light FORD F150 2004 11.G Manual Online

It is recommended you use the appropriate Motorcraft oil filter (or
another brand meeting Ford specifications) for your engine application.
BATTERY
Your vehicle is equipped with a
Motorcraft maintenance-free battery
which normally does not require
additional water during its life of
service.
If your battery has a cover/shield, make sure it is reinstalled
after the battery has been cleaned or replaced.
For longer, trouble-free operation, keep the top of the battery clean and
dry. Also, make certain the battery cables are always tightly fastened to
the battery terminals.
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.
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 proper
ventilation.
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/or damage to the vehicle or battery.
Lift the battery with a battery carrier or with your hands on opposite
corners.
Maintenance and Specifications
229

Do not add engine coolant when the engine is hot. Steam and
scalding liquids released from a hot cooling system can burn you
badly. Also, you can be burned if you spill coolant on hot engine parts.
Do not put engine coolant in the windshield washer fluid
container. If sprayed on the windshield, engine coolant could
make it difficult to see through the windshield.
²Add Motorcraft Premium Gold Engine Coolant
(yellow-colored), VC-7±A (VC-7±B in Oregon), meeting Ford
Specification WSS-M97B51±A1.
Note:Use of Motorcraft Cooling System Stop Leak Pellets, VC-6, may
darken the color of Motorcraft Premium Gold Engine Coolant from
yellow to golden tan.
²Do not add/mix an orange-colored, extended life coolant such
as Motorcraft Speciality Orange Engine Coolant, VC-2 (US) or
CXC-209 (Canada), meeting Ford specification WSS-M97B44±D
with the factory-filled coolant.Mixing Motorcraft Speciality Orange
Engine Coolant or any orange-colored extended life product with your
factory filled coolant can result in degraded corrosion protection.
²A large amount of water without engine coolant may be added, in case
of emergency, to reach a vehicle service location. In this instance, the
cooling system must be drained and refilled with a 50/50 mixture of
engine coolant and distilled water as soon as possible. Water alone
(without engine coolant) can cause engine damage from corrosion,
overheating or freezing.
²Do not use alcohol, methanol, brine or any engine coolants
mixed with alcohol or methanol antifreeze (coolant).Alcohol
and other liquids can cause engine damage from overheating or
freezing.
²Do not add extra inhibitors or additives to the coolant.These
can be harmful and compromise the corrosion protection of the engine
coolant.
Add the proper mixture of coolant and water to the ªcold fullº level.
Follow these steps to add engine coolant.
To reduce the risk of personal injury, make sure the engine is
cool before unscrewing the coolant pressure relief cap. The
cooling system is under pressure; steam and hot liquid can come out
forcefully when the cap is loosened slightly.
Maintenance and Specifications
233

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

If you do not use the proper fuel filler cap, excessive pressure or
vacuum in the fuel tank may damage the fuel system or cause
the fuel cap to disengage in a collision, which may result in possible
personal injury.
Choosing the right fuel
Use only UNLEADED FUEL. The use of leaded fuel is prohibited by law
and could damage your vehicle.
Do not use fuel containing methanol. It can damage critical fuel system
components.
Your vehicle was not designed to use fuel or fuel additives with metallic
compounds, including manganese-based additives.
Repairs to correct the effects of using a fuel for which your vehicle was
not designed may not be covered by your warranty.
Octane recommendations
Your vehicle is designed to use
ªRegularº unleaded gasoline with
pump (R+M)/2 octane rating of 87.
We do not recommend the use of
gasolines labeled as ªRegularº that
are sold with octane ratings of 86 or lower in high altitude areas.
Do not be concerned if your engine sometimes knocks lightly. However, if
it knocks heavily under most driving conditions while you are using fuel
with the recommended octane rating, see your dealer or a qualified
service technician to prevent any engine damage.
Fuel quality
If you are experiencing starting, rough idle or hesitation driveability
problems during a cold start, try a different brand of unleaded gasoline.
ªPremiumº unleaded gasoline is not recommended for vehicles designed
to use ªRegularº unleaded gasoline because it may cause these problems
to become more pronounced. If the problems persist, see your dealer or
a qualified service technician.
It should not be necessary to add any aftermarket products to your fuel
tank if you continue to use high quality fuel of the recommended octane
rating. Aftermarket products could cause damage to the fuel system.
Repairs to correct the effects of using an aftermarket product in your
fuel may not be covered by your warranty.
87(R+M)/2 METHOD
Maintenance and Specifications
240

