warning FORD F-150 2021 Owners Manual

When Fail-Safe Mode Is Activated
WARNING: Fail-safe mode is for
use during emergencies only. Operate
your vehicle in fail-safe mode only as
long as necessary to bring your vehicle
to rest in a safe location and seek
immediate repairs. When in fail-safe
mode, your vehicle will have limited
power, will not be able to maintain
high-speed operation, and may
completely shut down without warning,
potentially losing engine power, power
steering assist, and power brake assist,
which may increase the possibility of a
crash resulting in serious injury. WARNING:
Do not remove the
coolant reservoir cap when the engine is
on or 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.
Your vehicle has limited engine power
when in the fail-safe mode, drive your
vehicle with caution. Your vehicle does not
maintain high-speed operation and the
engine could operate poorly.
Remember that the engine is capable of
automatically shutting down to prevent
engine damage. In this situation:
1. Pull off the road as soon as safely possible and switch the engine off.
2. If you are a member of a roadside assistance program, we recommend
that you contact your roadside
assistance service provider.
3. If this is not possible, wait for a short period of time for the engine to cool. 4. Check the coolant level. If the coolant
level is at or below the minimum mark,
add prediluted coolant immediately.
5. When the engine temperature cools, you can re-start the engine. Have your
vehicle checked as soon as possible to
minimize engine damage.
Note: Driving your vehicle without repair
increases the chance of engine damage.
Engine Coolant Temperature
Management
(If Equipped) WARNING:
To reduce the risk of
crash and injury, be prepared that the
vehicle speed may reduce and the
vehicle may not be able to accelerate
with full power until the coolant
temperature reduces.
If you tow a trailer with your vehicle, the
engine may temporarily reach a higher
temperature during severe operating
conditions, for example ascending a long
or steep grade in high ambient
temperatures.
At this time, you may notice the coolant
temperature gauge moves toward the red
zone and a message may appear in the
information display.
You may notice a reduction in vehicle
speed caused by reduced engine power in
order to manage the engine coolant
temperature. Your vehicle may enter this
mode if certain high-temperature and
high-load conditions take place. The
amount of speed reduction depends on
vehicle loading, grade and ambient
temperature. If this occurs, there is no
need to stop your vehicle. You can
continue to drive.
514
F-150 (TFD) Canada/United States of America, enUSA, Edition date: 202104, Second-Printing Maintenance

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. ENGINE AIR FILTER
CHECKING THE ENGINE AIR
FILTER RESTRICTION GAUGE -
DIESEL
The air filter restriction gauge is in the
upper housing of the air filter assembly.
Check the air filter restriction gauge
whenever you open the hood to carry out
general engine maintenance. Change the
air filter element when the restriction
gauge reads near the change filter line and
the gauge is yellow. Allowing the restriction
gauge to reach maximum affects engine
performance and fuel economy.
515
F-150 (TFD) Canada/United States of America, enUSA, Edition date: 202104, Second-Printing Maintenance E254173

After operating your vehicle during heavy
snowfall or extreme rain, do the following:
•
Snow: At the earliest opportunity, open
the hood and clear any snow and ice
from the air filter housing inlet and
reset the air filter restriction gauge.
• Extreme rain: The air filter element
dries out after approximately 15– 30
minutes of driving at highway speeds.
At the earliest opportunity, open the
hood and reset the air filter restriction
gauge.
CHANGING THE ENGINE AIR
FILTER - DIESEL WARNING: To reduce the risk of
vehicle damage and personal burn
injuries, do not start your engine with the
air cleaner removed and do not remove
it while the engine is running.
Change the air filter element at the correct
service interval. See
Scheduled
Maintenance (page 664).
Use the correct specification air filter
element. See
Motorcraft Parts (page
581).
Note: Failure to use the correct air filter
element may result in severe engine
damage. Resulting component damage
may not be covered by the vehicle Warranty. 1. Release the clips that secure the air
filter housing cover. Lift and rotate the
air filter housing cover. 2.
Remove the air filter element from the
air filter housing.
3. To install, reverse the removal procedure.
4. After installing a new air filter element,
reset the air filter restriction gauge by
pressing the reset button. See
Checking the Engine Air Filter
Restriction Gauge
(page 515).
516
F-150 (TFD) Canada/United States of America, enUSA, Edition date: 202104, Second-Printing MaintenanceE254171 E254172

