Ford E-250 (2009 year). Manual — part 1

Warning symbols on your vehicle

When you see this symbol, it is
imperative that you consult the
relevant section of this guide before
touching or attempting adjustment
of any kind.

Protecting the environment

We must all play our part in
protecting the environment. Correct
vehicle usage and the authorized
disposal of waste, cleaning and
lubrication materials are significant
steps towards this aim. Information in this respect is highlighted in this
guide with the tree symbol.

CALIFORNIA Proposition 65 Warning

WARNING: Engine exhaust, some of its constituents, and
certain vehicle components contain or emit chemicals known to

the State of California to cause cancer and birth defects or other
reproductive harm. In addition, certain fluids contained in vehicles and
certain products of component wear contain or emit chemicals known
to the State of California to cause cancer and birth defects or other
reproductive harm.

PERCHLORATE MATERIAL

Certain components of this vehicle such as airbag modules, seat belt
pretensioners, and button cell batteries may contain Perchlorate Material
– Special handling may apply for service or vehicle end of life disposal.
See www.dtsc.ca.gov/hazardouswaste/perchlorate.

BREAKING-IN YOUR VEHICLE

Your vehicle does not need an extensive break-in. Try not to drive
continuously at the same speed for the first 1,000 miles (1,600 km) of
new vehicle operation. Vary your speed frequently in order to give the
moving parts a chance to break in.

Drive your new vehicle at least 1,000 miles (1,600 km) before towing a
trailer. For more detailed information about towing a trailer, refer to
Trailer towing in the Tires, Wheels and Loading chapter.

Introduction

5

Do not add friction modifier compounds or special break-in oils since
these additives may prevent piston ring seating. See Engine oil in the
Maintenance and Specifications chapter for more information on oil
usage.

SPECIAL NOTICES

New Vehicle Limited Warranty

Service Data Recording

Service data recorders in your vehicle are capable of collecting and
storing diagnostic information about your vehicle. This potentially
includes information about the performance or status of various systems
and modules in the vehicle, such as engine, throttle, steering or brake
systems. In order to properly diagnose and service your vehicle, Ford
Motor Company, Ford of Canada, and service and repair facilities may
access vehicle diagnostic information through a direct connection to your
vehicle when diagnosing or servicing your vehicle. For U.S. only (if
equipped), if you choose to use the SYNC

威 Vehicle Health Report, you

consent that certain diagnostic information may also be accessed
electronically by Ford Motor Company and Ford authorized service
facilities, and that the diagnostic information may be used for any
purpose. See your SYNC

威 supplement for more information.

Event Data Recording

Other modules in your vehicle — event data recorders — are capable of
collecting and storing data during a crash or near crash event. The
recorded information may assist in the investigation of such an event.
The modules may record information about both the vehicle and the
occupants, potentially including information such as:
• how various systems in your vehicle were operating;
• whether or not the driver and passenger seatbelts were buckled;
• how far (if at all) the driver was depressing the accelerator and/or the

brake pedal;

• how fast the vehicle was traveling; and
• where the driver was positioning the steering wheel.

Introduction

6

To access this information, special equipment must be directly connected
to the recording modules. Ford Motor Company and Ford of Canada do
not access event data recorder information without obtaining consent,
unless pursuant to court order or where required by law enforcement,
other government authorities or other third parties acting with lawful
authority. Other parties may seek to access the information
independently of Ford Motor Company and Ford of Canada. Please note
that once 911 Assist (if equipped) is enabled (set ON), 911 Assist may,
through any paired and connected cell phone, disclose to emergency
services that the vehicle has been in a crash involving the deployment of
an airbag or, in certain vehicles, the activation of the fuel pump shut-off.
Certain versions or updates to 911 Assist may also be capable of
electronically or verbally disclosing to 911 operators the vehicle location,
and/or other details about the vehicle or crash to assist 911 operators to
provide the most appropriate emergency services. If you do not want to
disclose this information, do not activate the feature. See your SYNC

威

supplement for more information.

Vehicle Modification Data Recording

Introduction

7

Special instructions

For your added safety, your vehicle is fitted with sophisticated electronic
controls.

