tow FORD F250 2013 Owner's Manual

Trailer Messages Action / Description
TRAILER BRAKE
MODULE FAULTDisplayed and accompanied by a single chime,
in response to faults sensed by the TBC. Refer
to theTowingchapter for more information.
TRAILER
CONNECTEDDisplayed when a correct trailer connection
(a trailer with electric trailer brakes) is sensed
during a given ignition cycle.
TRAILER
DISCONNECTEDDisplayed when a trailer connection becomes
disconnected, either intentionally or
unintentionally, and has been sensed during a
given ignition cycle. Disregard this status if
your vehicle is not equipped with a factory
installed trailer brake controller. This message
may appear when an aftermarket TBC is used
even when the trailer is connected.
TRAILER SWAY
REDUCE SPEEDDisplayed when the trailer sway control has
detected trailer sway.
WIRING FAULT ON
TRAILERDisplayed if there are certain faults in the
vehicle wiring and trailer wiring/brake system.
Refer to theTowingchapter for more
information.
4WD Messages Action / Description
CHECK 4X4Displayed when a 4X4 system fault is present.
For more information, refer toFour-wheel
drivechapter.
4X4 SHIFT IN
PROGRESSDisplayed when the 4X4 system is making a
shift.
FOR 4X4 LOW
APPLY BRAKEDisplayed when trying to select 4X4 LOW.
132Information Displays
2013 F-250/350/450/550(f23)
Owners Guide gf, 3rd Printing, December 2012
USA(fus)

GENERAL INFORMATION
Radio Frequencies and Reception Factors
AM and FM frequencies are established by the Federal Communications
Commission (FCC) and the Canadian Radio and Telecommunications
Commission (CRTC). Those frequencies are:
AM: 530, 540–1700, 1710 kHz
FM: 87.9–107.7, 107.9 MHz
Radio reception factors
Distance and
strengthThe further you travel from an FM station,
the weaker the signal and the weaker the
reception.
TerrainHills, mountains, tall buildings, bridges,
tunnels, freeway overpasses, parking garages,
dense tree foliage and thunderstorms can
interfere with the reception.
Station overloadWhen you pass a ground-based broadcast
repeating tower, a stronger signal may
overtake a weaker one and result in the
audio system muting.
CD and CD Player Information
Note:CD units play commercially pressed 4.75-inch (12 centimeter)
audio compact discs only. Due to technical incompatibility, certain
recordable and re-recordable compact discs may not function correctly
when used in Ford CD players.
Note:Do not insert CDs with homemade paper (adhesive) labels into
the CD player as the label may peel and cause the CD to become
jammed. You should use a permanent felt tip marker rather than
adhesive labels on your homemade CDs. Ballpoint pens may damage
CDs. Please contact your authorized dealer for further information.
Note:Do not use any irregularly shaped discs or discs with a scratch
protection film attached.
Always handle discs by their edges only. Clean the disc with an approved
CD cleaner only. Wipe it from the center of the disc toward the edge.
Do not clean in a circular motion.
Do not expose discs to direct sunlight or heat sources for extended
periods.
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2013 F-250/350/450/550(f23)
Owners Guide gf, 3rd Printing, December 2012
USA(fus)

Potential satellite radio reception issues
Station overloadWhen you pass a ground-based
broadcast-repeating tower, a stronger signal
may overtake a weaker one and the audio
system may mute.
Satellite radio signal
interferenceYour display may show ACQUIRING...to
indicate the interference and the audio
system may mute.
SIRIUS Satellite Radio Service
Note:SIRIUS reserves the unrestricted right to change, rearrange, add
or delete programming including canceling, moving or adding particular
channels, and its prices, at any time, with or without notice to you.
Ford Motor Company shall not be responsible for any such programming
changes.
SIRIUS satellite radio is a
subscription-based satellite radio
service that broadcasts a variety of
music, sports, news, weather, traffic
and entertainment programming.
Your factory-installed SIRIUS
satellite radio system includes
hardware and a limited subscription term which begins on the date of
sale or lease of your vehicle. See an authorized dealer for availability.
For more information on extended subscription terms (a service fee is
required), the online media player and a complete list of SIRIUS satellite
radio channels, and other features, please visit www.siriusxm.com in the
United States, www.sirius.ca in Canada, or call SIRIUS at 1–888–539–7474.
Satellite Radio Electronic Serial Number (ESN)
You need your ESN to activate, modify or track your satellite radio
account. When in satellite radio mode, you can view this number by
pressingSIRIUSand memory preset 1 at the same time. To access your
ESN, press the bottom left corner of the touchscreen, thenSIRIUS>
Options.
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2013 F-250/350/450/550(f23)
Owners Guide gf, 3rd Printing, December 2012
USA(fus)

