FORD F150 2010 12.G Owners Manual
Manufacturer: FORD, Model Year: 2010, Model line: F150, Model: FORD F150 2010 12.GPages: 419, PDF Size: 3.17 MB
Page 301 of 419

Servicing
•If the image comes on while the vehicle is not in R (Reverse), have
the system inspected by your authorized dealer.
•If the image is not clear, then check if there is anything covering the
lens such as dirt, mud, ice, snow, etc. If the image is still not clear
after cleaning, have your system inspected by your authorized dealer.
FOUR-WHEEL DRIVE (4WD) OPERATION (IF EQUIPPED)
WARNING:For important information regarding safe operation
of this type of vehicle, seePreparing to drive your vehiclein
this chapter.
Four–wheel drive (4WD) supplies power to all four wheels. 4WD should
not be operated on dry pavement; driveline damage may occur.
If equipped with the Electronic Shift 4WD System, and 4X4 Low
is selected while the vehicle is moving above 3 mph (5 km/h), the
4WD system will not perform a shift. This is normal and should be
no reason for concern.Refer toShifting to/from 4L (4X4 Low)for
proper operation.
4WD indicator lights
The indicator lights illuminate in the message center in the
reconfigurable telltale (RTT) location under the following conditions.
Refer toWarning lights and chimesin theInstrument Clusterchapter.
•4X2- Momentarily illuminates
when 2H is selected on electronic
shift 4WD systems only.
•AW D- Illuminates when AWD is
selected (All Wheel Drive
equipped vehicles only).
•4X4 HIGH- Illuminates when 4H
is selected.
4x2
AWD
4x4
HIGH
Driving
301
2010 F-150(f12)
Owners Guide, 1st Printing
USA(fus)
Page 302 of 419

•4X4 LOW- Illuminates when 4L
is selected.
•
- Illuminates when the
electronic locking differential
(ELD) is selected (if equipped).
•CHECK 4X4- Displays when a
4X4 fault is present.
Note:When a 4X4 system fault is present, the system will typically
remain in whichever 4X4 mode was selected prior to the fault condition
occurring. It will not default to 4X2 in all circumstances. When this
warning is displayed, have your vehicle serviced by an authorized dealer.
Using a manual 4WD system (if equipped)
2H (4X2)– Power to the rear
wheels only; used for street and
highway driving. Provides optimal
smoothness and fuel economy at
high speeds.
4H (4X4 High)– Used for extra
traction such as in snow or icy roads
or in off-road situations. Not
intended for use on dry pavement.
N (Neutral)– No power to either
front or rear wheels.
4L (4X4 Low)– Uses extra gearing to provide maximum power to all
four wheels at reduced speeds. Intended only for off-road applications
such as deep sand, steep grades or pulling heavy objects. The shift lever
will not engage 4L (4X4 LOW) until the transmission is in N (neutral)
and the vehicle is moving below 3 mph (5 km/h); this is normal and
should be no reason for concern. Refer toShifting to/from 4L (4X4
Low)for proper operation.
Shifting between 2H (4X2) and 4H (4X4 high)
•Move the transfer case lever between 2H (4X2) and 4H (4X4 High) at
a stop or any forward speed.
4x4
LOW
Driving
302
2010 F-150(f12)
Owners Guide, 1st Printing
USA(fus)
Page 303 of 419

Note:Momentarily releasing the accelerator pedal while preforming a
shift will improve engagement/disengagement times.
Note:Do not perform this operation if the rear wheels are slipping.
Note:Some noise may be heard as the system shifts or engages; this is
normal.
Note:4X4 High mode is not intended for use on dry pavement.
Shifting to/from 4L (4X4 Low)
1. Bring the vehicle to a speed of 3 mph (5 km/h) or less.
2. Place the transmission in N (Neutral).
3. Move the transfer case lever through N (Neutral) directly to the
desired position.
•If the transfer casewill notengage into 4L (4X4 Low)do not force
the lever.Allow the vehicle to coast at a speed below 3 mph
(5 km/h), then repeat Steps 2 and 3.
Note:Some noise may be heard as the system shifts or engages; this is
normal.
Note:4X4 Low mode is not intended for use on dry pavement.
Note:For proper operation in 4X4 Low, ensure the transfer case shift
lever is moved entirely rearward in to the 4L (4X4 Low) position and
that the 4x4 Low light is displayed in the message center.
Note:Ideal 4L (4X4 Low) shift conditions occur when the vehicle is
rolling at a speed below 3 mph (5 km/h) and the transmission is in N
(Neutral).
Using the N (Neutral) position
The transfer case N (Neutral) position overrides the transmission
and puts the vehicle in neutral regardless of transmission
gearshift lever position. The vehicle can move forward or
backward.
This position should only be used when towing the vehicle.
WARNING: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.
Driving
303
2010 F-150(f12)
Owners Guide, 1st Printing
USA(fus)
Page 304 of 419

