FORD F250 2015 Owners Manual

We recommend that you do the following
for a safe and correct operation:
•
Use a 16-gauge outdoor extension cord
that is product certified by
Underwriter ’s Laboratory (UL) or
Canadian Standards Association
(CSA). This extension cord must be
suitable for use outdoors, in cold
temperatures, and be clearly marked
Suitable for Use with Outdoor
Appliances. Do not use an indoor
extension cord outdoors. This could
result in an electric shock or become a
fire hazard.
• Use as short an extension cord as
possible.
• Do not use multiple extension cords.
• Make sure that when in operation, the
extension cord plug and 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 starting and
driving your vehicle. Make sure the
protective cover seals the prongs of the
block heater cord plug when not in use.
• 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.
138
Super Duty (), enUSA Starting and Stopping the Engine

SAFETY PRECAUTIONS
WARNINGS
Do not overfill the fuel tank. The
pressure in an overfilled tank may
cause leakage and lead to fuel spray
and fire. The fuel system may be under
pressure. If you hear a hissing sound
near the fuel filler door, do not refuel
until the sound stops. Otherwise, fuel may
spray out, which could cause serious
personal injury. Automotive fuels can cause serious
injury or death if you misuse or
mishandle them.
Fuel ethanol and gasoline may
contain benzene, which is a
cancer-causing agent.
When refueling always shut the
engine off and never allow sparks or
open flames near the filler neck.
Never smoke or use a cell phone while
refueling. Fuel vapor is extremely
hazardous under certain conditions. Avoid
inhaling excess fumes. The flow of fuel through a fuel pump
nozzle can produce static electricity,
which can cause a fire if you pump
fuel into an ungrounded fuel container. Observe the following guidelines when
handling automotive fuel: •
Extinguish all smoking materials and
any open flames before refueling your
vehicle.
• Automotive fuels can be harmful or
fatal if swallowed. Fuel such as
gasoline is highly toxic and if
swallowed can cause death or
permanent injury. If swallowed, call a
physician immediately, even if no
symptoms are immediately apparent.
The toxic effects of fuel may not be
visible for hours.
• Avoid inhaling fuel vapors. Inhaling too
much fuel vapor of any kind can lead
to eye and respiratory tract irritation.
In severe cases, excessive or prolonged
breathing of fuel vapor can cause
serious illness and permanent injury.
• Avoid getting fuel liquid in your eyes. If
you splash fuel in your eyes, remove
contact lenses (if worn), flush with
water for 15 minutes and seek medical
attention. Failure to seek proper
medical attention could lead to
permanent injury.
• Fuels can also be harmful if absorbed
through the skin. If you splash fuel on
your skin, clothing or both, promptly
remove contaminated clothing and
wash your skin thoroughly with soap
and water. Repeated or prolonged skin
contact with fuel liquid or vapor causes
skin irritation.
• Be particularly careful if you are taking
“Antabuse ” or other forms of disulfiram
for the treatment of alcoholism.
Breathing gasoline vapors, or skin
contact could cause an adverse
reaction. In sensitive individuals, serious
personal injury or sickness may result.
If you splash fuel on your skin, promptly
wash your skin thoroughly with soap
and water. Consult a physician
immediately if you experience an
adverse reaction.
139
Super Duty (), enUSA Fuel and Refueling

