light FORD F150 2012 12.G Owners Manual

Note:Failure to use the correct air filter element may result in severe
engine damage. The customer warranty may be void for any damage to
the engine if the correct air filter element is not used.
VEHICLE STORAGE
If you plan on storing your vehicle for an extended period of time
(30 days or more), refer to the following maintenance recommendations
to ensure your vehicle stays in good operating condition.
All motor vehicles and their components were engineered and tested for
reliable, regular driving. Long term storage under various conditions may
lead to component degradation or failure unless specific precautions are
taken to preserve the components.
General
•Store all vehicles in a dry, ventilated place.
•Protect from sunlight, if possible.
•If vehicles are stored outside, they require regular maintenance to
protect against rust and damage.
Body
•Wash vehicle thoroughly to remove dirt, grease, oil, tar or mud from
exterior surfaces, rear-wheel housing and underside of front fenders.
See theCleaningchapter for more information.
•Periodically wash vehicles stored in exposed locations.
•Touch-up raw or primed metal to prevent rust.
•Cover chrome and stainless steel parts with a thick coat of auto wax
to prevent discoloration. Re-wax as necessary when the vehicle is
washed. See theCleaningchapter for more information.
•Lubricate all hood, door and trunk lid hinges, and latches with a light
grade oil. See theCleaningchapter for more information.
•Cover interior trim to prevent fading.
•Keep all rubber parts free from oil and solvents.
Engine
•The engine oil and filter should be changed prior to storage, as used
engine oil contain contaminates that may cause engine damage.
•Start the engine every 15 days. Run at fast idle until it reaches normal
operating temperature.
•With your foot on the brake, shift through all the gears while the
engine is running.
Maintenance and Specifications
412
2012 F-150(f12)
Owners Guide, 1st Printing
USA(fus)

FORD CUSTOM ACCESSORIES FOR YOUR VEHICLE
A wide selection of Ford Custom Accessories are available for your
vehicle through your local Ford or Ford of Canada dealer. These quality
accessories have been specifically engineered to fulfill your automotive
needs; they are custom designed to complement the style and
aerodynamic appearance of your vehicle. In addition, each accessory is
made from high quality materials and meets or exceeds Ford’s rigorous
engineering and safety specifications. Ford Motor Company will repair or
replace any properly dealer-installed Ford Custom Accessories found to
be defective in factory-supplied materials or workmanship during the
warranty period, as well as any component damaged by the defective
accessories. The accessories will be warranted for whichever provides
you the greatest benefit:
•12 months or 12,000 miles (20,000 km) (whichever occurs first), or
•the remainder of your new vehicle limited warranty.
Contact your dealer for details and a copy of the warranty.
The following is a list of several Ford Custom Accessories. Not all
accessories are available for all models. For a complete listing of the
accessories that are available for your vehicle, please contact your dealer
or visit our online store at:www.fordaccessories.com(U.S. only).
Exterior style
•Bug shields•Running boards
•Chrome exhaust tips•Step bars
•Deflectors•SVT head and tail lamps
•Front grilles•Splash guards
•Custom graphics*
Interior style
•Ambient lighting•Power sliding rear window
•Floor mats•Leather-trimmed interior seating*
•Electrochromatic compass/temperature interior mirrors
Accessories
424
2012 F-150(f12)
Owners Guide, 1st Printing
USA(fus)

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.
Value shopping for your vehicle’s maintenance needs
Your dealership recognizes the competitive landscape of maintenance and
light repair automotive services. With factory-trained technicians, and
one-stop service from routine maintenance like oil changes and tire
rotations to repairs like brake service, check out the value your dealers
can offer.
Owner checks and services
Certain basic maintenance checks and inspections should be performed
by the owner or a service technician at the intervals indicated. Service
information and supporting specifications are provided in this owner’s
guide.
Any adverse condition should be brought to the attention of your dealer
or qualified service technician as soon as possible for the proper service
advice. The owner maintenance service checks are generally not covered
by warranties so you may be charged for labor, parts or fluids used.
Scheduled Maintenance
433
2012 F-150(f12)
Owners Guide, 1st Printing
USA(fus)