Using the electronic shift 4WD system (if equipped)
2H (4X2)- Power to the rear
wheels only; used for street and
highway driving. Provides optimal
smoothness and fuel economy at
high speeds.
4H (4X4 High)- Used for extra
traction such as in snow or icy roads
or in off-road situations. Not
intended for use on dry pavement.
4L (4X4 Low)- Uses extra gearing
to provide maximum power to all
four wheels at reduced speeds. Intended only for off-road applications
such as deep sand, steep grades or pulling heavy objects. 4L (4X4 Low)
will not engage while the vehicle is moving above 3 mph (5 km/h); this is
normal and should be no reason for concern. Refer toShifting to/from
4L (4X4 Low)for proper operation.
Shifting between 2H (4X2) and 4H (4X4 High)
Move the 4WD control between 2H (4X2) and 4H (4X4 High) at any
forward speed. The message center will display4X4 SHIFT IN
PROGRESSduring the system shift. “4X4 HIGH” will display in the
message center if 4H is selected and “4X2” will momentarily display in
the message center if 2H is selected. .
Note:Momentarily releasing the accelerator pedal while preforming a
shift will improve engagement/disengagement times.
Note:Do not perform this operation if the rear wheels are slipping.
Note:Some noise may be heard as the system shifts or engages; this is
normal.
Note:4X4 High mode is not intended for use on dry pavement.
Shifting to/from 4L (4X4 Low)
1. Bring the vehicle to a speed of 3 mph (5 km/h) or less.
2. Place the transmission in N (Neutral).
3. Move the 4WD control to the desired position.
The message center will display4X4 SHIFT IN PROGRESSduring the
shift. The message center will then display the system mode selected. If
any of the above shift conditions are not met, the shift will not occur and
the message center will display information guiding the driver through
the proper shifting procedures.
Driving
304
2010 F-150(f12)
Owners Guide, 1st Printing
USA(fus)
Page 305 of 419

IfSHIFT DELAYED PULL FORWARDis displayed in the message
center, transfer case gear tooth blockage is present. To alleviate this
condition, place the transmission in a forward gear, move the vehicle
forward approximately 5 feet (2 meters), and shift the transmission back
to neutral to allow the transfer case to complete the range shift.
Note:Some noise may be heard as the system shifts or engages; this is
normal.
Note:4x4 Low mode is not intended for use on dry pavement.
Using the All Wheel Drive (AWD) system
(if equipped, Harley-Davidson only)
This system includes an electronically controlled transfer case. The
system is interactive with the road, continually monitoring and adjusting
torque delivery to the front and rear wheels to optimize traction.
2H (4X2)- Power to the rear
wheels only; used for street and
highway driving. Provides optimal
smoothness and fuel economy at
high speeds. The message center
will momentarily display “4X2” when
this mode is selected.
AWD (Auto)- Power delivered to
all four wheels, as required, for
increased traction. This is
appropriate for all on-road driving
conditions, such as dry road surfaces, wet pavement, snow, gravel and
shallow sand.
4H (4X4 High)- Used for extra traction on snow covered or icy roads
and in off road situations. This position is not recommended for use on
dry pavement. This position is only intended for severe winter or off-road
conditions, such as deep snow, ice or deep sand. The message center will
display “4X4 High” when this mode is selected.
Shifting between 2H (4X2) and AWD (Auto) or 4H (High)
Move the control from the 2H position to the AWD or 4H position at a
stop or while driving at any forward speed. The message center may
display4X4 SHIFT IN PROGRESSduring the system shift. The message
center will then display “AWD” if AWD has been selected or “4X4 High” if
4H is selected. The message center will momentarily display “4X2” if 2H
has been selected.
Note:4X4 High mode is not intended for use on dry pavement
Driving
305
2010 F-150(f12)
Owners Guide, 1st Printing
USA(fus)
Page 306 of 419

