2012 Ford F450 Owner's Manual
Year:
2012
Make:
Ford
Model:
F450
Rating:
Table of Contents
Table of Contents
1
Introduction
5
CONGRATULATIONS
5
SAFETY AND ENVIRONMENT PROTECTION
5
Warning symbols in this guide
5
Warning symbols on your vehicle
6
Protecting the environment
6
CALIFORNIA PROPOSITION 65 WARNING
6
PERCHLORATE MATERIAL
6
BREAKING-IN YOUR VEHICLE
6
SPECIAL NOTICES
7
New Vehicle Limited Warranty
7
Special instructions
7
Notice to owners of diesel-powered vehicles
7
Notice to owners of pickup trucks and utility type vehicles
7
Using your vehicle with a snowplow
7
Using your vehicle as an ambulance
8
Using your vehicle as a stationary power source (PTO)
8
DATA RECORDING
8
Service Data Recording
8
Event Data Recording
9
Vehicle Modification Data Recording
10
CELL PHONE USE
11
EXPORT UNIQUE (NON–UNITED STATES/CANADA) VEHICLE SPECIFIC INFORMATION
11
Instrument Cluster
14
WARNING LIGHTS AND CHIMES
14
GAUGES
21
STANDARD MESSAGE CENTER
22
Selectable features
23
Info (information menu)
23
System check and vehicle feature customization
25
Compass zone/calibration adjustment
27
System warnings
29
OPTIONAL MESSAGE CENTER (IF EQUIPPED)
39
Main menu
40
Gauge Mode
40
Trip A/B
41
Fuel Economy
41
Truck Apps (if equipped)
42
Settings
44
Information
47
Compass/transmission indicator displays
48
System warnings and status messages
48
Entertainment Systems
60
AUDIO SYSTEMS
60
AM/FM stereo system (if equipped)
60
AM/FM stereo single CD/satellite-compatible sound system (if equipped)
62
Auxiliary input jack (if equipped)
69
USB port (if equipped)
71
GENERAL AUDIO INFORMATION
71
Satellite radio information (if equipped)
74
NAVIGATION SYSTEM (IF EQUIPPED)
77
SYNC? (IF EQUIPPED)
77
Climate Controls
78
SINGLE ZONE CLIMATE CONTROL
78
Operating tips
79
DUAL ZONE AUTOMATIC TEMPERATURE CONTROL (IF EQUIPPED)
81
Operating tips
83
REAR WINDOW DEFROSTER (IF EQUIPPED)
85
REMOTE START CLIMATE OPERATION (IF EQUIPPED)
85
Lights
87
HEADLAMP CONTROL
87
Autolamp control (if equipped)
87
Fog lamp control (if equipped)
88
High beams
88
Flash-to-pass
88
Daytime running lamps (DRL) (if equipped)
89
PANEL DIMMER CONTROL
89
AIMING THE HEADLAMPS
90
Vertical aim adjustment
90
TURN SIGNAL CONTROL
91
INTERIOR LAMPS
92
Front map lamps (if equipped)
92
BULB REPLACEMENT
92
Lamp assembly condensation
92
Replacing exterior bulbs
93
Replacing headlamps, park lamps, turn lamps
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 brake lamp bulbs
96
Replacing front clearance and identification lamp bulbs (if equipped)
97
Replacing fog lamp bulbs (if equipped)
97
Replacing license plate lamp bulbs
97
Driver Controls
98
MULTI-FUNCTION LEVER
98
Windshield wiper rainlamp feature (if equipped with autolamp)
98
TILT/TELESCOPE STEERING WHEEL
99
ILLUMINATED VISOR MIRROR (IF EQUIPPED)
99
OVERHEAD CONSOLE (IF EQUIPPED)
100
Storage compartment (if equipped)
100
CENTER CONSOLE (IF EQUIPPED)
100
AUXILIARY POWER POINT (12V DC)
101
Power point (110V AC) (if equipped)
102
POWER WINDOWS (IF EQUIPPED)
103
One-touch down
104
Window lock (if equipped)
104
Power sliding back window (if equipped)
104
Accessory delay
104
INTERIOR MIRROR
105
Automatic dimming interior rear view mirror (if equipped)
105
EXTERIOR MIRRORS
106
Power side view mirrors (if equipped)
106
Heated outside mirrors (if equipped)
106
Fold-away mirrors
107
Power-fold mirrors (if equipped)
107
Telescoping mirrors (if equipped)
108
Memory mirrors (if equipped)
109
Mirror-mounted side turn signal indicator (if equipped)
109
Clearance lamps (if equipped)
109
POWER ADJUSTABLE FOOT PEDALS (IF EQUIPPED)
110
SPEED CONTROL (IF EQUIPPED)
110
Using speed control
110
Setting speed control
111
Disengaging a set speed
111
Resuming a set speed
111
