If it illuminates while driving, it
indicates a malfunction. Switch
off all unnecessary electrical
equipment and have the system checked
immediately.
Brake System Warning Lamp WARNING: Driving your vehicle
with the warning lamp on is dangerous.
A significant decrease in braking
performance may occur. It may take you
longer to stop your vehicle. Have your
vehicle checked as soon as possible.
Driving extended distances with the
parking brake engaged can cause brake
failure and the risk of personal injury.
This lamp is a dual function lamp and
illuminates when:
• You apply the parking brake with the
ignition on.
• Your vehicle has a brake fault or low
brake fluid level, regardless of parking
brake position. If the lamp illuminates while you
are moving, you may have the
parking brake applied. Be sure
that the parking brake is off.
Have your vehicle checked as
soon as possible if the lamp
continues to illuminate.
Note: Indicators vary depending on region.
Blind Spot Monitor
(If Equipped) Illuminates when you switch this
feature off or in conjunction with
a message. See
Blind Spot
Information System (page 254). Check Fuel Cap
(If Equipped) Illuminates when the fuel cap
may not be properly installed.
Continued driving with this light
on may cause the service engine soon
warning indicator to come on.
Check 4X4
(If Equipped) Illuminates with a message
when a four-wheel drive fault is
present. See Using Four-Wheel
Drive
(page 213).
Cruise Control
(If Equipped) Illuminates when you switch this
feature on. See
Switching
Cruise Control On and Off
(page
242).
Diesel Engine Brake
(If Equipped) Illuminates when you switch the
manual engine brake on. See
General Information
(page
223). Illuminates when you switch the
automatic engine brake on. See
General Information
(page
223).
Diesel Exhaust Fluid
(If Equipped) With the key in the on position,
illuminates when the DEF is
contaminated, low or someone
has tampered with the DEF system. See
Selective Catalytic Reductant System
(page
197).
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Super Duty (TFE) Canada/United States of America, enUSA, Edition date: 202008, Third-Printing- Instrument Cluster E270480 E151262 E71340 E171217 E234452 E163176

Powertrain Malfunction/Reduced
Power/Electronic Throttle Control
Illuminates when a powertrain
or a 4WD fault has been
detected. Have your vehicle
checked as soon as possible.
Service Engine Soon Illuminates when you switch the
ignition on prior to engine start
to check the bulb and to indicate
whether your vehicle is ready for Inspection
and Maintenance (I/M) testing.
Normally, it illuminates until the engine is
cranked and automatically turns off if no
malfunctions are present. However, if after
15 seconds it flashes eight times, this
indicates that your vehicle is not ready for
Inspection and Maintenance (I/M) testing.
See Emission Law (page 194).
If it illuminates when the engine is running
this indicates a malfunction. The On Board
Diagnostics system has detected a
malfunction of the vehicle emission control
system.
If it flashes, engine misfire may be
occurring. Increased exhaust gas
temperatures could damage the catalytic
converter or other vehicle components.
Drive in a moderate fashion, avoid heavy
acceleration and deceleration, and have
your vehicle checked immediately.
Stability Control Illuminates when the system is
active. If it remains illuminated
or does not illuminate when you
switch the ignition on, this indicates a
malfunction. During a malfunction, the
system switches off. Have the system
checked immediately. See
Using
Stability Control (page 229). Stability Control Off Illuminates when you switch the
system off. It goes out when you
switch the system back on or
when you switch the ignition off.
See Using Stability Control (page 229).
Tailgate Ajar Illuminates when the tailgate is
not completely closed or when
opened and then closed when
the transmission is in any gear other than
park (P).
Transmission Tow/Haul
(If Equipped) Illuminates when the tow/haul
feature is activated. If the light
flashes steadily, have the system
checked immediately as damage to the
transmission could occur.
Wait To Start
(If Equipped) Illuminates when you switch the
ignition on as part of the
pre-start system. Wait until the
wait to start indicator turns off before
attempting to start your vehicle. See
Starting a Diesel Engine
(page 177).
