check engine light FORD F250 2013 User Guide

Trailer Lamps
WARNING:Never connect any trailer lamp wiring to the
vehicle’s tail lamp wiring; this may damage the electrical system
resulting in a fire. Contact an authorized dealer as soon as possible for
assistance in proper trailer tow wiring installation. Additional electrical
equipment may be required.
Trailer lamps are required on most towed vehicles. Make sure all running
lights, brake lights, turn signals and hazard lights are working.
Using a Step Bumper (If Equipped)
The rear bumper is equipped with an integral hitch and only requires a
ball with a one-inch (25.4 millimeter) shank diameter. The bumper has a
5000-pound (2268 kilogram) trailer weight and a 500-pound (227 kilogram)
tongue weight capacity.
If it is necessary to relocate the hitch ball position, you must install a
frame-mounted trailer hitch.
Before Towing a Trailer
Practice turning, stopping and backing up to get the feel of your
vehicle-trailer combination before starting on a trip. When turning,
make wider turns so the trailer wheels clear curbs and other obstacles.
When Towing a Trailer
•Do not drive faster than 70 mph (113 km/h) during the first 500 miles
(800 kilometers).
•Do not make full-throttle starts.
•Check your hitch, electrical connections and trailer wheel lug nuts
thoroughly after you have traveled 50 miles (80 kilometers).
•When stopped in congested or heavy traffic during hot weather, place
the gearshift in positionPto aid engine and transmission cooling and
to help A/C performance.
•Turn off the speed control with heavy loads or in hilly terrain.
The speed control may turn off automatically when you are towing
on long, steep grades.
•Shift to a lower gear when driving down a long or steep hill. Do not
apply the brakes continuously, as they may overheat and become less
effective.
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•Carry unnecessary weight (approximately 1 mpg [0.4 km/L] is lost for
every 400 pounds [180 kilograms] of weight carried).
•Add particular accessories to your vehicle (e.g.; bug deflectors,
rollbars or light bars, running boards, ski racks).
•Drive with the wheels out of alignment.
Conditions
•Heavily loading a vehicle or towing a trailer may reduce fuel economy
at any speed.
•Carrying unnecessary weight may reduce fuel economy (approximately
1 mpg [0.4 km/L] is lost for every 400 lb [180 kg] of weight carried).
•Adding certain accessories to your vehicle (for example bug
deflectors, rollbars/light bars, running boards, ski/luggage racks) may
reduce fuel economy.
•To maximize the fuel economy, drive with the tonneau cover installed
(if equipped).
•Using fuel blended with alcohol may lower fuel economy.
•Fuel economy may decrease with lower temperatures during the first
8–10 miles (12–16 km) of driving.
•Driving on flat terrain offers improved fuel economy as compared to
driving on hilly terrain.
•Transmissions give their best fuel economy when operated in the top
cruise gear and with steady pressure on the gas pedal.
•Four-wheel-drive operation (if equipped) is less fuel efficient than
two-wheel-drive operation.
•Close windows for high speed driving.
DRIVING THROUGH WATER
Note:If you drove through deep water, check the transmission and
engine fluid. If water is found, replace the fluid.
Do not drive quickly through standing water, especially if the depth is
unknown. Traction or brake capability may be limited and if the ignition
system gets wet, your engine may stall. Water may also enter your
engine’s air intake and severely damage your engine.
270Driving Hints
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You may notice a reduction in the vehicle’s speed caused by reduced
engine power. Your vehicle has been designed to enter this mode if
certain high temperature/high load conditions take place in order to
manage the engine’s fluid temperatures. The amount of speed reduction
will depend on the vehicle loading, towing, grade, ambient temperature,
and other factors. If this occurs, there is no need to pull off the road.
The vehicle can continue to be driven while this message is active.
The air conditioning may also cycle on and off during severe operating
conditions to protect overheating of the engine. When the engine coolant
temperature decreases to a more normal operating temperature, the air
conditioning will turn on once again.
If you notice any of the following:
•the engine coolant temperature gauge moves fully into the red (hot)
area
•the coolant temperature warning light illuminates
•the service engine soon indicator illuminates
1. Pull off the road as soon as safely possible and place the vehicle inP
(Park).
2. Leave the engine running until the coolant temperature gauge needle
moves away from the H range. After several minutes, if this does not
happen, follow the remaining steps.
3. Turn the engine off and wait for it to cool before checking the coolant
level.
WARNING:Never remove the coolant reservoir cap while the
engine is running or hot.
4. If the coolant level is normal, you may restart your engine and
continue on.
5. If the coolant is low, add coolant, restart the engine and take your
vehicle to an authorized dealer. SeeAdding engine coolantin this
chapter for more information.
Refer to fail-safe cooling for additional information.
312Maintenance
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Body
•Wash vehicle thoroughly to remove dirt, grease, oil, tar or mud from
exterior surfaces, rear-wheel housing and underside of front fenders.
•Periodically wash vehicles stored in exposed locations.
