instrument panel FORD F450 2012 Owners Manual

Auxiliary input jack (if equipped)
WARNING: Driving while distracted can result in loss of vehicle
control, accident and injury. Ford strongly recommends that
drivers use extreme caution when using any device or feature that may
take their focus off the road. Your primary responsibility is the safe
operation of the vehicle. We recommend against the use of any
handheld device while driving, encourage the use of voice-operated
systems when possible and that you become aware of applicable state
and local laws that may affect use of electronic devices while driving.
Your vehicle may be equipped with
an auxiliary input jack (AIJ). The
auxiliary input jack, located on the
instrument panel below the power
point, provides a way to connect
your portable music player to the
in-vehicle audio system. This allows
the audio from a portable music
player to be played through the
vehicle speakers with high fidelity.
To achieve optimal performance,
please observe the following instructions when attaching your portable
music device to the audio system.
If your vehicle is equipped with a navigation system, refer to the
Auxiliary input jack section in the Audio Features chapter of your
Navigation System supplement.
Required equipment:
1. Any portable music player designed to be used with headphones
2. An audio extension cable with stereo male 1/8 in. (3.5 mm)
connectors at each end
To play your portable music player using the auxiliary input jack:
1. Begin with the vehicle parked and the radio turned off.
2. Ensure that the battery in your portable music player is new or fully
charged and that the device is turned off.
3. Attach one end of the audio extension cable to the headphone output
of your player and the other end of the audio extension cable to the AIJ
in your vehicle.
4. Turn the radio on, using either a tuned FM station or a CD loaded into
the system. Adjust the volume to a comfortable listening level. Entertainment Systems
69
2012 F-250/350/450/550 (f23)
Owners Guide, 4th Printing
USA (fus)

USB port (if equipped)
WARNING: Driving while distracted can result in loss of vehicle
control, accident and injury. Ford strongly recommends that
drivers use extreme caution when using any device that may take their
focus off the road. Your primary responsibility is the safe operation of
the vehicle. We recommend against the use of any handheld device
while driving, encourage the use of voice-operated systems when
possible and that you become aware of applicable state and local laws
that may affect the use of electronic devices while driving.
Your vehicle may be equipped with a
USB port located on the instrument
panel. This feature allows you to
plug in media playing devices,
memory sticks, and also to charge
devices if they support this feature.
For further information on this
feature, refer to Accessing and
using your USB port in the SYNC 
supplement or Navigation System
supplement.
GENERAL AUDIO INFORMATION
Radio frequencies:
AM and FM frequencies are established by the Federal Communications
Commission (FCC) and the Canadian Radio and Telecommunications
Commission (CRTC). Those frequencies are:
AM: 530, 540–1700, 1710 kHz
FM: 87.9–107.7, 107.9 MHz
Radio reception factors:
There are three factors that can affect radio reception:
• Distance/strength: The further you travel from an FM station, the
weaker the signal and the weaker the reception.
• Terrain: Hills, mountains, tall buildings, power lines, electric fences,
traffic lights and thunderstorms can interfere with your reception.
• Station overload: When you pass a broadcast tower, a stronger signal
may overtake a weaker one and play while the weak station frequency
is displayed. Entertainment Systems
71
2012 F-250/350/450/550 (f23)
Owners Guide, 4th Printing
USA (fus)

SINGLE ZONE CLIMATE CONTROL
1. Defrost: Distributes outside air through the windshield defroster
vents and de-mister vents. Can be used to clear the windshield of fog
and thin ice. The system will automatically provide outside air to reduce
window fogging. Press this button again to return to the previous air flow
selection.
2. A. R
Rear defroster (if equipped): Press to activate/deactivate the
rear window defroster. Refer to Rear window defroster later in this
chapter for more information. If your vehicle is equipped with both rear
defroster and heated mirrors, the same button will activate both.
2. B. Heated mirrors (if equipped): Press to activate/deactivate.
This feature will remove ice and snow from the side view mirrors.
3. Multifunction control: Press repeatedly to cycle through the
settings to choose:
• : Distributes air through the windshield defroster vents, de-mister
vents, floor vents and rear seat floor vents. The system will
automatically provide outside air to reduce window fogging.
• : Distributes air through the instrument panel vents.
• : Distributes air through the instrument panel vents, floor vents,
rear seat floor vents and de-mister vents.
• : Distributes air through the floor vents and rear seat floor vents.
4. A/C (if equipped): Press to activate/deactivate air conditioning. Use
with recirculated air to improve cooling performance and efficiency. A/C
engages automatically in MAX A/C, (defrost) and
(floor/defrost).Climate Controls
78
2012 F-250/350/450/550 (f23)
Owners Guide, 4th Printing
USA (fus)

