towing FORD F250 2009 Owner's Manual

Exceeding these limits may allow water to enter vehicle components:
•causing internal damage to the components.
•affecting driveability, emissions and reliability.
Replace the rear axle lubricant any time the axle has been submerged in
water. Rear axle lubricant quantities are not to be checked or changed
unless a leak is suspected or repair required.
RECREATIONAL TOWING
Follow these guidelines if you have a need for recreational (RV) towing.
An example of recreational towing would be towing your vehicle behind
a motorhome. These guidelines are designed to ensure that your
transmission is not damaged.
Note:Put your climate control system in recirculated air mode to
prevent exhaust fumes from entering the vehicle. Refer to theClimate
controlschapter for more information.
Transmission Drivetrain
configurationRequirements for
neutral towing
Manual 4x4 with
manual-shift
transfer caseTransmission in (N)
Neutral; Transfer case in
(N) (Neutral); Hublocks
set to FREE
1Automatic
Manual 4X2 or 4x4 with
electronic-shift
transfer caseDo not tow your vehicle
with any wheels on the
ground, as vehicle or
transmission damage may
occur. It is recommended
to tow your vehicle with all
four (4) wheels off the
ground such as when using
a car-hauling trailer.
Otherwise, no recreational
towing is permitted. Automatic
1Always make sure that both hub locks are set to the same position.
In case of a roadside emergency with a disabled vehicle, seeWrecker
towingin theRoadside Emergencieschapter.
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D (Overdrive) with Tow/Haul OFF
D (Overdrive) with Tow/Haul OFF is the normal driving position for the
best fuel economy. The overdrive function allows automatic upshifts and
downshifts through gears one through five.
D (Overdrive) with Tow/Haul ON
The Tow/Haul feature improves transmission operation when towing a
trailer or a heavy load. All transmission gear ranges are available when
using Tow/Haul.
To activate Tow/Haul, press the
button on the end of the gearshift
lever.
The TOW HAUL indicator light will
illuminate in the instrument cluster.
Tow/Haul delays upshifts to reduce frequency of transmission shifting.
Tow/Haul also provides engine braking in all forward gears when the
transmission is in the D (Overdrive) position; this engine braking will
slow the vehicle and assist the driver in controlling the vehicle when
descending a grade. Depending on driving conditions and load
conditions, the transmission may downshift, slow the vehicle and control
the vehicle speed when descending a hill, without the accelerator pedal
being pressed. The amount of downshift braking provided will vary based
upon the amount the brake pedal is depressed.
To deactivate the Tow/Haul feature and return to normal driving mode,
press the button on the end of the gearshift lever. The TOW HAUL light
will no longer be illuminated.
When you shut-off and restart the engine, the transmission will
automatically return to normal D (Overdrive) mode (Tow/Haul OFF).
WARNING:Do not use the Tow/Haul feature when driving in icy
or slippery conditions as the increased engine braking can cause
the rear wheels to slide and the vehicle to swing around with the
possible loss of vehicle control.
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Objects in the red zone are closest to your vehicle and objects in the
green zone are further away. Objects are getting closer to your vehicle as
they move from the green zone to the yellow or red zones.
Use the side mirrors and rearview mirror to get better coverage on both
sides and rear of the vehicle.
When shifting out of R (Reverse) and into any other gear, the image will
remain on for a few seconds before it shuts off to assist in parking or
trailer hookup.
If equipped with the Navigation system, after shifting out of R (Reverse)
and into any gear other than P (Park), the image will remain until the
vehicle speed reaches 5 mph (8 km/h), only if the rear camera delay
feature is on, or until any navigation radio button is depressed.
Note:The default setting for the rear camera delay is off. Push the
“Settings” button found on the navigation screen (if equipped) to set the
rear camera delay feature to on or off.
When towing, the camera system will only see what is being towed
behind the vehicle; this might not provide adequate coverage as it
usually provides in normal operation and some objects might not be
seen.
The camera lens for the camera system is located on the tailgate, near
the tailgate handle. Keep the lens clean so the video image remains clear
and undistorted. Clean the lens with a soft, lint-free cloth and
non-abrasive cleaner.
Note:If the camera system image is not clear or seems distorted, it may
be covered with water droplets, snow, mud or any other substance. If
this occurs, clean the camera lens before using the camera system.
WARNING:The camera system is a reverse aid supplement
device that still requires the driver to use it in conjunction with
the rearview mirror and the side mirrors for maximum coverage.
WARNING:Objects that are close to either corner of the
bumper or under the bumper, might not be seen on the screen
due to the limited coverage of the camera system.
WARNING:Backup as slow as possible since higher speeds
might limit your reaction time to stop the vehicle.
