check engine FORD F250 SUPER DUTY 2017 Owner's Guide

GENERAL INFORMATION
Note:Occasional brake noise is normal. Ifa metal-to-metal, continuous grinding orcontinuous squeal sound is present, thebrake linings may be worn-out. Have thesystem checked by an authorized dealer. Ifyour vehicle has continuous vibration orshudder in the steering wheel while braking,have it checked by an authorized dealer.
Note:Brake dust may accumulate on thewheels, even under normal drivingconditions. Some dust is inevitable as thebrakes wear and does not contribute tobrake noise. See Cleaning the Wheels(page 370).
See Warning Lamps andIndicators (page 105).
Wet brakes result in reduced brakingefficiency. Gently press the brake pedal afew times when driving from a car wash orstanding water to dry the brakes.
Brake Over Accelerator
In the event the accelerator pedalbecomes stuck or entrapped, apply steadyand firm pressure to the brake pedal toslow the vehicle and reduce engine power.If you experience this condition, apply thebrakes and bring your vehicle to a safestop. Move the transmission to park (P),switch the engine off and apply the parkingbrake. Inspect the accelerator pedal forany interference. If none are found and thecondition persists, have your vehicle towedto the nearest authorized dealer.
Brake Assist
Brake assist detects when you brakerapidly by measuring the rate at which youpress the brake pedal. It providesmaximum braking efficiency as long as youpress the pedal, and can reduce stoppingdistances in critical situations.
Anti-lock Brake System
This system helps you maintain steeringcontrol during emergency stops by keepingthe brakes from locking.
This lamp momentarilyilluminates when you switch theignition on. If the light does notilluminate during start up, remains on orflashes, the system may be disabled. Havethe system checked by an authorizeddealer. If the anti-lock brake system isdisabled, normal braking is still effective.
If the brake warning lampremains illuminated after yourelease the parking brake, havethe system checked by an authorizeddealer.
Diesel Engine Braking (If Equipped)
WARNING
Do not use tow/haul or enginebraking when driving in icy or slipperyconditions as the increased brakingcan cause the rear wheels to slide and yourvehicle to swing around with the possibleloss of vehicle control.
This feature increases engine braking athigher engine speeds to provide bettergrade descent control with less brake andtransmission wear and tear. It alsoimproves engine braking when towing orcarrying heavy loads.
Press the button on the switchbank next to the audio unit toswitch the system on or off.
There are two engine brake modes, manualand automatic.
Manual Engine Braking
1. Press the button to switch on manualengine braking.
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System Limitations
Cross Traffic Alert has its limitations;situations such as severe weatherconditions or debris build-up on the sensorarea may limit vehicle detection.
The following are other situations that maylimit the Cross Traffic Alert performance:
•Adjacently parked vehicles or objectsobstructing the sensors.
•Approaching vehicles passing atspeeds greater than 37 mph(60 km/h).
•Driving in reverse faster than 7 mph(12 km/h).
•Backing out of an angled parking spot.
False Alerts
Note:If your vehicle has a tow bar with afactory equipped trailer tow module and itis towing a trailer, the sensors willautomatically turn the Cross Traffic Alertoff. If your vehicle has a tow bar but nofactory equipped trailer tow module, it isrecommended to turn the Cross Traffic Alertoff manually. Operating Cross Traffic Alertwith a trailer attached will cause poor CrossTraffic Alert performance.
There may be certain instances when thereis a false alert by the Cross Traffic Alertsystem that illuminates the alert indicatorwith no vehicle in the coverage zone. Someamount of false alerts are normal; they aretemporary and self-correct.
System Errors
If Cross Traffic Alert senses a problem withthe left or right sensor a message appearsin the display screen. See InformationMessages (page 128).
Switching the System Off and On
Note:The Cross Traffic Alert switches onwhenever the ignition is switched on andready to provide appropriate alerts whenthe transmission is in reverse (R). CrossTraffic Alert will not remember the lastselected on or off setting.
You can temporarily switch Cross TrafficAlert off in the information display. SeeGeneral Information (page 111). Whenyou switch Cross Traffic Alert off, you donot receive alerts and the display screenshows a system off message.
You can also have Cross Traffic Alertswitched off permanently at an authorizeddealer. Once switched off permanently,the system can only be switched back onat an authorized dealer.
STEERING
Power Steering
To help prevent damage to the powersteering system:
•Never hold the steering wheel at itsfurthest turning points (until it stops)for more than three seconds when theengine is running.
•Do not operate the vehicle with a lowpower steering pump fluid level (belowthe MIN mark on the reservoir).
•Some noise is normal during operation.If excessive, check for low powersteering pump fluid level beforeseeking service by your dealer.
•Heavy or uneven efforts may be causedby low power steering fluid. Check forlow power steering pump fluid levelbefore seeking service by your dealer.
•Do not fill the power steering pumpreservoir above the MAX mark on thereservoir, as this may result in leaksfrom the reservoir.
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Driving Aids

