automatic transmission FORD F150 2010 12.G Owners Manual

Memory seat/power mirrors/adjustable pedals/steering column
(if equipped)
This system allows automatic
positioning of the driver seat,
outside rearview mirrors, adjustable
pedals, and steering column to two
programmable positions.
The memory seat control is located
on the driver’s seat.
•To program position one, move
the driver seat, exterior mirrors,
adjustable pedals and steering
column to the desired positions using the associated controls. Press
and hold control button 1 for at least two seconds.
•To program position two, repeat the previous procedure using control
button 2.
A position can only be recalled when the transmission gearshift is in Park
(automatic transmission). A memory seat position may be programmed
at any time.
The memory seat positions are also recalled when you press your remote
entry transmitter
(unlock) control and the transmitter is
programmed to a memory seat position or when you enter a valid
customer code 1 or 2 on the keypad.
To program the memory seat to remote entry transmitter, refer to
Remote entry systemin theLocks and Security chapter..
Note: The seat will not travel to its final position if the key is not
in the ignition and the easy entry feature is enabled.
Easy-access/easy-out feature (if equipped)
The easy entry feature automatically moves the driver’s seat 2 inches
(5 cm) forward when:
•the transmission is in P (Park)
•the key is inserted into the ignition cylinder
(If the seat is located less than 2 inches [5 cm] from the front of the seat
track, the seat will travel up to
14inch (.64 cm) to the front of the seat
track).
Seating and Safety Restraints
155
2010 F-150(f12)
Owners Guide, 1st Printing
USA(fus)

The easy out feature automatically moves the driver’s seat 2 inches
(5 cm) backward when:
•the transmission is in P (Park)
•the key is removed from the ignition cylinder
(If the seat is located less than 2 inches (5 cm) from the rear of the seat
track, the seat will travel up to
14inch (.64 cm) to the rear of the seat
track).
If the memory setting is programmed through the remote transmitter,
upon unlocking the door via remote entry system, the seat position will
travel to the desired memory setting less 2 inches (5 cm). Once entering
the vehicle and inserting the key in the ignition while in P (Park), the
easy entry feature will move the seat an additional 2 inches (5 cm) to
the desired memory location. SeeLocks and Securityfor activating the
memory seat feature through the remote entry system.
Deactivating/activating the easy access/easy out feature
The easy entry/exit feature can be turned off or on through the vehicle
message center (if equipped). If your vehicle does not have a message
center, the feature can be turned off or on through the following process:
1. Put the key into the ignition (The driver seat may move forward if the
easy entry/exit feature is activated).
2. Place the ignition key into the on position (do not start the vehicle).
When the vehicle is in the on position, the interior and exterior lights,
the climate controls, and the radio are functional without the engine
started. SeeProgramming remote transmittersfor ignition switch
diagram.
3. Turn the ignition key to the off position.
4. Cycle the ignition key between the off position and the on position a
total of three times ending with the ignition in the off position.
5. Engage the forward or rearward seat switch.
6. Remove the ignition key from the ignition switch. (The driver seat
may move rearward if the easy entry/exit feature is activated).
Steps 2 through 6 must be performed within a 20 second period. The
easy entry/exit feature will be deactivated. Repeating the above process
will also reactivate the easy entry/exit feature.
Seating and Safety Restraints
156
2010 F-150(f12)
Owners Guide, 1st Printing
USA(fus)

Trailer lamps
Trailer lamps are required on most towed vehicles. Make sure all running
lights, brake lights, turn signals and hazard lights are working. Contact
your authorized dealer or trailer rental agency for proper instructions
and equipment for hooking up trailer lamps.
Using a step bumper (if equipped)
The rear bumper is equipped with an integral hitch and only requires a
ball with a one inch (25.4 mm) shank diameter. The bumper has a
5,000 lb (2,270 kg) trailer weight and 500 lb (227 kg) tongue weight
capacity.
If it is necessary to relocate the trailer hitch ball position, a
frame-mounted trailer hitch must be installed.
Driving while you tow
When towing a trailer:
•To ensure proper “break-in” of powertrain components, do not trailer
tow during the first 1,000 miles (1,600 km) of a new vehicle.
•To ensure proper “break-in” of powertrain components during the first
500 miles (800 km) of trailer towing, drive no faster than 70 mph
(113 km/h) with no full throttle starts.
•Turn off the speed control. The speed control may shut off
automatically when you are towing on long, steep grades.
•Consult your local motor vehicle speed regulations for towing a trailer.
•Anticipate stops and brake gradually.
•Do not exceed the GCWR rating or transmission damage may occur.
•For additional information, refer toAutomatic transmission
operationin theDrivingchapter.
Servicing after towing
If you tow a trailer for long distances, your vehicle will require more
frequent service intervals. Refer to yourscheduled maintenance
informationfor more information.
Tires, Wheels and Loading
267
2010 F-150(f12)
Owners Guide, 1st Printing
USA(fus)