5. Recirculated air (if equipped): Press to activate/deactivate air
recirculation in the vehicle. Recirculated air may reduce the amount of
time needed to cool down the interior of the vehicle and may also help
reduce undesired odors from reaching the interior of the vehicle.
Recirculated air engages automatically when MAX A/C is selected or can
be engaged manually in any airflow mode except (defrost). When
the ignition switch is turned off and back on, the climate system will
return to the recirculated air mode only if the A/C button LED is
illuminated and the air distribution selection is either (panel)
or (panel/floor).
6. MAX A/C (if equipped): Distributes recirculated air through the
instrument panel vents to cool the vehicle. This re-cooling of the interior
air is more economical and efficient than normal A/C mode. Recirculated
air may also help reduce undesirable odors from entering the vehicle.
Press the MAX A/C button again for normal A/C operation.
7. Temperature control: Controls the temperature of the airflow in the
vehicle.
8. Fan speed adjustment: Controls the volume of air circulated in
the vehicle.
9. Power: Press to activate/deactivate the climate control system.
When the system is off, outside air is prevented from entering the
vehicle.
Operating tips
• To reduce fog build-up on the windshield during humid weather,
select (defrost) or (floor/defrost). Temperature and/or fan
speed can also be increased to improve clearing.
• To reduce humidity build-up inside the vehicle: do not drive with the
system off or with recirculated air engaged and A/C off.
• Do not put objects under the front seats that will interfere with the
airflow to the back seats.
• Remove any snow, ice or leaves from the air intake area at the base of
the windshield.
• To improve the A/C cool down, drive with the windows slightly open
for 2-3 minutes after start up or until the vehicle has been “aired out.”
• A small amount of air may be felt from the floor vent regardless of the
air distribution setting that is selected. Climate Controls
79
2012 F-250/350/450/550 (f23)
Owners Guide, 4th Printing
USA (fus)

If you are driving during extreme high ambient temperatures and idling
for extended periods of time in gear, it is recommended to run the A/C
in the MAX A/C position, adjust the blower fan speed to the lowest
setting and put the vehicle’s transmission into the P (Park) position to
continue to receive cool air from your A/C system.
For maximum cooling performance (MAX A/C):
1. Select MAX A/C.
2. Move the temperature control to the coolest setting.
3. Set the fan speed to the highest setting and then adjust as necessary
to maintain comfort.
• A/C and
(recirculated air) will be automatically selected.
• Airflow will automatically be directed out of the panel vents.
To aid in side window defogging/demisting in cold weather:
1. Select
(panel/floor).
2. Select A/C.
3. Adjust the temperature control to maintain comfort.
4. Set the fan speed to the highest setting.
5. Direct the outer instrument panel vents towards the side windows.
To increase airflow to the outer instrument panel vents, close the vents
located in the middle of the instrument panel.Climate Controls
80
2012 F-250/350/450/550 (f23)
Owners Guide, 4th Printing
USA (fus)

4. Manual control: Allows you to manually select where airflow is
directed. To return to full automatic control, press AUTO. When
choosing to control airflow manually, press repeatedly to toggle through
the settings to choose:
• : Distributes air through the windshield defroster vents, de-mister
vents, floor vents and rear seat floor vents. The system will
automatically provide outside air to reduce window fogging.
• : Distributes air through the instrument panel vents.
• : Distributes air through the instrument panel vents, floor vents,
rear seat floor vents and de-mister vents.
• : Distributes air through the floor vents and rear seat floor vents.
5. A/C: Press to activate/deactivate air conditioning. Use with
recirculated air to improve cooling performance and efficiency. A/C
engages automatically in MAX A/C, (defrost)
and (floor/defrost).
6. Recirculated air: Press to activate/deactivate air recirculation in
the vehicle. Recirculated air may reduce the amount of time needed to
cool down the interior of the vehicle and may also help reduce undesired
odors from reaching the interior of the vehicle. Recirculated air engages
automatically when MAX A/C is selected or can be engaged manually in
any airflow mode except (defrost). When the ignition switch is
turned off and back on, the climate system will return to the recirculated
air mode only if the A/C button LED is illuminated and the air
distribution selection is either (panel) or (panel/floor).
7. AUTO: Press to engage automatic temperature control. Select the
desired temperature using the temperature control. The system will
automatically determine fan speed, airflow location, A/C on or off, and
outside or recirculated air, to heat or cool the vehicle to reach the
desired temperature.
8. MAX A/C: Distributes recirculated air through the instrument panel
vents to cool the vehicle. This re-cooling of the interior air is more
economical and efficient than normal A/C mode. Recirculated air may
also help reduce undesirable odors from entering the vehicle. Press the
MAX A/C button again for normal A/C operation.
9. Passenger heated seat (if equipped): Press to control the
passenger heated seat. Refer to Heated and cooled seats in the Seating
and Safety Restraints chapter for more information.Climate Controls
82
2012 F-250/350/450/550 (f23)
Owners Guide, 4th Printing
USA (fus)

