FORD F250 2013 Owners Manual

Your vehicle may have more than
one power point, located:
•on the back of the center console
•on the instrument panel.
Your power points are not designed for the following electric appliances
and may prevent the appliances from working properly:
•Cathode ray tube type televisions
•Motor loads, such as vacuum cleaners, electric saws and other electric
power tools, compressor-driven refrigerators, etc.
•Measuring devices, which process precise data, such as medical
equipment, measuring equipment, etc.
•Other appliances requiring an extremely stable power supply:
microcomputer-controlled electric blankets, touch sensor lamps, etc.
Power points can switch to a fault mode when overloaded, overheated
or shorted. Unplug your device and turn the ignition off then on for
overloading and shorting conditions. Let the system cool off, then turn
the ignition off then on for an overheating condition.
Power points can provide power whenever the ignition is on and the
indicator lights are on. Each indicator light is located in the top left
corner of the power point.
When the indicator light is:
•on — power point is ready to supply power
•off — power point power supply is off; ignition is not on
•blinking — power point is in fault mode.
180Auxiliary Power Points
2013 F-250/350/450/550(f23)
Owners Guide gf, 3rd Printing, December 2012
USA(fus)

CENTER CONSOLE (IF EQUIPPED)
Stow items in the cupholder carefully as items may become loose during
hard braking, acceleration or collisions, including hot drinks which may spill.
Available console features include:
•Locking storage compartment
with hanging file folder supports
•
Storage for laptop computer, binder
or book between the hanging file
folder support and the passenger
side of the console bin
•One 12-volt power point inside
the storage compartment and one
on the rear of the console
•110-volt AC power point outlet
on the rear of the console
•Rear cupholders
•Two removable front cupholder
modules
•Removable false bottom tray
for accessing hidden storage
compartment (also has space
for a large cup)
OVERHEAD CONSOLE (IF EQUIPPED)
The appearance of the overhead console will vary according to your
option package.
Press near the rear edge of the door
to open it.
Storage Compartments181
2013 F-250/350/450/550(f23)
Owners Guide gf, 3rd Printing, December 2012
USA(fus)

GENERAL INFORMATION
WARNING:Extended idling at high engine speeds can produce
very high temperatures in the engine and exhaust system,
creating the risk of fire or other damage.
WARNING:Do not park, idle, or drive your vehicle on dry grass
or other dry ground cover. The emission system heats up the
engine compartment and exhaust system, which can start a fire.
WARNING:Do not start your vehicle in a closed garage or in
other enclosed areas. Exhaust fumes can be toxic. Always open
the garage door before you start the engine.
WARNING:If you smell exhaust fumes inside your vehicle,
have your vehicle checked by an authorized dealer immediately.
Do not drive if you smell exhaust fumes.
If you disconnect the battery, your vehicle may exhibit some unusual
driving characteristics for approximately 5 miles (8 kilometers) after
you connect it. This is because the engine management system must
realign itself with the engine. You may disregard any unusual driving
characteristics during this period.
The powertrain control system meets all Canadian interference-causing
equipment standard requirements regulating the impulse electrical field
strength of radio noise.
When starting your vehicle, avoid pressing the accelerator pedal before
and during operation. Only use the accelerator pedal when you have
difficulty starting the engine.
If your vehicle is operated in a heavy snow storm or blowing snow
conditions, the engine air induction may become partially clogged with
snow and/or ice. If this occurs, the engine may experience a significant
reduction in power output. At the earliest opportunity, clear all the snow
and/or ice away from the air induction inlet. The following starting
instructions are for vehicles equipped with a gasoline engine; if your
vehicle is equipped with a diesel engine, refer toStarting the enginein
your diesel supplement.
182Starting and Stopping the Engine
2013 F-250/350/450/550(f23)
Owners Guide gf, 3rd Printing, December 2012
USA(fus)

IGNITION SWITCH
Note:To switch the engine off when your vehicle is moving, move the
transmission selector lever to positionN.Use the brakes to bring your
vehicle to a safe stop. After your vehicle has stopped, switch the engine
off and move the transmission selector lever to positionP.Turn the key
to the accessory or off position.
Note:Do not store the key in the ignition after the vehicle is turned off
and you have left the vehicle. This could cause a drain on the battery.
A.Off:The ignition is off.
B.Accessory:Allows the electrical accessories, such as the radio, to
operate while the engine is not running.
C.On:All the electrical circuits are operational. Warning lights are
illuminated. This is the key position when driving.
D.
Start:Cranks the engine. Release the key as soon as the engine starts.
STARTING A GASOLINE ENGINE
When you start the engine, the idle speed increases, this helps to warm
up the engine. If the engine idle speed does not slow down automatically,
have your vehicle checked by an authorized dealer.
Before starting the engine:
•Make sure all occupants have fastened their safety belts.
•Make sure the headlamps and electrical accessories are off.
•Make sure the parking brake is on.
•Move the transmission selector lever to positionP.
•Turn the ignition key to the on position.
C
D
B
A
Starting and Stopping the Engine183
2013 F-250/350/450/550(f23)
Owners Guide gf, 3rd Printing, December 2012
USA(fus)

