heating FORD F250 2008 Owners Manual
[x] Cancel search | Manufacturer: FORD, Model Year: 2008, Model line: F250, Model: FORD F250 2008Pages: 400, PDF Size: 3.5 MB
Page 1 of 400

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)
Page 20 of 400

Engine coolant temperature
gauge:Indicates engine coolant
temperature. At normal operating
temperature, the needle will be in
the normal range (between “H” and
“C”).If it enters the red section,
the engine is overheating. Stop
the vehicle as soon as safely
possible, switch off the engine and let the engine cool.
Never remove the coolant reservoir cap while the engine is
running or hot.
Odometer:Registers the total miles
(kilometers) of the vehicle. Refer to
Standard message centeror
Optional message centerin the
Driver Controlschapter on how to
switch the display from Metric to
English.
Trip odometer:Registers the miles
(kilometers) of individual journeys.
If equipped with a one button
message center (Select/Reset),
press and release the
SELECT/RESET button on the
cluster to toggle between odometer and trip odometer display. To reset,
press and hold for less than 2 seconds.
If equipped with a three button message center,press and release
the message center INFO button until TRIP A or TRIP B appears in the
display. Press the RESET button to reset.
Tachometer:Indicates the engine speed in revolutions per minute.
Driving with your tachometer pointer continuously at the top of the scale
may damage the engine.
2008 F-250/350/450/550(f23)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Instrument Cluster
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Page 22 of 400

Battery voltage gauge (manual
transmission only):Indicates the
battery voltage when the ignition is in
the RUN position. If the pointer moves
and stays outside the normal operating
range, have the vehicle’s electrical
system checked as soon as possible.
Transmission fluid temperature gauge (automatic transmission
only):If the gauge is in the:
Normal area(normal) - the
transmission fluid is within the
normal operating temperature
(between “H” and “C”).
Yellow area(warning) — the
transmission fluid is higher than
normal operating temperature. This
can be caused by special operation
conditions (i.e. snowplowing, towing
or off road use). Refer toSpecial
Operating Conditionsin the
scheduled maintenance
informationfor instructions. Operating the transmission for extended
periods of time with the gauge in the yellow area may cause internal
transmission damage.
Altering the severity of the driving conditions is recommended to lower
the transmission temperature into the normal range.
Red area(over temperature) — the
transmission fluid is overheating. Stop
the vehicle to allow the temperature
to return to normal range.
If the gauge is operating in the
Yellow or Red area, stop the vehicle
and verify the airflow is not
restricted such as snow or debris blocking airflow through the grill. If the
gauge continues to show high temperatures, see your authorized dealer.
2008 F-250/350/450/550(f23)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Instrument Cluster
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Page 77 of 400

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
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Page 101 of 400

The auxiliary power point is located
on the instrument panel.
On SuperCab and Crew Cab models,another power point is located
on the rear of the center console (if equipped).
Do not use the power point for operating the cigarette lighter element (if
equipped).
To prevent the fuse from being blown, do not use the power point(s)
over the vehicle capacity of 12 VDC/180W.
To prevent the battery from being discharged, do not use the power
point longer than necessary when the engine is not running.
Always keep the power point caps closed when not being used.
Cigar lighter (if equipped)
Do not plug optional electrical accessories into the cigarette lighter
socket.
Do not hold the lighter in with your hand while it is heating, this will
damage the lighter element and socket. The lighter will be released from
its heating position when it is ready to be used.
Note:If the power point or cigar lighter socket is not working, a fuse
may have blown. Refer to theFuses and relaysin theRoadside
Emergencieschapter information on checking and replacing fuses.
Improper use of the lighter can cause damage not covered by your
warranty.
2008 F-250/350/450/550(f23)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Driver Controls
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Page 106 of 400

Powerfold mirror positions, from left to right: Position 1, Position 2,
Position 3
The powerfold mirrors may be folded forward/rearward manually to any
of the three positions shown and electrically to positions 1 and 2 only. If
a mirror is folded manually forward to position 3, you must manually fold
it back to position 1 or 2 in order for the powerfold function to continue
functioning.
Note:Ten or more switch activations within one minute, or repeated
fold/unfolding of the mirrors while holding the switch rearward during
the full travel may cause the system to disable the fold/unfold function to
protect the motors from overheating. Should this occur, wait
approximately 3
1 2minutes for the system to reset and function to return
to normal.
Note:The powerfold mirrors are designed to operate while the vehicle is
stationary or traveling at moderate speeds. If you attempt to powerfold
the mirrors at high speeds, they may not fully fold forward/rearward -
slow down and powerfold or manually fold the mirrors in order to
complete the fold operation.
If the powerfold mirrors feel loose or fold very easily, it is possible that
the powerfold mechanism is out of sync. The powerfold mechanism gets
out of sync when a mirror is manually folded partially in toward the door,
then electrically powerfolded.
Note:The mirrors willnotbe out of sync if the mirrors are manually
folded all the way in or out and then powerfolded.
In order to re-sync the mirrors, manually fold the mirrors toward the
door until a click is heard. Then press the powerfold switch to
electrically fold the mirrors in then out.
2008 F-250/350/450/550(f23)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Driver Controls
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Page 118 of 400

