heating FORD F150 2012 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
WARNING:If you smell exhaust fumes inside your vehicle, have
your dealer inspect your vehicle immediately. Do not drive if you
smell exhaust fumes.
Carbon monoxide is present in exhaust fumes. Take precautions to avoid
its dangerous effects.
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 E85 ethanol, 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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During trailer sway control events, the stability control light in the
instrument cluster will flash momentarily. The message center will also
displayTRAILER SWAY REDUCE SPEED.In some cases when trailer
sway is detected, the vehicle speed is too high and may be above a 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.
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).
WARNING:If you are driving in slippery conditions that require
tire chains or cables, then it is critical that you drive cautiously.
Keep speeds down, allow for longer stopping distances and avoid
aggressive steering to reduce the chances of a loss of vehicle control
which can lead to serious injury or death. If the rear end of the vehicle
slides while cornering, steer in the direction of the slide until you
regain control of the vehicle.
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•Refer toscheduled maintenance informationfor service interval
schedules.
If the engine coolant has not been checked at the recommended interval,
the engine coolant reservoir may become low or empty. If the reservoir is
low or empty, add engine coolant to the reservoir. Refer toAdding
engine coolantin this chapter.
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. 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.
Note:Do not use stop leak pellets or cooling system sealants/additives
as they can cause damage to the engine cooling and/or heating systems.
This damage would not be covered under your vehicle’s warranty.
•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, chemically cleaned with Motorcraft
Premium Cooling System Flush, 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.
Maintenance and Specifications
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•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.
For vehicles with overflow coolant systems with a non-pressurized cap
on the coolant recovery system, add coolant to the coolant recovery
reservoir when the engine is cool. Add the proper mixture of coolant and
distilled water to the FULL COLD level. For all other vehicles which have
a coolant degas system with a pressurized cap, or if it is necessary to
remove the coolant pressure relief cap on the radiator of a vehicle with
an overflow system, follow these steps to add engine coolant.
WARNING:To reduce the risk of personal injury, make sure the
engine is cool before unscrewing the coolant pressure relief cap.
The cooling system is under pressure; steam and hot liquid can come
out forcefully when the cap is loosened slightly.
Add the proper mixture of coolant and water to the cooling system by
following these steps:
1. Before you begin, turn the engine off and let it cool.
2. When the engine is cool, wrap a thick cloth around the coolant
pressure relief cap on the coolant reservoir (a translucent plastic bottle).
Slowly turn cap counterclockwise (left) until pressure begins to release.
3. Step back while the pressure releases.
4. When you are sure that all the pressure has been released, use the
cloth to turn it counterclockwise and remove the cap.
5. Fill the coolant reservoir slowly with the proper coolant mixture, to
within the COLD FILL RANGE or the FULL COLD level on the reservoir.
If you removed the radiator cap in an overflow system, fill the radiator
until the coolant is visible and radiator is almost full.
6. Replace the cap. Turn until tightly installed. Cap must be tightly
installed to prevent coolant loss.
After any coolant has been added, check the coolant concentration (refer
toChecking engine coolant). If the concentration is not 50/50, drain
some coolant and adjust the concentration. It may take several drains
and additions to obtain a 50/50 coolant concentration.
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Whenever coolant has been added, the coolant level in the coolant
reservoir should be checked the next few times you drive the vehicle. If
necessary, add enough 50/50 concentration of engine coolant and
distilled water to bring the liquid level to the proper level.
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 previously in theAdding
engine coolantsection.
Severe climates
If you drive in extremely cold climates:
•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 improved freeze
point protection. 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.
Maintenance and Specifications
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Engine fluid temperature management (if equipped)
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.
Your vehicle has been designed to pull a trailer, but because of the added
load, the vehicle’s engine may temporarily reach higher temperatures
during severe operating conditions such as ascending a long or steep
grade while pulling a trailer in hot ambient temperatures.
At this time, you may notice your engine coolant temperature gauge
needle move toward the H and the POWER REDUCED TO LOWER
TEMP message may appear on the message center.
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.
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.
Maintenance and Specifications
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Your vehicle is very sophisticated and built with multiple complex
performance systems. Every manufacturer develops these systems using
different specifications and performance features. That’s why it’s
important to rely upon your dealership to properly diagnose and repair
your vehicle.
Ford Motor Company has recommended maintenance intervals for
various parts and component systems based upon engineering testing.
Ford Motor Company relies upon this testing to determine the most
appropriate mileage for replacement of oils and fluids to protect your
vehicle at the lowest overall cost to you and recommends against
maintenance schedules that deviate from the scheduled maintenance
information.
Ford strongly recommends the use of genuine Ford replacement parts.
Parts other than Ford, Motorcraftor Ford-authorized remanufactured
parts that are used for maintenance replacement or for the service of
components affecting emission control must be equivalent to genuine
Ford Motor Company parts in performance and durability. It is the
owner’s responsibility to determine the equivalency of such parts. Please
consult yourWarranty Guidefor complete warranty information.
Chemicals or additives not approved by Ford are not required for factory
recommended maintenance. In fact, Ford Motor Company recommends
against the use of such additive products unless specifically
recommended by Ford for a particular application.
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.
Scheduled Maintenance
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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
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C
Capacities for refilling fluids ....415
Car2UHome Automation
System .......................................116
Cargo management system ......129
CD ................................................49
Cell phone use ..............................9
Changing a tire .........................338
Child safety seats ......................213
attaching with tether straps ..222
in front seat ....................214, 220
in rear seat ......................214, 220
LATCH .....................................220
recommendations ...................211
Child safety seats -
booster seats .............................227
Cleaning your vehicle
engine compartment ..............362
instrument panel ............365–366
interior .....................................367
plastic parts ............................364
safety belts ..............................367
washing ....................................360
waxing .....................................361
wheels ......................................361
wiper blades ............................364
Climate control
(see Air conditioning
or Heating) ................68, 71, 73, 76
Clock ......................................49–50
Clock adjust
AM/FM Stereo ...........................49
Compass, electronic ....................98
calibration ...............................100
set zone adjustment .................99
Console ........................................98Controls
power seat ...............................167
steering column ......................113
Coolant
checking and adding ..............385
refill capacities ................388, 415
specifications ..........................415
Cruise control
(see Speed control) ..................111
Customer Assistance ................326
Ford Extended Service
Plan ..................................427, 430
Getting assistance outside
the U.S. and Canada ..............356
Getting roadside assistance ...326
Getting the service you
need .........................................352
Ordering additional owner’s
literature .................................358
Utilizing the
Mediation/Arbitration
Program ...................................356
D
Daytime running lamps
(see Lamps) ................................83
Defrost
rear window and
rearview mirrors ...........71, 73, 76
windshield .....................71, 73, 76
Dipstick
automatic transmission
fluid ..........................................407
engine oil .................................378
Driving under special
conditions ..................303, 320, 323
sand .........................................322
snow and ice ...........................324
through water .................322, 325
Index
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