towing FORD F250 2013 Owners Manual

Cruise Control 238
Driving Aids 240
Load Carrying 241
Vehicle loading.......................................241
Tailgate............................................248
Towing 253
Trailertowing........................................253
Trailer brake controller-integrated.........................259
Wrecker towing......................................266
Recreational towing...................................268
Driving Hints 269
Economical driving....................................269
Floormats..........................................271
Roadside Emergencies 276
Getting roadside assistance..............................276
Hazard flasher control..................................278
Fuel cut-off switch....................................278
Jump-starting the vehicle...............................279
Customer Assistance 282
Reporting safety defects (U.S. only).......................289
Reporting safety defects (Canada only).....................289
Fuses 290
Changing a fuse......................................290
Fuse specification chart................................291
Upfitter controls......................................300
Table of Contents5
2013 F-250/350/450/550(f23)
Owners Guide gf, 3rd Printing, December 2012
USA(fus)

Telescoping Mirrors (If Equipped)
This feature allows the mirror to
extend approximately 3 inches
(75 millimeters). It is especially
useful when towing a trailer. The
mirrors can be manually pulled out
or pushed in to the desired position.
PowerScope® Power Telescoping Mirrors (If Equipped)
This feature lets you position
both mirrors at the same time.
The switch is on the door trim
panel.
To telescope the mirrors out, press and hold the left side of the switch.
When the mirrors are fully extended, it is normal to hear the telescoping
motors running as long as you continue to hold the switch.
To telescope the mirrors in, press and hold the right side of the switch.
INTERIOR MIRROR
WARNING:Do not adjust the mirror when your vehicle is
moving.
Note:Do not clean the housing or glass of any mirror with harsh
abrasives, fuel or other petroleum or ammonia based cleaning products.
You can adjust the interior mirror to your preference. Some mirrors also
have a second pivot point. This lets you move the mirror head up or
down and from side to side.
Pull the tab below the mirror toward you to reduce glare at night.
94Windows and Mirrors
2013 F-250/350/450/550(f23)
Owners Guide gf, 3rd Printing, December 2012
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Engine Coolant Temperature Gauge
Indicates engine coolant temperature. At normal operating temperature,
the level indicator will be in the normal range. If the engine coolant
temperature exceeds the normal range, stop the vehicle as soon as
safely possible, switch off the engine and let the engine cool.
WARNING:Never remove the coolant reservoir cap while the
engine is running or hot.
Transmission Fluid Temperature Gauge
Indicates transmission fluid temperature. At normal operating
temperature, the level indicator will be in the normal range. If the
transmission fluid temperature exceeds the normal range, stop the
vehicle as soon as safely possible and verify the airflow is not restricted
such as snow or debris blocking airflow through the grill. Also, higher
than normal operating temperature can be caused by special operation
conditions (i.e. snowplowing, towing or off-road use). Refer toSpecial
operating conditions in the scheduled maintenance informationfor
instructions. Operating the transmission for extended periods of time
with the gauge in the higher than normal area may cause internal
transmission damage. Altering the severity of the driving conditions is
recommended to lower the transmission temperature into the normal
range. If the gauge continues to show high temperatures, see your
authorized dealer.
Fuel Gauge
Indicates approximately how much fuel is left in the fuel tank (when the
ignition is on). The fuel gauge may vary slightly when the vehicle is in
motion or on a grade. The fuel icon and arrow indicates which side of
the vehicle the fuel filler door is located.
Information Display
Odometer
Located in the bottom of the information display Registers the
accumulated distance your vehicle has travelled.
Trip Computer
SeeTrip A/BinInformation Displays.
Vehicle Settings and Personalization
SeeInformation Displays.
98Instrument Cluster
2013 F-250/350/450/550(f23)
Owners Guide gf, 3rd Printing, December 2012
USA(fus)

•Instant MPG: shows instantaneous fuel usage.
•Miles to empty: shows the approximate distance the vehicle can travel
before running out of fuel.
•Average MPG: shows the average fuel usage based on time. See Fuel
Hist. to change the time interval. Press and hold OK to reset this
value.
Truck Apps
In this mode, off-road information depicted with graphics and
trailer towing application options are available.
Note:Some items are optional and may not appear.
Truck Apps
Off Road Pitch and bank angle (in degrees): Displays the pitch angle
(front to rear) and bank angle (side to side) of the road
surface.
Steering angle (in degrees): Displays the steering angle of
the front wheels after the vehicle has been driven for a
period of time.
Differential lock/unlock: Displays the state (locked or
unlocked) of the electronic locking differential.
Energy flow: Displays the operating mode of the transfer
case: 4X2, 4X4 High or 4X4 Low.
Press OK for
InfoELD (Electronic Locking Differential)
Hill Descent Control
4X4 System
Traction Control
AdvanceTrac® + RSC
Information Displays11 3
2013 F-250/350/450/550(f23)
Owners Guide gf, 3rd Printing, December 2012
USA(fus)

