How to Reset the Low Tire Pressure Light on a Ford F-250
by Dave Baker NYC
Driving with underinflated tires is a common cause of tire failure and blowout, according to Ford Motor Co. Fortunately, newer Ford trucks, such as the F-250, come equipped with a tire pressure monitoring system. This system warns you with a flashing light on the dashboard when one (or more) of your tires has lost a significant amount of air. To reset the low tire pressure light on your Ford F-250, add an appropriate amount of air to your tires and drive the truck for a few minutes. The warning light should then disappear.
Step 1
Ensure that the tires are cool (not driven more than 1 mile) before you begin; air pressure will increase inside the tire as the tire heats up from driving.
Step 2
Check the pressure of each tire on your F-250. For precision, use a tire gauge rather than visual inspection; tires can lose half their air and still look OK by mere visual inspection, according to Ford Motor Co. To check the pressure, unscrew the cap on the tire valve and briefly insert the gauge to get a reading.
Step 3
Add an appropriate amount of air to your tires as needed. Refer to Ford's recommended tire pressure levels, which you can find on the label at the edge of your driver's door. If you overfill a tire, press on the stem in the center of the valve to release air. Recheck the tire pressure with the gauge, and replace the valve cap.
Step 4
Replace the spare tire with a suitable regular tire if you have been driving on a spare. The spare tire is designed for temporary use only, and it affects the tire pressure warning system. Check the tire pressure with the gauge, and add air to the tire as needed.
Step 5
Drive your F-250 for at least 2 minutes at a speed of 20 mph or greater. The tire pressure light should turn off.
References
- 2010 Ford F-250 Owner's Manual
- 2008 F-250/F-350/F-450/F-550 Super Duty Workshop Manual
Tips
- Check the tires for any nails or screws that might be stuck in them; this may trigger the warning light too.
- If the tire pressure light remains on after following these steps, contact an authorized auto repair shop. There may be a system malfunction.
Things You'll Need
- Tire gauge
- Air compressor
Warnings
- Failure to follow the manufacturer's recommendations for tire pressure can lead to uneven tire wear and poor vehicle handling.
Writer Bio
Dave Baker is an editor and writer based in New York. He has more than a dozen years of experience in the media industry, including work for "The Nation" magazine, the "New York Times" and the "Times-Picayune" of New Orleans, where he shared two staff Pulitzer Prizes after Hurricane Katrina.
