FORD F150 2023 Owners Manual

To select a four-wheel drive mode, pressthe four-wheel drive mode control buttonof the desired mode. You can selecttwo-wheel drive high (2H), four-wheeldrive high (4H), or if your vehicle hasfour-wheel drive auto (4A) at a stop orwhile driving. Once the shift is complete,the instrument cluster display will thendisplay the selected four-wheel drivemode. While shifts are in progress, thelights on the four-wheel drive controlswitch can flash and you could seemessages in the instrument cluster displayindicating that a shift is in progress or torelease the accelerator pedal to improveshift performance.
Note:Momentarily releasing the acceleratorpedal while a shift in progress messagedisplays improves engagement ordisengagement performance.
Note:Do not perform this operation whencruise control or trail control is selected andactive. The system may not shift asexpected.
Note:Do not perform this operation if therear wheels are slipping or while applyingthe accelerator pedal.
Note:You could hear some noise as thesystem shifts or engages which is normal.
If the system detects a fault, a warningmessage appears in the instrument clusterdisplay. See Four-Wheel Drive –Information Messages (page 280).
Shifting to or from Four-WheelDrive Low (4L)
To select or exit four-wheel drive low (4L):
1.Bring your vehicle to a speed of 3 mph(5 km/h) or less.
2.Place the transmission in neutral (N)
3.Press the desired four-wheel drivebutton on the four-wheel drive modecontrol switch.
The instrument cluster display will displaya message indicating a four-wheel driveshift is in progress. If any of the above shiftconditions are not present, the shift willnot occur and the instrument clusterdisplay will display information guiding thedriver through the proper shiftingprocedures. If there is a transfer case toothblockage a message will display in theinstrument cluster display. To alleviate thiscondition, place the transmission in aforward gear, move your vehicle forwardapproximately 5 ft (1.5 m), and shift thetransmission back to neutral (N) to allowthe transfer case to complete the rangeshift.
Note:You could hear some noise as thesystem shifts or engages which is normal.
If the system detects a fault, a warningmessage appears in the instrument clusterdisplay. See Four-Wheel Drive –Information Messages (page 280).
SELECTING A FOUR-WHEEL
DRIVE MODE - RAPTOR
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The four-wheel drive mode control is onthe instrument panel.
To select a four-wheel drive mode, pressthe four-wheel drive mode control buttonof the desired mode. You can selecttwo-wheel drive high (2H), four-wheeldrive high (4H), or four-wheel drive auto(4A) at a stop or while driving. Once theshift is complete, the instrument clusterdisplay will then display the selectedfour-wheel drive mode. While shifts are inprogress, the lights on the four-wheel drivecontrol switch can flash and you could seemessages in the instrument cluster displayindicating that a shift is in progress or torelease the accelerator pedal to improveshift performance.
Note:Momentarily releasing the acceleratorpedal when a shift in progress messagedisplays improves engagement anddisengagement performance.
Note:Do not perform this operation whenyou have cruise control or trail controlselected and active. The system may notshift as expected.
Note:Do not perform this operation if therear wheels are slipping or while applyingthe accelerator pedal.
Note:You could hear some noise as thesystem shifts or engages, which is normal.
If the system detects a fault, a warningmessage appears in the instrument clusterdisplay. See Four-Wheel Drive –Information Messages (page 280).
Shifting to or from Four-WheelDrive Low (4L)
To select or exit four-wheel drive low (4L):
1.Bring your vehicle to a speed of 3 mph(5 km/h) or less.
2.Place the transmission in neutral (N).
3.Press the desired four-wheel drivebutton on the four-wheel drive modecontrol switch.
The instrument cluster display will displaya message indicating a four-wheel driveshift is in progress. If any of the above shiftconditions are not present, the shift doesnot occur and the instrument clusterdisplay will display information guiding thedriver through the proper shiftingprocedures. If there is a transfer case toothblockage, a message displays in theinstrument cluster display. To alleviate thiscondition, place the transmission in aforward gear, move your vehicle forwardapproximately 5 ft (1.5 m), and shift thetransmission back to neutral (N) to allowthe transfer case to complete the rangeshift.
Note:You could hear some noise as thesystem shifts or engages, which is normal.
If the system detects a fault, a warningmessage appears in the instrument clusterdisplay. See Four-Wheel Drive –Information Messages (page 280).
FOUR-WHEEL DRIVE MODES
TWO-WHEEL DRIVE HIGH
Two-wheel drive high is for generalon-road driving. Power is sent to the rearwheels only.
