Ford F 250 Instruction Manual

							biodiesel content, try another brand, or
discontinue using biodiesel. Do not use
alcohol based additives to correct fuel
gelling. This may result in damage to the
fuel injectors and system. Use the proper
anti-gel and performance improvement
product.  See Capacities and
Specifications (page 428).
Your vehicle has a fuel and water separator
that recirculates fuel from the engine to
help prevent fuel filter clogging. To avoid
engine fuel starvation during cold weather
operation of 
32°F (0°C) or below, we
recommend that the fuel level in your tank
should not drop below ¼ full. This helps
prevent air from entering the fuel system
and stalling the engine.
Your vehicle has a selective catalytic
reduction system that uses Diesel Exhaust
Fluid (DEF) to operate properly. You need
to replenish your vehicle ’s DEF at certain
intervals. When filling your vehicle ’s DEF
tank in cold weather, take special care to
prevent damage to the tank.  See
Selective Catalytic Reduction System
(page 
188).
In cold weather below 
32°F (0°C), the
engine may slowly increase to a higher idle
speed if you leave it idling in park (P). As
the engine warms-up, the engine sound
level decreases due to the activation of
PCM-controlled sound reduction features.
If you operate your vehicle in a heavy
snowstorm or blowing snow conditions,
snow and ice can clog the engine air
induction. If this occurs, the engine may
experience a significant reduction in power
output. At the earliest opportunity, clear
all the snow and ice away from inside the
air filter assembly. Remove the air cleaner
cover and the air filter and remove any
snow or ice. Remove any debris, snow or
ice, on the foam filter by brushing the
surface with a soft brush. Once you have
cleared all of the debris, reinstall the air
filter and cover. Do not use water, solvents, or a hard brush
for cleaning the foam filter. WARNING
To reduce the risk of vehicle damage
and personal burn injuries, do not
start your engine with the air cleaner
removed and do not remove it while the
engine is running. In order to operate the engine in
temperatures of 32°F (0°C) or lower, read
the following instructions:
•
Make sure that the batteries are of
sufficient size and are fully charged.
Check other electrical components to
make sure they are in optimum
condition.
• Use the proper coolant solution at the
concentration recommended
protecting the engine against damage
from freezing.
• Try to keep the fuel tank full as much
as possible at the end of operation to
prevent condensation in the fuel
system.
• Make sure you use proper cold weather
engine oil and that it is at its proper
level. Also, if necessary, make sure to
follow the engine oil and filter change
schedule found under the Special
operating conditions section listed in
the scheduled maintenance
information.
• At temperatures of 
-9°F (-23°C) or
below, it is recommended that you use
an engine block heater to improve cold
engine starting.
• If operating in arctic temperatures of
-20°F (-29°C)
 or lower, consult your
truck dealer for information about
special cold weather equipment and
precautions.
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							We recommend the following cold
weather idling guidelines:
•
You can use Motorcraft® cetane
improvers or non-alcohol-based
cetane improvers from a reputable
manufacturer as needed.
• Maintain the engine cooling system
properly.
• Avoid shutting the engine down after
an extensive idling period. Drive your
vehicle for several miles with the
engine at normal operating
temperatures under a moderate load.
• Consider using an engine block heater.
• For extended idle times use an
approved idle speed increase device.
Winter Operating Tips for Arctic
Operation -20°F (-29°C) and Below
The following information is a guideline
only and is not to be the only source of
possible solutions in resolving extreme
cold temperature issues.
Starting Aids WARNING
Do not use starting fluid, for example
ether, in the air intake system. Such
fluid could cause immediate
explosive damage to the engine and
possible personal injury. The use of the factory engine block heater
assists in engine starting in extreme cold
ambient temperatures  See Engine Block
Heater (page 181). Idle Control
Your vehicle may have a factory option for
a stationary elevated idle control through
the upfitter switches in the overhead
console. This allows the operator to
elevate the idle RPM for extended idle
periods, as well as aftermarket equipment
such as PTO operation. You must configure
this feature even if ordered from the
factory. See your authorized dealer for
required upfitting.
