warning FORD F250 2006 Owner's Guide

The BRAKE warning lamp in the
instrument cluster illuminates and
remains illuminated until the
parking brake is released.
Pull the right side of the release
lever to release the parking brake;
the release lever pulls at an angle
toward the driver’s door. To prevent
the pedal from releasing too quickly,
place your left foot on the parking
brake pedal, then pull the release
lever, making sure the pedal fully
releases. You may want to pull the
release lever again to make sure the
parking brake is full released.
Always set the parking brake fully and make sure that the
gearshift is securely latched in P (Park) (automatic
transmission) or in 1 (First) (manual transmission).
Note:If your vehicle is equipped with a manual transmission, the engine
may be required to run while power accessories operate and the parking
brake is set. It is recommended that wheel chocks be used during this
operation.
If you’re parking your vehicle on a grade or with a trailer, press and hold
the brake pedal down, then set the parking brake. There may be a little
vehicle movement as the parking brake sets to hold the vehicle’s weight.
This is normal and should be no reason for concern. If needed, press and
hold the service brake pedal down, then try reapplying the parking
brake. Chock the wheels if required. If the parking brake cannot hold the
weight of the vehicle, the parking brake may need to be serviced or the
vehicle may be overloaded.
STEERING
To prevent damage to the power steering system:
•Never hold the steering wheel at its furthest turning points (until it
stops) for more than a few seconds when the engine is running.
P!
BRAKE
2006 F-250/350/450/550(f23)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Driving
174

Do not drive your vehicle until you verify that the brakelamps
are working.
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 authorized dealer 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
2006 F-250/350/450/550(f23)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Driving
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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.
2006 F-250/350/450/550(f23)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Driving
183

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 authorized dealer.
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.
Avoid excessive speed because vehicle momentum can work against you
and cause the vehicle to 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.
2006 F-250/350/450/550(f23)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Driving
194

