FORD F250 SUPER DUTY 2015 Owners Manual

We recommend regular unleaded gasolinewith a pump (R+M)/2 octane rating of 87.Some stations offer fuels posted as regularwith an octane rating below 87, particularlyin high altitude areas. We do notrecommend fuels with an octane ratingbelow 87.
Do not be concerned if your enginesometimes knocks lightly. However, if itknocks heavily under most drivingconditions while you are using fuel with therecommended octane rating, see yourauthorized dealer to prevent any enginedamage.
RUNNING OUT OF FUEL
Avoid running out of fuel because thissituation may have an adverse effect onpowertrain components.
If you have run out of fuel:
•You may need to cycle the ignition fromoff to on several times after refuelingto allow the fuel system to pump thefuel from the tank to the engine. Onrestarting, cranking time will take a fewseconds longer than normal. Withkeyless ignition, just start the engine.Crank time will be longer than usual.
•Normally, adding 1 gallon (3.8 liters) offuel is enough to restart the engine. Ifthe vehicle is out of fuel and on a steepgrade, more than 1 gallon (3.8 liters)may be required.
•The service engine soon indicator maycome on. For more information on theservice engine soon indicator, SeeWarning Lamps and Indicators(page 77).
Refilling With a Portable FuelContainer
WARNINGS
The fuel system may be underpressure. If the fuel filler cap isventing vapor or if you hear a hissingsound, wait until it stops before completelyremoving the fuel filler cap. Otherwise, fuelmay spray out and cause personal injury.
Do not try to pry open or push openthe fuel system with foreign objects.This could damage the fuel systemand its seal and cause personal injury toyou or others.
Use the following directions when fillingfrom a portable fuel container:
1.Remove the fuel cap from the fuel fillerpipe by rotating it counter clockwise.
2. Slowly insert the portable fuelcontainer into the fuel filler opening.
3. Fill the vehicle with fuel from theportable fuel container.
4. 4. When done, remove the portablefuel container nozzle and reinstall fuelcap. Insert fuel cap into fuel filleropening and turn clockwise until a clickis heard.
REFUELING
WARNINGS
Fuel vapor burns violently and a fuelfire can cause severe injuries.
Read and follow all the instructionson the pump island.
Turn off your engine when you arerefueling.
Do not smoke if you are near fuel orrefueling your vehicle.
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WARNINGS
Keep sparks, flames and smokingmaterials away from fuel.
Stay outside your vehicle and do notleave the fuel pump unattendedwhen refueling your vehicle. This isagainst the law in some places.
Keep children away from the fuelpump; never let children pump fuel.
Do not use personal electronicdevices while refueling.
Use the following guidelines to avoidelectrostatic charge build-up when fillingan ungrounded fuel container:
•Place approved fuel container on theground.
•Do not fill a fuel container while it is inthe vehicle (including the cargo area).
•Keep the fuel pump nozzle in contactwith the fuel container while filling.
•Do not use a device that would holdthe fuel pump handle in the fill position.
Fuel Filler Cap
WARNINGS
The fuel system may be underpressure. If you hear a hissing soundnear the fuel filler door, do not refueluntil the sound stops. Otherwise, fuel mayspray out, which could cause seriouspersonal injury.
If you do not use the proper fuel fillercap, excessive pressure or vacuumin the fuel tank may damage the fuelsystem or cause the fuel cap to disengagein a collision, which may result in possiblepersonal injury.
Note:If you must replace the fuel filler cap,replace it with a fuel filler cap that isdesigned for your vehicle. The customerwarranty may be void for any damage to thefuel tank or fuel system if the correctgenuine Ford, Motorcraft® or other certifiedfuel filler cap is not used.
Your fuel tank filler cap has an indexeddesign with a 1/4th turn on and off feature.When fueling your vehicle:
1. Put the vehicle in P (Park).
2. Turn the engine off.
3. Carefully turn the filler capcounterclockwise until it spins off.
4. Pull to remove the cap from the fuelfiller pipe.
5.To install the cap, align the tabs on thecap with the notches on the filler pipe.