Operation in Snow and Rain
Vehicle operation in heavy snowfall or
extreme rain conditions may feed
excessive amounts of snow or water into
the air intake system. This could plug the
air filter with snow and may cause the
engine to lose power and possibly shut
down.
We recommend the following actions after
operating your vehicle up to 
200 mi
(320 km) in snowfall or extreme rain:
• Snow: At the earliest opportunity, open
the hood and clear all the snow and ice
from the air filter housing inlet (do not
remove the foam filter) and reset the
air filter restriction gauge.
Note: Removal of the foam filter degrades
your vehicle performance during snow and
hot weather conditions.
• Extreme rain: The air filter dries after
about 15– 30 minutes at highway
speeds. At the earliest opportunity,
open the hood and reset the air filter
restriction gauge.
Refer to Air filter and restriction gauge in
the Maintenance chapter for more
information.  See 
Changing the Engine
Air Filter (page 354).
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							Operation in Standing Water
Ingestion of water into the diesel engine
can result in immediate and severe
damage to the engine. If driving through
water, slow down to avoid splashing water
into the intake. If the engine stalls, and you
suspect ingestion of water into the engine,
do not try to restart the engine. Consult
your dealer for service immediately.
Your fuel tank vents to the atmosphere by
valves on top of the tank and through the
fuel cap. If water reaches the top of the
tank, the valves may pull water into the
fuel tank. Water in the fuel can cause
performance issues and damage the fuel
injection system.
DIESEL PARTICULATE FILTER
The filter forms part of the emissions
reduction system on your vehicle. It filters
harmful diesel particulates (soot) from the
exhaust gas.
Regeneration
WARNING
Do not park or idle your vehicle over
dry leaves, dry grass or other
combustible materials. The
regeneration process creates very high
exhaust gas temperatures and the exhaust
will radiate a considerable amount of heat
during and after regeneration and after you
have switched the engine off. This is a
potential fire hazard. Note:
Avoid running out of fuel.
Note: During regeneration at low speed or
engine idle, you may smell a hot metallic
odor and could notice a clicking metallic
sound. This is due to the high temperatures
reached during regeneration and is normal. Note:
Changes in the engine or exhaust
sound may be heard during the regeneration
process.
The diesel particulate filter on your vehicle
requires periodic regeneration to maintain
its correct function. Your vehicle will carry
out this process automatically.
If your journeys meet one of the following
conditions:
• You drive only short distances.
• You frequently switch the ignition on
and off.
• Your journeys contain a high level of
acceleration and deceleration.
You must carry out occasional trips with
the following conditions to assist the
regeneration process:
• Drive your vehicle in more favorable
conditions, which you will find at higher
vehicle speeds in normal driving, on a
main road or freeway for a minimum
of 20 minutes. This drive may include
short stops that will not affect the
regeneration process.
• Avoid prolonged idling and always
observe speed limits and road
conditions.
• Do not switch the ignition off.
• Select a suitable gear to ideally
maintain engine speed between 1500
and 3000 RPM.
SWITCHING OFF THE ENGINE
- 6.7L DIESEL
Switch the ignition off.
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							To help prolong engine life, we
recommended you allow the engine to idle
for three to five minutes, especially after
any of the following:
•
Continuous engine speed.
• High ambient temperature.
• High GVW or GCW operation, for
example heavy loads or trailers.
This allows the turbo charged engine to
cool down.
ENGINE IDLE SHUTDOWN (If
Equipped)
Your vehicle may be equipped with an
engine idle shutdown system. This system
automatically shuts down your engine
when it has been idling in 
P (Park) or N
(Neutral) for five minutes (parking brake
set) or 15 minutes (parking brake not set).
