heating FORD F150 2011 12.G User Guide

If you should experience cold weather starting problems on E85ethanol,
and neither an alternative brand of E
85ethanol nor an engine block
heater is available, the addition of unleaded gasoline to your tank will
improve cold starting performance. Your vehicle is designed to operate
on E
85ethanol alone, unleaded gasoline alone, or any mixture of the two.
SeeChoosing the right fuelin theMaintenance and Specifications
chapter for more information on ethanol.
If the engine fails to start using the preceding instructions
(flexible fuel vehicles only)
1. Press and hold down the accelerator 1/3 to 1/2 way to floor, then
crank the engine.
2. When the engine starts, release the key, then gradually release the
accelerator pedal as the engine speeds up. If the engine still fails to start,
repeat Step 1.
Guarding against exhaust fumes
Carbon monoxide is present in exhaust fumes. Take precautions to avoid
its dangerous effects.
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 ventilating information
If the engine is idling while the vehicle is stopped for a long period of
time, open the windows at least 1 inch (2.5 cm) or adjust the heating or
air conditioning to bring in fresh air.
ENGINE BLOCK HEATER (IF EQUIPPED)
An engine block heater warms the engine coolant which aids in starting
and allows the heater/defroster system to respond quickly. If your vehicle
is equipped with this system, your equipment includes a heater element
which is installed in your engine block and a wire harness which allows
the user to connect the system to a grounded 120 volt A/C electrical
source. The block heater system is most effective when outdoor
temperatures reach below 0°F (-18°C).
For flexible fuel vehicles, if operating with E
85ethanol, an engine block
heater must be used if ambient temperature is below 0°F (-18°C).
SeeCold weather startingearlier in this chapter for more information
on starting with ethanol.
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speed at which trailer sway will not grow continuously. This may cause
the system to activate multiple times, causing a gradual reduction in
speed.
Note:The trailer sway control will only activate at speeds greater than
31 mph (50 km/h).
Disabling trailer sway control
Trailer sway control can be disabled during any key cycle. See trailer
sway control under theMessage centerin theInstrument Cluster
chapter. Note that regardless of chosen enable state, trailer sway control
will be re-enabled at each new key cycle.
WARNING:Turning off trailer sway control increases the risk of
loss of vehicle control, serious injury, or death. Ford does not
recommend disabling this feature except in situations where speed
reduction may be detrimental (e.g., hill climbing), the driver has
significant trailer towing experience, and can control trailer sway and
maintain safe operation.
STEERING
3.7L, 5.0L and 3.5L EcoBoost™ engines:
Your vehicle is equipped with an electric power steering (EPS) system.
There is no fluid reservoir to check or fill.
If your vehicle loses electrical power while you are driving (or if the
ignition is turned off), you can steer the vehicle manually, but it takes
more effort. Under extreme usage conditions, the steering effort may
increase. This occurs to prevent overheating and permanent damage to
your steering system. If this should occur, you will neither lose the ability
to steer the vehicle manually nor will it cause permanent damage.
Typical steering and driving maneuvers will allow the system to cool and
steering assist will return to normal.
The EPS system has diagnostic checks that continuously monitor the
EPS system to ensure proper operation. When a system error is
detected, the following message SERVICE POWER STEERING, SERVICE
POWER STEERING NOW or POWER STEERING ASSIST FAULT may
display in the message center, refer to theMessage centerin theDriver
Controlschapter for more information.
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Descend a hill in the same gear you
would use to climb up the hill to
avoid excessive brake application
and brake overheating. Do not
descend in neutral; instead,
disengage overdrive or manually
shift to a lower gear. When
descending a steep hill, avoid
sudden hard braking as you could
lose control. When you brake hard,
the front wheels can’t turn and if
they aren’t turning, you won’t be
able to steer. The front wheels have to be turning in order to steer the
vehicle. Rapid pumping of the brake pedal will help you slow the vehicle
and still maintain steering control.
If your vehicle has anti-lock brakes, apply the brakes steadily. Do not
“pump” the brakes.
Driving on snow and ice
4WD vehicles have advantages over 2WD vehicles in snow and ice but
can skid like any other vehicle.
Should you start to slide while driving on snowy or icy roads, turn the
steering wheel in the direction of the slide until you regain control.
