check engine FORD F150 2008 11.G Owner's Guide

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. Refer toMaintenance
product specifications and capacitiesin this chapter for the proper
fluid type.
BRAKE FLUID
The fluid level will drop slowly as
the brakes wear, and will rise when
the brake components are replaced.
Fluid levels between the “MIN” and
“MAX” 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 the
system could be compromised; seek
service from your authorized dealer
immediately.
CLUTCH FLUID (IF EQUIPPED)
Check the fluid level. Refer toscheduled maintenance informationfor
the service interval schedules.
During normal operation, the fluid level in the clutch reservoir should
remain constant. If the fluid level drops, refill the fluid level to the step
in the reservoir.
Use only a DOT 3 brake fluid designed to meet Ford specifications. Refer
toMaintenance product specifications and capacitiesin this chapter.
2008 F-150(f12)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
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Maintenance and Specifications
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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 20 miles (30 km) 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.
Low fluid level
Do not drive the vehicle if the fluid
level is at the bottom of the dipstick
and the ambient temperature is
above 50°F (10°C).
Correct fluid level
The transmission fluid should be checked at normal operating
temperature 150°F-170°F (66°C-77°C) on a level surface. The normal
operating temperature can be reached after approximately 20 miles
(30 km) of driving.
You can check the fluid without driving if the ambient temperature is
above 50°F (10°C). However, if fluid is added at this time, an overfill
condition could result when the vehicle reaches normal operating
temperature.
FoMoCo COLD5L 3P -7A020- CB
2008 F-150(f12)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Maintenance and Specifications
373

Item CapacityFord part name or
equivalentFord part number /
Ford specification
Fuel tank
Reg. Cab 8’ box /
SuperCab 6.5’ box /
SuperCab 8’ box27.0 gallons (102.2L)
Standard
35.7 gallons (135.1L)
Optional——
1Use of synthetic or synthetic blend motor oil is not mandatory. Engine oil need only meet the requirements of Ford
specification WSS-M2C930-A and the API Certification mark.2Add the coolant type originally equipped in your vehicle.3Service refill capacity is determined by filling the axle to 1/4-9/16 inch (6-14 mm) below the bottom of the filler hole with
the vehicle on a level surface.
Add 4 oz. (118 ml) of Additive Friction Modifier XL-3 or equivalent meeting Ford specification EST-M2C118-A, for complete
fill of 8.8 inch and 9.75 inch Traction-Lok axles.4Service 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 6.5 pints (3.1L) of Motorcraft SAE 75W-140 Synthetic Rear Axle Lubricant and 8 oz.
(236 ml) of Additive Friction Modifier XL–3 or equivalent meeting Ford Specification EST-M2C118-A.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 transfer case to the bottom of the filler hole with the vehicle on a level
surface.7Approximate 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.8Automatic transmissions that require MERCONV should only use MERCONV fluid or fluid that is specified dual usage
MERCON/MERCONV. Refer toscheduled maintenance informationto determine the correct service interval. Use of
any fluid other than the recommended fluid may cause transmission damage.
2008 F-150(f12)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Maintenance and Specifications
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Vehicle identification number (VIN)
The vehicle identification number is
located on the driver side
instrument panel.
Please note that in the graphic,
XXXX is representative of your
vehicle identification number.
The Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) contains the following
information:
1. World manufacturer identifier
2. Brake system / Gross Vehicle
Weight Rating (GVWR) / Restraint
System
3. Vehicle line, series, body type
4. Engine type
5. Check digit
6. Model year
7. Assembly plant
8. Production sequence number
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
2008 F-150(f12)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Maintenance and Specifications
387

A
Accessory delay ........................111
Air cleaner filter .......377–378, 380
Air conditioning ....................85, 87
Airbag supplemental
restraint system ................183–184
and child safety seats ............186
description ..............................184
disposal ....................................188
driver airbag ....................184, 187
indicator light .........................188
operation .........................184, 187
passenger airbag .............184, 187
Ambulance packages ....................7
Antifreeze
(see Engine coolant) ................351
Anti-lock brake system
(see Brakes) ..............................265
Anti-theft system ......................155
arming the system ..................156
Armrests ....................................159
Audio system
(see Radio) ................23, 27, 29, 36
Automatic transmission
driving an automatic
overdrive .................................272
fluid, adding ............................372
fluid, checking ........................372
fluid, refill capacities ..............381
fluid, specification ..................381
Auxiliary input jack (Line in) ....44
Axle
lubricant specifications ..........381
refill capacities ........................381
traction lok ..............................268B
Battery .......................................349
acid, treating emergencies .....349
jumping a disabled battery ....315
maintenance-free ....................349
replacement, specifications ...380
servicing ..................................349
Belt-Minder.............................178
deactivating/activating the
Belt-Minder...........................181
Booster seats .............................193
Brakes ........................................264
anti-lock ...................................265
anti-lock brake system (ABS)
warning light ...........................265
fluid, checking and adding ....371
fluid, refill capacities ..............381
fluid, specifications .................381
lubricant specifications ..........381
parking ....................................266
shift interlock ..................269–270
Bulbs ............................................97
C
Capacities for refilling fluids ....381
Cargo cage .................................136
Cargo management system ......137
Cell phone use ..............................8
Changing a tire .........................307
Child safety restraints ..............192
child safety belts ....................192
Child safety seats ......................196
attaching with tether
straps .......................................203
in front seat ....................197, 200
in rear seat ..............197, 200, 203
2008 F-150(f12)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Index
391