FUEL QUALITY
Note:
Do not add after-market fuel additive
products to your fuel tank. We recommend
that you use only high quality fuel without
after-market additives or other engine
treatments.
Note: Your warranty will not cover any
vehicle damage, loss of vehicle performance
or repairs to your vehicle caused by the use
of fuel not recommended.
Choosing the Right Fuel
Use only unleaded gasoline or unleaded
gasoline blended with a maximum of 15%
ethanol in your gasoline vehicle. If your
vehicle is a flex fuel vehicle (FFV), it will
have a yellow cap.
Do not use:
• Fuels containing more than 15%
ethanol or E-85 fuel.
• Fuels containing methanol.
• Fuels containing metallic based
additives, including manganese-based
compounds.
• Fuels containing the octane booster
additive, methylcyclopentadienyl
manganese tricarbonyl (MMT).
• Prohibited by law, you cannot use
leaded fuel.
Diesel Engine
Refer to the diesel supplement for
information regarding diesel fuel
recommendations and requirements of
your diesel-powered truck.
Choosing the Right Fuel With a
Flex Fuel Vehicle (If Equipped)
Note: Flex fuel vehicles will have a yellow
fuel cap. Use only unleaded gasoline or unleaded
gasoline blended with a maximum of 85%
ethanol (E-85) in your flex fuel vehicle
(FFV).
Do not use:
•
Fuels containing more than 85%
ethanol or E-100 fuel.
• Fuels containing methanol.
• Fuels containing metallic based
additives, including manganese-based
compounds.
• Fuels containing the octane booster
additive, methylcyclopentadienyl
manganese tricarbonyl (MMT).
• Prohibited by law, you cannot use
leaded fuel.
Your warranty will not cover any vehicle
damage, loss of vehicle performance or
repairs to your vehicle, caused by the use
of fuel not recommended.
It is best not to alternate repeatedly
between gasoline and E85. If you do switch
fuels, it is recommended that you add as
much fuel as possible—at least half a tank.
Do not add less than 5.0 gal (18.9 L)when
refueling. You should drive the vehicle
immediately after refueling for at least 5.0
(8 km)to allow the vehicle to adapt to the
change in ethanol concentration. The
recommendation if you exclusively use E85
fuel, is to fill the fuel tank with regular
unleaded gasoline at each scheduled oil
change.
Octane Recommendations 140
Super Duty (), enUSA Fuel and RefuelingE161513

We recommend regular unleaded gasoline
with a pump (R+M)/2 octane rating of 87.
Some stations offer fuels posted as regular
with an octane rating below 87, particularly
in high altitude areas. We do not
recommend fuels with an octane rating
below 87.
Do not be concerned if your engine
sometimes knocks lightly. However, if it
knocks heavily under most driving
conditions while you are using fuel with the
recommended octane rating, see your
authorized dealer to prevent any engine
damage.
RUNNING OUT OF FUEL
Avoid running out of fuel because this
situation may have an adverse effect on
powertrain components.
If you run out of fuel:
•
You may need to switch the ignition
from off to on several times after
refueling to allow the fuel system to
pump the fuel from the tank to the
engine. When restarting, cranking time
takes a few seconds longer than
normal. With keyless ignition, just start
the engine. Crank time will be longer
than usual.
• Normally, adding 1 gallon (3.8 liters) of
fuel is enough to restart the engine. If
the vehicle is out of fuel and on a steep
grade, more than 1 gallon (3.8 liters)
may be required.
• The service engine soon indicator may
come on. For more information on the
service engine soon indicator, See
Warning Lamps and Indicators
(page 79). Refilling With a Portable Fuel
Container WARNINGS
The fuel system may be under
pressure. If you hear a hissing sound
near the fuel filler door, do not refuel
until the sound stops. Otherwise, fuel may
spray out, which could cause serious
personal injury. Do not try to pry open or push open
the fuel system with foreign objects.
This could damage the fuel system
and its seal and cause personal injury to
you or others. Use the following directions when filling
from a portable fuel container:
1.
Remove the fuel cap from the fuel filler
pipe by rotating it counter clockwise.
2. Slowly insert the portable fuel container into the fuel filler opening.
3. Fill the vehicle with fuel from the portable fuel container.
4. When done, remove the portable fuel container nozzle and reinstall the fuel
cap. Insert fuel cap into fuel filler
opening and turn clockwise until you
hear a click.
REFUELING WARNINGS
Fuel vapor burns violently and a fuel
fire can cause severe injuries.
Read and follow all the instructions
on the pump island.
Turn off your engine when you are
refueling.
Do not smoke if you are near fuel or
refueling your vehicle.
141
Super Duty (), enUSA Fuel and Refueling

