4WD FORD F250 2012 User Guide

•On 2WD vehicles and 4WD vehicles in 2H (4X2) or 4H (4X4 High),
the ELD will automatically disengage at speeds above 25 mph
(40 km/h) and will automatically reengage at speeds below 19 mph
(30 km/h).
•On 4WD vehicles in 4L (4X4 Low), the ELD can be engaged at any
speed and will not automatically disengage.
Activating the electronic locking differential (ELD)
For vehicles equipped with an
electronic shift 4WD system:
Pull the knob on the 4WD control
toward you. The
indicator light
will display in the instrument
cluster.
For 2WD vehicles and vehicles
equipped with a manual shift
4WD system:
Turn the control to ON. The
indicator light will display in the
instrument cluster.
Once the
light is displayed in the instrument cluster, both rear wheel
axle shafts will be locked together providing added traction.
If the
indicator light in the instrument cluster turns off, one of the
following has occurred:
•The vehicle speed is too high.
•The left and right rear wheel speed difference is too high during an
engagement attempt.
•The system has malfunctioned and will be accompanied by the
CHECK LOCKING DIFFERENTIAL message in the message center.
See your authorized Ford dealer for assistance.
Note:The ELD may have difficulty disengaging either by operator
command or automatically if the driveline is under torque. If driving
conditions allow, releasing the accelerator pedal or turning the steering
wheel in the opposite direction may assist in disengagement.
Note:The ELD is designed for off-road use only and is not intended for
use on dry pavement.
Driving
284
2012 F-250/350/450/550(f23)
Owners Guide, 4th Printing
USA(fus)

FOUR-WHEEL DRIVE (4WD) OPERATION (IF EQUIPPED)
WARNING:For important information regarding safe operation
of this type of vehicle, seePreparing to drive your vehiclein
this chapter.
When four–wheel drive (4WD) is engaged, power is supplied to all four
wheels through a transfer case. 4WD can be selected when additional
driving power is desired.
4WD operation is not recommended on dry pavement. Doing so could
result in difficult disengagement of the transfer case, increased tire wear
and decreased fuel economy.
Manual Shift On Stop (MSOS) 4x4 system (if equipped)
The 4WD system is engaged or
disengaged by rotating the control
for both front wheel hub locks from
the FREE or LOCK position, then
manually engaging or disengaging
the transfer case with the
floor-mounted shifter. For increased
fuel economy in 2WD, rotate both
hub locks to the FREE position.
•For proper operation, make
sure that each hub is fully
engaged and that both hub locks are set to the same position
(both set to LOCK or both set to FREE). To engage LOCK,
turn the hub locks completely clockwise; to disengage the hubs
(FREE), turn the hub locks completely counterclockwise.
•The vehicle should not be driven in 4X4 High or 4X4 Low
modes with the hub locks set to FREE as this condition may
damage driveline system components.
•Some vehicles may be equipped with wheel ornaments that cover the
4x4 manual hub lock. These ornaments must be removed to access
the manual hub locks.
Electronic Shift-On-the-Fly (ESOF) 4x4 system (if equipped)
If equipped with the electronic shift 4WD system, and 4X4 Low is
selected while the vehicle is moving above 3 mph (5 km/h), the
4WD system will not perform a shift. This is normal and should be
no reason for concern.Refer to Shifting to/from 4L (4X4 Low) for
proper system operation.
Driving
301
2012 F-250/350/450/550(f23)
Owners Guide, 4th Printing
USA(fus)