Increasing speed while using speed control
112
Reducing speed while using speed control
112
Turning off speed control
112
STEERING WHEEL CONTROLS (IF EQUIPPED)
112
Audio control features
112
UPFITTER CONTROLS (IF EQUIPPED)
114
MOON ROOF (IF EQUIPPED)
115
UNIVERSAL GARAGE DOOR OPENER (IF EQUIPPED)
116
117
Types of garage door openers (rolling code and fixed code)
117
Rolling code programming
118
Fixed code programming
120
Erasing the function button codes
121
FCC and RSS-210 Industry Canada Compliance
121
POSITIVE RETENTION FLOOR MAT (IF EQUIPPED)
122
TAILGATE LOCK
123
Tailgate Removal
123
Tailgate Step (If Equipped)
124
Bed extender (if equipped)
126
Locks and Security
129
KEYS
129
MYKEY? (IF EQUIPPED)
129
POWER DOOR LOCKS (IF EQUIPPED)
137
Smart locks (if equipped)
137
Autolock feature (if equipped)
137
Deactivating/activating autolock feature
138
Power door lock switch autolock enable/disable procedure
138
Keyless entry keypad autolock enable/disable procedure
139
Autounlock feature (if equipped)
139
Deactivating/activating autounlock feature
139
Power door lock switch autounlock enable/disable procedure
140
Keyless entry keypad autounlock enable/disable procedure
140
CHILD SAFETY LOCKS (IF EQUIPPED)
141
REMOTE ENTRY SYSTEM (IF EQUIPPED)
141
Two step door unlocking
142
One step door unlocking
142
Switching from two step to one step door unlocking
142
Locking the doors
143
Car finder
143
Sounding a panic alarm
143
Memory feature (seat, mirrors and adjustable pedals)
143
Programming memory feature to transmitter
143
Deprogramming memory feature from transmitter
144
Replacing the battery
144
Replacing lost Integrated Keyhead Transmitters (IKTs)
145
How to reprogram your Integrated Keyhead Transmitters (IKTs)
145
Illuminated entry
145
Remote start (if equipped)
146
SECURICODE™ KEYLESS ENTRY SYSTEM (IF EQUIPPED)
147
Programming a personal entry code and keypad association to memory feature
148
Erasing personal code
148
Anti-scan feature
148
Unlocking and locking the doors using keyless entry
149
SECURILOCK? PASSIVE ANTI-THEFT SYSTEM (IF EQUIPPED)
149
Automatic arming
150
Automatic disarming
150
Replacement keys
150
Programming spare keys
150
PERIMETER ALARM SYSTEM (IF EQUIPPED)
151
Arming the system
151
Disarming the system
152
Triggering the anti-theft system
152
Seating and Safety Restraints
153
FRONT SEATS
153
Adjustable head restraints
153
Front row center non-adjustable head restraint (if equipped)
156
Front seat
157
20 percent front seat armrest and console (if equipped)
158
Adjusting the front power seat (if equipped)
159
Using the power lumbar support (if equipped)
160
Using the manual lumbar support (if equipped)
160
Heated and cooled seats (if equipped)
161
Climate controlled seats air filter replacement (if equipped)
162
Memory seats/power mirrors/adjustable pedals (if equipped)
163
Easy-access/easy-out feature (if equipped)
164
REAR SEATS
164
Non-adjustable second-row head restraints
164
Folding Up the Rear Seats (SuperCab)
166
Returning the Seat to the Seating Position
166
Folding the Rear Seat Back (Crew Cab)
166
Folding up the Rear Seat Cushion
166
Returning the Seat to the Seating Position
167
Rear center armrest (if equipped)
167
Rear Under Seat Storage (if equipped) (Crew Cab)
167
SAFETY RESTRAINTS
168
Combination lap and shoulder belts
170
Safety belt with cinch tongue (front and rear center seat only)
170
How to fasten the cinch tongue
171
Restraint of pregnant women
172
Safety belt locking modes
172
Energy management feature
174
Safety belt pretensioner
174
Safety belt height adjustment
175
Safety belt extension assembly
175
Safety belt warning light and indicator chime
176
Conditions of operation
176
Belt-Minder?