Engine oil/coolant change intervals – 3.5L, 3.7L and 5.0L engines
Engine oilAs indicated by the message center: do not
exceed one year or 10,000 miles (16,000 km)
Engine coolant,
initial change6 years or 100,000 miles (160,000 km)
(whichever comes first)
Engine coolant, after
initial changeEvery 3 years or 50,000 miles (80,000 km)
Engine oil/coolant change intervals – 6.2L engine
Engine oil6 months or 7,500 miles (12,000 km)
(whichever comes first)
Engine coolant,
initial change6 years or 105,000 miles (168,000 km)
(whichever comes first)
Engine coolant, after
initial changeEvery 3 years or 45,000 miles (72,000 km)
Check every month
Engine oil level
Function of all interior and exterior lights
Tires for wear and proper pressure, including spare
Windshield washer fluid level
Check every six months
Battery connections; clean if necessary
Body and door drain holes for obstructions; clean if necessary
Cooling system fluid level and coolant strength
Door weatherstrips for wear; lubricate if necessary
Hinges/latches/outside locks for proper operation; lubricate if necessary
Parking brake for proper operation
Safety belts and seat latches for wear and function
Safety warning lamps (brake, ABS, airbag, safety belt) for operation
Washer spray/wiper operation; clean or replace blades as necessary
Scheduled Maintenance
434
2012 F-150(f12)
Owners Guide, 1st Printing
USA(fus)

EXCEPTIONS
There are several exceptions to the Normal Schedule. They are listed
below:
Normal vehicle axle maintenance:Rear axles and power take-off
(PTO) units with synthetic fluid and light-duty trucks equipped with
Ford-design axles are lubricated for life; do not check or change fluid
unless a leak is suspected, service is required or the assembly has been
submerged in water. During long periods of trailer towing with outside
temperatures above 70°F (21°C) and at wide-open throttle for long
periods above 45 mph (72 km/h), non-synthetic rear axle fluids should
be changed every 3,000 miles (4,800 km) or three months, whichever
comes first. This interval can be waived if the axle is filled with 75W140
synthetic gear fluid meeting Ford specification WSL-M2C192-A, part
number F1TZ-19580-B or equivalent. Add friction modifier XL-3
(EST-M2C118-A) or equivalent for complete refill of Traction-Lok rear
axles (refer toMaintenance product specifications and capacitiesin
theMaintenance and Specificationschapter for details).
Police/Taxi/Livery vehicle axle maintenance:Change rear axle fluid
every 100,000 miles (160,000 km). Rear axle fluid change may be waived
if the axle was filled with 75W140 synthetic gear fluid meeting Ford
specification WSL-M2C192-A, part number FITZ-19580-B or equivalent.
Add four ounces (118 mL) of additive friction modifier XL-3
(EST-M2C118-A) or equivalent for complete refill of Traction-Lok rear
axles. The axle fluid should be changed anytime the axle has been
submerged in water
California fuel filter replacement:If the vehicle is registered in
California, the California Air Resources Board has determined that the
failure to perform this maintenance item will not nullify the emission
warranty or limit recall liability prior to the completion of the vehicle’s
useful life. Ford Motor Company, however, urges you to have all
recommended maintenance services performed at the specified intervals
and to record all vehicle service.
Class A Motorhome:Change brake fluid every two years.
Scheduled Maintenance
453
2012 F-150(f12)
Owners Guide, 1st Printing
USA(fus)

