FORD F250 SUPER DUTY 2017 Owners Manual

Automatic Transmission AdaptiveLearning
This feature's design is to increasedurability and provide consistent shift feelover the life of your vehicle. A new vehicleor transmission may have firm shifts, softshifts or both. This operation is normal anddoes not affect function or durability of thetransmission. Over time, the adaptivelearning process fully updates transmissionoperation. Additionally, whenever youdisconnect the battery or install a newbattery, the system must relearn thestrategy.
Brake-Shift Interlock
WARNINGS
Do not drive your vehicle until youverify that the brake lamps areworking.
When doing this procedure, you needto take the transmission out of park(P) which means your vehicle canroll freely. To avoid unwanted vehiclemovement, always fully apply the parkingbrake prior to doing this procedure. Usewheels chocks if appropriate.
If the parking brake is fully released,but the brake warning lamp remainsilluminated, the brakes may not beworking properly. Have your vehiclechecked as soon as possible.
Your vehicle is equipped with a brake-shiftinterlock feature that prevents thegearshift lever from moving from park (P)when the ignition is on and the brake pedalis not pressed.
If you cannot move the gearshift lever outof park (P) position with the ignition is onand the brake pedal pressed, a malfunctionmay have occurred. It is possible that afuse has blown or your vehicle’s brakelamps are not operating properly. SeeFuse Specification Chart (page 312).
If the fuse is not blown and the brakelamps are working properly, the followingprocedure allows you to move the gearshiftlever from park (P):
1. Apply the parking brake. Switch theignition key to 1 (off), then remove thekey.
2. Move the steering column to the fulldown and full rearward position(toward the driver’s seat).
3. Remove the gearshift lever boot.
4. Place fingers into hole where youremoved the gearshift lever boot andpull top half of shroud up and forwardto separate it from the lower half of theshroud. There is a hinge at the forwardedge of the top shroud. Roll the tophalf of the shroud upward on the hingepoint to clear the hazard flasher button,then pull straight rearward toward thedriver’s seat to remove.
5. Remove the top half of the shroud.
6. Remove the three fasteners under thecolumn that secure the lower shroudhalf to the column.
7.Pull the lock lever into the full unlockedposition and remove the lower shroudcover by pulling the lever handlethrough the slot in the cover.
8.Apply the brake. Gently lift the overridedisk and move the gearshift lever intoneutral (N).
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9. Start your vehicle.
Perform Steps 4 through 8 in reverse order,making sure to engage the hinge pivotsbetween the upper and lower halves of theshroud. Keep slight pressure in the forwarddirection as you rotate the halves together.
If Your Vehicle Gets Stuck In Mudor Snow
Note:Do not rock your vehicle if the engineis not at normal operating temperature ordamage to the transmission may occur.
Note:Do not rock your vehicle for morethan a minute or damage to thetransmission and tires may occur, or theengine may overheat.
If your vehicle is stuck in mud or snow, youmay rock it out by shifting between forwardand reverse gears, stopping between shiftsin a steady pattern. Press lightly on theaccelerator in each gear.
POWER TAKE-OFF
WARNING
Use of auxiliary equipment thatexceeds the maximum PowerTake-Off (PTO) load specified in theFord Truck Body Builders Layout Book canadversely affect the performance of thepowertrain system. Refer to the BodyBuilders Layout Book for instructions aboutthe appropriate installation of additionalequipment.
Auxiliary equipment called power take-off,or PTO, is often added to the engine ortransmission to operate utility equipment.Examples include a wheel-lift for towtrucks, cranes, tools for construction or tireservice, and pumping fluids. PTOapplications draw auxiliary horsepowerfrom the powertrain, often while thevehicle is stationary. In this condition, thereis limited cooling air flow through theradiator and around the vehicle thatnormally occurs when a vehicle is moving.The aftermarket PTO system installer,having the most knowledge of the finalapplication, is responsible for determiningwhether additional chassis heat protectionor powertrain cooling is required, andalerting the user to the safe and properoperation.
Ford Super Duty Vehicles are approved foruse as a stationary (including split shaftcapability) or mobile power source, withinlimits and operating guidelines detailed inthe Ford Truck Body Builders Layout Book,found at www.fleet.ford.com/truckbbas,and through the Ford Truck Body BuildersAdvisory Service.
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USING FOUR-WHEEL DRIVE
Note:For important information regardingthe safe operation of this type of vehicle,see General Information in the Wheels andTires chapter.
