check transmission fluid FORD F150 2012 12.G Owners Manual

Powertrain malfunction/Reduced
power/Electronic throttle
control (RTT):Displays when the
engine has defaulted to a
“limp-home” operation or when a transmission problem has been
detected and shifting may be restricted. If the light remains on, have the
system serviced immediately by your authorized dealer.
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.
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.
P!
BRAKE
ABS
Instrument Cluster
14
2012 F-150(f12)
Owners Guide, 1st Printing
USA(fus)

Information on transfer case operation and shifting procedures can be
found in this chapter. Information on transfer case maintenance can be
found in theMaintenance and Specificationschapter. You should
become thoroughly familiar with this information before you operate
your vehicle.
Normal characteristics
On some 4WD models, the initial shift from two-wheel drive to 4x4 while
the vehicle is moving can cause some momentary clunk and ratcheting
sounds. This is the front drivetrain coming up to speed and the
automatic locking hubs engaging and is not cause for concern.
Sand
When driving over sand, try to keep all four wheels on the most solid
area of the trail. Avoid reducing the tire pressures but shift to a lower
gear and drive steadily through the terrain. Apply the accelerator slowly
and avoid spinning the wheels.
Avoid excessive speed because vehicle momentum can work against you
and cause the vehicle to become stuck to the point that assistance may
be required from another vehicle. Remember, you may be able to back
out the way you came if you proceed with caution.
Mud and water
If you must drive through high
water, drive slowly. Traction or
brake capability may be limited.
When driving through water,
determine the depth; avoid water
higher than the bottom of the hubs
(if possible) and proceed slowly. If
the ignition system gets wet, the
vehicle may stall.
Once through water, always try the brakes. Wet brakes do not stop the
vehicle as effectively as dry brakes. Drying can be improved by moving
your vehicle slowly while applying light pressure on the brake pedal.
Be cautious of sudden changes in vehicle speed or direction when you
are driving in mud. Even 4WD vehicles can lose traction in slick mud. As
when you are driving over sand, apply the accelerator slowly and avoid
spinning your wheels. If the vehicle does slide, steer in the direction of
the slide until you regain control of the vehicle.
If the transmission, transfer case or front axle are submerged in water,
their fluids should be checked and changed, if necessary.
Driving
322
2012 F-150(f12)
Owners Guide, 1st Printing
USA(fus)

TRANSMISSION FLUID
Checking 6-speed automatic transmission fluid
The automatic transmission does not have a transmission fluid dipstick.
Refer to yourscheduled maintenance informationfor scheduled
intervals for fluid checks and changes. Your transmission does not
consume fluid. However, the fluid level should be checked if the
transmission is not working properly, (i.e., if the transmission slips or
shifts slowly) or if you notice some sign of fluid leakage.
Transmission fluid should be checked by an authorized dealer. If
required, fluid should be added by an authorized dealer.
Do not use supplemental transmission fluid additives, treatments or
cleaning agents. The use of these materials may affect transmission
operation and result in damage to internal transmission components.
TRANSFER CASE FLUID (IF EQUIPPED)
1. Clean the filler plug.
2. Remove the filler plug and
inspect the fluid level.
3. Add only enough fluid through
the filler opening so that the fluid
level is at the bottom of the
opening.
Use only fluid that meets Ford specifications. Refer to theMaintenance
product specifications and capacitiessection in this chapter.
D
R
A
IN
F
IL
L
Maintenance and Specifications
407
2012 F-150(f12)
Owners Guide, 1st Printing
USA(fus)

