ABS FORD F250 2008 Owners Manual

Under engine misfire conditions, excessive exhaust temperatures
could damage the catalytic converter, the fuel system, interior
floor coverings or other vehicle components, possibly causing a fire.
Brake system warning light:To
confirm the brake system warning
light is functional, it will
momentarily illuminate when the
ignition is turned to the RUN
position when the engine is not running, or in a position between RUN
and START, or by applying the parking brake when the ignition is turned
to the RUN position. If the brake system warning light does not
illuminate at this time, seek service immediately from your authorized
dealer. Illumination after releasing the parking brake indicates low brake
fluid level and the brake system should be inspected immediately by
your servicing authorized dealer.
Driving a vehicle with the brake system warning light on is
dangerous. A significant decrease in braking performance may
occur. It will take you longer to stop the vehicle. Have the vehicle
checked by your authorized dealer immediately. Driving extended
distances with the parking brake engaged can cause brake failure and
the risk of personal injury.
Anti-lock brake system:If the
ABS light stays illuminated or
continues to flash, a malfunction has
been detected, have the system
serviced immediately by your
authorized dealer. Normal braking is still functional unless the brake
warning light also is illuminated.
Airbag readiness:If this light fails
to illuminate when ignition is turned
to RUN, continues to flash or
remains on, have the system
serviced immediately by your authorized dealer. A chime will also sound
when a malfunction in the supplemental restraint system has been
detected.
P!
BRAKE
ABS
2008 F-250/350/450/550(f23)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Instrument Cluster
14

MAP LAMPS (IF EQUIPPED)
The dome lamp turns on when:
•any door is opened,
•the instrument panel dimmer
switch is rotated up until the
courtesy lamps come on, and
•any of the remote entry controls
are pressed and the ignition is
OFF.
BULBS
Headlamp condensation
The headlamps are vented to equalize pressure. When moist air enters
the headlamp(s) through the vents, there is a possibility that
condensation can occur. This condensation is normal and will clear
within 45 minutes of headlamp operation.
Using the right bulbs
Check the operation of all the bulbs frequently.
Replacing exterior bulbs
Check the operation of all the bulbs frequently.
Function Number
of bulbsTrade number
Headlamps (aerodynamic) 2 H13/9008
Headlamps (sealed beam) 2 H6054
Park lamp with aerodynamic headlamp 2 3157A or 3157AK
Park lamp with sealed beam headlamp 2 4157K/3157
Sidemarker 2 194
Tail/stop/turn/sidemarker (Pick-up only) 2 4157K or 3157
Tail/stop/turn/sidemarker (Chassis cabs
only; if equipped)2 3157
Back-up (Pick-ups only) 2 3156 or 3156K
Back-up (Chassis cabs only) 2 3157
High-mount stoplamp 1 922
2008 F-250/350/450/550(f23)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Lights
91

2. Remove the three screws and one
bolt from the top and bottom of the
park lamp/bezel assembly.
3. Pull the assembly straight out
disengaging snap clip.
4. Remove the bulb assembly,
sidemarker or park/turn by turning
it counterclockwise. (Top view of
assembly shown.)
5. Pull the old bulb out from the
socket.
Install the new bulb(s) in reverse order.
Replacing brake/tail/turn/back-up lamp bulbs - Pick-ups only
1. Make sure the headlamp switch is
in the off position and then open
the tailgate to expose the lamp
assemblies.
2. Remove the two bolts from the
tail lamp assembly and carefully pull
the lamp assembly from the tailgate
pillar by releasing the two retaining
tabs.
2008 F-250/350/450/550(f23)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Lights
95

3. Rotate the bulb socket counterclockwise and remove from lamp
assembly.
4. Pull the bulb straight out of the socket.
Install the new bulb(s) in reverse order.
Replacing brake/tail/turn/back-up lamp bulbs - Chassis cabs only;
if equipped
1. Make sure the headlamp switch is
in the off position.
2. Remove the four screws and the
lamp lens from lamp assembly.
3. Carefully pull the bulb straight
out of the socket and push in the
new bulb.
Replacing cargo lamp and high-mount brakelamp bulbs
1. Make sure the headlamp switch is
in the off position.
2. Remove the two screws and lamp
assembly from vehicle as wiring
permits.
3. Remove the bulb socket by
rotating counterclockwise.
4. Pull the bulb straight out of the
socket.
2008 F-250/350/450/550(f23)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Lights
96

