FORD F250 2008 Owners Manual

Lifestyle
Ash cup / smoker’s package
Bedliners and bedmats
Cargo organization and management
Towing mirrors
Trailer hitches, wiring harnesses and accessories
Peace of mind
Mobile-Ease™ hands-free communication system
Remote start
Vehicle security systems
Wheel locks
Not all accessories are available for all models.
For maximum vehicle performance, keep the following information in
mind when adding accessories or equipment to your vehicle:
•When adding accessories, equipment, passengers and luggage to your
vehicle, do not exceed the total weight capacity of the vehicle or of
the front or rear axle (GVWR or GAWR as indicated on the Safety
Compliance Certification Label). Consult your authorized dealer for
specific weight information.
•The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) and Canadian Radio
Telecommunications Commission (CRTC) regulate the use of mobile
communications systems — such as two-way radios, telephones and
theft alarms - that are equipped with radio transmitters. Any such
equipment installed in your vehicle should comply with FCC or CRTC
regulations and should be installed only by your authorized dealer.
•Mobile communications systems may harm the operation of your
vehicle, particularly if they are not properly designed for automotive
use.
•To avoid interference with other vehicle functions, such as anti-lock
braking systems, amateur radio users who install radios and antennas
onto their vehicle should not locate the Amateur Radio Antennas in
the area of the driver’s side hood.
•Electrical or electronic accessories or components that are added to
the vehicle by the authorized dealer or the owner may adversely affect
battery performance and durability.
2008 F-250/350/450/550(f23)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Accessories
391

A
Accessory delay ........................103
Air cleaner filter ...............380, 382
Air conditioning ..........................80
Airbag supplemental restraint
system ........................................184
and child safety seats ............185
description ..............................184
disposal ....................................188
driver airbag ............................186
indicator light .........................187
operation .................................186
passenger airbag .....................186
passenger deactivation
switch ......................................188
Ambulance packages ....................8
Antifreeze
(see Engine coolant) ................356
Anti-lock brake system
(see Brakes) ......................260–261
Anti-theft system ......................159
arming the system ..................160
Audio system
(see Radio) ......................23, 25, 32
Automatic transmission ............265
driving an automatic
overdrive .................................267
fluid, adding ............................375
fluid, checking ........................375
fluid, refill capacities ..............383
Auxiliary Input Jack ...................40
Auxiliary power point ...............100
Axle
refill capacities ........................383
traction lok ..............................264
B
Battery .......................................354acid, treating emergencies .....354
jumping a disabled battery ....322
maintenance-free ....................354
replacement, specifications ...382
servicing ..................................354
Belt-Minder
.............................179
Brakes ........................................260
anti-lock ...........................260–261
anti-lock brake system (ABS)
warning light ...........................261
fluid, checking and adding ....374
fluid, refill capacities ..............383
parking ....................................261
shift interlock ..........................265
trailer .......................................246
Break-in period .............................5
Bulbs ............................................91
C
Capacities for refilling fluids ....383
Cassette tape player ...................23
Cell phone use ..............................7
Child safety restraints ..............193
child safety belts ....................193
Child safety seats ......................196
attaching with tether straps ..200
in front seat ............................197
in rear seat ..............................197
Cleaning your vehicle
engine compartment ..............338
instrument panel ............340–341
interior .....................................342
plastic parts ............................340
safety belts ..............................342
washing ....................................337
waxing .....................................337
wheels ......................................338
wiper blades ............................340
2008 F-250/350/450/550(f23)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Index
392

