4WD FORD F250 2013 User Guide

Driving on snow and ice
WARNING:If you are driving in slippery conditions that require
tire chains or cables, then it is critical that you drive cautiously.
Keep speeds down, allow for longer stopping distances and avoid
aggressive steering to reduce the chances of a loss of vehicle control
which can lead to serious injury or death. If the rear end of the vehicle
slides while cornering, steer in the direction of the slide until you
regain control of the vehicle.
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.
Make sure you allow sufficient distance between you and other vehicles
for stopping. Drive slower than usual and consider using one of the lower
gears. In emergency stopping situations, apply the brake steadily. Do not
pump the brakes. Refer to theBrakessection of this chapter for additional
information on the operation of the Anti-lock Brake System (ABS).
Four-Wheel Drive (If Equipped)221
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Parking
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.
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.
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) or the manual transmission is in gear. 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.
Maintenance and modifications
The suspension and steering systems on your vehicle have been designed
and tested to provide predictable performance whether loaded or empty
and durable load carrying capability. For this reason, Ford Motor Company
strongly recommends that you do not make modifications such as adding or
removing parts (such as lift kits or stabilizer bars) or by using replacement
parts not equivalent to the original factory equipment.
Any modifications to a vehicle that raise the center of gravity can make
it more likely the vehicle will roll over as a result of a loss of control.
Ford Motor Company recommends that caution be used with any vehicle
equipped with a high load or device (such as ladder racks or pickup box
cover).
Failure to maintain your vehicle properly may void the warranty, increase
your repair cost, reduce vehicle performance and operational capabilities
and adversely affect driver and passenger safety. Frequent inspection of
vehicle chassis components is recommended if the vehicle is subjected to
heavy off-road usage.
222Four-Wheel Drive (If Equipped)
2013 F-250/350/450/550(f23)
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PRINCIPLES OF OPERATION
The traction control system helps avoid drive wheel spin and loss of
traction.
If your vehicle begins to slide, the system applies the brakes to individual
wheels and, when needed, reduces engine power at the same time. If the
wheels spin when accelerating on slippery or loose surfaces, the system
reduces engine power in order to increase traction.
USING TRACTION CONTROL
(Dual rear wheel vehicles only)
In certain situations (for example, stuck in snow or mud), turning the
traction control off may be beneficial as this allows the wheels to spin
with full engine power.
Turn the traction control system off by pressing the
stability control button located on the instrument
panel.
If the system cannot be turned off, see theMyKeychapter for more
information.
If traction control is on when your vehicle is put into four-wheel drive
mode (if equipped), the traction control system will be automatically
disabled. Traction control operation will resume when your vehicle is
placed back into two-wheel drive mode.
Engine Only Traction Control
(Dual rear wheel vehicles only)
Button functions TCS OFF indicator TCS
Default at start-up Not illuminated Enabled
Button pressed
momentarilyIlluminated Disabled
Button pressed again
after deactivationNot illuminated Enabled
Transfer case switched to
4WD
1Illuminated Disabled
1Engaging 4WD automatically disables TCS.
Traction Control225
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AdvanceTrac® with RSC® Features
(Single rear wheels only)
Button functionsStability
control
lightRSC® ESC TCS
Default at start-upIlluminated
during bulb
checkEnabled Enabled Enabled
Button pressed
momentarilyIlluminated
solidEnabled Enabled
1Disabled
Button pressed and
held for more than
5 seconds at vehicle
speed under 35 mph
(56 km/h)Flashes then
illuminated
solid
2Disabled Disabled Disabled
Vehicle speed
exceeds 35 mph
(56 km/h) after
button is pressed
and held for more
than 5 secondsIlluminated
solidEnabled Enabled
1Disabled
Button pressed again
after deactivationNot
illuminatedEnabled Enabled Enabled
Transfer case
switched to 4WD
Low
3Illuminated Disabled Disabled Disabled
1Electronic stability control has reduced sensitivity compared to fully
active system.
2Lamp light starts blinking for four seconds after entering the press and
hold state.
3Engaging 4WD Low locked automatically disables roll stability control,
electronic stability control and the traction control system.
Stability Control229
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Transmission operation while plowing
WARNING:Do not spin the wheels at over 35 mph (55 km/h).
The tires may fail and injure a passenger or bystander.
Operate the vehicle with the transmission inD(Drive with Overdrive)
and tow/haul off.