When the engine idle shutdown process
has started:
• A chime sounds and the information
display will show ENGINE TURNS OFF
IN 30 (seconds) and start counting
down
• You can restart the five or 15-minute
timer by changing the position of the
accelerator pedal, brake pedal or the
park brake within the final 30 seconds
• When the timer reaches zero, the
engine shuts down and this message
will appear in your information display
ENGINE TURNED OFF
• One minute after the engine has shut
down, the electrical system simulates
key off, even though the ignition is still
in the on position, initiating normal
accessory delay period
• You must move the ignition to the off
position to reset the system before
restarting your vehicle. The engine idle shutdown idle timer does
not start if:
•
The engine is operating in power
take-off mode.
• The engine coolant temperature is
below 60°F (16°C).
• The exhaust emission control device is
regenerating.
ENGINE BLOCK HEATER
 (If
Equipped) WARNINGS
Failure to follow engine block heater
instructions could result in property
damage or serious personal injury.
Do not use your heater with
ungrounded electrical systems or
two-pronged adapters. There is a risk
of electrical shock. Note:
The heater is most effective when
outdoor temperatures are below 0°F
(-18°C).
The heater acts as a starting aid by
warming the engine coolant. This allows
the climate control system to respond
quickly. The equipment includes a heater
element (installed in the engine block) and
a wire harness. You can connect the
system to a grounded 120-volt AC
electrical source.
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							We recommend that you do the following
for a safe and correct operation:
•
Make sure your vehicle is parked in a
clean area, clear of combustibles.
• locate the block heater cord in the front
tow hook pocket.
• Use a 16-gauge outdoor extension cord
that is product certified by
Underwriter ’s Laboratory (UL) or
Canadian Standards Association
(CSA). This extension cord must be
suitable for use outdoors, in cold
temperatures, and be clearly marked
Suitable for Use with Outdoor
Appliances. Do not use an indoor
extension cord outdoors. This could
result in an electric shock or become a
fire hazard.
• Use as short an extension cord as
possible.
• Do not use multiple extension cords.
• Make sure that when in operation, the
extension cord plug and heater cord
plug connections are free and clear of
water. This could cause an electric
shock or fire.
• Make sure the heater, heater cord and
extension cord are firmly connected.
• Check for heat anywhere in the
electrical hookup once the system has
been operating for approximately 30
minutes. •
Make sure the system is unplugged and
properly stowed before starting and
driving your vehicle. Make sure the
protective cover seals the prongs of the
block heater cord plug when not in use.
• Make sure the heater system is
checked for proper operation before
winter.
Using the Engine Block Heater
Make sure the receptacle terminals are
clean and dry prior to use. Clean them with
a dry cloth if necessary.
The heater uses 0.4 to 1.0 kilowatt-hours
of energy per hour of use. The system does
not have a thermostat. It achieves
maximum temperature after
approximately three hours of operation.
Using the heater longer than three hours
does not improve system performance and
unnecessarily uses electricity.
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							SAFETY PRECAUTIONS
WARNINGS
Do not overfill the fuel tank. The
pressure in an overfilled tank may
cause leakage and lead to fuel spray
and fire. The fuel system may be under
pressure. If you hear a hissing sound
near the fuel filler inlet, do not refuel
until the sound stops. Otherwise, fuel may
spray out, which could cause serious
personal injury. Automotive fuels can cause serious
injury or death if misused or
mishandled.
Flow of fuel through a fuel pump
nozzle can produce static electricity.
This can cause a fire if you are filling
an ungrounded fuel container. Fuel may contain benzene, which is
a cancer-causing agent.
When refueling always shut the
engine off and never allow sparks or
open flames near the fuel tank filler
valve. Never smoke or use a cell phone
while refueling. Fuel vapor is extremely
hazardous under certain conditions. Avoid
inhaling excess fumes. Observe the following guidelines when
handling automotive fuel:
•
Extinguish all smoking materials and
any open flames before refueling your
vehicle.