CHECK BRAKE SYSTEMDisplayed when a fault has been detected by
the ABS module.
DRIVER DOOR AJARDisplayed when the driver’s door is not
completely closed.
PASSENGER DOOR AJARDisplayed when the passenger’s door is not
completely closed.
REAR LEFT DOOR AJARDisplayed when the rear left door is not
completely closed.
REAR RIGHT DOOR AJARDisplayed when the rear right door is not
completely closed.
LOW FUEL LEVELDisplayed as an early reminder of a low fuel
condition.
TRAILER FAULT (if equipped):Displayed if there is a short circuit on
the electric brake output wire or the trailer brakes are drawing too much
current. Refer toIntegrated trailer brake controllerin theTires,
Wheels and Loadingchapter for more information.
TBC FAULT (if equipped):Displayed in response to faults sensed by
the trailer brake controller (TBC). In the event this message is seen,
please take your vehicle to an authorized dealer for diagnosis and repair.
Refer toIntegrated trailer brake controllerin theTires, Wheels and
Loadingchapter for more information.
TRAILER DISCONNECTED (if equipped):Displayed when a trailer
connection becomes disconnected, either intentionally or unintentionally,
and has been sensed during a given ignition cycle. Refer toIntegrated
trailer brake controllerin theTires, Wheels and Loadingchapter for
more information.
LOW BRAKE FLUID LEVELIndicates the brake fluid level is low and
the brake system should be inspected immediately. Refer toBrake fluid
in theMaintenance and Specificationschapter.
LOW TIRE PRESSURE (if equipped):Displayed when one or more
tires on your vehicle have low tire pressure. Refer toInflating Your
Tiresin theTires, Wheels and Loadingchapter.
TIRE PRESSURE MONITOR FAULT (if equipped):Displayed when
the Tire Pressure Monitoring System is malfunctioning. If the warning
stays on or continues to come on, have the system inspected by your
authorized dealer.
2008 F-250/350/450/550(f23)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Driver Controls
126

Warning display Status
Check air filter (diesel engine
only)
Drain water separator (diesel
engine only)
Stop safely now (diesel engine
only)
Engine warming please wait
xx(diesel engine only)
OK to drive (diesel engine
only)
Engine turns off in xx (diesel
engine only)
Engine turned off (diesel
engine only)
Drive to clean exhaust system
(diesel engine only)
Cleaning exhaust filter (diesel
engine only)
Exhaust filter drive complete
(diesel engine only)
Oil change required/Engine oil
change soon (diesel engine
only)
Oil life ok (diesel engine only)
PARK BRAKE ENGAGED.Displayed when the parking brake is
applied (or not fully released).
CHECK BRAKE SYSTEM.Displayed when a fault has been detected
by the ABS module.
DRIVER DOOR AJAR.Displayed when the driver’s door is not
completely closed.
PASSENGER DOOR AJAR.Displayed when the passenger’s door is not
completely closed.
2008 F-250/350/450/550(f23)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Driver Controls
137

Position the safety belt height adjusters so that the belt rests
across the middle of your shoulder. Failure to adjust the safety
belt properly could reduce the effectiveness of the seat belt and
increase the risk of injury in a collision.
To adjust the shoulder belt height,
push the button and slide the height
adjuster up or down. Release the
button and pull down on the height
adjuster to make sure it is locked in
place.
Center lap and shoulder belt (Regular Cab center seating
position/SuperCab and Crew Cab rear center seating positions)
Always use both the lap and shoulder safety belt in the Regular
Cab center seating position or in the Super Cab/Crew Cab rear
center seating positions.
Regular Cabs with a center 20% seat or Crew Cabs with a rear
60/40 split bench
If you carry large cargo behind the seat or items that might damage or
soil the belt, detach the belt from the seat:
1. Release the mini-buckle by
inserting a key or safety belt tongue
into the slot.
2008 F-250/350/450/550(f23)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Seating and Safety Restraints
175