•Shift transfer case to4L(4WD Low) when plowing in small areas at
speeds below 5 mph (8 km/h).
•Shift transfer case to4H(4WD High) when plowing larger areas or
light snow at higher speeds. Do not exceed 15 mph (24 km/h).
•Do not shift the transmission from a forward gear toR(Reverse) until
the engine is at idle and the wheels are stopped.
•If the vehicle is stuck, shift the transmission in a steady motion
between forward and reverse gears. Do not rock the vehicle for more
than a minute. The transmission and tires may be damaged or the
engine can overheat.
VEHICLE USED AS A STATIONARY POWER SOURCE
Auxiliary equipment called power take-off, or PTO, is often added to the
engine or transmission to operate utility equipment. Examples include a
wheel-lift for tow trucks, cranes, tools for construction or tire service,
and pumping fluids. PTO applications draw auxiliary horsepower from
the powertrain, often while the vehicle is stationary. In this condition,
there is limited cooling air flow through the radiator and around the
vehicle that normally occurs when a vehicle is moving. The aftermarket
PTO system installer, having the most knowledge of the final application,
is responsible for determining whether additional chassis heat protection
or powertrain cooling is required, and alerting the user to the safe and
proper operation.
Ford Super Duty Vehicles are approved for use as a stationary (including
split shaft capability) or mobile power source, within limits and operating
guidelines detailed in theFord Truck Body Builders Layout Book,
found at www.fleet.ford.com/truckbbas, and through the Ford Truck
Body Builders Advisory Service.
Driving Hints275
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Extensive idling or low-speed driving for long distances as in
heavy commercial use (such as delivery, taxi, patrol car or livery)
Inspect frequently,
service as requiredReplace engine air filter.
Every 5000 miles
(8000 km)Inspect brake system.
Inspect wheels and related components for
abnormal noise, wear, looseness or drag.
Lubricate control arm and steering ball joints if
equipped with grease fittings.
Rotate tires
*, inspect tires for wear and measure
tread depth.
Every 5000 miles
(8000 km) or
six monthsChange engine oil and filter.
Inspect and lubricate U-joints.
Every 30000 miles
(48000 km)Replace front wheel bearing grease and grease
seals if non-sealed bearings are used.
Every 60000 miles
(96000 km)Change transfer case fluid (4WD vehicles).
Replace spark plugs.
*Vehicles equipped with dual rear wheels should rotate the front wheels
when specified; rear wheels only if unusual wear is noted.
Operating in dusty or sandy conditions such as unpaved or
dusty roads
Inspect frequently,
service as requiredReplace engine air filter.
Every 5000 miles
(8000 km)Inspect the wheels and related components for
abnormal noise, wear, looseness or drag.
Rotate tires
*, inspect tires for wear and measure
tread depth.
Every 5000 miles
(8000 km) or
six monthsChange engine oil and filter.
Inspect and lubricate U-joints.
Every 30000 miles
(48000 km)Replace front wheel bearing grease and grease
seals if non-sealed bearings are used.
414Scheduled Maintenance
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Operating in dusty or sandy conditions such as unpaved or
dusty roads
Every 50000 miles
(80000 km)Change rear axle fluid (F-450/550 only).
Every 60000 miles
(96000 km)Change transfer case fluid (4WD vehicles).
*Vehicles equipped with dual rear wheels should rotate the front wheels
when specified; rear wheels only if unusual wear is noted.
Off-road operation
Inspect frequently,
service as requiredInspect steering linkage, ball joints and U-joints,
Lubricate if equipped with grease fittings.
Replace engine air filter.
Every 5000 miles
(8000 km) or
six monthsChange engine oil and filter.
Inspect the wheels and related components for
abnormal noise, wear, looseness or drag.
Rotate tires
*, inspect tires for wear and measure
tread depth.
Every 30000 miles
(48000 km)Replace front wheel bearing grease and grease
seals if non-sealed bearings are used.
Every 50000 miles
(80000 km)Change rear axle fluid (F-450/550 only).
Every 60000 miles
(96000 km)Change transfer case fluid (4WD vehicles).
*Vehicles equipped with dual rear wheels should rotate the front wheels
when specified; rear wheels only if unusual wear is noted.
Exclusive use of E85 (flex fuel vehicles only)
Every oil change
intervalIf ran exclusively on E85, fill the fuel tank full
with regular unleaded fuel.
Scheduled Maintenance415
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