warning light FORD F250 2004 User Guide

Passenger air bag ON/OFF switch (if equipped)
An air bag ON/OFF switch
has been installed in this
vehicle. Before driving,always
look at the face of the switch to
be sure the switch is in the proper
position in accordance with these
instructions and warnings. Failure
to put the switch in a proper
position can increase the risk of
serious injury or death in a
collision.
Turning the passenger air bag off
1. Insert the ignition key, turn the
switch to OFF position and hold in
OFF position while removing the
key.
2. When the ignition is turned to the
ON position the OFF light
illuminates briefly, momentarily
shuts off and then turns back on.
This indicates that the passenger air
bag is deactivated.
If the light fails to illuminate when the passenger air bag switch
is in the OFF position and the ignition switch is in ON, have the
passenger air bag switch serviced at your Ford or Lincoln-Mercury
dealer immediately.
In order to avoid inadvertent activation of the switch, always
remove the ignition key from the passenger air bag ON/OFF
switch.
An infant in a rear-facing seat faces a high risk of serious or fatal
injuries from a deploying passenger air bag. Rear facing infant
seats should NEVER be placed in the front seats, unless the passenger
air bag is turned off.
PASSENGER AIR BAG
OFF
OFF ON
PASSENGER AIR BAG
OFF
OFF ON
2004 F250/350/450/550(f23)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA English(fus)
Seating and Safety Restraints
110

STARTING
Positions of the ignition
1. ACCESSORY, allows the electrical
accessories such as the radio to
operate while the engine is not
running.
2. LOCK, locks the steering wheel,
automatic transmission gearshift
lever and allows key removal. For
vehicles equipped with a manual
transmission, you must depress the
ignition release lever to release the
key.
3. OFF, shuts off the engine and all accessories without locking the
steering wheel. This position also allows the automatic transmission shift
lever to be moved from the P (Park) position without the brake pedal
being depressed.
When the key is in the ignition and in the OFF position, the
automatic transmission shift lever can be moved from the P
(Park) position without the brake pedal depressed. To avoid unwanted
vehicle movement, always set the parking brake.
4. ON, all electrical circuits operational. Warning lights illuminated. Key
position when driving.
5. START, cranks the engine. Release the key as soon as the engine
starts.
Preparing to start your vehicle
Engine starting is controlled by the powertrain control system. This
system meets all Canadian Interference-Causing Equipment standard
requirements regulating the impulse electrical field strength of radio
noise.
When starting a fuel-injected engine, don’t press the accelerator before
or during starting. Only use the accelerator when you have difficulty
starting the engine. For more information on starting the vehicle, refer to
Starting the enginein this chapter.
3
1
2
5
4
2004 F250/350/450/550(f23)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA English(fus)
Driving
Driving
125

BRAKES
Occasional brake noise is normal. If a metal-to-metal, continuous grinding
or continuous squeal sound is present, the brake linings may be worn-out
and should be inspected by a qualified service technician. If the vehicle
has continuous vibration or shudder in the steering wheel while braking,
the vehicle should be inspected by a qualified service technician.
Refer toBrake system warning
lightin theInstrument Cluster
chapter for information on the brake
system warning light.
Four-wheel anti-lock brake system (ABS)
Your vehicle is equipped with an Anti-lock Braking System (ABS). This
system helps you maintain steering control during emergency stops by
keeping the brakes from locking. Noise from the ABS pump motor and
brake pedal pulsation may be observed during ABS braking; this is
normal and should be no reason for concern.
ABS warning lamp
The ABS lamp in the instrument
cluster momentarily illuminates
when the ignition is turned on. If
the light does not illuminate during
start up, remains on or flashes, the
ABS may be disabled and may need to be serviced.
Even when the ABS is disabled,
normal braking is still effective. (If
your BRAKE warning lamp
illuminates with the parking brake
released, have your brake system serviced immediately.)
Using ABS
When hard braking is required, apply continuous force on the brake
pedal; do not pump the brake pedal since this will reduce the
effectiveness of the ABS and will increase your vehicle’s stopping
distance. The ABS will be activated immediately, allowing you to retain
full steering control during hard braking and on slippery surfaces.
However, the ABS does not decrease stopping distance.
ABS
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Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA English(fus)
Driving
130

