towing FORD F150 2010 12.G Owners Manual

Locks and Security 126
Keys 126
Locks 126
Anti-theft system 138
Seating and Safety Restraints 147
Seating 147
Safety restraints 166
Airbags 185
Child restraints 199
Tires, Wheels and Loading 223
Tire information 225
Tire inflation 228
Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) 241
Vehicle loading 249
Trailer towing 256
Trailer brake controller-integrated 263
Recreational towing 269
Driving 271
Starting 271
Brakes 277
AdvanceTrac
279
Transmission operation 291
Reverse sensing system 297
Rear-view camera system 299
Snowplowing 315
Roadside Emergencies 319
Getting roadside assistance 319
Hazard flasher control 320
Fuel pump shut-off 321
Fuses and relays 321
Changing tires 330
Wheel lug nut torque 337
Jump starting 338
Wrecker towing 344
Table of Contents
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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 towingin theTires, Wheels and Loadingchapter.
Do not add friction modifier compounds or special break-in oils since
these additives may prevent piston ring seating. SeeEngine oilin the
Maintenance and Specificationschapter for more information on oil
usage.
Introduction
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Yellow area(warning) — the
transmission fluid is higher than
normal operating temperature. This
can be caused by special operation
conditions (i.e. snowplowing, towing
or off road use). Refer toSpecial
Operating Conditionsin the
scheduled maintenance
informationfor instructions. Operating the transmission for extended
periods of time with the gauge in the yellow area may cause internal
transmission damage.
Altering the severity of the driving conditions is recommended to lower
the transmission temperature into the normal range.
Red area(over temperature) —
the transmission fluid is overheating.
Stop the vehicle to allow the
temperature to return to normal
range.
If the gauge is operating in the Yellow or Red area, stop the vehicle and
verify the airflow is not restricted such as snow or debris blocking airflow
through the grill. If the gauge continues to show high temperatures, see
your authorized dealer.
STANDARD MESSAGE CENTER (IF EQUIPPED)
Your vehicle’s message center is capable of monitoring many vehicle
systems and will alert you to potential vehicle problems and various
conditions with an informational message followed by a long indicator
chime.
The message center display is located in the instrument cluster.
Selectable features (information menu)
Press and release the SELECT/RESET stem, located in the speedometer,
to cycle through the following features:
TRIP A/B
Registers the distance of individual journeys. Press and release INFO
button until the A or B trip appears in the display (this represents the
trip mode). Press and hold the SELECT/RESET stem to reset.
Refer toUNITSlater in this section to switch the display from Metric to
English.
Instrument Cluster
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REAR LEFT DOOR AJAR— Displayed when the rear left door is not
completely closed.
REAR RIGHT DOOR AJAR— Displayed when the rear right door is
not completely closed.
XXX MILES TO E FUEL LEVEL LOW— Displayed as an early
reminder of a low fuel condition.
CHECK CHARGING SYSTEM— Displayed when the electrical system
is not maintaining proper voltage. If you are operating electrical
accessories when the engine is idling at a low speed, turn off as many of
the electrical loads as soon as possible. If the warning stays on or comes
on when the engine is operating at normal speeds, contact your
authorized dealer as soon as possible.
TIRE PRESSURE SENSOR FAULT— Displayed when a tire pressure
sensor is malfunctioning, or your spare tire is in use. For more
information on how the system operates under these conditions, refer to
Understanding Your Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)in the
Tires, Wheels and Loadingchapter. If the warning stays on or
continues to come on, contact your authorized dealer as soon as
possible.
LOW TIRE PRESSURE— Displayed when one or more tires on your
vehicle have low tire pressure. Refer toInflating Your Tiresin the
Tires, Wheels and Loadingchapter.
CHECK FUEL FILL INLET— Displayed when the fuel fill inlet may
not be properly closed. Refer toEasy Fuel™ “no cap” fuel systemin
theMaintenance and Specificationschapter.
CHECK 4X4 (if equipped)—Displayed when a 4X4 system fault is
present. For more information, refer toFour-wheel drive (4WD)
operationin theDrivingchapter.