• Always turn off the vehicle before
refueling. •
Automotive fuels can be harmful or
fatal if swallowed. Fuel such as
gasoline is highly toxic and if
swallowed can cause death or
permanent injury. If fuel is swallowed,
call a physician immediately, even if no
symptoms are immediately apparent.
The toxic effects of fuel may not be
visible for hours.
• Avoid inhaling fuel vapors. Inhaling too
much fuel vapor of any kind can lead
to eye and respiratory tract irritation.
In severe cases, excessive or prolonged
breathing of fuel vapor can cause
serious illness and permanent injury.
• Avoid getting fuel liquid in your eyes. If
fuel is splashed in the eyes, remove
contact lenses (if worn), flush with
water for 15 minutes and seek medical
attention. Failure to seek proper
medical attention could lead to
permanent injury.
• Fuels can also be harmful if absorbed
through the skin. If fuel is splashed on
the skin, clothing or both, promptly
remove contaminated clothing and
wash skin thoroughly with soap and
water. Repeated or prolonged skin
contact with fuel liquid or vapor causes
skin irritation.
• Be particularly careful if you are taking
Antabuse or other forms of Disulfiram
for the treatment of alcoholism.
Breathing gasoline vapors could cause
an adverse reaction, serious personal
injury or sickness. If fuel is splashed on
the skin, wash the affected areas
immediately with plenty of soap and
water. Consult a physician immediately
if you experience any adverse reactions.
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							FUEL QUALITY - GASOLINE
Choosing the Right Fuel
We recommend regular unleaded gasoline
with a minimum pump (R+M)/2 octane
rating of 87. Some fuel stations offer fuels
posted as regular unleaded gasoline with
an octane rating below 87, particularly in
high altitude areas. We do not recommend
fuels with an octane rating below 87.
Do not use any fuel other than those
recommended because they could lead to
engine damage that may not be covered
by the vehicle Warranty.
Note:
Use of any fuel other than those
recommended can impair the emission
control system and cause a loss of vehicle
performance.
Do not use:
• Diesel fuel.
• Fuels containing kerosene or paraffin.
• Fuel containing more than 15% ethanol
or E85 fuel.
• Fuels containing methanol.
• Fuels containing metallic-based
additives, including manganese-based
compounds.
• Fuels containing the octane booster
additive, methylcyclopentadienyl
manganese tricarbonyl (MMT).
• Leaded fuel (using leaded fuel is
prohibited by law). The use of fuels with metallic compounds
such as methylcyclopentadienyl
manganese tricarbonyl (commonly known
as MMT), which is a manganese-based
fuel additive, will impair engine
performance and affect the emission
control system.
Do not be concerned if the engine
sometimes knocks lightly.  However, if the
engine knocks heavily while using fuel with
the recommended octane rating, contact
an authorized dealer to prevent any engine
damage.
FUEL QUALITY - E85
Choosing the Right Fuel - Flex Fuel
Vehicles
Flex fuel vehicles have one of the following
identifiers:
•
Yellow fuel filler cap.
• Yellow bezel around the fuel filler inlet.
• Yellow fuel filler housing.
• Yellow E85 label on the fuel tank filler
door. Your vehicle is designed to operate on
regular unleaded gasoline with a minimum
pump (R+M)/2 octane rating of 87 or
regular unleaded gasoline blended with a
maximum of 85% ethanol (E85).
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							Some fuel stations, particularly those in
high altitude areas, offer fuels posted as
regular unleaded gasoline with an octane
rating below 87. We do not recommend
these fuels.
For best overall vehicle and engine
performance, premium fuel with an octane
rating of 91 or higher is recommended. The
performance gained by using premium fuel
is most noticeable in hot weather as well
as other conditions, for example when
towing a trailer.  See Towing (page 268).
Do not use any fuel other than those
recommended because they could lead to
engine damage that will not be covered by
the vehicle Warranty.
Note: Use of any fuel other than those
recommended can impair the emission
control system and cause a loss of vehicle
performance.
