Off-road Operation FORD F-150 2019 Owners Manual

Active Park Assist
.......................................239
Rear View Camera ......................................
243
360 Degree Camera ..................................
246
Cruise Control
Principle of Operation ...............................
249
Using Cruise Control ..................................
249
Using Adaptive Cruise Control ..............
250
Driving Aids
Driver Alert .....................................................
257
Lane Keeping System ...............................
258
Blind Spot Information System .............
262
Cross Traffic Alert .......................................
266
Steering ..........................................................
269
Pre-Collision Assist ....................................
270
Drive Control .................................................
274
Load Carrying
Load Retaining Fixtures ............................
276
Load Limit .......................................................
277
Bed Access .....................................................
281
Bed Ramps ....................................................
282
Towing
Towing a Trailer ...........................................
285
Trailer Reversing Aids ................................
287
Trailer Sway Control ...................................
297
Recommended Towing Weights ...........
297
Essential Towing Checks .........................
309
Towing the Vehicle on Four Wheels ......
316
Driving Hints
Breaking-In .....................................................
319
Economical Driving .....................................
319
Off-Road Driving .........................................
320
Driving Through Water ...............................
321
Floor Mats ......................................................
322
Snowplowing ................................................
323Roadside Emergencies
Roadside Assistance
.................................
326
Hazard Flashers ...........................................
327
Fuel Shutoff ..................................................
327
Jump Starting the Vehicle .......................
328
Post-Crash Alert System .........................
330
Transporting the Vehicle .........................
330
Towing Points ................................................
331
Customer Assistance
Getting the Services You Need ..............
332
In California (U.S. Only) ............................
333
The Better Business Bureau (BBB) Auto Line Program (U.S. Only) ....................
334
Utilizing the Mediation/Arbitration Program (Canada Only) ......................
335
Getting Assistance Outside the U.S. and Canada .......................................................
335
Ordering Additional Owner's Literature ........................................................................\
337
Reporting Safety Defects (U.S. Only) ........................................................................\
337
Reporting Safety Defects (Canada Only) ........................................................................\
337
Fuses
Fuse Specification Chart .........................
339
Changing a Fuse .........................................
348
Maintenance
General Information ..................................
350
Opening and Closing the Hood .............
350
Under Hood Overview - 2.7L EcoBoost™ ........................................................................\
.
351
Under Hood Overview - 3.0L Diesel .....
352
Under Hood Overview - 3.3L ..................
353
Under Hood Overview - 3.5L Ecoboost™ ........................................................................\
354
Under Hood Overview - 5.0L .................
355
Engine Oil Dipstick - Gasoline ...............
356
Engine Oil Dipstick - Diesel .....................
356
4
F-150 (TFC) Canada/United States of America, enUSA, Edition date: 201808, Third-Printing- Table of Contents

Engine Oil Pressure Gauge
Indicates engine oil pressure. The needle
should stay in the normal operating range
(between L and H). If the needle falls
below the normal range, stop your vehicle,
turn off the engine and check the engine
oil level. Add oil if needed. If the oil level is
correct, have your vehicle checked by an
authorized dealer.
Engine Coolant Temperature
Gauge
WARNING: Do not remove the
coolant reservoir cap when the cooling
system is hot. Wait 10 minutes for the
cooling system to cool down. Cover the
coolant reservoir cap with a thick cloth
to prevent the possibility of scalding and
slowly remove the cap. Failure to follow
this instruction could result in personal
injury.
Indicates engine coolant temperature. At
normal operating temperature, the level
indicator will be in the normal range. If the
engine coolant temperature exceeds the
normal range, stop your vehicle as soon as
safely possible, switch off the engine and
let the engine cool.
Fuel Gauge
The fuel gauge indicates about how much
fuel is in the fuel tank.
The arrow adjacent to the fuel pump
symbol indicates on which side of your
vehicle the fuel filler door is located.
Note: The fuel gauge may vary slightly
when your vehicle is moving or on a slope. Low Fuel Reminder
A low fuel level reminder displays and
sounds when the distance to empty
reaches
75 mi (120 km) to empty for
MyKey, and at 50 mi (80 km), 25 mi
(40 km), 10 mi (20 km) and 0 mi (0 km)
for all vehicle keys.
Note: The low fuel reminder can appear at
different fuel gauge positions depending on
fuel economy conditions. This variation is
normal.
Transmission Fluid Temperature
Gauge
(If Equipped)
Indicates transmission fluid temperature.
At normal operating temperature, the level
indicator will be in the normal range. If the
transmission fluid temperature exceeds
the normal range, stop your vehicle as soon
as safely possible and verify the airflow is
not restricted (snow or debris blocking
airflow through the grille).
Also, higher than normal operating
temperature can be caused by special
operation conditions (snowplowing, towing
or off-road use). Refer to Special operating
conditions in the scheduled maintenance
information for instructions.
Operating the transmission for extended
periods with the gauge in the higher than
normal area may cause internal
transmission damage. You need to alter
the severity of your driving conditions to
lower the transmission temperature into
the normal range. If the gauge continues
to show high temperatures, see an
authorized dealer.
Turbo Boost Gauge
(If Equipped)
Indicates the amount of manifold air
pressure in the engine.
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F-150 (TFC) Canada/United States of America, enUSA, Edition date: 201808, Third-Printing- Instrument Cluster