Trailer towing tips
•Practice turning, stopping and backing up before starting on a trip to
get the feel of the vehicle trailer combination. When turning, make
wider turns so the trailer wheels will clear curbs and other obstacles.
•Allow more distance for stopping with a trailer attached.
•If you are driving down a long or steep hill, shift to a lower gear. Do
not apply the brakes continuously, as they may overheat and become
less effective. Also, see the information on tow/haul mode operation
underAutomatic transmission operationin theDrivingchapter.
•The trailer tongue weight should be 10–15% of the loaded trailer
weight.
•If you will be towing a trailer frequently in hot weather, hilly
conditions, at GCWR, or any combination of these factors, consider
refilling your rear axle with synthetic gear lube if not already so
equipped. Refer to theMaintenance and Specificationschapter for
the lubricant specification. Remember that regardless of the rear axle
lube used, do not tow a trailer for the first 1,000 miles (1,600 km) of a
new vehicle, and that the first 500 miles (800 km) of towing be done
at no faster than 70 mph (113 km/h) with no full throttle starts.
•After you have traveled 50 miles (80 km), thoroughly check your
hitch, electrical connections and trailer wheel lug nuts.
•To aid in engine/transmission cooling and A/C efficiency during hot
weather while stopped in traffic, place the gearshift lever in P (Park).
•Vehicles with trailers should not be parked on a grade. If you must
park on a grade, place wheel chocks under the trailer’s wheels.
Launching or retrieving a boat
Disconnect the wiring to the trailer before backing the trailer
into the water. Reconnect the wiring to the trailer after the
trailer is removed from the water.
When backing down a ramp during boat launching or retrieval:
•do not allow the static water level to rise above the bottom edge of
the rear bumper.
•do not allow waves to break higher than 6 inches (15 cm) above the
bottom edge of the rear bumper.
Tires, Wheels and Loading
268
2010 F-150(f12)
Owners Guide, 1st Printing
USA(fus)

STARTING
Positions of the ignition
1. Off — locks the automatic
transmission gearshift lever and
allows key removal.
Note:The ignition key cannot be
removed from the ignition unless
the gearshift lever is securely
latched in P (Park).
2. Accessory — allows the electrical
accessories such as the radio to
operate while the engine is not
running.
3. On — all electrical circuits operational. Warning lights illuminated. Key
position when driving.
4. Start — cranks the engine. Release the key as soon as the engine
starts.
Preparing to start your vehicle
Engine starting is controlled by the powertrain control system.
This system meets all Canadian interference-causing equipment standard
requirements regulating the impulse electrical field strength of radio
noise.
When starting a fuel-injected engine, don’t press the accelerator before
or during starting. Only use the accelerator when you have difficulty
starting the engine. For more information on starting the vehicle, refer to
Starting the enginein this chapter.
WARNING:Extended idling at high engine speeds can produce
very high temperatures in the engine and exhaust system,
creating the risk of fire or other damage.
WARNING: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.
Driving
271
2010 F-150(f12)
Owners Guide, 1st Printing
USA(fus)

WARNING:Do not start your vehicle in a closed garage or in
other enclosed areas. Exhaust fumes can be toxic. Always open
the garage door before you start the engine. SeeGuarding against
exhaust fumesin this chapter for more instructions.
WARNING:If you smell exhaust fumes inside your vehicle, have
your dealer inspect your vehicle immediately. Do not drive if you
smell exhaust fumes.
Important safety precautions
A computer system controls the engine’s idle revolutions per minute
(RPM). When the engine starts, the idle RPM runs higher than normal in
order to warm the engine. If the engine idle speed does not slow down
automatically, have the vehicle checked. If the vehicle is operated in a
heavy snow storm or blowing snow conditions, the engine air induction
may become partially clogged with snow and/or ice. If this occurs the
engine may experience a significant reduction in power output. At the
earliest opportunity, clear all snow and/or ice away from the air induction
inlet. Do not allow the vehicle to idle for more than 10 minutes at the
higher engine RPM.
Before starting the vehicle:
1. Make sure all vehicle occupants have buckled their safety belts. For
more information on safety belts and their proper usage, refer to the
Seating and Safety Restraintschapter.
2. Make sure the headlamps and vehicle accessories are off.
3. Make sure the gearshift is in P (Park).
•4–speed transmission
Driving
272
2010 F-150(f12)
Owners Guide, 1st Printing
USA(fus)

