2008 Ford F250 Owner's Manual
Year:
2008
Make:
Ford
Model:
F250
Rating:
Table of Contents
Table of Contents
1
Introduction
4
PERCHLORATE MATERIAL
4
CONGRATULATIONS
4
SAFETY AND ENVIRONMENT PROTECTION
5
Warning symbols in this guide
5
Warning symbols on your vehicle
5
Protecting the environment
5
BREAKING-IN YOUR VEHICLE
5
SPECIAL NOTICES
6
New Vehicle Limited Warranty
6
Service Data Recording
6
Event Data Recording
6
Vehicle Modification Data Recording
7
Special instructions
7
Cell phone use
7
Notice to owners of diesel-powered vehicles
8
Notice to owners of pickup trucks and utility type vehicles
8
Using your vehicle with a snowplow
8
Using your vehicle as an ambulance
8
Using your vehicle as a stationary power source (PTO)
9
Export unique (non–United States/Canada) vehicle specific information
9
Instrument Cluster
12
WARNING LIGHTS AND CHIMES
12
GAUGES
19
Entertainment Systems
23
AUDIO SYSTEMS
23
AM/FM stereo system (if equipped)
23
AM/FM stereo single CD/satellite compatible sound system (if equipped)
25
Premium/Audiophile in-dash six CD/MP3/satellite compatible sound system (if equipped)
32
Auxiliary input jack (if equipped)
40
GENERAL AUDIO INFORMATION
41
Satellite radio information (if equipped)
44
NAVIGATION SYSTEM (IF EQUIPPED)
47
FAMILY ENTERTAINMENT DVD SYSTEM (IF EQUIPPED)
48
Quick start
48
To play a DVD in the DVD system:
48
To play a CD in the DVD system:
49
To play an MP3 disc in the DVD system:
49
To play an auxiliary source through the DVD system
50
To listen to audio over the headphones (Dual play mode):
51
Using the infrared (IR) wireless headphones:
51
Using wired headphones (not included):
51
To adjust display brightness:
52
DVD player controls
52
Remote control
55
Battery replacement
57
Headphones
58
Wireless headphones
58
Wired headphones
61
Operation
61
Single play/Dual play
61
Operation with an aftermarket audio system (Headphone only mode)
63
Menu mode
63
Angle mode
63
Aspect ratio
64
Language
64
Subtitles
65
Audio CDs
65
Playing MP3 discs
66
MP3 disc quality factors
66
CD, MP3 and CD player care
67
Playing a DVD
68
Slow play
68
Frame by frame
69
Headphone/auxiliary jacks
69
Audio displays
70
Audio interaction
70
Parental control for the DVD system
70
General information
71
Safety information
72
Federal Communication Commission (FCC) Compliance
73
Care and service of the DVD player
73
Environmental extremes
73
Temperature extremes
74
Humidity and moisture condensation
74
Foreign substances
74
Cleaning the liquid crystal display (LCD) flip-down screen
74
Cleaning DVD and CD discs
74
Compatibility with aftermarket audio systems (headphone only mode)
74
Climate Controls
76
HEATER ONLY SYSTEM (IF EQUIPPED)
76
Operating tips
76
MANUAL HEATING AND AIR CONDITIONING SYSTEMS (IF EQUIPPED)
77
Operating tips
79
DUAL AUTOMATIC TEMPERATURE CONTROL (DATC) SYSTEMS (IF EQUIPPED)
80
Operating tips
83
Lights
85
HEADLAMP CONTROL
85
Autolamp control (if equipped)
85
Foglamp control (if equipped)
85
Daytime running lamps (DRL) (if equipped)
86
High beams
86
Flash-to-pass
86
PANEL DIMMER CONTROL
87
AIMING THE HEADLAMPS
87
Vertical and horizontal aim adjustment (sealed beam headlamps)
87
Vertical aim adjustment (aerodynamic headlamps)
89
TURN SIGNAL CONTROL
90
MAP LAMPS (IF EQUIPPED)
91
BULBS
91
Headlamp condensation
91
Using the right bulbs
91
Replacing exterior bulbs
91
Replacing headlamp bulbs (aerodynamic)
92
Replacing park/turn and sidemarker lamp bulbs (aerodynamic)
93
Replacing headlamp bulbs (sealed beam)
94
Replacing park/turn/sidemarker bulbs (sealed beam)
94
Replacing brake/tail/turn/back-up lamp bulbs - Pick-ups only
