heating FORD F250 2013 User Guide

If you drive in extremely hot climates:
•It may be necessary to have a Ford authorized dealer decrease the
coolant concentration to 40%.
•A coolant concentration of 40% will provide improved overheat
protection. Engine coolant concentrations below 40% will decrease the
corrosion and freeze protection characteristics of the engine coolant
and may cause engine damage.
Vehicles driven year-round in non-extreme climates should use
prediluted engine coolant for optimum cooling system and engine
protection.
What You Should Know About Fail-Safe Cooling (If Equipped)
WARNING:If fail-safe cooling activates, pull off the road as soon
as safely possible and turn the engine off. The engine may
automatically shut off while driving without further indication.
If the engine coolant supply is depleted, this feature allows the vehicle to
be driven temporarily before incremental component damage is incurred.
The “fail-safe” distance depends on ambient temperatures, vehicle load
and terrain.
How Fail-Safe Cooling Works
If the engine begins to overheat:
•The engine coolant temperature gauge will move to the red (hot)
area.
•The information display will indicate the engine is overheating.
•The service engine soon indicator will illuminate.
If the engine reaches a preset over-temperature condition, the engine
will automatically switch to alternating cylinder operation. Each disabled
cylinder acts as an air pump and cools the engine.
When this occurs the vehicle will still operate. However:
•The engine power will be limited.
•The air conditioning system will be disabled.
Continued operation will increase the engine temperature and the engine
will completely shut down, causing steering and braking effort to
increase.
Once the engine temperature cools, the engine can be restarted. Take
your vehicle to an authorized dealer as soon as possible to minimize
engine damage.
310Maintenance
2013 F-250/350/450/550(f23)
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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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High Fluid Level
Type A
Type B
Fluid levels above the safe range may result in transmission failure.
An overfill condition of transmission fluid may cause shift and/or
engagement concerns and/or possible damage.
High fluid levels can be caused by an overheating condition.
Adjusting Automatic Transmission Fluid Levels
Note:Use of a non-approved automatic transmission fluid may cause
internal transmission component damage.
Before adding any fluid, make sure the correct type is used. The type of
fluid used is normally indicated on the dipstick handle and also in the
Capacities and Specificationschapter.
If necessary, add fluid in 1/2 pint (250 ml) increments through the filler
tube until the level is correct.
Type A
Type B
If an overfill occurs, excess fluid should be removed by a qualified
technician.
Note:An overfill condition of transmission fluid may cause shift and/or
engagement concerns and/or possible damage.
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Protecting Your Investment
Maintenance is an investment that will pay dividends in the form of
improved reliability, durability and resale value. To maintain the proper
performance of your vehicle and its emission control systems, it is
imperative that scheduled maintenance be completed at the designated
intervals.
Your vehicle is very sophisticated and built with multiple, complex,
performance systems. Every manufacturer develops these systems using
different specifications and performance features. That is why it is
important to rely upon your dealership to properly diagnose and repair
your vehicle.
Ford Motor Company has recommended maintenance intervals for
various parts and component systems based upon engineering testing.
Ford Motor Company relies upon this testing to determine the most
appropriate mileage for replacement of oils and fluids to protect your
vehicle at the lowest overall cost to you and recommends against
maintenance schedules that deviate from the scheduled maintenance
information.
Ford strongly recommends the use of only genuine Ford, Motorcraft® or
Ford-authorized remanufactured replacement parts because they are
engineered for your vehicle.
Additives and Chemicals
Ford Motor Company recommended additives and chemicals are listed
in the owner manual and in the Ford Workshop Manual. Additional
chemicals or additives, not approved by Ford Motor Company, are not
recommended as part of normal maintenance. Please consult your
warranty information.
Oils, Fluids and Flushing
In many cases, fluid discoloration is a normal operating characteristic
and, by itself, does not necessarily indicate a concern or that the fluid
needs to be changed. However, discolored fluids that also show signs
of overheating and foreign material contamination should be inspected
immediately by a qualified expert, such as the factory-trained technicians
at your dealership. Your vehicle’s oils and fluids should be changed at the
specified intervals or in conjunction with a repair. Flushing is a viable
way to change fluid for many vehicle sub-systems during scheduled
maintenance. It is critical that systems are flushed only with new fluid
that is the same as that required to fill and operate the system, or using
a Ford-approved flushing chemical.
404Scheduled Maintenance
2013 F-250/350/450/550(f23)
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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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USA(fus)

Fuel - flex fuel vehicle
(FFV) .................................188, 191
Fuses ..........................290–291, 296
G
Garage door opener ..........168, 172
Gas cap (see Fuel cap) ............193
Gauges .........................................97
H
Hazard flashers .........................278
HD Radio™ ...............................482
Headlamps ...................................85
aiming ......................................325
autolamp system .......................86
bulb specifications ..................331
checking alignment ................325
daytime running lights .............87
flash to pass ..............................85
high beam .................................85
replacing bulbs .......................327
turning on and off ....................85
Head restraints .........................155
Heated steering wheel ..............534
Heating ..............................146, 148
Help ............................................533
Hill descent mode .....................230
Hill start assist ..........................208
Homelink wireless control
system ........................................172
Hood ..........................................303
How to use voice commands ...473
I
Ignition ...............................183, 389Illuminated visor mirror .............95
Information displays .................104
Inspection/maintenance (I/M)
testing ........................................198
Instrument panel
cleaning ...........................336–337
cluster ........................................99
lighting up panel and
interior .......................................87
J
Jack ............................................371
positioning ...............................371
storage .....................................371
Joining two calls
(multiparty/conference call) ....429
Jump-starting your vehicle ......279
K
Keyless entry system
autolock .....................................73
keypad .......................................75
locking and unlocking doors ....76
programming entry code .........75
Keys .......................................62, 77
positions of the ignition .........183
L
Lamps ..........................................85
autolamp system .......................86
bulb replacement
specifications chart ................331
daytime running light ...............87
fog lamps ...................................88
headlamps .................................85
headlamps, flash to pass ..........85
instrument panel, dimming .....87
572Index
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USA(fus)