Some warning lights briefly illuminate.
Note:Do not touch the accelerator pedal.
1. Fully press the brake pedal.
2. Turn the key to the start position to start the engine. Release the key
when the engine starts.
Note:The engine may continue cranking for up to 15 seconds or until it
starts.
Note:If you cannot start the engine on the first try, wait for a short
period and try again.
If you have difficulty starting the engine when the temperature is below
-13°F (-25°C), press the accelerator pedal slightly and try again.
Failure to Start
If you cannot start the engine after three attempts, wait 10 seconds and
follow this procedure:
1. Fully press the brake pedal.
2. Fully press the accelerator pedal and hold it there.
3. Start the engine.
Stopping the Engine When Your Vehicle is Stationary
1. Move the transmission selector lever to positionP.
2. Turn the key to the off position.
Stopping the Engine When Your Vehicle is Moving
WARNING:When you switch off the engine when your vehicle is
still moving, this results in a loss of brake and steering assistance.
The steering does not lock, but higher effort is required. When you
switch off the ignition, some electrical circuits, warning lamps and
indicators may also be off.
1. Move the transmission selector lever to positionNand use the brakes
to bring your vehicle to a safe stop.
2. When your vehicle has stopped, move the transmission selector lever
to positionPand turn the key to the off position.
184Starting and Stopping the Engine
2013 F-250/350/450/550(f23)
Owners Guide gf, 3rd Printing, December 2012
USA(fus)

Cold Weather Starting (Flexible Fuel Vehicles Only)
The starting characteristics of all grades of E-85 ethanol make it
unsuitable for use when ambient temperatures fall below 0°F (-18°C).
Consult your fuel distributor for the availability of winter grade ethanol.
As the outside temperature approaches freezing, ethanol fuel distributors
should supply winter grade ethanol (same as with unleaded gasoline).
If summer grade ethanol is used in cold weather conditions, 0°F to 32°F
(-18°C to 0°C), you may experience increased cranking times, rough idle
or hesitation until the engine has warmed up.
You may experience a decrease in peak performance when the engine is
cold when operating on E-85 ethanol.
Do not crank the engine for more than 10 seconds at a time as starter
damage may occur. If the engine fails to start, turn the key to off and
wait 30 seconds before trying again.
Do not use starting fluid such as ether in the air intake system. Such
fluid could cause immediate explosive damage to the engine and possible
personal injury.
If you should experience cold weather starting problems on E-85 ethanol,
and neither an alternative brand of E-85 ethanol nor an engine block
heater is available, the addition of unleaded gasoline to your tank improves
cold starting performance. Your vehicle is designed to operate on E-85
ethanol alone, unleaded gasoline alone, or any mixture of the two.
If the Engine Fails to Start Using the Preceding Instructions
(Flexible Fuel Vehicles Only)
1. Press and hold down the accelerator 1/3 to 1/2 way to floor, then
crank the engine.
2. When the engine starts, release the key, then gradually release the
accelerator pedal as the engine speeds up. If the engine still fails to
start, repeat Step 1.
Guarding Against Exhaust Fumes
WARNING:If you smell exhaust fumes inside your vehicle,
have this checked immediately. Do not drive your vehicle if you
smell exhaust fumes. Carbon monoxide is present in exhaust fumes.
Take precautions to avoid its dangerous effects.
Starting and Stopping the Engine185
2013 F-250/350/450/550(f23)
Owners Guide gf, 3rd Printing, December 2012
USA(fus)

Important Ventilating Information
If you stop your vehicle and leave the engine idling for long periods of
time, we recommend that you do one of the following:
•Open the windows at least 1 inch (2.5 centimeters).
•Set your climate control to outside air.
ENGINE BLOCK HEATER (IF EQUIPPED)
WARNING:Failure to follow engine block heater instructions
could result in property damage or physical injury.
WARNING:Do not use your heater with ungrounded electrical
systems or two-pronged (cheater) adapters. There is a risk of
electrical shock.
Note:The heater is most effective when outdoor temperatures are below
0°F (-18°C).
The heater acts as a starting aid by warming the engine coolant. This
allows the climate control system to respond quickly. The equipment
includes a heater element (installed in the engine block) and a wire
harness. You can connect the system to a grounded 120–volt A/C
electrical source.
We recommend that you do the following for safe and correct operation:
•Use a 16-gauge outdoor extension cord that is product certified
by Underwriter’s Laboratory or Canadian Standards Association.
This extension cord must be suitable for use outdoors, in cold
temperatures, and be clearly markedSuitable for Use with Outdoor
Appliances.Never use an indoor extension cord outdoors; it could
result in an electric shock or become a fire hazard.
•Use as short an extension cord as possible.
•Do not use multiple extension cords.
186Starting and Stopping the Engine
2013 F-250/350/450/550(f23)
Owners Guide gf, 3rd Printing, December 2012
USA(fus)