If the power steering system breaks down(or if the engine is turned off), you cansteer the vehicle manually, but it takesmore effort.
If the steering wanders or pulls, check for:
•an improperly inflated tire
•uneven tire wear
•loose or worn suspension components
•loose or worn steering components
•improper vehicle alignment
If any steering components are serviced orreplaced, install new fasteners (many arecoated with thread adhesive or haveprevailing torque features which may notbe re-used). Never re-use a bolt or nut.Torque fasteners to specifications.
A high crown in the road or high crosswindsmay also make the steering seem towander or pull.
Adaptive Steering (If Equipped)
WARNING
The adaptive steering system hasdiagnostic checks that continuouslymonitor the system. If a fault isdetected a message displays in theinformation display. Stop your vehicle assoon as it is safe to do so. This warningmessage may clear if the fault is no longerpresent. If an adaptive steering systemwarning message appears each time youstart your vehicle, have the systemchecked as soon as possible.
The adaptive steering system continuallychanges the steering ratio with changes tovehicle speed, optimizing the steeringresponse in all conditions. The system alsochanges when you switch on thetransmission tow/haul feature. When youselect the tow/haul button, the adaptivesteering system reduces vehicle sensitivityto steering inputs at higher vehicle speeds,while maintaining the ease of parking andmaneuverability at low speeds.
Note:The adaptive steering system isdesigned with a locking device. With thelock engaged, the adaptive steering systemremains mechanically locked at a fixedsteering ratio. You may also notice a clickwhen you switch the vehicle on or after youswitch it off, as the lock disengages orengages.
Note:If your vehicle loses electrical poweror detects a fault when you are driving, thesystem automatically shuts down and youretain normal steering function with a fixedsteering ratio. During this time it is possiblethat the steering wheel may not be straightwhen the vehicle is driving straight ahead.In addition, the driver may notice that thesteering wheel angle required to steer thevehicle may be different.
Note:During parking maneuvers, theadaptive steering system balances the driverwork load for various steering wheel inputsand vehicle loading conditions. Underextreme operating conditions the systemlocking device may engage. This strategyprevents overheating and permanentdamage to the adaptive steering system.Typical steering and driving maneuversallow the system to cool and return tonormal operation.
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Driving Aids

slowly turning the wheel until the traileris following your desired path and thenholding the wheel in that position. Ifyou would like to recalibrate thesystem for straight backing, you can doso with the following procedure.
•Go into the trailer menu, selecttrailer options, select change trailersetting and then select the changesticker option. Your savedmeasurements will be displayed.Do not change them but continueto confirm measurements. Onceyou confirm the measurements, thesystem will then prompt you toperform the calibration procedure.
Note:The system is designed to be usedwith the same trailer connection every timethe trailer is chosen from the selectionmenu. Using a different drawbar or adifferent pin hole (on drawbars with morethan one) when connecting the drawbar toyour vehicle will affect the trailermeasurements. Take the measurementsagain and update if required.
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 261).
RECOMMENDED TOWING
WEIGHTS
WARNING
You must use the heavy-dutydrawbar pin supplied with
your vehicle when using theheavy-duty hitch. Failure to followthis instruction could result in theloss of control of your vehicle,personal injury or death.
Note:Vehicles with a heavy-dutyhitch must use the drawbar pinstamped 21,000 LBS. You canobtain a replacement drawbar pinat your Ford dealer.
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.
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Towing