95
Replacing brake/tail/turn/back-up lamp bulbs - Chassis cabs only; if equipped
96
Replacing cargo lamp and high-mount brakelamp bulbs
96
Front clearance and identification lamp bulbs
97
Replacing foglamp bulbs (if equipped)
97
Replacing license plate lamp bulbs
97
Driver Controls
98
MULTI-FUNCTION LEVER
98
TILT STEERING WHEEL (IF EQUIPPED)
99
TRANSMISSION CONTROL
99
ILLUMINATED VISOR MIRROR (IF EQUIPPED)
100
OVERHEAD CONSOLE (IF EQUIPPED)
100
Storage compartment (if equipped)
100
AUXILIARY POWER POINT (12VDC)
100
POWER WINDOWS
102
One touch down
102
Power rear slider window (if equipped)
102
Window lock (if equipped)
103
Accessory delay (if equipped)
103
INTERIOR MIRRORS
103
Automatic dimming inside rear view mirror (if equipped)
104
POWER SIDE VIEW MIRRORS (IF EQUIPPED)
104
Heated outside mirrors (if equipped)
105
Fold-away mirrors
105
Powerfold mirrors
105
Telescoping mirrors (if equipped)
107
Memory mirrors (if equipped)
107
Mirror mounted side turn signal indicator (if equipped)
108
Clearance lamps (if equipped)
108
POWER ADJUSTABLE FOOT PEDALS (IF EQUIPPED)
108
SPEED CONTROL (IF EQUIPPED)
109
Setting speed control
109
Resuming a set speed
110
Increasing speed while using speed control
110
Reducing speed while using speed control
111
Turning off speed control
111
STEERING WHEEL CONTROLS (IF EQUIPPED)
112
Audio control features
112
Climate control features (if equipped)
113
UPFITTER CONTROLS (IF EQUIPPED)
114
ONE-TOUCH MOON ROOF (IF EQUIPPED)
115
HOMELINK WIRELESS CONTROL SYSTEM (IF EQUIPPED)
116
Programming
117
Gate Operator & Canadian Programming
118
Operating the HomeLink Wireless Control System
119
Erasing HomeLink buttons
119
Reprogramming a single HomeLink button
119
CENTER CONSOLE (IF EQUIPPED)
120
STANDARD MESSAGE CENTER (IF EQUIPPED)
120
Selectable features
121
Info menu
121
Odometer/Trip odometer
121
Distance to empty (DTE)
121
Average fuel economy (AFE)
122
Setup menu
122
Units (English/Metric)
123
Language
123
System check
123
System warnings
124
OPTIONAL MESSAGE CENTER (IF EQUIPPED)
129
Selectable features
129
Reset
129
Info menu
130
Odometer/Trip odometer
130
Distance to empty (DTE)
130
Average fuel economy (AFE)
130
Drive timer (Elapsed travel timer)
131
Setup menu
131
System check
132
Units (English/Metric)
132
Autolamp timer presets
133
Autolocks
133
Compass display (if equipped)
133
Compass zone/calibration adjustment
134
Language
135
System warnings
135
TAILGATE LOCK (IF EQUIPPED)
140
Tailgate removal
140
Tailgate step (if equipped)
141
Bed extender (if equipped)
142
Locks and Security
146
KEYS
146
POWER DOOR LOCKS (IF EQUIPPED)
146
Smart locks (if equipped)
146
Autolock feature (if equipped)
147
Deactivating/activating autolock feature
147
Power door lock switch autolock enable/disable procedure
147
Keyless entry key pad autolock enable/disable procedure
148
Autounlock feature (if equipped)
148
Deactivating/activating autounlock feature
149
Power door lock switch autounlock enable/disable procedure
149
Keyless entry key pad autounlock enable/disable procedure
150
CHILDPROOF DOOR LOCKS (IF EQUIPPED)
150
REMOTE ENTRY SYSTEM (IF EQUIPPED)
151
Two step door unlocking
151
One step door unlocking
152
Switching from two step to one step door unlocking
152
Locking the doors
152
Car finder
152
Sounding a panic alarm
152
Memory seats/adjustable pedals/mirrors (if equipped)
152
Activating the memory seat feature
153
Deactivating the memory seat feature
153
Replacing the battery
153
Replacing lost remote entry transmitters
154
How to program your remote entry transmitters
154
