FORD F-150 2018 Owners Manual

The air conditioning may automatically
turn on and off during severe operating
conditions to protect the engine from
overheating. When the coolant
temperature decreases to the normal
operating temperature, the air conditioning
turns on.
If the coolant temperature gauge moves
fully into the red zone, or if the coolant
temperature warning or service engine
soon messages appear in your information
display, do the following:
1. Stop your vehicle as soon as it is safe
to do so. Fully apply the parking brake,
shift into park (P) or neutral (N).
2. Leave the engine running until the coolant temperature gauge needle
returns to the normal position. If the
temperature does not drop after
several minutes, follow the remaining
steps.
3. Switch the engine off and wait for it to
cool. Check the coolant level.
4. If the coolant level is at or below the minimum mark, add prediluted coolant
immediately.
5. If the coolant level is normal, restart the engine and continue.
AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
FLUID CHECK
If required, have an authorized dealer check
and change the transmission fluid at the
correct service interval. See Scheduled
Maintenance (page 561).
The automatic transmission does not have
a transmission fluid dipstick. Refer to your scheduled maintenance
information for scheduled intervals for fluid
checks and changes. Your transmission
does not consume fluid. However, if the
transmission slips, shifts slowly or if you
notice a sign of leaking fluid, contact an
authorized dealer.
Do not use supplemental transmission
fluid additives, treatments or cleaning
agents. The use of these materials may
affect transmission operation and result
in damage to internal transmission
components.
TRANSFER CASE FLUID
CHECK
1. Clean the filler plug.
2. Remove the filler plug.
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3. Inspect the fluid level. The fluid level
should be within 0.12 in (3 mm) from
the bottom of the hole.
4. Add fluid through the filler hole.
Use only fluid that meets Ford
specifications. See
Capacities and
Specifications (page 415).
BRAKE FLUID CHECK WARNING:
Do not use any fluid
other than the recommended brake fluid
as this will reduce brake efficiency. Use
of incorrect fluid could result in the loss
of vehicle control, serious personal injury
or death. WARNING:
Only use brake fluid
from a sealed container. Contamination
with dirt, water, petroleum products or
other materials may result in brake
system damage or failure. Failure to
adhere to this warning could result in the
loss of vehicle control, serious personal
injury or death. WARNING:
Do not allow the fluid
to touch your skin or eyes. If this
happens, rinse the affected areas
immediately with plenty of water and
contact your physician. WARNING:
A fluid level between
the MAX and MIN lines is within the
normal operating range and there is no
need to add fluid. A fluid level not in the
normal operating range could
compromise the performance of the
system. Have your vehicle checked
immediately.
To avoid fluid contamination, the reservoir
cap must remain in place and fully tight,
unless you are adding fluid. Only use fluid that meets Ford
specifications. See
Capacities and
Specifications (page 415).
POWER STEERING FLUID
CHECK
Your vehicle is equipped with an electric
power steering (EPS) system. There is no
fluid reservoir to check or fill.
WASHER FLUID CHECK WARNING:
If you operate your
vehicle in temperatures below 40°F
(5°C), use washer fluid with antifreeze
protection. Failure to use washer fluid
with antifreeze protection in cold
weather could result in impaired
windshield vision and increase the risk
of injury or accident.
Add fluid to fill the reservoir if the level is
low. Only use a washer fluid that meets
Ford specifications. See
Capacities and
Specifications (page 415).
State or local regulations on volatile
organic compounds may restrict the use
of methanol, a common windshield washer
antifreeze additive. Washer fluids
containing non-methanol antifreeze
agents should be used only if they provide
cold weather protection without damaging
the vehicle ’s paint finish, wiper blades or
washer system.
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DRAINING THE FUEL FILTER
WATER TRAP
WARNING: Do not dispose of fuel
in the household refuse or the public
sewage system. Use an authorized waste
disposal facility.
Note: Only add fuel that meets the Ford
specification. See
Fuel Quality (page 187).
Note: The in-tank pump will turn off
automatically after approximately 30
seconds.
The fuel water trap is above the frame rail
under the driver side of the vehicle. Front of Vehicle.
A
1. Switch the ignition off.
2. Loosen the drain plug approximately one and a half turns.
3. Allow the water to drain.
4. Tighten the drain plug until you feel a strong resistance.
5. Key on for 30 seconds then key off. Repeat twice.
6. Start the engine.
7. Check for leaks. Note:
The water-in-fuel indicator lamp will
go out after approximately 2 seconds, with
the engine running.
FUEL FILTER - DIESEL
Your fuel filters must be changed at the
correct service interval or when you see the
low fuel pressure message appear. See
Scheduled Maintenance
(page 561).
FUEL FILTER - GASOLINE
Your vehicle is equipped with a lifetime
fuel filter that is integrated with the fuel
tank. Regular maintenance or replacement
is not needed.
CHANGING THE 12V BATTERY WARNING:
Batteries normally
produce explosive gases which can
cause personal injury. Therefore, do not
allow flames, sparks or lighted
substances to come near the battery.
When working near the battery, always
shield your face and protect your eyes.