•Touch up raw or primed metal to prevent rust.
•Cover chrome and stainless steel parts with a thick coat of auto wax
to prevent discoloration. Re-wax as necessary when the vehicle is
washed.
•Lubricate hood latch, all door latches and trunk lid hinges with a light
grade oil.
•Cover interior trim to prevent fading.
•Keep all rubber parts free from oil and solvents.
Engine
•The engine oil and filter should be changed prior to storage, as used
engine oil contains contaminates that may cause engine damage.
•Start the engine every 15 days. Run at fast idle until it reaches normal
operating temperature.
•With your foot on the brake, shift through all the gears while the
engine is running.
Fuel system
•Fill the fuel tank with high-quality fuel until the first automatic shutoff
of the fuel pump nozzle.
Note:During extended periods of vehicle storage (30 days or more),
fuel may deteriorate due to oxidation. Add a quality gas stabilizer
product to the vehicle fuel system whenever actual or expected storage
periods exceed 30 days. Follow the instructions on the additive label.
The vehicle should then be operated at idle speed to circulate the
additive throughout the fuel system.
Cooling system
•Protect against freezing temperatures.
•When removing vehicle from storage, check coolant fluid level.
Confirm there are no cooling system leaks, and fluid is at the
recommended level.
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Owner Checks and Services
Certain basic maintenance checks and inspections should be performed
every month or at six month intervals.
Check every month
Engine oil level.
Function of all interior and exterior lights.
Tires (including spare) for wear and proper pressure.
Windshield washer fluid level.
Check every six months
Battery connections. Clean if necessary.
Body and door drain holes for obstructions. Clean if necessary.
Cooling system fluid level and coolant strength.
Door weatherstrips for wear. Lubricate if necessary.
Hinges, latches and outside locks for proper operation. Lubricate if
necessary.
Parking brake for proper operation.
Safety belts and seat latches for wear and function.
Safety warning lamps (brake, ABS, airbag, safety belt) for operation.
Washer spray and wiper operation. Clean or replace blades as
necessary.
Scheduled Maintenance405
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EXCEPTIONS
Normal vehicle axle maintenance:Rear axles and power take-off units
with synthetic fluid and light-duty trucks equipped with Ford-design axles
are lubricated for life; do not check or change fluid unless a leak is
suspected, service is required or the assembly has been submerged in
water. During long periods of trailer towing with outside temperatures
above 70°F (21°C) and at wide-open throttle for long periods above
45 mph (72 km/h), non-synthetic rear axle fluids should be changed every
3000 miles (4800 kilometers) or three months, whichever comes first. This
interval can be waived if the axle is filled with 75W140 synthetic gear fluid
meeting Ford specification WSL-M2C192-A, part number F1TZ-19580-B or
equivalent. Add friction modifier XL-3 (EST-M2C118-A) or equivalent for
complete refill of Traction-Lok rear axles (seeTechnical specificationsin
theCapacities and Specificationschapter for details).
Police/Taxi/Livery vehicle axle maintenance:Change rear axle fluid
every 100000 miles (160000 km). Rear axle fluid change may be waived
if the axle was filled with 75W140 synthetic gear fluid meeting Ford
specification WSL-M2C192-A, part number FITZ-19580-B or equivalent.
Add four ounces (118 mL) of additive friction modifier XL-3
(EST-M2C118-A) or equivalent for complete refill of Traction-Lok rear
axles. The axle fluid should be changed anytime the axle has been
submerged in water.
California fuel filter replacement:If the vehicle is registered in
California, the California Air Resources Board has determined that the
failure to perform this maintenance item will not nullify the emission
warranty or limit recall liability prior to the completion of the vehicle’s
useful life. Ford Motor Company, however, urges you to have all
recommended maintenance services performed at the specified
intervals and to record all vehicle service.
Hot climate oil change intervals:Vehicles operating in the Middle
East, North Africa, Sub-Saharan Africa or locations with similar climates
using an American Petroleum Institute (API) Certified for Gasoline
Engines (Certification mark) oil of SM or SN quality, the normal oil
change interval is 5000 miles (8000 kilometers).
If the available API SM or SN oils are not available, then the oil change
service interval is 3000 miles (4800 kilometers).
Engine air filter replacement:Engine air filter life is dependent on
exposure to dusty and dirty conditions. Vehicles operated in these
conditions require frequent inspection and replacement of the engine air
filter.
