FORD F150 2009 12.G Owners Manual

ADVANCETRACWITH ROLL STABILITY CONTROL™ (RSC)
STABILITY ENHANCEMENT SYSTEM
WARNING:Vehicle modifications involving braking system,
aftermarket roof racks, suspension, steering system, tire
construction and/or wheel/tire size may change the handling
characteristics of the vehicle and may adversely affect the the
performance of the AdvanceTracwith RSC system. In addition,
installing any stereo loudspeakers may interfere with and adversely
affect the AdvanceTracwith RSCsystem. Install any aftermarket
stereo loudspeaker as far as possible from the front center console, the
tunnel, and the front seats in order to minimize the risk of interfering
with the AdvanceTracwith RSCsensors. Reducing the effectiveness
of the AdvanceTracwith RSCsystem could lead to an increased risk
of loss of vehicle control, vehicle rollover, personal injury and death.
WARNING:Remember that even advanced technology cannot
defy the laws of physics. It’s always possible to lose control of a
vehicle due to inappropriate driver input for the conditions. Aggressive
driving on any road condition can cause you to lose control of your
vehicle increasing the risk of personal injury or property damage.
Activation of the AdvanceTracwith RSCsystem is an indication that
at least some of the tires have exceeded their ability to grip the road;
this could reduce the operator’s ability to control the vehicle,
potentially resulting in a loss of vehicle control, vehicle rollover,
personal injury and death. If your AdvanceTracwith RSCsystem
activates, SLOW DOWN.
WARNING:If a failure has been detected within the
AdvanceTracwith RSCsystem, thesliding caricon
will
illuminate steadily. Verify that the AdvanceTracwith RSCsystem is
not manually disabled (push the AdvanceTracwith RSC“Off “
button located on the center of the instrument panel). If thesliding
caricon
still illuminates steadily, have the system service by an
authorized dealer immediately. Operating your vehicle with
AdvanceTracwith RSCdisabled could lead to an increased risk of
loss of vehicle control, vehicle rollover, personal injury and death.
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The AdvanceTracwith RSCsystem provides the following stability
enhancement features for certain driving situations:
•Traction Control (TCS), which functions to help avoid drive-wheel
spin and loss of traction.
•Electronic Stability Control (ESC), which functions to help avoid skids
or lateral slides
•Roll Stability Control™ (RSC), which functions to help avoid a
vehicle roll-over.
The AdvanceTracwith RSCsystem automatically enables each time
the engine is started. All features of the AdvanceTracwith RSCsystem
(TCS, ESC, and RSC) are active and monitor the vehicle from start-up.
However, the system will only intervene if the driving situation requires
it.
The AdvanceTracwith RSC
system includes an AdvanceTrac
with RSCOffbuttononthe
center of the instrument panel, and
a “sliding car” icon
in the
instrument cluster. The “sliding car”
icon
in the instrument cluster will illuminate temporarily during
start-up as part of a normal system self-check, or during driving if a
driving situation causes the AdvanceTracwith RSCsystem to operate.
If the “sliding car” icon
illuminates steadily, verify that the
AdvanceTracwith RSCsystem is not manually disabled by pressing
the AdvanceTracwith RSCOffbutton located on the center stack of
the instrument panel. If the “sliding car” icon
remains steadily
illuminated, have the system serviced by an authorized dealer
immediately.
When AdvanceTracwith RSCperforms a normal system self-check,
some drivers may notice a slight movement of the brake, and/or a
rumble, grunting, or grinding noise after startup and when driving off.
When an event occurs that activates AdvanceTracwith RSCyou may
experience the following:
•A slight deceleration of the vehicle
•The “sliding car”
indicator light will flash.
•A vibration in the pedal when your foot is on the brake pedal
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•If the driving condition is severe and your foot is not on the brake, the
brake pedal may move as the systems applies higher brake forces. You
may also hear a whoosh of air from under the instrument panel during
this severe condition.
•The brake pedal may feel stiffer than usual.
Traction Control (TCS)
Traction Control is a driver aid feature that helps your vehicle maintain
traction of the wheels, typically when driving on slippery and/or hilly
road surfaces, by detecting and controlling wheel spin.
Excessive wheel spin is controlled in two ways, which may work
separately or in tandem: Engine Traction Control and Brake Traction
Control. Engine Traction Control works to limit drive-wheel spin by
momentarily reducing engine power. Brake Traction Control works to
limit wheel spin by momentarily applying the brakes to the wheel that is
slipping. Traction Control is most active at low speeds.
During Traction Control events the “sliding car” icon
in the
instrument cluster will flash.
If the Traction Control system is activated excessively in a short period
of time, the braking portion of the system may become temporarily
disabled to allow the brakes to cool down. In this situation, Traction
Control will use only engine power reduction or transfer to help control
the wheels from over-spinning. When the brakes have cooled down, the
system will regain all features. Anti-lock braking, RSC, and ESC are not
affected by this condition and will continue to function during the
cool-down period.
The Engine Traction Control and Brake Traction Control system may be
deactivated in certain situations. See theSwitching Off AdvanceTrac
with RSCsection following.