176
Deactivating/activating the Belt-Minder? feature (Driver only)
178
AIRBAG SUPPLEMENTAL RESTRAINT SYSTEM (SRS)
180
Important SRS precautions
180
Children and airbags
181
How does the airbag supplemental restraint system work?
182
Seat-mounted side airbag system (if equipped)
184
How does the side airbag system work?
185
Safety Canopy? System (if equipped)
186
How does the Safety Canopy? System work?
187
Determining if the system is operational
189
SOS Post-Crash Alert System™
189
Passenger airbag ON/OFF switch (if equipped)
190
Turning the passenger airbag off
190
Turning the passenger airbag back on
191
NHTSA deactivation criteria (excluding Canada)
192
Transport Canada deactivation criteria (Canada Only)
193
Disposal of airbags and airbag equipped vehicles
194
SAFETY RESTRAINTS FOR CHILDREN
195
Important child restraint precautions
195
Recommendations for attaching child safety restraints for children
197
Transporting children
198
SAFETY SEATS FOR CHILDREN
199
Infant and/or toddler seats
199
Installing child safety seats with automatic locking mode combination lap and shoulder belts (front passenger and rear outboa
200
Installing child safety seats in cinch tongue combination lap and shoulder belt seating positions (All front center and Super
204
Attaching child safety seats with LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for CHildren) attachments
206
Attaching child safety seats with tether straps
206
Tether strap attachment (rear SuperCab only)
210
Child booster seats
211
When children should use booster seats
212
Types of booster seats
213
The importance of shoulder belts
214
Child restraint and safety belt maintenance
215
Tires, Wheels and Loading
216
NOTICE TO UTILITY VEHICLE AND TRUCK OWNERS
216
VEHICLE CHARACTERISTICS
217
Four-wheel drive (4WD) system (if equipped)
217
How Your Vehicle Differs from Other Vehicles
218
INFORMATION ABOUT UNIFORM TIRE QUALITY GRADING
219
Treadwear
219
Traction AA A B C
219
Temperature A B C
220
TIRES
220
Glossary of Tire Terminology
220
INFLATING YOUR TIRES
221
Tire Inflation Information
224
TIRE CARE
225
Inspecting your tires and wheel valve stems
225
Tire wear
226
Damage
226
U.S. DOT Tire Identification Number (TIN)
227
Tire Replacement Requirements
227
Safety Practices
229
Highway Hazards
229
Tire and Wheel Alignment
229
Tire Rotation
230
INFORMATION CONTAINED ON THE TIRE SIDEWALL
232
Information on “P” type tires
232
Additional information contained on the tire sidewall for “LT” type tires
235
Information on “T” type tires
236
Location of the tire label
236
TIRE PRESSURE MONITORING SYSTEM (TPMS) (IF EQUIPPED)
237
Changing Tires with a TPMS
238
Understanding Your Tire Pressure Monitoring System
238
When your temporary spare tire is installed
238
When you believe your system is not operating properly
239
When inflating your tires
240
How temperature affects your tire pressure
240
TPMS Reset Procedure
241
Overview
241
Performing the TPMS Reset Procedure
241
USING SNOW CHAINS
243
VEHICLE LOADING – WITH AND WITHOUT A TRAILER
244
Special loading instructions for owners of pick-up trucks and utility-type vehicles
251
TRAILER TOWING
252
Preparing to tow
253
Hitches
253
Hitch ratings
253
Weight-Distributing Hitches
254
Fifth-wheel trailer hitch (if equipped)
255
Safety Chains
256
Trailer brakes
256
Integrated trailer brake controller (if equipped)
256
Trailer Lamps
260
Driving while you tow
260
Trailer towing safety tips
261
General
261
Loading
261
Braking
262
Backing-up
262
Tires
262