CHANGING THE ENGINE AIR
FILTER - GASOLINE
WARNING: To reduce the risk of
vehicle damage and personal burn
injuries, do not start your engine with the
air cleaner removed and do not remove
it while the engine is running.
Change the air filter element at the proper
intervals. See
Scheduled Maintenance
(page 664).
When changing the air filter element, use
only the air filter element listed. See
Capacities and Specifications
(page
574).
Note: Failure to use the correct air filter
element could result in severe engine
damage that the vehicle Warranty may not
cover.
Note: When servicing the air cleaner, do not
allow foreign material to enter the air
induction system. The engine is susceptible
to damage from even small particles. 1. Release the clips that secure the air
filter cover to the housing.
2. Carefully lift the air filter housing cover.
3. Remove the air filter element from the
air filter housing.
4. To install, reverse the removal procedure.
517
F-150 (TFD) Canada/United States of America, enUSA, Edition date: 202104, Second-Printing MaintenanceE191820

ENGINE AIR FILTER - INFORMATION MESSAGES - DIESEL
Action
Message
Indicates the engine air filter is performing as expected.
Filter OK
Indicates that there is a higher than expected restriction
across the engine air filter, which could represent an air filter at full useful life or a filter with an obstruction.
When this displays, inspect the engine air filter and replace if necessary.
After the inspection or engine air filter replacement, you must reset the system in order to change the status from Check Filter to Filter OK.
Check Filter See Manual
Indicates that there is an error within the electronic air filtermaintenance minder system requiring service.
System Fault See Manual
DRAINING THE FUEL FILTER
WATER TRAP - DIESEL WARNING: Do not drain the
water-in-fuel separator while the engine
is running. Failure to follow this warning
may result in fire, serious injury, death or
property damage. WARNING:
Do not dispose of fuel
in the household refuse or the public
sewage system. Use an authorized waste
disposal facility.
Your vehicle's fuel system has a fuel filter
and water separator to remove water from
the fuel.
If the water in fuel indicator illuminates
when the engine is running, stop your
vehicle as soon as safely possible, shut off
the engine, then drain the fuel and water
separator.
Note: Allowing water to stay in the fuel
system after the water in fuel indicator
illuminates could result in extensive damage
or failure of the fuel injection system. The fuel water trap is above the frame rail
under the driver side of the vehicle.
Make sure the ignition is off before
performing the following steps.
Front of Vehicle.
A
1. Loosen the drain plug approximately one and a half turns.
2. Allow the water to drain.
3. Tighten the drain plug until you feel a strong resistance.
4. Switch the ignition on for 30 seconds, then switch the ignition off. Repeat
twice.
518
F-150 (TFD) Canada/United States of America, enUSA, Edition date: 202104, Second-Printing MaintenanceE254226

5. Start the engine.
6. Check for leaks.
Note:
The water in fuel warning lamp turns
off after approximately two seconds with
the engine running.
Note: The in-tank pump will turn off
automatically after approximately 30
seconds.
CHANGING THE FUEL FILTER
- DIESEL
Your fuel filters must be changed at the
correct service interval or when you see the
low fuel pressure message appear. Refer
to scheduled maintenance for the correct
service interval.
CHANGING THE FUEL FILTER
- GASOLINE
Your vehicle has a lifetime fuel filter that
integrates with the fuel tank. It does not
need regular maintenance or replacement.
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. 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.
The battery is in the engine compartment.
See
Under Hood Overview (page 504).
Your vehicle has a maintenance-free
battery. It does not require additional
water during service.
519
F-150 (TFD) Canada/United States of America, enUSA, Edition date: 202104, Second-Printing Maintenance

Note:
To calibrate the steering angle
sensor, drive the vehicle above 30 mph
(50 km/h) for a minimum of 1.2 mi (2 km).
Make sure to drive straight ahead for a
minimum of 30 seconds. Several vehicle
functions are disabled and a warning light
could appear until the sensor is calibrated.
Battery Management System
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 of the following features:
• Heated rear window.
• Heated seats.
• Climate control.
• Heated steering wheel.
• Audio unit.
• Navigation system.
A message may appear in the information
display to alert you that battery protection
actions are active.
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 off.
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.
Battery Disposal Make sure that you dispose of
old batteries in an
environmentally friendly way.
Seek advice from your local authority
about recycling old batteries. 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 m).
A
Center height of lamp to ground.
B
25 feet (7.6 m).
C
Horizontal reference line.
D
1. Park your vehicle directly in front of a wall or screen on a level surface,
approximately
25 ft (7.6 m) away.
2. Measure the height from the center of your headlamp, indicated by a 3
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.
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.
521
F-150 (TFD) Canada/United States of America, enUSA, Edition date: 202104, Second-Printing MaintenanceE107998 E142592

