FORD F250 2002 Owners Manual

N (Neutral)
With the gearshift lever in N (Neutral), the vehicle can be started and is
free to roll. Hold the brake pedal down while in this position.
(Overdrive)
The normal driving position for the best fuel economy. Transmission
operates in gears one through four.
(Overdrive) can be deactivated
by pressing the transmission control switch on the end of the gearshift
lever. This will illuminate the O/D OFF lamp and activate Drive.
Drive (not shown)
Drive is activated when the transmission control switch is pressed.
•This position allows for all forward gears except overdrive.
•O/D OFF lamp is illuminated.
•Provides engine braking.
•Use when driving conditions cause excessive shifting from O/D to
other gears. Examples: city traffic, hilly terrain, heavy loads, trailer
towing and when engine braking is required.
•To return to O/D (overdrive mode), press the transmission control
switch. The O/D OFF lamp will not be illuminated.
•O/D (Overdrive) is automatically returned each time the key is turned
off.
2 (Second)
This position allows for second gear only.
•Provides engine braking.
•Use to start-up on slippery roads.
•To return to
(Overdrive), move the gearshift lever into the
(Overdrive) position.
•Selecting 2 (Second) at higher speeds will cause the transmission to
downshift to second gear at the appropriate vehicle speed.
1 (First)
•Provides maximum engine braking.
•Allows upshifts by moving gearshift lever.
•Will not downshift into 1 (First) at high speeds; allows for 1 (First)
when vehicle reaches slower speeds.
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Forced downshifts
•Allowed in
(Overdrive) or Drive.
•Depress the accelerator to the floor.
•Allows transmission to select an appropriate gear.
Shift strategy (4R100 automatic transmission)
To account for customer driving habits and conditions, your 4R100
automatic transmission electronically controls the shift quality by using
an adaptive learning strategy. The adaptive learning strategy is
maintained by power from the battery. When the battery is disconnected
or a new battery is installed, the transmission must relearn its adaptive
strategy. Optimal shifting will resume within a few hundred kilometers
(miles) of operation.
If the shift quality does not improve within a few hundred
kilometers (miles) of operation, or if the downshifts and other
throttle conditions do not function normally, see your dealer or a
qualified service technician as soon as possible.
If your vehicle gets stuck in mud or snow
If your vehicle gets stuck in mud or snow, it may be rocked out by
shifting from forward and reverse gears, stopping between shifts in a
steady pattern. Press lightly on the accelerator in each gear.
Do not rock the vehicle if the engine is not at normal operating
temperature or damage to the transmission may occur.
Do not rock the vehicle for more than a minute or damage to the
transmission and tires may occur, or the engine may overheat.
MANUAL TRANSMISSION OPERATION (IF EQUIPPED)
Using the clutch
The manual transmission has a starter interlock that prevents cranking
the engine unless the clutch pedal is fully depressed.
1
24 R
L3D
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To start the vehicle:
1. Make sure the parking brake is fully set.
2. Press the clutch pedal to the floor, then put the gearshift lever in the
neutral position.
3. Start the engine, then press the brake pedal and release the parking
brake.
4. Move the gearshift lever to the desired gear, then slowly release the
clutch pedal while slowly pressing on the accelerator.
Do not drive with your foot resting on the clutch pedal or use the clutch
pedal to hold your vehicle at a standstill while waiting on a hill. These
actions will reduce the life of the clutch.
Recommended shift speeds
Downshift according to the following charts for your specific
engine/drivetrain combination:
Maximum downshift speeds1
6-speed transmission
Shift from: Transfer case position (if equipped)2
2H or 4H 4L
D(Overdrive) - 472 km/h (45 mph) 26 km/h (16 mph)
4 - 3 56 km/h (35 mph) 19 km/h (12 mph)
3 - 2 32 km/h (20 mph) 13 km/h (8 mph)
2 - 1 8 km/h (5 mph) 3 km/h (2 mph)
1 - LO Only shift to LO when at a stop.
1Use 2H or 4H for 4WD equipped vehicles.2Downshift at lower speeds when driving on slippery surfaces.
Reverse
1. Make sure that your vehicle is at a complete stop before you shift into
R (Reverse). Failure to do so may damage the transmission.
2. Move the gearshift lever into the neutral position and wait at least
three seconds before shifting into R (Reverse).
•The gearshift lever can only be moved into R (Reverse) by moving it
from left of 3 (Third) and 4 (Fourth) before shifting into R (Reverse).
This is a lockout feature that protects the transmission from
accidentally being shifted into R (Reverse) from
(Overdrive).