TIRE PRESSURE MONITOR FAULT— Displayed when the Tire
Pressure Monitoring System is malfunctioning. If the warning stays on or
continues to come on, contact your authorized dealer as soon as
possible.
BRAKE FLUID LEVEL LOW— Indicates the brake fluid level is low
and the brake system should be inspected immediately. Refer toBrake
fluidin theMaintenance and Specificationschapter.
TRAILER BRAKE MODULE FAULT (if equipped)— Displayed and
accompanied by a single chime, in response to faults sensed by the TBC.
Refer toTrailer towingin theTires, Wheels and Loadingchapter for
more information.
Instrument Cluster
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OIL CHANGE REQUIRED— Displayed when an oil change is required.
XX%OIL LIFE CHANGE SOON—Displayed when an oil change will
soon be required and shows the percentage of oil life left.
WIRING FAULT ON TRAILER (if equipped)— Displayed if there are
certain faults in the vehicle wiring and trailer wiring/brake system. Refer
toTrailer towingin theTires, Wheels and Loadingchapter for more
information.
CHECK REAR PARK AID (if equipped)— Displayed when the
transmission is in R (Reverse). Refer toReverse sensing systemin the
Drivingchapter.
PARK BRAKE ENGAGED— Displayed when the parking brake is set,
the engine is running and the vehicle is driven more than 3 mph
(5 km/h). If the warning stays on after the parking brake is released,
contact your authorized dealer as soon as possible.
TRAILER DISCONNECTED (if equipped)— Displayed when a trailer
connection becomes disconnected, either intentionally or unintentionally,
and has been sensed during a given ignition cycle. Refer toTrailer
towingin theTires, Wheels and Loadingchapter for more information.
CHECK BRAKE SYSTEM— Displayed when a fault has been detected
by the ABS module.
TRAILER SWAY REDUCE SPEED (if equipped)— Displayed when
the trailer sway control has detected trailer sway. For more information,
refer to theDrivingchapter for more information.
4X4 SHIFT IN PROGRESS— Displayed on 4x4 vehicles only when
4x4 Low, 4x4 High or 4x4 auto is selected. For further information, refer
toFour-wheel drive (4WD) operationin theDrivingchapter.
FOR 4X4 LOW SLOW TO 3 MPH (if equipped)— Displayed when
4X4 LOW is selected while the vehicle is moving. For more information,
refer toFour-wheel drive (4WD) operationin theDrivingchapter.
FOR 4X4 LOW SHIFT TO N (if equipped)— Displayed when 4X4
LOW is selected and the vehicle is stopped. For more information, refer
toFour-wheel drive (4WD) operationin theDrivingchapter.
TO EXIT 4X4 LOW SLOW TO 3 MPH (if equipped)— Displayed
when 2WD is selected while the vehicle is operating in 4X4 LOW. For
more information, refer toFour-wheel drive (4WD) operationin the
Drivingchapter.
TO EXIT 4X4 LOW SHIFT TO N (if equipped)— Displayed when
2WD is selected while the vehicle has been stopped in 4X4 LOW. For
more information, refer toFour-wheel drive (4WD) operationin the
Drivingchapter.
Instrument Cluster
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SHIFT DELAYED PULL FORWARD (if equipped)— May display
when shifting to or from 4X4 LOW. For more information, refer to
Four-wheel drive (4WD) operationin theDrivingchapter.
TRAILER CONNECTED (if equipped)— Displayed when a correct
trailer connection (a trailer with electric trailer brakes) is sensed during
a given ignition cycle. Refer toTrailer towingin theTires, Wheels and
Loadingchapter for more information.
TRAIN LEFT FRONT TIRE (if equipped)— Displayed when training
the TPMS system. Refer toTPMS reset procedurein theTires, Wheels
and Loadingchapter for more information.
TRAIN RIGHT FRONT TIRE (if equipped)— Displayed when
training the TPMS system. Refer toTPMS reset procedurein theTires,
Wheels and Loadingchapter for more information.