Avoid sudden applications of power and quick changes of direction on
snow and ice. Apply the accelerator slowly and steadily when starting
from a full stop.
Avoid sudden braking as well. Although a 4WD vehicle may accelerate
better than a two-wheel drive vehicle in snow and ice, it won’t stop any
faster, because as in other vehicles, braking occurs at all four wheels. Do
not become overconfident as to road conditions.
Make sure you allow sufficient distance between you and other vehicles
for stopping. Drive slower than usual and consider using one of the lower
gears. In emergency stopping situations, apply the brake steadily. Do not
“pump” the brakes. Refer to theBrakessection of this chapter for
additional information on the operation of the Anti-lock Brake System
(ABS).
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Note:Automotive fluids are not interchangeable; do not use engine
coolant/antifreeze or windshield washer fluid outside of its specified
function and vehicle location.
Adding engine coolant
When adding coolant, make sure it is a 50/50 mixture of engine coolant
and distilled water. Add the mixture to the coolant reservoir,when the
engine is cool,until the appropriate fill level is obtained. If coolant is
filled to the COLD FILL RANGE or FULL COLD level when the engine is
not cool, the system will remain underfilled.
WARNING:Do not add engine coolant when the engine is hot.
Steam and scalding liquids released from a hot cooling system
can burn you badly. Also, you can be burned if you spill coolant on hot
engine parts.
WARNING:Do not put engine coolant in the windshield washer
fluid container. If sprayed on the windshield, engine coolant
could make it difficult to see through the windshield.
•DO NOT MIXdifferent colors or types of coolant in your vehicle.
Make sure the correct coolant is used.DO NOT MIXrecycled coolant
and new (unused) coolant together in the vehicle. Mixing of engine
coolants may harm your engine’s cooling system. The use of an
improper coolant may harm engine and cooling system components
and may void the warranty. Refer toMaintenance product
specifications and capacitiesin this chapter.
•A large amount of water without engine coolant may be added, in case
of emergency, to reach a vehicle service location. In this instance, the
cooling system must be drained and refilled with a 50/50 mixture of
engine coolant and distilled water as soon as possible. Water alone
(without engine coolant) can cause engine damage from corrosion,
overheating or freezing.
•Do not use alcohol, methanol, brine or any engine coolants
mixed with alcohol or methanol antifreeze (coolant).Alcohol
and other liquids can cause engine damage from overheating or
freezing.
•Do not add extra inhibitors or additives to the coolant.These
can be harmful and compromise the corrosion protection of the engine
coolant.
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If you have to add more than 1.0 quart (1.0 liter) of engine coolant per
month, have your authorized dealer check the engine cooling system.
Your cooling system may have a leak. Operating an engine with a low
level of coolant can result in engine overheating and possible engine
damage.
Recycled engine coolant
Ford Motor Company does NOT recommend the use of recycled engine
coolant since a Ford-approved recycling process is not yet available.
Used engine coolant should be disposed of in an appropriate
manner. Follow your community’s regulations and standards for recycling
and disposing of automotive fluids.
Coolant refill capacity
To find out how much fluid your vehicle’s cooling system can hold, refer
toMaintenance product specifications and capacitiesin this chapter.
Fill your engine coolant reservoir as outlined inAdding engine coolant
in this section.
Severe climates
If you drive in extremely cold climates (less than –34°F [–37°C]):
•It may be necessary to increase the coolant concentration
above 50%.
•NEVER increase the coolant concentration above 60%.
•A coolant concentration of 60% will provide freeze point
protection down to -62°F [-52°C]. Increased engine coolant
concentrations above 60% will decrease the overheat
protection characteristics of the engine coolant and may cause
engine damage.
•If available, refer to the chart on the coolant container to
ensure the coolant concentration in your vehicle will provide
adequate freeze protection at the temperatures in which you
drive in the winter months.
If you drive in extremely hot climates:
•It is still necessary to maintain the coolant concentration
above 40%.
•NEVER decrease the coolant concentration below 40%.