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Using a Manual Shift On Stop (MSOS) 4x4 system (if equipped)
Note: High shift efforts may be encountered when attempting to
shift into and out of 4x4 modes. It is recommended to allow the
vehicle to roll at a speed below 5 mph (8 km/h) when shifting.
Note:Some noise may be heard as the 4x4 system shifts or engages.
This is normal. In order to reduce engagement noise, it is recommended
that all shifts be performed at speeds below 5 mph (8 km/h).
2H (2WD)– For general on-road driving. Sends power to the rear
wheels only.
4H (4x4 High)– For winter and off-road conditions. Sends power to
front and rear wheels.This mode is not intended for use on dry
pavement.
N (Neutral)– Only used when towing the vehicle.
4L (4x4 Low)– For low-speed off-road applications that require extra
power such as steep grades, deep sand or pulling a boat out of the water.
Sends power to front and rear wheels.This mode is not intended for
use on dry pavement.
Shifting from 2H (2WD) to 4H (4x4 High)
Engage the locking hubs by rotating
the hub lock control from FREE to
LOCK, then move the transfer case
lever from 2H (2WD) to 4H (4x4
High) at a stop or a vehicle speed
below 5 mph (8 km/h).
•For proper operation, make
sure that both indicator
arrows on the hub are aligned,
and that both hubs are set to
LOCK.
•Do not shift into 4H (4x4
High) with the rear wheels
slipping.
2H
4H
4LN
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5. If shifting to 2H (2WD) with the vehicle at a complete stop, disengage
the locking hubs (optional) by rotating the hub lock control from LOCK
to FREE.
Using the N (Neutral) position
The transfer case neutral position overrides the transmission and
puts the vehicle in neutral regardless of transmission gearshift
lever position. The vehicle can move forward or backwards.
This position should only be used
when towing the vehicle.
WARNING:Do not leave the vehicle unattended with the
transfer case in the N (Neutral) position. Always set the parking
brake fully and turn off the ignition when leaving the vehicle.
Using the Electronic Shift On the Fly (ESOF) 4x4 system
(if equipped)
Positions of the electronic shift system
Note:Some noise may be heard as the 4WD system shifts or engages.
This is normal.
2WD– For general on-road driving. Sends power to the rear wheels only.
4x4 HIGH– For winter and off-road conditions. Sends power to front
and rear wheels.This mode is not intended for use on dry
pavement.
4x4 LOW– For low-speed off-road applications that require extra power
such as steep grades, deep sand or pulling a boat out of the water. Sends
power to front and rear wheels.This mode is not intended for use on
dry pavement.
2H
4H
4LN
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ROADSIDE ASSISTANCE
Getting roadside assistance
To fully assist you should you have a vehicle concern, Ford Motor
Company offers a complimentary roadside assistance program. This
program is separate from the New Vehicle Limited Warranty. The service
is available:
•24–hours, seven days a week
•for the coverage period listed on the Roadside Assistance Card
included in your Owner Guide portfolio.
Roadside assistance will cover:
•a flat tire change with a good spare (except vehicles that have been
supplied with a tire inflation kit)
•battery jump start
•lock-out assistance (key replacement cost is the customer’s
responsibility)
•fuel delivery – Independent Service Contractors, if not prohibited by
state, local or municipal law shall deliver up to 2.0 gallons (7.5L) of
gasoline or 5 gallons (18.9L) of diesel fuel to a disabled vehicle. Fuel
delivery service is limited to two no-charge occurrences within a
12-month period.
•winch out – available within 100 feet (30.5 meters) of a paved or
county maintained road, no recoveries.
•towing – Ford/Mercury/Lincoln eligible vehicle towed to an authorized
dealer within 35 miles (56.3 km) of the disablement location or to the
nearest authorized dealer. If a member requests to be towed to an
authorized dealer more than 35 miles (56.3 km) from the disablement
location, the member shall be responsible for any mileage costs in
excess of 35 miles (56.3 km).
Trailers shall be covered up to $200 if the disabled eligible vehicle
requires service at the nearest authorized dealer. If the trailer is disabled,
but the towing vehicle is operational, the trailer does not qualify for any
roadside services.
Canadian customers refer to your Customer Information Guide
for information on:
•coverage period
•exact fuel amounts
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•towing of your disabled vehicle
•emergency travel expense reimbursement
•travel planning benefits
In Canada, for uninterrupted Roadside Assistance coverage, you may
purchase extended coverage prior to your Basic Warranty’s Roadside
Assistance expiring. For more information and enrollment, contact
1–877–294–2582 or visit our website at www.ford.ca.
Using roadside assistance
Complete the roadside assistance identification card and place it in your
wallet for quick reference. In the United States, this card is found in the
Owner Guide portfolio in the glove compartment. In Canada, the card is
found in theCustomer Information Guidein the glove compartment.