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 connectorneeded to use electric trailerbrakes.
Your vehicle may tow a trailerprovided the maximum trailerweight is less than or equal to themaximum trailer weightcalculated using the formulafollowing the chart.
Pickup and box delete
MaximumGCWRRear axle ratioEngineVehicle
19500 lb (8845kg)3.73
6.2L gas
F-250
22000 lb (9979kg)4.30
23500 lb (10660kg)3.31, 3.556.7L diesel
25700 lb (11657kg)3.31, 3.556.7L diesel *
19500 lb (8845kg)3.73
6.2L gasF-350 singlerear wheel23500 lb (9979kg)4.30
28700 lb (13018kg)3.31, 3.556.7L diesel
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Towing

This equals the maximum loadedtrailer weight for this combination.
Note:The trailer tongue load isconsidered part of the payload foryour vehicle. Reduce the totalpayload by the final trailer tongueweight.
Note:Consult an authorized dealerto determine the maximum trailerweight allowed for your vehicle ifyou are not sure.
For additional information ontrailer weights, reference the RV& Trailer Towing Guide availableat your authorized dealer, oronline.
RV & Trailer Towing Guide Online
http://www.fleet.ford.com/towing-guides/Website
ESSENTIAL TOWING CHECKS
WARNING
Do not exceed the maximumpermissible nose weight, e.g. verticalweight on the tow ball. Failure toadhere to this warning could result in lossof vehicle control, serious personal injuryor death.
Follow these guidelines for safe towing:
•Do not tow a trailer until you drive yourvehicle at least 1,000 mi (1,600 km).
•Consult your local motor vehicle lawsfor towing a trailer.
•See the instructions included withtowing accessories for the properinstallation and adjustmentspecifications.
•Service your vehicle more frequently ifyou tow a trailer. See your scheduledmaintenance information.
•If you use a rental trailer, follow theinstructions the rental agency givesyou.
See Load limits in the Load Carryingchapter for load specification terms foundon the tire label and Safety Compliancelabel and instructions on calculating yourvehicle's load.
Vehicles with a diesel engine have anengine braking feature. See GeneralInformation (page 221).
Remember to account for the trailertongue weight as part of your vehicle loadwhen calculating the total vehicle weight.
Some vehicles will have the ability tomodify trailer towing features. SeeGeneral Information (page 111).
Trailer Towing Connector
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When Towing a Trailer
•Check your hitch, electrical connectionsand trailer wheel lug nuts thoroughlyafter you have traveled 50 mi (80 km).
•Do not drive faster than 70 mph(113 km/h) during the first 500 mi(800 km).
•Do not make full-throttle starts.
•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 withAdaptive Steering and you haveenabled Tow/Haul, the AdaptiveSteering system adjusts the steeringresponse to match your vehicle’s load.The system reduces vehicle sensitivityto steering inputs at higher vehiclespeeds while it maintains the ease ofparking and maneuverability at lowspeeds.
•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).
•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.
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Towing

Note:You can check four-wheel-downtowing status at any time by opening thedriver's door or turning the ignition to theaccessory or on position and verifying amessage displays in the cluster.
To exit four-wheel-down towing and returnthe transfer case to its 2H position:
1.With your vehicle still properly securedto the tow vehicle, put the ignition inthe on position, but do not start theengine. If your vehicle has an ignitionkey, switch the key to on. If your vehiclehas intelligent access, press the engineSTART/STOP button once withoutpressing the brake pedal.
2. Press and hold the brake pedal.
3. Shift the transmission out of neutral(N) and into any other gear.
4. Release the brake pedal.
Note:If completed successfully, the 2Hindicator light illuminates and aconfirmation message displays in theinstrument cluster.
Note:If the indicator light and message donot display, you must perform the procedureagain from the beginning.
Note:You may hear an audible noise as thetransfer case shifts out of its neutralposition. This is normal.
Note:If a message displays in theinstrument cluster stating there is a shiftdelay, transfer case gear tooth blockagemay be present. See Resolving the ShiftDelay Issue after this section.
5.Apply the parking brake and disconnectthe vehicle from the tow vehicle.
6. Release the parking brake, start theengine and shift the transmission todrive (D) to make sure the transfercase is out of neutral (N).
7. If the transfer case does notsuccessfully shift out of neutral (N),set the parking brake until you can haveyour vehicle serviced.
Resolving the Shift Delay Issue
If the instrument cluster displays a shiftdelay message, See InformationMessages (page 128). You need toperform the following steps:
1. Press and hold the brake pedal.
2. Put the transmission into neutral (N),and then start the engine.
3. With the engine running, shift thetransmission to drive (D) and let thevehicle roll forward, up to 3 ft (1 m).You may hear an audible noise as thetransfer case shifts out of its neutralposition. This is normal.
4. When the issue is resolved, theinstrument cluster displays a messagestating neutral tow is disabled.
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Towing