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

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

FORD ACCESSORIES FOR YOUR VEHICLE
A wide selection of genuine Ford accessories are available for your
vehicle through your local authorized Ford or Ford of Canada dealer.
These quality accessories have been specifically engineered to fulfill your
automotive needs; they are custom designed to complement the style
and aerodynamic appearance of your vehicle. In addition, each accessory
is made from high quality materials and meets or exceeds Ford's rigorous
engineering and safety specifications. Ford Motor Company will repair or
replace any properly dealer-installed Ford accessory found to be
defective in factory-supplied materials or workmanship during the
warranty period, as well as any component damaged by the defective
accessory. The accessory will be warranted for whichever provides you
the greatest benefit:
²12 months or 20,000 km (12,000 miles) (whichever occurs first), or
²the remainder of your new vehicle limited warranty.
This means that genuine Ford accessories purchased along with your
new vehicle and installed by the dealer are covered for the full length of
your New Vehicle's Limited Warranty Ð 3 years or 60,000 km (36,000
miles) (whichever occurs first). Contact your dealer for details and a
copy of the warranty.
Not all accessories are available for all models.
Following is a list of several Ford Genuine Accessory products. Not all
accessories are available for all models. To find out what accessories are
available for your vehicle, please contact your dealer or visit our online
store at: www.fordaccessoriesstore.com.
Exterior style
Bug shields
Deflectors
Exterior trim
Fender flares
Front end covers
Grille inserts
Headlamps, taillamps, fog lights and Daytime Running Lamps (DRLS)
Running boards
Sliding rear windows - manual and power
Splash guards
Accessories
Accessories
271

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

Engine oil ..................................226
checking and adding ..............226
dipstick ....................................226
filter, specifications ........228, 257
recommendations ...................228
refill capacities ........................257
specifications ..................261, 263
Exhaust fumes ..........................148
F
Fail safe cooling ........................235
Fluid capacities .........................257
Foglamps .....................................42
Four-Wheel Drive vehicles .......159
driving off road .......................162
electronic shift ........................161
indicator light .........................159
lever operated shift ................160
preparing to drive your
vehicle .....................................151
Fuel ............................................237
calculating fuel
economy ............................73, 241
cap ...........................................239
capacity ...................................257
choosing the right fuel ...........240
comparisons with EPA fuel
economy estimates .................244
detergent in fuel .....................241
filling your vehicle with
fuel ...........................237, 239, 242
filter, specifications ........241, 257
fuel pump shut-off switch .....187
improving fuel economy ........241
octane rating ...................240, 263
quality ......................................240
running out of fuel .................241
safety information relating to
automotive fuels .....................237
Fuel pump shut-off switch .......187Fuses ..................................188±189
G
Garage Door Opener
(see Homelink wireless control
system) ........................................66
Gas cap (see Fuel cap) ............239
Gas mileage
(see Fuel economy) .................241
Gauges .........................................15
GAWR (Gross Axle Weight
Rating) .......................................171
calculating ...............................173
definition .................................171
driving with a heavy load ......171
location ....................................171
GVWR (Gross Vehicle Weight
Rating) .......................................171
calculating .......................171, 173
definition .................................171
driving with a heavy load ......171
location ....................................171
H
Hazard flashers .........................187
Head restraints ...................97, 101
Headlamps ...................................41
aiming ........................................43
autolamp system .......................41
bulb specifications ....................47
daytime running lights .............42
flash to pass ..............................43
high beam .................................42
replacing bulbs .........................48
turning on and off ....................41
Heating
heater only system ...................32
Index
276