Note:Two-wheel drive high can turn on oroff based on Drive Mode selection See DriveMode Control (page 362).
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FOUR-WHEEL DRIVE AUTO (If
Equipped)
Four-wheel drive auto provideselectronically controlled four-wheel drivepower to both the front and rear wheels,as required, for increased traction in varyingon-road conditions. The four-wheel driveauto tuning varies based on selected DriveMode. See Selecting a Drive Mode (page363).
Note:Four-wheel drive auto can turn on oroff automatically based on Drive Modeselection. See Selecting a Drive Mode(page 363).
FOUR-WHEEL DRIVE HIGH -EXCLUDING: RAPTOR
Four-wheel drive high provideselectronically or mechanically lockedfour-wheel drive power to both the frontand rear wheels for use in off-road orwinter conditions such as deep snow, sandor mud. This mode is not for use on drypavement.
Note:Four-wheel drive high can turn on oroff automatically based on Drive Modeselection. See Selecting a Drive Mode(page 363).
FOUR-WHEEL DRIVE HIGH -RAPTOR
Four-wheel drive high providesmechanically locked four-wheel drivepower to both the front and rear wheelsfor use in off-road or winter conditionssuch as deep snow, sand or mud. Thismode is not for use on dry pavement.
Note:Four-wheel drive high can turn on oroff automatically based on Drive Modeselection. See Selecting a Drive Mode(page 363).
FOUR-WHEEL DRIVE LOW -EXCLUDING: RAPTOR
Four-wheel drive low provideselectronically or mechanically lockedfour-wheel drive power to both the frontand rear wheels for use on low tractionsurfaces, but does so with additionalgearing for increased torque multiplication.This mode is only for off-road conditionssuch as deep sand, steep slopes, or pullingheavy objects.
Note:Four-wheel drive low can turn on oroff automatically based on drive modeselection. See Selecting a Drive Mode(page 363).
FOUR-WHEEL DRIVE LOW -RAPTOR
Four-Wheel Drive Low providesmechanically locked four-wheel drivepower to both the front and rear wheelsfor use on low traction surfaces, but doesso with additional gearing for increasedtorque multiplication. The intent of thismode is only for off-road conditions suchas deep sand, steep slopes, or pullingheavy objects.
Note:Four-wheel drive low can turn on oroff automatically based on drive modeselection. See Selecting a Drive Mode(page 363).
FOUR-WHEEL DRIVE
INDICATORS
Two-wheel Drive High
Momentarily illuminates whentwo-wheel drive high is selected.
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Four-wheel Drive Auto (If Equipped)
Continuously illuminates whenfour-wheel drive auto is selected.
Four-wheel Drive High
Continuously illuminates whenfour-wheel drive high is selected.
Four-wheel Drive Low
Continuously illuminates whenfour-wheel drive low is selected.
FOUR-WHEEL DRIVE –
TROUBLESHOOTING
FOUR-WHEEL DRIVE – WARNINGLAMPS
Illuminates when a four-wheeldrive or power train fault ispresent.
Note:When a system fault is present, thesystem can typically remain in whichevermode was selected prior to the faultcondition occurring. It does not default totwo-wheel drive in all circumstances. Whenthis warning is displayed, have your vehicleserviced by an authorized dealer.
FOUR-WHEEL DRIVE – INFORMATION MESSAGES
ActionMessage
A four-wheel drive system fault is present.Have your vehicle checked as soon aspossible.
Check 4x4
The four-wheel drive system is making ashift.4x4 Shift in Progress
Displays when you attempt to switch tofour-wheel drive low mode and you do notshift the transmission to neutral (N).
For 4x4 LOW Shift to N
Displays when you attempt to switch tofour-wheel drive low mode and yourvehicle's speed is greater than 3 mph(5 km/h).
For 4x4 LOW Slow to 3 MPH
For 4x4 LOW Slow to 5 km/h
Displays when you attempt to switch fromfour-wheel drive low mode and you do notshift the transmission to neutral (N).
To Exit 4x4 LOW Shift to N
Displays when you attempt to switch fromfour-wheel drive low mode and yourvehicle's speed is greater than 3 mph(5 km/h).
To Exit 4x4 LOW Slow to 3 MPH
To Exit 4x4 LOW Slow to 5 km/h
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ActionMessage
Displays when there is a transfer case geartooth blockage while shifting to or fromfour-wheel drive low mode or to the neutralstate. Place the transmission in a forwardgear, move your vehicle forward approxim-ately 5 ft (1.5 m), and shift the transmissionback to neutral (N) to allow the transfercase to complete the range shift.