Perimeter lamps illuminated entry
155
Deactivating/activating perimeter lamps illuminated entry
156
Illuminated entry
156
KEYLESS ENTRY SYSTEM (IF EQUIPPED)
157
Programming a personal entry code and keypad association to memory seats, mirrors and pedals
157
Erasing personal code
158
Anti-scan feature
158
Unlocking and locking the doors using keyless entry
158
SECURILOCK™ PASSIVE ANTI-THEFT SYSTEM (IF EQUIPPED)
159
Anti-theft indicator
159
Automatic arming
160
Automatic disarming
160
Replacement keys
160
Programming spare keys
160
Seating and Safety Restraints
162
SEATING
162
Adjustable head restraints (if equipped)
162
Full bench seat (if equipped)
163
40/20/40 split bench seat (if equipped)
164
40/20/40 front seat armrest and console (if equipped)
164
Captain’s chair (if equipped)
165
Adjusting the front power seat (if equipped)
165
Using the manual lumbar support
167
Heated seats (if equipped)
167
Memory seats/power mirrors/adjustable pedals (if equipped)
168
REAR FOLDING SEAT SYSTEM WITH LOAD FLOOR (IF EQUIPPED)
168
SAFETY RESTRAINTS
170
Safety restraints precautions
170
Combination lap and shoulder belts
172
Vehicle sensitive mode
172
Belt sensitive mode
172
Automatic locking mode
172
When to use the automatic locking mode
172
How to use the automatic locking mode
173
How to disengage the automatic locking mode
173
Energy management feature
174
Safety belt pretensioner
174
Front safety belt height adjustment
174
Center lap and shoulder belt (Regular Cab center seating position/SuperCab and Crew Cab rear center seating positions)
175
Safety belt with cinch tongue (Regular Cab center seating positions and SuperCab/Crew Cab rear center seating positions)
176
How to fasten the cinch tongue (Regular Cab center seating positions and SuperCab/Crew Cab rear center seating positions)
177
Lap belts
178
Adjusting the lap belt
178
Safety belt warning light and indicator chime
178
Conditions of operation
179
Belt-Minder
179
One-time disable
181
Deactivating/activating the Belt-Minder feature (Driver only)
181
Safety belt extension assembly
183
Safety belt maintenance
183
AIRBAG SUPPLEMENTAL RESTRAINT SYSTEM (SRS)
184
Important SRS precautions
184
Children and airbags
185
How does the airbag supplemental restraint system work?
186
Determining if the system is operational
187
Disposal of airbags and airbag equipped vehicles
188
Passenger airbag ON/OFF switch (if equipped)
188
Turning the passenger airbag off
188
Turning the passenger airbag back on
189
NHTSA deactivation criteria (excluding Canada)
190
Transport Canada deactivation criteria (Canada Only)
191
SAFETY RESTRAINTS FOR CHILDREN
192
Important child restraint precautions
192
Children and safety belts
193
Child booster seats
193
Types of booster seats
194
SAFETY SEATS FOR CHILDREN
196
Child and infant or child safety seats
196
Installing child safety seats with combination lap and shoulder belts
197
Attaching child safety seats with tether straps
200
Tether strap attachment (rear SuperCab only)
202
Tires, Wheels and Loading
204
NOTICE TO UTILITY VEHICLE AND TRUCK OWNERS
204
VEHICLE CHARACTERISTICS
204
4WD and AWD Systems (if equipped)
204
How your vehicle differs from other vehicles
205
INFORMATION ABOUT UNIFORM TIRE QUALITY GRADING
206
Treadwear
207
Traction AA A B C
207
Temperature A B C
207
TIRES
208
Glossary of tire terminology
208
INFLATING YOUR TIRES
209
Tire inflation information
211
TIRE CARE
212
Inspecting your tires
212
Tire wear
213
Damage
213
U.S. DOT Tire Identification Number (TIN)
214
Tire replacement requirements
214
Safety practices
215
Highway hazards
216
