wiring FORD F250 SUPER DUTY 2016 Owners Manual

ActionMessage
A correct trailer connection (a trailer with electric trailerbrakes) is sensed during a given ignition cycle.TRAILER CONNECTED
A trailer connection becomes disconnected, eitherintentionally or unintentionally, and has been sensedduring a given ignition cycle. Disregard this status ifyour vehicle is not equipped with a factory installedtrailer brake controller. This message may appear whenan aftermarket TBC is used even when the trailer isconnected.
TRAILER DISCONNECTED
Your trailer sway control has detected trailer sway soyou need to reduce your speed.TRAILER SWAY REDUCESPEED
Faults with your vehicle wiring and trailer wiring orbrake system. See Towing a Trailer (page 192).WIRING FAULT ON TRAILER
4WD
ActionMessage
A fault is present in your 4X4 system. See UsingFour-Wheel Drive (page 158).CHECK 4X4
Your 4X4 system is making a shift.4X4 SHIFT IN PROGRESS
You need to apply the brake in order to shift into4X4 LOW.FOR 4X4 LOW APPLY BRAKE
When your vehicle is at a stop and you need to shiftinto Neutral before you select 4X4 LOW.FOR 4X4 LOW SHIFT TO N
When your vehicle is moving and you need toreduce your speed to select 4X4 LOW.FOR 4X4 LOW SLOW TO 3 MPH
You select 2WD and need to apply the brakes inorder to exit 4X4 LOW.TO EXIT 4X4 LOW APPLY BRAKE
You select 2WD while your vehicle is at a stop in4X4 LOW and you need to shift into Neutral.TO EXIT 4X4 LOW SHIFT TO N
You select 2WD while your vehicle is operating in4X4 LOW and you need to reduce your speed.TO EXIT 4X4 LOW SLOW TO 3MPH
May display when shifting to or from 4X4 LOW.SHIFT DELAYED PULL FORWARD
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Information Displays

RV & Trailer Towing Guide Online
http://www.fleet.ford.com/towing-guides/Website
TRAILER SWAY CONTROL (If
Equipped)
WARNING
Turning off trailer sway controlincreases the risk of loss of vehiclecontrol, serious injury or death. Forddoes not recommend disabling this featureexcept in situations where speed reductionmay be detrimental (such as hill climbing),the driver has significant trailer towingexperience, and can control trailer swayand maintain safe operation.
Note:This feature does not prevent trailersway, but reduces it once it begins.
Note:This feature cannot stop all trailersfrom swaying.
Note:In some cases, if vehicle speed is toohigh, the system may activate multipletimes, gradually reducing vehicle speed.
This feature applies your vehicle brakes atindividual wheels and, if necessary, reducesengine power. If the trailer begins to sway,the stability control light flashes and themessage TRAILER SWAY REDUCESPEED appears in the information display.The first thing to do is slow your vehicledown, then pull safely to the side of theroad and check for proper tongue load andtrailer load distribution. See LoadCarrying (page 185).
RECOMMENDED TOWING
WEIGHTS
Note:Make sure to take intoconsideration trailer frontal area.Do not exceed 60 feet2 (5.6
meters2) trailer frontal area for
conventional trailers. Do notexceed 75 feet2 (6.9 meters2) trailer
frontal area for 5th wheel andgooseneck trailers.
Note:Exceeding this limitationmay significantly reduce theperformance of your towingvehicle. Selecting a trailer with alow aerodynamic drag and roundedfront design helps optimizeperformance and fuel economy.
Note:For high altitude operation,reduce the gross combined weightby 2% per 1000 feet (300 meters)starting at the 1000 foot (300meter) elevation point.
Note:Certain states requireelectric trailer brakes for trailersover a specified weight. Be sure tocheck state regulations for thisspecified weight. The maximumtrailer weights listed may be limitedto this specified weight, as yourvehicle's electrical system may notinclude the wiring connector
needed to use electric trailerbrakes.
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Towing

Remember to account for the trailertongue weight as part of your vehicle loadwhen calculating the total vehicle weight.