•Make sure that when in operation, the extension cord plug and the
heater cord plug connections are free and clear of water. This could
cause an electric shock or fire.
•Make sure your vehicle is parked in a clean area, clear of
combustibles.
•Make sure the heater, heater cord and extension cord are firmly
connected.
•Check for heat anywhere in the electrical hookup once the system has
been operating for approximately 30 minutes.
•Make sure the system is unplugged and properly stowed before driving
your vehicle. Make sure the protective cover seals the prongs of the
block heater cord plug when not in use.
•Keep plug terminals clean and free of dirt and corrosion.
•Make sure the heater system is checked for proper operation before
winter.
Using the Engine Block Heater
Make sure the receptacle terminals are clean and dry prior to use.
Clean them with a dry cloth, if necessary.
The heater uses 0.4 to 1.0 kilowatt-hours of energy per hour of use.
The system does not have a thermostat. It achieves maximum
temperature after approximately three hours of operation. Using the
heater longer than three hours does not improve system performance
and unnecessarily uses electricity.
Starting and Stopping the Engine187
2013 F-250/350/450/550(f23)
Owners Guide gf, 3rd Printing, December 2012
USA(fus)

IMPORTANT SAFETY PRECAUTIONS
WARNING:Do not overfill the fuel tank. The pressure in an
overfilled tank may cause leakage and lead to fuel spray and fire.
WARNING:The fuel system may be under pressure. If the fuel
filler cap is venting vapor or if you hear a hissing sound, wait
until it stops before completely removing the fuel filler cap. Otherwise,
fuel may spray out and injure you or others.
WARNING:If you do not use the proper fuel filler cap, excessive
vacuum in the fuel tank may damage the fuel system or cause
the fuel cap to disengage in a collision, which may result in serious
personal injury.
WARNING:Automotive fuels can cause serious injury or death if
misused or mishandled.
WARNING:Fuel ethanol and gasoline may contain benzene,
which is a cancer-causing agent.
WARNING:When refueling always shut the engine off and never
allow sparks or open flames near the filler neck. Never smoke
while refueling. Fuel vapor is extremely hazardous under certain
conditions. Care should be taken to avoid inhaling excess fumes.
WARNING:The flow of fuel through a fuel pump nozzle can
produce static electricity, which can cause a fire if fuel is pumped
into an ungrounded fuel container.
WARNING:Flexible fuel components and standard unleaded
gasoline fuel components are not interchangeable. If your vehicle
is not serviced in accordance with flexible fuel vehicles procedures,
damage may occur and your warranty may be invalidated.
188Fuel and Refueling
2013 F-250/350/450/550(f23)
Owners Guide gf, 3rd Printing, December 2012
USA(fus)

Observe the following guidelines when handling automotive fuel:
•Extinguish all smoking materials and any open flames before fueling
your vehicle.
•Always turn off the vehicle before fueling.
•Automotive fuels can be harmful or fatal if swallowed. Fuels such as
gasoline and ethanol are highly toxic and if swallowed can cause death
or permanent injury. If fuel is swallowed, call a physician immediately,
even if no symptoms are immediately apparent. The toxic effects of
fuel may not be visible for hours.
•Avoid inhaling fuel vapors. Inhaling too much fuel vapor of any kind
can lead to eye and respiratory tract irritation. In severe cases,
excessive or prolonged breathing of fuel vapor can cause serious
illness and permanent injury.
•Avoid getting fuel liquid in your eyes. If fuel is splashed in the eyes,
remove contact lenses (if worn), flush with water for 15 minutes and
seek medical attention. Failure to seek proper medical attention could
lead to permanent injury.
•Fuels can also be harmful if absorbed through the skin. If fuel is
splashed on the skin and/or clothing, promptly remove contaminated
clothing and wash skin thoroughly with soap and water. Repeated or
prolonged skin contact with fuel liquid or vapor causes skin irritation.
•Be particularly careful if you are taking “Antabuse” or other forms of
disulfiram for the treatment of alcoholism. Breathing gasoline and/or
ethanol vapors, or skin contact could cause an adverse reaction. In
sensitive individuals, serious personal injury or sickness may result.
If fuel is splashed on the skin, promptly wash skin thoroughly with
soap and water. Consult a physician immediately if you experience
an adverse reaction.
•FFV fuel tanks may contain zero to 85% ethanol. Any fuel blends
containing gasoline and ethanol should be treated the same as “Fuel
Ethanol.” To identify if your vehicle is an FFV, it may be equipped
with a yellow fuel cap with the text “E85/Gasoline”, or check if there
is a label on the fuel filler door.
Fuel and Refueling189
2013 F-250/350/450/550(f23)
Owners Guide gf, 3rd Printing, December 2012
USA(fus)