Tire and wheel alignment
216
Tire rotation
217
INFORMATION CONTAINED ON THE TIRE SIDEWALL
219
Information on “P” type tires
219
Additional information contained on the tire sidewall for “LT” type tires
222
Information on “T” type tires
223
Location of the Tire Label or Safety Compliance Certification Label
223
TIRE PRESSURE MONITORING SYSTEM (TPMS) (IF EQUIPPED)
224
Understanding your Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)
226
When your temporary spare tire is installed
226
When you believe your system is not operating properly
227
When inflating your tires
228
How temperature affects your tire pressure
228
TPMS reset procedure (if applicable)
229
Overview
229
TPMS reset sequence
231
Rotation, pressure adjustment and TPMS reset example
233
SNOW TIRES AND CHAINS
235
VEHICLE LOADING – WITH AND WITHOUT A TRAILER
236
Special loading instructions for owners of pickup trucks and utility-type vehicles
242
TRAILER TOWING
242
Preparing to tow
244
Hitches
244
Integrated hitch rating
245
Weight distributing hitch
245
Safety chains
246
Trailer brakes
246
Integrated trailer brake controller (if equipped)
246
Trailer lamps
250
Using a step bumper (if equipped)
250
Driving while you tow
251
Servicing after towing
251
Trailer towing safety tips
251
General
251
Loading
252
Braking
252
Backing up
253
Tires
253
Launching or retrieving a boat
253
RECREATIONAL TOWING
253
Driving
255
STARTING
255
Positions of the ignition
255
Preparing to start your vehicle
255
Important safety precautions
256
Starting the engine
257
Guarding against exhaust fumes
258
Important ventilating information
258
ENGINE BLOCK HEATER
258
BRAKES
260
Four-wheel anti-lock brake system (ABS)
260
ABS warning lamp
261
Using ABS
261
Parking brake
261
TRACTION CONTROL™ (IF EQUIPPED)
262
STEERING
263
TRACTION-LOK AXLE (IF EQUIPPED)
264
PREPARING TO DRIVE YOUR VEHICLE
264
AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION OPERATION (IF EQUIPPED)
265
Brake-shift interlock
265
Understanding the shift positions of the 5–speed automatic transmission
267
If your vehicle gets stuck in mud or snow
269
MANUAL TRANSMISSION OPERATION (IF EQUIPPED)
269
Using the clutch
269
Recommended shift speeds
270
Reverse
271
Parking your vehicle
271
REVERSE SENSING SYSTEM (IF EQUIPPED)
272
REVERSE CAMERA SYSTEM (IF EQUIPPED)
274
FOUR-WHEEL DRIVE (4WD) OPERATION (IF EQUIPPED)
276
Manual Shift On Stop (MSOS) 4x4 system (if equipped)
277
Electronic Shift On the Fly (ESOF) 4x4 system (if equipped)
277
4WD system indicator lights
278
Using a Manual Shift On Stop (MSOS) 4x4 system (if equipped)
278
Shifting from 2H (2WD) to 4H (4x4 High)
279
Shifting from 4H (4x4 High) to 2H (2WD)
279
Shifting from 4H (4x4 High) to 4L (4x4 Low)
280
Shifting from 4L (4x4 Low) to 4H (4x4 High) or 2H (2WD)
280
Using the N (Neutral) position
280
Using the Electronic Shift On the Fly (ESOF) 4x4 system (if equipped)
281
Positions of the electronic shift system
281
Shifting from 2WD to 4x4 HIGH
281
Shifting from 4x4 HIGH to 2WD
282
Shifting from 4x4 HIGH to 4x4 LOW
282
Shifting from 4x4 LOW to 4x4 HIGH or 2WD
282
Driving off-road with truck and utility vehicles
283
How your vehicle differs from other vehicles
283
Basic operating principles
284
If your vehicle goes off the edge of the pavement
284
If your vehicle gets stuck
284
Emergency maneuvers
285
Parking
285
4WD Systems
286
Normal characteristics
286
Sand
286
Mud and water
287
Driving on hilly or sloping terrain
288
Driving on snow and ice
288
Maintenance and Modifications
289
VEHICLE USED AS A STATIONARY POWER SOURCE
290
DRIVING THROUGH WATER
290