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Parking your vehicle
1. Apply the brake and shift into the neutral position.
2. Fully apply the parking brake, then shift into 1 (First).
3. Turn the ignition off.
Do not park your vehicle in Neutral, it may move unexpectedly
and injure someone. Use 1 (First) gear and set the parking brake
fully.
Removing the key
Turn the ignition off, push the release lever (located above the ignition),
then turn the key toward you and remove the key.
REVERSE SENSING SYSTEM (IF EQUIPPED)
The Reverse Sensing System (RSS) sounds a tone to warn the driver of
obstacles near the rear bumper when the R (Reverse) is selected and the
vehicle is moving at speeds less than 5 km/h (3 mph). The system is not
effective at speeds above 5 km/h (3 mph) and may not detect certain
angular or moving objects.
To help avoid personal injury, please read and understand the
limitations of the reverse sensing system as contained in this
section. Reverse sensing is only an aid for some (generally large and
fixed) objects when moving in reverse on a flat surface at “parking
speeds”. Inclement weather may also affect the function of the RSS;
this may include reduced performance or a false activation.
To help avoid personal injury, always use caution when in
reverse and when using the RSS.
This system is not designed to prevent contact with small or
moving objects. The system is designed to provide a warning to
assist the driver in detecting large stationary objects to avoid damaging
the vehicle. The system may not detect smaller objects, particularly
those close to the ground.
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The RSS detects obstacles up to 2
meters (6 ft.) from the rear bumper
with a decreased coverage area at
the outer corners of the bumper,
(refer to the figures for approximate
zone coverage areas). As you move
closer to the obstacle, the rate of
the tone increases. When the
obstacle is less than 25.0 cm (10
in.) away, the tone will sound
continuously. If the RSS detects a
stationary or receding object further
than 25.0 cm (10 in.) from the side
of the vehicle, the tone will sound
for only three seconds. Once the
system detects an object
approaching, the tone will sound
again.
The RSS may have reduced
performance or an increased chance
of false detection if the tailgate is
not locked and in the upright position. If the tailgate is down, the RSS
tone may be heard intermittently or continuously. The tone may also be
heard if items in the truck bed protrude rearward outside the bed.
The RSS automatically turns on
when the gear selector is placed in
R (Reverse) and the ignition is ON.
An RSS control allows the driver to
turn the RSS on and off. To turn the
RSS off, the ignition must be ON,
and the gear selector in R
(Reverse). An indicator light on the
control will illuminate when the
system is turned off. If the indicator light illuminates when the RSS is
not turned off, it may indicate a failure in the RSS.
Keep the RSS sensors (located on the rear bumper/fascia) free
from snow, ice and large accumulations of dirt (do not clean the
sensors with sharp objects). If the sensors are covered, it will
affect the accuracy of the RSS.
If your vehicle sustains damage to the rear bumper/fascia, leaving
it misaligned or bent, the sensing zone may be altered causing
inaccurate measurement of obstacles or false alarms.
OFF
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FOUR-WHEEL DRIVE (4WD) OPERATION (IF EQUIPPED)
For important information regarding safe operation of this type
of vehicle, seePreparing to drive your vehiclein this chapter.
Four–wheel drive (4WD) supplies power to all four wheels. 4WD should
not be operated on dry pavement; driveline damage may occur.
If equipped with the Electronic Shift 4WD System, and 4WD Low
is selected while the vehicle is moving, the 4WD system will not
engage. This is normal and should be no reason for concern.Refer
toShifting to/from 4WD Lowfor proper operation.
The 4WD system also uses hub locks that can be engaged and
disengaged based on the 4WD mode selected. Refer toFront wheel hub
locks (if equipped)for more information.
4WD system indicator lights
•4X4- illuminates when 4WD High
is selected.
•LOW RANGE- illuminates when
4WD Low is selected.
Front wheel hub locks (if equipped)
4x4
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Engage or disengage the 4WD system by:
•rotating the control for both front wheel hub locks from the FREE or
LOCK position, then
•manually engage or disengage the transfer case with the floor-mounted
shifter
For increased fuel economy in 2WD, rotate both hub locks to the FREE
position.
For proper operation, make sure that the arrow and the indicator
dot on the hub are aligned, and that both hub locks are set to the
same position (both set to LOCK or both set to FREE).
Using a manual 4WD system (if equipped)
2H (2WD High)– Power to the rear wheels only; used for street and
highway driving.
4H (4WD High)– Used for extra traction such as in snow or icy roads
or in off-road situations. Not intended for use on dry pavement.
N (Neutral)– No power to either front or rear wheels.
4L (4WD Low)– Uses extra gearing to provide maximum power to all
four wheels at reduced speeds. Intended only for off-road applications
such as deep sand, steep grades or pulling heavy objects. 4L (4WD Low)
will not engage while the vehicle is moving; this is normal and should be
no reason for concern. Refer toShifting to/from 4L (4WD Low)for
proper operation.
