check engine light FORD F250 2014 User Guide

The system automatically activates when
you start your engine. The electronic
stability control and roll stability control
portions of the system can be turned off
below 35 mph (56 km/h) and are disabled
when the transmission is in position R.
See
Using Traction Control (page 163). You can turn off the traction control
portion of the system independently. Press
the stability control button located on the
instrument panel.
AdvanceTrac with RSC Features
(Single rear wheels only)
Traction
control system
Electronic
stabilitycontrol
Roll stability
control
Stability
control light
Button func-
tions
Enabled
Enabled
Enabled
Illuminated
during bulb check
Default at start-
up
Disabled
Enabled 1
Enabled
Illuminated
solid
Button pressed
momentarily
Disabled
Disabled
Disabled
Flashes then
illuminated
solid 2
Button pressed
and held for
more than 5 seconds at
vehicle speed
under 35 mph (56 km/h)
Disabled
Enabled 1
Enabled
Illuminated
solid
Vehicle speed
exceeds 35 mph (56 km/h) after button is
pressed and
held for more
than 5 seconds
166
Super Duty (TFA) Stability ControlE169377

TRAILER SWAY CONTROL (IF
EQUIPPED) WARNING
Turning off trailer sway control
increases the risk of loss of vehicle
control, serious injury or death. Ford
does not recommend disabling this feature
except in situations where speed reduction
may be detrimental (such as hill climbing),
the driver has significant trailer towing
experience, and can control trailer sway
and maintain safe operation. Note:
This feature does not prevent trailer
sway, but reduces it once it begins.
Note: This feature cannot stop all trailers
from swaying.
Note: In some cases, if vehicle speed is too
high, the system may activate multiple
times, gradually reducing vehicle speed.
This feature applies your vehicle brakes at
individual wheels and, if necessary, reduces
engine power. If the trailer begins to sway,
the stability control light flashes and the
message
TRAILER SWAY REDUCE
SPEED appears in the information display.
The first thing to do is slow your vehicle
down, then pull safely to the side of the
road and check for proper tongue load and
trailer load distribution. See
Load
Carrying (page 176).
RECOMMENDED TOWING
WEIGHTS
Note: Do not exceed a trailer
weight of 5000 pounds (2268
kilograms) when towing with, or
by, bumper only. Note:
Make sure to take into
consideration trailer frontal area.
Do not exceed 60 feet 2
(5.6
meters 2
) trailer frontal area.
Note: Exceeding this limitation
may significantly reduce the
performance of your towing
vehicle. Selecting a trailer with a
low aerodynamic drag and rounded
front design helps optimize
performance and fuel economy.
Note: For high altitude operation,
reduce the gross combined weight
by 2% per 1000 feet (300 meters)
starting at the 1000 foot (300
meter) elevation point.
Note: Certain states require
electric trailer brakes for trailers
over a specified weight. Be sure to
check state regulations for this
specified weight. The maximum
trailer weights listed may be limited
to this specified weight, as your
vehicle's electrical system may not
include the wiring connector
needed to use electric trailer
brakes.
Your vehicle may tow a class I, II,
III and IV trailer or fifth-wheel
trailer provided the maximum
trailer weight is less than or equal
to the maximum trailer weight
listed for your vehicle
configuration on the following
chart.
188
Super Duty (TFA) Towing

Trailer Lamps
WARNING
Never connect any trailer lamp wiring
to the vehicle's tail lamp wiring; this
may damage the electrical system
resulting in fire. Contact your 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 position P to 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.
• If your transmission is equipped with a
Grade Assist or Tow/Haul feature, use
this feature when towing. This provides
engine braking and helps eliminate
excessive transmission shifting for
optimum fuel economy and
transmission cooling.
• If your vehicle is equipped with
AdvanceTrac with RSC, this system
may turn on during typical cornering
maneuvers with a heavily loaded trailer.
This is normal. Turning the corner at a
slower speed while towing may reduce
this tendency.
• If you are towing a trailer frequently in
hot weather, hilly conditions, at the
gross combined weight rating (or any
combination of these factors), consider
refilling your rear axle with synthetic
gear lubricant (if the axle is not already
filled with it). See Capacities and
Specifications (page 292).
195
Super Duty (TFA) Towing