Note:Do not use 4H or 4L mode on dry,hard surfaced roads. Doing so can produceexcessive noise, increase tire wear and maydamage drive components. 4X4 mode isonly intended for consistently slippery orloose surfaces. Use of 4L mode on thesesurfaces may produce some noise (such asoccasional clunks), but will not damagedrive components.
Note:If 4X4 low is selected while thevehicle is moving above 3 mph (5 km/h),the 4WD system will not perform a shift.This is normal and should be no reason forconcern. Refer to Shifting to or from 4L (4X4Low) for proper operation.
Note:You can switch on and switch off theelectronic locking differential by pulling the4WD control (4WD vehicles) or turning theelectronic locking differential control (2WDvehicles). See Electronic LockingDifferential (page 219).
Manual Shift On Stop (MSOS)4WD system (If Equipped)
Note:The vehicle should not be driven in4X4 High or 4X4 Low modes with the hublocks set to FREE as this condition maydamage driveline system components.
The 4WD system is engaged or disengagedby rotating the control for both front wheelhub locks from the FREE or LOCK position,then manually engaging or disengaging thetransfer case with the floor-mountedshifter. For increased fuel economy in 2WD,rotate both hub locks to the FREE position.
Electronic Shift-On-the-Fly(ESOF) 4WD system (If Equipped)
Note:If 4X4 Low is selected while thevehicle is moving above 3 mph (5 km/h),the 4WD system will not perform a shift.This is normal and should be no reason forconcern. Refer to Shifting to or from 4L (4X4Low) for proper system operation.
Note:Auto-manual hub locks can bemanually overridden by rotating the hub lockcontrol from AUTO to LOCK.
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For proper operation, make sure that eachhub is fully engaged and that both hublocks are set to the same position (bothset to LOCK or both set to AUTO). Toengage LOCK, turn the hub lockscompletely clockwise; to engage AUTO,turn the hub locks completelycounterclockwise.
The ESOF 4WD system:
•provides 4x4 High engagement anddisengagement while the vehicle ismoving.
•is operated by a rotary control locatedon the instrument panel that allowsyou select 4x2, 4x4 High or 4x4 Lowoperation.
•uses auto-manual hub locks that canbe engaged and disengagedautomatically based on the 4x4 modeselected.
•will increase fuel economy when usedin the hub lock's recommended AUTOmode.
4WD Indicator Lights
Note:When a 4X4 system fault is present,the system will typically remain in whichever4X4 mode was selected prior to the faultcondition occurring. It will not default to 4X2in all circumstances. When this warning isdisplayed, have your vehicle serviced by anauthorized dealer.
4X2
Momentarily illuminates when2H is selected.
4X4 HIGH
Continuously illuminates when4H is selected.
4X4 LOW
Continuously illuminates when4L is selected.
CHECK 4X4
Displays when a 4X4 fault ispresent.
Using a Manual Shift On Stop(MSOS) 4WD system (If Equipped)
Note:High shift efforts may be encounteredwhen attempting to shift into and out of 4x4modes. It is recommended to allow thevehicle to roll at a speed below 3 mph(5 km/h) when shifting between modes.
2H (4X2)
For general on-road driving. Sends powerto the rear wheels only and should be usedfor street and highway driving. Providesoptimal smoothness and fuel economy athigh speeds
4H (4X4 High)
Used for extra traction such as in snow oricy roads or in off road situations. Thismode is not intended for use on drypavement.
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N (Neutral)
Only used when towing the vehicle. Nopower to front or rear wheels.
4L (4X4 Low)
Uses extra gearing to provide maximumpower to all four wheels at reducedspeeds. Intended only for off roadapplications such as deep sand, steepgrades or pulling heavy objects.
Shifting between system modes
Note:Do not perform these operations ifthe rear wheels are slipping or whenapplying the accelerator pedal.
Note:Some noise may be heard as the 4x4system shifts or engages. This is normal. Inorder to reduce engagement noise, it isrecommended that all shifts be performedat speeds below3 mph (5 km/h).
Note:The vehicle should not be driven in4X4 High with the hub locks disengaged asthis condition may damage driveline systemcomponents.
Engage the locking hubs by rotating thehub lock control from FREE to LOCK, thenmove the transfer case lever from 2H to4H at a stop or a vehicle speed below3 mph (5 km/h).
Move the transfer case lever from 4H to2H at a stop or a vehicle speed below3 mph (5 km/h), then disengage thelocking hubs (optional) by rotating the hublock control from LOCK to FREE.
