check engine FORD F150 2010 12.G Owners Manual

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
Introduction
11
2010 F-150(f12)
Owners Guide, 1st Printing
USA(fus)

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.
Note:Some warning lights are
reconfigurable telltale (RTT)
indicator lights and will illuminate in
the message center. These lights
function the same as the other
warning lights.
Service engine soon:The service
engine soon indicator 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.
Instrument Cluster
13
2010 F-150(f12)
Owners Guide, 1st Printing
USA(fus)

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.
WARNING: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
(RTT) (if equipped):Displays
when the engine has defaulted to a
“limp-home” operation. Report the
fault to a dealer at the earliest opportunity.
The message center will also display ENGINE FAILSAFE MODE. Refer to
Message centerin this chapter.
Check 4X4 (RTT) (if equipped):
Displays with the message CHECK
4X4 when a four-wheel drive fault is
present.
Refer toMessage centerin this chapter.
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.
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.
P!
BRAKE
Instrument Cluster
14
2010 F-150(f12)
Owners Guide, 1st Printing
USA(fus)

WARNING: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.
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 sound if there is a malfunction in the
indicator light.
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-Minder
chime feature.
Charging system (RTT):
Illuminates when the battery is not
charging properly. If it stays on
while the engine is running, there
may be a malfunction with the charging system. Contact your authorized
dealer as soon as possible. This indicates a problem with the electrical
system or a related component.
Engine oil pressure (RTT):
Displays when the oil pressure falls
below the normal range. Refer to
Engine oilin theMaintenance
and Specificationschapter.
ABS
Instrument Cluster
15
2010 F-150(f12)
Owners Guide, 1st Printing
USA(fus)

Door ajar (RTT):Displays when
the ignition is in the on position and
any door is open.
Engine coolant temperature
(RTT):Illuminates when the engine
coolant temperature is high. Stop
the vehicle as soon as possible, switch off the engine and let cool. Refer
toEngine coolantin theMaintenance and Specificationschapter.
WARNING:Never remove the coolant reservoir cap while the
engine is running or hot.
Low tire pressure warning:
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 three
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 toTire pressure monitoring system (TPMS)in the
Tires, Wheels and Loadingchapter.
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.
Transmission Tow/Haul Feature
(six speed transmission only):
Displays when the Tow/Haul feature
has been activated. Refer to the
Drivingchapter for transmission function and operation. If the light
flashes steadily, have the system serviced immediately, damage to the
transmission could occur.
O/D
OFF
Instrument Cluster
16
2010 F-150(f12)
Owners Guide, 1st Printing
USA(fus)

Tachometer (if equipped):
Indicates the engine speed in
revolutions per minute. Driving with
your tachometer pointer
continuously at the top of the scale
may damage the engine.
Engine oil pressure gauge:
Indicates engine oil pressure. The
needle should stay in the normal
operating range (between “L” and
“H”). If the needle falls below the
normal range, stop the vehicle, turn
off the engine and check the engine
oil level. Add oil if needed. If the oil
level is correct, have your vehicle checked by your authorized dealer.
Fuel gauge:Indicates
approximately how much fuel is left
in the fuel tank (when the ignition
is in the on position). The fuel
gauge may vary slightly when the
vehicle is in motion or on a grade.
The arrow next to the fuel pump
icon indicates which side of the
vehicle the fuel filler inlet is located.
For more information, refer toFilling the tankin theMaintenance and
Specificationschapter.
Transmission fluid temperature gauge:If the gauge is in the:
Normal area(normal) - the
transmission fluid is within the
normal operating temperature
(between “H” and “C”).
Instrument Cluster
21
2010 F-150(f12)
Owners Guide, 1st Printing
USA(fus)