U.S. Ford, Mercury and Lincoln vehicle customers who require Roadside
Assistance, call 1-800-241-3673.
Canadian customers who require roadside assistance, call
1-800-665-2006.
If you need to arrange roadside assistance for yourself, Ford Motor
Company will reimburse a reasonable amount for towing to the nearest
dealership within 35 miles. To obtain reimbursement information, U.S.
Ford, Mercury and Lincoln vehicle customers call 1-800-241-3673.
Customers will be asked to submit their original receipts.
Canadian customers who need to obtain reimbursement information, call
1–800–665–2006.
HAZARD FLASHER CONTROL
The hazard flasher is located on the
steering column, just behind the
steering wheel. The hazard flashers
will operate when the ignition is in
any position or if the key is not in
the ignition.
Push in the flasher control and all
front and rear direction signals will
flash. Press the flasher control again
to turn them off. Use it when your
vehicle is disabled and is creating a
safety hazard for other motorists.
Note:With extended use, the flasher may run down your battery.
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The usage of a full-size dissimilar spare tire/wheel can lead to
impairment of the following:
•Handling, stability and braking performance
•Comfort and noise
•Ground clearance and parking at curbs
•Winter weather driving capability
•Wet weather driving capability
•All-Wheel driving capability (if applicable)
•Load leveling adjustment (if applicable)
When driving with the full-size dissimilar spare tire/wheel additional
caution should be given to:
•Towing a trailer
•Driving vehicles equipped with a camper body
•Driving vehicles with a load on the cargo rack
Drive cautiously when using a full-size dissimilar spare tire/wheel and
seek service as soon as possible.
Spare tire information
Note:If your vehicle is equipped the tire pressure monitoring system
(TPMS), the system indicator light will illuminate when the spare is in
use. To restore the full functionality of the TPMS system, all road wheels
equipped with the tire pressure monitoring sensors must be mounted on
the vehicle.
If your vehicle is equipped with TPMS, have a flat tire serviced by an
authorized dealer in order to prevent damage to the TPMS sensor; refer
toTire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)in theTires, Wheel and
Loadingchapter. Replace the spare tire with the road tire as soon as
possible.
T-Type/Mini-Spare Tire Information (Harley Davidson only)
Your vehicle may be equipped with a temporary spare tire. This spare
tire is considered “temporary”. Replace the temporary spare with a tire
of the same size, speed rating, and load carrying capacity as the other
road tires as soon as possible.
When driving with the temporary spare tiredo not:
•Exceed 50 mph (80 km/h)
•Load the vehicle beyond maximum vehicle load rating listed on the
Safety Compliance Label
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10–lug nut torque sequence
19. Stow the flat tire. Refer toStowing the flat/spare tireif the vehicle
is equipped with a spare tire carrier.
Note:Do not stow the Harley-Davidson flat tire and wheel using the
spare tire winch mechanism; store the flat in the bed of the truck.
20. Stow the jack, jack handle and lug wrench. Make sure the jack is
securely fastened so it does not rattle when driving.
21. Unblock the wheels.
The following step applies to F–250/F–350 Single Rear Wheel
(SRW) vehicles only:
22. When installing the wheel center
ornaments, ensure that the
ornament retention towers on the
back side of the ornament are
aligned with the studs/lug nuts. The
retention towers are designed to be
installed over the studs/nuts and
retain to the flange on the lug nut.
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4. Be sure to install all the clips on the nuts over the flanges so that
there is an even gap all around and the retention clips are fully seated.
Stowing the flat/spare tire
Note:Failure to follow spare tire stowage instructions may result in
failure of cable or loss of spare tire.
1. Lay the tire on the ground with the valve stem facing in the direction
specified on the Tire Changing Instructions located in the glove box.
2. Slide the wheel partially under the vehicle and install the retainer
through the wheel center. Pull on the cable to align the components at
the end of the cable.
3. Turn the jack handle clockwise until the tire is raised to its stowed
position underneath the vehicle. The effort to turn the jack handle
increases significantly and the spare tire carrier ratchets or slips when
the tire is raised to the maximum tightness. Tighten to the best of your
ability, to the point where the ratchet/slip occurs, if possible. The spare
tire carrier will not allow you to overtighten. If the spare tire carrier
ratchets or slips with little effort, take the vehicle to your authorized
dealer for assistance at your earliest convenience.
4. Check that the tire lies flat against the frame and is properly
tightened. Try to push or pull, then turn the tire to be sure it will not
move. Loosen and retighten, if necessary. Failure to properly stow the
spare tire may result in failure of the winch cable and loss of the tire.
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