6to complete programming of a rolling code equipped device (most
commonly a garage door opener).
4. At the garage door opener receiver (motor-head unit) in the garage,
locate the “learn” or “smart” button (usually near where the hanging
antenna wire is attached to the unit).
5. Firmly press and release the “learn” or “smart” button. (The name and
color of the button may vary by manufacturer.)
Note:There are 30 seconds in which to initiate Step 6.
6. Return to the vehicle and firmlypress, hold for two seconds and
releasethe programmed HomeLinkbutton. Repeat the
press/hold/releasesequence again and, depending on the brand of the
garage door opener (or other rolling code equipped device), repeat this
sequence a third time to complete the programming.
HomeLinkshould now activate your rolling code equipped device. To
program additional HomeLinkbuttons begin with Step 1 in this section.
For questions or comments, please contact HomeLinkat
www.homelink.comor1–800–355–3515.
Gate Operator & Canadian Programming
During programming, your
hand-held transmitter may
automatically stop transmitting —
not allowing enough time for
HomeLinkto accept the signal
from the hand-held transmitter.
After completing Step 1 outlined in
theProgrammingsection, replace
Step 2 with the following:
Note:If programming a garage door opener or gate operator, it is
advised to unplug the device during the “cycling” process to prevent
overheating.
•Continue to press and hold the HomeLinkbutton (note Step 2 in the
Programmingsection) while you press and release —every two
seconds(“cycle”) your hand-held transmitter until the frequency
signal has been accepted by the HomeLink. The indicator light will
flash slowly and then rapidly after HomeLinkaccepts the radio
frequency signal.
•Proceed with Step 3 in theProgrammingsection.
2008 F-250/350/450/550(f23)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Driver Controls
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Page 167 of 400

Using the manual lumbar support
The lumbar support control is
located on the outboard side of the
seat
Turn the lumbar support clockwise
for more support.
Turn the lumbar support
counterclockwise for less support.
Heated seats (if equipped)
The heated seat control is located on the climate control panel.
Persons who are unable to feel pain to the skin because of
advanced age, chronic illness, diabetes, spinal cord injury,
medication, alcohol use, exhaustion, or other physical conditions, must
exercise care when using the seat heater. The seat heater may cause
burns even at low temperatures, especially if used for long periods of
time. Do not place anything on the seat that insulates against heat,
such as a blanket or cushion, because this may cause the seat heater
to overheat. Do not puncture the seat with pins, needles, or other
pointed objects because this may damage the heating element which
may cause the seat heater to overheat. An overheated seat may cause
serious personal injury.
Note:Do not do the following:
•Place heavy objects on the seat.
•Operate the seat heater if water or any other liquid is spilled on the
seat. Allow the seat to dry thoroughly.
To operate the heated seats, do the following (engine must be running):
Push
to activate; pushagain to deactivate.
The indicator light on the control will illuminate when activated.
2008 F-250/350/450/550(f23)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Seating and Safety Restraints
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Page 258 of 400

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
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Page 288 of 400

Driving on hilly or sloping terrain
Although natural obstacles may make it necessary to travel diagonally up
or down a hill or steep incline, you should always try to drive straight up
or straight down.Avoid driving crosswise or turning on steep
slopes or hills. A danger lies in losing traction, slipping sideways and
possibly rolling over. Whenever driving on a hill, determine beforehand
the route you will use. Do not drive over the crest of a hill without
seeing what conditions are on the other side. Do not drive in reverse
over a hill without the aid of an observer.
When climbing a steep slope or hill,
start in a lower gear rather than
downshifting to a lower gear from a
higher gear once the ascent has
started. This reduces strain on the
engine and the possibility of stalling.
If you do stall out, do not try to
turn around because you might roll
over. It is better to back down to a
safe location.
Apply just enough power to the
wheels to climb the hill. Too much
power will cause the tires to slip,
spin or lose traction, resulting in
loss of vehicle control.
Descend a hill in the same gear you
would use to climb up the hill to
avoid excessive brake application
and brake overheating. Do not
descend in neutral; instead,
manually shift to a lower gear. Your
vehicle has anti-lock brakes, apply
the brakes steadily. Do not “pump”
the brakes.
Driving on snow and ice
4WD vehicles have advantages over 2WD vehicles in snow and ice but
can skid like any other vehicle.
2008 F-250/350/450/550(f23)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Driving
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