• Remove any snow, ice or leaves from the air intake area at the base of
the windshield.
• To improve the A/C cool down, drive with the windows slightly open
for 2-3 minutes after start up or until the vehicle has been “aired out”.
• A small amount of air may be felt from the floor vent regardless of the
air distribution setting that is selected.
During extreme high ambient temperatures when idling stationary for
extended periods of time in gear, it is recommended to run the A/C in
the max A/C position, reduce blower fan speed from the highest setting
and put the vehicle’s transmission into the P (Park) gear position
(automatic transmission only) to continue to receive cool air from your
A/C system.
For maximum cooling performance:
• Automatic operation:
1. Press AUTO for full automatic operation.
2. Do not override A/C or (recirculated air).
3. Set the temperature to 60°F (16°C).
• Manual operation:
1. Select MAX A/C. The system will automatically default to single zone
operation and set the temperature to 60°F (16°C).
• A/C and (recirculated air) will be selected.
• Airflow will be directed out of the panel vents.
2. Fan speed will be automatically increased to the highest setting but
can be adjusted as desired.
To aid in side window defogging/demisting in cold weather:
1. Select (panel/floor).
2. Select A/C.
3. Adjust the temperature control to maintain comfort.
4. Set the fan speed to the highest setting.
5. Direct the outer instrument panel vents towards the side windows.
To increase airflow to the outer instrument panel vents, close the vents
located in the middle of the instrument panel.Climate Controls
84
2012 F-250/350/450/550 (f23)
Owners Guide, 4th Printing
USA (fus)

REAR WINDOW DEFROSTER (IF EQUIPPED) R
The rear defroster control is located on the climate control panel and
works to defrost your rear window from fog and thin ice. If equipped, it
also operates the heated mirror to remove snow and thin ice from the
side mirrors.
Ensure that the ignition on. Press to turn the defroster on/off. The
indicator light will illuminate when activated. For vehicles with a sliding
rear window– the defroster will be disabled when the window is opened.
Do not use razor blades or other sharp objects to clean the inside
of the rear window or to remove decals from the inside of the
rear window. This may cause damage to the heated grid lines and
will not be covered by your warranty.
REMOTE START CLIMATE OPERATION (IF EQUIPPED)
The climate control system will condition the cabin temperature during
remote start based on the outside temperature. Engine idle may increase
to help with adjusting the cabin temperature.
Note: No climate control adjustments will be recognized during remote
start operation and none of the climate function indicators will be
illuminated while the vehicle is in remote start. Once the ignition is
cycled to the on position, the climate control system will return to the
previous settings (last ignition-on cycle) and adjustments can be made
normally. If the previous setting was off, the climate control system will
turn off.
If you previously had any of the following activated: heated seats (if
equipped), cooled seats (if equipped), heated mirrors (if equipped), or
rear defrost, they will not return to their previous settings (on) when the
ignition is turned on and will need to be re-activated if desired.
For more information on remote start climate settings and options, refer
to Message Center in the Instrument Cluster chapter.
Manual climate control
For hot weather conditions:
• The climate control system will be set to MAX A/C.
For cold weather conditions:
• The climate control system will be set to provide maximum heating
in (floor/defrost) mode.
• Rear defrost/heated mirrors (if equipped) will be activated. Climate Controls
85
2012 F-250/350/450/550 (f23)
Owners Guide, 4th Printing
USA (fus)

Daytime running lamps (DRL) (if equipped)
Turns the headlamps on with a reduced output.
To activate:
• the ignition must be in the on position,
• the headlamp control is in the off or parking lamp position and
• the parking brake must be disengaged.
• the transmission is not in P (Park)
WARNING: Always remember to turn on your headlamps at
dusk or during inclement weather. The Daytime Running Lamp
(DRL) system does not activate the tail lamps and generally may not
provide adequate lighting during these conditions. Failure to activate
your headlamps under these conditions may result in a collision.
PANEL DIMMER CONTROL
Use to adjust the brightness of the
instrument panel and all applicable
lit components in the vehicle during
headlamp and parking lamp
operation.
• Tapthetoporbottomofthe
control to brighten/dim all interior
lit components incrementally, or
• Press and hold at the first
position the top or bottom of the
control until the desired lighting level is reached.
• Press and hold the top of the control to the full on position to activate
the “dome on” feature. This will turn on the interior courtesy lights.
The lights will remain on until the bottom of the control is pressed. Lights
89
2012 F-250/350/450/550 (f23)
Owners Guide, 4th Printing
USA (fus)

INTERIOR LAMPS
Front map lamps (if equipped)
The map lamps are located on the overhead console. Press the controls
on either side of each map lamp to turn on the lamps. The map lamps
also light when:
• any door is opened,
• the instrument panel dimmer
switch is rotated up until the
courtesy lamps come on, and
• any of the remote entry controls
are pressed and the ignition is
off.
Rear dome/map lamps
Your vehicle may have map lamps
within the rear dome lamp. Press
the switches on either side of the
dome lamp to turn the lamps on.
BULB REPLACEMENT
Lamp assembly condensation
Exterior lamps are vented to accommodate normal changes in pressure.
Condensation can be a natural by-product of this design. When moist air
enters the lamp assembly through the vents, there is a possibility that
condensation can occur when the temperature is cold. When normal
condensation occurs, a thin film of mist can form on the interior of the
lens. The thin mist eventually clears and exits through the vents during
normal operation. Clearing time may take as long as 48 hours under dry
weather conditions.
Examples of acceptable condensation are:
• Presence of thin mist (no streaks, drip marks or droplets)
• Fine mist covers less than 50% of the lensLights
92
2012 F-250/350/450/550 (f23)
Owners Guide, 4th Printing
USA (fus)