4H (4X4 HIGH)
Provides mechanically locked four-wheel
drive power to both the front and rear
wheels for use in off-road or winter
conditions such as deep snow, sand or
mud. This mode is not for use on dry
pavement.
4L (4X4 LOW)
Provides mechanically locked four-wheel
drive power to both the front and rear
wheels for use on low traction surfaces,
but does so with additional gearing for
increased torque multiplication. Intended
only for off-road applications such as deep
sand, steep grades, or pulling heavy
objects. 4L (4X4 low) should not engage
while your vehicle is moving above 3 mph
(5 km/h); this is normal and should be no
reason for concern. Refer to Shifting to or
from 4L (4X4 low) for proper operation.
Shifting between system modes
Note: Momentarily releasing the accelerator
pedal while a shift in progress message
displays can improve
engagement/disengagement performance.
Note: Do not perform this operation if the
rear wheels are slipping or while applying
the accelerator pedal.
Note: You may hear some noise as the
system shifts or engages; this is normal.
You can move the control from 2H or 4H
at a stop or while driving. The information
display may display a message indicating
a 4X4 shift is in progress. Once the shift is
complete the message center can then
display the system mode selected.
Shifting to or from 4L (4X4 low)
Note: You may hear some noise as the
system shifts or engages; this is normal.
1. Bring your vehicle to a speed of
3 mph
(5 km/h) or less. 2. Place the transmission in neutral (N).
3. Move the 4WD control to the desired
position.
The information display can display a
message indicating a 4X4 shift is in
progress. The information display can then
display the system mode selected. If any
of the above shift conditions are not
present, the shift should not occur and the
information display can display
information guiding the driver through the
proper shifting procedures.
If
Shift Delayed Pull Forward displays in
the information display, a transfer case
gear tooth blockage is present. To alleviate
this condition, place the transmission in a
forward gear, move your vehicle forward
approximately
5 ft (1.5 m), and shift the
transmission back to neutral (N) to allow
the transfer case to complete the range
shift.
Using the 2-Speed Automatic 4WD
System
(If Equipped)
This system includes an electronically
controlled transfer case with a high
capacity clutch. The system is interactive
with the road, continually monitoring and
adjusting power delivery to the front and
rear wheels to optimize traction.
Note: The AdvanceTrac system has the
ability to take over control of the transfer
case clutch in 4A mode and disable it during
driving maneuvers when necessary.
Note: The information display may show
messages during 4WD operation. See
Information Messages
(page 128).
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F-150 (TFC) Canada/United States of America, enUSA, Edition date: 201808, Third-Printing- Four-Wheel Drive
(If Equipped)