REAR LEFT DOOR AJAR— Displayed when the rear left door is not
completely closed.
REAR RIGHT DOOR AJAR— Displayed when the rear right door is
not completely closed.
XXX MILES TO E FUEL LEVEL LOW— Displayed as an early
reminder of a low fuel condition.
CHECK CHARGING SYSTEM— Displayed when the electrical system
is not maintaining proper voltage. If you are operating electrical
accessories when the engine is idling at a low speed, turn off as many of
the electrical loads as soon as possible. If the warning stays on or comes
on when the engine is operating at normal speeds, contact your
authorized dealer as soon as possible.
TIRE PRESSURE SENSOR FAULT— Displayed when a tire pressure
sensor is malfunctioning, or your spare tire is in use. For more
information on how the system operates under these conditions, refer to
Understanding Your Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)in the
Tires, Wheels and Loadingchapter. If the warning stays on or
continues to come on, contact your authorized dealer as soon as
possible.
LOW TIRE PRESSURE— Displayed when one or more tires on your
vehicle have low tire pressure. Refer toInflating Your Tiresin the
Tires, Wheels and Loadingchapter.
CHECK FUEL FILL INLET— Displayed when the fuel fill inlet may
not be properly closed. Refer toEasy Fuel™ “no cap” fuel systemin
theMaintenance and Specificationschapter.
CHECK 4X4 (if equipped)—Displayed when a 4X4 system fault is
present. For more information, refer toFour-wheel drive (4WD)
operationin theDrivingchapter.
TIRE PRESSURE MONITOR FAULT— Displayed when the Tire
Pressure Monitoring System is malfunctioning. If the warning stays on or
continues to come on, contact your authorized dealer as soon as
possible.
BRAKE FLUID LEVEL LOW— Indicates the brake fluid level is low
and the brake system should be inspected immediately. Refer toBrake
fluidin theMaintenance and Specificationschapter.
TRAILER BRAKE MODULE FAULT (if equipped)— Displayed and
accompanied by a single chime, in response to faults sensed by the TBC.
Refer toTrailer towingin theTires, Wheels and Loadingchapter for
more information.
Instrument Cluster
27
2010 F-150(f12)
Owners Guide, 1st Printing
USA(fus)

OIL CHANGE REQUIRED— Displayed when an oil change is required.
XX%OIL LIFE CHANGE SOON—Displayed when an oil change will
soon be required and shows the percentage of oil life left.
WIRING FAULT ON TRAILER (if equipped)— Displayed if there are
certain faults in the vehicle wiring and trailer wiring/brake system. Refer
toTrailer towingin theTires, Wheels and Loadingchapter for more
information.
CHECK REAR PARK AID (if equipped)— Displayed when the
transmission is in R (Reverse). Refer toReverse sensing systemin the
Drivingchapter.
PARK BRAKE ENGAGED— Displayed when the parking brake is set,
the engine is running and the vehicle is driven more than 3 mph
(5 km/h). If the warning stays on after the parking brake is released,
contact your authorized dealer as soon as possible.
TRAILER DISCONNECTED (if equipped)— Displayed when a trailer
connection becomes disconnected, either intentionally or unintentionally,
and has been sensed during a given ignition cycle. Refer toTrailer
towingin theTires, Wheels and Loadingchapter for more information.
CHECK BRAKE SYSTEM— Displayed when a fault has been detected
by the ABS module.
TRAILER SWAY REDUCE SPEED (if equipped)— Displayed when
the trailer sway control has detected trailer sway. For more information,
refer to theDrivingchapter for more information.
4X4 SHIFT IN PROGRESS— Displayed on 4x4 vehicles only when
4x4 Low, 4x4 High or 4x4 auto is selected. For further information, refer
toFour-wheel drive (4WD) operationin theDrivingchapter.
FOR 4X4 LOW SLOW TO 3 MPH (if equipped)— Displayed when
4X4 LOW is selected while the vehicle is moving. For more information,
refer toFour-wheel drive (4WD) operationin theDrivingchapter.
FOR 4X4 LOW SHIFT TO N (if equipped)— Displayed when 4X4
LOW is selected and the vehicle is stopped. For more information, refer
toFour-wheel drive (4WD) operationin theDrivingchapter.
TO EXIT 4X4 LOW SLOW TO 3 MPH (if equipped)— Displayed
when 2WD is selected while the vehicle is operating in 4X4 LOW. For
more information, refer toFour-wheel drive (4WD) operationin the
Drivingchapter.
TO EXIT 4X4 LOW SHIFT TO N (if equipped)— Displayed when
2WD is selected while the vehicle has been stopped in 4X4 LOW. For
more information, refer toFour-wheel drive (4WD) operationin the
Drivingchapter.
Instrument Cluster
28
2010 F-150(f12)
Owners Guide, 1st Printing
USA(fus)