Climate control (see Air
conditioning or Heating) ............80
Clock adjust
6-CD in dash .............................34
AM/FM/CD .................................28
Clutch
fluid ..........................................375
operation while driving ..........269
recommended shift speeds ....270
Compass, electronic
set zone adjustment
...............134
Console
......................................120
overhead
..................................100
Controls
power seat
...............................165
steering column
......................112
Coolant
checking and adding
..............356
refill capacities
................359, 383
Cruise control
(see Speed control)
..................109
Customer Assistance
................294
Ford accessories for your
vehicle
.....................................345
Ford Extended Service
Plan
..........................................333
Getting assistance outside the
U.S. and Canada
.....................334
Getting roadside assistance
...294
Getting the service you
need
.........................................329
Ordering additional owner’s
literature
.................................335
Utilizing the
Mediation/Arbitration
Program
...................................333D
Daytime running lamps
(see Lamps) ................................86
Dipstick
automatic transmission
fluid ..........................................375
engine oil .................................351
Driveline universal joint and
slip yoke ....................................380
Driving under special
conditions ..................269, 284, 288
sand .........................................286
snow and ice ...........................288
through water .................287, 290
DVD system .................................48
E
Electronic message
center .................................120, 129
Emergencies, roadside
jump-starting ..........................322
Emergency Flashers .................296
Emission control system ..........370
Engine ........................................387
cleaning ...................................338
coolant .....................................356
diesel ...........................................8
fail-safe cooling .......................360
idle speed control ...................354
refill capacities ........................383
service points ..................348–349
starting after a collision .........296
Engine oil ..................................351
checking and adding ..............351
dipstick ....................................351
filter, specifications ........353, 382
recommendations ...................353
refill capacities ........................383
Event data recording ....................6
Exhaust fumes ..........................258
F
Fail safe cooling ........................360
2008 F-250/350/450/550(f23)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Index
393

Family entertainment system ....48
Fluid capacities .........................383
Foglamps .....................................85
Four-Wheel Drive vehicles .......276
description ..............................281
driving off road .......................283
electronic shift ................277, 281
indicator light .........................278
lever operated shift ................278
manual locking hubs ..............277
preparing to drive your
vehicle .....................................264
Fuel ............................................362
calculating fuel
economy ..........................130, 367
cap ...........................................364
capacity ...................................383
choosing the right fuel ...........365
comparisons with EPA fuel
economy estimates .................370
detergent in fuel .....................366
filling your vehicle with
fuel ...........................362, 364, 367
filter, specifications ........362, 382
fuel pump shut-off switch .....296
improving fuel economy ........367
octane rating ...................366, 387
quality ......................................366
running out of fuel .................366
safety information relating to
automotive fuels .....................362
Fuel pump shut-off switch .......296
Fuses ..................................297–298
G
Gas cap (see Fuel cap) ............364
Gas mileage
(see Fuel economy) .................367
Gauges .........................................19transmission fluid
temperature gauge ...................23
H
Hazard flashers .........................296
Head restraints .........................162
Headlamps ...................................85
aiming ..................................87, 89
autolamp system .......................85
daytime running lights .............86
flash to pass ..............................86
high beam .................................86
replacing bulbs ...................93–94
turning on and off ....................85
Heating
heating and air conditioning
system ...........................76–77, 80
Homelink wireless control
system ........................................116
Hood ..........................................347
I
Ignition ...............................255, 387
Infant seats
(see Safety seats) .....................196
Inspection/maintenance (I/M)
testing ........................................372
Instrument panel
cleaning ...........................340–341
cluster ........................................12
lighting up panel and interior .87
J
Jump-starting your vehicle ......322
K
Keyless entry system ...............157
2008 F-250/350/450/550(f23)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Index
394