WARNINGS
Keep sparks, flames and smoking
materials away from fuel.
Stay outside your vehicle and do not
leave the fuel pump unattended
when refueling your vehicle. This is
against the law in some places. Keep children away from the fuel
pump; never let children pump fuel.
Do not use personal electronic
devices while refueling.
Wait at least 10 seconds before
removing the fuel pump nozzle to
allow any residual fuel to drain into
the fuel tank. Stop refueling after the fuel pump
nozzle automatically shuts off for the
second time. Failure to follow this
will fill the expansion space in the fuel tank
and could lead to fuel overflowing. Do not remove the fuel pump nozzle
from its fully inserted position when
refueling.
Use the following guidelines to avoid
electrostatic charge build-up when filling
an ungrounded fuel container:
•
Place approved fuel container on the
ground.
• Do not fill a fuel container while it is in
the vehicle (including the cargo area).
• Keep the fuel pump nozzle in contact
with the fuel container while filling.
• Do not use a device that would hold
the fuel pump handle in the fill position. Fuel Filler Cap WARNINGS
The fuel system may be under
pressure. If you hear a hissing sound
near the fuel filler door, do not refuel
until the sound stops. Otherwise, fuel may
spray out, which could cause serious
personal injury. If you do not use the proper fuel filler
cap, excessive pressure or vacuum
in the fuel tank may damage the fuel
system or cause the fuel cap to disengage
in a collision, which may result in possible
personal injury. Note:
If you must replace the fuel filler cap,
replace it with a fuel filler cap that is
designed for your vehicle. The customer
warranty may be void for any damage to the
fuel tank or fuel system if the correct
genuine Ford, Motorcraft or other certified
fuel filler cap is not used.
Your fuel tank filler cap has an indexed
design with a 1/4th turn on and off feature.
When fueling your vehicle:
1. Put your vehicle in park (P).
2. Switch the engine off.
3. Carefully turn the filler cap counterclockwise until it spins off.
4. Pull to remove the cap from the fuel filler pipe.
5. To install the cap, align the tabs on the
cap with the notches on the filler pipe.
6. Turn the filler cap clockwise 1/4 of a turn clockwise until it clicks at least
once.
If the Check Fuel Cap light or a Check Fuel
Cap message appears in the instrument
cluster and stays on after you start the
engine, you may not have installed the fuel
filler properly.
142
Super Duty (), enUSA Fuel and Refueling

If the fuel cap light remains on, at the next
opportunity, safely pull off of the road,
remove the fuel filler cap, align the cap
properly and reinstall it. The check fuel cap
light or Check fuel cap message may not
reset immediately. It may take several
driving cycles for the indicators to turn off.
A driving cycle consists of an engine
start-up (after four or more hours with the
engine off) followed by normal city and
highway driving.
FUEL CONSUMPTION
Empty reserve is the amount of fuel
remaining in the tank after the fuel gauge
indicates empty. The amount of usable
fuel in the empty reserve varies and should
not be relied upon to increase driving range.
•
The usable capacity of the fuel tank is
the amount of fuel that can be added
into the tank after the gauge indicates
empty
• The advertised capacity is the total fuel
tank size. See Capacities and
Specifications (page 301). It is the
combined usable capacity plus the
empty reserve.
• Due to the empty reserve, you may not
be able to refuel the full amount of the
advertised capacity of the fuel tank
even when the fuel gauge reads empty.
Filling the Tank
For consistent results when filling the fuel
tank:
• Turn the ignition off before fueling; an
inaccurate reading results if the engine
is left running.
• Use the same fill rate
(low-medium-high) each time the tank
is filled.
• Allow no more than two automatic
click-offs when filling. Results are most accurate when the filling
method is consistent.
Calculating Fuel Economy
Do not measure fuel economy during the
first 1000 miles (1600 kilometers) of
driving (this is your engine
’s break-in
period); a more accurate measurement is
obtained after 2000 miles - 3000 miles
(3200 kilometers - 4800 kilometers). Also,
fuel expense, frequency of fill ups or fuel
gauge readings are not accurate ways to
measure fuel economy.
1. Fill the fuel tank completely and record
the initial odometer reading.
2. Each time you fill the tank, record the amount of fuel added.
3. After at least 3 to 5 tank fill ups, fill the
fuel tank and record the current
odometer reading.
4. Subtract your initial odometer reading from the current odometer reading.
5. Calculate fuel economy by dividing miles traveled by gallons used (For
Metric: Multiply liters used by 100, then
divide by kilometers traveled).
Keep a record for at least 1 month and
record the type of driving (city or highway).
This provides an accurate estimate of the
vehicle ’s fuel economy under current
driving conditions. Additionally, keeping
records during summer and winter show
how temperature impacts fuel economy.
In general, lower temperatures mean lower
fuel economy.
143
Super Duty (), enUSA Fuel and Refueling

