warning FORD F150 2004 11.G Owner's Guide

Parking brake
To set the parking brake (1), press
the parking brake pedal down until
the pedal stops.
To release, pull the lever (2).
Always set the parking
brake fully and make sure
that the gearshift is securely
latched in P (Park).
The BRAKE warning lamp will
illuminate and will remain
illuminated until the parking brake
is released.
The parking brake is not recommended to stop a moving vehicle.
However, if the normal brakes fail, the parking brake can be used to stop
your vehicle in an emergency. Since the parking brake applies only the
rear brakes, the vehicle's stopping distance will increase greatly and the
handling of your vehicle will be adversely affected.
STEERING
To prevent damage to the power steering system:
²Never hold the steering wheel at its furthest turning points (until it
stops) for more than a few seconds when the engine is running.
²Do not operate the vehicle with a low power steering pump fluid level
(below the MIN mark on the reservoir).
If the power steering system breaks down (or if the engine is turned
off), you can steer the vehicle manually, but it takes more effort.
If the steering wanders or pulls, check for:
²an improperly inflated tire
²uneven tire wear
²loose or worn suspension components
²loose or worn steering components
²improper steering alignment
A high crown in the road or high crosswinds may also make the steering
seem to wander/pull.
!
BRAKE
Driving
150

has blown or the vehicle's brakelamps are not operating properly. Refer
toFuses and relaysin theRoadside emergencieschapter.
If the fuse is not blown, perform the following procedure:
1. Apply the parking brake, turn the ignition to OFF/LOCK, then remove
the key.
2. Locate the round access plug on
the underside of the steering
column cover.
3. Remove the access plug using a flat head screwdriver, then push the
override button using a flat head screwdriver, apply the brake pedal and
shift the transmission into N (Neutral).
4. Reinstall the access plug cover, start the vehicle and release the
parking brake.
Do not drive your vehicle until you verify that the brakelamps
are working.
Always set the parking brake fully and make sure the gearshift is
latched in P (Park). Turn the ignition to the OFF/LOCK position
and remove the key whenever you leave your vehicle.
If the parking brake is fully released, but the brake warning lamp
remains illuminated, the brakes may not be working properly.
See your dealer or a qualified service technician.
Brake-shift interlock - floor-shift transmission
This vehicle is equipped with a brake-shift interlock feature that prevents
the gearshift lever from being moved from P (Park) when the ignition is
in the ON position unless brake pedal is depressed.
If you cannot move the gearshift lever out of P (Park) with ignition in
the ON position and the brake pedal depressed, it is possible that a fuse
Driving
152

Always set the parking brake fully and make sure the gearshift is
latched in P (Park). Turn the ignition to the LOCK position and
remove the key whenever you leave your vehicle.
If the parking brake is fully released, but the brake warning lamp
remains illuminated, the brakes may not be working properly.
See your dealer or a qualified service technician.
Understanding the gearshift positions of the 4±speed automatic
transmission
Your vehicle's automatic transmission is equipped with a special shift
strategy that insures maximum heater performance during cold weather
operation.
When ambient temperature is ±5É C (23É F) or below and the engine
coolant temperature is below 38É C (100É F), light throttle upshifts may
be slightly delayed. Once the engine coolant temperature reaches 71É C
(160É F) the normal shift strategy will resume. This is normal operation
and will not affect the function or the durability of the transmission.
If the normal shift strategy does not resume once the engine
coolant temperature reaches the normal operating temperature,
or if the downshifts and other throttle conditions do not function
normally, see your dealer or a qualified service technician as soon
as possible.
P (Park)
This position locks the transmission and prevents the rear wheels from
turning.
Driving
154

To help avoid personal injury, always use caution when in
reverse and when using the RSS.
This system is not designed to prevent contact with small or
moving objects. The system is designed to provide a warning to
assist the driver in detecting large stationary objects to avoid damaging
the vehicle. The system may not detect smaller objects, particularly
those close to the ground.
The RSS detects obstacles up to 2
meters (6 ft.) from the rear bumper
with a decreased coverage area at
the outer corners of the bumper,
(refer to the figures for approximate
zone coverage areas). As you move
closer to the obstacle, the rate of
the tone increases. When the
obstacle is less than 25.0 cm (10
in.) away, the tone will sound
continuously. If the RSS detects a
stationary or receding object further
than 25.0 cm (10 in.) from the side
of the vehicle, the tone will sound
for only three seconds. Once the
system detects an object
approaching, the tone will sound
again.
The RSS may have reduced
performance or an increased chance
of false detection if the tailgate is
not locked and in the upright position. If the tailgate is down, the RSS
tone may be heard intermittently or continuously. The tone may also be
heard if items in the truck bed protrude rearward outside the bed.
The RSS automatically turns on
when the gearshift lever is placed in
R (Reverse) and the ignition is ON.
An RSS control allows the driver to
turn the RSS on and off. To turn the RSS off, the ignition must be ON,
and the gear selector in R (Reverse). An indicator light on the control
will illuminate when the system is turned off. If the indicator light
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158

