Driving, Starting, Positions of the ignition – FORD 2012 F-550 v.1 User Manual
Page 269: Preparing to start your vehicle
STARTING
Positions of the ignition
1. Off— shuts off the engine and all
accessories/locks the steering wheel
and allows key removal. Note: In
order to switch off the engine while
the vehicle is in motion, shift to
neutral and use the brakes to bring
the vehicle to a safe stop. After the
vehicle has stopped, turn the engine
off and shift into park. Then, turn
the key to the accessory or off
position.
2. Accessory— allows the electrical accessories such as the radio to
operate while the engine is not running. This position also unlocks the
steering wheel.
3. On— all electrical circuits operational. Warning lights illuminated. Key
position when driving.
4. Start— cranks the engine. Release the key as soon as the engine
begins cranking.
Note: Do not store the key in the ignition after the vehicle is turned off
and you have left the vehicle. This could cause a drain on the battery.
Preparing to start your vehicle
Engine starting is controlled by the powertrain control system.
This system meets all Canadian interference-causing equipment standard
requirements regulating the impulse electrical field strength of radio
noise.
When starting a fuel-injected engine, don’t press the accelerator before
or during starting. Only use the accelerator when you have difficulty
starting the engine. For more information on starting the vehicle, refer to
Starting the engine in this chapter.
WARNING: Extended idling at high engine speeds can produce
very high temperatures in the engine and exhaust system,
creating the risk of fire or other damage.
Driving
269
2012 F-250/350/450/550 (f23)
Owners Guide, 1st Printing
USA (fus)