WARNING:Always set the parking brake fully and make sure
that the gearshift is securely latched in P (Park) (automatic
transmission) or in 1 (First) (manual transmission).
ADVANCETRACWITH ROLL STABILITY CONTROL™ (RSC)
STABILITY ENHANCEMENT SYSTEM
WARNING:Vehicle modifications involving braking system,
aftermarket roof racks, suspension, steering system, tire
construction and/or wheel/tire size may change the handling
characteristics of the vehicle and may adversely affect the performance
of the AdvanceTrac
with RSC
system. In addition, installing any
stereo loudspeakers may interfere with and adversely affect the
AdvanceTrac
with RSC
system. Install any aftermarket stereo
loudspeaker as far as possible from the front center console, the
tunnel, and the front seats in order to minimize the risk of interfering
with the AdvanceTrac
with RSC
sensors. Reducing the effectiveness
of the AdvanceTrac
with RSC
system could lead to an increased risk
of loss of vehicle control, vehicle rollover, personal injury and death.
WARNING:Remember that even advanced technology cannot
defy the laws of physics. It’s always possible to lose control of a
vehicle due to inappropriate driver input for the conditions. Aggressive
driving on any road condition can cause you to lose control of your
vehicle increasing the risk of personal injury or property damage.
Activation of the AdvanceTrac
with RSC
system is an indication that
at least some of the tires have exceeded their ability to grip the road;
this could reduce the operator’s ability to control the vehicle,
potentially resulting in a loss of vehicle control, vehicle rollover,
personal injury and death. If your AdvanceTrac
with RSC
system
activates, SLOW DOWN.
Driving
279
2010 F-150(f12)
Owners Guide, 1st Printing
USA(fus)

AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION OPERATION
Understanding the gearshift positions of the 4–speed automatic
transmission
Your vehicle has been designed to improve fuel economy by reducing
fuel usage during coasting or deceleration. When you take your foot off
the accelerator pedal and the vehicle begins to slow down the torque
converter clutch locks up and aggressively shuts off fuel flow to the
engine while decelerating. This fuel economy benefit may be perceived
as a light to medium braking sensation when removing your foot from
the accelerator pedal.
Your vehicle’s automatic transmission is equipped with a special shift
strategy that ensures maximum heater performance during cold weather
operation.
When ambient temperature is 23°F (–5°C) or below and the engine
coolant temperature is below 100°F (38°C), light throttle upshifts may be
slightly delayed. Once the engine coolant temperature reaches 160°F
(71°C) 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 authorized dealer as soon as possible.
P (Park)
This position locks the transmission
and prevents the rear wheels from
turning.
To put your vehicle in gear:
•Start the engine
•Press the brake pedal
•Move the gearshift lever into the desired gear
•Release the parking brake.
To put your vehicle in P (Park):
•Come to a complete stop
•Move the gearshift lever and securely latch it in P (Park)
Driving
291
2010 F-150(f12)
Owners Guide, 1st Printing
USA(fus)

•O/D (Overdrive) is automatically returned each time the key is turned
off.
2 (Second)
This position allows for second gear only.
•Provides engine braking.
•Use to start-up on slippery roads.
•To return to D (Overdrive), move the gearshift lever into the D
(Overdrive) position.
•Selecting 2 (Second) at higher speeds will cause the transmission to
downshift to second gear at the appropriate vehicle speed.
1 (First)
•Provides maximum engine braking.
•Allows upshifts by moving gearshift lever.
•Will not downshift into 1 (First) at high speeds; allows for 1 (First)
when vehicle reaches slower speeds.
Forced downshifts
•Allowed in D (Overdrive) or Drive.
•Press the accelerator to the floor.
•Allows transmission to select an appropriate gear.
Driving with a 6–speed automatic transmission
Your vehicle has been designed to improve fuel economy by reducing
fuel usage while coasting or decelerating. When you take your foot off
the accelerator pedal and the vehicle begins to slow down the torque
converter clutch locks up and aggressively shuts off fuel flow to the
engine while decelerating. This fuel economy benefit may be perceived
as a light to medium braking sensation when removing your foot from
the accelerator pedal.
This vehicle is equipped with an Adaptive Transmission Shift Strategy.
The Adaptive Transmission Shift Strategy offers the optimal transmission
operation and shift quality. When the engine is turned off, the shift data
which includes the adaptive information will be stored automatically in
the Powertrain Control Module (PCM) and Transmission Control Module
(TCM). If the battery is disconnected for any reason, the stored
information from the last time the key was turned to off will be read.
This way, no information will be lost with any battery removal or battery
disconnect.
Driving
293
2010 F-150(f12)
Owners Guide, 1st Printing
USA(fus)

•Column-shift transmission
•Floor-shift transmission
The TOW HAUL indicator light will
illuminate in the instrument cluster.
Tow/Haul delays upshifts to reduce frequency of transmission shifting.
Tow/Haul also provides engine braking in all forward gears when the
transmission is in the D (Overdrive) position; this engine braking will
slow the vehicle and assist the driver in controlling the vehicle when
descending a grade. Depending on driving conditions and load
conditions, the transmission may downshift, slow the vehicle and control
the vehicle speed when descending a hill, without the accelerator pedal
being pressed. The amount of downshift braking provided will vary based
upon the amount the brake pedal is depressed.
To deactivate the Tow/Haul feature and return to normal driving mode,
press the button on the end of the gearshift lever. The TOW HAUL light
will no longer be illuminated.
When you shut-off and restart the engine, the transmission will
automatically return to normal D (Overdrive) mode (Tow/Haul OFF).
Driving
295
2010 F-150(f12)
Owners Guide, 1st Printing
USA(fus)