brakes FORD F250 2012 Owner's Guide

BRAKE FLUID
•Vacuum boost system
•Hydroboost system
The fluid level will drop slowly as the brakes wear, and will rise when the
brake components are replaced. Fluid levels between the top of the MIN
and MAX lines are within the normal operating range; there is no need to
add fluid. If the fluid levels are outside of the normal operating range,
the performance of your brake system could be compromised; seek
service from your authorized dealer immediately.
TRANSMISSION FLUID
Checking automatic transmission fluid (if equipped)
Refer to yourscheduled maintenance informationfor scheduled
intervals for fluid checks and changes. Your transmission does not
consume fluid. However, the fluid level should be checked if the
transmission is not working properly, i.e., if the transmission slips or
shifts slowly or if you notice some sign of fluid leakage.
Automatic transmission fluid expands when warmed. To obtain an
accurate fluid check, drive the vehicle until it is at normal operating
temperature (approximately 20 miles [30 km]). Verify that the
transmission fluid temperature gauge, located on the instrument cluster,
is within normal range.
MIN MAX
Maintenance and Specifications
400
2012 F-250/350/450/550(f23)
Owners Guide, 4th Printing
USA(fus)

Brakes
•Make sure brakes and parking brake are fully released.
Tires
•Maintain recommended air pressure.
Miscellaneous
•Make sure all linkages, cables, levers and pins under vehicle are
covered with grease to prevent rust.
•Move vehicles at least 25 feet (8 m) every 15 days to lubricate
working parts and prevent corrosion.
Removing vehicle from storage
When your vehicle is ready to come out of storage, do the following:
•Wash your vehicle to remove any dirt or grease film build-up on
window surfaces.
•Check windshield wipers for any deterioration.
•Check under the hood for any foreign material that may have collected
during storage (mice/squirrel nests).
•Check the exhaust for any foreign material that may have collected
during storage.
•Check tire pressures and set tire inflation per the Tire Label.
•Check brake pedal operation. Drive the vehicle 15 ft (4.5 meters) back
and forth to remove rust build-up.
•Check fluid levels (including coolant, oil and gas) to make sure there
are no leaks, and fluids are at recommended levels.
•If the battery was removed, clean the battery cable ends and inspect.
Contact your authorized dealer if you have any concerns or issues.
Maintenance and Specifications
409
2012 F-250/350/450/550(f23)
Owners Guide, 4th Printing
USA(fus)

A
Accessory delay ........................104
AdvanceTrac ..............................275
Airbag supplemental restraint
system ........................180, 184, 186
and child safety seats ............181
description ..............180, 184, 186
disposal ....................................194
driver airbag ............182, 185, 187
indicator light .........................189
operation .................182, 185, 187
passenger airbag .....182, 185, 187
passenger deactivation
switch ......................................190
side airbag ...............................184
Air cleaner filter .......404–405, 410
Air conditioning ....................78, 81
manual heating and air
conditioning system .................78
Air filter .....................................410
Ambulance packages ....................8
Antifreeze
(see Engine coolant) ................379
Anti-lock brake system
(see Brakes) ..............................271
Anti-theft system ..............149, 151
arming the system ..........150–151
disarming a triggered
system .....................................152
triggering .................................152
Audio system (see Radio) ...60, 62
Automatic transmission ............290
driving an automatic
overdrive .................................287
fluid, adding ............................400
fluid, checking ........................400
fluid, refill capacities ..............411Selectshift (SST) ....................293
Auxiliary Input Jack ...................69
Auxiliary powerpoint ................101
Axle
refill capacities ........................411
B
Battery .......................................377
acid, treating emergencies .....377
jumping a disabled battery ....348
maintenance-free ....................377
replacement, specifications ...410
servicing ..................................377
Bed extender ............................126
Belt-Minder.............................176
Booster seats .............................212
Brakes ........................................271
anti-lock ...................................271
anti-lock brake system (ABS)
warning light ...........................272
fluid, checking and adding ....400
fluid, refill capacities ..............411
parking ....................................273
shift interlock ..........................285
trailer .......................................256
Bulbs ............................................92
C
Capacities for refilling fluids ....411
Cassette tape player ...................60
Cell phone use ............................11
Changing a tire .........................331
Child safety seats ......................199
attaching with tether straps ..206
in front seat ....................200, 206
in rear seat ......................200, 206
Index
442
2012 F-250/350/450/550(f23)
Owners Guide, 4th Printing
USA(fus)

Infant seats
(see Safety seats) .....................199
Inspection/maintenance (I/M)
testing ........................................398
Instrument panel
cleaning ...........................365–366
cluster ........................................14
lighting up panel and
interior .......................................89
J
Jack ............................................331
positioning ...............................331
storage .....................................331
Jump-starting your vehicle ......348
K
Keyless entry system
autolock ...................................137
keypad .....................................148
locking and unlocking doors ..149
programming entry code .......148
Keys ...................................129, 150
positions of the ignition .........265
L
Lamps
autolamp system .......................87
daytime running light ...............89
fog lamps ...................................88
headlamps .................................87
headlamps, flash to pass ..........88
instrument panel, dimming .....89
interior lamps ...........................92
replacing bulbs ...................94–97
LATCH anchors .........................206
Lights, warning and indicator ....14anti-lock brakes (ABS) ..........272
Loading instructions .................251
Load limits .................................244
Locks
autolock ...................................137
childproof ................................141
doors ........................................137
Lug nuts ....................................347
Lumbar support, seats .....160–161
M
Manual transmission
fluid capacities ........................411
Message center ...............22–23, 39
english/metric button ...............27
system check button ................27
warning messages ...............29, 48
Mirrors ...............................105–106
automatic dimming rearview
mirror ......................................105
fold away .........................107–109
heated ........................................81
programmable memory ..........143
side view mirrors (power) .....106
signal .......................................109
Moon roof ..................................115
Motorcraftparts ......................410
MyKey ........................................129
N
Navigation system .......................77
O
Octane rating ............................391
Oil (see Engine oil) ..................375
Index
445
2012 F-250/350/450/550(f23)
Owners Guide, 4th Printing
USA(fus)