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.
Certain add-on devices such as large trailer hitches, bike or
surfboard racks and any device that may block the normal
detection zone of the RSS system may create false beeps.
The RSS detects obstacles up to
6 feet (2 meters.) 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 10 inches
(25.0 cm) away, the tone will sound
continuously. If the RSS detects a
stationary or receding object further
than 10 inches (25.0 cm) 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 gearshift lever 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
2004 F250/350/450/550(f23)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA English(fus)
Driving
143

EMISSION CONTROL SYSTEM
Your vehicle is equipped with various emission control components and a
catalytic converter which will enable your vehicle to comply with applicable
exhaust emission standards. To make sure that the catalytic converter and
other emission control components continue to work properly:
•Use only the specified fuel listed.
•Avoid running out of fuel.
•Do not turn off the ignition while your vehicle is moving, especially at
high speeds.
•Have the items listed in yourScheduled Maintenance Guide
performed according to the specified schedule.
The scheduled maintenance items listed in theScheduled Maintenance
Guideare essential to the life and performance of your vehicle and to its
emissions system.
If other than Ford, Motorcraft or Ford-authorized parts are used for
maintenance replacements or for service of components affecting
emission control, such non-Ford parts should be equivalent to genuine
Ford Motor Company parts in performance and durability.
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.
Illumination of theService engine soonlight, charging system warning
light or the temperature warning light, fluid leaks, strange odors, smoke
or loss of engine power, could indicate that the emission control system
is not working properly.
Exhaust leaks may result in entry of harmful and potentially
lethal fumes into the passenger compartment.
Do not make any unauthorized changes to your vehicle or engine. By law,
vehicle owners and anyone who manufactures, repairs, services, sells,
leases, trades vehicles, or supervises a fleet of vehicles are not permitted to
intentionally remove an emission control device or prevent it from working.
Information about your vehicle’s emission system is on the Vehicle
Emission Control Information Decal located on or near the engine. This
decal identifies engine displacement and gives some tune up specifications.
Please consult yourWarranty Guidefor complete emission warranty
information.
2004 F250/350/450/550(f23)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA English(fus)
Maintenance and Specifications
258

On board diagnostics (OBD-II)
Your vehicle is equipped with a computer that monitors the engine’s
emission control system. This system is commonly known as the On
Board Diagnostics System (OBD-II). This OBD-II system protects the
environment by ensuring that your vehicle continues to meet
government emission standards. The OBD-II system also assists the
service technician in properly servicing your vehicle. When theCheck
engine/Service engine soonlight illuminates, the OBD-II system has
detected a malfunction. Temporary malfunctions may cause yourCheck
engine/Service engine soonlight to illuminate. Examples are:
1. The vehicle has run out of fuel. (The engine may misfire or run poorly.)
2. Poor fuel quality or water in the fuel.
3. The fuel cap may not have been securely tightened.
These temporary malfunctions can be corrected by filling the fuel tank
with good quality fuel and/or properly tightening the fuel cap. After three
driving cycles without these or any other temporary malfunctions
present, theCheck engine/Service engine soonlight should turn off. (A
driving cycle consists of a cold engine startup followed by mixed
city/highway driving.) No additional vehicle service is required.
If theCheck engine/Service engine soonlight remains on, have your
vehicle serviced at the first available opportunity.
Readiness for Inspection/Maintenance (I/M) testing
In some localities, it may be a legal requirement to pass an I/M test of
the on-board diagnostics system. If yourCheck engine/Service engine
soonlight is on, refer to the description in theWarning lights and
chimessection of theInstrument Clusterchapter. Your vehicle may not
pass the I/M test with theCheck engine/Service engine soonlight on.
If the vehicle’s powertrain system or its battery has just been serviced, the
on-board diagnostics system is reset to a“not ready for I/M test”condition.
To ready the on-board diagnostics system for I/M testing, a minimum of 30
minutes of city and highway driving is necessary as described below:
•First, at least 10 minutes of driving on an expressway or highway.
•Next, at least 20 minutes driving in stop-and-go, city-type traffic with
at least four idle periods.
Allow the vehicle to sit for at least eight hours without starting the
engine. Then, start the engine and complete the above driving cycle. The
engine must warm up to its normal operating temperature. Once started,
do not turn off the engine until the above driving cycle is complete.
2004 F250/350/450/550(f23)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA English(fus)
Maintenance and Specifications
259