TRAIN RIGHT REAR TIRE (if equipped)— Displayed when training
the TPMS system. Refer toTPMS reset procedurein theTires, Wheels
and Loadingchapter for more information.
TRAIN LEFT REAR TIRE (if equipped)— Displayed when training
the TPMS system. Refer toTPMS reset procedurein theTires, Wheels
and Loadingchapter for more information.
TIRES NOT TRAINED – REPEAT (if equipped)— Displayed when
an error occurs while training the TPMS system. Refer toTPMS reset
procedurein theTires, Wheels and Loadingchapter for more
information.
TRAINING COMPLETE (if equipped)— Displayed when training of
the TPMS system is complete. Refer toTPMS reset procedurein the
Tires, Wheels and Loadingchapter for more information.
MY KEY ACTIVE DRIVE SAFELY— Displayed at startup when
MyKey™ is in use. Refer toMyKey™in theLocks and Securitychapter
for more information.
KEY COULD NOT PROGRAM— Displayed when an attempt is made
to program a spare key using two existing MyKeys. Refer toMyKey™in
theLocks and Securitychapter for more information.
VEHICLE SPEED 80 MPH MAX— Displayed when a MyKey™ is in
use and the Admin has enabled the MyKey speed limit and the vehicle
speed is 80 mph (130 km/h). Refer toMyKey™in theLocks and
Securitychapter for more information.
SPEED LIMITED TO 80 MPH— Displayed when starting the vehicle
and MyKey™ is in use and the MyKey speed limit is on. Refer to
MyKey™in theLocks and Securitychapter for more information.
Instrument Cluster
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CHECK CHARGING SYSTEM— Displayed when the electrical system
is not maintaining proper voltage. If you are operating electrical
accessories when the engine is idling at a low speed, turn off as many of
the electrical loads as soon as possible. If the warning stays on or comes
on when the engine is operating at normal speeds, contact your
authorized dealer as soon as possible.
TIRE PRESSURE SENSOR FAULT— Displayed when a tire pressure
sensor is malfunctioning, or your spare tire is in use. For more
information on how the system operates under these conditions, refer to
Understanding Your Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)in the
Tires, Wheels and Loadingchapter. If the warning stays on or
continues to come on, contact your authorized dealer as soon as
possible.
LOW TIRE PRESSURE— Displayed when one or more tires on your
vehicle have low tire pressure. Refer toInflating Your Tiresin the
Tires, Wheels and Loadingchapter.
CHECK FUEL FILL INLET— Displayed when the fuel fill inlet may
not be properly closed. Refer toEasy Fuel™ “no cap” fuel systemin
theMaintenance and Specificationschapter.
SERVICE ADVANCETRAC— Displayed when the AdvanceTrac

system has detected a condition that requires service. Contact your
authorized dealer as soon as possible.
CHECK 4X4 (if equipped)— Displayed when a 4X4 system fault is
present. For more information, refer toFour-wheel drive (4WD)
operationin theDrivingchapter.
TIRE PRESSURE MONITOR FAULT— Displayed when the Tire
Pressure Monitoring System is malfunctioning. If the warning stays on or
continues to come on, contact your authorized dealer as soon as
possible.
BRAKE FLUID LEVEL LOW— Indicates the brake fluid level is low
and the brake system should be inspected immediately. Refer toBrake
fluidin theMaintenance and Specificationschapter.
OIL CHANGE REQUIRED— Displayed when an oil change is required.
XX%OIL LIFE CHANGE SOON—Displayed when an oil change will
soon be required and shows the percentage of oil life left.
TRAILER BRAKE MODULE FAULT (if equipped)— Displayed and
accompanied by a single chime, in response to faults sensed by the TBC.
Refer toTrailer towingin theTires, Wheels and Loadingchapter for
more information.
Instrument Cluster
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WIRING FAULT ON TRAILER (if equipped)— Displayed if there are
certain faults in the vehicle wiring and trailer wiring/brake system. Refer
toTrailer towingin theTires, Wheels and Loadingchapter for more
information.
CHECK PARK AID (if equipped)— Displayed when the transmission
is in R (Reverse) and the reverse sensing system (park aid) is disabled.