Electronic Stability Control (ESC)
Electronic Stability Control (ESC) may enhance your vehicle’s directional
stability during adverse maneuvers, for example when cornering severely
or avoiding objects in the roadway. ESC operates by applying brakes to
one or more of the wheels individually and, if necessary, reducing engine
power if the system detects that the vehicle is about to skid or slide
laterally.
During Electronic Stability Control events the “sliding car” icon
in the
instrument cluster will flash.
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Certain adverse driving maneuvers may activate the Electronic Stability
Control system, which include but are not limited to:
•Taking a turn too fast
•Maneuvering quickly to avoid an accident, pedestrian or obstacle
•Driving over a patch of ice or other slippery surfaces
•Changing lanes on a snow-rutted road
•
Entering a snow-free road from a snow-covered side street, or vice versa
•Entering a paved road from a gravel road, or vice versa
•Cornering while towing a heavily loaded trailer (refer toTrailer
towingin theTires, Wheels and Loadingchapter).
The Electronic Stability Control system may be deactivated in certain
situations. See theSwitching Off AdvanceTracwith RSCsection
following.
Roll Stability Control™ (RSC)
Roll Stability Control (RSC) may help to maintain roll stability of the
vehicle during adverse maneuvers. RSCoperates by detecting the
vehicle’s roll motion and the rate at which it changes and by applying the
brakes to one or more wheels individually.
During an event that activates the Roll Stability Control™ (RSC)the
“sliding car” icon
in the instrument cluster will flash.
Certain adverse driving maneuvers may activate the Roll Stability Control
system, which include:
•Emergency lane-change
•Taking a turn too fast
•Quick maneuvering to avoid an accident, pedestrian or obstacle
The Roll Stability Control system may be deactivated in certain situations.
See theSwitching Off AdvanceTracwith RSCsection following.
Switching Off AdvanceTracwith RSC
If the vehicle is stuck in snow, mud or sand, and seems to lose engine
power, switching off certain features of the AdvanceTracwith RSC
system may be beneficial because the wheels are allowed to spin. This
will restore full engine power and will enhance momentum through the
obstacle. To switch off the AdvanceTracwith RSCsystem press the
AdvanceTracwith RSCOffbutton. Full features of the AdvanceTrac
with RSCsystem can be restored by pressing the AdvanceTracwith
RSCOffbutton again or by turning off and restarting the engine.
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If you switch off the AdvanceTracwith RSCsystem, the sliding car
icon
will illuminate steadily. Pressing the AdvanceTracwith RSC
Offbutton again will turn off thesliding caricon
.
In R (Reverse), ABS and the Engine and Brake Traction Control features
will continue to function; however, ESC and RSCare disabled.
AdvanceTracwith RSCFeatures
Button
functions“Sliding
car” icon
RSCESCTraction
Control
Default at
start-upIlluminated
during bulb
checkEnabled Enabled Enabled
Button pressed
momentarilyIlluminated
during bulb
checkEnabled Enabled Disabled
Button pressed
and held for
more than five
seconds at
vehicle speed
under 35 mph
(56 km/h)Flashes then
illuminated
solidDisabled Disabled Disabled
Vehicle speed
exceeds 35 mpg
(56 km/h) after
button is pressed
and held for
more than five
secondsIlluminated
solidEnabled Enabled Disabled
Button pressed
again after
deactivationNot
illuminatedEnabled Enabled Enabled
Trailer Sway Control
Your vehicle may be equipped with trailer sway control. When properly
equipped, trailer sway control will use the vehicle’s AdvanceTracwith
RSCsystem to detect and help reduce trailer sway by applying brake
force at individual wheels and, if necessary, by reducing engine power.
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WARNING:Trailer sway control does not prevent a trailer from
swaying, it mitigates the sway from increasing once it has
occurred. If you are experiencing trailer sway it is likely that the trailer
is improperly loaded for the correct tongue weight or the speed of the
vehicle and trailer is too high. Pull the vehicle-trailer over to a safe
location to check the trailer weight distribution and tongue load and
reduce speed to a safe level while towing. If trailer sway is
experienced, SLOW DOWN.
During Trailer Sway Control events theskidding car
icon in the
instrument cluster will flash momentarily. The cluster message center
will also displayTRAILER SWAY REDUCE SPEED. In some cases
when trailer sway is detected, the vehicle speed is too high and may be
above a speed at which trailer sway will not grow continuously. This may
cause the system to activate multiple times, causing a gradual reduction
in speed.
Note:The trailer sway control will only activate at speeds greater than
40 mph (64 km/h).
Disabling Trailer Sway Control
Trailer sway control can be disabled during any key cycle. See Trailer
Sway Control under theMessage centerin theDriver Controlschapter.
Note that regardless of chosen enable state, Trailer Sway Control will be
re-enabled at each new key cycle.
WARNING:Turning off Trailer Sway Control increases the risk
of loss of vehicle control, serious injury, or death. Ford does not
recommend disabling this feature except in situations where speed
reduction may be detrimental (e.g., hill climbing), the driver has
significant trailer towing experience, and can control trailer sway and
maintain safe operation.