Always provide correct ventilation. WARNING:
When lifting a
plastic-cased battery, excessive pressure
on the end walls could cause acid to flow
through the vent caps, resulting in
personal injury and damage to the
vehicle or battery. Lift the battery with a
battery carrier or with your hands on
opposite corners.
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WARNING: Keep batteries out of
reach of children. Batteries contain
sulfuric acid. Avoid contact with skin,
eyes or clothing. Shield your eyes when
working near the battery to protect
against possible splashing of acid
solution. In case of acid contact with skin
or eyes, flush immediately with water for
a minimum of 15 minutes and get prompt
medical attention. If acid is swallowed,
call a physician immediately. WARNING:
Battery posts,
terminals and related accessories
contain lead and lead compounds,
chemicals known to the State of
California to cause cancer and
reproductive harm. Wash your hands
after handling
. WARNING: This vehicle may have
more than one battery. Removing the
battery cables from only one battery
does not disconnect your vehicle
electrical system. Make sure you
disconnect the battery cables from all
batteries when disconnecting power.
Failure to do so may cause serious
personal injury or property damage.
Your vehicle is fitted with a Motorcraft
maintenance-free battery which normally
does not require additional water.
When a battery replacement is required,
you must use a recommended
replacement battery that matches the
electrical requirements of the vehicle.
Note: After cleaning or replacing the
battery, make sure you reinstall the battery
cover or shield. Note:
If you add electrical accessories or
components to the vehicle, it may adversely
affect the low voltage battery performance
and durability. This may also affect the
performance of other electrical systems in
the vehicle.
For longer, trouble-free operation, keep the
top of the battery clean and dry.
If you see any corrosion on the battery or
terminals, remove the cables from the
terminals and clean with a wire brush. You
can neutralize the acid with a solution of
baking soda and water.
Because your vehicle ’s engine is
electronically controlled by a computer,
some control conditions are maintained
by power from the battery. When the
battery is disconnected or a new battery
is installed, the engine must relearn its idle
and fuel trim strategy for optimum
driveability and performance. Flexible fuel
vehicles (FFV) must also relearn the
ethanol content of the fuel for optimum
driveability and performance.
To restore the settings, do the following:
1. Apply the parking brake.
2. Shift into park (P) or neutral (N).
3. Switch off all accessories.
4. Press the brake pedal and start your vehicle.
5. Run the engine until it reaches normal operating temperature. While the
engine is warming up, complete the
following: Reset the clock. Reset the
power windows bounce-back feature.
See Windows and Mirrors (page 98).
Reset the radio station presets. See
Audio System
(page 448).
6. Allow the engine to idle for at least one
minute.
7. Drive the vehicle at least 10 mi (16 km)
to completely relearn the idle trim and
fuel trim strategy.
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Note:
If you do not allow the engine to
relearn the idle and fuel trim strategy, the
idle quality of your vehicle may be adversely
affected until the engine computer
eventually relearns the idle trim and fuel
trim strategy.
Note: For flexible fuel vehicles, if you are
operating on E85, you may experience poor
starts or an inability to start the engine and
driveability problems until the fuel trim and
ethanol content have been relearned.
Make sure that you dispose of old batteries
in an environmentally friendly way. Seek
advice from your local authority about
recycling old batteries.
If storing your vehicle for more than 30
days without recharging the battery, we
recommend that you disconnect the
negative battery cable to maintain battery
charge for quick starting.
Battery Management System (If
Equipped)
The battery management system monitors
battery conditions and takes actions to
extend battery life. If excessive battery
drain is detected, the system temporarily
disables some electrical systems to
protect the battery.
Systems included are:
• Heated rear window.
• Heated seats.
• Climate control.
• Heated steering wheel.
• Audio unit.
• Navigation system.
A message may appear in the information
displays to alert you that battery
protection actions are active. These
messages are only for notification that an
action is taking place, and not intended to
indicate an electrical problem or that the
battery requires replacement. After battery replacement, or in some
cases after charging the battery with an
external charger, the battery management
system requires eight hours of vehicle sleep
time to relearn the battery state of charge.
During this time your vehicle must remain
fully locked with the ignition switched off.
Note:
Prior to relearning the battery state
of charge, the battery management system
may temporarily disable some electrical
systems.
Electrical Accessory Installation
To make sure the battery management
system works correctly, do not connect an
electrical device ground connection
directly to the battery negative post. This
can cause inaccurate measurements of
the battery condition and potential
incorrect system operation.
Note: If you add electrical accessories or
components to the vehicle, it may adversely
affect battery performance and durability.
This may also affect the performance of
other electrical systems in the vehicle.
CHECKING THE WIPER
BLADES Run the tip of your fingers over the edge of
the blade to check for roughness.
Clean the wiper blades with washer fluid
or water applied with a soft sponge or
cloth.
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CHANGING THE WIPER
BLADES
Note:
Do not hold the wiper blade when
lifting the wiper arm. 1. Pull the wiper blade and arm away
from the glass. 2.
Lift the wiper blade primary locking clip. 3. Press the wiper blade secondary
locking clip.
