warning FORD F250 2005 Owner's Guide

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.
Parking brake
To set the parking brake, press the
parking brake pedal down until the
pedal stops.
The BRAKE warning lamp in the
instrument cluster illuminates and
remains illuminated until the
parking brake is released.P!
BRAKE
P!
BRAKE
2005 F250/350/450/550(f23)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA_English(fus)
Driving
184

If the parking brake is fully released, but the brake warning lamp
remains illuminated, the brakes may not be working properly.
See your dealer or a qualified service technician as soon as possible.
Understanding the shift positions of the 5–speed automatic
transmission
This vehicle is equipped with an adaptive Transmission Shift Strategy.
Adaptive Shift Strategy offers the optimal transmission operation and
shift quality. When the vehicle’s battery has been disconnected for any
type of service or repair, the transmission will need to relearn the normal
shift strategy parameters, much like having to reset your radio stations
when your vehicle battery has been disconnected. The Adaptive
Transmission Strategy allows the transmission to relearn these operating
parameters. This learning process could take several transmission
upshifts and downshifts; during this learning process, slightly firmer
shifts may occur. After this learning process, normal shift feel and shift
scheduling will resume.
P (Park)
This position locks the transmission and prevents the rear wheels from
turning.
To put your vehicle in gear:
•Start the engine
•Depress the brake pedal
•Move the gearshift lever into the desired gear
To put your vehicle in P (Park):
•Come to a complete stop
•Move the gearshift lever and securely latch it in P (Park)
Always set the parking brake fully and make sure the gearshift is
latched in P (Park). Turn the ignition to the LOCK position and
remove the key whenever you leave your vehicle.
2005 F250/350/450/550(f23)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA_English(fus)
Driving
188

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.
2005 F250/350/450/550(f23)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA_English(fus)
Driving
194

Always set the parking brake fully and make sure the gearshift is
latched in P (Park). Turn the ignition to the LOCK position and
remove the key whenever you leave your vehicle.
If the parking brake is fully released, but the brake warning lamp
remains illuminated, the brakes may not be working properly.
See your dealer or a qualified service technician.
4WD Systems
4WD (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.
Power is supplied to all four wheels
through a transfer case. On 4WD
vehicles, the transfer case allows
you to select 4WD when necessary.
Information on transfer case
operation and shifting procedures
can be found in theDriving
chapter. Information on transfer
case maintenance can be found in theMaintenance and Specifications
chapter. You should become thoroughly familiar with this information
before you operate your vehicle.
Normal characteristics
On some 4WD models, the initial shift from two-wheel drive to 4x4 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.
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 spinning the wheels.
If you must reduce the tire pressure for whatever reason in sand, make
sure you re-inflate the tires as soon as possible.
Avoid excessive speed because vehicle momentum can work against you
and cause the vehicle to become stuck to the point that assistance may
2005 F250/350/450/550(f23)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA_English(fus)
Driving
205

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.
2005 F250/350/450/550(f23)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA_English(fus)
Maintenance and Specifications
271

Please consult yourWarranty Guidefor complete emission warranty
information.
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
2005 F250/350/450/550(f23)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA_English(fus)
Maintenance and Specifications
272

A
Accessory delay ..........................59
Air bag supplemental restraint
system ................................107–108
and child safety seats ............109
description ..............................108
disposal ....................................111
driver air bag ..........................110
indicator light .........................111
operation .................................110
passenger air bag ...................110
passenger deactivation
switch ......................................112
Air cleaner filter ...............280, 282
Air conditioning ..........................36
Ambulance packages ....................8
Antifreeze
(see Engine coolant) ................257
Anti-lock brake system
(see Brakes) ......................183–184
Audio system
(see Radio) ................20, 22, 25, 28
Automatic transmission ............187
driving an automatic
overdrive .................................188
fluid, adding ............................275
fluid, checking ........................275
fluid, refill capacities ..............283
fluid, specification ..................289
Auxiliary power point .................57
Axle
lubricant specifications ..286, 289
refill capacities ........................283
traction lok ..............................186
B
Battery .......................................255acid, treating emergencies .....255
jumping a disabled battery ....224
maintenance-free ....................255
replacement, specifications ...282
servicing ..................................255
BeltMinder .................................103
Brakes ........................................183
anti-lock ...........................183–184
anti-lock brake system (ABS)
warning light ...........................183
fluid, checking and adding ....274
fluid, refill capacities ..............283
fluid, specifications .........286, 289
lubricant specifications ..286, 289
parking ....................................184
shift interlock ..........................187
trailer .......................................171
Break-in period .............................5
Bulbs ............................................45
C
Capacities for refilling fluids ....283
Cassette tape player .......20, 22, 25
Cell phone use ............................66
Certification Label ....................296
Child safety restraints ..............117
child safety belts ....................117
Child safety seats ......................119
attaching with tether straps ..123
in front seat ............................121
in rear seat ..............................121
Cleaning your vehicle
engine compartment ..............241
instrument panel ....................243
interior .....................................244
interior trim ............................243
plastic parts ............................242
safety belts ..............................244
2005 F250/350/450/550(f23)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA_English(fus)
Index
Index
302