Adding Engine Coolant
WARNINGS
Do not add engine coolant when the
engine is hot. Steam and scalding
liquids released from a hot cooling
system can burn you badly. Also, you can
be burned if you spill coolant on hot engine
parts. Do not put engine coolant in the
windshield washer fluid container. If
sprayed on the windshield, engine
coolant could make it difficult to see
through the windshield. To reduce the risk of personal injury,
make sure the engine is cool before
unscrewing the coolant pressure
relief cap. The cooling system is under
pressure; steam and hot liquid can come
out forcefully when the cap is loosened
slightly. Do not add coolant further than the
MAX mark.
Note:
Do not use stop leak pellets, cooling
system sealants, or additives as they can
cause damage to the engine cooling or
heating systems. This damage would not
be covered under your vehicle ’s warranty.
Note: During normal vehicle operation, the
engine coolant may change color from
orange to pink or light red. As long as the
engine coolant is clear and uncontaminated,
this color change does not indicate the
engine coolant has degraded nor does it
require the engine coolant to be drained, the
system to be flushed, or the engine coolant
to be replaced. •
Do not mix different colors or types of
coolant in your vehicle. Make sure the
correct coolant is used. Mixing of
engine coolants may harm your
engine ’s cooling system. The use of an
improper coolant may harm engine and
cooling system components and may
void the warranty. Use prediluted
engine coolant meeting the Ford
specification. See Capacities and
Specifications (page 292).
• In case of emergency, a large amount
of water without engine coolant may
be added in order to reach a vehicle
service location. In this instance, the
cooling system must be drained,
chemically cleaned with Motorcraft®
Premium Cooling System Flush, and
refilled with engine coolant as soon as
possible. Water alone (without engine
coolant) can cause engine damage
from corrosion, overheating or freezing.
• Do not use alcohol, methanol, brine or
any engine coolants mixed with alcohol
or methanol antifreeze (coolant).
Alcohol and other liquids can cause
engine damage from overheating or
freezing.
• Do not add extra inhibitors or additives
to the coolant. These can be harmful
and compromise the corrosion
protection of the engine coolant.
Unscrew the cap slowly. Any pressure will
escape as you unscrew the cap.
Add prediluted engine coolant meeting the
Ford specification. See
Capacities and
Specifications (page 292).
Whenever coolant has been added, the
coolant level in the coolant reservoir
should be checked the next few times you
drive the vehicle. If necessary, add enough
prediluted engine coolant to bring the
coolant level to the proper level.
228
Super Duty (TFA) Maintenance

•
the engine coolant temperature gauge
moves fully into the red (hot) area
• the coolant temperature warning light
illuminates
• the service engine soon indicator
illuminates. WARNING
Never remove the coolant reservoir
cap while the engine is running or hot.
1. Pull off the road as soon as safely
possible and place the vehicle in P
(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.
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. See Adding
engine coolant in this chapter for more
information. Refer to fail-safe cooling
for additional information.
AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
FLUID CHECK
Have an authorized dealer check and
change the transmission fluid and filter at
the correct service interval. See
Scheduled Maintenance (page 430).
Do not use supplemental transmission
fluid additives, treatments or cleaning
agents. The use of these materials may
affect transmission operation and result
in damage to internal transmission
components. Checking Automatic Transmission
Fluid (If Equipped)
For scheduled intervals of the fluid checks
and changes, See
Scheduled
Maintenance (page 430). Your
transmission does not consume fluid.
However, the fluid level should be checked
if the transmission is not working properly,
i.e., if the transmission slips or shifts slowly
or if you notice some sign of fluid leakage.
Automatic transmission fluid expands
when warmed. To obtain an accurate fluid
check, drive the vehicle until it is at normal
operating temperature (approximately
19 mi (30 km)
). Verify that the
transmission fluid temperature gauge,
located on the instrument cluster, is within
normal range.
1. Drive the vehicle
19 mi (30 km)until it
reaches normal operating temperature.
2. Park the vehicle on a level surface and
engage the parking brake.
3. With the engine running, parking brake
engaged and your foot on the brake
pedal, move the gearshift lever through
all of the gear ranges. Allow sufficient
time for each gear to engage.
4. Latch the gearshift lever in P and leave
the engine running.
5. Remove the dipstick, wiping it clean with a clean, dry lint free rag. If
necessary, refer to the Under Hood
Overview in this chapter for the
location of the dipstick.
6. Install the dipstick making sure it is fully
seated in the filler tube.
7. Remove the dipstick and inspect the fluid level. The fluid should be in the
designated area for normal operating
temperature or ambient temperature.
Low Fluid Level
Type A
231
Super Duty (TFA) Maintenance