6. Turn the filler cap clockwise 1/4 of aturn clockwise until it clicks at leastonce.
If the Check Fuel Cap light or a Check FuelCap message appears in the instrumentcluster and stays on after you start theengine, the fuel filler cap may not beproperly installed.
If the fuel cap light remains on, at the nextopportunity, safely pull off of the road,remove the fuel filler cap, align the capproperly and reinstall it. The check fuel caplight or Check fuel cap message may notreset immediately; it may take severaldriving cycles for the indicators to turn off.A driving cycle consists of an enginestart-up (after four or more hours with theengine off) followed by normal city andhighway driving.
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FUEL CONSUMPTION
Empty reserve is the amount of fuelremaining in the tank after the fuel gaugeindicates empty. The amount of usablefuel in the empty reserve varies and shouldnot be relied upon to increase driving range.
•The usable capacity of the fuel tank isthe amount of fuel that can be addedinto the tank after the gauge indicatesempty
•The advertised capacity is the total fueltank size. See Capacities andSpecifications (page 301). It is thecombined usable capacity plus theempty reserve.
•Due to the empty reserve, you may notbe able to refuel the full amount of theadvertised capacity of the fuel tankeven when the fuel gauge reads empty.
Filling the Tank
For consistent results when filling the fueltank:
•Turn the ignition off before fueling; aninaccurate reading results if the engineis left running.
•Use the same fill rate(low-medium-high) each time the tankis filled.
•Allow no more than two automaticclick-offs when filling.
Results are most accurate when the fillingmethod is consistent.
Calculating Fuel Economy
Do not measure fuel economy during thefirst 1000 miles (1600 kilometers) ofdriving (this is your engine’s break-inperiod); a more accurate measurement isobtained after 2000 miles - 3000 miles(3200 kilometers - 4800 kilometers). Also,fuel expense, frequency of fill ups or fuelgauge readings are not accurate ways tomeasure fuel economy.
1.Fill the fuel tank completely and recordthe initial odometer reading.
2. Each time you fill the tank, record theamount of fuel added.
3.After at least 3 to 5 tank fill ups, fill thefuel tank and record the currentodometer reading.
4. Subtract your initial odometer readingfrom the current odometer reading.
5. Calculate fuel economy by dividingmiles traveled by gallons used (ForMetric: Multiply liters used by 100, thendivide by kilometers traveled).
Keep a record for at least 1 month andrecord the type of driving (city or highway).This provides an accurate estimate of thevehicle’s fuel economy under currentdriving conditions. Additionally, keepingrecords during summer and winter showhow temperature impacts fuel economy.In general, lower temperatures mean lowerfuel economy.
Conditions
•Heavily loading a vehicle or towing atrailer may reduce fuel economy at anyspeed.
•Carrying unnecessary weight mayreduce fuel economy (approximately1 mpg [0.4 km/L] is lost for every 400pounds [180 kilograms] of weightcarried).
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•Adding certain accessories to yourvehicle (for example bug deflectors,rollbars/light bars, running boards, skiracks) may reduce fuel economy.
•Using fuel blended with alcohol maylower fuel economy.
•Fuel economy may decrease with lowertemperatures during the first 8–10miles (12–16 kilometers) of driving.
•Driving on flat terrain offers improvedfuel economy as compared to drivingon hilly terrain.
•Transmissions give their best fueleconomy when operated in the topcruise gear and with steady pressureon the gas pedal.
•Close windows for high speed driving.
EMISSION CONTROL SYSTEM
WARNINGS
Do not park, idle, or drive your vehiclein dry grass or other dry ground cover.The emission system heats up theengine compartment and exhaust system,which can start a fire.
Exhaust leaks may result in entry ofharmful and potentially lethal fumesinto the passenger compartment. Ifyou smell exhaust fumes inside yourvehicle, have your dealer inspect yourvehicle immediately. Do not drive if yousmell exhaust fumes.