Instrument panel
cleaning ...................................243
cluster ........................................12
lighting up panel and
interior .......................................41
J
Jump-starting your vehicle ......224
K
Keyless entry system .................85
Keys
positions of the ignition .........178
L
Lamps
autolamp system .......................39
daytime running light ...............40
fog lamps ...................................40
headlamps .................................39
headlamps, flash to pass ..........41
instrument panel, dimming .....41
interior lamps ...........................45
replacing bulbs ...... 45–46, 48–49,
51–53
Lane change indicator
(see Turn signal) ........................44
Lights, warning and indicator ....12
anti-lock brakes (ABS) ..........183
speed control ............................64
Load limits .................................160
Loading instructions .................167
Locks
childproof ..................................80
Lubricant specifications ...286, 289
Lug nuts ....................................148
Lumbar support, seats ...............94M
Manual transmission .................191
fluid capacities ........................283
lubricant specifications ..........289
reverse .....................................192
Message center ...............66, 68–69
english/metric button ...............73
system check button ................72
warning messages .....................74
Mirrors ...................................55, 59
automatic dimming rearview
mirror ........................................59
fold away ...................................61
heated ........................................60
side view mirrors (power) .......59
signal .........................................60
Moon roof ....................................56
Motorcraft parts ................267, 282
O
Octane rating ............................266
Oil (see Engine oil) ..................251
Overdrive .....................................55
P
Parking brake ............................184
Parts (see Motorcraft parts) ....282
Pedals (see Power adjustable
foot pedals) .................................62
Power adjustable foot pedals .....62
Power distribution box
(see Fuses) ...............................221
Power door locks ........................79
Power mirrors .............................59
Power point .................................57
2005 F250/350/450/550(f23)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA_English(fus)
Index
305

Power steering ..........................185
fluid, checking and adding ....273
fluid, refill capacity ................283
fluid, specifications .........286, 289
Power Windows ...........................57
Preparing to drive your
vehicle ........................................186
R
Radio ..........................20, 22, 25, 28
Relays ........................................215
Remote entry system .................81
illuminated entry ......................84
locking/unlocking doors ...........79
Reverse sensing system ...........193
Roadside assistance ..................213
S
Safety Belt Maintenance ..........107
Safety belts (see Safety
restraints) ............................96–100
Safety defects, reporting ..........239
Safety restraints ..................96–100
belt minder .............................103
extension assembly ................106
for adults ...........................97–100
for children .....................116–117
lap belt ....................................101
safety belt maintenance .........107
warning light and
chime ...............................102–103
Safety seats for children ..........119
Seat belts
(see Safety restraints) ...............96
Seats ............................................89
child safety seats ....................119cleaning ...................................244
Servicing your vehicle ..............247
Snowplowing .................8, 210–212
Spark plugs, specifications ......282,
289
Special notice ................................9
ambulance conversions ..............8
diesel-powered vehicles .............7
four-wheel drive vehicles .......212
utility-type vehicles ....................7
Specification chart,
lubricants ...........................286, 289
Speed control ..............................62
Starting your vehicle .......178–179,
182
jump starting ..........................224
Steering wheel
controls ......................................65
tilting .........................................55
T
Tailgate ..................................77–78
Tilt steering wheel ......................55
Tires ...................................130–132
alignment ................................156
care ..........................................155
changing ..................................141
checking the pressure ............133
inspecting and inflating .........133
label .........................................154
replacing ..................................136
rotating ....................................157
safety practices .......................156
sidewall information ...............149
snow tires and chains ............159
spare tire .........................137–138
terminology .............................132
tire grades ...............................131
2005 F250/350/450/550(f23)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA_English(fus)
Index
306

treadwear ........................131, 155
Towing .......................................167
Trailer Brake
Controller-Integrated ..............171
trailer towing ..........................167
wrecker ....................................229
Traction-lok rear axle ...............186
Trailer Brake
Controller-Integrated ................171
Transfer case
fluid checking .........................279
Transmission
automatic operation .........55, 187
brake-shift interlock (BSI) ....187
fluid, checking and adding
(automatic) .............................275
fluid, checking and adding
(manual) .................................278
fluid, refill capacities ..............283
lubricant specifications ..286, 289
manual operation ....................191
Turn signal ..................................44V
Vehicle dimensions ...................289
Vehicle Identification Number
(VIN) ..........................................296
Vehicle loading ..........................160
Ventilating your vehicle ...........183
W
Warning lights (see Lights) .......12
Washer fluid ..............................251
Water, Driving through .............209
Windows
power .........................................57
Windshield washer fluid and
wipers ..........................................54
checking and adding fluid .....251
replacing wiper blades .............54
Wrecker towing .........................229
2005 F250/350/450/550(f23)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA_English(fus)
Index
307