air conditioning FORD F250 2008 Owners Manual

Introduction 4
Instrument Cluster 12
Warning lights and chimes 12
Gauges 19
Entertainment Systems 23
AM/FM stereo 23
AM/FM stereo with CD 25
AM/FM stereo with in-dash six CD 32
Auxiliary input jack 40
Satellite radio information 44
Navigation system 47
Family entertainment system 48
Climate Controls 76
Heater only 76
Manual heating and air conditioning 77
Dual automatic temperature control 80
Lights 85
Headlamps 85
Turn signal control 90
Bulb replacement 91
Driver Controls 98
Windshield wiper/washer control 98
Steering wheel adjustment 99
Power windows 102
Mirrors 103
Speed control 109
Upfitter controls 114
Moon roof 115
Message center 120
Tailgate 140
Table of Contents
1
2008 F-250/350/450/550(f23)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)

To increase airflow to the outer instrument panel vents, close the vents
located in the middle of the instrument panel.
Do not place objects on top of the instrument panel as these
objects may become projectiles in a collision or sudden stop.
MANUAL HEATING AND AIR CONDITIONING SYSTEMS
(IF EQUIPPED)
•Manual heating and air
conditioning system
•Manual heating and air
conditioning system with heated
mirrors
•Manual heating and air
conditioning system with heated
mirrors and heated seats
2008 F-250/350/450/550(f23)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Climate Controls
77

1.Fan speed adjustment:Controls the volume of air circulated in the
vehicle.
2.Temperature selection:Controls the temperature of the airflow in
the vehicle.
3.Air flow selections:Controls the direction of the airflow in the
vehicle. See the following for a brief description on each control.
MAX A/C:Distributes recirculated air through the instrument panel
vents only to cool the vehicle. This re-cooling of the interior air is more
economical and efficient. Recirculated air may also help reduce
undesirable odors from entering the vehicle.
:Distributes air through the instrument panel vents.
:Distributes air through the instrument panel vents and the floor
vents.
O (OFF):Outside air is shut out and the fan will not operate.
:Distributes air through the floor vents.
:Distributes air through the windshield defroster vents and floor
vents.
:Distributes outside air through the windshield defroster vents. Can
be used to clear ice or fog from the windshield.
4.
Recirculated air:Press to activate/deactivate air recirculation
in cabin. Recirculated air may reduce the amount of time to cool down
the interior of the vehicle and may also help reduce undesired odors
from reaching the interior of the vehicle. Recirculation engages
automatically with selection of MAX A/C or can be engaged manually in
any other airflow selection except defrost. Recirculation may turn off
automatically in all airflow selections except MAX A/C.
5.A/C:Press to activate/deactivate air conditioning. Use with
recirculated air to improve cooling performance and efficiency. Engages
automatically in MAX A/C,
and.
6.
(Heated mirrors):Press to turn the heated mirrors on and off.
The heated mirrors turn off automatically after 10 minutes.
7.
(Heated seats):Press to turn the heated seats on and off. The
heated seats turn off when the ignition is turned off.
2008 F-250/350/450/550(f23)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Climate Controls
78

4.Recirculation control:Press to activate/deactivate air
recirculation in cabin. Recirculated air may reduce the amount of time to
cool down the interior of the vehicle and may also help reduce undesired
odors from reaching the interior of the vehicle. Recirculation can be
engaged manually in any other airflow selection except
(defrost).
Recirculation may turn off automatically in all airflow selections except
MAX A/C.
5.A/C control:Press to activate/deactivate air conditioning. Use with
recirculated air to improve cooling performance and efficiency. Engages
automatically in AUTO,
(defrost) and(floor/defrost).
6.Manual override controls:Press this control to manually select
where you want the airflow directed. To return to full automatic control,
press AUTO.
7.
:Distributes air through the windshield defroster vents and floor
vents.
8.
:Distributes air through the floor vents.
9.
:Distributes air through the instrument panel vents and the floor
vents.
10.
:Distributes air through the instrument panel vents.
11.
Fan speed control:Press to manually increase or decrease the
fan speed. To return to automatic fan operation, press AUTO.
12.EXT:Press to display outside temperature. Press again to display
cabin temperature settings.
13.OFF:Outside air is shut out and the fan will not operate.
14.Driver temperature control:Press to increase/decrease the driver
side temperature in the vehicle cabin.
15.AUTO:To engage automatic temperature control, press AUTO and
select the desired temperature using the temperature control. The
system will automatically determine fan speed, airflow location, A/C on
or off, and outside or recirculated air, to heat or cool the vehicle to reach
the desired temperature.
16.
Heated seat controls:Press to turn the heated seats on and off.
The heated seats turn off when the ignition is turned off.
2008 F-250/350/450/550(f23)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Climate Controls
82

