FORD F150 2012 12.G Owners Manual

AdvanceTracwith RSCFeatures
Button
functionsStability
control OFF
lightRSCESC TCS
Button pressed
again after
deactivationNot
illuminatedEnabled Enabled Enabled
Transfer case
switched to
4WD Low
Locked
3
Illuminated Disabled Disabled Disabled4
1
TCS could be enabled but with higher entry thresholds compared to full
system. ESC entry thresholds are higher compared to full system.
2Lamp light starts blinking for three seconds after entering press and
hold state.
3Control switch is not pressed. Stability control light turned on when
4WD low locked transfer case mode selected.
4Engine traction control and two-wheel spin brake traction control
functions are disabled. Single wheel spin traction control is always
enabled.
Trailer sway control
Your vehicle is equipped with trailer sway control. When properly
equipped, trailer sway control will use the vehicle’s AdvanceTracwith
RSCsystem to detect and help reduce trailer sway by applying brake
force at individual wheels and, if necessary, by reducing engine power.
WARNING:Trailer sway control does not prevent a trailer from
swaying, it mitigates the sway from increasing once it has
occurred. If you are experiencing trailer sway it is likely that the trailer
is improperly loaded for the correct tongue weight or the speed of the
vehicle and trailer is too high. Pull the vehicle-trailer over to a safe
location to check the trailer weight distribution and tongue load and
reduce speed to a safe level while towing. If trailer sway is
experienced, SLOW DOWN.Note:When trailer sway control is
activated, cruise control is disabled.
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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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WARNING:The EPS system has diagnostics checks that
continuously monitor the EPS system to ensure proper operation
of the electronic system. When an electronic error is detected, the
message POWER STEERING ASSIST FAULT will be displayed in the
message center. If this happens, stop the vehicle in a safe place, and
turn off the engine. After at least 10 seconds, reset the system by
restarting the engine, and watch the message center for POWER
STEERING ASSIST FAULT. If the message returns, or returns while
driving, take the vehicle to your dealer to have it checked. With the
message displayed, the steering assist is turned off, making the vehicle
harder to steer.
WARNING:If the message SERVICE POWER STEERING is
displayed in the message center, the EPS system has detected a
problem with the system function. On the next key cycle the message
SERVICE POWER STEERING NOW will be displayed and steering
assist will be removed until the steering system is serviced. Have your
vehicle taken to the nearest dealer as soon as possible.
6.2L engine:Your vehicle is equipped with a hydraulic steering system.
To help prevent damage to the power steering system, never hold the
steering wheel at its furthest turning points (until it stops) for more than
a few seconds when the engine is running. If the power steering system
breaks down (or if the engine is turned off), you can steer the vehicle
manually, but it takes more effort.
•Do not operate the vehicle with a low power steering pump fluid level
(below the MIN mark on the reservoir).
•Some noise is normal during operation. If excessive, check for low
power steering pump fluid level before seeking service by your
authorized dealer.
•Heavy or uneven steering efforts may be caused by low power steering
pump fluid level. Check for low power steering pump fluid level before
seeking service by your authorized dealer.
•Do not fill the power steering pump reservoir above the MAX mark on
the reservoir, as this may result in leaks from the reservoir.
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All engines
If the steering wanders or pulls equipped with either an EPS or a
hydraulic steering system, check for:
•an improperly inflated tire
•uneven tire wear
•loose or worn suspension components
•loose or worn steering components
•improper steering alignment
A high crown in the road or high crosswinds may also make the steering
seem to wander/pull.
LIMITED-SLIP AXLE (IF EQUIPPED)
This axle provides added traction on slippery surfaces, particularly when
one wheel is on a poor traction surface. Under normal conditions, the
limited-slip axle functions like a standard rear axle. The axle may exhibit
a slight noise or vibration in tight turns with low vehicle speed. This is
normal behavior and indicates the axle is working.
Electronic locking differential (ELD) (if equipped)
The electronic locking differential provides added traction on slippery
and/or off-road surfaces, particularly when one wheel is on a poor
traction surface. In normal driving conditions, the rear axle functions as
a standard axle. The ELD may be locked or unlocked by the vehicle
operator. Refer toFour-wheel drive (4WD) operationsection in this
chapter for further details on ELD function and usage. When the axle is
unlocked, it will function like a standard rear axle. When the axle is
locked, it will not allow the rear wheels to rotate at different speeds
when turning. The ELD axle is not recommended for use on good
traction surfaces such as dry pavement. Doing so may result in abnormal
driving behavior while cornering and excessive tire wear.
PREPARING TO DRIVE
WARNING:Utility vehicles have a significantly higher rollover
rate than other types of vehicles.
WARNING:In a rollover crash, an unbelted person is
significantly more likely to die than a person wearing a seat belt.
Utility vehicles and trucks have larger tires and increased ground clearance,
giving the vehicle a higher center of gravity than a passenger car.
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WARNING:Vehicles with a higher center of gravity such as
utility vehicles and trucks handle differently than vehicles with a
lower center of gravity. Utility vehicles and trucks arenotdesigned for
cornering at speeds as high as passenger cars any more than low-slung
sports cars are designed to perform satisfactorily under off-road
conditions. Avoid sharp turns, excessive speed or abrupt maneuvers in
these vehicles. Failure to drive cautiously could result in an increased
risk of loss of vehicle control, vehicle rollover, personal injury and
death.