WARNING: Please read the section Airbag Supplemental
Restraint System (SRS) in the Seating and Safety Restraints

chapter. Failure to follow the specific warnings and instructions could
result in personal injury.

WARNING: Front seat mounted rear-facing child or infant seats
should NEVER be placed in front of an active passenger airbag.

Notice to owners of diesel-powered vehicles

Notice to owners of pickup trucks and utility type vehicles

WARNING: Utility vehicles have a significantly higher rollover
rate than other types of vehicles.

Introduction

8

Using your vehicle as an ambulance

If your light truck is equipped with the Ford Ambulance Preparation
Package, it may be utilized as an ambulance. Ford urges ambulance
manufacturers to follow the recommendations of the Ford Incomplete
Vehicle Manual, Ford Truck Body Builder’s Layout Book and the
Qualified Vehicle Modifiers (QVM) Guidelines as well as pertinent
supplements. For additional information, please contact the Truck Body
Builders Advisory Service at 1–877–840–4338.

Use of your Ford light truck as an ambulance, without the Ford
Ambulance Preparation Package voids the Ford New Vehicle Limited
Warranty and may void the Emissions Warranties. In addition, ambulance
usage without the preparation package could cause high underbody
temperatures, overpressurized fuel and a risk of spraying fuel which
could lead to fires.

If your vehicle is equipped with the
Ford Ambulance Preparation
Package, it will be indicated on the
Safety Compliance Certification
Label. The label is located on the
driver’s side door pillar or on the
rear edge of the driver’s door. You
can determine whether the
ambulance manufacturer followed
Ford’s recommendations by directly
contacting that manufacturer. Ford
Ambulance Preparation Package is
only available on certain Diesel
engine equipped vehicles.

Introduction

9

Using your vehicle as a stationary power source (PTO)

Refer to the Driving chapter for more information and guidelines for
operating a vehicle equipped with an aftermarket power take-off system.

Cell phone use

The use of Mobile Communications Equipment has become increasingly
important in the conduct of business and personal affairs. However,
drivers must not compromise their own or others’ safety when using
such equipment. Mobile Communications can enhance personal safety
and security when appropriately used, particularly in emergency
situations. Safety must be paramount when using mobile communications
equipment to avoid negating these benefits.

Mobile Communication Equipment includes, but is not limited to cellular
phones, pagers, portable email devices, in-vehicle communications
systems, telematics devices and portable two-way radios.

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. The driver’s primary responsibility is the safe
operation of their vehicle. Only use cell phones and other devices not
essential to the driving task when it is safe to do so.

Introduction

10

Export unique (Non–United States/Canada) vehicle specific
information

Introduction

11

These are some of the symbols you may see on your vehicle.

Vehicle Symbol Glossary

Safety Alert

See Owner’s Guide

Fasten Safety Belt

Airbag - Front

Airbag - Side

Child Seat Lower
Anchor

Child Seat Tether
Anchor

Brake System

Anti-Lock Brake System

Parking Brake System

Brake Fluid -
Non-Petroleum Based

Parking Aid System

Stability Control System

Speed Control

Master Lighting Switch

Hazard Warning Flasher

Fog Lamps-Front

Fuse Compartment

Fuel Pump Reset

Windshield Wash/Wipe

Windshield
Defrost/Demist

Rear Window
Defrost/Demist

Introduction

12

Vehicle Symbol Glossary

Power Windows
Front/Rear

Power Window Lockout

Child Safety Door
Lock/Unlock

Interior Luggage
Compartment Release

Panic Alarm

Engine Oil

Engine Coolant

Engine Coolant
Temperature

Do Not Open When Hot

Battery

Avoid Smoking, Flames,
or Sparks

Battery Acid

Explosive Gas

Fan Warning

Power Steering Fluid

Maintain Correct Fluid
Level

MAX

MIN

Service Engine Soon

Engine Air Filter

Passenger Compartment
Air Filter

Jack

Check Fuel Cap

Low Tire Pressure
Warning

Introduction

13

WARNING LIGHTS AND CHIMES

Warning lights and gauges can alert you to a vehicle condition that may
become serious enough to cause expensive repairs. A warning light may
illuminate when a problem exists with one of your vehicle’s functions.
Many lights will illuminate when you start your vehicle to make sure the
bulb works. If any light remains on after starting the vehicle, refer to the
respective system warning light for additional information.