2H (4X2)
For general on-road driving, this mode
provides optimal smoothness and fuel
economy at high speeds. Sends power to
the rear wheels only.
4A (4X4 AUTO)
Provides electronic controlled four-wheel
drive with power delivered to the front and
rear wheels, as required, for increased
traction. 4A tuning varies based on
selected Drive Mode See Drive Control
(page 274). . 4A in Normal and Sport is
appropriate for all on-road driving
conditions, including, dry road surfaces. 4A
in Snow/Wet is appropriate for slippery
on-road conditions such as snow and ice
covered roads.
4H (4X4 HIGH)
Provides electronically or mechanically
locked four-wheel drive power to both the
front and rear wheels for use in off-road or
winter conditions such as deep snow, sand
or mud. This mode is not for use on dry
pavement. 4L (4X4 LOW)
Provides electronically or mechanically
locked four-wheel drive power to both the
front and rear wheels for use on low
traction surfaces, but does so with
additional gearing for increased torque
multiplication. Intended only for off-road
applications such as deep sand, steep
grades, or pulling heavy objects. 4L (4X4
low) should not engage while your vehicle
is moving above
3 mph (5 km/h); this is
normal and should be no reason for
concern. Refer to Shifting to or from 4L
(4X4 low) for proper operation.
Shifting between system modes
Note: Momentarily releasing the accelerator
pedal while a shift in progress message
displays can improve
engagement/disengagement performance.
Note: Do not perform this operation if the
rear wheels are slipping or while applying
the accelerator pedal.
Note: You may hear some noise as the
system shifts or engages; this is normal.
You can move the control from 2H to 4A
or 4H at a stop or while driving. The
information display may display a message
indicating a 4X4 shift is in progress. Once
the shift is complete the message center
can then display the system mode
selected.
Shifting to or from 4L (4X4 low)
Note: You may hear some noise as the
system shifts or engages; this is normal.
1. Bring your vehicle to a speed of
3 mph
(5 km/h) or less.
2. Place the transmission in neutral (N).
3. Move the 4WD control to the desired position.
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F-150 (TFC) Canada/United States of America, enUSA, Edition date: 201808, Third-Printing- Four-Wheel Drive
(If Equipped)E225302

You should either know the terrain or
examine maps of the area before driving.
Map out your route before driving in the
area. To maintain steering and braking
control of your vehicle, you must have all
four wheels on the ground and they must
be rolling, not sliding or spinning.
Driving Off-Road With Truck and
Utility Vehicles
Note:
On some models, the initial shift from
two-wheel drive to four-wheel drive while
your vehicle is moving can cause some
momentary clunk and ratcheting sounds.
This is the front drivetrain coming up to
speed and the automatic locking hubs
engaging and is not cause for concern.
Note: Your vehicle may have a front air
dam. Due to low ground clearance, you can
damage it when taking your vehicle off-road.
You can take the air dam off by removing
the bolts that secure it.
Note: Your vehicle may have an underbody
transmission shield and brackets. Due to
low ground clearance, you can damage
them when taking your vehicle off-road.
Remove the shield by disengaging the
fasteners at each corner of the shield. Then,
remove the shield's rear brackets by
removing the bracket to frame bolts.
Four-wheel drive vehicles are specially
equipped for driving on sand, snow, mud
and rough terrain and have operating
characteristics that are somewhat
different from conventional vehicles, both
on and off the road. The transfer case supplies power to all four
wheels. On four-wheel drive vehicles, the
transfer case allows you to select different
4WD modes when necessary. You can find
information on transfer case operation and
shifting procedures in this chapter. You can
find information on transfer case
maintenance in the Maintenance chapter.
You should become thoroughly familiar
with this information before you operate
your vehicle.
Four-wheel drive (when you select a 4WD
mode) uses all four wheels to power your
vehicle. This increases traction, enabling
you to drive over terrain and road
conditions that a conventional two-wheel
drive vehicle cannot.
Basic Operating Principles
•
Drive slower in strong crosswinds which
can affect the normal steering
characteristics of your vehicle.
• When driving your vehicle on surfaces
made slippery by loose sand, water,
gravel, snow or ice proceed with care.
• Do not use 4H or 4L on dry, hard
surfaced roads. Doing so can produce
excessive noise, increase tire wear and
may damage drive components. 4H or
4L modes are only for consistently
slippery or loose surfaces.
If Your Vehicle leaves the Road
If your vehicle leaves the road, reduce your
vehicle speed and avoid severe braking.
When your vehicle speed decreases, ease
your vehicle back onto the road. Do not
turn the steering wheel sharply while
returning your vehicle to the road.
It may be safer to stay on the shoulder of
the road and slow down gradually before
returning to the road. You may lose control
if you do not slow down or if you turn the
steering wheel too sharply or abruptly.
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F-150 (TFC) Canada/United States of America, enUSA, Edition date: 201808, Third-Printing- Four-Wheel Drive (If Equipped)