Your vehicle is equipped with variousemission control components and acatalytic converter that will enable yourvehicle to comply with applicable exhaustemission standards. To make sure that thecatalytic converter and other emissioncontrol components continue to workproperly:
•Use only the specified fuel listed.
•Avoid running out of fuel.
•Do not turn off the ignition while yourvehicle is moving, especially at highspeeds.
•Have the items listed in scheduledmaintenance information performedaccording to the specified schedule.
The scheduled maintenance items listedin scheduled maintenance information areessential to the life and performance ofyour vehicle and to its emissions system.
If you use parts other than Ford, Motorcraftor Ford-authorized parts for maintenancereplacements, or for service ofcomponents affecting emission control,such non-Ford parts should be theequivalent to genuine Ford Motor Companyparts in performance and durability.
Illumination of the service engine soonindicator, charging system warning light orthe temperature warning light, fluid leaks,strange odors, smoke or loss of enginepower could indicate that the emissioncontrol system is not working properly.
An improperly operating or damagedexhaust system may allow exhaust toenter the vehicle. Have a damaged orimproperly operating exhaust systeminspected and repaired immediately.
Do not make any unauthorized changes toyour vehicle or engine. By law, vehicleowners and anyone who manufactures,repairs, services, sells, leases, tradesvehicles, or supervises a fleet of vehiclesare not permitted to intentionally removean emission control device or prevent itfrom working. Information about yourvehicle’s emission system is on the VehicleEmission Control Information Decallocated on or near the engine. This decalalso lists engine displacement
Please consult your warranty informationfor complete details.
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On-Board Diagnostics (OBD-II)
Your vehicle is equipped with an on-boarddiagnostics system (OBD-II) that monitorsthe engine’s emission control system. Thissystem protects the environment byensuring that your vehicle continues tomeet government emission standards. TheOBD-II system also assists your authorizeddealer in properly servicing your vehicle.
When the service engine soonindicator illuminates, the OBD-IIsystem has detected amalfunction. Temporary malfunctions maycause the service engine soon indicator toilluminate.
Examples of temporary malfunctions are:
•the vehicle has run out of fuel—theengine may misfire or run poorly
•poor fuel quality or water in thefuel—the engine may misfire or runpoorly
•the fuel fill inlet may not have beenproperly closed See Refueling (page138).
•driving through deep water—theelectrical system may be wet.
You can correct these temporarymalfunctions by filling the fuel tank withgood quality fuel, properly closing the fuelfill inlet or letting the electrical system dryout. After three driving cycles without theseor any other temporary malfunctionspresent, the service engine soon indicatorshould stay off the next time you start theengine. A driving cycle consists of a coldengine startup followed by mixedcity/highway driving. No additional vehicleservice is required.
If the service engine soon indicator remainson, have your vehicle serviced at the firstavailable opportunity. Although somemalfunctions detected by the OBD-II maynot have symptoms that are apparent,continued driving with the service enginesoon indicator on can result in increasedemissions, lower fuel economy, reducedengine and transmission smoothness, andlead to more costly repairs.
Readiness forInspection/Maintenance (I/M)Testing
Some state/provincial and localgovernments may haveInspection/Maintenance (I/M) programsto inspect the emission control equipmenton your vehicle. Failure to pass thisinspection could prevent you from gettinga vehicle registration.
If the service engine soonindicator is on or the bulb doesnot work, you may need to havethe vehicle serviced. See On-BoardDiagnostics (OBD-II).
Your vehicle may not pass the I/M test ifthe service engine soon indicator is on ornot working properly (bulb is burned out),or if the OBD-II system has determinedthat some of the emission control systemshave not been properly checked. In thiscase, your vehicle is not ready for I/Mtesting.
If the vehicle’s engine or transmission hasjust been serviced, or the battery hasrecently run down or been replaced, theOBD-II system may indicate that thevehicle is not ready for I/M testing. Todetermine if the vehicle is ready for I/Mtesting, turn the ignition key to the onposition for 15 seconds without cranking
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the engine. If the service engine soonindicator blinks eight times, it means thatthe vehicle is not ready for I/M testing; ifthe service engine soon indicator stays onsolid, it means that the vehicle is ready forI/M testing.