A
Accessory delay ........................105
AdvanceTrac ..............................286
Airbag supplemental restraint
system ................193–194, 202, 205
and child safety seats ............196
description ..............194, 202, 205
disposal ....................................208
driver airbag ....194, 197, 203, 206
indicator light .........202, 204, 208
operation .........194, 197, 203, 206
passenger airbag ............194, 197,
203, 206
side airbag ...............................202
Air cleaner filter .......408, 411, 414
Air conditioning ........68, 71, 73, 76
manual heating and air
conditioning system .................68
Ambient mood/lighting ...............87
Ambulance packages ....................6
AM/FM .........................................49
Antifreeze
(see Engine coolant) ................385
Anti-lock brake system
(see Brakes) ..............................284
Anti-theft system ..............156, 158
arming the system ..........156, 158
disarming a triggered
system .....................................159
triggering .................................159
Armrests ....................................165
Audio system
(see Radio) ............................47, 49
Automatic transmission
driving an automatic
overdrive .................................299
fluid, adding ............................407fluid, checking ........................407
fluid, refill capacities ..............415
fluid, specification ..................415
Selectshift (SST) ....................301
Auxiliary input jack
(Line in) ......................................58
Axle
lubricant specifications ..........415
refill capacities ........................415
B
Battery .......................................382
acid, treating emergencies .....382
jumping a disabled battery ....347
maintenance-free ....................382
replacement, specifications
...414
servicing
..................................382
Bed extender
............................127
Belt-Minder
.............................189
deactivating/activating the
Belt-Minder
...........................191
Blind spot mirror
......................311
Booster seats
.............................227
Brakes
........................................284
anti-lock
...................................284
anti-lock brake system (ABS)
warning light
...........................285
fluid, checking and adding
....406
fluid, refill capacities
..............415
fluid, specifications
.................415
lubricant specifications
..........415
parking
....................................285
shift interlock
..................295, 297
trailer
.......................................270
Bulbs
............................................88
Index
456
2012 F-150(f12)
Owners Guide, 1st Printing
USA(fus)

E
Electronic message center ...20, 31
Emergencies, roadside
jump-starting ..........................347
running out of fuel .........347, 398
Emission control system ..........403
Engine ................................419–420
cleaning ...................................362
coolant .....................................385
fail-safe cooling .......................389
idle speed control ...................382
lubrication specifications .......415
refill capacities ........................415
service points ..................373–376
Engine block heater .................282
Engine oil ..................................378
checking and adding ..............378
dipstick ....................................378
filter, specifications ................414
refill capacities ........................415
specifications ..........................415
Event data recording ....................7
Exhaust fumes ..........................282
F
Fail safe cooling ........................389
Fleet MyKey programming ......136
Flexible Fuel Vehicle (FFV) ....392
Floor mats .........................122–123
Fluid capacities .........................415
Fog lamps ....................................82
Four-Wheel Drive vehicles .......312
description ..............................314
driving off road .......................319
electronic shift ........................313
indicator light .........................312preparing to drive your
vehicle .....................................294
Fuel ............................................392
calculating fuel
economy ............................22, 400
cap ...........................................395
capacity ...................................415
choosing the right fuel ...........396
detergent in fuel .....................398
filler funnel .............................398
filling your vehicle
with fuel ..................392, 395, 400
filter, specifications ........392, 414
fuel pump shut-off ..................328
improving fuel economy ........400
octane rating ...........397, 419–420
quality ......................................398
running out of fuel .........347, 398
safety information relating
to automotive fuels ................392
Fuel - flex fuel vehicle
(FFV) .........................392, 396–397
Fuses ..................................328–329
G
Garage door opener ..................116
Gas cap (see Fuel cap) ............395
Gas mileage (see Fuel
economy) ...................................400
Gauges .........................................18
H
Hazard flashers .........................327
Headlamps ...................................82
aiming ........................................84
autolamp system .......................82
bulb specifications ....................88
daytime running lights .............83
Index
458
2012 F-150(f12)
Owners Guide, 1st Printing
USA(fus)