•A coolant concentration of 40% will provide freeze point
protection down to -12°F [-24°C]. Decreased engine coolant
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You may notice a reduction in the vehicle’s speed caused by reduced
engine power. Your vehicle has been designed to enter this mode if
certain high temperature/high load conditions take place in order to
manage the engine’s fluid temperatures. The amount of speed reduction
will depend on the vehicle loading, towing, grade, ambient temperature,
and other factors. If this occurs, there is no need to pull off the road.
The vehicle can continue to be driven while this message is active.
WARNING:To reduce the risk of collision and injury, be
prepared that the vehicle speed may reduce and the vehicle may
not be able to accelerate with full power until the fluid temperatures
reduce.
The air conditioning may also cycle on and off during severe operating
conditions to protect overheating of the engine. When the engine coolant
temperature decreases to a more normal operating temperature, the air
conditioning will turn on once again.
If you notice any of the following:
•the engine coolant temperature gauge moves fully into the red (hot)
area
•the coolant temperature warning light illuminates
•the service engine soon indicator illuminates
1. Pull off the road as soon as safely possible and place the vehicle in P
(Park).
2. Leave the engine running until the coolant temperature gauge needle
moves away from the H range. After several minutes, if this does not
happen, follow the remaining steps.
3. Turn the engine off and wait for it to cool before checking the coolant
level.
WARNING:Never remove the coolant reservoir cap while the
engine is running or hot.
4. If the coolant level is normal, you may restart your engine and
continue on.
5. If the coolant is low, add coolant, restart the engine and take your
vehicle to an authorized dealer. SeeAdding engine coolantin this
chapter for more information.
Refer to fail-safe cooling for additional information.
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Oils, fluids and flushing
In many cases, fluid discoloration is a normal operating characteristic
and, by itself, does not necessarily indicate a concern or that the fluid
needs to be changed. However, discolored fluids that also show signs of
overheating and/or foreign material contamination should be inspected
immediately by a qualified expert such as the factory-trained technicians
at your dealership. Your vehicle’s oils and fluids should be changed at the
specified intervals or in conjunction with a repair. Flushing is a viable
way to change fluid for many vehicle sub-systems during scheduled
maintenance. It is critical that systems are flushed only with new fluid
that is the same as that required to fill and operate the system, or using
a Ford-approved flushing chemical.
Genuine Ford parts and service
When planning your maintenance services, consider your dealership for
all your vehicle’s needs.
There are a lot of reasons why visiting your dealership for all your
service needs is a great way to help keep your vehicle running great.
Convenience
Many dealerships have extended evening and Saturday hours to make
your service visit more convenient. How’s that for quality service?
Factory-trained technicians
Service technicians participate in extensive factory-sponsored
certification training to help them become experts on the operation of
your vehicle. Ask your dealership about the training and certification
their technicians have received.
Genuine Ford and Motorcraftreplacement parts
Dealerships stock Ford and Motorcraftbranded replacement parts.
These parts meet or exceed Ford Motor Company’s specifications, and
we stand behind them. Parts installed at your dealership carry a
nationwide, 12 month/12,000 mile (20,000 km) parts and labor limited
warranty. Your dealer can give you details.