TRAILER DISCONNECTED (if equipped)— Displayed when a trailer
connection becomes disconnected, either intentionally or unintentionally,
and has been sensed during a given ignition cycle. Refer toTrailer
towingin theTires, Wheels and Loadingchapter for more information.
TRAILER SWAY REDUCE SPEED (if equipped)— Displayed when
the trailer sway control has detected trailer sway. For more information,
refer to theDrivingchapter for more information.
4X4 SHIFT IN PROGRESS— Displayed when the 4X4 system is
making a shift. For further information, refer toFour-wheel drive
(4WD) operationin theDrivingchapter.
FOR 4X4 LOW SLOW TO 3 MPH (if equipped)— Displayed when
4X4 LOW is selected while the vehicle is moving. For more information,
refer toFour-wheel drive (4WD) operationin theDrivingchapter.
FOR 4X4 LOW SHIFT TO N (if equipped)— Displayed when 4X4
LOW is selected and the vehicle is stopped. For more information, refer
toFour-wheel drive (4WD) operationin theDrivingchapter.
TO EXIT 4X4 LOW SLOW TO 3 MPH (if equipped)— Displayed
when 2WD is selected while the vehicle is operating in 4X4 LOW. For
more information, refer toFour-wheel drive (4WD) operationin the
Drivingchapter.
TO EXIT 4X4 LOW SHIFT TO N (if equipped)— Displayed when
2WD is selected while the vehicle has been stopped in 4X4 LOW. For
more information, refer toFour-wheel drive (4WD) operationin the
Drivingchapter.
SHIFT DELAYED PULL FORWARD (if equipped)— May display
when shifting to or from 4X4 LOW. For more information, refer to
Four-wheel drive (4WD) operationin theDrivingchapter.
TRAILER CONNECTED (if equipped)— Displayed when a correct
trailer connection (a trailer with electric trailer brakes) is sensed during
a given ignition cycle. Refer toTrailer towingin theTires, Wheels and
Loadingchapter for more information.
TRAIN LEFT FRONT TIRE (if equipped)— Displayed when training
the TPMS system. Refer toTPMS reset procedurein theTires, Wheels
and Loadingchapter for more information.
Instrument Cluster
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On vehicles not equipped with rear defrost, press the heated mirror
control
located on the climate control panel. For more information
refer to theClimate Controlschapter.
Note:If your vehicle is equipped with the Auto dimming feature, the
mirror glass is thicker and will take longer to defrost.
Do not remove ice from the mirrors with a scraper or attempt to
readjust the mirror glass if it is frozen in place. These actions
could cause damage to the glass and mirrors.
Do not clean the housing or glass of any mirror with harsh
abrasives, fuel or other petroleum-based cleaning products.
Exterior mounted mirror turn signal indicator (if equipped)
When the vehicle turn signal is
activated, the lower portion of the
mirror housing will blink.
This feature provides an indicator to
the driver that the vehicle turn
signal is working properly.
Telescoping trailer tow mirrors (if equipped)
The telescoping feature allows the
mirror to extend approximately
3.5 inches (90 mm). This feature is
especially useful to the driver when
towing a trailer. Pull the mirrors
inward carefully when driving
through a narrow space.
POWER ADJUSTABLE FOOT PEDALS (IF EQUIPPED)
The accelerator and brake pedal should only be adjusted when the
vehicle is stopped and the gearshift lever is in the P (Park) position.
Driver Controls
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To stow the box side step, with your foot, push the box side step under
the truck until fully latched. Do not push on the button while stowing
the box side step.
Note:Do not use the box side steps to lift the vehicle when jacking.
Utilize proper jacking points. Refer toChanging the tiresin the
Roadside Emergencieschapter.
BED EXTENDER (IF EQUIPPED)
Your vehicle may be equipped with a cargo management feature in the
truck bed.
Note:This feature is not intended for off-road usage.
To open the bed extender into tailgate mode:
1. Pull the locking pin toward the
center of the vehicle.
Driver Controls
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