Trailer Towing Connector
When attaching the trailer wiring connectorto your vehicle, only use a proper fittingconnector that works with the vehicle andtrailer functions. Some seven-positionconnectors may have the SAE J2863 logo,which confirms that it is the proper wiringconnector and works correctly with yourvehicle.
FunctionColor
Left turn signal and stop lampYellow
Ground (-)White
Electric brakesBlue
Right turn signal and stoplampGreen
Battery (+)Orange
Running lightsBrown
Reverse lightsGrey
Dynamic Hitching Using the RearView Camera System
Note:Active guidelines and fixed guidelinesare only available when the transmission isin reverse (R).
Use the centerline (B) guideline to assistyou in setting your steering wheel properlyto help align the trailer hitch and tongue.
Active guidelinesA
CenterlineB
Fixed guideline: Green zoneC
Fixed guideline: Yellow zoneD
Fixed guideline: Red zoneE
Rear bumperF
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Fifth-wheel Trailer Hitch (If Equipped)
WARNINGS
The mounting pads in the bed arespecifically designed for certainfifth-wheel trailer hitches andgooseneck ball hitches. Do not use thesemounting pads for other purposes. Doingso could result in vehicle structuraldamage, loss of vehicle control, andpersonal injury. Contact an authorizeddealer to purchase gooseneck andfifth-wheel hitches that are compatiblewith your vehicle.
Towing trailers beyond the maximumlimit of the towing system couldresult in vehicle structural damage,loss of vehicle control and personal injury.
The hitch rating listed on the trailerhitch label is the maximum possibletrailer rating. To find the maximumtrailer weight allowed for your specificvehicle, consult an authorized dealer or theRV & Trailer Towing Guide provided by anauthorized dealer.
Your vehicle may be equipped with afifth-wheel prep package. This packageenables your vehicle to accept certainfifth-wheel trailer hitches and gooseneckball hitches. The fifth-wheel trailer hitchattaches to the four mounting pads in thepick-up bed. An optional 7-pin trailer wiringconnector may be in the bed as well. Thegooseneck ball hitch is a separatemounting pad from the fifth-wheel hitch,located in the center of the bed.
Shorter pick-up boxes, such as the 6½-footbox on the F-250 and F-350, provide lessclearance between the cab and thefifth-wheel and gooseneck trailercompared to longer box pick-ups, such asan 8-foot box on the F-250 or F-350. Whenselecting a trailer and tow vehicle, it iscritical to check that this combinationprovides clearance between the front of
the trailer and tow vehicle for turns up to90 degrees. Failure to follow thisrecommendation could result in the trailercontacting the cab of the tow vehicleduring tight turns that are typical duringlow-speed parking and turning maneuvers.This contact could result in damage to thetrailer and tow vehicle.
Safety Chains
Note:Do not attach safety chains to thebumper.
Always connect the safety chains to theframe or hook retainers of your vehiclehitch.
To connect the safety chains, cross thechains under the trailer tongue and allowenough slack for turning tight corners. Donot allow the chains to drag on the ground.
Trailer Brakes
WARNING
Do not connect a trailer's hydraulicbrake system directly to yourvehicle's brake system. Your vehiclemay not have enough braking power andyour chances of having a collision greatlyincrease.
Electric brakes and manual, automatic orsurge-type trailer brakes are safe if youinstall them properly and adjust them tothe manufacturer's specifications. Thetrailer brakes must meet local and federalregulations.
The rating for the tow vehicle's brakingsystem operation is at the gross vehicleweight rating, not the gross combinedweight rating.
Separate functioning brake systemsare required for safe control of towedvehicles and trailers weighing morethan 1500 pounds (680 kilograms)when loaded.
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Integrated Trailer Brake Controller
(If Equipped)
WARNING
The Ford trailer brake controller hasbeen verified to be compatible withtrailers having electric-actuateddrum brakes (one to four axles) and someelectric-over-hydraulic brakes. It will notactivate hydraulic surge-style trailerbrakes. It is the responsibility of thecustomer to ensure that the trailer brakesare adjusted appropriately, functioningnormally and all electric connections areproperly made. Failure to do so may resultin loss of vehicle control, crash or seriousinjury.