The ESOF 4WD system:
•provides 4x4 High engagement and disengagement while the vehicle is
moving.
•is operated by a rotary control located on the instrument panel that
allows you select 4x2, 4x4 High or 4x4 Low operation.
•uses auto-manual hub locks that can be engaged and disengaged
automatically based on the 4x4 mode selected.
•auto-manual hub locks can be
manually overridden by rotating
the hub lock control from AUTO
to LOCK if desired.
•automatic operation of the
hub locks is recommended,and
will increase fuel economy
•For proper operation, make
sure that each hub is fully
engaged and that both hub
locks are set to the same position (both set to LOCK or both
set to AUTO). To engage LOCK, turn the hub locks completely
clockwise; to engage AUTO, turn the hub locks completely
counterclockwise.
4WD system indicator lights
The indicator lights illuminate in the message center in the
reconfigurable telltale (RTT) under the following conditions. Refer to
Warning lights and chimesin theInstrument Clusterchapter.
•4X2- Momentarily illuminates
when 2H is selected on electronic
shift 4WD systems only.
•4X4 HIGH- Illuminates when 4H
(4x4 High) is engaged.
•4X4 LOW- Illuminates when 4L
(4x4 Low) is engaged.
•CHECK 4X4– Displays when a
4x4 system fault is present
4x2
4x4
HIGH
4x4
LOW
Driving
302
2012 F-250/350/450/550(f23)
Owners Guide, 4th Printing
USA(fus)

Using the electronic shift 4WD system (if equipped)
2H (2WD)- For general on-road
driving. Sends power to the rear
wheels only and should be used for
street and highway driving. Provides
optimal smoothness and fuel
economy at high speeds.
4H (4X4 HIGH)- Used for extra
traction such as in snow or icy roads or in off road situations.This
mode is not intended for use on dry pavement.
4L (4X4 LOW)- Uses extra gearing to provide maximum power to all
four wheels at reduced speeds. Intended only for off-road applications
such as deep sand, steep grades, or pulling heavy objects. 4L (4x4 low)
will not engage while the vehicle is moving above 3 mph (5 km/h); this is
normal and should be no reason for concern. Refer toShifting to/from
4L (4x4 low)for proper operation.
Shifting between 2H (4X2) and 4H (4X4 High)
Move the 4WD control between 2H (4X2) and 4H (4X4 HIGH ) at any
forward speed. The message center will display4X4 SHIFT IN
PROGRESSduring the system shift.4X4 HIGHwill display in the
message center if 4H is selected and4X2will momentarily display in the
message center if 2H is selected.
IfSHIFT DELAYED PULL FORWARDis displayed in the message
center during the mode shift, transfer case gear tooth blockage is
present. To alleviate this condition, place the transmission in a forward
gear and move the vehicle forward approximately 5 feet (2 meters) to
allow the transfer case to complete the mode shift.
Note:Momentarily releasing the accelerator pedal while performing a
shift will improve engagement/disengagement times.
Note:Do not perform this operation if the rear wheels are slipping.
Note:Some noise may be heard as the system shifts or engages; this is
normal.
Note:4X4 high mode is not intended for use on dry pavement.
Shifting to/from 4L (4X4 low)
1. Bring the vehicle to a speed of 3 mph (5 km/h) or less.
2. Place the transmission in N (Neutral).
3. Move the 4WD control to the desired position.
Driving
306
2012 F-250/350/450/550(f23)
Owners Guide, 4th Printing
USA(fus)

The message center will display4X4 SHIFT IN PROGRESSduring the
shift. The message center will then display the system mode selected. If
any of the above shift conditions are not met, the shift will not occur and
the message center will display information guiding the driver through
the proper shifting procedures.
IfSHIFT DELAYED PULL FORWARDis displayed in the message
center, transfer case gear tooth blockage is present. To alleviate this
condition, place the transmission in a forward gear, move the vehicle
forward approximately 5 feet (1.5 m), and shift the transmission back to
neutral to allow the transfer case to complete the range shift.
Note:Some noise may be heard as the system shifts or engages; this is
normal.
Note:4x4 low mode is not intended for use on dry pavement.
Driving off-road with truck and utility vehicles
4WD vehicles are specially equipped for driving on sand, snow, mud and
rough terrain and have operating characteristics that are somewhat
different from conventional vehicles, both on and off the road.
Your vehicle may be equipped with a long front air dam that may become
damaged (due to reduced ground clearance) when taking your vehicle
off-road. This air dam can either be removed or a shorter air dam can be
purchased from your authorized dealer. In either case, if the air dam is
to be removed (or replaced) before going off-road, refer to the
Workshop Manualfor the procedure or have your authorized dealer
perform the work for you.
How your vehicle differs from other vehicles
Truck and utility vehicles can differ from some other vehicles. Your
vehicle may be higher to allow it to travel over rough terrain without
getting hung up or damaging underbody components.
The differences that make your vehicle so versatile also make it handle
differently than an ordinary passenger car.
Maintain steering wheel control at all times, especially in rough terrain.
Since sudden changes in terrain can result in abrupt steering wheel
motion, make sure you grip the steering wheel from the outside. Do not
grip the spokes.
Drive cautiously to avoid vehicle damage from concealed objects such as
rocks and stumps.
Driving
307
2012 F-250/350/450/550(f23)
Owners Guide, 4th Printing
USA(fus)