Shifting between 2H (2WD high) and 4H (4WD high)
•Move the transfer case lever to 4H (4WD High) at a stop or any
forward speed up to 88 km/h (55 mph).
Note:Do not perform this operation at speeds above 72 km/h (45 mph)
if the outside temperature is below 0°C (32°F).
2H
4H
4L N
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Note:Do not perform this operation if the rear wheels are slipping.
Shifting to/from 4L (4WD Low)
1. Bring the vehicle to a complete stop.
2. Depress the brake.
3. On vehicles equipped with an automatic transmission, place the
transmission in N (Neutral); on vehicles equipped with a manual
transmission, depress the clutch.
4. Move the transfer case lever through N (Neutral) directly to the
desired position. The LOW RANGE indicator will illuminate once the
transfer case has engaged.
•If the transfer casedoes notengage, repeat steps 1 through 4.
Using the N (Neutral) position
The transfer case N (Neutral) position overrides the transmission
and puts the vehicle in neutral regardless of transmission
gearshift lever position. The vehicle can move forward or
backward.
This position should only be used when towing the vehicle.
Do not leave the vehicle unattended with the transfer case in the
N (Neutral) position. Always set the parking brake fully and turn
off the ignition when leaving the vehicle.
Using the electronic shift 4WD system (if equipped)
2WD (2WD High)- Power to the rear wheels only; used for street and
highway driving.
4X4 HIGH (4WD High)- Used for extra traction such as in snow or icy
roads or in off-road situations. Not intended for use on dry pavement.
2WD4X4
HIGH4X4
LOW
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4X4 LOW (4WD Low)- Uses extra gearing to provide maximum power
to all four wheels. Intended only for off-road applications such as deep
sand, steep grades or pulling heavy objects. 4L (4WD Low) will not
engage while the vehicle is moving; this is normal and should be no
reason for concern. Refer toShifting to/from 4L (4WD Low)for proper
operation.
Shifting between 2WD (2WD High) and 4X4 HIGH (4WD High)
•Move the 4WD control between 2WD and 4X4 HIGH at any forward
speed.
Note:Do not perform this operation at speeds above 72 km/h (45 mph)
if the outside temperature is below 0°C (32°F).
Note:Do not perform this operation if the rear wheels are slipping.
Shifting to/from 4X4 LOW (4WD Low)
1. Bring the vehicle to a complete stop
2. Depress the brake
3. On vehicles equipped with an automatic transmission, place the
transmission in N (Neutral); on vehicles equipped with a manual
transmission, depress the clutch.
4. Move the 4WD control to the desired position.
•If shifting into 4X4 LOW (4WD Low), wait for the LOW RANGE light
in the instrument cluster to turnonindicating the shift is complete.
•If shifting out of 4X4 LOW (4WD Low), wait for the LOW RANGE light
in the instrument cluster to turnoffindicating the shift is complete.
Driving off-road with truck and utility vehicles
4WD 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.
How your vehicle differs from other vehicles
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.
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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.
Basic operating principles
•Do not use 4WD on dry, hard surfaced roads. Doing so will produce
excessive noise, increase tire wear and may damage drive components.
4WD modes are only intended for consistently slippery or loose
surfaces.
•Drive slower in strong crosswinds which can affect the normal steering
characteristics of your vehicle.
•Be extremely careful when driving on pavement made slippery by
loose sand, water, gravel, snow or ice.
If your vehicle goes off the edge of the pavement
•If your vehicle goes off the edge of the pavement, slow down, but
avoid severe brake application, ease the vehicle back onto the
pavement only after reducing your speed. Do not turn the steering
wheel too sharply while returning to the road surface.
•It may be safer to stay on the apron or shoulder of the road and slow
down gradually before returning to the pavement. You may lose
control if you do not slow down or if you turn the steering wheel too
sharply or abruptly.
•It often may be less risky to strike small objects, such as highway
reflectors, with minor damage to your vehicle rather than attempt a
sudden return to the pavement which could cause the vehicle to slide
sideways out of control or roll over. Remember, your safety and the
safety of others should be your primary concern.
Vehicles with a higher center of gravity such as utility and
four-wheel drive vehicles handle differently than vehicles with a
lower center of gravity. Utility and four-wheel drive vehicles arenot
designed for cornering at speeds as high as passenger cars any more
than low-slung sports cars are designed to perform satisfactorily under
off-road conditions. Avoid sharp turns, excessive speed and abrupt
maneuvers in these vehicles. Failure to drive cautiously could result in
an increased risk of loss of vehicle control, vehicle rollover, personal
injury and death.
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