Shifting between AWD (Auto) and 4H (High)
Move the control from AWD to 4H at a stop or while driving at any
speed. The message center will display “AWD” if AWD has been selected
and “4X4 High” if 4H has been selected
Note:4X4 High mode is not intended for use on dry pavement
Electronic locking differential (ELD) (if equipped)
The electronic locking differential (ELD) is a device housed in the rear
axle which allows both rear wheels to turn at the same speed. The ELD
can provide additional traction should the vehicle become stuck. The
ELD is electronically activated by the driver and can be shifted on the
fly. It is intended for use in mud, rocks, sand, or any off-road condition
where maximum traction is needed. It is not intended for use on dry
pavement.
The ELD is affected by the following conditions:
•The 4WD control must be in either 4H (4X4 High) or 4L (4X4 Low)
mode.
•The ELD will not engage if the vehicle speed is above 20 mph
(30 km/h) in 4X4 High or 56 mph (90 km/h) in 4X4 Low.
•In 4H (4X4 High), the ELD will disengage at speeds above 25 mph
(40 km/h) and will automatically reengage at speeds below 20 mph
(30 km/h).
•In 4L (4X4 Low), the ELD will disengage at speeds above 62 mph
(100 km/h) and will automatically reengage at speeds below 56 mph
(90 km/h).
The ELD is designed for off-road use only and is not intended for use on
dry pavement.
Driving
306
2010 F-150(f12)
Owners Guide, 1st Printing
USA(fus)
Page 307 of 419

Activating the electronic locking differential (ELD)
The ELD can be turned on by
pulling the knob on the 4WD control
toward you while the control is in
either 4H (4X4 High) or 4L (4X4
Low) mode.
Once the knob is pulled, the
light located on the control will
blink for approximately two seconds
and then it will remain solid.
The
indicator light will also
display in the message center.
Once the
light on the control
remains solid and the
indicator
light is displayed in the message
center, both rear wheel axle shafts
will be locked together providing
added traction.
If the
light blinks for 10 seconds, then turns off, and theindicator
light in the message center turns off, one of the following has occurred:
•The vehicle speed is too high.
•The left and right rear wheel speed difference is too high during an
engagement attempt.
•The system has malfunctioned and will be accompanied by aCHECK
4X4message in the message center.
Note:If the ELD has difficulty disengaging, release the accelerator pedal
and turn the steering wheel in the opposite direction while rolling.
Driving off-road with truck and utility vehicles
4WD vehicles are specially equipped for driving on sand, snow, mud and
rough terrain and have operating characteristics that are somewhat
different from conventional vehicles, both on and off the road.
How your vehicle differs from other vehicles
Truck and utility vehicles can differ from some other vehicles. Your
vehicle may be higher to allow it to travel over rough terrain without
getting hung up or damaging underbody components.
The differences that make your vehicle so versatile also make it handle
differently than an ordinary passenger car.
Driving
307
2010 F-150(f12)
Owners Guide, 1st Printing
USA(fus)
Page 308 of 419