Settings (cont’d)
Vehicle Autolamp
DelayOff or XXX seconds
Compass Zone Setting (1–15) See the diagram
below to determine your magnetic zone.
Calibration (When choosing Calibration,
follow the on-screen directions to
calibrate the compass)
Easy
Entry/ExitOn/Off
DTE
Calculation
(distance to
empty)Normal History Used
Towing History Used
Locks Autolock On/Off
Autounlock On/Off
Unlocking One Stage or Two Stage
Maintenance Coolant
(if equipped)Hold OK if coolant
maintenance performed
Fuel Filter
(diesel only)Hold OK if Fuel Filter
Changed
Menu Control Standard: with standard set, pressing the
up/down arrows from a lower level menu
will escape to the main menu.
Memory On: with memory on set, pressing
the up/down arrows will navigate to the
previous lower level menu.
Oil Life Reset Set to XXX% (Hold OK to Reset)
Remote Start Duration 5, 10 or 15 minutes
System Enable/Disable
Windows Remote
OpenOn/Off
Wiper Control On/Off
Information Displays11 7
2013 F-250/350/450/550(f23)
Owners Guide gf, 3rd Printing, December 2012
USA(fus)

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)

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)

To put your vehicle in gear:
1. Start the engine
2. Press the brake pedal
3. Move the gearshift lever into the desired gear
To put your vehicle in P (Park):
1. Come to a complete stop
2. 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.
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 six.
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/H
AUL
202Transmission
2013 F-250/350/450/550(f23)
Owners Guide gf, 3rd Printing, December 2012
USA(fus)

4X4 LOW- Continuously illuminates when 4L is selected.
CHECK 4X4- Displays when a 4X4 fault is present.
Using a Manual Shift On Stop (MSOS) 4wd system (if equipped)
Note:High shift efforts may be encountered when attempting to shift
into and out of 4x4 modes. It is recommended to allow the vehicle to roll
at a speed below 3 mph (5 km/h) when shifting between modes.
•2H (2WD):For general on-road
driving. Sends power to the rear
wheels only and should be used
for street and highway driving.
Provides optimal smoothness and
fuel economy at high speeds.
•4H (4x4 High):Used for extra
traction such as in snow or icy
roads or in off road situations.
This mode is not intended for
use on dry pavement.
•N (Neutral):Only used when towing the vehicle. No power to front
or rear wheels.
•4L (4x4 Low):Uses extra gearing to provide maximum power to all
four wheels at reduced speeds. Intended only for off road applications
such as deep sand, steep grades or pulling heavy objects.
Shifting between system modes
Note:Do not perform these operations if the rear wheels are slipping.
Note:Some noise may be heard as the 4x4 system shifts or engages.
This is normal. In order to reduce engagement noise, it is recommended
that all shifts be performed at speeds below 3 mph (5 km/h).
Note:The vehicle should not be driven in 4X4 High with the hub locks
disengaged as this condition may damage driveline system components.
•Engage the locking hubs by rotating the hub lock control from FREE
to LOCK, then move the transfer case lever from 2H (2WD) to 4H
(4x4 High) at a stop or a vehicle speed below 3 mph (5 km/h).
Four-Wheel Drive (If Equipped)211
2013 F-250/350/450/550(f23)
Owners Guide gf, 3rd Printing, December 2012
USA(fus)

•Move the transfer case lever from 4H (4x4 High) to 2H (2WD) at a stop
or a vehicle speed below 3 mph (5 km/h), then disengage the locking
hubs (optional) by rotating the hub lock control from LOCK to FREE.
•For proper operation, make sure that both indicator arrows on the
hub are aligned, and that both hubs are set to either FREE or LOCK.
Shifting to/from 4L (4x4 Low)
1. Bring the vehicle to a stop or a speed below 3 mph (5 km/h).
2. Place the transmission in N (Neutral).
3. Move the transfer case shift lever through N (Neutral) directly to the
desired position.
4. If the transfer case does not, or only partially moves to the desired
position, perform a shift with the transmission in N (Neutral) and the
vehicle rolling at a speed below 3 mph (5 km/h).
5. If shifting to 2H (2WD) with the vehicle at a complete stop, disengage
the locking hubs (optional) by rotating the hub lock control from LOCK
to FREE.
Using the N (Neutral) position
WARNING: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.
The transfer case neutral position
overrides the transmission and puts
the vehicle in neutral regardless of
transmission gearshift lever position.
The vehicle can move forward or
backwards.
This position should only be used
when towing the vehicle.
212Four-Wheel Drive (If Equipped)
2013 F-250/350/450/550(f23)
Owners Guide gf, 3rd Printing, December 2012
USA(fus)