Compass zone/calibration adjustment
1. Determine your magnetic zone by
referring to the zone map.
2. Turn ignition to the RUN position.
3. Start the engine.
4. From the SETUP menu, press
and release the RESET control until
the message center display changes
to show the current zone setting
(XX).
5. Press and release the RESET control repeatedly until the correct zone
setting for your geographic location is displayed on the message center.
The range of zone values are from 1 to 15 and “wraps” back to 1.
6. To exit the zone setting mode, and to “lock in” your change:
•press and release the SETUP control or,
•press INFO control to exit or,
•wait 4 seconds and the zone will be “locked in”.
Perform compass calibration in an open area free from steel structures
and high voltage lines. For optimum calibration, turn off all electrical
accessories (heater/air conditioning, wipers, etc.) and make sure all
vehicle doors are shut.
7. Press the RESET control to start
the compass calibration function.
8. Slowly drive the vehicle in a
circle (less than 3 mph [5 km/h])
until the CIRCLE SLOWLY TO
CALIBRATE display changes to
CALIBRATION COMPLETED. It will
take up to five circles to complete calibration.
1 2 3
4
5
6 7 8 9 101112 13 14 15
2008 F-250/350/450/550(f23)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Driver Controls
134

Note:If the engine does not start on the first try, turn the key to OFF,
wait 10 seconds and try again. If the engine still fails to start, press the
accelerator to the floor and try again; this will allow the engine to crank
with the fuel shut off in case the engine is flooded with fuel.
If your vehicle has an automatic transmission,it will have a
computer assisted cranking system. This feature assists in starting the
engine. If the ignition key is turned to the 4 (START) position, and then
released when the engine begins cranking, the engine may continue
cranking for up to 10 seconds or until the vehicle starts
Guarding against exhaust fumes
Carbon monoxide is present in exhaust fumes. Take precautions to avoid
its dangerous effects.
If you smell exhaust fumes inside your vehicle, have your dealer
inspect your vehicle immediately. Do not drive if you smell
exhaust fumes.
Important ventilating information
If the engine is idling while the vehicle is stopped for a long period of
time, open the windows at least one inch (2.5 cm) or adjust the heating
or air conditioning to bring in fresh air.
ENGINE BLOCK HEATER
An engine block heater warms the engine coolant which aids in starting
and allows the heater/defroster system to respond quickly. If your vehicle
is equipped with this system, your equipment includes a heater element
which is installed in your engine block and a wire harness which allows
the user to connect the system to a grounded 120 volt a/c electrical
source. The block heater system is most effective when outdoor
temperatures reach below 0°F (-18°C).
Failure to follow engine block heater instructions could result in
property damage or physical harm.
To reduce the risk of electrical shock, do not use your heater
with ungrounded electrical systems or two-pronged (cheater)
adapters.
2008 F-250/350/450/550(f23)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Driving
258

How fail-safe cooling works
If the engine begins to overheat:
•The engine coolant temperature
gauge will move to the red (hot)
area.
•The message center will indicate
the engine is overheating.
•The
indicator will
illuminate.
If the engine reaches a preset over-temperature condition, the engine
will automatically switch to alternating cylinder operation. Each disabled
cylinder acts as an air pump and cools the engine.
When this occurs the vehicle will still operate. However:
•The engine power will be limited.
•The air conditioning system will be disabled.
Continued operation will increase the engine temperature and the engine
will completely shut down, causing steering and braking effort to
increase.
Once the engine temperature cools, the engine can be re-started. Take
your vehicle to a service facility as soon as possible to minimize engine
damage.
When fail-safe mode is activated
You have limited engine power when in the fail-safe mode, so drive the
vehicle with caution. The vehicle will not be able to maintain high-speed
operation and the engine will run rough. Remember that the engine is
capable of completely shutting down automatically to prevent engine
damage, therefore:
1. Pull off the road as soon as safely possible and turn off the engine.
2. Arrange for the vehicle to be taken to a service facility.
3. If this is not possible, wait a short period for the engine to cool.
4. Check the coolant level and replenish if low.
Never remove the coolant reservoir cap while the engine is
running or hot.
2008 F-250/350/450/550(f23)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Maintenance and Specifications
361

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