Maintain steering wheel control at all times, especially in rough terrain.
Since sudden changes in terrain can result in abrupt steering wheel
motion, make sure you grip the steering wheel from the outside. Do not
grip the spokes.
Drive cautiously to avoid vehicle damage from concealed objects such as
rocks and stumps.
You should either know the terrain or examine maps of the area before
driving. Map out your route before driving in the area. To maintain
steering and braking control of your vehicle, you must have all four
wheels on the ground and they must be rolling, not sliding or spinning.
Basic operating principles
•Do not use 4WD on dry, hard surfaced roads. Doing so will produce
excessive noise, increase tire wear and may damage drive components.
4WD modes are only intended for consistently slippery or loose
surfaces.
•Drive slower in strong crosswinds which can affect the normal steering
characteristics of your vehicle.
•Be extremely careful when driving on pavement made slippery by
loose sand, water, gravel, snow or ice.
If your vehicle goes off the edge of the pavement
•If your vehicle goes off the edge of the pavement, slow down, but
avoid severe brake application, ease the vehicle back onto the
pavement only after reducing your speed. Do not turn the steering
wheel too sharply while returning to the road surface.
•It may be safer to stay on the apron or shoulder of the road and slow
down gradually before returning to the pavement. You may lose
control if you do not slow down or if you turn the steering wheel too
sharply or abruptly.
•It often may be less risky to strike small objects, such as highway
reflectors, with minor damage to your vehicle rather than attempt a
sudden return to the pavement which could cause the vehicle to slide
sideways out of control or roll over. Remember, your safety and the
safety of others should be your primary concern.
Driving
308
2010 F-150(f12)
Owners Guide, 1st Printing
USA(fus)
Page 309 of 419

WARNING:Vehicles with a higher center of gravity such as
utility and four-wheel drive vehicles handle differently than
vehicles with a lower center of gravity. Utility and four-wheel drive
vehicles arenotdesigned for cornering at speeds as high as passenger
cars any more than low-slung sports cars are designed to perform
satisfactorily under off-road conditions. Avoid sharp turns, excessive
speed and abrupt maneuvers in these vehicles. Failure to drive
cautiously could result in an increased risk of loss of vehicle control,
vehicle rollover, personal injury and death.
If your vehicle gets stuck
If your vehicle gets stuck in mud or snow it may be rocked out by
shifting between forward and reverse gears, stopping between shifts, in a
steady pattern. Press lightly on the accelerator in each gear.
Do not rock the vehicle if the engine is not at normal operating
temperature or damage to the transmission may occur.
Do not rock the vehicle for more than a few minutes or damage
to the transmission and tires may occur or the engine may
overheat.
WARNING:Do not spin the wheels at over 35 mph (56 km/h).
The tires may fail and injure a passenger or bystander.
Emergency maneuvers
•In an unavoidable emergency situation where a sudden sharp turn
must be made, remember to avoid “over-driving” your vehicle, i.e.,
turn the steering wheel only as rapidly and as far as required to avoid
the emergency. Excessive steering will result in less vehicle control,
not more. Additionally, smooth variations of the accelerator and/or
brake pedal pressure should be utilized if changes in vehicle speed are
called for. Avoid abrupt steering, acceleration or braking which could
result in an increased risk of loss of vehicle control, vehicle rollover
and/or personal injury. Use all available road surface to return the
vehicle to a safe direction of travel.
•In the event of an emergency stop, avoid skidding the tires and do not
attempt any sharp steering wheel movements.
Driving
309
2010 F-150(f12)
Owners Guide, 1st Printing
USA(fus)
Page 310 of 419

WARNING:Vehicles with a higher center of gravity such as
utility and four-wheel drive vehicles handle differently than
vehicles with a lower center of gravity. Utility and four-wheel drive
vehicles arenotdesigned for cornering at speeds as high as passenger
cars any more than low-slung sports cars are designed to perform
satisfactorily under off-road conditions. Avoid sharp turns, excessive
speed and abrupt maneuvers in these vehicles. Failure to drive
cautiously could result in an increased risk of loss of vehicle control,
vehicle rollover, personal injury and death.
•If the vehicle goes from one type of surface to another (i.e., from
concrete to gravel) there will be a change in the way the vehicle
responds to a maneuver (steering, acceleration or braking). Again,
avoid these abrupt inputs.
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.
WARNING:Always set the parking brake fully and make sure
the gearshift is latched in P (Park). Turn the ignition to the off
position and remove the key whenever you leave your vehicle.
WARNING:If the parking brake is fully released, but the brake
warning lamp remains illuminated, the brakes may not be
working properly. See your authorized dealer.
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 this chapter. Information on transfer case maintenance can be
Driving
310
2010 F-150(f12)
Owners Guide, 1st Printing
USA(fus)