When used properly, the trailer brakecontroller assists in smooth and effectivetrailer braking by powering the trailer’selectric or electric-over-hydraulic brakeswith a proportional output based on thetowing vehicle’s brake pressure.
You can adjust the amount of initial trailerbrake output by selecting one of threesettings through the message center.
Ford has tested the trailer brake controllerto be compatible with several majorbrands of electric-over-hydraulic trailerbrakes. Contact an authorized dealer forinformation on which brands you can use.
The controller user interface consists ofthe following:
A: + and - (Gain adjustment buttons):Pressing these buttons adjusts thecontroller's power output to the trailerbrakes in 0.5 increments. You can increasethe gain setting to 10.0 (maximum trailerbraking) or decrease it to 0 (no trailerbraking). Pressing and holding a buttonraises or lowers the setting continuously.The gain setting displays in the messagecenter as follows: TBC GAIN = XX.X.
B: Manual control lever: Slide the controllever to the left to switch on the trailer'selectric brakes independent of the towvehicle's. See the following Procedure foradjusting gain section for instructions onproper use of this feature. If you use themanual control while the brake is alsoapplied, the greater of the two inputsdetermines the power sent to the trailerbrakes.
•Stop lamps: Using the manual controllever lights both the trailer brake lampsand your vehicle brake lamps.
Trailer brake control messages appear inthe information display as follows:
•TBC GAIN = XX.X NO TRAILER:Shows the current gain setting.
•TBC GAIN = XX.X OUTPUT=/ / / // /: Displays when braking. The barsindicate the amount of power going tothe trailer brakes.
•TRAILER CONNECTED: Displayswhen the system senses a correcttrailer wiring connection.
•TRAILER DISCONNECTED: Displayswhen the system senses a trailerdisconnection.
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Trailer Brake Effort Setting
The trailer brake controller allows the userto customize how aggressively the trailerbrakes engage. The default value is "Low"and is the recommended setting for mosttrailers. If your trailer's brakes require moreinitial voltage, or if you prefer moreaggressive trailer braking, then select eitherthe "Medium" or the "High" setting. SeeInformation Displays (page 89).
Procedure for Adjusting Gain
Note:Only perform this procedure in atraffic-free environment at speeds ofapproximately 20-25 mph (30-40 km/h).
The gain setting adjusts the trailer brakecontroller for the specific towing condition.You should change the setting as towingconditions change. Changes to towingconditions include trailer load, vehicle load,road conditions and weather.
The gain should be set to provide themaximum trailer braking assistance whilemaking sure the trailer wheels do not lockwhen using the brakes. Locked trailerwheels may lead to trailer instability.
1.Make sure the trailer brakes are in goodworking condition, functioning normallyand properly adjusted. See your trailerdealer if necessary.
2. Hook up the trailer and make theelectrical connections according to thetrailer manufacturer's instructions.
3. When you plug in a trailer with electricor electric-over-hydraulic brakes,TRAILER CONNECTED appears inthe information display.
4. Use the gain adjustment (+ and -)buttons to increase or decrease thegain setting to the desired startingpoint. A gain setting of 6.0 is a goodstarting point for heavier loads.
5. In a traffic-free environment, tow thetrailer on a dry, level surface at a speedof 20-25 mph (30-40 km/h) andsqueeze the manual control levercompletely.
6. If the trailer wheels lock up, indicatedby squealing tires, reduce the gainsetting. If the trailer wheels turn freely,increase the gain setting. Repeat Steps5 and 6 until the gain setting is at apoint just below trailer wheel lock-up.If towing a heavier trailer, trailer wheellock-up may not be attainable evenwith the maximum gain setting of 10.
Information Display Warning Messages
Note:An authorized dealer can diagnosethe trailer brake controller to determineexactly which trailer fault has occurred.However, your Ford warranty does not coverthis diagnosis if the fault is with the trailer.
TRAILER BRAKE MODULE FAULT
Displays in response to faults sensed bythe trailer brake controller, accompaniedby a single tone. If this message appears,contact an authorized dealer as soon aspossible for diagnosis and repair. Thecontroller may still function, but withdegraded performance.
WIRING FAULT ON TRAILER
Displays when there is a short circuit onthe electric brake output wire.
