check engine FORD F150 2004 11.G Owner's Manual

How fail-safe cooling works
If the engine begins to overheat:
²The engine coolant temperature
gauge will move to the red (hot)
area.
²The mini message center (if
equipped) will indicate ªCheck
Gaugesº, refer toWarning Lights
and Chimesin theInstrument Clusterchapter.
²The message center (if equipped) will indicate a system warning, refer
toMessage Centerin theDriver Controlschapter.
²The ªService Engine Soonº indicator light will illuminate.
If the engine reaches a preset over-temperature condition, the engine
will automatically switch to alternating cylinder operation. Each disabled
cylinder acts as an air pump and cools the engine.
When this occurs the vehicle will still operate. However:
²The engine power will be limited.
²The air conditioning system will be disabled.
Continued operation will increase the engine temperature:
²The engine will completely shut down.
²Steering and braking effort will increase.
Once the engine temperature cools, the engine can be re-started. Take
your vehicle to a service facility as soon as possible to minimize engine
damage.
When fail-safe mode is activated
You have limited engine power when in the fail-safe mode, so drive the
vehicle with caution. The vehicle will not be able to maintain high speed
operation and the engine will run rough. Remember that the engine is
capable of completely shutting down automatically to prevent engine
damage, therefore:
1. Pull off the road as soon as safely possible and turn off the engine.
2. Arrange for the vehicle to be taken to a service facility.
3. If this is not possible, wait a short period for the engine to cool.
4. Check the coolant level and replenish if low.
Maintenance and Specifications
236

Use the following guidelines to avoid static build-up when filling an
ungrounded fuel container:
²Place approved fuel container on the ground.
²DO NOT fill a fuel container while it is in the vehicle (including the
cargo area).
²Keep the fuel pump nozzle in contact with the fuel container while
filling.
²DO NOT use a device that would hold the fuel pump handle in the fill
position.
Fuel Filler Cap
Your fuel tank filler cap has an indexed design with a 1/4 turn on/off
feature.
When fueling your vehicle:
1. Turn the engine off.
2. Carefully turn the filler cap counterclockwise 1/4 of a turn until it
stops.
3. Pull to remove the cap from the fuel filler pipe.
4. To install the cap, align the tabs on the cap with the notches on the
filler pipe.
5. Turn the filler cap clockwise 1/4 of a turn until it stops.
If the Digital Display reads ªCHECK
FUEL CAPº and stays on after you
start the engine, the fuel filler cap
may not be properly installed. Turn
off the engine, remove the fuel filler
cap, align the cap properly and reinstall it.
If you must replace the fuel filler cap, replace it with a fuel filler
cap that is designed for your vehicle. The customer warranty may
be void for any damage to the fuel tank or fuel system if the
correct genuine Ford or Motorcraft fuel filler cap is not used.
The fuel system may be under pressure. If the fuel filler cap is
venting vapor or if you hear a hissing sound, wait until it stops
before completely removing the fuel filler cap. Otherwise, fuel may
spray out and injure you or others.
Maintenance and Specifications
239

Maintenance
²Keep tires properly inflated and use only recommended size.
²Operating a vehicle with the wheels out of alignment will reduce fuel
economy.
²Use recommended engine oil. Refer toLubricant specificationsin
this chapter.
²Perform all regularly scheduled maintenance items. Follow the
recommended maintenance schedule and owner maintenance checks
found in your vehicle scheduled maintenance guide.
Conditions
²Heavily loading a vehicle or towing a trailer may reduce fuel economy
at any speed.
²Carrying unnecessary weight may reduce fuel economy (approximately
0.4 km/L [1 mpg] is lost for every 180 kg [400 lb] of weight carried).
²Adding certain accessories to your vehicle (for example bug
deflectors, rollbars/light bars, running boards, ski/luggage racks) may
reduce fuel economy.
²To maximize the fuel economy, drive with the tonneau cover installed
(if equipped).
²Using fuel blended with alcohol may lower fuel economy.
²Fuel economy may decrease with lower temperatures during the first
12±16 km (8±10 miles) of driving.
²Driving on flat terrain offers improved fuel economy as compared to
driving on hilly terrain.
²Transmissions give their best fuel economy when operated in the top
cruise gear and with steady pressure on the gas pedal.
²Four-wheel-drive operation (if equipped) is less fuel efficient than
two-wheel-drive operation.
²Close windows for high speed driving.
EPA window sticker
Every new vehicle should have the EPA window sticker. Contact your
dealer if the window sticker is not supplied with your vehicle. The EPA
window sticker should be your guide for the fuel economy comparisons
with other vehicles.
Maintenance and Specifications
244