Note: Some Warning Lights are reconfigurable telltale (RTT) indicator
lights and will illuminate in the message center display and function the
same as the warning light.

Service engine soon: The Service
engine soon indicator light
illuminates when the ignition is first
turned to the on position to check
the bulb and to indicate whether the vehicle is ready for
Inspection/Maintenance (I/M) testing. Normally, the

⬙Service engine soon⬙

light will stay on until the engine is cranked, then turn itself off if no
malfunctions are present. However, if after 15 seconds the

⬙Service

engine soon

⬙ light blinks eight times, it means that the vehicle is not

ready for I/M testing. See the Readiness for Inspection/Maintenance
(I/M) testing in the Maintenance and Specifications chapter.

Instrument Cluster

14

Solid illumination after the engine is started indicates the On Board
Diagnostics System (OBD-II) has detected a malfunction. Refer to On
board diagnostics (OBD-II) in the Maintenance and Specifications
chapter. If the light is blinking, engine misfire is occurring which could
damage your catalytic converter. Drive in a moderate fashion (avoid
heavy acceleration and deceleration) and have your vehicle serviced
immediately by your authorized dealer.

WARNING: Under engine misfire conditions, excessive exhaust
temperatures could damage the catalytic converter, the fuel

system, interior floor coverings or other vehicle components, possibly
causing a fire.

Electronic throttle control
(RTT): Displays when the engine
has defaulted to a “limp-home”
operation. Report the fault to a
dealer at the earliest opportunity.

Check fuel cap (RTT): Displays
when the fuel cap may not be
properly installed. Continued driving
with this light on may cause the
Service Engine Soon warning light
to come on, refer to Fuel filler cap
in the Maintenance and Specification chapter.

Brake system warning light: To
confirm the brake system warning
light is functional, it will
momentarily illuminate when the
ignition is turned to the on position
when the engine is not running, or in a position between on and start, or
by applying the parking brake when the ignition is turned to the on
position. If the brake system warning light does not illuminate at this
time, seek service immediately from your authorized dealer. Illumination
after releasing the parking brake indicates low brake fluid level and the
brake system should be inspected immediately by your authorized dealer.

P

!

BRAKE

Instrument Cluster

15

WARNING: Driving a vehicle with the brake system warning
light on is dangerous. A significant decrease in braking

performance may occur. It will take you longer to stop the vehicle.
Have the vehicle checked by your authorized dealer. Driving extended
distances with the parking brake engaged can cause brake failure and
the risk of personal injury.

Anti-lock brake system: If the
ABS light stays illuminated or
continues to flash, a malfunction has
been detected, have the system
serviced immediately by your
authorized dealer. Normal braking is still functional unless the brake
warning light also is illuminated.

Airbag readiness: If this light fails
to illuminate when the ignition is
turned to on, continues to flash or
remains on, have the system
serviced immediately by your authorized dealer. A chime will sound
when there is a malfunction in the indicator light.

Safety belt: Reminds you to fasten
your safety belt. A Belt-Minder

威

chime will also sound to remind you
to fasten your safety belt. Refer to
the Seating and Safety Restraints
chapter to activate/deactivate the Belt-Minder

威 chime feature.

Engine oil pressure (RTT):
Displays when the oil pressure falls
below the normal range, refer to
Engine oil in the Maintenance
and Specifications chapter.

Engine coolant temperature
(RTT): Displays when the engine
coolant temperature is high. Stop
the vehicle as soon as possible,
switch off the engine and let cool.
Refer to Engine coolant in the
Maintenance and Specifications chapter.

ABS

Instrument Cluster

16

WARNING: Never remove the coolant reservoir cap while the
engine is running or hot.