If this message displays, with no trailerconnected, the problem is with your vehiclewiring or trailer brake controller. Contactan authorized dealer.
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If the message only displays with a trailerconnected, the problem is with the trailerwiring. Consult your trailer dealer forassistance. This can be a short to ground(such as a chaffed wire), short to voltage(such as a pulled pin on trailer emergencybreakaway battery) or the trailer brakesmay be drawing too much current.
Points to Remember
Note:Do not attempt removal of the trailerbrake controller without consulting theWorkshop Manual. Damage to the unit mayresult.
•Adjust gain setting before using thetrailer brake controller.
•Adjust gain setting, using the procedureabove, whenever road, weather, traileror vehicle loading conditions changefrom when the gain was initially set.
•Only use the manual control lever forproper adjustment of the gain duringtrailer setup. Misuse, such asapplication during trailer sway, couldcause instability of trailer or towvehicle.
•Avoid towing in adverse weatherconditions. The trailer brake controllerdoes not provide anti-lock control ofthe trailer wheels. Trailer wheels canlock up on slippery surfaces, resultingin reduced stability of trailer and towvehicle.
•The trailer brake controller is equippedwith a feature that reduces output atvehicle speeds below 11 mph (18 km/h)so trailer and vehicle braking is not jerkyor harsh. This feature is only activewhen applying the brakes using yourvehicle's brake pedal, not thecontroller.
•The controller interacts with the brakecontrol system and powertrain controlsystem of your vehicle to provide thebest performance on different roadconditions.
•Your vehicle's brake system and thetrailer brake system workindependently of each other. Changingthe gain setting on the controller doesnot affect the operation of yourvehicle's brakes.
•When you switch the engine off, thecontroller output is disabled and thedisplay and module shut down.
Trailer Lamps
WARNING
Never connect any trailer lamp wiringto the vehicle's tail lamp wiring; thismay damage the electrical systemresulting in fire. Contact your authorizeddealer as soon as possible for assistancein proper trailer tow wiring installation.Additional electrical equipment may berequired.
Trailer lamps are required on most towedvehicles. Make sure all running lights, brakelights, turn signals and hazard lights areworking.
Before Towing a Trailer
Practice turning, stopping and backing upto get the feel of your vehicle-trailercombination before starting on a trip.When turning, make wider turns so thetrailer wheels clear curbs and otherobstacles.
When Towing a Trailer
•Do not drive faster than 70 mph (113km/h) during the first 500 miles (800kilometers).
•Do not make full-throttle starts.
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•Check your hitch, electrical connectionsand trailer wheel lug nuts thoroughlyafter you have traveled 50 miles (80kilometers).
•When stopped in congested or heavytraffic during hot weather, place thegearshift in position P to aid engine andtransmission cooling and to help A/Cperformance.
•Turn off the speed control with heavyloads or in hilly terrain. The speedcontrol may turn off automaticallywhen you are towing on long, steepgrades.
•Shift to a lower gear when driving downa long or steep hill. Do not apply thebrakes continuously, as they mayoverheat and become less effective.
•If your transmission is equipped with aGrade Assist or Tow/Haul feature, usethis feature when towing. This providesengine braking and helps eliminateexcessive transmission shifting foroptimum fuel economy andtransmission cooling.
•If your vehicle is equipped withAdvanceTrac with RSC, this systemmay turn on during typical corneringmaneuvers with a heavily loaded trailer.This is normal. Turning the corner at aslower speed while towing may reducethis tendency.
•If you are towing a trailer frequently inhot weather, hilly conditions, at thegross combined weight rating (or anycombination of these factors), considerrefilling your rear axle with syntheticgear lubricant (if the axle is not alreadyfilled with it). See Capacities andSpecifications (page 303).
•Allow more distance for stopping witha trailer attached. Anticipate stops andbrake gradually.
•Avoid parking on a grade. However, ifyou must park on a grade:
1. Turn the steering wheel to point yourvehicle tires away from traffic flow.
2. Set your vehicle parking brake.
3. Place the automatic transmission inposition P.
4. Place wheel chocks in front and backof the trailer wheels. (Chocks notincluded with vehicle.)
Your vehicle may be equipped with atemporary or conventional spare tire. A"temporary" spare tire is different in size(diameter or width), tread-type(All-Season or All Terrain) or is from adifferent manufacturer than the road tireson your vehicle. Consult information on thetire label or Safety Compliance label forlimitations when using.