permitted to intentionally remove an emission control device or prevent
it from working. Information about your vehicle's emission system is on
the Vehicle Emission Control Information Decal located on or near the
engine. This decal identifies engine displacement and gives some tune up
specifications.
Please consult yourWarranty Guidefor complete emission warranty
information.
On board diagnostics (OBD-II)
Your vehicle is equipped with a computer that monitors the engine's
emission control system. This system is commonly known as the On
Board Diagnostics System (OBD-II). This OBD-II system protects the
environment by ensuring that your vehicle continues to meet
government emission standards. The OBD-II system also assists the
service technician in properly servicing your vehicle. When theCheck
Engine/Service Engine Soonlight illuminates, the OBD-II system has
detected a malfunction. Temporary malfunctions may cause yourCheck
Engine/Service Engine Soonlight to illuminate. Examples are:
1. The vehicle has run out of fuel. (The engine may misfire or run
poorly.)
2. Poor fuel quality or water in the fuel.
3. The fuel cap may not have been securely tightened.
These temporary malfunctions can be corrected by filling the fuel tank
with good quality fuel and/or properly tightening the fuel cap. After three
driving cycles without these or any other temporary malfunctions
present, theCheck Engine/Service Engine Soonlight should turn off.
(A driving cycle consists of a cold engine startup followed by mixed
city/highway driving.) No additional vehicle service is required.
If theCheck Engine/Service Engine Soonlight remains on, have your
vehicle serviced at the first available opportunity.
Readiness for Inspection/Maintenance (I/M) testing
In some localities, it may be a legal requirement to pass an I/M test of
the on-board diagnostics system. If your ªService Engine Soonº light is
on, refer to the description in theWarning lights and chimessection of
theInstrument Clusterchapter. Your vehicle may not pass the I/M test
with the ªService Engine Soonº light on.
If the vehicle's powertrain system or its battery has just been serviced,
the on-board diagnostics system is reset to a ªnot ready for I/M testº
Maintenance and Specifications
246

condition. To ready the on-board diagnostics system for I/M testing, a
minimum of 30 minutes of city and highway driving is necessary as
described below:
²First, at least 10 minutes of driving on an expressway or highway.
²Next, at least 20 minutes driving in stop-and-go, city-type traffic with
at least four idle periods.
Allow the vehicle to sit for at least eight hours without starting the
engine. Then, start the engine and complete the above driving cycle. The
engine must warm up to its normal operating temperature. Once started,
do not turn off the engine until the above driving cycle is complete.
CHECKING AND ADDING POWER STEERING FLUID
Check the power steering fluid.
Refer to the scheduled maintenance
guide for the service interval
schedules. If adding fluid is
necessary, use only MERCONtAT F.
1. Start the engine and let it run until it reaches normal operating
temperature (the engine coolant temperature gauge indicator will be
near the center of the normal area between H and C).
2. While the engine idles, turn the steering wheel left and right several
times.
3. Turn the engine off.
4. Check the fluid level in the
reservoir. It should be between the
MIN and MAX lines. Do not add
fluid if the level is in this range.
5. If the fluid is low, add fluid in small amounts, continuously checking
the level until it reaches the range between the MIN and MAX lines. Be
sure to put the cap back on the reservoir.
Maintenance and Specifications
247