STEERING
To help prevent damage to the power steering system:
•Never hold the steering wheel at its furthest turning points (until it
stops) for more than a few seconds when the engine is running.
•Do not operate the vehicle with a low power steering fluid level
(below the MIN mark on the reservoir).
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•Some noise is normal during operation. If the noise is excessive, check
for a low power steering fluid level before seeking service by your
authorized dealer.
•Heavy or uneven steering efforts may be caused by a low power
steering fluid level. Check for a low power steering fluid level before
seeking service by your authorized dealer.
•Do not fill the power steering fluid reservoir above the MAX mark on
the reservoir.
If the power steering system breaks down (or if the engine is turned
off), you can steer the vehicle manually, but it takes more effort.
If the steering wanders or pulls, check for:
•an improperly inflated tire
•uneven tire wear
•loose or worn suspension components
•loose or worn steering components
•improper steering alignment
A high crown in the road or high crosswinds may also make the steering
seem to wander/pull.
LIMITED-SLIP AXLE (IF EQUIPPED)
This axle provides added traction on slippery surfaces, particularly when
one wheel is on a poor traction surface. Under normal conditions, the
Limited-slip axle functions like a standard rear axle. The axle may
exhibit a slight noise or vibration in tight turns with low vehicle speed.
This is normal behavior and indicates the axle is working.
Electronic locking differential (ELD) axle (if equipped)
This axle provides added traction on slippery and/or off road surfaces,
particularly when one wheel is on a poor traction surface. In normal
driving conditions the rear axle function as a standard axle. The ELD
may be locked or unlocked by the vehicle operator. Refer toFour-wheel
drive (4WD) operationsection in this chapter for further detail on ELD
function and usage. When the axle is unlocked it will function like a
standard rear axle. When the axle is locked it will not allow the rear
wheels to rotate at different speeds when turning. The ELD axle is not
recommended for use on good traction surfaces such as dry pavement.
Doing so may result in abnormal driving behavior while cornering and
excessive tire wear.
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PREPARING TO DRIVE
WARNING:Utility vehicles have a significantly higher rollover
rate than other types of vehicles.
WARNING:In a rollover crash, an unbelted person is
significantly more likely to die than a person wearing a seat belt.
Utility vehicles and trucks have larger tires and increased ground
clearance, giving the vehicle a higher center of gravity than a passenger
car.
WARNING:Vehicles with a higher center of gravity such as
utility vehicles and trucks handle differently than vehicles with a
lower center of gravity. Utility vehicles and trucks arenotdesigned for
cornering at speeds as high as passenger cars any more than low-slung
sports cars are designed to perform satisfactorily under off-road
conditions. Avoid sharp turns, excessive speed or abrupt maneuvers in
these vehicles. Failure to drive cautiously could result in an increased
risk of loss of vehicle control, vehicle rollover, personal injury and
death.
WARNING:Loaded vehicles, with a higher center of gravity,
may handle differently than unloaded vehicles. Do not overload
your vehicle and use extra precautions, such as driving at slower
speeds, avoiding abrupt steering changes and allowing for increased
stopping distance, when driving a heavily loaded vehicle. Over-loading
or loading the vehicle improperly can deteriorate handling capability
and contribute to loss of vehicle control and vehicle rollover.
AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION OPERATION
Brake-shift interlock - column-shift transmission
This vehicle is equipped with a park/brake-shift interlock feature that
prevents the gearshift lever from being moved from P (Park) when the
ignition is in the on position unless the brake pedal is depressed.
If you cannot move the gearshift lever out of P (Park) with ignition in
the on position and the brake pedal depressed, it is possible that a fuse
has blown or the vehicle’s brakelamps are not operating properly. Refer
toFuses and relaysin theRoadside Emergencieschapter.
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If the fuse is not blown, perform the following procedure:
Note:The following procedure is easier to perform when the steering
column is adjusted to the full up position. Refer toTilt steering wheelin
theDriver Controlschapter.
1. Apply the parking brake, turn the ignition to the off position, then
remove the key.
2. Move the shift lever boot by
pressing on the edges and moving it
up the gearshift lever.
3. Turn the steering wheel one-half
turn to access the slots on each side
of the steering wheel.
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4. Insert a flat head screwdriver into
each slot to unsnap and remove the
steering column cover. Rotate the
column up on its hinges and pull
rearward to remove the cover from
the hinges.
5. Pull back on the BSI solenoid
found on top of the uncovered
steering column and at the same
time, apply the brake pedal and
shift the transmission into N
(Neutral).
6. Reinstall the steering column cover, start the vehicle and release the
parking brake.
Note:After the transmission is shifted to N (Neutral), it is easier to
reinstall the cover when the column is in the middle or lower tilt
position.
WARNING:Do not drive your vehicle until you verify that the
brakelamps are working.
WARNING:Always set the parking brake fully and make sure
the gearshift is latched in P (Park). Turn the ignition to the off
position and remove the key whenever you leave your vehicle.
WARNING:If the parking brake is fully released, but the brake
warning lamp remains illuminated, the brakes may not be
working properly. See your authorized dealer.
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