Launching or Retrieving a Boat orPersonal Watercraft (PWC)
Note:Disconnect the wiring to the trailerbefore backing the trailer into the water.
Note:Reconnect the wiring to the trailerafter you remove the trailer from the water.
When backing down a ramp during boatlaunching or retrieval:
•Do not allow the static water level torise above the bottom edge of the rearbumper.
•Do not allow waves to break higherthan 6 inches (15 centimeters) abovethe bottom edge of the rear bumper.
Exceeding these limits may allow water toenter vehicle components:
•Causing internal damage to thecomponents.
•Affecting driveability, emissions, andreliability.
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2. Disconnect the electrical connector.
3.Turn the bulb holder counterclockwiseand remove it.
Note:Do not touch the bulb glass.
Note:You cannot separate the bulb fromthe bulb holder.
ReplacingBrake/Tail/Turn/Reverse LampBulbs
Pickup Models
1.Switch all of the lamps and the ignitionoff.
2. Open the tailgate to expose the lampassemblies.
3. Remove the two bolts from the taillamp assembly and carefully pull thelamp assembly from the tailgate pillarby releasing the two retaining tabs.
4.Turn the bulb holder counterclockwiseand remove it.
5. Remove the bulb by pulling it straightout.
Chassis Cabs
1.Switch all of the lamps and the ignitionoff.
2. Remove the four screws and the lamplens from lamp assembly.
3. Remove the bulb by pulling it straightout.
Replacing Cargo Lamp and CentralHigh Mounted Brake Lamp Bulbs
1.Switch all of the lamps and the ignitionoff.
2. Remove the screws and lampassembly from the vehicle as wiringpermits.
3.Turn the bulb holder counterclockwiseand remove it.
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MaintenanceE163827 E163828 E163829

If your vehicle is equipped withdual rear wheels it isrecommended that the front andrear tires (in pairs) be rotated onlyside to side. We do notrecommend splitting up the dualrear wheels. Rotate them side toside as a set. After tire rotation,inflation pressures must beadjusted for the tires newpositions in accordance withvehicle requirements.
USING SNOW CHAINS
WARNING
Snow tires must be the same size,load index, speed rating as thoseoriginally provided by Ford. Use ofany tire or wheel not recommended byFord can affect the safety andperformance of your vehicle, which couldresult in an increased risk of loss of vehiclecontrol, vehicle rollover, personal injury anddeath. Additionally, the use ofnon-recommended tires and wheels couldcause steering, suspension, axle, transfercase or power transfer unit failure.
Note:Do not use snow chains on vehicleswith 20 inch wheels and tires.
The tires on your vehicle have all-weathertreads to provide traction in rain and snow.However, in some climates, you may needto use snow tires and cables. If you needto use cables, it is recommended that steelwheels (of the same size andspecifications) be used, as cables may chipaluminum wheels.
Note:The suspension insulation andbumpers will help prevent vehicle damage.Do not remove these components from yourvehicle when using snow tires and chains.
Follow these guidelines when using snowtires and chains:
•If possible, avoid fully loading yourvehicle
•Use only SAE Class S chains.
•Install chains securely, verifying thatthe chains do not touch any wiring,brake lines or fuel lines.
•Drive cautiously. If you hear the chainsrub or bang against your vehicle, stopand retighten the chains. If this doesnot work, remove the chains to preventdamage to your vehicle.
•Remove the tire chains when they areno longer needed. Do not use tirechains on dry roads.
If you have any questions regarding snowchains or cables, please contact yourauthorized dealer.
TIRE PRESSURE MONITORING
SYSTEM
WARNING
The tire pressure monitoring systemis not a substitute for manuallychecking the tire pressure. The tirepressure should be checked periodically(at least monthly) using a tire pressuregauge. Failure to properly maintain yourtire pressure could increase the risk of tirefailure, loss of control, vehicle rollover andpersonal injury.
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Wheels and Tires