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
pounds [180 kilograms] of weight
carried).
• Adding certain accessories to your
vehicle (for example bug deflectors,
rollbars/light bars, running boards, ski
racks) may reduce fuel economy.
• Using fuel blended with alcohol may
lower fuel economy.
• Fuel economy may decrease with lower
temperatures during the first 8– 10
miles (12 –16 kilometers) 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.
• Close windows for high speed driving.
EMISSION CONTROL SYSTEM WARNINGS
Do not park, idle, or drive your vehicle
in dry grass or other dry ground cover.
The emission system heats up the
engine compartment and exhaust system,
which can start a fire. Exhaust leaks may result in entry of
harmful and potentially lethal fumes
into the passenger compartment. If
you smell exhaust fumes inside your
vehicle, have your dealer inspect your
vehicle immediately. Do not drive if you
smell exhaust fumes. Your vehicle is equipped with various
emission control components and a
catalytic converter that will enable your
vehicle to comply with applicable exhaust
emission standards. To make sure that the
catalytic converter and other emission
control components continue to work
properly:
•
Use only the specified fuel listed.
• Avoid running out of fuel.
• Do not turn off the ignition while your
vehicle is moving, especially at high
speeds.
• Have the items listed in scheduled
maintenance information performed
according to the specified schedule.
The scheduled maintenance items listed
in scheduled maintenance information are
essential to the life and performance of
your vehicle and to its emissions system.
If you use parts other than Ford, Motorcraft
or Ford-authorized parts for maintenance
replacements, or for service of
components affecting emission control,
such non-Ford parts should be the
equivalent to genuine Ford Motor Company
parts in performance and durability.
Illumination of the service engine soon
indicator, charging system warning light or
the temperature warning light, fluid leaks,
strange odors, smoke or loss of engine
power could indicate that the emission
control system is not working properly.
An improperly operating or damaged
exhaust system may allow exhaust to
enter the vehicle. Have a damaged or
improperly operating exhaust system
inspected and repaired immediately.
Do not make any unauthorized changes to
your vehicle or engine. By law, vehicle
owners and anyone who manufactures,
repairs, services, sells, leases, trades
vehicles, or supervises a fleet of vehicles
are not permitted to intentionally remove
144
Super Duty (), enUSA Fuel and Refueling

an emission control device or prevent it
from working. Information about your
vehicle
’s emission system is on the Vehicle
Emission Control Information Decal
located on or near the engine. This decal
also lists engine displacement
Please consult your warranty information
for complete details.
On-Board Diagnostics (OBD-II)
Your vehicle is equipped with an on-board
diagnostics system (OBD-II) that monitors
the engine ’s emission control system. This
system protects the environment by
ensuring that your vehicle continues to
meet government emission standards. The
OBD-II system also assists your authorized
dealer in properly servicing your vehicle. When the service engine soon
indicator illuminates, the OBD-II
system has detected a
malfunction. Temporary malfunctions may
cause the service engine soon indicator to
illuminate.
Examples of temporary malfunctions are:
• the vehicle has run out of fuel —the
engine may misfire or run poorly
• poor fuel quality or water in the
fuel —the engine may misfire or run
poorly
• the fuel fill inlet may not have been
properly closed See Refueling (page
141).
• driving through deep water —the
electrical system may be wet.
You can correct these temporary
malfunctions by filling the fuel tank with
good quality fuel, properly closing the fuel
fill inlet or letting the electrical system dry
out. After three driving cycles without these
or any other temporary malfunctions present, the service engine soon indicator
should stay off the next time you start the
engine. A driving cycle consists of a cold
engine startup followed by mixed
city/highway driving. No additional vehicle
service is required.
If the service engine soon indicator remains
on, have your vehicle serviced at the first
available opportunity. Although some
malfunctions detected by the OBD-II may
not have symptoms that are apparent,
continued driving with the service engine
soon indicator on can result in increased
emissions, lower fuel economy, reduced
engine and transmission smoothness, and
lead to more costly repairs.
Readiness for
Inspection/Maintenance (I/M)
Testing
Some state/provincial and local
governments may have
Inspection/Maintenance (I/M) programs
to inspect the emission control equipment
on your vehicle. Failure to pass this
inspection could prevent you from getting
a vehicle registration.
If the service engine soon
indicator is on or the bulb does
not work, you may need to have
the vehicle serviced. See On-Board
Diagnostics (OBD-II).
Your vehicle may not pass the I/M test if
the service engine soon indicator is on or
not working properly (bulb is burned out),
or if the OBD-II system has determined
that some of the emission control systems
have not been properly checked. In this
case, your vehicle is not ready for I/M
testing.
145
Super Duty (), enUSA Fuel and Refueling