For proper operation, make sure that bothhubs are set to either FREE or LOCK.
Shifting to or from 4L (4X4 Low)
1. Bring the vehicle to a stop or a speedbelow 3 mph (5 km/h).
2. Place the transmission in N (Neutral).
3. Move the transfer case shift leverthrough N (Neutral) directly to thedesired position.
4. If the transfer case does not, or onlypartially moves to the desired position,perform a shift with the transmissionin N (Neutral) and the vehicle rolling ata speed below 3 mph (5 km/h).
5. If shifting to 2H with the vehicle at acomplete stop, disengage the lockinghubs (optional) by rotating the hublock control from LOCK to FREE.
Using the N (Neutral) position
WARNING
Always set the parking brake andleave your vehicle with thetransmission in park (P).
The transfer case neutral position overridesthe transmission and puts the vehicle inneutral regardless of transmission gearshiftlever position. The vehicle can moveforward or backwards.
This position should only be used whentowing the vehicle.
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Using the Electronic Shift on theFly 4WD system (If Equipped)
2H (4X2)
For general on-road driving. Sends powerto the rear wheels only and should be usedfor street and highway driving. Providesoptimal smoothness and fuel economy athigh speeds.
4H (4X4 HIGH)
Provides mechanically locked four-wheeldrive power to both the front and rearwheels for use in off-road or winterconditions such as deep snow, sand ormud. This mode is not for use on drypavement.
4L (4X4 LOW)
Provides mechanically locked four-wheeldrive power to both the front and rearwheels for use on low traction surfaces,but does so with additional gearing forincreased torque multiplication. Intendedonly for off-road applications such as deepsand, steep grades, or pulling heavyobjects. 4L (4X4 low) will not engage whileyour vehicle is moving above 3 mph(5 km/h); this is normal and should be noreason for concern. Refer to Shifting to orfrom 4L (4X4 low) for proper operation.
Shifting between system modes
Note:Momentarily releasing the acceleratorpedal when a shift in progress messagedisplays improves engagement ordisengagement performance.
Note:Do not perform this operation if therear wheels are slipping or when applyingthe accelerator pedal.
Note:Some noise may be heard as thesystem shifts or engages; this is normal.
Note:4X4 high mode is not intended foruse on dry pavement.
You can move the control from 2H or 4Hat a stop or while driving. The informationdisplay may display a message indicatinga 4X4 shift is in progress. Once the shift iscomplete the message center will thendisplay the system mode selected.
Shifting to or from 4L (4X4 low)
Note:Some noise may be heard as thesystem shifts or engages; this is normal.
Note:4x4 low mode is not intended for useon dry pavement.
1. Bring the vehicle to a speed of 3 mph(5 km/h) or less.
2. Place the transmission in N (Neutral).
3. Move the 4WD control to the desiredposition.
The information display will display amessage indicating a 4X4 shift is inprogress. The information display will thendisplay the system mode selected. If anyof the above shift conditions are not met,the shift will not occur and the informationdisplay will display information guiding thedriver through the proper shiftingprocedures.
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If Shift Delayed Pull Forward appears inthe information display, transfer case geartooth blockage is present. To alleviate thiscondition, place the transmission in aforward gear, move the vehicle forwardapproximately 5 ft (1.5 m), and shift thetransmission back to neutral to allow thetransfer case to complete the range shift.
How Your Vehicle Differs FromOther Vehicles
WARNING
Vehicles with a higher center ofgravity (utility and four-wheel drivevehicles) handle differently thanvehicles with a lower center of gravity(passenger cars). Avoid sharp turns,excessive speed and abrupt steering inthese vehicles. Failure to drive cautiouslyincreases the risk of losing control of yourvehicle, vehicle rollover, personal injury anddeath.
Truck and utility vehicles can differ fromsome other vehicles. Your vehicle may behigher to allow it to travel over roughterrain without getting hung up ordamaging underbody components.
The differences that make your vehicle soversatile also make it handle differentlythan an ordinary passenger car.
Maintain steering wheel control at alltimes, especially in rough terrain. Sincesudden changes in terrain can result inabrupt steering wheel motion, make sureyou grip the steering wheel from theoutside. Do not grip the spokes.
Drive cautiously to avoid vehicle damagefrom concealed objects such as rocks andstumps.