You should either know the terrain or examine maps of the area before
driving. Map out your route before driving in the area. To maintain
steering and braking control of your vehicle, you must have all four
wheels on the ground and they must be rolling, not sliding or spinning.
Basic operating principles
•Do not use 4WD on dry, hard surfaced roads. Doing so will produce
excessive noise, increase tire wear and may damage drive components.
4WD modes are only intended for consistently slippery or loose
surfaces.
•Drive slower in strong crosswinds which can affect the normal steering
characteristics of your vehicle.
•Be extremely careful when driving on pavement made slippery by
loose sand, water, gravel, snow or ice.
If your vehicle goes off the edge of the pavement
•If your vehicle goes off the edge of the pavement, slow down, but
avoid severe brake application, ease the vehicle back onto the
pavement only after reducing your speed. Do not turn the steering
wheel too sharply while returning to the road surface.
•It may be safer to stay on the apron or shoulder of the road and slow
down gradually before returning to the pavement. You may lose
control if you do not slow down or if you turn the steering wheel too
sharply or abruptly.
•It often may be less risky to strike small objects, such as highway
reflectors, with minor damage to your vehicle rather than attempt a
sudden return to the pavement which could cause the vehicle to slide
sideways out of control or roll over. Remember, your safety and the
safety of others should be your primary concern.
WARNING:Vehicles with a higher center of gravity such as
utility and four-wheel drive vehicles handle differently than
vehicles with a lower center of gravity. Utility and four-wheel drive
vehicles arenotdesigned for cornering at speeds as high as passenger
cars any more than low-slung sports cars are designed to perform
satisfactorily under off-road conditions. Avoid sharp turns, excessive
speed and abrupt maneuvers in these vehicles. Failure to drive
cautiously could result in an increased risk of loss of vehicle control,
vehicle rollover, personal injury and death.
Driving
308
2012 F-250/350/450/550(f23)
Owners Guide, 4th Printing
USA(fus)

WARNING:Vehicles with a higher center of gravity such as
utility and four-wheel drive vehicles handle differently than
vehicles with a lower center of gravity. Utility and four-wheel drive
vehicles arenotdesigned for cornering at speeds as high as passenger
cars any more than low-slung sports cars are designed to perform
satisfactorily under off-road conditions. Avoid sharp turns, excessive
speed and abrupt maneuvers in these vehicles. Failure to drive
cautiously could result in an increased risk of loss of vehicle control,
vehicle rollover, personal injury and death.
•If the vehicle goes from one type of surface to another (i.e., from
concrete to gravel) there will be a change in the way the vehicle
responds to a maneuver (steering, acceleration or braking). Again,
avoid these abrupt inputs.
Parking
On some 4WD vehicles, when the transfer case is in the N (Neutral)
position, the engine and transmission are disconnected from the rest of
the driveline. Therefore, the vehicle is free to roll even if the automatic
transmission is in P (Park). 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.
WARNING:Always set the parking brake fully and make sure
the gearshift is latched in P (Park). Turn the ignition to the off
position and remove the key whenever you leave your vehicle.
WARNING:If the parking brake is fully released, but the brake
warning lamp remains illuminated, the brakes may not be
working properly. See your authorized dealer.
4WD systems
4WD (when you select a 4WD mode), uses all four wheels to power the
vehicle. This increases traction, enabling you to drive over terrain and
road conditions that a conventional two-wheel drive vehicle cannot.
Power is supplied to all four wheels through a transfer case. On 4WD
vehicles, the transfer case allows you to select 4WD when necessary.
Information on transfer case operation and shifting procedures can be
found in theDrivingchapter. Information on transfer case maintenance
Driving
310
2012 F-250/350/450/550(f23)
Owners Guide, 4th Printing
USA(fus)

