check engine light FORD SUPER DUTY 2011 3.G Owners Manual

bulb works. If any light remains on after starting the vehicle, refer to the
respective system warning light for additional information.
Standard message center
Note:Some warning lights are
reconfigurable telltale (RTT)
indicator lights and will illuminate in
the message center. These lights
function the same as the other
warning lights.
Optional message center
Note:Some warning lights are
reconfigurable telltale (RTT)
indicator lights and will illuminate in
the message center. These lights
function the same as the other
warning lights. The first three
positions will only display one
warning telltale at a time; the last
three positions can cycle between
different warning telltales.
Service engine soon:The service
engine soon indicator
illuminates when the ignition is first
turned to the on position to check
the bulb and to indicate whether the vehicle is ready for
Inspection/Maintenance (I/M) testing. Normally, the service engine soon
indicator will stay on until the engine is cranked, then turn itself off if no
malfunctions are present. However, if after 15 seconds the service engine
soon indicator blinks eight times, it means that the vehicle is not ready
for I/M testing. See theReadiness for Inspection/Maintenance (I/M)
testingin theMaintenance and Specificationschapter.
Solid illumination after the engine is started indicates the On Board
Diagnostics System (OBD-II) has detected a malfunction. Refer toOn
board diagnostics (OBD-II)in theMaintenance and Specifications
chapter. If the light is blinking, engine misfire is occurring which could
damage your catalytic converter. Drive in a moderate fashion (avoid
heavy acceleration and deceleration) and have your vehicle serviced
immediately by your authorized dealer.
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WARNING:Under engine misfire conditions, excessive exhaust
temperatures could damage the catalytic converter, the fuel
system, interior floor coverings or other vehicle components, possibly
causing a fire.
Check fuel cap:Displays when the
fuel cap may not be properly
installed. Continued driving with
this light on may cause the Service
engine soon warning indicator to
come on. Refer toFuel filler capin
theMaintenance and Specificationschapter.
Low fuel (RTT):Displays when
the fuel level in the fuel tank is at
or near empty (refer toFuel gauge
in this chapter).
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.
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.
P!
BRAKE
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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.
Airbag readiness:If this light fails
to illuminate when the ignition is
turned to on, continues to flash or
remains on, have the system
serviced immediately by your
authorized dealer. A chime will sound if there is a malfunction in the
indicator light.
Safety belt:Reminds you to fasten
your safety belt. A Belt-Minder
chime will also sound to remind you
to fasten your safety belt. Refer to
theSeating and Safety Restraints
chapter to activate/deactivate the Belt-Minderchime feature.
Charging system:Illuminates when
the battery is not charging properly.
If it stays on while the engine is
running, there may be a malfunction
with the charging system. Contact your authorized dealer as soon as
possible. This indicates a problem with the electrical system or a related
component.
Engine oil pressure (RTT and
static warning light):Displays
when the oil pressure falls below the
normal range. Refer toEngine oil
in theMaintenance and Specificationschapter.
ABS
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Door ajar (RTT):Displays when
the ignition is in the on position and
any door is open.
Engine coolant temperature
(RTT):Illuminates when the engine
coolant temperature is high. Stop
the vehicle as soon as possible, switch off the engine and let cool. Refer
toEngine coolantin theMaintenance and Specificationschapter.
WARNING:Never remove the coolant reservoir cap while the
engine is running or hot.
Low tire pressure warning (if
equipped):Illuminates when your
tire pressure is low. If the light
remains on at start up or while
driving, the tire pressure should be
checked. Refer toInflating your tiresin theTires, Wheels and
Loadingchapter. When the ignition is first turned to on, the light will
illuminate for three seconds to ensure the bulb is working. If the light
does not turn on, have the system inspected by your authorized dealer.
For more information on this system, refer toTire pressure monitoring
system (TPMS)in theTires, Wheels and Loadingchapter.
Hill descent (if equipped):
Displays when using the hill descent
mode. Refer to theDrivingchapter
for transmission function and
operation.
Transmission Tow/Haul Feature
(if equipped):Displays when the
Tow/Haul feature has been
activated. Refer to theDriving
chapter for transmission function and operation. If the light flashes
steadily, have the system serviced immediately, damage to the
transmission could occur.
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Speed control (if equipped):The
speed control system indicator light
changes color to indicate what mode
the system is in:
•On (amber light):Illuminates
when the speed control system is turned on. Turns off when the speed
control system is engaged or turned off.
•Engaged (green light):Illuminates when the speed control system is
engaged. Turns off when the speed control system is disengaged.
Turn signal:Illuminates when the
left or right turn signal or the
hazard lights are turned on. If the
indicators stay on or flash faster, check for a burned out bulb.
High beams:Illuminates when the
high-beam headlamps are turned on.
Diesel warning lights:If your vehicle is equipped with a diesel engine,
it has some unique warning lights; refer toInstrument Clusterin your
diesel supplement for detailed information on their function.
•Glow plug pre-heat
•Waterinfuel
•Diesel exhaust fluid
Key-in-ignition warning chime:Sounds when the key is left in the
ignition in the off or accessory position and the driver’s door is opened.
Headlamps on warning chime:Sounds when the headlamps or parking
lamps are on, the ignition is off (the key is not in the ignition) and the
driver’s door is opened.
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AUXILIARY POWER POINT (12V DC)
Power outlets are designed for accessory plugs only. Do not insert
any other object in the power outlet for this will damage the
outlet and blow the fuse. Do not hang any type of accessory or
accessory bracket from the plug. Improper use of the power
outlet can cause damage not covered by your warranty.
