FORD F150 2008 11.G User Guide

Vehicle Symbol Glossary
Power Windows
Front/Rear
Power Window Lockout
Child Safety Door
Lock/UnlockInterior Luggage
Compartment Release
Panic AlarmEngine Oil
Engine CoolantEngine Coolant
Temperature
Do Not Open When HotBattery
Avoid Smoking, Flames,
or SparksBattery Acid
Explosive GasFan Warning
Power Steering FluidMaintain Correct Fluid
LevelMAX
MIN
Service Engine SoonEngine Air Filter
Passenger Compartment
Air FilterJack
Check Fuel CapLow Tire Pressure
Warning
2008 F-150(f12)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Introduction
11

WARNING LIGHTS AND CHIMES
Base instrument cluster
Base with Tachometer instrument cluster
2008 F-150(f12)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Instrument Cluster
12

Family Carrier instrument cluster
Mid instrument cluster
2008 F-150(f12)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Instrument Cluster
13

Luxury instrument cluster
Limited instrument cluster
2008 F-150(f12)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Instrument Cluster
14

Harley-Davidson instrument cluster
Warning lights and gauges can alert you to a vehicle condition that may
become serious enough to cause expensive repairs. A warning light may
illuminate when a problem exists with one of your vehicle’s functions.
Many lights will illuminate when you start your vehicle to make sure the
bulb works. If any light remains on after starting the vehicle, refer to the
respective system warning light for additional information.
Service engine soon:TheService
engine soonindicator light
illuminates when the ignition is first
turned to the ON position to check
the bulb and to indicate whether the vehicle is ready for
Inspection/Maintenance (I/M) testing. Normally, the
Service engine soon

light will stay on until the engine is cranked, then turn itself off if no
malfunctions are present. However, if after 15 seconds the
Service
engine soon
light blinks eight times, it means that the vehicle is not
ready for I/M testing. See theReadiness for Inspection/Maintenance
(I/M) testingin theMaintenance and Specificationschapter.
Solid illumination after the engine is started indicates the On Board
Diagnostics System (OBD-II) has detected a malfunction. Refer toOn
board diagnostics (OBD-II)in theMaintenance and Specifications
chapter. If the light is blinking, engine misfire is occurring which could
damage your catalytic converter. Drive in a moderate fashion (avoid
heavy acceleration and deceleration) and have your vehicle serviced
immediately by your authorized dealer.
2008 F-150(f12)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Instrument Cluster
15

Under engine misfire conditions, excessive exhaust temperatures
could damage the catalytic converter, the fuel system, interior
floor coverings or other vehicle components, possibly causing a fire.
Electronic throttle control
(if equipped):Illuminates when
the engine has defaulted to a

limp-home
operation. Report the
fault to a dealer at the earliest opportunity.
On vehicles equipped with a message center, “ENGINE FAILSAFE
MODE” will be displayed, refer toMessage centerin theDriver
Controlschapter.
Brake system warning light:To confirm the brake system warning
light is functional, it will momentarily illuminate when the ignition is
turned to the ON position when the engine is not running, or in a
position between ON and START, or by applying the parking brake when
the ignition is turned to the ON position.
Base, Base with Tachometer and
Family Carrier instrument
cluster
Mid, Luxury, Limited and
Harley-Davidson instrument
cluster
If the brake system warning light
does not illuminate at this time,
seek service immediately from your authorized dealer. Illumination after
releasing the parking brake indicates low brake fluid level and the brake
system should be inspected immediately by your authorized dealer.
Driving a vehicle with the brake system warning light on is
dangerous. A significant decrease in braking performance may
occur. It will take you longer to stop the vehicle. Have the vehicle
checked by your authorized dealer. Driving extended distances with
the parking brake engaged can cause brake failure and the risk of
personal injury.
!
BRAKE
P!
BRAKE
2008 F-150(f12)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Instrument Cluster
16