Child safety seats - booster
seats ...........................................193
Cleaning your vehicle
engine compartment ..............331
instrument panel ............333–334
interior .....................................335
plastic parts ............................332
safety belts ..............................335
washing ....................................329
waxing .....................................330
wheels ......................................330
wiper blades ............................333
Climate control (see
Air conditioning or
Heating) ...........................81, 85, 87
Clock adjust
6-CD in dash .............................38
AM/FM Stereo ...........................28
AM/FM/CD .................................31
Clutch
fluid ..........................................371
operation while driving ..........275
recommended shift speeds ....276
Compass, electronic ..........123, 125
calibration ...............................125
set zone adjustment .......125–126
Console ......................................104
overhead ..........................104–105
Controls
power seat ...............................160
steering column ......................117
Coolant
checking and adding ..............351
refill capacities ................355, 381
specifications ..........................381
Cruise control
(see Speed control) ..................115
Customer Assistance ................296Ford Extended Service
Plan ..........................................325
Getting assistance outside
the U.S. and Canada ..............326
Getting roadside assistance ...296
Getting the service
you need .................................321
Ordering additional
owner’s literature ...................327
Utilizing the Mediation/
Arbitration Program ...............325
D
Daytime running lamps
(see Lamps) ................................92
Dipstick
automatic transmission
fluid ..........................................372
engine oil .................................345
Driveline universal joint
and slip yoke .............................377
Driving under special
conditions ..................275, 287, 290
sand .........................................289
snow and ice ...........................291
through water .................289, 292
DVD system .................................51
E
Electronic message center .......125
Emergencies, roadside
jump-starting ..........................315
Emergency Flashers .................298
Emission control system ..........368
Engine ........................................385
cleaning ...................................331
coolant .....................................351
fail-safe cooling .......................356
2008 F-150(f12)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Index
392

idle speed control ...................349
lubrication specifications .......381
refill capacities ........................381
service points ..................341–343
starting after a collision .........298
Engine block heater .................262
Engine oil ..................................345
checking and adding ..............345
dipstick ....................................345
filter, specifications ........348, 380
recommendations ...................348
refill capacities ........................381
specifications ..........................381
Event data recording ....................7
Exhaust fumes ..........................262
F
Fail safe cooling ........................356
Family entertainment system ....51
Flexible Fuel Vehicle (FFV) ....357
Floor mats .................................134
Fluid capacities .........................381
Foglamps .....................................92
Four-Wheel Drive vehicles .......282
driving off road .......................286
electronic shift ................284–285
indicator light .........................282
lever operated shift ................283
preparing to drive your
vehicle .....................................268
Fuel ............................................357
calculating fuel
economy ..........................128, 365
cap ...........................................360
capacity ...................................381
choosing the right fuel ...........362comparisons with EPA fuel
economy estimates .................367
detergent in fuel .....................362
filling your vehicle
with fuel ..................357, 360, 365
filter, specifications ........357, 380
fuel pump shut-off switch .....298
improving fuel economy ........365
octane rating ...................363, 385
quality ..............................363–364
running out of fuel .................364
safety information relating
to automotive fuels ................357
Fuel - flex fuel vehicle
(FFV) .........................357, 362–363
Fuel pump shut-off switch .......298
Fuses ..................................299–300
G
Gas cap (see Fuel cap) ............360
Gas mileage
(see Fuel economy) .................365
Gauges .........................................20
H
Hazard flashers .........................298
Head restraints .................158, 162
Headlamps ...................................91
aiming ..................................93–94
autolamp system .......................91
bulb specifications ....................97
daytime running lights .............92
flash to pass ..............................92
high beam .................................92
replacing bulbs .........................98
turning on and off ....................91
Heating
heater only system ...................81
2008 F-150(f12)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Index
393

heated ......................................114
programmable memory ..........149
side view mirrors (power) .....112
signal .......................................114
Moon roof ..................................119
Motorcraft parts ........338, 357, 380
N
Navigation system .......................80
O
Octane rating ............................363
Oil (see Engine oil) ..................345
P
Parking brake ............................266
Parts (see Motorcraft parts) ....380
Passenger Occupant
Classification Sensor .................165
Power distribution box
(see Fuses) ...............................300
Power door locks ......................144
Power mirrors ...........................112
Power point ...............................108
Power steering ..........................267
fluid, checking and adding ....370
fluid, refill capacity ................381
fluid, specifications .................381
Power Windows .........................110
Preparing to drive your
vehicle ........................................268
R
Radio ..........................23, 27, 29, 36Rear seat entertainment
system ..........................................51
Rear video camera ....................280
Relays ........................................299
Remote entry system ...............147
illuminated entry ....................151
locking/unlocking
doors ................................147–148
panic alarm .............................149
replacement/additional
transmitters .............................150
replacing the batteries ...........149
Reverse sensing system ...........277
Roadside assistance ..................296
S
Safety Belt Maintenance ..........183
Safety belts (see
Safety restraints) .............164, 167,
169–170, 173–175, 177
Safety defects,
reporting ............................327–328
Safety restraints ...............164, 167,
169–170, 173–175, 177
Belt-Minder...........................178
Belt-Minder,
deactivating/activating ...........181
extension assembly ................182
for adults .........169–170, 173–175
for children .............................192
lap belt ....................................172
Occupant Classification
Sensor ......................................165
safety belt maintenance .........183
warning light and
chime ...............................177–178
Safety seats for children ..........196
2008 F-150(f12)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Index
395