Auxiliary power points can be found in the following locations:
•On the instrument panel (two locations)
•Inside the center console storage compartment (if equipped)
•On the rear of the center console (if equipped)
•Inside the 20-percent front seat console (if equipped)
•Inside the rear under seat storage compartment (if equipped)
Do not use the power point for operating the cigarette lighter element (if
equipped).
To prevent the fuse from being blown, do not use the power point(s)
over the vehicle capacity of 12V DC/180W. If the power point or cigar
lighter socket is not working, a fuse may have blown. Refer toFuses and
relaysin theRoadside Emergencieschapter for information on
checking and replacing fuses.
To have full capacity usage of your power point, the engine is required to
be running to avoid unintentional discharge of the battery. To prevent
the battery from being discharged:
•do not use the power point longer than necessary when the engine is
not running,
•do not leave battery chargers, video game adapters, computers and
other devices plugged in overnight or when the vehicle is parked for
extended periods.
Always keep the power point caps closed when not being used.
Driver Controls
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The dome lamp control (if equipped) mustnotbe set to the off position
for the illuminated entry system to operate.
The lights will not turn off if:
•they have been turned on with the dimmer control, or
•any door is open.
The battery saver will shut off the interior lamps 30 minutes after the
ignition has been turned to the off position, 10 minutes after if the dome
lamp is off, and 30 minutes after if the dome lamp switch is left on.
Remote start (if equipped)
Your vehicle may be equipped with the remote start feature which allows
you to start the engine from outside the vehicle. If your Integrated
Keyhead Transmitter (IKT) has a
icon, you have remote start. The
remote start feature has an extended operating range which allows you
to remote start your vehicle from a farther distance from your vehicle.
All the buttons have this increased range performance capability when
equipped with remote start.
Many states and provinces have restrictions for the use of remote start.
Check your local and state or provincial laws for specific requirements
regarding remote start systems.
Note:Do not use remote start if your vehicle is low on fuel.
WARNING:To avoid exhaust fumes, do not use remote start if
your vehicle is parked indoors or areas that are not well
ventilated.
The remote start system will not work if:
•The ignition is in the on position.
•The alarm system is triggered.
•The feature has been disabled.
•The hood is not closed.
•Two remote vehicle starts have already been attempted within the last
hour.
•The vehicle is not in P (Park).
Locks and Security
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The AdvanceTracwith RSC
system includes a stability control
button located on the instrument
panel to the right of the climate
control system, a stability control
light and a stability control off light
in the instrument cluster. Both
lights will illuminate temporarily during start-up as part of a normal
system self-check. The stability control light may illuminate (flash)
during certain driving situations which cause the AdvanceTracwith
RSCsystem to operate. If the stability control light and stability control
off light illuminate steadily, have the system serviced by an authorized
dealer immediately. The message center will also indicate a failure with
the AdvanceTracwith RSCsystem.
Note:If the system cannot be turned off, refer toMyKey™in theLocks
and Securitychapter for more information.
When AdvanceTracwith RSCperforms a normal system self-check,
some drivers may notice a slight movement of the brake, and/or a
rumble, grunting, or grinding noise after startup and when driving off.
When an event occurs that activates AdvanceTracwith RSCyou may
experience the following:
•A slight deceleration of the vehicle
•The stability control light will flash.
•A vibration in the pedal when your foot is on the brake pedal
•If the driving condition is severe and your foot is not on the brake, the
brake pedal may move as the systems applies higher brake forces. You
may also hear a whoosh of air from under the instrument panel during
this severe condition.
•The brake pedal may feel stiffer than usual.
Traction control system (TCS)
Traction control is a driver aid feature that helps your vehicle maintain
traction of the wheels, typically when driving on slippery and/or hilly
road surfaces, by detecting and controlling wheel spin.
Excessive wheel spin is controlled in two ways, which may work
separately or in tandem: engine traction control and brake traction
control. Engine traction control works to limit drive-wheel spin by
momentarily reducing engine power. Brake traction control works to limit
wheel spin by momentarily applying the brakes to the wheel that is
slipping. Traction control is most active at low speeds.
Driving
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Trailer sway control
Your vehicle may be 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.
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.
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.
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Note:Noise from the ABS pump motor may be observed during hill
descent control operation. This is a normal characteristic of the ABS and
should be no reason for concern.
Hill descent modes
•At speeds below 20 mph (32 km/h): When the HDC switch is pressed
and HDC is active, the HDC telltale will flash.
•At speeds below 20 mph (32 km/h): When the HDC switch is pressed
and conditions are not correct for hill descent activation, the HDC
system will be enabled, the light in the cluster will be on solid and
HILL DESCENT CONTROL READY will be displayed in the message
center.
•At speeds above 20 mph (32 km/h): When the HDC switch is pressed,
the HDC system will be enabled, the light in the cluster will not be
illuminated and FOR HILL CNTRL, 20 MPH OR LESS will be displayed
in the message center.
Refer toMessage centerin theInstrument Clusterchapter for hill
descent control messages.
STEERING
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 three to five seconds when the engine is running.
•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 dealer.
•Heavy or uneven efforts may be caused by low power steering fluid.
Check for low power steering pump fluid level before seeking service
by your 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.
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.
If the steering wanders or pulls, check for:
•an improperly inflated tire
•uneven tire wear
•loose or worn suspension components
Driving
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