13.Maximum Permissible Inflation Pressure:Tire manufacturer’s
maximum permissible pressure and/or the pressure at which the
maximum load can be carried by the tire. This pressure is normally
higher than the manufacturer’s recommended cold inflation pressure
which can be found on either the tire label or certification label which is
located on the B-Pillar or the edge of the driver’s door. The cold inflation
pressure should never be set lower than the recommended pressure on
the vehicle label.
The tire suppliers may have additional markings, notes or warnings such
as standard load, radial tubeless, etc.
Additional information contained on the tire sidewall for“LT”type
tires
“LT”type tires have some additional
information beyond those of“P”
type tires; these differences are
described below:
1.LT:Indicates a tire, designated by
the Tire and Rim Association
(T&RA), that is intended for service
on light trucks.
2.Load Range/Load Inflation
Limits:Indicates the tire’s
load-carrying capabilities and its
inflation limits.
3.Maximum Load Dual lbs. (kg)
at psi (kPa) cold:Indicates the
maximum load and tire pressure
when the tire is used as a dual;
defined as four tires on the rear axle (a total of six or more tires on the
vehicle).
4.Maximum Load Single lbs. (kg) at psi (kPa) cold:Indicates the
maximum load and tire pressure when the tire is used as a single;
defined as two tires (total) on the rear axle.
2004 F250/350/450/550(f23)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA English(fus)
Maintenance and Specifications
273

A
Accessory delay ..........................58
Air bag supplemental restraint
system ................................105–106
and child safety seats ............107
description ..............................106
disposal ....................................109
driver air bag ..........................108
indicator light .........................109
operation .................................108
passenger air bag ...................108
passenger deactivation
switch ......................................110
Air cleaner filter ...............267, 283
Ambulance packages ....................8
Antifreeze
(see Engine coolant) ................244
Anti-lock brake system
(see Brakes) ..............................130
Audio system
(see Radio) ..........20, 22, 25, 28, 32
Automatic transmission ............133
driving an automatic
overdrive .........................134, 137
fluid, adding ............................262
fluid, checking ........................262
fluid, refill capacities ..............284
fluid, specification ..................291
Auxiliary power point .................57
Axle
lubricant specifications ..287, 291
refill capacities ........................284
traction lok ..............................132
B
Battery .......................................242
acid, treating emergencies .....242jumping a disabled battery ....212
maintenance-free ....................242
replacement, specifications ...283
servicing ..................................242
BeltMinder .................................101
Brakes ........................................130
anti-lock ...................................130
anti-lock brake system (ABS)
warning light ...........................130
fluid, checking and adding ....260
fluid, refill capacities ..............284
fluid, specifications .........287, 291
lubricant specifications ..287, 291
parking ....................................131
shift interlock ..........................133
Break-in period .............................6
Bulbs ............................................45
C
Calculating load ........................164
Capacities for refilling fluids ....284
Cell phone use ............................69
Certification Label ....................298
Child safety restraints ..............114
child safety belts ....................114
Child safety seats ......................117
attaching with tether straps ..121
in front seat ............................118
in rear seat ..............................118
Cleaning your vehicle
engine compartment ..............230
instrument panel ....................232
interior .....................................232
interior trim ............................232
plastic parts ............................231
safety belts ..............................232
washing ....................................229
waxing .....................................229
2004 F250/350/450/550(f23)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA English(fus)
Index
Index
305