You should either know the terrain orexamine maps of the area before driving.Map out your route before driving in thearea. To maintain steering and brakingcontrol of your vehicle, you must have allfour wheels on the ground and they mustbe rolling, not sliding or spinning.
Driving Off-Road With Truck andUtility Vehicles
Note:On some models, the initial shift fromtwo-wheel drive to four-wheel drive whilethe vehicle is moving can cause somemomentary clunk and ratcheting sounds.This is the front drivetrain coming up tospeed and the automatic locking hubsengaging and is not cause for concern.
Note:Your vehicle may be equipped witha front air dam that can become damaged(due to reduced ground clearance) whentaking your vehicle off-road. This air damcan be taken off by removing 15 bolts.
Four-wheel drive vehicles are speciallyequipped for driving on sand, snow, mudand rough terrain and have operatingcharacteristics that are somewhatdifferent from conventional vehicles, bothon and off the road.
Power is supplied to all four wheelsthrough a transfer case. On four-wheeldrive vehicles, the transfer case allows youto select 4WD when necessary.Information on transfer case operation andshifting procedures can be found in thischapter. Information on transfer casemaintenance can be found in theMaintenance chapter. You should becomethoroughly familiar with this informationbefore you operate your vehicle.
Four-wheel drive (when you select a 4WDmode) uses all four wheels to power thevehicle. This increases traction, enablingyou to drive over terrain and roadconditions that a conventional two-wheeldrive vehicle cannot.
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Four-Wheel Drive (If Equipped)

Basic Operating Principles
•Drive slower in strong crosswinds whichcan affect the normal steeringcharacteristics of your vehicle.
•When driving your vehicle on surfacesmade slippery by loose sand, water,gravel, snow or ice proceed with care.
•Do not use 4H or 4L on dry, hardsurfaced roads. Doing so will produceexcessive noise, increase tire wear andmay damage drive components. 4H or4L modes are only intended forconsistently slippery or loose surfaces.
If Your Vehicle leaves the Road
If your vehicle leaves the road, reduce yourvehicle speed and avoid severe braking.When your vehicle speed has been reducedease your vehicle back onto the road. Donot turn the steering wheel sharply whilereturning your vehicle to the road.
It may be safer to stay on the shoulder ofthe road and slow down gradually beforereturning to the road. You may lose controlif you do not slow down or if you turn thesteering wheel too sharply or abruptly.
It may be less risky to strike small objects,such as freeway reflectors, with minordamage to your vehicle rather thanattempt a sudden return to the road whichcould cause your vehicle to slide sidewaysout of control or roll over. Remember, yoursafety and the safety of others should beyour primary concern.
Emergency Maneuvers
In an unavoidable emergency situationwhere a sudden sharp turn must be made,remember to avoid over-driving yourvehicle (i.e. turn the steering wheel only asrapidly and as far as required to avoid theemergency). Excessive steering can resultin loss of vehicle control. Apply smoothpressure to the accelerator pedal or brakepedal when changes in vehicle speed are
required. Avoid abrupt steering,acceleration and braking. This could resultin an increased risk of vehicle roll over, lossof vehicle control and personal injury. Useall available road surface to bring yourvehicle to a safe direction of travel.
In the event of an emergency stop, avoidskidding the tires and do not attempt anysharp steering wheel movements.
If your vehicle goes from one type ofsurface to another (i.e. from concrete togravel) there will be a change in the wayyour vehicle responds to a maneuver (i.e.steering, acceleration or braking).
Sand
When driving over sand, try to keep all fourwheels on the most solid area of the trail.Avoid reducing the tire pressures but shiftto a lower gear and drive steadily throughthe terrain. Apply the accelerator slowlyand avoid excessive wheel slip.
When driving at slow speeds in deep sandunder high outside temperatures, use a lowgear when possible. Low gear operationwill maximize the engine and transmissioncooling capability.
Avoid driving at excessive speeds, thiscauses vehicle momentum to work againstyou and your vehicle could become stuckto the point that assistance may berequired from another vehicle. Remember,you may be able to back out the way youcame if you proceed with caution.
Mud and Water
Mud
Be cautious of sudden changes in vehiclespeed or direction when you are driving inmud. Even four-wheel drive vehicles canlose traction in slick mud. If your vehicledoes slide, steer in the direction of the slideuntil you regain control of your vehicle.
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After driving through mud, clean off residuestuck to rotating driveshafts and tires.Excess mud stuck on tires and rotatingdriveshafts can cause an imbalance thatcould damage drive components.