•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.
•Four-wheel-drive operation (ifequipped) is less fuel efficient thantwo-wheel-drive operation.
•Close the windows for high-speeddriving.
DRIVING THROUGH WATER
WARNING
Do not drive through flowing or deepwater as you may lose control of yourvehicle.
Note:Driving through standing water cancause vehicle damage.
Note:Engine damage can occur if waterenters the air filter.
Before driving through standing water,check the depth. Never drive through waterthat is higher than the bottom of the wheelhubs.
When driving through standing water, drivevery slowly and do not stop your vehicle.Your brake performance and traction maybe limited. After driving through water andas soon as it is safe to do so:
•Lightly press the brake pedal to dry thebrakes and to check that they work.
•Check that the horn works.
•Check that the exterior lights work.
•Turn the steering wheel to check thatthe steering power assist works.
FLOOR MATS
WARNINGS
Always use floor mats that aredesigned to fit the foot well of yourvehicle. Only use floor mats thatleave the pedal area unobstructed. Onlyuse floor mats that are firmly secured toretention posts so that they cannot slip outof position and interfere with the pedalsor impair safe operation of your vehicle inother ways.
Pedals that cannot move freely cancause loss of vehicle control andincrease the risk of serious personalinjury.
Always make sure that the floormats are properly attached to theretention posts in the carpet that aresupplied with your vehicle. Floor mats mustbe properly secured to both retention poststo make sure mats do not shift out ofposition.
Never place floor mats or any othercovering in the vehicle foot well thatcannot be properly secured toprevent them from moving and interferingwith the pedals or the ability to control thevehicle.
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This program is separate from the NewVehicle Limited Warranty, but the coverageis concurrent with the powertrain coverageperiod of your vehicle.
Canadian customers who require roadsideassistance, call 1-800-665-2006.
Vehicles Sold in Canada: UsingRoadside Assistance
Complete the roadside assistanceidentification card and place it in yourwallet for quick reference.
In Canada, this card is found in theWarranty Guide in the glove compartmentof your vehicle.
Vehicles Sold in Canada: RoadsideAssistance Program Coverage
The service is available 24 hours a day,seven days a week.
Canadian roadside coverage and benefitsmay differ from the U.S. coverage.
For complete program coverage detailsyou may contact your dealer, you can callus in Canada at 1-800-665-2006, or visitour website at www.ford.ca.
HAZARD FLASHERS
Note:The hazard flashers operate whenthe ignition is in any position, or if the key isnot in the ignition. If used when the vehicleis not running, the battery loses charge. Asa result, there may be insufficient power torestart your vehicle.
The flasher control is on theinstrument panel. Use yourhazard flashers when yourvehicle is creating a safety hazard for othermotorists.
•Press the flasher control and all frontand rear direction indicators flash.
•Press the button again to switch themoff.
FUEL SHUTOFF - 6.2L/6.8L
Note:If your vehicle is involved in a crash,have a qualified technician check the fuelsystem.
Note: When you try to restart your vehicleafter a fuel shutoff, the vehicle makes surethat various systems are safe to restart.Once the vehicle determines the systemsare safe, then the vehicle allows you torestart.
Note: In the event that your vehicle doesnot restart after your third attempt, contacta qualified technician.
The fuel pump shutoff stops the flow offuel to the engine in the event of amoderate to severe crash. Not everyimpact causes a shutoff.
If your vehicle has a key system:
1. Switch off the vehicle.
2. Switch on the vehicle.
3. Repeat steps 1 and 2 to re-enable thefuel pump.
FUEL SHUTOFF - 6.7L DIESEL
WARNING
Failure to inspect and, if necessary,repair fuel leaks after a collision mayincrease the risk of fire and seriousinjury. Ford Motor Company recommendsthat the fuel system be inspected by anauthorized dealer after any collision.
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Roadside Emergencies