Launching or Retrieving a Boat or Personal Water Craft (PWC)
262
RECREATIONAL TOWING
263
RECOVERY HOOKS
263
Driving
265
STARTING
265
Positions of the ignition
265
Preparing to start your vehicle
265
Important safety precautions
266
Starting the engine
267
Cold weather starting (flexible fuel vehicles only)
268
If the engine fails to start using the preceding instructions (flexible fuel vehicles only)
269
Guarding against Exhaust Fumes
269
Important Ventilating Information
269
ENGINE BLOCK HEATER (IF EQUIPPED)
269
BRAKES
271
Four-wheel anti-lock brake system (ABS)
271
Using ABS
271
Brake assist
272
ABS warning lamp
272
Brake over accelerator
272
Parking brake
273
ENGINE ONLY TRACTION CONTROL (DUAL REAR WHEEL (DRW) VEHICLES ONLY)
274
ADVANCETRAC? WITH ROLL STABILITY CONTROL™ (RSC?) STABILITY ENHANCEMENT SYSTEM (SINGLE REAR WHEEL (SRW) VEHICLES ONLY)
275
HILL DESCENT CONTROL (IF EQUIPPED)
281
STEERING
282
ELECTRONIC LOCKING DIFFERENTIAL (ELD) (IF EQUIPPED)
283
Activating the electronic locking differential (ELD)
284
PREPARING TO DRIVE
285
BRAKE-SHIFT INTERLOCK
285
AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION OPERATION
287
Understanding the shift positions of the 5–speed automatic transmission (if equipped)
287
Understanding the shift positions of the 6–speed automatic transmission (if equipped)
290
Understanding your SelectShift Automatic™ transmission (SST) gearshift lever
293
Hill start assist (HSA)
294
If Your Vehicle Gets Stuck in Mud or Snow
295
REVERSE SENSING SYSTEM (IF EQUIPPED)
296
REARVIEW CAMERA SYSTEM (IF EQUIPPED)
298
FOUR-WHEEL DRIVE (4WD) OPERATION (IF EQUIPPED)
301
Manual Shift On Stop (MSOS) 4x4 system (if equipped)
301
Electronic Shift-On-the-Fly (ESOF) 4x4 system (if equipped)
301
4WD system indicator lights
302
Using a Manual Shift On Stop (MSOS) 4x4 system (if equipped)
303
Shifting from 2H (2WD) to 4H (4x4 High)
303
Shifting from 4H (4x4 High) to 2H (2WD)
304
Shifting from 2H (2WD) or 4H (4x4 High) to 4L (4x4 Low)
304
Shifting from 4L (4x4 Low) to 4H (4x4 High) or 2H (2WD)
305
Using the N (Neutral) position
305
Using the electronic shift 4WD system (if equipped)
306
Shifting between 2H (4X2) and 4H (4X4 High)
306
Shifting to/from 4L (4X4 low)
306
Driving off-road with truck and utility vehicles
307
How your vehicle differs from other vehicles
307
Basic operating principles
308
If your vehicle goes off the edge of the pavement
308
If your vehicle gets stuck
309
Emergency maneuvers
309
Parking
310
4WD systems
310
Normal characteristics
311
Sand
311
Mud and water
311
Driving on hilly or sloping terrain
312
Driving on snow and ice
313
Maintenance and modifications
314
VEHICLE USED AS A STATIONARY POWER SOURCE
315
DRIVING THROUGH WATER
315
SNOWPLOWING
316
Installing the snowplow
316
Operating the vehicle with the snowplow attached
317
Snowplowing with your airbag-equipped vehicle
317
Transmission operation while plowing
318
Roadside Emergencies
319
ROADSIDE ASSISTANCE
319
Vehicles sold in the U.S. : Getting roadside assistance
319
Vehicles sold in the U.S. : Using roadside assistance
319
Vehicles sold in Canada : Getting roadside assistance
320
Vehicles sold in Canada : Using roadside assistance
320
HAZARD FLASHER CONTROL
320
FUEL PUMP SHUT-OFF
321
FUSES AND RELAYS
321
Fuses
321
Standard fuse amperage rating and color
322
Passenger compartment fuse panel
322
Power distribution box
327
CHANGING THE TIRES
331
Dissimilar spare tire/wheel information
332
Stopping and securing the vehicle
334
Location of the spare tire and tools