Low tire pressure warning (if
equipped): Illuminates when your
tire pressure is low. If the light
remains on at start up or while
driving, the tire pressure should be
checked. Refer to Inflating your tires in the Tires, Wheels and
Loading chapter. When the ignition is first turned to on, the light will
illuminate for three seconds to ensure the bulb is working. If the light
does not turn on or begins to flash, have the system inspected by your
authorized dealer. For more information on this system, refer to Tire
pressure monitoring system (TPMS) in the Tires, Wheels and
Loading chapter.

AdvanceTrac

威 (if equipped):

Flashes (two times per second)
when the AdvanceTrac

威 with RSC威

system is active. If the light remains
on, or

⬙SERVICE RSC NOW⬙ is

displayed in the odometer display
with a chime, have the system serviced immediately by your authorized
dealer. (Flashes one time every two seconds when AdvanceTrac

威 with

RSC

威 system has not yet initialized and is not available.) For further

information, refer to AdvanceTrac

威 (Electronic stability control) with

Roll stability control™ (RSC

威) in the Driving chapter.

WARNING: If your vehicle is equipped with the AdvanceTrac

威

with RSC

威 system, then it was designed to be operated with

RSC

威. Reduce speed and proceed to an authorized dealer to have the

system serviced immediately.

Transmission Tow/Haul Feature
(if equipped): Illuminates when
the Tow/Haul feature has been
activated. Refer to the Driving
chapter for transmission function and operation. If the light flashes
steadily, have the system serviced immediately, damage to the
transmission could occur.

Instrument Cluster

17

Anti-theft system: Flashes when
the SecuriLock™ Passive Anti-theft
System has been activated.

Overdrive off (if equipped):
Illuminates when the overdrive
function of the transmission has
been turned off; refer to the
Driving chapter. If the light does not illuminate, have the transmission
serviced soon, or damage may occur.

Charging system (RTT):
Illuminates when the battery is not
charging properly. If it stays on
while the engine is running, there
may be a malfunction with the
charging system. Contact your
authorized dealer as soon as possible. This indicates a problem with the
electrical system or a related component.

Speed control: Illuminates when
the speed control is activated. Turns
off when the speed control system
is deactivated.

Low fuel (RTT): Displays when
the fuel level in the fuel tank is at
or near empty (refer to Fuel gauge
in this chapter).

Turn signal: Illuminates when the
left or right turn signal or the
hazard lights are turned on. If the
indicators stay on or flash faster, check for a burned out bulb.

High beams: Illuminates when the
high beam headlamps are turned on.

Key-in-ignition warning chime: Sounds when the key is left in the
ignition in the off or accessory position and the driver’s door is opened.

O/D

OFF

Instrument Cluster

18

Headlamps on warning chime: Sounds when the headlamps or parking
lamps are on, the ignition is off (the key is not in the ignition) and the
driver’s door is opened.

Parking brake on warning chime: Sounds when the parking brake is
set, the engine is running and the vehicle is driven more than 3 mph
(5 km/h).

GAUGES

Speedometer: Indicates the
current vehicle speed.

Engine coolant temperature
gauge: Indicates engine coolant
temperature. At normal operating
temperature, the needle will be in
the normal range (between “H” and
“C”). If it enters the red section,
the engine is overheating. Stop
the vehicle as soon as safely
possible, switch off the engine and let the engine cool.

Instrument Cluster

19

WARNING: Never remove the coolant reservoir cap while the
engine is running or hot.

Odometer: Registers the total miles
(kilometers) of the vehicle.

Refer to Message center in the
Driver Controls chapter on how to
switch the display from Metric to
English.

Trip odometer: Registers the miles
(kilometers) of individual journeys.

Press the SELECT/RESET stem
once to switch from the odometer to
the trip odometer. Press the stem
again to select Trip A and Trip B
features. To reset the trip, press and hold the stem again until the trip
reading is 0.0 miles.

Tachometer: Indicates the engine
speed in revolutions per minute.
Driving with your tachometer
pointer continuously at the top of
the scale may damage the engine.

Battery voltage gauge: Indicates
the battery voltage when the
ignition is in the on position. If the
pointer moves and stays outside the
normal operating range, have the
vehicle’s electrical system checked
by your authorized dealer as soon as
possible.

Instrument Cluster

20