The OBD-II system monitors the emissioncontrol system during normal driving. Acomplete check may take several days. Ifthe vehicle is not ready for I/M testing, youmay need to perform the following drivingcycle consisting of mixed city and highwaydriving:
Drive on an expressway or highway for asteady 15 minutes, followed by 20 minutesof stop-and-go driving with at least four30-second idle periods.
Allow the vehicle to sit for at least eighthours without starting the engine. Then,start the engine and complete the abovedriving cycle. The engine must warm up toits normal operating temperature. Oncestarted, do not turn off the engine until theabove driving cycle is complete. If thevehicle is still not ready for I/M testing, youwill have to repeat the above driving cycle.
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AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
WARNING
Always set the parking brake fullyand make sure the gearshift islatched in P (Park). Turn the ignitionto the off position and remove the keywhenever you leave your vehicle.
Understanding the Shift Positionsof the 5–Speed AutomaticTransmission (If Equipped)
Putting your vehicle in or out of gear:
1. Fully press down the brake pedal.
2. Move the gearshift lever into thedesired gear.
3. Come to a complete stop.
4. Move the gearshift lever and securelylatch it in P (Park)
P (Park)
This position locks the transmission andprevents the rear wheels from turning.
R (Reverse)
With the gearshift lever in R (Reverse), thevehicle will move backward. Always cometo a complete stop before shifting into andout of R (Reverse).
N (Neutral)
With the gearshift lever in N (Neutral), thevehicle can be started and is free to roll.Hold the brake pedal down while in thisposition.
D (Overdrive) with tow/haul off
D (Overdrive) with tow/haul off is thenormal driving position for the best fueleconomy. The overdrive function allowsautomatic upshifts and downshifts throughgears one through five.
D (Overdrive) with tow/haul on
The tow/haul feature improvestransmission operation when towing atrailer or a heavy load. All transmissiongear ranges are available when usingtow/haul.
To activate tow/haul, press thebutton on the end of thegearshift lever. The TOW HAULindicator light will illuminate in theinstrument cluster.
Tow/haul delays upshifts to reducefrequency of transmission shifting.Tow/haul also provides engine braking inall forward gears when the transmission isin the D (Overdrive) position; this enginebraking will slow the vehicle and assist thedriver in controlling the vehicle whendescending a grade. Depending on drivingconditions and load conditions, the
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P R N D 3 2 1 E163182 E161509

transmission may downshift, slow thevehicle and control the vehicle speed whendescending a hill, without the acceleratorpedal being pressed. The amount ofdownshift braking provided will vary basedupon the amount the brake pedal ispressed.
To deactivate the tow/haul feature andreturn to normal driving mode, press thebutton on the end of the gearshift lever.The TOW HAUL light will no longer beilluminated.
When you shut-off and restart the engine,the transmission will automatically returnto normal D (Overdrive) mode (tow/hauloff).
WARNING
Do not use the tow/haul or enginebrake features when driving in icy orslippery conditions as the increasedengine braking can cause the rear wheelsto slide and your vehicle to swing aroundwith the possible loss of vehicle control.
3 (Third)
Transmission starts and operates in thirdgear only
Used for improved traction on slipperyroads. Selecting 3 (Third) provides enginebraking.
2 (Second)
Use 2 (Second) to start-up on slipperyroads or to provide additional enginebraking on downgrades.
1 (First)
•Provides maximum engine braking
•Allows upshifts by moving gearshiftlever
•The transmission will not downshiftinto 1 (First) at high speeds; it willdownshift to a lower gear and thenshift into 1 (First) when the vehiclereaches slower speeds.
Forced downshifts
•Allowed in D (Overdrive) with thetow/haul feature on or off
•Press the accelerator to the floor
•Allows transmission to select anappropriate gear
Understanding the Shift Positionsof a 6–Speed AutomaticTransmission (If Equipped)
Putting your vehicle in or out of gear:
1. Fully press down the brake pedal.
2. Move the gearshift lever into thedesired gear.
3. Come to a complete stop.
4. Move the gearshift lever and securelylatch it in P (Park)
P (Park)
This position locks the transmission andprevents the rear wheels from turning.