Water In Fuel
(If Equipped) WARNING:
Do not drain the
water-in-fuel separator while the engine
is running. Failure to follow this warning
may result in fire, serious injury, death or
property damage.
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III (start) - Cranks the engine.
KEYLESS STARTING
(IF EQUIPPED)
Note: The keyless starting system may not
function if the key is close to metal objects
or electronic devices such as cellular
phones.
Note: A valid key must be located inside
your vehicle to switch the ignition on and
start the engine. The keyless starting system has three
modes:
Off:
Turns the ignition off.
• Without applying the clutch pedal for
manual transmissions, or brake pedal
for automatic transmissions, press and
release the button once when the
ignition is in the on mode, or when the
engine is running but the vehicle is not
moving.
On:
All electrical circuits are operational
and the warning lamps and indicators
illuminate.
• Without applying the clutch pedal for
manual transmissions, or brake pedal
for automatic transmissions, press and
release the button once.
Start:
Starts the vehicle. •
Press the clutch pedal for manual
transmissions, or brake pedal for
automatic transmissions, and then
press the button for any length of time.
An indicator light on the button
illuminates when then ignition is on and
when the engine starts.
STARTING A GASOLINE
ENGINE - 6.2L/7.3L
When you start the engine, the idle speed
increases. This helps to warm up the
engine.
If the engine idle speed does not slow
down, see an authorized dealer.
Before starting the engine check the
following:
• Make sure all occupants fasten their
seat belt.
• Make sure the headlamps and
electrical accessories are off.
• Make sure the parking brake is on.
• Make sure the transmission is in park
(P).
• Turn the ignition key to the on position.
Note: Do not touch the accelerator pedal.
1. Fully press the brake pedal.
2. Turn the key to the start position to start your vehicle.
3. When the engine starts, release the key
and then gradually release the brake
pedal as the engine speed increases.
Note: The engine may continue cranking
for up to 15 seconds or until it starts.
Note: If you cannot start the engine on the
first try, wait for a short period and try again.
Vehicles with an Ignition Key
Note: Do not touch the accelerator pedal.
1. Fully press the brake pedal.
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Super Duty (TFE) Canada/United States of America, enUSA, Edition date: 202008, Third-Printing- Starting and Stopping the EngineE144447

WARNING: Stop refueling after the
fuel pump nozzle automatically shuts
off for the second time. Failure to follow
this will fill the expansion space in the
fuel tank and could lead to fuel
overflowing. WARNING: Do not remove the fuel
pump nozzle from its fully inserted
position when refueling.
Use the following guidelines to avoid
electrostatic charge build-up when filling
an ungrounded fuel container:
• Place approved fuel container on the
ground.
• Do not fill a fuel container while it is in
the vehicle - including the cargo area.
• Keep the fuel pump nozzle in contact
with the fuel container while filling.
• Do not use a device that would hold
the fuel pump handle in the fill position.
Fuel Filler Cap WARNING: The fuel system may
be under pressure. If you hear a hissing
sound near the fuel filler inlet, do not
refuel until the sound stops. Otherwise,
fuel may spray out, which could cause
serious personal injury.
Note: If you must replace the fuel filler cap,
replace it with a fuel filler cap designed for
your vehicle. The vehicle warranty may be
void for any damage to the fuel tank or fuel
system if you do not use the correct genuine
Ford or Motorcraft® fuel filler cap.
When fueling your vehicle:
1. Put your vehicle in park (P).
2. Switch the engine off. 3. Carefully turn the filler cap
counterclockwise until it spins off.
4. Pull to remove the cap from the fuel filler pipe.
5. To install the cap, align the tabs on the
cap with the notches on the filler pipe.
6. Turn the filler cap clockwise until it clicks at least once.
If the Check Fuel Cap light or a Check Fuel
Cap message appears in the instrument
cluster and stays on after you start the
engine, you may not have installed the fuel
filler properly.