Shift Delayed Drive Forward
Displays when the four-wheel systemdetects elevated system temperature andtemporarily stops providing power to thefront wheels. The system automaticallyresumes normal function when the systemtemperature returns to normal.
4x4 Temporarily Disabled
Displays when the four-wheel drive systemdetects a mechanical shift block whenshifting out of four-wheel drive high. SeeFour-Wheel Drive Limitations (page 275).
4x4 Unable to Disengage. See Manual
Displays when the four-wheel drive systemresumes normal function.4x4 Restored
Displays when the four-wheel drive systemdetects driving condition which temporarilyrequire greater four-wheel drive perform-ance. The system automatically resumesnormal function after the system no longerdetects these driving conditions.
4X4 Temporarily Locked
Displays when the system requires anadditional transmission shift to neutral (N)to complete a transfer case shift.
Shift to Neutral
Displays when you command a four-wheeldrive shift during conditions which arepotentially harmful to the drivelinecomponents
To Engage 4x4 Slow to 3 MPH
To Engage 4x4 Slow to 5 km/h
Displays when the four-wheel drive systemrequests that you release the acceleratorpedal to complete a four-wheel drive shift.See Selecting a Four-Wheel Drive Mode(page 276).
To Engage 4x4 Release Accelerator Pedal
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FOUR-WHEEL DRIVE – INFORMATION MESSAGES - RAPTOR
ActionMessage
A four-wheel drive system fault is present.Have your vehicle checked as soon aspossible.
Check 4x4
The four-wheel drive system is making ashift.4x4 Shift in Progress
Displays when you attempt to switch tofour-wheel drive low mode and you do notshift the transmission to neutral (N).
For 4x4 LOW Shift to N
Displays when you attempt to switch tofour-wheel drive low mode and yourvehicle's speed is greater than 3 mph(5 km/h).
For 4x4 LOW Slow to 3 MPH
For 4x4 LOW Slow to 5 km/h
Displays when you attempt to switch fromfour-wheel drive low mode and you do notshift the transmission to neutral (N).
To Exit 4x4 LOW Shift to N
Displays when you attempt to switch fromfour-wheel drive low mode and yourvehicle's speed is greater than 3 mph(5 km/h).
To Exit 4x4 LOW Slow to 3 MPH
To Exit 4x4 LOW Slow to 5 km/h
Displays when there is a transfer case geartooth blockage while shifting to or fromfour-wheel drive low mode or to the neutralstate. Place the transmission in a forwardgear, move your vehicle forward approxim-ately 5 ft (1.5 m), and shift the transmissionback to neutral (N) to allow the transfercase to complete the range shift.
Shift Delayed Drive Forward
Displays when the four-wheel drive systemdetects a mechanical shift block whenshifting out of four-wheel drive high. SeeFour-Wheel Drive Limitations (page 275).
4x4 Unable to Disengage. See Manual
Displays when the four-wheel drive systemresumes normal function.4x4 Restored
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ActionMessage
Displays when the four-wheel drive systemdetects driving conditions which tempor-arily require greater four-wheel driveperformance. The system automaticallyresumes normal function after the systemno longer detects these driving conditions.
4X4 Temporarily Locked
Displays when the system requires anadditional transmission shift to neutral (N)to complete a transfer case shift.
Shift to Neutral
Displays when you command a four-wheeldrive shift during conditions which arepotentially harmful to the drivelinecomponents.
To Engage 4x4 Slow to 3 MPH
To Engage 4x4 Slow to 5 km/h
Displays when the four-wheel drive systemrequests that you release the acceleratorpedal to complete a four-wheel drive shift.See Selecting a Four-Wheel Drive Mode(page 276).
To Engage 4x4 Release Accelerator Pedal
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WHAT IS THE ELECTRONIC
LOCKING DIFFERENTIAL
The electronic locking differential is adevice housed in the rear axle, and canprovide additional traction when needed.
HOW DOES THE ELECTRONIC
LOCKING DIFFERENTIAL
WORK - EXCLUDING: RAPTOR
You can activate the differentialelectronically and shift it on the fly withinthe operating speed range. The electronicdifferential disengages when the vehiclespeed exceeds a set value, and reengageswhen the vehicle speed goes below a setvalue. See Switching the ElectronicLocking Differential On and Off (page285). It also engages based on certainselected drive modes. See Selecting aDrive Mode (page 363). The electroniclocking differential is for use in mud, rocks,sand, or any off-road condition where youneed maximum traction.