Infant seats
(see Safety seats) .....................117
Inspection/maintenance (I/M)
testing ........................................259
Instrument panel
cleaning ...................................232
cluster ........................................12
lighting up panel and
interior .......................................43
J
Jump-starting your vehicle ......212
K
Keyless entry system .................82
autolock .....................................81
Keys
positions of the ignition .........125
L
Lamps
autolamp system .......................41
bulb replacement
specifications chart ..................45
daytime running light ...............42
fog lamps ...................................42
headlamps .................................41
headlamps, flash to pass ..........43
instrument panel, dimming .....43
interior lamps .....................44–45
replacing bulbs ...................45–51
Lane change indicator
(see Turn signal) ........................44
Lights, warning and indicator ....12
anti-lock brakes (ABS) ..........130
speed control ............................63
Load limits .................................161Loading instructions .................164
Locks
autolock .....................................81
childproof ..................................76
Lubricant specifications ...287, 291
Lug nuts ....................................211
Lumbar support, seats ...............90
M
Manual transmission .................140
fluid capacities ........................284
lubricant specifications ..........291
reverse .....................................141
Message center ...........................70
english/metric button ...............70
menu button .............................70
Mirrors .........................................54
fold away ...................................60
heated ........................................59
side view mirrors (power) .......59
Moon roof ....................................55
Motorcraft parts ................254, 283
O
Octane rating ............................253
Oil (see Engine oil) ..................239
Overdrive .....................................53
P
Parking brake ............................131
Parts (see Motorcraft parts) ....283
Pedals (see Power adjustable
foot pedals) .................................61
Power adjustable foot pedals .....61
2004 F250/350/450/550(f23)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA English(fus)
Index
308

Power distribution box
(see Fuses) ...............................195
Power door locks ..................75, 81
Power point .................................57
Power steering ..........................132
fluid, checking and adding ....260
fluid, refill capacity ................284
fluid, specifications .........287, 291
Power Windows ...........................57
Preparing to drive your
vehicle ........................................132
R
Radio ....................20, 22, 25, 28, 32
Relays ........................................194
Remote entry system .................77
illuminated entry ......................80
locking/unlocking doors ...........75
Reverse sensing system ...........142
Roadside assistance ..................192
S
Safety Belt Maintenance ..........105
Safety belts
(see Safety restraints) ...92–96, 98
Safety defects, reporting ..........228
Safety restraints ....................92–98
belt minder .............................101
extension assembly ................104
for adults .............................93–96
for children .............................114
lap belt ......................................99
safety belt maintenance .........105
warning light and
chime ...............................100–101
Safety seats for children ..........117Seat belts
(see Safety restraints) ...............92
Seats ............................................85
child safety seats ....................117
cleaning ...................................233
Servicing your vehicle ..............236
Setting the clock
AM/FM stereo ...........................21
AM/FM/CD .................................25
AM/FM/In-dash 6 CD ................34
AM/FM/Tape ..............................22
AM/FM/Tape/CD .......................30
Snowplowing .........8, 188–189, 191
Spark plugs,
specifications .....................283, 291
Special notice ................................9
ambulance conversions ..............8
diesel-powered vehicles .............8
four-wheel drive vehicles .......190
utility-type vehicles ....................8
Specification chart,
lubricants ...........................287, 291
Speed control ..............................61
Starting your
vehicle ........................125–126, 128
jump starting ..........................212
Steering wheel
tilting .........................................53
T
Tailgate ..................................73–74
Tilt steering wheel ......................53
Tires ...................................268–269
alignment ................................277
care ..........................................275
changing ..................................203
checking the pressure ............275
2004 F250/350/450/550(f23)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA English(fus)
Index
309