Water
If you must drive through high water, driveslowly. Traction or brake capability maybe limited.
When driving through water, determine thedepth and avoid water higher than thebottom of the hubs. If the ignition systemgets wet, your vehicle may stall.
Once through water, always try the brakes.Wet brakes do not stop your vehicle aseffectively as dry brakes. Drying can beimproved by applying light pressure to thebrake pedal while moving slowly.
Note:Driving through deep water maydamage the transmission. If the front or rearaxle is submerged in water, the axlelubricant and power transfer unit lubricantshould be checked and changed ifnecessary.
Driving on Hilly or Sloping Terrain
Although natural obstacles may make itnecessary to travel diagonally up or downa hill or steep incline, you should alwaystry to drive straight up or straight down.
Note:Avoid turning on steep slopes or hills.A danger lies in losing traction, slippingsideways and possible vehicle roll over.Whenever driving on a hill, determinebeforehand the route you will use. Do notdrive over the crest of a hill without seeingwhat conditions are on the other side. Donot drive in reverse over a hill without theaid of an observer.
When climbing a steep slope or hill, startin a lower gear rather than downshifting toa lower gear from a higher gear once theascent has started. This reduces strain onthe engine and the possibility of stalling.
If your vehicle stalls, do not try to turnaround because this could cause vehicleroll over. It is better to reverse back to asafe location.
Apply just enough power to the wheels toclimb the hill. Too much power will causethe tires to slip, spin or lose traction,resulting in loss of vehicle control.
Descend a hill in the same gear you woulduse to climb up the hill to avoid excessivebrake application and brake overheating.Do not descend in neutral. Disengageoverdrive or move the transmissionselector lever to a lower gear. Whendescending a steep hill, avoid sudden hardbraking as you could lose control. The frontwheels have to be turning in order to steeryour vehicle.
If your vehicle has anti-lock brakes, applythe brakes steadily. Do not pump thebrakes.
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Driving on Snow and Ice
WARNING
If you are driving in slipperyconditions that require tire chains orcables, then it is critical that you drivecautiously. Keep speeds down, allow forlonger stopping distances and avoidaggressive steering to reduce the chancesof a loss of vehicle control which can leadto serious injury or death. If the rear end ofyour vehicle slides while cornering, steer inthe direction of the slide until you regaincontrol of your vehicle.
Note:Excessive tire slippage can causetransmission damage.
Four-wheel drive vehicles have advantagesover two-wheel drive vehicles in snow andice but can skid like any other vehicle.Should you start to slide while driving onsnowy or icy roads, turn the steering wheelin the direction of the slide until you regaincontrol.
Avoid sudden applications of power andquick changes of direction on snow andice. Apply the accelerator slowly andsteadily when starting from a full stop.
Avoid sudden braking. Although afour-wheel drive vehicle may acceleratebetter than a two-wheel drive vehicle insnow and ice, it will not stop any faster asbraking occurs at all four wheels. Do notbecome overconfident as to roadconditions.
Make sure you allow sufficient distancebetween you and other vehicles forstopping. Drive slower than usual andconsider using one of the lower gears. Inemergency stopping situations, apply thebrake steadily. Do not pump the brakepedal. See Hints on Driving WithAnti-Lock Brakes (page 222).
If Your Vehicle Gets Stuck In Mud orSnow
WARNING
Do not spin the wheels at over34 mph (55 km/h). The tires may failand injure a passenger or bystander.
If your vehicle gets stuck in mud or snow,it may be rocked out by shifting betweenforward and reverse gears, stoppingbetween shifts in a steady pattern. Presslightly on the accelerator in each gear.
Note:Do not rock your vehicle if the engineis not at normal operating temperature,damage to the transmission may occur.
Note:Do not rock your vehicle for morethan a minute, damage to the transmissionand tires may occur or the engine mayoverheat.
Parking
WARNINGS
If the parking brake is fully released,but the brake warning lamp remainsilluminated, the brakes may not beworking properly. Have your vehiclechecked as soon as possible.
Always set the parking brake andleave your vehicle with thetransmission in park (P).
On some four-wheel drive vehicles, whenthe transfer case is in the N (Neutral)position, the engine and transmission aredisconnected from the rest of the driveline.Therefore, the vehicle is free to roll even ifthe automatic transmission is in P (Park)or the manual transmission is in gear. Donot leave the vehicle unattended with thetransfer case in the N (Neutral) position.Always set the parking brake fully and turnoff the ignition when leaving the vehicle.
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