Troubleshooting
Radio display Condition Possible action
Acquiring Radio requires more
than two seconds to
produce audio for the
selected channel.No action required. This
message should disappear
shortly.
Sat
Fault/SIRIUS
system failureThere is an internal
module or system
failure present.If this message does not clear
shortly, or with an ignition
key cycle, your receiver
may have a fault. See an
authorized dealer for service.
Invalid Channel The channel is no
longer available.Tune to another channel or
choose another preset.
Unsubscribed
ChannelYour subscription does
not include this
channel.Contact SIRIUS at
1–888–539–7474 to subscribe
to the channel, or tune to
another channel.
No Signal The signal is lost from
the SIRIUS satellite or
SIRIUS tower to your
vehicle antenna.The signal is blocked. When
you move into an open area,
the signal should return.
Updating Update of channel
programming in
progress.No action required.
The process may take up to
three minutes.
Call SIRIUS
1–888–539–7474Your satellite service is
no longer available.Call SIRIUS at
1–888–539–7474 to resolve
subscription issues.
None Found.
Check Channel
Guide.All the channels in the
selected category are
either skipped or
locked.Use the channel guide to turn
off the Lock or Skip function
on that station.
Subscription
UpdatedSIRIUS has updated
the channels available
for your vehicle.No action required.
Audio System145
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USA(fus)

To aid in side window defogging and demisting in cold or humid weather:
1. Select Floor/Panel.
2. Select A/C.
3. Adjust the temperature control to maintain comfort.
4. Set the fan speed to the highest setting.
5. Direct the outer instrument panel vents toward the side windows.
6. To increase airflow to the outer instrument panel vents, close the
vents located in the middle of the instrument panel.
Dual Zone Automatic Temperature Control
•To reduce fog build-up on the windshield during humid weather, select
Defrost. Temperature and fan speed can also be increased to improve
clearing.
•To reduce humidity build-up inside the vehicle, do not drive with the
system off or with recirculated air engaged.
•Do not put objects under the front seats that will interfere with the
airflow to the back seats.
•Remove any snow, ice or leaves from the air intake area at the base of
the windshield.
•To improve the A/C cool down, drive with the windows slightly open
for 2-3 minutes after start-up or until the vehicle has been aired out.
•A small amount of air may be felt from the floor vent regardless of the
air distribution setting that is selected.
During extreme high ambient temperatures when idling stationary for
extended periods of time in gear, it is recommended to run the A/C in
the MAX A/C mode, adjust the blower fan speed to the lowest setting
and put the vehicle’s transmission into positionPto continue to receive
cool air from your A/C system.
For maximum cooling performance in AUTO or panel mode, press
MAX A/C.
For maximum cooling performance in panel/floor mode:
1. Choose the A/C and recirc buttons.
2. Set the temperature to LO.
3. Set the fan to the highest blower setting.
To aid in side window defogging and demisting in cold or humid weather:
1. Select Floor/Panel.
2. Select A/C.
3. Adjust the temperature control to maintain comfort.
4. Set the fan speed to the highest setting.
Climate Control151
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Owners Guide gf, 3rd Printing, December 2012
USA(fus)