Do not use:
• Diesel fuel.
• Fuels containing kerosene or paraffin.
• Fuels containing more than 85%
ethanol or E100 fuel.
• Fuels containing methanol.
• Fuels containing metallic-based
additives, including manganese-based
compounds.
• Fuels containing the octane booster
additive, methylcyclopentadienyl
manganese tricarbonyl (MMT).
• Leaded fuel (using leaded fuel is
prohibited by law).
The use of fuels with metallic compounds
such as methylcyclopentadienyl
manganese tricarbonyl (commonly known
as MMT), which is a manganese-based
fuel additive, will impair engine
performance and affect the emission
control system. Do not be concerned if the engine
sometimes knocks lightly.  However, if the
engine knocks heavily while using fuel with
the recommended octane rating, contact
an authorized dealer to prevent any engine
damage.
Switching Between E85 and
Gasoline
We do not recommend repeatedly
alternating between E85 and gasoline. If
you switch from using E85 to gasoline, or
from gasoline to E85, add as much fuel as
possible, at least half a tank. Drive your
vehicle immediately for a minimum of 5 mi
(8 km)
 to allow it to adapt to the change
in ethanol concentration. If you use E85
exclusively, we recommend that you fill
the fuel tank with regular unleaded
gasoline at each scheduled oil change.
FUEL QUALITY - DIESEL
Fuel Requirements - Choosing The
Right Fuel: Vehicles Operated
Where Ultra Low Sulfur Diesel Fuel
Is Required (United
States/Canada/Puerto Rico/U.S.
Virgin Islands And Other Locales)
You should use Ultra-Low Sulfur Diesel
fuel (also known as ULSD) designated as
number 1-D or 2-D with a maximum of
15-ppm sulfur in your diesel vehicle. You
may operate your vehicle on diesel fuels
containing up to 20% biodiesel, also
known as B20. These fuels should meet
the ASTM D975 diesel or the ASTM D7467
B6-B20 biodiesel industry specifications.
Outside of North America, use fuels
meeting EN590 or equivalent local market
standard.
Note: The vehicle Warranty does not cover
damage caused by using an improper type
of fuel or fuel additive.
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							Note:
Do not blend used engine oil with
diesel fuel under any circumstances.
Blending used oil with the fuel will
significantly increase your vehicle ’s exhaust
emissions and reduce engine life due to
increased internal wear. Using low sulfur diesel fuel
(16-500 ppm) or high sulfur
diesel fuel (greater than 500
ppm) in your diesel engine will cause
certain emission components to
malfunction which may also cause the
service engine soon light to illuminate
indicating an emissions-related concern.
Diesel fuel is adjusted seasonally for cold
temperature. For best results at
temperatures below 19°F (-7°C), it is
recommended to use a diesel fuel which
has been seasonally adjusted for the
ambient conditions.
Fuel Requirements - Choosing The
Right Fuel: Vehicles Operated
Where Ultra Low Sulfur Diesel Fuel
Is Not Required
For the engine to operate reliably on
low-sulfur or high-sulfur diesel fuel, the
engine must be a factory built high-sulfur
engine (available as a dealer order option
for select markets) or an ultra low sulfur
diesel fuel configured engine that has been
retrofitted for high-sulfur diesel fuel using
Ford Motor Company dealer service parts.
Failure to use retrofit components other
than those available through your
authorized dealer will result in coolant
system damage, engine overheating,
selective catalyst reduction system or
diesel particulate filter damage and
possible base engine damage. Use only a diesel engine configured for use
with high sulfur diesel fuel in markets with
diesel fuel that has sulfur content greater
than 15 ppm. Using low sulfur diesel fuel
(16–500 ppm) or high sulfur diesel fuel
(greater than 500 ppm) in a diesel engine
designed to use only Ultra Low Sulfur
Diesel fuel may result in damage to engine
emission control devices and the
aftertreatment system, potentially
rendering the vehicle inoperable.