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.
We strongly recommend the use of only
genuine Ford, Motorcraft or
Ford-authorized re-manufactured
replacement parts engineered for your
vehicle.
Additives and Chemicals
This owner's manual and the Ford
Workshop Manual list the recommended
additives and chemicals for your vehicle.
We do not recommend using chemicals or
additives not approved by us as part of
your vehicle
’s 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, a qualified expert, such
as the factory-trained technicians at your
dealership, should inspect discolored fluids
that also show signs of overheating or
foreign material contamination
immediately.
Make sure to change your vehicle
’s oils and
fluids 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.
Owner Checks and Services
Make sure you perform the following basic
maintenance checks and inspections 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.
431
Super Duty (TFA) Scheduled Maintenance

Off-road operation
Inspect the wheels and related components for abnormal
noise, wear, looseness or drag.
Rotate tires *
, inspect tires for wear and measure tread
depth.
Replace front wheel bearing grease and grease seals if
non-sealed bearings are used.
Every 30000 miles (48000
km)
Change rear axle fluid (F-450 and F-550 only).
Every 50000 miles (80000
km)
Change transfer case fluid (Four-wheel drive vehicles).
Every 60000 miles (96000
km)
* Vehicles 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)
If ran exclusively on E85, fill the fuel tank full with regular
unleaded fuel.
Every oil change interval
6.7L Diesel Engine
See the diesel supplement for special
operating condition information.
Exceptions
There are several exceptions to the Normal
Schedule:
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), change non-synthetic rear axle fluid
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. See Capacities
and Specifications (page 292).
Police, Taxi and Livery vehicle axle
maintenance: Change rear axle fluid every
100000 miles (160000 kilometers). 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
F1TZ-19580-B, or equivalent. Add four
ounces (118 milliliters) of additive friction
modifier XL-3 (EST-M2C118-A), or
equivalent, for complete refill of
Traction-Lok rear axles. Change the axle
fluid anytime the axle submerges in water.
437
Super Duty (TFA) Scheduled Maintenance

W
Warning Lamps and Indicators..................77
4X2........................................................................\
.... 80
4X4 HIGH................................................................ 80
4X4 LOW................................................................ 80
Anti-Lock Braking System................................. 77
Battery....................................................................... 77
Brake System.......................................................... 77
Check Fuel Cap..................................................... 78
Cruise Control........................................................ 78
Diesel Warning Lights........................................ 80
Direction Indicator................................................ 78
Door Ajar.................................................................. 78
Electronic Locking Differential........................ 78
Engine Coolant Temperature........................... 78
Engine Oil................................................................ 78
Fasten Safety Belt................................................ 78
Front Airbag............................................................ 78
High Beam............................................................... 78
Hill Descent............................................................ 78
Low Fuel Level....................................................... 79
Low Tire Pressure Warning............................... 79
Powertrain Malfunction/Reduced Power/Electronic Throttle Control............79
Service Engine Soon............................................ 79
Stability Control.................................................... 79
Stability Control Off............................................ 79
Transmission Tow/Haul.................................... 80
Washer Fluid Check....................................235
Washers See: Cleaning the Exterior............................... 247
See: Wipers and Washers................................. 64
Waxing.............................................................248
Wheel Nuts See: Changing a Road Wheel........................ 279
Wheels and Tires.........................................254 General Information......................................... 254
Technical Specifications................................ 290
Windows and Mirrors...................................69
Windshield Washers.....................................64
Windshield Wipers........................................64
Speed dependent wipers................................. 64
Wipers and Washers.....................................64
456
Super Duty (TFA) Index