4. Remove the wiper blade.
Note: Make sure that the wiper arm does
not spring back against the glass when the
wiper blade is not attached.
5. Install in the reverse order.
Note: Make sure that the wiper blade locks
into place.
ADJUSTING THE HEADLAMPS
Vertical Aim Adjustment
The headlamps on your vehicle are
properly aimed at the assembly plant. If
your vehicle has been in an accident,
contact an authorized dealer to check and
realign your headlamps.
Headlamp Aiming Target 8 feet (2.4 meters).
A
Center height of lamp to ground.
B
25 feet (7.6 meters).
C
Horizontal reference line.
D
Vertical Aim Adjustment
1. Park your vehicle directly in front of a wall or screen on a level surface,
approximately 25 ft (7.6 m) away.
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2. Measure the height from the center of
your headlamp (indicated by a 3.0
millimeter circle on the lens) to the
ground and mark an 8 ft (2.4 m)
horizontal reference line on the vertical
wall or screen at this height (a piece of
masking tape works well).
Note: To see a clearer light pattern for
adjusting, you may want to block the light
from one headlamp while adjusting the
other.
3. Switch on the low beam headlamps to
illuminate the wall or screen and open
the hood. Cover one of the headlamps
so no light hits the wall. 4.
For halogen or LED headlamps:
On
the wall or screen you will observe a
light pattern with a distinct horizontal
edge toward the right. If this edge is not
at the horizontal reference line, you will
need to adjust the beam so the edge
is at the same height as the horizontal
reference line. 5. Locate the vertical adjuster on each
headlamp. Use a #2 Phillips
screwdriver to turn the adjuster either
counterclockwise or clockwise in order
to adjust the vertical aim of the
headlamp.
6. Repeat Steps 3 through 7 to adjust the
other headlamp.
7. Close the hood and turn off the lamps.
Horizontal Aim Adjustment
Horizontal aim is not required for this
vehicle and is not adjustable.
CHANGING A BULB WARNING:
Make sure the bulbs
have cooled down before removing
them. Failure to follow this warning could
result in serious personal injury.
Note: Handle a halogen headlamp bulb
carefully and keep out of children ’s reach.
Grasp the bulb only by its plastic base and
do not touch the glass. The oil from your
hand could cause the bulb to break the next
time the headlamps are operated.
Note: If the bulb is accidentally touched,
clean it with rubbing alcohol before
installing it.
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Accessing the Halogen High Beam,
Low Beam and Direction Indicator
Bulbs
1. Rotate the steering wheel to the
opposite side of the bulb needing
replacement.
2. Remove two screws and one push pin from the front of the wheel liner. 3. Pull the wheel liner back towards the
tire to gain access to the bulbs. Replacing the Halogen High Beam,
Low Beam and Direction Indicator
Bulbs
Low beam headlamp bulb.
A.
Direction indicator bulb.
B.
High beam headlamp bulb.
C.
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1. Make sure the headlamps are off.
2.
For the high beam and low beam bulbs,
remove the rubber cap to access the
bulbs.
3. Remove the bulb holder from the lamp
assembly by turning it
counterclockwise and pulling it straight
out.
4. Disconnect the bulb from the electrical
connector.
5. Install the new bulb in reverse order. Replacing Side Marker Bulb
1. Make sure the headlamps are off.
2. With the hood open, locate the side
marker on the top of the headlamp
assembly.
3. Remove the bulb holder from the lamp
assembly by turning it
counterclockwise and pulling it straight
out.
4. Install the new bulb in reverse order.
Replacing Fog Lamp Bulbs (If Equipped) 1. Make sure the fog lamps are off.
2. Disconnect the electrical connector
from the fog lamp bulb.
3. Turn the bulb counterclockwise and remove it from the fog lamp.
4. Install the new bulb in reverse order.
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Replacing LED Headlamp Bulbs (If
Equipped)
These lamps have LED bulbs. Contact an
authorized dealer.
Replacing LED Direction Indicator
and Side Marker Bulbs
(If Equipped)
These lamps have LED bulbs. Contact an
authorized dealer.
Replacing Brake, Rear, Direction
Indicator and Reverse Lamp Bulbs
1. Make sure the headlamps are off.
2. Open the tailgate to access the rear lamp assemblies 3. Remove the two bolts from the tail
lamp assembly. Then, carefully pull the
lamp assembly from the tailgate pillar
by releasing the two retaining tabs.
4. Disconnect the electrical connector from the bulb. Brake, rear and direction
indicator bulb.
A.
Reverse lamp bulb.
B.
1. Rotate the bulb socket counterclockwise and remove it from
the rear lamp assembly.
2. Install the new bulb in reverse order.
Replacing LED Brake, Rear,
Direction Indicator and Reverse
Lamp Bulbs
(If Equipped)
These lamps have LED bulbs. Contact an
authorized dealer.
Replacing Cargo Lamp and High-
mount Brake Lamp Bulbs
1. Make sure the lamps are off.
2. Remove the four screws and move the
lamp assembly away from the vehicle
to expose the bulb sockets.
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