If the vehicle
’s engine or transmission has
just been serviced, or the battery has
recently run down or been replaced, the
OBD-II system may indicate that the
vehicle is not ready for I/M testing. To
determine if the vehicle is ready for I/M
testing, turn the ignition key to the on
position for 15 seconds without cranking
the engine. If the service engine soon
indicator blinks eight times, it means that
the vehicle is not ready for I/M testing; if
the service engine soon indicator stays on
solid, it means that the vehicle is ready for
I/M testing.
The OBD-II system monitors the emission
control system during normal driving. A
complete check may take several days. If
the vehicle is not ready for I/M testing, you
may need to perform the following driving
cycle consisting of mixed city and highway
driving:
Drive on an expressway or highway for a
steady 15 minutes, followed by 20 minutes
of stop-and-go driving with at least four
30-second idle periods.
Allow the vehicle to sit for at least eight
hours without starting the engine. Then,
start the engine and complete the above
driving cycle. The engine must warm up to
its normal operating temperature. Once
started, do not turn off the engine until the
above driving cycle is complete. If the
vehicle is still not ready for I/M testing, you
will have to repeat the above driving cycle.
146
Super Duty (), enUSA Fuel and Refueling

AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
WARNING
Always set the parking brake fully
and make sure the gearshift is
latched in park (P). Turn the ignition
to the off position and remove the key
whenever you leave your vehicle. Understanding the Shift Positions
of the 5–
Speed Automatic
Transmission (If Equipped) Putting your vehicle in or out of gear:
1. Fully press down the brake pedal.
2. Move the gearshift lever into the
desired gear.
3. Come to a complete stop.
4. Move the gearshift lever and securely latch it in park (P).
Park (P)
This position locks the transmission and
prevents the rear wheels from turning.
Reverse (R)
With the gearshift lever in reverse (R), your
vehicle moves backward. Always come to
a complete stop before shifting into and
out of reverse (R). Neutral (N)
With the gearshift lever in neutral (N), you
can start your vehicle and it is free to roll.
Hold the brake pedal down while in this
position.
Drive (D)
Drive (D) is the normal driving position for
the best fuel economy. The overdrive
function allows automatic upshifts and
downshifts through gears one through five.
Third (3)
Transmission operates in third (3) gear
only. Use third (3) gear for improved
traction on slippery roads.
Second (2)
Transmission operates in second (2) gear
only. Use second (2) gear to start-up on
slippery roads.
First (1)
•
Transmission operates in first (1) gear
only.
• Provides maximum engine braking.
• Allows upshifts by moving gearshift
lever.
• Does not downshift into first (1) gear
at high speeds; allows for first (1) gear
when vehicle reaches slower speeds.
Forced downshifts
• Allowed in drive (D) with the tow/haul
feature on or off.
• Press the accelerator to the floor.
• Allows transmission to select an
appropriate gear.
147
Super Duty (), enUSA TransmissionE161511
P R N D 3 2 1