can be found in theMaintenance and Specificationschapter. You
should become thoroughly familiar with this information before you
operate your vehicle.
Normal characteristics
On some 4WD models, the initial shift from two-wheel drive to 4x4 while
the vehicle is moving can cause some momentary clunk and ratcheting
sounds. This is the front drivetrain coming up to speed and the
automatic locking hubs engaging and is not cause for concern.
Sand
When driving over sand, try to keep all four wheels on the most solid
area of the trail. Avoid reducing the tire pressures but shift to a lower
gear and drive steadily through the terrain. Apply the accelerator slowly
and avoid spinning the wheels.
Avoid excessive speed because vehicle momentum can work against you
and cause the vehicle to become stuck to the point that assistance may
be required from another vehicle. Remember, you may be able to back
out the way you came if you proceed with caution.
Note:If air is released from your tires, the Tire Pressure Monitoring
System (TPMS) indicator light may illuminate (if equipped).
Mud and water
If you must drive through high
water, drive slowly. Traction or
brake capability may be limited.
When driving through water,
determine the depth; avoid water
higher than the bottom of the hubs
(if possible) and proceed slowly. If
the ignition system gets wet, the
vehicle may stall.
Once through water, always try the brakes. Wet brakes do not stop the
vehicle as effectively as dry brakes. Drying can be improved by moving
your vehicle slowly while applying light pressure on the brake pedal.
Be cautious of sudden changes in vehicle speed or direction when you
are driving in mud. Even 4WD vehicles can lose traction in slick mud. As
when you are driving over sand, apply the accelerator slowly and avoid
spinning your wheels. If the vehicle does slide, steer in the direction of
the slide until you regain control of the vehicle.
If the transmission, transfer case or front axle are submerged in water,
their fluids should be checked and changed, if necessary.
Driving
311
2012 F-250/350/450/550(f23)
Owners Guide, 4th Printing
USA(fus)

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.
Should you start to slide while driving on snowy or icy roads, turn the
steering wheel in the direction of the slide until you regain control.
Avoid sudden applications of power and quick changes of direction on
snow and ice. Apply the accelerator slowly and steadily when starting
from a full stop.
Avoid sudden braking as well. Although a 4WD vehicle may accelerate
better than a two-wheel drive vehicle in snow and ice, it won’t stop any
faster, because as in other vehicles, braking occurs at all four wheels. Do
not become overconfident as to road conditions.
Driving
313
2012 F-250/350/450/550(f23)
Owners Guide, 4th Printing
USA(fus)

Use of one of the dissimilar spare tires listed above at any one wheel
location 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
It is not recommended that the vehicle be operated in 4WD modes with
a temporary emergency spare tire. If 4WD operation is necessary, do not
operate above speeds of 10 mph (16 km/h) or for distances above
50 miles (80 km).
3.Full-size dissimilar spare without label on wheel
When driving with the full-size dissimilar spare tire/wheel,do not:
•Exceed 70 mph (113 km/h)
•Use more than one dissimilar spare tire/wheel at a time
•Use commercial car washing equipment
•Use snow chains on the end of the vehicle with the dissimilar spare
tire/wheel
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.
Roadside Emergencies
333
2012 F-250/350/450/550(f23)
Owners Guide, 4th Printing
USA(fus)