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 information
performed according to the specified schedule.
The scheduled maintenance items listed in thescheduled maintenance
informationare 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.
2006 F-250/350/450/550(f23)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Maintenance and Specifications
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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 the
light illuminates, the
OBD-II system has detected a malfunction. Temporary malfunctions may
cause your
light 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, the
light 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 the
light 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 your
light is on, refer to the
description in theWarning lights and chimessection of the
Instrument Clusterchapter. Your vehicle may not pass the I/M test with
the
light 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.
2006 F-250/350/450/550(f23)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Maintenance and Specifications
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A
Accessory delay ..........................58
Air cleaner filter .......283–284, 286
Air conditioning ..........................36
Airbag supplemental restraint
system ................................108–109
and child safety seats ............110
description ..............................109
disposal ....................................112
driver airbag ............................111
indicator light .........................112
operation .................................111
passenger airbag .....................111
passenger deactivation
switch ......................................113
Ambulance packages ....................8
Antifreeze
(see Engine coolant) ................260
Anti-lock brake system
(see Brakes) ......................172–173
Audio system
(see Radio) ................20, 22, 25, 28
Automatic transmission ............176
driving an automatic
overdrive .................................177
fluid, adding ............................279
fluid, checking ........................279
fluid, refill capacities ..............287
Auxiliary power point .................56
Axle
lubricant specifications ..........290
refill capacities ........................287
traction lok ..............................175
B
Battery .......................................258
acid, treating emergencies .....258jumping a disabled battery ....226
maintenance-free ....................258
replacement, specifications ...286
servicing ..................................258
BeltMinder .................................104
Brakes ........................................172
anti-lock ...........................172–173
anti-lock brake system (ABS)
warning light ...........................173
fluid, checking and adding ....278
fluid, refill capacities ..............287
fluid, specifications .................290
lubricant specifications ..........290
parking ....................................173
shift interlock ..........................176
trailer .......................................159
Break-in period .............................5
Bulbs ............................................45
C
Capacities for refilling fluids ....287
Cassette tape player .......20, 22, 25
Cell phone use ..............................7
Child safety restraints ..............118
child safety belts ....................118
Child safety seats ......................121
attaching with tether straps ..124
in front seat ............................122
in rear seat ..............................122
Cleaning your vehicle
engine compartment ..............242
instrument panel ....................244
interior .....................................245
interior trim ............................245
plastic parts ............................244
safety belts ..............................245
washing ....................................241
waxing .....................................241
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Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
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Index
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K
Keyless entry system .................86
Keys
positions of the ignition .........167
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 ...................45–53
Lane change indicator
(see Turn signal) ........................44
Lights, warning and indicator ....12
anti-lock brakes (ABS) ..........173
speed control ............................63
Load limits .................................148
Loading instructions .................155
Locks
childproof ..................................81
Lubricant specifications ...........290
Lug nuts ....................................225
Lumbar support, seats ...............95
M
Manual transmission .................180
fluid capacities ........................287
reverse .....................................181
Message center .....................68–70
english/metric button ...............74
system check button ................73
warning messages .....................75Mirrors .........................................55
automatic dimming rearview
mirror ........................................58
fold away ...................................60
heated ........................................59
side view mirrors (power) .......58
signal .........................................59
Moon roof ....................................66
Motorcraft parts ................266, 286
O
Octane rating ............................270
Oil (see Engine oil) ..................254
Overdrive .....................................55
P
Parking brake ............................173
Parts (see Motorcraft parts) ....286
Pedals (see Power adjustable
foot pedals) .................................61
Power adjustable foot pedals .....61
Power distribution box
(see Fuses) ...............................211
Power door locks ........................80
Power mirrors .............................58
Power point .................................56
Power steering ..........................174
fluid, checking and adding ....277
fluid, refill capacity ................287
fluid, specifications .................290
Power Windows ...........................57
Preparing to drive your
vehicle ........................................175
R
Radio ..........................20, 22, 25, 28
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Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Index
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Relays ........................................205
Remote entry system .................82
illuminated entry ......................86
locking/unlocking doors ...........80
Reverse sensing system ...........182
Roadside assistance ..................202
S
Safety Belt Maintenance ..........108
Safety belts
(see Safety restraints) .......97–101
Safety defects, reporting ..........240
Safety restraints ..................97–101
belt minder .............................104
extension assembly ................107
for adults ...........................98–101
for children .....................117–118
lap belt ....................................102
safety belt maintenance .........108
warning light and
chime ...............................103–104
Safety seats for children ..........121
Safety Compliance
Certification Label ....................300
Seat belts
(see Safety restraints) ...............97
Seats ............................................90
child safety seats ....................121
cleaning ...................................246
Servicing your vehicle ..............249
Snowplowing .................8, 199–201
Spark plugs,
specifications .....................286, 293
Special notice ................................9
ambulance conversions ..............8
diesel-powered vehicles .............8utility-type vehicles ....................8
Specification chart,
lubricants ...................................290
Speed control ..............................61
Starting your vehicle .......167–168,
171
jump starting ..........................226
Steering wheel
controls ......................................66
tilting .........................................54
T
Tailgate ..................................78–79
Tilt steering wheel ......................54
Tires ...................................131–132
alignment ................................140
care ..........................................137
changing ..................................218
checking the pressure ............136
inspecting and inflating .........133
label .........................................147
replacing ..................................139
rotating ....................................141
safety practices .......................139
sidewall information ...............142
snow tires and chains ............148
spare tire .........................214, 216
terminology .............................132
tire grades ...............................132
treadwear ........................131, 138
Towing .......................................155
Trailer Brake
Controller-Integrated ..............159
trailer towing ..........................155
wrecker ....................................232
Traction-lok rear axle ...............175
Trailer Brake
Controller-Integrated ................159
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Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Index
309

Transfer case
fluid checking .........................283
Transmission
automatic operation .........55, 176
brake-shift interlock (BSI) ....176
fluid, checking and adding
(automatic) .............................279
fluid, checking and adding
(manual) .................................282
fluid, refill capacities ..............287
lubricant specifications ..........290
manual operation ....................180
Turn signal ..................................44
U
Upfitter controls .........................64
V
Vehicle dimensions ...................293Vehicle Identification Number
(VIN) ..........................................300
Vehicle loading ..........................148
Ventilating your vehicle ...........171
W
Warning lights (see Lights)
.......12
Washer fluid
..............................253
Water, Driving through
.............198
Windows
power
.........................................57
Windshield washer fluid and
wipers
..........................................54
checking and adding fluid
.....253
replacing wiper blades
...........254
Wrecker towing
.........................232
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Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
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Index
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