418Scheduled Maintenance
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911 Assist™ ......................441, 516
A
ABS (see Brakes) .....................223
Accessing and using your
USB port ....................................494
Accessing call history/phone
book during active call .............429
Accessing your calendar ..........515
Accessing your media menu
features ......................................454
Accessing your phone menu
features ......................................431
Accessory delay ..........................92
Active call menu options .........429
Adding (pairing) a phone ........502
Advanced menu options ...439, 459
Advanced menu options
(prompts, languages, defaults,
master reset, installing
applications) ..............................439
Airbag supplemental restraint
system ..........................................48
and child safety seats ..............49
description ................................48
disposal ......................................60
driver airbag ..............................48
passenger airbag .......................48
passenger deactivation
switch ........................................51
side airbag ...........................48, 56
Air cleaner filter ...............323, 395
Air conditioning ........................146
manual heating and air
conditioning system ...............146
Air filter .............................323, 395All Wheel Drive (AWD),
driving off road .........................209
Ambient mood/lighting .....522–523
Ambulance packages ..................16
AM/FM .......................................481
Antifreeze
(see Engine coolant) ................307
Anti-lock brake system
(see Brakes) ..............................223
Anti-theft system ..................77, 79
arming the system ..............77, 79
disarming a triggered system ..79
AppLink™ .................................449
Audio system
Single CD ................136–137, 140
Audio system
(see Radio) ................136–137, 140
Automatic transmission ............201
driving an automatic
overdrive .................................199
fluid, adding ............................313
fluid, checking ........................313
fluid, refill capacities ..............391
fluid, specification ..................391
Selectshift (SST) ....................204
Auxiliary Input Jack .................490
Auxiliary input jack (Line in) ..141
Auxiliary powerpoint ................178
A/V inputs ..........................143, 498
Axle
refill capacities ........................391
B
Battery .......................................318
acid, treating emergencies .....318
jumping a disabled battery ....279
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maintenance-free ....................318
replacement, specifications ...395
servicing ..................................318
Bed extender ............................251
Booster seats ...............................23
Brakelamp
bulb replacement ............329–330
Brakes ........................................223
anti-lock ...................................223
anti-lock brake system (ABS)
warning light ...........................223
brake warning light ................223
fluid, checking and adding ....317
fluid, refill capacities ..............391
fluid, specifications .................391
parking ....................................224
shift interlock ..........................206
trailer ...............................258–259
Bulbs ..........................................331
C
Capacities for refilling fluids ....391
Car2U® Home Automation
System .......................................168
CD ..............................136–137, 140
CD player ..........................134, 492
CD voice commands .................493
Cell phone use ............................17
Changing a tire .........................371
Changing the air filter ..............323
Child safety seats
attaching with tether straps ....31
automatic locking mode
(retractor) .................................40
in front seat ..............................28
in rear seat ................................28
LATCH .......................................31Child safety seats -
booster seats ...............................23
Cleaning the touchscreen ........469
Cleaning your vehicle ...............332
engine compartment ..............334
exterior ....................................332
instrument panel ............336–337
interior .....................................335
plastic parts ............................334
washing ....................................332
waxing .....................................334
wheels ......................................340
wiper blades ............................335
Climate control (see Air
conditioning or Heating) ..........146
Climate voice commands .........536
Clock ..........................136–137, 520
Console ......................................181
overhead ..................................181
Controls
power seat ...............................159
Coolant ......................................307
checking and adding ..............307
recovery reservoir ..................304
refill capacities ........................391
Customer Assistance ................276
Ford Extended Service
lan ............................................400
Getting roadside assistance ...276
Getting the service
you need .................................282
Ordering additional
owner’s literature ...................288
Utilizing the
Mediation/Arbitration
Program ...................................286
570Index
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D
Daytime running lamps
(see Lamps) ................................87
Defrost ...............................146, 148
rear window ............................152
Dipstick
automatic transmission
fluid ..........................................313
engine oil .........................304, 306
Display settings .........................521
Drivebelt ....................................389
Driving under special
conditions ..................207, 218, 220
sand .........................................218
snow and ice ...........................221
through water .................219, 270
Dual automatic temperature
control (DATC) .........................148
E
Electronic message center .......104
Electronic stability control ......228
Emergencies, roadside
jump-starting ..........................279
running out of fuel .................192
Emergency Flashers .................278
Emission control system ..........195
End user license agreement ....549
Engine ................................304, 389
cleaning ...................................334
coolant .....................................307
fail-safe cooling .......................310
refill capacities ........................391
service points ..................304–305
Engine block heater .................186Engine oil
checking and adding ..............306
dipstick ....................................306
filter, specifications ................395
refill capacities ........................391
Event data recording ..................12
Exhaust fumes ..........................185
F
Fail safe cooling ........................310
Filter
fuel ...........................................317
Fleet MyKey programming ........67
Flexible Fuel Vehicle (FFV) ....188
Floor mats .................................271
Fluid capacities .........................391
Fog lamps ....................................88
Four-Wheel Drive vehicles .......209
driving off road .......................216
electronic shift ................209, 213
indicator light .........................210
lever operated shift ................211
manual locking hubs ..............209
Fuel
cap ...........................................193
capacity ...................................391
choosing the right fuel ...190–191
filler funnel .............................192
filling your vehicle with
fuel ...........................................193
fuel pump shut-off ..................278
octane rating ...................191, 389
quality ......................................190
running out of fuel .................192
safety information relating to
automotive fuels .....................188
Index571
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