Waiting four seconds or pressing the RESET button cycles the message
center through each of the language choices.
Press the RESET button to set the language choice.
System warnings
System warnings alert you to possible problems or malfunctions in your
vehicle’s operating systems.
In the event of a multiple warning situation, the message center will
cycle the display to show all warnings by displaying each one for four
seconds.
The message center will display the last selected feature if there are no
more warning messages.
Types of messages and warnings:
•Some messages will appear briefly to inform you of something you
may need to take action on or be informed of.
•Some messages will appear once and then again when the vehicle is
restarted.
•Some messages will reappear after clearing or being reset if a problem
or condition is still present and needs your attention.
•Some messages can be acknowledged and reset by pressing RESET.
This allows you to use the full message center functionality by clearing
the message.
DRIVER DOOR AJAR— Displayed when the driver door is not
completely closed.
PASSENGER DOOR AJAR— Displayed when the passenger door is
not completely closed.
REAR LEFT DOOR AJAR— Displayed when the rear left door is not
completely closed.
REAR RIGHT DOOR AJAR— Displayed when the rear right door is
not completely closed.
XXX MILES TO E FUEL LEVEL LOW— Displayed as an early
reminder of a low fuel condition.
PARK BRAKE ENGAGED— Displayed when the parking brake is set,
the engine is running and the vehicle is driven more than 3 mph
(5 km/h). If the warning stays on after the parking brake is released,
contact your authorized dealer as soon as possible.
CHECK BRAKE SYSTEM— Displayed when a fault has been detected
by the ABS module.
Instrument Cluster
35
2010 F-150(f12)
Owners Guide, 1st Printing
USA(fus)

CHECK CHARGING SYSTEM— Displayed when the electrical system
is not maintaining proper voltage. If you are operating electrical
accessories when the engine is idling at a low speed, turn off as many of
the electrical loads as soon as possible. If the warning stays on or comes
on when the engine is operating at normal speeds, contact your
authorized dealer as soon as possible.
TIRE PRESSURE SENSOR FAULT— Displayed when a tire pressure
sensor is malfunctioning, or your spare tire is in use. For more
information on how the system operates under these conditions, refer to
Understanding Your Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)in the
Tires, Wheels and Loadingchapter. If the warning stays on or
continues to come on, contact your authorized dealer as soon as
possible.
LOW TIRE PRESSURE— Displayed when one or more tires on your
vehicle have low tire pressure. Refer toInflating Your Tiresin the
Tires, Wheels and Loadingchapter.
CHECK FUEL FILL INLET— Displayed when the fuel fill inlet may
not be properly closed. Refer toEasy Fuel™ “no cap” fuel systemin
theMaintenance and Specificationschapter.
SERVICE ADVANCETRAC— Displayed when the AdvanceTrac

system has detected a condition that requires service. Contact your
authorized dealer as soon as possible.
CHECK 4X4 (if equipped)— Displayed when a 4X4 system fault is
present. For more information, refer toFour-wheel drive (4WD)
operationin theDrivingchapter.
TIRE PRESSURE MONITOR FAULT— Displayed when the Tire
Pressure Monitoring System is malfunctioning. If the warning stays on or
continues to come on, contact your authorized dealer as soon as
possible.
BRAKE FLUID LEVEL LOW— Indicates the brake fluid level is low
and the brake system should be inspected immediately. Refer toBrake
fluidin theMaintenance and Specificationschapter.
OIL CHANGE REQUIRED— Displayed when an oil change is required.
XX%OIL LIFE CHANGE SOON—Displayed when an oil change will
soon be required and shows the percentage of oil life left.
TRAILER BRAKE MODULE FAULT (if equipped)— Displayed and
accompanied by a single chime, in response to faults sensed by the TBC.
Refer toTrailer towingin theTires, Wheels and Loadingchapter for
more information.
Instrument Cluster
36
2010 F-150(f12)
Owners Guide, 1st Printing
USA(fus)