SNOWPLOWING
291
Installing the snowplow
291
Operating the vehicle with the snowplow attached
292
Snowplowing with your airbag-equipped vehicle
292
Transmission operation while plowing
293
Roadside Emergencies
294
ROADSIDE ASSISTANCE
294
Getting roadside assistance
294
Using roadside assistance
295
Roadside coverage beyond basic warranty
295
HAZARD FLASHER
296
FUEL PUMP SHUT-OFF SWITCH
296
FUSES AND RELAYS
297
Fuses
297
Standard fuse amperage rating and color
298
Passenger compartment fuse panel
298
Power distribution box
303
CHANGING A FLAT TIRE
307
Dissimilar spare tire/wheel information
1
T-type/Mini-spare tire information (Harley-Davidson only)
1
Stopping and securing the vehicle
310
Location of the spare tire and tools
311
Removing the spare tire (with spare tire carrier only)
311
Tire change procedure
312
Stowing the flat/spare tire
320
WHEEL LUG NUT TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS
321
JUMP STARTING YOUR VEHICLE
322
Preparing your vehicle
322
Connecting the jumper cables
323
Jump starting
325
Removing the jumper cables
325
WRECKER TOWING
327
Emergency Towing
328
Customer Assistance
329
GETTING THE SERVICES YOU NEED
329
At home
329
Away from home
329
Additional Assistance
330
IN CALIFORNIA (U.S. ONLY)
331
THE BETTER BUSINESS BUREAU (BBB) AUTO LINE PROGRAM (U.S. ONLY)
332
UTILIZING THE MEDIATION/ARBITRATION PROGRAM (CANADA ONLY)
333
FORD EXTENDED SERVICE PLAN
333
GETTING ASSISTANCE OUTSIDE THE U.S. AND CANADA
334
ORDERING ADDITIONAL OWNER’S LITERATURE
335
Obtaining a French owner’s guide
335
REPORTING SAFETY DEFECTS (U.S. ONLY)
335
REPORTING SAFETY DEFECTS (CANADA ONLY)
336
Cleaning
337
WASHING THE EXTERIOR
337
WAXING
337
PAINT CHIPS
338
ALUMINUM WHEELS AND WHEEL COVERS
338
ENGINE
338
PLASTIC (NON-PAINTED) EXTERIOR PARTS
340
WINDOWS AND WIPER BLADES
340
INSTRUMENT PANEL/INTERIOR TRIM AND CLUSTER LENS (EXCEPT HARLEY-DAVIDSON)
340
INSTRUMENT PANEL AND CONSOLE (HARLEY-DAVIDSON ONLY)
341
INTERIOR
342
LEATHER SEATS (IF EQUIPPED, EXCEPT FOR THE KING RANCH F–250 AND F–350 CREW CAB)
343
LEATHER SEATS FOR THE KING RANCH F-250 AND F-350 CREW CAB ONLY (IF EQUIPPED)
343
UNDERBODY
344
FORD, LINCOLN AND MERCURY CAR CARE PRODUCTS
345
Maintenance and Specifications
346
SERVICE RECOMMENDATIONS
346
PRECAUTIONS WHEN SERVICING YOUR VEHICLE
346
Working with the engine off
346
Working with the engine on
346
OPENING THE HOOD
347
IDENTIFYING COMPONENTS IN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT
348
5.4L V8 gasoline engines
348
6.8L V10 gasoline engine
349
WINDSHIELD WASHER FLUID
350
CHANGING THE WIPER BLADES
350
ENGINE OIL
351
Checking the engine oil
351
Adding engine oil
352
Engine oil and filter recommendations
353
Use SAE 5W-20 engine oil
353
BATTERY
354
ENGINE COOLANT
356
Checking engine coolant
356
Adding engine coolant
357
Recycled engine coolant
359
Coolant refill capacity
359
Severe climates
360
What you should know about fail-safe cooling (if equipped)
360
How fail-safe cooling works
361
When fail-safe mode is activated
361
FUEL FILTER
362
WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW ABOUT AUTOMOTIVE FUELS
362
Important safety precautions
362
Refueling
364
Fuel filler cap
364
Choosing the right fuel
365
Octane recommendations
366
Fuel quality
366
Cleaner air
366
Running out of fuel
366
ESSENTIALS OF GOOD FUEL ECONOMY
367
Measuring techniques
367
Filling the tank
367
Calculating fuel economy
368
Driving style - good driving and fuel economy habits
368
Habits
368
Maintenance
369
Conditions
369
EPA window sticker
370
EMISSION CONTROL SYSTEM
370
On board diagnostics (OBD-II)
371