If the fuel cap light remains on, at the next
opportunity, safely pull off of the road,
remove the fuel filler cap, align the cap
properly and reinstall it. The check fuel cap
light or Check fuel cap message may not
reset immediately. It may take several
driving cycles for the indicators to turn off.
A driving cycle consists of an engine
start-up, after four or more hours with the
engine off, followed by normal city and
highway driving.
REFUELING - DIESEL WARNING: Read and follow all the
instructions on the pump island. WARNING:
Stay outside your
vehicle and do not leave the fuel pump
unattended when refueling your vehicle. WARNING:
Keep children away
from the fuel pump. Never let children
pump fuel. WARNING:
Wait at least five
seconds before removing the fuel pump
nozzle to allow any residual fuel to drain
into the fuel tank.
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Super Duty (TFE) Canada/United States of America, enUSA, Edition date: 202008, Third-Printing- Fuel and Refueling

EMISSION LAW
WARNING: Do not remove or alter
the original equipment floor covering or
insulation between it and the metal floor
of the vehicle. The floor covering and
insulation protect occupants of the
vehicle from the engine and exhaust
system heat and noise. On vehicles with
no original equipment floor covering
insulation, do not carry passengers in a
manner that permits prolonged skin
contact with the metal floor. Failure to
follow these instructions may result in
fire or personal injury.
U.S. federal laws and certain state laws
prohibit removing or rendering inoperative
emission control system components.
Similar federal or provincial laws may
apply in Canada. We do not approve of any
vehicle modification without first
determining applicable laws. Tampering with emissions
control systems including
related sensors or the Diesel
Exhaust Fluid system can result in reduced
engine power and the illumination of the
service engine soon light. Tampering With a Noise Control
System
Federal laws prohibit the following acts:
•
Removal or rendering inoperative by
any person other than for purposes of
maintenance.
• Repair or replacement of any device or
element of the design incorporated into
a new vehicle for the purpose of noise
control prior to its sale or delivery to
the ultimate purchaser or while it is in
use.
• The use of the vehicle after any person
removes or renders inoperative any
device or element of the design.
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
may presume to constitute tampering as
follows:
• Removal of hood blanket, fender apron
absorbers, fender apron barriers,
underbody noise shields or acoustically
absorptive material.
• Tampering or rendering inoperative the
engine speed governor, to allow engine
speed to exceed manufacturer
specifications.
If the engine does not start, runs rough,
experiences a decrease in engine
performance, experiences excess fuel
consumption or produces excessive
exhaust smoke, check for the following:
• A plugged or disconnected air inlet
system hose.
• A plugged engine air filter element.
• Water in the fuel filter and water
separator.
• A clogged fuel filter.
• Contaminated fuel.
• Air in the fuel system, due to loose
connections.
• An open or pinched sensor hose.
• Incorrect engine oil level.
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Super Duty (TFE) Canada/United States of America, enUSA, Edition date: 202008, Third-Printing- Engine Emission Control

How to Start Operator Commanded
Regeneration
WARNING: Stay clear of the
exhaust tailpipe during regeneration. Hot
exhaust gases can burn you badly.
Note: You cannot use the operator
commanded regeneration until the diesel
particulate filter load percentage has
reached 100%. The diesel particulate filter
load percentage fluctuates up and down
when driving your vehicle due to active and
passive regenerations.
Note: During the use of operator
commanded regeneration, you may observe
a light amount of white smoke. This is
normal. You may not be able to use
operator commanded
regeneration if the service engine
soon warning lamp appears in the
information display
Information Display Procedure
Start with your vehicle engine and when it
has reached the normal operating
temperature, press the information display
control button on the steering wheel. See
Information Messages
(page 121). If a
message advising that the exhaust filter is
full appears in the information display,
press the OK button as instructed. Answer
yes to this prompt and then follow the next
prompts regarding the exhaust position
required to initiate operator commanded
regeneration. Be sure to understand each
prompt. If you are not sure what is being
asked by each prompt, contact an
authorized dealer. The display confirms
the operation has started and when it has
finished. If the diesel particulate filter is near or at
saturation, a message requesting
permission to initiate filter cleaning
appears in the information display. See
Information Messages
(page 121).