The above calculations also assume that the loads are positioned in your
vehicle in a manner that does not overload the Front or the Rear Gross
Axle Weight Rating specified for your vehicle on the Tire Label or Safety
Compliance Certification Label found on the edge of the driver’s door.
Special loading instructions for owners of pickup trucks and
utility-type vehicles
For important information regarding safe operation of this type
of vehicle, see thePreparing to drive your vehiclesection in
theDrivingchapter of this owner guide.
Loaded vehicles may handle differently than unloaded vehicles.
Extra precautions, such as slower speeds and increased stopping
distance, should be taken when driving a heavily loaded vehicle.
Your vehicle can haul more cargo and people than most passenger cars.
Depending upon the type and placement of the load, hauling cargo and
people may raise the center of gravity of the vehicle.
TRAILER TOWING
Note:The trailer towing charts in this section apply to vehicles equipped
with gasoline engines; for vehicles equipped with diesel engines, refer to
your6.0 and 6.4 Liter Power Stroke Direct Injection Turbo Diesel
Owner’s Guide Supplement.
Your vehicle may tow a Conventional/Class IV trailer or fifth wheel trailer
provided the maximum trailer weight is less than or equal to the
maximum trailer weight listed for your engine and rear axle ratio on the
following charts.
To calculate your maximum trailer weight:
For pickup trucks:Take curb weight, hitch hardware and the driver’s
weight, then subtract them from the GCWR listed for your vehicle series,
engine, transmission and drive axle ratio(refer to the chart/table in the
following text). This calculation will give you the maximum trailer
weight possible for your vehicle.
For chassis cabs and pickup trucks with aftermarket equipment:
Weigh your vehicle at a certified scale and subtract this actual curb
weight, hitch hardware, and the driver’s weight from the GCWR listed for
your vehicle series, engine, transmission and drive axle ratio(refer to
the chart/table in the following text). This calculation will give you the
maximum trailer weight possible for your vehicle.
2008 F-250/350/450/550(f23)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Tires, Wheels and Loading
242

•Readjust GAIN setting on the TBC (according to procedure above)
whenever road, weather and trailer or vehicle loading conditions
change from those that existed when the gain was initially set.
•The sliding lever on the TBC should be used only for manual
activation of trailer brakes to assist with proper adjustment of the
GAIN. Misuse, such as application during trailer sway, could cause
instability of trailer and/or tow vehicle.
•Avoid towing in adverse weather conditions. The TBC does not
provide anti-lock control of the trailer wheels. Trailer wheels can
lock-up on slippery surfaces, resulting in reduced stability of trailer
and tow vehicle.
•The TBC interacts with the brake system of the vehicle, including
ABS, in order to reduce the likelihood of trailer wheel lockup.
Therefore, if these systems are not functioning properly the TBC may
not function at full performance.
•When the vehicle is turned off, the TBC Output is disabled and the
display is shut down. Reactivation of the ignition from 3 (OFF) to 4
(ON) will awaken the TBC module.
•The TBC is only a factory or dealer installed item. Ford is not
responsible for warranty or performance of the TBC due to misuse or
customer installation.
•Do not attempt removal of the TBC without consulting the
Workshop Manual.Damage to the unit may result.
Trailer lamps
Trailer lamps are required on most towed vehicles. Make sure all running
lights, brake lights, turn signals and hazard lights are working. See your
authorized dealer or trailer rental agency for proper instructions and
equipment for hooking up trailer lamps.
Using a step bumper (if equipped)
The rear bumper is equipped with an integral hitch and only requires a
ball with a one inch (2.5 cm) shank diameter. The bumper has a 5,000
lb. (2,270 kg) trailer weight and 500 lb. (227 kg) tongue weight capacity.
If it is necessary to relocate the trailer hitch ball position, a
frame-mounted trailer hitch must be installed.
2008 F-250/350/450/550(f23)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Tires, Wheels and Loading
250

How to Use the Engine Block Heater
Ensure the receptacle terminals are clean and dry prior to use. To clean
them, use a dry cloth.
Depending on the type of factory installed equipment, your engine block
heater system may consume anywhere between 400 watts or 1000 watts
of energy per hour. Your factory installed block heater system does not
have a thermostat; however, maximum temperature is attained after
approximately 3 hours of operation. Block heater operation longer than 3
hours will not improve system performance and will unnecessarily use
additional electricity.
Make sure system is unplugged and properly stowed before driving the
vehicle. While not in use, make sure the protective cover seals the
prongs of the engine block heater cord plug.
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 your authorized dealer. If the vehicle has
continuous vibration or shudder in the steering wheel while braking, the
vehicle should be inspected by your authorized dealer.
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 and the
brake pedal may suddenly travel a little farther as soon as ABS braking is
done and normal brake operation resumes. These are normal
characteristics of the ABS and should be no reason for concern.
P!
BRAKE
2008 F-250/350/450/550(f23)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Driving
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