Parking
On some 4WD vehicles, when the transfer case is in the N (Neutral)
position, the engine and transmission are disconnected from the rest of
the driveline. Therefore, the vehicle is free to roll even if the automatic
transmission is in P (Park) or the manual transmission is in gear. Do not
leave the vehicle unattended with the transfer case in the N (Neutral)
position. Always set the parking brake fully and turn off the ignition
when leaving the vehicle.
Always set the parking brake fully and make sure the gearshift is
latched in P (Park). Turn the ignition to the LOCK position and
remove the key whenever you leave your vehicle.
If the parking brake is fully released, but the brake warning lamp
remains illuminated, the brakes may not be working properly.
See your dealer or a qualified service technician.
4WD Systems
4WD (when you select a 4WD mode) uses all four wheels to power the
vehicle. This increases traction, enabling you to drive over terrain and
road conditions that a conventional two-wheel drive vehicle cannot.
Power is supplied to all four wheels
through a transfer case. On 4WD
vehicles, the transfer case allows
you to select 4WD when necessary.
Information on transfer case
operation and shifting procedures
can be found in theDriving
chapter. Information on transfer
case maintenance can be found in theMaintenance and specifications
chapter. You should become thoroughly familiar with this information
before you operate your vehicle.
Normal characteristics
On some 4WD models, the initial shift from two-wheel drive to 4x4 while
the 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.
Driving
165

Fuse/Relay
LocationFuse Amp
RatingPassenger Compartment Fuse
Panel Description
27 5A* Passenger Air bag Deactivation
(PAD) warning lamp, Cluster air
bag warning lamp, Cluster RUN
/START power
28 5A* SecuriLock transceiver (PATS)
29 15A* PCM 4x4 power
30 Ð Not used
31 20A* Radio power
32 15A* Vapor Management Valve (VMV),
A/C clutch relay, Canister vent,
Heated Exhaust Gas Oxygen
(HEGO) sensors #11 and #21,
CMCV, Mass Air Flow (MAF)
sensor, VCT
33 15A* Shift solenoid, CMS #12 and #22
34 20A* Fuel injectors and PCM power
35 20A* Instrument cluster high beam
indicator, High beam headlamps
36 10A* Trailer tow right turn/stop lamps
37 20A* Rear power point
38 25A* Subwoofer power
39 20A* Instrument panel power point
40 20A* Low beam headlamps, DRL
41 20A* Cigar lighter, Diagnostic connector
power
42 10A* Trailer tow left turn/stop lamps
101 30A** Starter solenoid
102 20A** Ignition switch feed
103 20A** ABS valves
104 Ð Not used
105 30A** Electric trailer brakes
106 30A** Trailer tow battery charge
Roadside Emergencies
192

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

It is important to note the box in the lower left corner of the window
sticker. These numbers represent the Range of L/100 km (MPG)
expected on the vehicle under optimum conditions. Your fuel economy
may vary depending upon the method of operation and conditions.
EMISSION CONTROL SYSTEM
Your vehicle is equipped with various emission control components and a
catalytic converter which will enable your vehicle to comply with
applicable exhaust emission standards. To make sure that the catalytic
converter and other emission control components continue to work
properly:
²Use only the specified fuel listed.
²Avoid running out of fuel.
²Do not turn off the ignition while your vehicle is moving, especially at
high speeds.
²Have the items listed in your scheduled maintenance guide performed
according to the specified schedule.
The scheduled maintenance items listed in the scheduled maintenance
guide are essential to the life and performance of your vehicle and to its
emissions system.
If other than Ford, Motorcraft or Ford-authorized parts are used for
maintenance replacements or for service of components affecting
emission control, such non-Ford parts should be equivalent to genuine
Ford Motor Company parts in performance and durability.
Do not park, idle, or drive your vehicle in dry grass or other dry
ground cover. The emission system heats up the engine
compartment and exhaust system, which can start a fire.
Illumination of the ªService Engine Soonº light, charging system warning
light or the temperature warning light, fluid leaks, strange odors, smoke
or loss of engine power, could indicate that the emission control system
is not working properly.
Exhaust leaks may result in entry of harmful and potentially
lethal fumes into the passenger compartment.
Do not make any unauthorized changes to your vehicle or engine. By
law, vehicle owners and anyone who manufactures, repairs, services,
sells, leases, trades vehicles, or supervises a fleet of vehicles are not
Maintenance and Specifications
245

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

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