Note:The electronic locking differential canactivate or deactivate automatically basedon speed, four-wheel drive mode, and drivemode selection. See Switching theElectronic Locking Differential On andOff (page 285).
Note:The electronic locking differential isfor off-road use only and is not for use ondry pavement. Using the electronic lockingdifferential on dry pavement results inincreased tire wear, noise and vibration.
Note:Do not perform this operation whencruise control or trail control are selectedand active. The system may not engage asexpected.
HOW DOES THE ELECTRONIC
LOCKING DIFFERENTIAL
WORK - RAPTOR
You can activate the differentialelectronically and shift it on the fly withinthe operating speed range. The electronicdifferential disengages when the vehiclespeed exceeds a set value and it reengageswhen the vehicle speed goes below a setvalue depending on drive mode. SeeSwitching the Electronic LockingDifferential On and Off (page 285). Theelectronic locking differential is for use inmud, rocks, sand, or any off-road conditionwhere you need maximum traction.
Note:The electronic locking differential canactivate or deactivate automatically basedon speed, four-wheel drive mode, and drivemode selection. See Switching theElectronic Locking Differential On andOff (page 285).
Note:The electronic locking differential isfor off-road use only and is not for use ondry pavement. Using the electronic lockingdifferential on dry pavement results inincreased tire wear, noise and vibration.
Note:The electronic locking differential isnot available in 2H.
Note:Do not perform this operation whencruise control or trail control are selectedand active. The system may not engage asexpected.
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ELECTRONIC LOCKING
DIFFERENTIAL PRECAUTIONS
Operating the Electronic LockingDifferential with a Spare orMismatched Tires
On vehicles with an electronic lockingdifferential, the size of the spare tire canaffect performance of the system. If thereis a significant difference between the tworear tires, you may have limited electroniclocking differential functionality. If thesystem has difficulty disengaging, releasethe accelerator pedal and turn the steeringwheel in the opposite direction whenrolling. We recommend engaging anddisengaging the electronic lockingdifferential at a stop when you mount aspare on the rear axle.
SWITCHING THE ELECTRONIC
LOCKING DIFFERENTIAL ON
AND OFF - 4X4, EXCLUDING:
RAPTOR
The button to activate and deactivate theelectronic locking differential is in thecenter of the drive mode rotary switch.
To manually activate or deactivate theelectronic locking differential, press theelectronic locking differential button.
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Note:The electronic locking differential canactivate or deactivate automatically basedon speed, four-wheel drive mode, and drivemode selection. See Selecting a DriveMode (page 363).
4X4 Rear Electronic Locking Differential Engagement Speed and Availability
Automatic Re-Engagement SpeedAutomatic Disen-gagement SpeedMaximum Engage-ment SpeedDrive Modes
20 mph (30 km/h)25 mph (41 km/h)20 mph (30 km/h)Normal (2H, 4A2, 4H)
20 mph (30 km/h)25 mph (41 km/h)20 mph (30 km/h)Eco (2H, 4A2, 4H)
20 mph (30 km/h)25 mph (41 km/h)20 mph (30 km/h)Sport (2H, 4A2, 4H)
20 mph (30 km/h)25 mph (41 km/h)20 mph (30 km/h)Slippery (2H, 4A2,4H)
No Speed LimitNo Speed LimitNo Speed LimitDeep Snow/Sand
(4H, 4L)1
No Speed LimitNo Speed LimitNo Speed LimitMud/Ruts (4H, 4L)1
No Speed LimitNo Speed LimitNo Speed LimitRock Crawl (4L)1
20 mph (30 km/h)25 mph (41 km/h)20 mph (30 km/h)Tow/Haul Mode
1Automatically engages when you select these drive modes. You have the ability tomanually override the automatic engagement by pressing the electronic locking differentialbutton.2If available for 4A drive modes.
Automatic Re-Engagement SpeedAutomatic Disen-gagement SpeedMaximum Engage-ment Speed4WD Mode
No speed LimitNo speed LimitNo speed LimitFour-Wheel DriveLow (4L)
Note:The electronic locking differentialmay not engage if you press your acceleratorpedal during an engagement attempt. Amessage could display in the instrumentdisplay guiding you to release theaccelerator pedal.
Note:If the electronic locking differentialhas difficulty disengaging, release theaccelerator pedal and turn the steeringwheel in the opposite direction while rolling.
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