Push down on the button with your foot.
The step automatically extends from the
stowed position.
Stowing the Step
Push the step under your vehicle with your
foot until it fully latches. Do not push on
the button while stowing the step.
BED RAMPS (IF EQUIPPED)
WARNING: When sliding the ramp
up or down, take care not to get your
fingers or hands caught in the
mechanism. Failure to follow this
instruction could result in personal injury. WARNING:
Make sure that you
correctly install the ramp to the tailgate
plate. Failure to follow this instruction
could result in personal injury. WARNING:
Do not step or sit on
the ramp when it is in the stowed
position. Failure to follow this instruction
could result in personal injury. WARNING:
Only install the ramp
within the prescribed ramp angles.
Failure to follow this instruction could
result in personal injury. Note:
The ramp maximum capacity is
800 lb (363 kg)
.
Note: Verify the ramp is on stable ground
before usage.
Note: For loading and unloading
equipment, your ramp should be set
between 10 degrees upward and 26 degrees
downward to avoid damage to the ramp
claw and tailgate plate.
Note: When using your vehicle for off-road
operation, remove the bed ramps from the
vehicle and store them in a safe location
away from your vehicle.
Using the Bed Ramp
1. Remove the front and rear cables. 2.
Open the cam lever arms and unscrew
the cam bolts.
3. Remove the ramp from the ramp holder.
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•
Transmissions give their best fuel
economy when operated in the top
cruise gear and with steady pressure
on the gas pedal.
• Four-wheel-drive operation (if
equipped) is less fuel efficient than
two-wheel-drive operation.
• Close the windows for high-speed
driving.
OFF-ROAD DRIVING
In addition to providing an excellent
on-road driving experience, your vehicle
excels at all types of off-road driving. The
truck has been designed and equipped to
allow you to explore those places where
the road doesn ’t take you whether it’ s a
forest trail or the open desert. Before going
off-roading, consult with your local
governmental agencies to determine
designated off-road trails and recreation
areas. Also, be sure to understand any
off-road vehicle registration requirements
for the area in which you plan on driving.
Tread Lightly is an educational program
designed to increase public awareness of
land-use regulations and responsibilities
in our nation ’s wilderness areas. Ford joins
the U.S. Forest Service and Bureau of Land
Management in encouraging you to help
preserve our national forest and other
public and private lands by treading lightly.
Before taking your vehicle off-roading, a
basic vehicle inspection should be done to
make sure that the vehicle is in top working
condition. It is always recommended that at least
two vehicles are used while off-roading.
The buddy system helps make sure that
help is close at hand should a vehicle
become stuck or damaged. It is also wise
to take supplies such as a first aid kit,
supply of water, tow strap, cell or satellite
phone with you any time an off-road
excursion is planned.
Basic Off-road Driving Techniques
•
Grip the steering wheel with thumbs
on the outside of the rim. This will
reduce the risk of injury due to abrupt
steering wheel motions that occur
when negotiating rough terrain. Do not
grip the steering wheel with thumbs
inside the rim.
• Throttle, brake and steering inputs
should be made in a smooth and
controlled manner. Sudden inputs to
the controls can cause loss of traction
or upset the vehicle, especially while
on sloped terrain or while crossing
obstacles such as rocks or logs.
• Look ahead on your route noting
upcoming obstacles, surface texture
or color changes or any other factors
which may indicate a change in
available traction, and adjust the
vehicle speed and route accordingly.
During pre-run, mark obstacles with
GPS markers to make sure appropriate
speeds are used to avoid potential
vehicle damage.
• When driving off-road, if the front or
rear suspension is bottoming out
and/or excessive contact with the
skid-plates is encountered, reduce
vehicle speed to avoid potential
damage to the vehicle.
• When running with other vehicles, it is
recommended that communication is
used, and the lead vehicle notify other
vehicles of obstacles that could cause
potential vehicle damage.
320
F-150 (TFC) Canada/United States of America, enUSA, Edition date: 201808, Third-Printing- Driving Hints