Readiness for Inspection/Maintenance (I/M) testing
372
POWER STEERING FLUID
373
BRAKE FLUID
374
CLUTCH FLUID (IF EQUIPPED)
375
TRANSMISSION FLUID
375
Checking automatic transmission fluid (if equipped)
375
Low fluid level
376
Correct fluid level
376
High fluid level
377
Adjusting automatic transmission fluid levels
377
Checking and adding manual transmission fluid (if equipped)
378
TRANSFER CASE FLUID (IF EQUIPPED)
379
DRIVELINE UNIVERSAL JOINT AND SLIP YOKE
380
AIR FILTER MAINTENANCE
380
Changing the air filter element
380
MOTORCRAFT PART NUMBERS
382
MAINTENANCE PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS AND CAPACITIES
383
ENGINE DATA
387
Drivebelt routing
387
IDENTIFYING YOUR VEHICLE
388
Safety Compliance Certification Label
388
Vehicle identification number (VIN)
388
TRANSMISSION/TRANSAXLE CODE DESIGNATIONS
389
Accessories
390
GENUINE FORD ACCESSORIES FOR YOUR VEHICLE
390
Exterior style
390
Interior style
390
Lifestyle
391
Peace of mind
391
Index
392
2008 Ford F250 Overview
Introduction
The 2008 Ford F250 is a robust and versatile heavy-duty truck designed to tackle the toughest of tasks while ensuring driver comfort and performance. With a blend of power, durability, and innovative features, the F250 remains a popular choice for both professional tradespeople and recreational enthusiasts alike. This model year showcased Ford's commitment to strength and innovation, offering a superior driving experience on and off the road.
Powertrains
The 2008 Ford F250 comes equipped with powerful powertrains, presenting drivers with options that cater to their specific needs. The standard engine is a 5.4-liter V8, delivering 300 horsepower and 365 lb-ft of torque. For those seeking enhanced towing capabilities, an optional 6.4-liter V8 turbo-diesel engine produces an impressive 350 horsepower and a monstrous 650 lb-ft of torque. Both engines are paired with a smooth-shifting 5-speed automatic transmission that ensures a reliable performance across various terrains.
Trims
This model year offers multiple trims to suit diverse preferences and requirements, including the XL, XLT, Lariat, and King Ranch. The base XL trim emphasizes utility with practical features, while the XLT introduces enhanced convenience and comfort items. The Lariat trim elevates luxury with leather seating and advanced technology, and the King Ranch trim exemplifies premium quality with its distinctive Western styling and upscale amenities.
Features
The F250 is packed with features aimed at enhancing safety, comfort, and convenience. Standard and optional features include advanced towing packages, an integrated trailer brake controller, dual-zone climate control, and a premium audio system. Additionally, the spacious cabin provides ample storage solutions and user-friendly controls, making every drive seamless in any condition.
Owner's Manual
The owner's manual for the 2008 Ford F250 serves as an invaluable resource for drivers, offering comprehensive guidance on vehicle operation, maintenance, and troubleshooting. It includes essential information on recommended service intervals, safety tips, and detailed instructions for utilizing features, ensuring owners get the best performance and longevity from their trucks.
User manual download
The Ford F250 owner manual for the 2008 model year is to be found in PDF downloadable format on this page. The owner manual for the model year 2008 is free and in English, but the repair manuals are usually not easy to get and may cost more.
Posted by, John Mana
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