5. Direct the outer instrument panel vents toward the side windows.
6. To increase airflow to the outer instrument panel vents, close the
vents located in the middle of the instrument panel.
HEATED WINDOWS AND MIRRORS (IF EQUIPPED)
Heated Rear Window
Note:The engine must be running to use this feature.
Note:If your vehicle is equipped with a sliding rear window, the feature
still operates when the window is opened.
Press the button to clear the rear window of thin ice and fog. Press
the button again within 10 minutes to switch it off. It switches off
automatically after 10 minutes, or when you switch the ignition off.
Do not use razor blades or other sharp objects to clean the inside
of the rear window or to remove decals from the inside of the
rear window. This may cause damage to the heated grid lines.
Your warranty does not cover this damage.
Heated Exterior Mirror (If Equipped)
Note:Do not remove ice from the mirrors with a scraper or attempt to
readjust the mirror glass that has frozen in place. These actions could
cause damage to the glass and mirrors.
Note:Do not clean the housing or glass of any mirror with harsh
abrasives, fuel or other petroleum-based cleaning products.
Both mirrors heat to remove ice, mist and fog when you turn the rear
window defroster on.
REMOTE START CLIMATE OPERATION (IF EQUIPPED)
The climate control system adjusts the cabin temperature during remote
start.
You cannot adjust the system during remote start operation. Turn the
ignition on to return the system to its previous settings. You can now
make adjustments. You will need to turn certain vehicle-dependent
features back on, such as:
•heated seats
•cooled seats
•heated steering wheel
•heated mirrors
•heated rear window.
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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
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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)

AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION OPERATION
Understanding the Shift Positions of the 5–Speed Automatic
Transmission (If Equipped)
WARNING:Do not use the tow/haul feature when driving in icy
or slippery conditions as the increased engine braking can cause
the rear wheels to slide and the vehicle to swing around with the
possible loss of vehicle control.
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.
P (Park)
This position locks the transmission and prevents the rear wheels from
turning.
To put your vehicle in gear:
•Start the engine
•Press the brake pedal
•Move the gearshift lever into the desired gear
To put your vehicle in P (Park):
•Come to a complete stop
•Move the gearshift lever and securely latch it in P (Park)
R (Reverse)
With the gearshift lever in R (Reverse), the vehicle will move backward.
Always come to a complete stop before shifting into and out of R
(Reverse).
N (Neutral)
With the gearshift lever in N (Neutral), the vehicle can be started and is
free to roll. Hold the brake pedal down while in this position.
Transmission199
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D (Overdrive) with Tow/Haul Off
D (Overdrive) with tow/haul off is the normal driving position for the
best fuel economy. The overdrive function allows automatic upshifts and
downshifts through gears one through five.
D (Overdrive) with Tow/Haul On
The tow/haul feature improves transmission operation when towing a
trailer or a heavy load. All transmission gear ranges are available when
using tow/haul.
To activate tow/haul, press the
button on the end of the gearshift
lever.
The TOW HAUL indicator light will illuminate in the instrument
cluster.
Tow/haul delays upshifts to reduce frequency of transmission shifting.
Tow/haul also provides engine braking in all forward gears when the
transmission is in the D (Overdrive) position; this engine braking will
slow the vehicle and assist the driver in controlling the vehicle when
descending a grade. Depending on driving conditions and load conditions,
the transmission may downshift, slow the vehicle and control the
vehicle speed when descending a hill, without the pedals being pressed.
The amount of downshift braking provided will vary based upon the
amount the pedal is depressed.
To deactivate the tow/haul feature and return to normal driving mode,
press the button on the end of the gearshift lever. The TOW HAUL light
will no longer be illuminated.
When you shut-off and restart the engine, the transmission will
automatically return to normal D (Overdrive) mode (Tow/Haul OFF).
3 (Third)
Transmission starts and operates in third gear only.
Used for improved traction on slippery roads. Selecting 3 (Third)
provides engine braking.
2 (Second)
Use 2 (Second) to start-up on slippery roads or to provide additional
engine braking on downgrades.
TOW/H
AUL
200Transmission
2013 F-250/350/450/550(f23)
Owners Guide gf, 3rd Printing, December 2012
USA(fus)