334
Removing the spare tire (with spare tire carrier only)
335
Tire change procedure
337
Installing dual rear wheel ornaments
344
Stowing the flat/spare tire
346
WHEEL LUG NUT TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS
347
JUMP STARTING
348
Preparing your vehicle
348
Connecting the jumper cables
349
Jump Starting
350
Removing the jumper cables
350
WRECKER TOWING
351
Emergency Towing
352
Customer Assistance
353
GETTING THE SERVICES YOU NEED
353
Away from home
353
Additional assistance
354
IN CALIFORNIA (U.S. ONLY)
355
THE BETTER BUSINESS BUREAU (BBB) AUTO LINE PROGRAM (U.S. ONLY)
355
UTILIZING THE MEDIATION/ARBITRATION PROGRAM (CANADA ONLY)
357
GETTING ASSISTANCE OUTSIDE THE U.S. AND CANADA
357
ORDERING ADDITIONAL OWNER’S LITERATURE
359
Obtaining a French Owner’s Guide
359
REPORTING SAFETY DEFECTS (U.S. ONLY)
359
REPORTING SAFETY DEFECTS (CANADA ONLY)
360
Cleaning
361
WASHING THE EXTERIOR
361
WAXING
362
PAINT CHIPS
362
ALUMINUM WHEELS AND WHEEL COVERS
362
ENGINE
363
PLASTIC (NON-PAINTED) EXTERIOR PARTS
364
WINDOWS AND WIPER BLADES
364
INSTRUMENT PANEL/INTERIOR TRIM AND CLUSTER LENS (EXCEPT HARLEY-DAVIDSON)
365
INSTRUMENT PANEL AND CONSOLE (HARLEY-DAVIDSON ONLY)
366
INTERIOR
367
LEATHER SEATS (IF EQUIPPED, EXCEPT FOR THE KING RANCH? EDITION)
367
LEATHER SEATS FOR THE KING RANCH? EDITION ONLY (IF EQUIPPED)
368
UNDERBODY
369
FORD AND LINCOLN CAR CARE PRODUCTS
369
Maintenance and Specifications
370
SERVICE RECOMMENDATIONS
370
PRECAUTIONS WHEN SERVICING YOUR VEHICLE
370
Working with the engine off
370
Working with the engine on
370
OPENING THE HOOD
371
IDENTIFYING COMPONENTS IN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT
371
6.2L V8 gasoline engine
372
6.8L V10 gasoline engine
373
WINDSHIELD WASHER FLUID
374
CHANGING THE WIPER BLADES
374
ENGINE OIL
375
Checking the engine oil
375
Adding engine oil
376
Engine oil and filter recommendations
376
Use SAE 5W-20 engine oil
376
BATTERY
377
ENGINE COOLANT
379
Checking the engine coolant
379
Adding engine coolant
380
Recycled engine coolant
383
Coolant refill capacity
383
Severe climates
383
What you should know about fail-safe cooling (if equipped)
384
How fail-safe cooling works
384
When fail-safe mode is activated
384
Engine fluid temperature management (except 6.8L V10)
385
FUEL FILTER
386
WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW ABOUT AUTOMOTIVE FUELS
386
Important safety precautions
386
Refueling
389
Fuel filler cap
389
FFV (Flex Fuel Vehicle) fuel cap
390
Choosing the right fuel
390
Octane recommendations
391
FFV engine (if equipped)
391
Fuel quality
391
Diesel engine (if equipped)
392
Cleaner air
392
Running out of fuel
392
ESSENTIALS OF GOOD FUEL ECONOMY
393
Measuring techniques
393
Filling the tank
393
Calculating fuel economy
393
Driving style — good driving and fuel economy habits
394
Habits
394
Maintenance
395
Conditions
395
EMISSION CONTROL SYSTEM
396
On-board diagnostics (OBD-II)
397
Readiness for Inspection/Maintenance (I/M) testing
398
POWER STEERING FLUID
399
BRAKE FLUID
400
TRANSMISSION FLUID
400
Checking automatic transmission fluid (if equipped)
400
Low fluid level
401
Correct fluid level
402
High fluid level
402
Adjusting automatic transmission fluid levels
403
TRANSFER CASE FLUID (IF EQUIPPED)
404
AIR FILTER
404
Changing the air filter element
405
VEHICLE STORAGE
407
MOTORCRAFT PART NUMBERS
410
MAINTENANCE PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS AND CAPACITIES
411
ENGINE DATA
415
Engine drivebelt routing
415
IDENTIFYING YOUR VEHICLE