REMOVING A REAR LAMP
ASSEMBLY
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.
5. To install, reverse the removal procedure.
CHANGING A HEADLAMP BULB WARNING: Make sure the bulbs
have cooled down before removing
them. Failure to follow this warning could
result in serious personal injury.
Accessing the Halogen High Beam
and Low Beam Bulbs
1. Rotate the steering wheel to the opposite side of the bulb needing
replacement. 2.
Remove the screws and push pins from
the front of the wheel liner.
3. Pull the wheel liner back towards the tire to gain access to the bulbs.
524
F-150 (TFD) Canada/United States of America, enUSA, Edition date: 202104, Second-Printing MaintenanceE187288 E183762

Note:
If the bulb is accidentally touched,
clean it with rubbing alcohol before
installing it.
CHANGING A FRONT TURN
SIGNAL LAMP BULB WARNING: Make sure the bulbs
have cooled down before removing
them. Failure to follow this warning could
result in serious personal injury.
1. Rotate the steering wheel to the opposite side of the bulb needing
replacement. 2.
Remove the screws and push pins from
the front of the wheel liner.
3. Pull the wheel liner back toward the tire to gain access to the bulb. Low beam headlamp bulb.
A.
Turn signal lamp bulb.
B.
High beam headlamp bulb.
C.
526
F-150 (TFD) Canada/United States of America, enUSA, Edition date: 202104, Second-Printing MaintenanceE183762 E183500

CLEANING THE INTERIOR
CLEANING THE INSTRUMENT
PANEL
WARNING: Do not use chemical
solvents or strong detergents when
cleaning the steering wheel or
instrument panel to avoid contamination
of the airbag system.
We recommend that you only clean the
instrument panel and cluster lens with a
damp soft cloth. Dry the area with a clean,
soft cloth.
For additional information and assistance,
we recommend that you contact an
authorized dealer.
Note: Avoid cleaners or polishes that
increase the gloss of the upper portion of
the instrument panel. The dull finish in this
area helps protect you from undesirable
windshield reflection.
CLEANING PLASTIC
We recommend that you only use a mild
soap and water solution on a soft cloth.
Dry the area with a clean, soft cloth.
CLEANING DISPLAYS AND
SCREENS
We recommend that you only use a
microfiber cloth in a circular motion to
clean off the fingerprint or dust.
If dirt or fingerprints are still on the screen,
apply a small amount of alcohol to the
cloth and try to clean it again.
Note: Do not pour or spray alcohol onto the
touchscreen.
Note: Do not use detergent or any type of
solvent to clean the touchscreen. CLEANING SEATS AND THE
HEADLINER WARNING:
On vehicles equipped
with seat-mounted airbags, do not use
chemical solvents or strong detergents.
Such products could contaminate the
side airbag system and affect
performance of the side airbag in a crash.
Cleaning Fabric Seats and the
Headliner
We recommend that you only clean the
fabric seats and headliners in the following
way:
1. Remove dust and loose dirt with a vacuum cleaner.
2. Wipe the surface with a soft, damp cloth and a mild soap and water
solution. Dry the area with a clean, soft
cloth.
3. For additional information and assistance, we recommend that you
contact an authorized dealer.
For heavy stains, spot clean the area. If a
ring forms on the fabric, immediately clean
the entire area, but do not oversaturate or
the ring could set.
Cleaning Vinyl and Leather
We recommend that you only clean the
leather and vinyl surfaces in the following
way:
1. Remove dust and loose dirt with a vacuum cleaner.
2. Wipe the surface with a soft, damp cloth and a mild soap and water
solution. Dry the area with a clean, soft
cloth.
3. For additional information and assistance, we recommend that you
contact an authorized dealer.
537
F-150 (TFD) Canada/United States of America, enUSA, Edition date: 202104, Second-Printing Vehicle Care