BRAKE FLUID RESERVOIR
The fluid level will drop slowly as
the brakes wear, and will rise when
the brake components are replaced.
Fluid levels between the ªMINº and
ªMAXº lines are within the normal
operating range, there is no need to
add fluid. If the fluid levels are
outside of the normal operating range, the performance of your brake
system could be compromised, seek service from your dealer
immediately.
TRANSMISSION FLUID
Checking automatic transmission fluid (if equipped)
Refer to your scheduled maintenance guide for scheduled intervals for
fluid checks and changes. Your transmission does not consume fluid.
However, the fluid level should be checked if the transmission is not
working properly, i.e., if the transmission slips or shifts slowly or if you
notice some sign of fluid leakage.
Automatic transmission fluid expands when warmed. To obtain an
accurate fluid check, drive the vehicle until it is at normal operating
temperature (approximately 30 km [20 miles]). If your vehicle has been
operated for an extended period at high speeds, in city traffic during hot
weather or pulling a trailer, the vehicle should be turned off for about 30
minutes to allow fluid to cool before checking.
1. Drive the vehicle 30 km (20 miles) or until it reaches normal operating
temperature.
2. Park the vehicle on a level surface and engage the parking brake.
3. With the parking brake engaged and your foot on the brake pedal,
start the engine and move the gearshift lever through all of the gear
ranges. Allow sufficient time for each gear to engage.
4. Latch the gearshift lever in P (Park) and leave the engine running.
5. Remove the dipstick, wiping it clean with a clean, dry lint free rag. If
necessary, refer toIdentifying components in the engine compartment
in this chapter for the location of the dipstick.
6. Install the dipstick making sure it is fully seated in the filler tube.
7. Remove the dipstick and inspect the fluid level. The fluid should be in
the designated area for normal operating temperature or ambient
temperature.
MAX
MIN
Maintenance and Specifications
248

4Approximate dry fill capacity including transmission fluid cooling
system, actual refill capacities will vary based on vehicle application and
transmission fluid cooling system (i.e. coolers size, cooling lines. auxiliary
cooler capacities). The amount of transmission fluid and fluid level
should be set by the indication on the dipstick's normal operating range.
5Your vehicle's rear axle is filled with a synthetic rear axle lubricant and
is considered lubricated for life. These lubricants do not need to be
checked or changed unless a leak is suspected, service is required or the
axle assembly has been submerged in water. The axle lubricant should
be changed any time the rear axle has been submerged in water.
6Service refill capacity is determined by filling the axle to 6-14 mm
(1/4-9/16 inch) below the bottom of the filler hole with the vehicle on a
level surface.
Add 118 ml (4 oz.) of FEHP Friction Modifier, XL-7 or equivalent, for
complete fill of 8.8 inch and 9.75 inch Traction-Lok axles.
7Service refill capacity is determined by filling the axle to the bottom of
the filler hole with the vehicle on a level surface.
For 10.25 inch Traction-Lok axles, use 3.1L (6.5 pints) of Motorcraft SAE
75W-90 Fuel Efficient High Performance Synthetic Rear Axle Lubricant
and 118 ml (4 oz.) of FEHP Friction Modifier XL-7 or equivalent.
8Use of synthetic or synthetic blend motor oil is not mandatory. Engine
oil need only meet the requirements of Ford specification
WSS-M2C153±H and the API Certification mark.
Maintenance and Specifications
260

IDENTIFYING YOUR VEHICLE
Certification label
The National Highway Traffic Safety
Administration Regulations require
that a Certification label be affixed
to a vehicle and prescribe where the
Certification label may be located.
The Certification label is located on
the front door latch pillar on the
driver's side.
Vehicle identification number (VIN)
The vehicle identification number is
attached to a metal tag and is
located on the driver side
instrument panel. (Please note that
in the graphic XXXX is
representative of your vehicle
identification number.)
1. World manufacturer identifier
2. Brake type and gross vehicle
weight rating (GVWR)
3. Vehicle line, series, body type
4. Engine type
5. Check digit
6. Model year
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
Maintenance and Specifications
268