flash to pass ..............................83
high beam .................................83
replacing bulbs .........................89
turning on and off ....................82
Heating
heating and air conditioning
system .....................68, 71, 73, 76
Hood ..........................................372
I
Ignition .......................278, 419–420
Illuminated visor mirror .............97
Infant seats
(see Safety seats) .....................213
Inspection/maintenance (I/M)
testing ........................................405
Instrument panel
cleaning ...........................365–366
cluster ........................................12
J
Jack ............................................338
positioning ...............................338
storage .....................................338
Jump-starting your vehicle ......347
K
Keyless entry system
autolock ...................................144
keypad .....................................154
locking and unlocking doors ..156
programming entry code .......154
Keys ...................................136, 157
positions of the ignition .........278L
Lamps
autolamp system .......................82
bulb replacement
specifications chart ..................88
daytime running light ...............83
fog lamps ...................................82
headlamps .................................82
headlamps, flash to pass ..........83
interior lamps ...........................86
replacing bulbs ...................89, 93
LATCH anchors .........................220
Lights, warning and indicator ....12
anti-lock brakes (ABS) ..........285
Limited-slip axle .......................294
Loading instructions .................262
Load limits .................................255
Locks
autolock ...................................144
childproof ................................148
doors ........................................144
Lubricant specifications ...........415
Lug nuts ....................................346
Lumbar support, seats .....166–167
M
Message center .....................20, 31
english/metric button ...............24
system check button ................24
warning messages ...............24, 39
Mirrors ...............................105–106
automatic dimming rearview
mirror ......................................105
fold away .................................107
heated ....................71, 73, 76, 107
programmable memory ..........150
side view mirrors (power) .....106
Index
459
2012 F-150(f12)
Owners Guide, 1st Printing
USA(fus)

Belt-Minder,
deactivating/activating ...........191
extension assembly ................193
for adults .................182, 184–185
for children .............................209
Occupant Classification
Sensor ......................................178
warning light and chime ........188
Safety restraints -
LATCH anchors .........................220
Safety seats for children ..........213
Safety Compliance
Certification Label ....................421
Satellite Radio .............................49
Satellite Radio Information ........63
Scheduled Maintenance Guide
Normal Scheduled
Maintenance and Log .............437
Seats ..........................................160
child safety seats ....................213
cleaning ...................................368
climate control ............73, 76, 172
easy access/easyout feature ..169
heated ........................71, 170, 176
memory seat ...................150, 168
SecuriCode keyless entry
system ........................................154
SecuriLock passive
anti-theft system ...............156–157
Servicing your vehicle ..............371
Setting the clock ...................49–50
AM/FM stereo ...........................49
Snowplowing .................................6
SOS Post Crash Alert ...............208
Spark plugs,
specifications .............414, 419–420Special notice
ambulance conversions ..............6
utility-type vehicles ....................6
Specification chart,
lubricants ...................................415
Speed control ............................111
Starting a flex fuel vehicle .......281
Starting your
vehicle ........................278–279, 281
jump starting ..........................347
Steering wheel
controls ....................................113
tilting ...................................95–96
Stereo
6-CD in dash .............................49
CD-MP3 .....................................49
SYNC..........................................67
T
Tailgate ......................................123
Tilt steering wheel ................95–96
Tire Pressure Monitoring
System (TPMS)
Tires, Wheels and Loading ....248
Tires ...........................233–234, 338
alignment ................................241
care ..........................................237
changing ..........................338, 342
checking the pressure ............237
inflating ...................................235
label .........................................247
replacing ..................................239
rotating ....................................242
safety practices .......................241
sidewall information ...............243
snow tires and chains ............254
spare tire .................................339
terminology .............................234
Index
461
2012 F-150(f12)
Owners Guide, 1st Printing
USA(fus)

tire grades ...............................234
treadwear ........................233, 238
Towing .......................................263
recreational towing .................276
Trailer Brake
Controller-Integrated ..............270
trailer towing ..........................263
Trailer Brake
Controller-Integrated ................270
Transfer case
fluid checking .........................407
Transmission .............................299
brake-shift interlock
(BSI) ................................295, 297
fluid, checking and adding
(automatic) .............................407
fluid, refill capacities ..............415
lubricant specifications ..........415
Turn signal ..................................85
U
Universal garage door opener ..116USB port ......................................60
V
Vehicle Identification Number
(VIN) ..........................................422
Vehicle loading ..........................255
Ventilating your vehicle ...........282
W
Warning lights (see Lights) .......12
Washer fluid ..............................377
Water, Driving through .............325
Windows
power .......................................103
Windshield washer fluid and
wipers ..........................................94
checking and adding fluid .....377
replacing wiper blades ...........377
Index
462
2012 F-150(f12)
Owners Guide, 1st Printing
USA(fus)