Answer yes to this prompt and then follow
the next prompts regarding exhaust
position required to initiate operator
commanded regeneration. Be sure to
understand each prompt. If you are not
sure what is being asked by each prompt,
contact an authorized dealer. The display
confirms the operation has started and
when it has finished. You can also drive to
clean the filter. When the system is at the point
of oversaturation, the service
engine warning lamp illuminates
and a message appears in the information
display. You cannot initiate filter cleaning.
You must have your vehicle checked as
soon as possible.
Once operator commanded regeneration
starts, engine speed increases to
approximately 1600 rpm and the cooling
fan speed increases. You will hear a
change in audible sound due to engine
speed and cooling fan speed increases.
It is not necessary to open the hood on the
engine compartment. Once operator
commanded regeneration completes, the
engine speed returns to normal idling. The
exhaust system remains very hot for
several minutes even after regeneration is
complete. Do not reposition the vehicle
over materials that could burn until the
exhaust system has had sufficient time to
cool. Depending on the amount of soot
collected by the diesel particulate filter,
ambient temperature and altitude,
operator commanded regeneration lasts
approximately 30 minutes.
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Super Duty (TFE) Canada/United States of America, enUSA, Edition date: 202008, Third-Printing- Engine Emission Control

Operator Commanded Regeneration
with Automatic Regeneration Control
(If Equipped)
If your vehicle is operated with significant
stationary operation, low speed drive
cycles less than 25 mph (40 km/h), short
drive cycles, drive time less than 15 minutes
or the vehicle does not fully warm up,
passive and active regeneration may not
sufficiently clean the diesel particulate
filter system. You can switch off automatic
regeneration until better driving conditions
are available, for example steady high
speed driving. You can then switch
automatic regeneration back on to clean
the diesel particulate filter.
Switching Automatic Regeneration
Control On and Off
To switch operator commanded
regeneration on and off, use the
information display control on the steering
wheel. See Information Messages (page
121
). Scroll to the exhaust cleaning
message, a check in the box indicates the
feature is enabled, and unchecked
indicates the feature is disabled.
How to Interrupt or Cancel Operator
Commanded Regeneration
If you need to cancel the operator
commanded regeneration, pressing the
brake, accelerator or switching the engine
off stops the procedure. Depending on the
amount of time you allowed the operator
commanded regeneration to operate, soot
may not have had sufficient time to be fully
eliminated, but the exhaust system and
exhaust gas may still be hot. If you shut
your vehicle off during operator
commanded regeneration, you may notice
turbo flutter. This is a normal consequence
caused by shutting off a diesel engine
during boosted operation and is considered
normal. Filter Service and Maintenance
Over time, a slight amount of ash builds
up in the diesel particulate filter, which is
not removed during the regeneration
process. The filter may need to be replaced
with a new or remanufactured part at
approximately 250,000 mi (400,000 km).
Actual mileage varies depending on engine
and vehicle operating conditions.
If filter service is required, the
engine control system warning
lamp illuminates in the
information display. If there are any issues with the
diesel particulate filter system,
the engine control system
warning lamp and a service
engine soon warning lamp
illuminate to inform you that
your vehicle requires service. Have your
vehicle checked as soon as possible.
Resonator and Tailpipe Assembly
Maintenance
Aftermarket devices or modifications to
the exhaust system may reduce the
effectiveness of the exhaust system as
well as cause damage to the exhaust
system or engine. This may also degrade
vehicle performance and could lead to
engine damage that may not be covered
by the vehicle Warranty.
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Super Duty (TFE) Canada/United States of America, enUSA, Edition date: 202008, Third-Printing- Engine Emission Control

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