autolock ...................................147
programming entry code .......157
Keys ...........................................160
positions of the ignition .........255
L
Lamps
autolamp system .......................85
daytime running light ...............86
fog lamps ...................................85
headlamps .................................85
headlamps, flash to pass ..........86
instrument panel, dimming .....87
interior lamps ...........................91
replacing bulbs .............91, 93–97
Lane change indicator
(see Turn signal) ........................90
Lights, warning and indicator ....12
anti-lock brakes (ABS) ..........261
Load limits .................................236
Loading instructions .................242
Locks
autolock ...................................147
childproof ................................150
Lug nuts ....................................321
Lumbar support, seats .............167
M
Manual transmission .................269
fluid capacities ........................383
reverse .....................................271
Message center .................120, 129
english/metric button .............132
system check button ..............132
warning messages ...........124, 135
Mirrors ...............................100, 103
fold away .........................105, 107heated ......................................105
side view mirrors (power) .....104
signal .......................................108
Moon roof ..................................115
Motorcraft parts ................362, 382
N
Navigation system .......................47
O
Octane rating ............................366
Oil (see Engine oil) ..................351
Overdrive .....................................99
P
Parking brake ............................261
Parts (see Motorcraft parts) ....382
Pedals (see Power adjustable
foot pedals) ...............................108
Power adjustable foot pedals ...108
Power distribution box
(see Fuses) ...............................303
Power door locks ......................146
Power mirrors ...........................104
Power point ...............................100
Power steering ..........................263
fluid, checking and adding ....373
fluid, refill capacity ................383
Power Windows .........................102
Preparing to drive your
vehicle ........................................264
R
Radio ................................23, 25, 32
2008 F-250/350/450/550(f23)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Index
395

Rear seat entertainment
system ..........................................48
Rear video camera ....................274
Relays ........................................297
Remote entry system ...............151
illuminated entry ............155–156
locking/unlocking
doors ........................146, 151–152
Reverse sensing system ...........272
Roadside assistance ..................294
S
Safety Belt Maintenance ..........183
Safety belts (see Safety
restraints) ..........170, 172–174, 176
Safety defects, reporting ..335–336
Safety
restraints ...........170, 172–174, 176
Belt-Minder
...........................179
extension assembly ................183
for adults .................172–174, 176
for children .....................192–193
lap belt ....................................178
safety belt maintenance .........183
warning light and
chime ...............................178–179
Safety seats for children ..........196
Safety Compliance
Certification Label ....................388
Satellite Radio Information ........44
Seat belts
(see Safety restraints) .............170
Seats ..........................................162
child safety seats ....................196
cleaning ...................................343
heated ........................................80
memory seat ...................152, 168SecuriLock passive anti-theft
system ................................159–160
Servicing your vehicle ..............346
Setting the clock
AM/FM/CD .................................28
AM/FM/In-dash 6 CD ................34
Snowplowing .................8, 291–293
Spark plugs,
specifications .....................382, 387
Special notice ................................9
ambulance conversions ..............8
diesel-powered vehicles .............8
utility-type vehicles ....................8
Speed control ............................109
Starting your vehicle ........255–257
jump starting ..........................322
Steering wheel
controls ....................................112
tilting .........................................99
T
Tailgate ......................................140
Tilt steering wheel ......................99
Tire Pressure Monitoring
System (TPMS)
Tires, Wheels and Loading ....224
Tires ...................................206–208
alignment ................................216
care ..........................................212
changing ..........................310, 312
checking the pressure ............211
inflating ...................................209
label .........................................223
replacing ..................................214
rotating ....................................217
safety practices .......................215
sidewall information ...............219
2008 F-250/350/450/550(f23)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Index
396

snow tires and chains ............235
spare tire .........................308–309
terminology .............................208
tire grades ...............................207
treadwear ........................207, 213
Towing .......................................242
recreational towing .................253
Trailer Brake
Controller-Integrated ..............246
trailer towing ..........................242
wrecker ....................................327
Traction control ........................262
Traction-lok rear axle ...............264
Trailer Brake
Controller-Integrated ................246
Transfer case
fluid checking .........................379
Transmission
automatic operation .........99, 265
brake-shift interlock (BSI) ....265
fluid, checking and adding
(automatic) .............................375
fluid, checking and adding
(manual) .................................378
fluid, refill capacities ..............383manual operation ....................269
Turn signal ..................................90
U
Upfitter controls .......................114
V
Vehicle Identification Number
(VIN) ..........................................388
Vehicle loading ..........................236
Ventilating your vehicle ...........258
W
Warning lights (see Lights) .......12
Washer fluid ..............................350
Water, Driving through .............290
Windows
power .......................................102
Windshield washer fluid and
wipers ..........................................98
checking and adding fluid .....350
replacing wiper blades ...........350
Wrecker towing .........................327
2008 F-250/350/450/550(f23)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Index
397

398

399

400