Vehicles with engines configured for use
with high sulfur diesel fuel are only
available for sale in countries where ultra
low sulfur diesel fuel is generally not
available or mandated by the government.
Vehicles originally sold in a ultra low sulfur
diesel fuel market that are subsequently
exported to non- ultra low sulfur diesel fuel
markets will need to be retrofitted (at the
customer
’s expense using Ford authorized
dealer service parts) in order to be reliably
operated on non- ultra low sulfur diesel
fuel.
Biodiesel WARNINGS
Do not use home heating oil,
agricultural fuel, raw fats and oils,
waste cooking greases, biodiesel
fuels greater than 20% or any diesel fuel
not intended for highway use. Damage to
the fuel injection system, engine and
exhaust catalyst can occur if an improper
fuel is used. Do not add gasoline, gasohol
or alcohol to diesel fuel. This practice
creates a serious fire hazard and engine
performance problems. Do not mix diesel fuel with gasoline,
gasohol or alcohol. This could cause
an explosion resulting in personal
injury.
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							WARNINGS
Do not add gasoline, gasohol or
alcohol to diesel fuel. This practice
creates a serious fire hazard resulting
in personal injury and engine performance
problems. Do not use home heating oil or any
diesel fuel not intended for highway
use. Damage to the fuel injection
system, engine, exhaust catalyst and diesel
particulate filter can occur if an improper
fuel is used. Red dye is used to identify
fuels intended for agricultural and
non-highway use. You may operate your vehicle on diesel
fuels containing up to 20% biodiesel, also
known as B20.
Biodiesel fuel is a chemically converted
product from renewable fuel sources, such
as vegetable oils, animal fats and waste
cooking greases.
To help achieve acceptable engine
performance and durability when using
biodiesel in your vehicle:
•
Confirm the biodiesel content of the
fuel to be B20 (20% biodiesel) or less
• Only use biodiesel fuel of good quality
that complies with industry standards
• Follow the recommended service
maintenance intervals.  See
Scheduled Maintenance (page 567).
• Do not store biodiesel fuel in the fuel
tank for more than 1 month
• Consider changing brands or reducing
biodiesel content if you have cold
temperature fuel gelling issues or a
frequent LOW FUEL PRESSURE
message appearing
• Do NOT use raw oils, fats or waste
cooking greases Use of biodiesel in concentrations greater
than 20% may cause damage to your
vehicle, including engine and/or exhaust
after-treatment hardware (exhaust
catalyst and particulate filter) failures.
Concentrations greater than 20% can also
cause fuel filter restrictions that may result
in a lack of power or damage to fuel
system components, including fuel pump
and fuel injector failures.
SAE 5W-40 or SAE 15W-40 oil is
recommended for fuels with greater than
5% biodiesel (B5). Refer to the Special
operating conditions section under the
Schedule Maintenance chapter for more
information about oil change intervals and
other maintenance when operating on
biodiesel.
Look for a label on the fuel pump to
confirm the amount of biodiesel contained
in a diesel fuel. Biodiesel content is often
indicated with the letter B followed by the
percent of biodiesel in the fuel. For
example, B20 indicates a fuel containing
20% biodiesel. Ask the service station
attendant to confirm the biodiesel content
of a diesel fuel if you do not see a label on
the fuel pump.
Biodiesel fuels degrade more easily than
diesel fuels not containing biodiesel and
should not be stored in the fuel tank for
more than 1 month. If you plan to park or
store your vehicle for more than 1 month,
then you should empty your vehicle fuel
tank of biodiesel fuel. You should fill the
tank with a pure petroleum-based diesel
fuel and run your vehicle for a minimum of
30 minutes.
Note:
Degraded or oxidized biodiesel can
damage fuel system seals and plastics and
corrode steel parts.
During cold weather, if you have problems
operating on biodiesel, you may need to
use a diesel fuel with lower biodiesel
content, try another brand, or discontinue
the use of biodiesel.
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