Anti-lock brake system:If the
ABS light stays illuminated or
continues to flash, a malfunction has
been detected, have the system
serviced immediately by your
authorized dealer. Normal braking is still functional unless the brake
warning light also is illuminated.
Airbag readiness:If this light fails
to illuminate when the ignition is
turned to ON, continues to flash or
remains on, have the system
serviced immediately by your
authorized dealer. A chime will also sound when a malfunction in the
supplemental restraint system has been detected.
Safety belt:Reminds you to fasten
your safety belt. A Belt-Minder
chime will also sound to remind you
to fasten your safety belt. Refer to
theSeating and safety restraints
chapter to activate/deactivate the Belt-Minderchime feature.
Charging system:Illuminates when
the battery is not charging properly.
Door ajar:Illuminates when the
ignition is in the ON position and
any door is open.
Low tire pressure warning
(if equipped):Illuminates when
your tire pressure is low. If the light
remains ON at start up or while
driving, the tire pressure should be
checked. Refer toInflating Your Tiresin theTires, Wheels and
Loadingchapter. When the ignition is first turned to ON, the light will
illuminate for 3 seconds to ensure the bulb is working. If the light does
not turn ON, have the system inspected by your authorized dealer. For
more information on this system, refer toUnderstanding Your Tire
Pressure Monitoring Systemin theTires, Wheels and Loading
chapter.
ABS
2008 F-150(f12)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Instrument Cluster
17

Overdrive off (if equipped):
Illuminates when the overdrive
function of the transmission has
been turned off, refer to the
Drivingchapter. If the light does not illuminate, have the transmission
serviced soon, or damage may occur.
Traction Control™
(if equipped):Illuminates when
the Traction Control™ is active. If
the light remains on, have the
system serviced immediately, refer
to theDrivingchapter for more
information.
Four wheel drive low
(if equipped):Illuminates when
four-wheel drive low is engaged.
Four wheel drive high
(if equipped):Illuminates when
four-wheel drive high is engaged.
Speed control:Illuminates when
the speed control is activated. Turns
off when the speed control system
is deactivated.
Turn signal:Illuminates when the
left or right turn signal or the
hazard lights are turned on. If the
indicators stay on or flash faster, check for a burned out bulb.
High beams:Illuminates when the
high beam headlamps are turned on.O/D
OFF
4x4
LOW
4x4 HI
2008 F-150(f12)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Instrument Cluster
18

MINI MESSAGE CENTER WARNING DISPLAYS (IF EQUIPPED)
Door ajar:Displays when the
ignition is in the ON position and
any door is open.
Low fuel:Displays when the fuel
level in the fuel tank is at or near
empty (refer toFuel gaugein this
chapter).
Check fuel cap:Displays when the
fuel cap may not be properly
installed. Continued driving with
this display on may cause the
Service engine soon warning light to
come on. Refer toFuel filler capin theMaintenance and
Specificationschapter.
Check gauge:Displays when any of
the following conditions has
occurred:
•The engine coolant temperature
is high.
•The engine oil pressure is low.
•The fuel gauge is at or near empty.
Trans fault:Displays when a
transmission problem has been
detected and shifting may be
restricted. If the light remains on,
have the system serviced
immediately by your authorized dealer.
Key-in-ignition warning chime:Sounds when the key is left in the
ignition in the OFF/LOCK or ACCESSORY position and the driver’s door
is opened.
Headlamps on warning chime:Sounds when the headlamps or parking
lamps are on, the ignition is off (the key is not in the ignition) and the
driver’s door is opened.
2008 F-150(f12)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Instrument Cluster
19

GAUGES
Speedometer:Indicates the
current vehicle speed.
Engine coolant temperature
gauge:Indicates engine coolant
temperature. At normal operating
temperature, the needle will be in
the normal range (between “H” and
“C”). If it enters the red section, the
engine is overheating. Stop the
vehicle as soon as safely possible, switch off the engine and let the
engine cool.
Never remove the coolant reservoir cap while the engine is
running or hot.
2008 F-150(f12)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Instrument Cluster
20