This means you do not have to remember
to change the oil on a mileage-based
schedule. Your vehicle lets you know when
an oil change is due by displaying a
message in the information display.
The following table provides examples of
vehicle use and its impact on oil change
intervals. It is a guideline only. Actual oil
change intervals depend on several factors
and generally decrease with severity of
use.When to Expect the OIL CHANGE REQUIRED Message
Vehicle Use and Example
Interval
Normal
7,500– 10,000 mi
(12,000– 16,000 km) Normal commuting with highway driving
No, or moderate, load or towing
Flat to moderately hilly roads
No extended idling
Severe
5,000– 7,500 mi
(8,000– 12,000 km) Moderate to heavy load or towing
Mountainous or off-road conditions
Extended idling
Extended hot or cold operation
Extreme
3,000–5,000 mi
(5,000–8,000 km) Maximum load or towing
Extreme hot or cold operation
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F-150 (TFC) Canada/United States of America, enUSA, Edition date: 201808, Third-Printing- Scheduled Maintenance

Off-road Operation
Inspect steering linkage, ball joints and U-joints. Lubricate
if equipped with grease fittings.
Inspect frequently, service
as required
Replace engine air filter. (Gasoline engine).
Inspect the air filter restriction gauge. Replace the filter if
necessary (Diesel Engine).
Change engine oil and filter.1
Every 5,000 mi (8,000 km)
or six months
Inspect the wheels and related components for abnormal
noise, wear, looseness or drag.
Rotate tires, inspect tires for wear and measure tread
depth.
1 Reset your Intelligent Oil-Life Monitor after each engine oil and filter change. Exclusive Use of E85 (Flex Fuel Vehicles Only)
If ran exclusively on E85, fill the fuel tank full with regular
unleaded fuel. (Gasoline Engine).
Every oil change interval
Diesel Engine
If you operate your vehicle primarily
in any
of the following conditions, you need to
perform extra maintenance as indicated.
If you operate your vehicle
occasionally
under any of these conditions, it is not
necessary to perform the extra
maintenance. For specific
recommendations, see your dealership
service advisor or technician.
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F-150 (TFC) Canada/United States of America, enUSA, Edition date: 201808, Third-Printing- Scheduled Maintenance

Off-road Operation
Inspect functional holes in exhaust tip to make sure they
are clean and clear of debris or foreign materials. Refer to
the Vehicle Care chapter of your owner ’s manual for more
information. (Diesel Engine).
As required
Inspect the steering and suspension ball joints and tie rods.
Lubricate any grease fittings.
Rotate the tires, inspect the tires for wear and measure
tread depth.
Every 7,000 mi (12,000 km),
six months or 300 engine
hours
Inspect the brake system pads and rotors.
Inspect the air filter restriction gauge. Replace the filter if
necessary.
Change the engine oil and filter. 1
Every 7,000 mi (12,000 km)
or 300 engine hours
Replace the engine-mounted and frame-mounted fuel
filters.
Every 30,000 mi
(48,000 km), six months or
600 engine hours
Replace the air inlet foam filter.
Every
30,000 mi
(48,000 km)
1 Reset the Intelligent Oil-Life Monitor after engine oil and filter changes. Using Biodiesel, up to and Including 20% Biodiesel (B20)
Change the engine oil and filter as indicated by the
information display, and perform the services listed in the
scheduled maintenance chart.
As required
Replace the engine-mounted and frame-mounted fuel
filters.
Every
30,000 mi
(48,000 km), six months or
300 engine hours
Exceptions
There are several exceptions to the Normal
Schedule. Axle and Transfer Case Maintenance
Axle(s) and transfer case (Four-wheel
drive vehicles) fluid changes or level
checks are not required unless a leak is
suspected or the assembly has been
submerged in water. Contact an authorized
dealer for service.
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F-150 (TFC) Canada/United States of America, enUSA, Edition date: 201808, Third-Printing- Scheduled Maintenance