WARNING:Loaded vehicles, with a higher center of gravity,
may handle differently than unloaded vehicles. Do not overload
your vehicle and use extra precautions, such as driving at slower
speeds, avoiding abrupt steering changes and allowing for increased
stopping distance, when driving a heavily loaded vehicle. Over-loading
or loading the vehicle improperly can deteriorate handling capability
and contribute to loss of vehicle control and vehicle rollover.
BRAKE-SHIFT INTERLOCK - COLUMN-SHIFT TRANSMISSION
This vehicle is equipped with a park/brake-shift interlock feature that
prevents the gearshift lever from being moved from P (Park) when the
ignition is in the on position unless the brake pedal is pressed.
If you cannot move the gearshift lever out of P (Park) with ignition in
the on position and the brake pedal pressed, it is possible that a fuse has
blown or the vehicle’s brake lamps are not operating properly. Refer to
Fuses and relaysin theRoadside Emergencieschapter.
If the fuse is not blown, perform the following procedure:
Note:The following procedure is easier to perform when the steering
column is adjusted to the full up position. Refer toTilt steering wheelin
theDriver Controlschapter.
1. Apply the parking brake, turn the ignition to the off position, then
remove the key.
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2. Move the shift lever boot by
pressing on the edges and moving it
up the gearshift lever.
3. Turn the steering wheel one-half
turn to access the slots on each side
of the steering wheel.
4. Insert a flat head screwdriver into
each slot to unsnap and remove the
steering column cover. Rotate the
column up on its hinges and pull
rearward to remove the cover from
the hinges.
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5. With the ignition in the on
position, pull back on the BSI
solenoid found on top of the
uncovered steering column and at
the same time, apply the brake
pedal and shift the transmission into
N (Neutral).
6. Reinstall the steering column cover, start the vehicle and release the
parking brake.
Note:After the transmission is shifted to N (Neutral), it is easier to
reinstall the cover when the column is in the middle or lower tilt
position.
WARNING:Do not drive your vehicle until you verify that the
brakelamps are working.
WARNING:When doing this procedure, you will be taking the
vehicle out of park which means the vehicle can roll freely. To
avoid unwanted vehicle movement, always fully set the parking brake
prior to doing this procedure. Use wheel chocks if appropriate.
WARNING:If the parking brake is fully released, but the brake
warning lamp remains illuminated, the brakes may not be
working properly. See your authorized dealer.
Brake-shift interlock – floor-shift transmission
This vehicle is equipped with a brake-shift interlock feature that prevents
the gearshift lever from being moved from P (Park) when the ignition is
in the on position unless the brake pedal is pressed.
If you cannot move the gearshift lever out of P (Park) with ignition in
the on position and the brake pedal pressed, it is possible that a fuse has
blown or the vehicle’s brake lamps are not operating properly. Refer to
Fuses and relaysin theRoadside Emergencieschapter.
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If the fuse is not blown and the brake lamps are working properly, the
following procedure will allow you to move the gearshift lever from P (Park):
1. Apply the parking brake, turn the
ignition key to the off position, and
remove the key.
2. Starting at the rear of the trim
panel, using a screwdriver (or
similar tool) carefully pry up the
trim panel from rear attachments
and disconnect it from the console
to expose the inside of the gearshift.
3. Locate the brake shift interlock
lever on the passenger side of the
shifter assembly.
4. Apply the brake pedal. Using a
screwdriver (or similar tool), press
and hold the brake shift interlock
lever while pulling the gearshift
lever out of the P (Park) position
and into the N (Neutral) position.
5. Install the trim panel.
6. Apply brake pedal, start the vehicle, and release the parking brake.
See your authorized dealer as soon as possible if this procedure
is used.
WARNING:Do not drive your vehicle until you verify that the
brakelamps are working.
WARNING:When doing this procedure, you will be taking the
vehicle out of park which means the vehicle can roll freely. To
avoid unwanted vehicle movement, always fully set the parking brake
prior to doing this procedure. Use wheel chocks if appropriate.
WARNING:If the parking brake is fully released, but the brake
warning lamp remains illuminated, the brakes may not be
working properly. See your authorized dealer.
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AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION OPERATION
Understanding the shift positions of the 6-speed automatic
transmission
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). 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.
P (Park)
This position locks the transmission
and prevents the rear wheels from
turning.
To put your vehicle in gear:
•Press the brake pedal
•Start the engine
•Move the gearshift lever into the
desired gear. If your vehicle is
equipped with a floor-shift transmission, press the gearshift lever
release button (on the front of the lever) while shifting into the
desired gear.
To put your vehicle in P (Park):
•Come to a complete stop
•Move the gearshift lever and securely latch it in P (Park)
WARNING:Always set the parking brake fully and make sure
the gearshift is latched in P (Park). Turn the ignition to the off
position and remove the key whenever you leave your vehicle.
R (Reverse)
With the gearshift lever in R (Reverse), the vehicle will move backward.
Always come to a complete stop before shifting into and out of R
(Reverse).
N (Neutral)
With the gearshift lever in N (Neutral), the vehicle can be started and is
free to roll. Hold the brake pedal down while in this position.
T/H
PR
N
D
M
2
1
+
-
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D (Drive) with Tow/Haul Off
The normal driving position for the best fuel economy. Transmission
operates in gears one through six.
D (Drive) with Tow/Haul On
The Tow/Haul feature improves transmission operation when towing a
trailer or a heavy load. All transmission gear ranges are available when
using Tow/Haul.
Tow/Haul can be activated by pressing the transmission control switch on
the end of the gearshift lever (column-shift transmission) or on the side
of the gearshift lever (floor-shift transmission).
•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 (Drive) 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 pressed.
T/H
PR
N
D
M
2
1
+
-
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