416
Safety Compliance Certification Label
416
Vehicle identification number (VIN)
417
TRANSMISSION CODE DESIGNATIONS
418
Accessories
419
FORD CUSTOM ACCESSORIES FOR YOUR VEHICLE
419
Exterior style
419
Interior style
419
Lifestyle
419
Peace of mind
420
Ford Extended Service Plan
421
FORD ESP EXTENDED SERVICE PLANS (U.S. ONLY)
421
FORD ESP EXTENDED SERVICE PLANS (CANADA ONLY)
423
Scheduled Maintenance
424
GENERAL MAINTENANCE INFORMATION
424
Why Maintain Your Vehicle?
424
Protecting Your Investment
424
Oils, Fluids and Flushing
425
Genuine Ford Parts and Service
425
Convenience
425
Factory-trained Technicians
425
Genuine Ford and Motorcraft? Replacement Parts
425
Value Shopping for Your Vehicle’s Maintenance Needs
426
Owner checks and services
426
Multi-point Inspection
427
NORMAL SCHEDULED MAINTENANCE AND LOG
428
Maintenance Schedule Log
432
SPECIAL OPERATING CONDITIONS
435
Special Operating Condition Log
438
EXCEPTIONS
440
ENGINE COOLANT CHANGE RECORD
441
Engine Coolant Change Log
441
Index
442
2012 Ford F450 Overview
Introduction
The 2012 Ford F450 embodies the pinnacle of heavy-duty performance, offering unparalleled power, cutting-edge technology, and a premium-drive experience. Designed predominantly for those who demand maximum towing capability and ruggedness, this truck perfectly balances commercial utility and comfortable everyday use. Whether on the job site or handling weekend adventures, the F450 delivers with confidence and style.
Powertrains
The heart of the 2012 Ford F450 lies in its formidable powertrains. The standard model is powered by a robust 6.2-liter V8 engine that generates 385 horsepower and an impressive 405 lb-ft of torque. For those seeking enhanced power, the available 6.7-liter Power Stroke V8 turbo-diesel engine offers explosive output of 400 horsepower and a staggering 800 lb-ft of torque. Both options are matched with a smooth-shifting six-speed automatic transmission, designed to handle heavy towing and hauling effortlessly.
Trims
The F450 is available in an array of trims catering to diverse needs and preferences. Buyers can choose from the XL, XLT, Lariat, and King Ranch models. Each trim builds on the previous level, with the XL focusing on essential work features, while the higher trims like the King Ranch exude luxury and sophistication, complete with superior upholstery, advanced sound systems, and an array of technological enhancements.
Features
Ford packed the 2012 F450 with an assortment of features designed for convenience and comfort. Standard equipment includes air conditioning, a robust sound system, and power accessories. Higher trims may include features like leather seating, navigation, and premium audio systems. Safety is paramount, with options for trailer sway control, rearview cameras, and advanced airbag systems ensuring peace of mind on the road.
Owner's Manual
The owner’s manual for the 2012 Ford F450 serves as an essential resource for owners, containing vital information on maintenance schedules, troubleshooting, and safety features. It also guides drivers on maximizing the truck's capabilities, from ensuring optimal towing loads to understanding the comprehensive array of technological features available.
User manual download
The Ford F450 owner manual for the 2012 model year is to be found in PDF downloadable format on this page. The owner manual for the model year 2012 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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