A
Accessory delay ..........................59
Air bag supplemental restraint
system ........................................118
and child safety seats ............120
description ..............................118
disposal ....................................123
driver air bag ..........................121
indicator light .........................122
operation .................................121
passenger air bag ...................121
passenger deactivation
switch ......................................123
Air cleaner filter ...............251, 257
Air conditioning ....................35, 37
Ambulance packages ....................7
Antifreeze
(see Engine coolant) ................231
Anti-lock brake system
(see Brakes) ..............................149
Armrests ......................................98
Audio system
(see Radio) ................18, 20, 23, 26
Automatic transmission
driving an automatic
overdrive .................................154
fluid, adding ............................248
fluid, checking ........................248
fluid, refill capacities ..............257
fluid, specification ..................263
Axle
lubricant specifications ..261, 263
refill capacities ........................257
traction lok ..............................151
B
Battery .......................................229acid, treating emergencies .....229
jumping a disabled battery ....201
maintenance-free ....................229
replacement, specifications ...257
servicing ..................................229
Bed extender ..............................80
Brakes ........................................149
anti-lock ...................................149
anti-lock brake system (ABS)
warning light ...........................149
fluid, checking and adding ....248
fluid, refill capacities ..............257
fluid, specifications .........261, 263
lubricant specifications ..261, 263
parking ....................................150
shift interlock ..................151±152
Bulbs ............................................47
C
Calculating load ........................173
Capacities for refilling fluids ....257
Cell phone use ............................57
Certification Label ....................268
Changing a tire .........................195
Child safety restraints ..............130
child safety belts ....................130
Child safety seats ......................133
attaching with tether straps ..138
in front seat ............................134
in rear seat ......................134, 137
Cleaning your vehicle
engine compartment ..............217
instrument panel ....................219
interior .....................................219
interior trim ............................219
plastic parts ............................218
safety belts ..............................219
washing ....................................216
Index
Index
274

waxing .....................................216
wheels ......................................217
wiper blades ............................219
Climate control
(see Air conditioning or
Heating) ...........................32, 35, 37
Clock adjust
6-CD in dash .............................29
AM/FM Stereo ...........................20
AM/FM/CD .................................23
AM/FM/Tape/CD .......................26
Compass, electronic ..............78±79
calibration .................................79
set zone adjustment ...........71, 79
Console
overhead ..............................53±54
Controls
power seat .................................99
steering column ........................64
Coolant
checking and adding ..............231
refill capacities ................234, 257
specifications ..................261, 263
Cruise control
(see Speed control) ....................61
Customer Assistance ................186
Ford accessories for your
vehicle .....................................220
Ford Extended Service
Plan ..........................................209
Getting assistance outside
the U.S. and Canada ..............213
Getting roadside assistance ...186
Getting the service you
need .........................................207
Ordering additional owner's
literature .................................214
The Dispute Settlement
Board .......................................209Utilizing the
Mediation/Arbitration
Program ...................................212
D
Daytime running lamps
(see Lamps) ................................42
Dipstick
automatic transmission
fluid ..........................................248
engine oil .................................226
Doors
lubricant specifications ..........261
Driveline universal joint and
slip yoke ....................................251
Driving under special
conditions ..................157, 164, 167
sand .........................................166
snow and ice ...........................168
through water .................166, 170
E
Electronic message center .........70
Emergencies, roadside
jump-starting ..........................201
Emergency Flashers .................187
Emission control system ..........245
Engine ........................................263
cleaning ...................................217
coolant .....................................231
fail-safe coolant ......................235
idle speed control ...................229
lubrication
specifications ..................261, 263
refill capacities ........................257
service points ..................224±225
starting after a collision .........187
Engine block heater .................148
Index
275