Item CapacityFord part name or
equivalentFord part number / Ford
specification
3.7L engine coolant 16.0 quarts (15.1L)
MotorcraftSpecialty Orange
Engine Coolant
3
•VC-3-B (US)
•CVC-3-B (Canada) /
WSS-M97B44-D 5.0L engine coolant 17.0 quarts (16.1L)
6.2L engine coolant 19.5 quarts (18.5L)
3.5L EcoBoost™
engine coolant16.5 quarts (15.6L)
Front axle (4X4) 3.5 pints (1.8L)MotorcraftSAE 80W-90
Premium Rear Axle LubricantXY-80W-90-QL /
WSP-M2C197-A
Rear axle fluid 5.5 pints (2.6L)
4
MotorcraftSAE 75W-140
Rear Synthetic Axle
Lubricant
5
XY-75W140-QL /
WSL-M2C192-A
Transmission
/steering/parking brake
linkages and pivots, brake
pedal shaft— Premium Long-Life GreaseXG-1-C /
ESA-M1C75-B
Hinges, latches, striker
plates, seat tracks, fuel filler
door hinge and door check
arm—Multi-Purpose Grease
(Lithium grease)XG-4 or XL-5 or equivalent /
ESB-M1C93-B
Power steering fluid
(6.2L engine only)Fill to between MIN
and MAX lines on
reservoirMotorcraft
MERCONV
AT FXT-5-QM /
MERCONV
Transfer case fluid
(4X4 ESOF)1.5 quarts (1.4L)
6
MotorcraftTransfer Case
FluidXL-12 /
—
Transfer case fluid
(torque on demand)1.5 quarts (1.4L)Motorcraft
MERCONLV
AT FXT-10-QLV /
MERCONLV
Maintenance and Specifications
416
2012 F-150(f12)
Owners Guide, 1st Printing
USA(fus)

Item CapacityFord part name or
equivalentFord part number / Ford
specification
Fuel tank
Reg. Cab 8’ box /
SuperCab 6.5’ box /
SuperCab 8’ box26.0 gallons (98.4L)
Standard
36.0 gallons (136.2L)
Optional——
1Use of synthetic or synthetic blend motor oil is not mandatory. Engine oil need only meet the
requirements of Ford specification WSS-M2C945-A and the API Certification mark.2Use of synthetic or synthetic blend motor oil is not mandatory. Engine oil need only meet the
requirements of Ford specification WSS-M2C946-A and the API Certification mark.3Add the coolant type originally equipped in your vehicle.4Service refill capacity is determined by filling the axle to 1/4-9/16 inch (6-14 mm) below the
bottom of the filler hole with the vehicle on a level surface.
Add 4 oz. (118 ml) of Additive Friction Modifier XL-3 or equivalent meeting Ford specification
EST-M2C118-A, for complete fill of 8.8 inch Traction-Lok axles.5Your vehicle’s rear axle is filled with a synthetic rear axle lubricant and is considered lubricated
for life. These lubricants do not need to be checked or changed unless a leak is suspected, service
is required or the axle assembly has been submerged in water. The axle lubricant should be
changed any time the rear axle has been submerged in water.6Service refill capacity is determined by filling the transfer case to the bottom of the filler hole
with the vehicle on a level surface.7Approximate dry fill capacity including transmission fluid cooling system, actual refill capacities
will vary based on vehicle application and transmission fluid cooling system (i.e. coolers size,
cooling lines, auxiliary cooler capacities). The amount of transmission fluid and fluid level should
be set by the indication on the dipstick’s normal operating range.8Automatic transmissions that require MERCONLV should only use MERCONLV fluid. Refer to
scheduled maintenance informationto determine the correct service interval. Use of any fluid
other than the recommended fluid may cause transmission damage.
Maintenance and Specifications
418
2012 F-150(f12)
Owners Guide, 1st Printing
USA(fus)

Multi-point inspection
In order to keep your vehicle running right, it is important to have the
systems on your vehicle checked regularly. This can help identify
potential issues and prevent major problems. Ford Motor Company
recommends the following multi-point inspection be performed at every
scheduled maintenance interval to help ensure your vehicle keeps
running great.
Multi-point inspection – Recommended each visit
Accessory drive belt(s) Half-shaft dust boots (if equipped)
Battery performance Horn operation
Clutch operation (if equipped) Radiator, cooler, heater and A/C hoses
Engine air filter Suspension component for leaks or
damage
Exhaust system Steering and linkage
Exterior lamps and hazard
warning system operationTires for wear and proper pressure,
including spare
Fluid levels*; fill if necessary Windshield for cracks, chips or pits
For oil and fluid leaks Washer spray and wiper operation
*Brake, coolant recovery reservoir, manual and automatic transmission
(with an underhood dipstick), power steering (if equipped) and
window washer
Be sure to ask your dealership service advisor or technician about the
multi-point vehicle inspection. It’s a comprehensive way to perform a
thorough inspection of your vehicle. It’s your checklist that gives you
immediate feedback on the overall condition of your vehicle. You’ll know
what’s been checked, what’s okay, as well as those things that may
require future or immediate attention. The multi-point vehicle inspection
is one more way to keep your vehicle running great!
Scheduled Maintenance
435
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)

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
457
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)