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R (Reverse)
With the gearshift lever in R (Reverse), thevehicle will move backward. Always cometo a complete stop before shifting into andout of R (Reverse).
N (Neutral)
With the gearshift lever in N (Neutral), thevehicle can be started and is free to roll.Hold the brake pedal down while in thisposition.
D (Overdrive) with tow/haul off
D (Overdrive) with tow/haul off is thenormal driving position for the best fueleconomy. The overdrive function allowsautomatic upshifts and downshifts throughgears one through six.
D (Overdrive) with tow/haul on
The tow/haul feature improvestransmission operation when towing atrailer or a heavy load. All transmissiongear ranges are available when usingtow/haul.
To activate tow/haul, press thebutton on the end of thegearshift lever. The TOW HAULindicator light will illuminate in theinstrument cluster.
Tow/haul delays upshifts to reducefrequency of transmission shifting.Tow/haul also provides engine braking inall forward gears when the transmission isin the D (Overdrive) position; this enginebraking will slow the vehicle and assist thedriver in controlling the vehicle whendescending a grade. Depending on drivingconditions and load conditions, thetransmission may downshift, slow thevehicle and control the vehicle speed whendescending a hill, without the acceleratorpedal being pressed. The amount ofdownshift braking provided will vary basedupon the amount the brake pedal ispressed.
Tow/haul may be automatically activated(without pressing the tow/haul button).This provides engine braking to assist thevehicles braking system when goingdownhill and repetitive braking is sensed.Once the tow/haul mode has beenautomatically activated it will notautomatically deactivate.
To deactivate the tow/haul feature andreturn to normal driving mode, press thebutton on the end of the gearshift lever.The TOW HAUL light will no longer beilluminated.
Tow/haul will also deactivate when thevehicle is powered down for a few minutes.
WARNING
Do not use the tow/haul or enginebrake features when driving in icy orslippery conditions as the increasedengine braking can cause the rear wheelsto slide and your vehicle to swing aroundwith the possible loss of vehicle control.
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M (Manual) without Overdrive
With the gearshift lever in M (Manual), thedriver can change gears up or down asdesired. This is called SelectShiftAutomatic™ transmission (SST) mode.By moving the gearshift lever from driveposition D (Overdrive) to M (Manual) younow have control of selecting the gear youdesire using buttons on the shift lever.
To return to normal D (Overdrive) position,move the shift lever back from M to D.
The transmission will operate in gears onethrough six.
2 (Second)
Use 2 (Second) to start-up on slipperyroads or to provide additional enginebraking on downgrades.
1 (First)
•Provides maximum engine braking
•Allows upshifts by moving gearshiftlever
•The transmission will not downshiftinto 1 (First) at high speeds; it willdownshift to a lower gear and thenshift into 1 (First) when the vehiclereaches slower speeds.
Forced downshifts
•Allowed in D (Overdrive) with thetow/haul feature on or off
•Press the accelerator to the floor
•Allows transmission to select anappropriate gear
Understanding your SelectShiftAutomatic® transmission (If Equipped)
Your vehicle is equipped with a SelectShiftAutomatic transmission gearshift lever.SelectShift Automatic transmission givesyou the ability to change gears up or down(without a clutch) as desired.
Use the buttons on the shifter to lock orunlock gears and manually select gears.Press the + button to upshift or the –button to downshift.
With the gearshift lever in D (Drive), pressthe – button to activate SelectShift. Theavailable and selected gears will beindicated on the instrument cluster.
All available gears will be displayed withthe current gear indicated. Press the –button again to lock out gears beginningwith the highest gear. Example: press the– button twice to lock out 6th and 5thgears. Only the available gears will bedisplayed and the transmission willautomatically shift between the availablegears. Press the + button to unlock gears.
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