Scheduled Maintenance Guide
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A
Accessory delay ........................103
AdvanceTrac ..............................280
Airbag supplemental restraint
system ................189–190, 197, 200
and child safety seats ............191
description ..............190, 197, 200
disposal ....................................203
driver airbag ....190, 192, 198, 201
indicator light .........196, 199, 202
operation .........190, 192, 198, 201
passenger airbag ............190, 192,
198, 201
side airbag ...............................197
Air cleaner filter ...............404, 409
Air conditioning ........66, 69, 71, 74
manual heating and air
conditioning system .................66
Ambient mood/lighting ...............85
Ambulance packages ....................6
AM/FM .........................................49
Antifreeze
(see Engine coolant) ................381
Anti-lock brake system
(see Brakes) ......................278–279
Anti-theft system ..............153, 155
arming the system ..........153, 155
disarming a triggered
system .....................................156
triggering .................................156
Armrests ....................................160
Audio system (see Radio) ...47, 49Automatic transmission
driving an automatic
overdrive .................................293
fluid, adding ............................403
fluid, checking ........................403
fluid, refill capacities ..............410
fluid, specification ..................410
Selectshift (SST) ....................295
Auxiliary input jack (Line in) ....57
Axle
lubricant specifications ..........410
refill capacities ........................410
B
Battery .......................................378
acid, treating emergencies .....378
jumping a disabled battery ....341
maintenance-free ....................378
replacement, specifications ...409
servicing ..................................378
Bed extender ............................124
Belt-Minder.............................184
deactivating/activating the
Belt-Minder...........................187
Blind spot mirror ......................305
Booster seats .............................222
Brakes ........................................278
anti-lock ...........................278–279
anti-lock brake system (ABS)
warning light ...........................279
fluid, checking and adding ....402
fluid, refill capacities ..............410
fluid, specifications .................410
lubricant specifications ..........410
parking ....................................279
shift interlock ..................289, 291
trailer .......................................265
Bulbs ............................................86
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C
Capacities for refilling fluids ....410
Car2UHome Automation
System .......................................114
Cargo management system ......127
CD ................................................49
Cell phone use ..............................9
Changing a tire .........................332
Child safety seats ......................208
attaching with tether
straps .......................................217
in front seat ....................209, 215
in rear seat ......................209, 215
LATCH .....................................215
recommendations ...................206
Child safety
seats - booster seats .................222
Cleaning your vehicle
engine compartment ..............357
instrument panel ............362–363
interior .....................................364
plastic parts ............................361
safety belts ..............................364
washing ....................................355
waxing .....................................356
wheels ......................................356
wiper blades ............................361
Climate control (see Air
conditioning or Heating) ...........66,
69, 71, 74
Clock adjust
AM/FM .......................................50
AM/FM Stereo ...........................49
Compass, electronic ....................96
calibration .................................97
set zone adjustment .................97
Console ........................................96Controls
power seat ...............................162
steering column ......................111
Coolant
checking and adding ..............381
refill capacities ................384, 410
specifications ..........................410
Cruise control
(see Speed control) ..................108
Customer Assistance ................321
Ford Extended Service
Plan ..................................422, 425
Getting assistance outside the
U.S. and Canada .....................352
Getting roadside assistance ...321
Getting the service
you need .................................347
Ordering additional owner’s
literature .................................353
Utilizing the
Mediation/Arbitration
Program ...................................351
D
Daytime running lamps
(see Lamps) ................................81
Defrost
rear window and rearview
mirrors ...........................69, 71, 74
windshield .....................69, 71, 74
Dipstick
automatic transmission
fluid ..........................................403
engine oil .................................375
Driving under special
conditions ..................297, 314, 317
sand .........................................316
snow and ice ...........................318
through water .................316, 320
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flash to pass ..............................81
high beam .................................81
replacing bulbs .........................87
turning on and off ....................80
Heating
heating and air conditioning
system .....................66, 69, 71, 74
Hood ..........................................369
I
Ignition ...............................272, 415
Illuminated visor mirror .............95
Infant seats
(see Safety seats) .....................208
Inspection/maintenance (I/M)
testing ........................................401
Instrument panel
cleaning ...........................362–363
cluster ........................................12
J
Jack ............................................332
positioning ...............................332
storage .....................................332
Jump-starting your vehicle ......341
K
Keyless entry system
autolock ...................................141
keypad .....................................151
locking and unlocking
doors ........................................152
programming entry code .......151
Keys ...........................133, 153–154
positions of the ignition .........272L
Lamps
autolamp system .......................80
bulb replacement
specifications chart ..................86
daytime running light ...............81
fog lamps ...................................80
headlamps .................................80
headlamps, flash to pass ..........81
interior lamps ...........................84
replacing bulbs ...................87, 91
LATCH anchors .........................215
Lights, warning and indicator ....12
anti-lock brakes (ABS) ..........279
Limited-slip axle .......................288
Loading instructions .................258
Load limits .................................251
Locks
autolock ...................................141
childproof ................................144
doors ........................................140
Lubricant specifications ...........410
Lug nuts ....................................340
Lumbar support, seats .....161–162
M
Message center ...............19–20, 30
english/metric button ...............24
system check button ................24
warning messages ...............24, 39
Mirrors ...............................103–104
automatic dimming rearview
mirror ......................................103
fold away .................................105
heated ....................69, 71, 74, 105
programmable memory ..........147
side view mirrors (power) .....104
Index
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