2001 FORD F150 service indicator

Once the engine temperature cools, the engine can be re-started. Take
your vehicle to a service facility as soon as possible to minimize engine
damage.
When fail-safe mode is activated
You have limited engine power when in the fail-safe mode, so drive the
vehicle with caution. The vehicle will not be able to maintain high speed
operation and the engine will run rough. Remember that the engine is
capable of completely shutting down automatically to prevent engine
damage, therefore:
1. Pull off the road as soon as safely possible and turn off the engine.
2. Arrange for the vehicle to be taken to a service facility.
3. If this is not possible, wait a short period for the engine to cool.
4. Check the coolant level and replenish if low.
Never remove the coolant reservoir cap while the engine is
running or hot.
5. Re start the engine and take your vehicle to a service facility.
Driving the vehicle without repairing the engine problem
increases the chance of engine damage. Take your vehicle to a
service facility as soon as possible.
CHECKING AND ADDING POWER STEERING FLUID
Check the power steering fluid.
Refer to the Scheduled Maintenance
Guide for the service interval
schedules. If adding fluid is
necessary, use only MERCONtAT F.
1. Start the engine and let it run until it reaches normal operating
temperature (the engine coolant temperature gauge indicator will be
near the center of the normal area between H and C).
Maintenance and care
160

BATTERY
Your vehicle is equipped with a
Motorcraft maintenance-free battery
which normally does not require
additional water during its life of
service.
However, for severe usage or in high temperature climates, check the
battery electrolyte level. Refer to the Scheduled Maintenance Guide for
the service interval schedules.
Keep the electrolyte level in each cell up to the ªlevel indicatorº.
Do not overfill the battery cells.
If the electrolyte level in the battery is low, you can add plain tap water
to the battery, as long as you do not use hard water (water with a high
mineral or alkali content). If possible, however, try to only fill the battery
cells with distilled water. If the battery needs water often, have the
charging system checked.
If your battery has a cover/shield, make sure it is reinstalled
after the battery has been cleaned or replaced.
For longer, trouble-free operation, keep the top of the battery clean and
dry. Also, make certain the battery cables are always tightly fastened to
the battery terminals.
If you see any corrosion on the battery or terminals, remove the cables
from the terminals and clean with a wire brush. You can neutralize the
acid with a solution of baking soda and water.
Batteries normally produce explosive gases which can cause
personal injury. Therefore, do not allow flames, sparks or lighted
substances to come near the battery. When working near the battery,
always shield your face and protect your eyes. Always provide proper
ventilation.
Maintenance and care
165

Cleaner air
Ford approves the use of reformulated ªcleaner-burningº gasolines to
improve air quality. These gasolines may contain oxygenates up to 10%
ethanol or 15% MTBE.
Running out of fuel
Avoid running out of fuel because this situation may have an adverse
affect on powertrain components.
If you have run out of fuel:
²You may need to cycle the ignition from OFF to ON several times after
refueling, to allow the fuel system to pump the fuel from the tank to
the engine.
²Your ªService Engine Soonº indicator may come on. For more
information on the ªService Engine Soonº indicator, refer to the
Instrumentationchapter.
Fuel Filler Cap
Your fuel tank filler cap has an indexed design with a 1/8 turn on/off
feature.
When fueling your vehicle:
1. Turn the engine off.
2. Carefully turn the filler cap counterclockwise 1/8 of a turn until it
stops.
3. Pull to remove the cap from the fuel filler pipe.
4. To install the cap, align the tabs on the cap with the notches on the
filler pipe.
5. Turn the filler cap clockwise 1/8 of a turn until it stops.
If the ªService Engine Soon/Check Engineº indicator comes on and stays
on when you start the engine, the fuel filler cap may not be properly
installed. Turn off the engine, remove the fuel filler cap, align the cap
properly and reinstall it.
If you must replace the fuel filler cap, replace it with a fuel filler
cap that is designed for your vehicle. The customer warranty may
be void for any damage to the fuel tank or fuel system if the
correct genuine Ford or Motorcraft fuel filler cap is not used.
Maintenance and care
177

Compass, electronic ....................54
calibration .................................56
set zone adjustment .................55
Console
overhead ....................................53
Controls
power seat .................................74
Coolant
checking and adding ..............154
refill capacities .................158,194
specifications ...................197,199
Cruise control
(see Speed control) ....................47
Customer Assistance ................128
Ford accessories
for your vehicle ......................209
Ford Extended
Service Plan ............................202
Getting assistance outside
the U.S. and Canada ..............208
Getting roadside assistance ...128
Getting the
service you need ....................202
Ordering additional
owner's literature ...................214
The Dispute
Settlement Board ...................205
Utilizing the Mediation/
Arbitration Program ...............208
Daytime running lamps
(see Lamps) ................................17
Dipstick
automatic
transmission fluid ...................161
engine oil .................................150
Doors
door ajar warning .....................12
lubricant specifications ..........197
Driveline universal joint
and slip yoke .............................164
Driving under special
conditions ...........................118,119mud ..........................................118
sand .........................................118
snow and ice ...........................119
through water ..................118,122
Emergencies, roadside
jump-starting ..........................142
Emission control system ..........181
Engine ........................................199
check engine/service engine
soon light ....................................8
cleaning ...................................191
coolant .....................................154
fail-safe coolant ......................159
idle speed control ...................165
lubrication
specifications ...................197,199
refill capacities ........................194
service points ..........................150
starting after a collision .........129
Engine block heater .................105
Engine oil ..................................150
checking and adding ..............150
dipstick ....................................150
filter, specifications .........152,194
recommendations ...................152
refill capacities ........................194
specifications ...................197,199
Exhaust fumes ..........................106
Fail safe cooling ........................159
Floor mats ...................................61
Fluid capacities .........................194
Foglamps .....................................18
Four-Wheel Drive vehicles ..12,115
description ..............................116
driving off road .......................117
electronic shift ........................116
ESOF .........................................19
indicator light ....................12,115
preparing to
drive your vehicle ...................111
Fuel ............................................174
calculating fuel economy .......178
Index
217

daytime running light ...............17
fog lamps ...................................18
headlamps .................................17
headlamps, flash to pass ..........17
instrument panel, dimming .....18
interior lamps ......................56,57
replacing
bulbs ............183,184,185,186,187
Lane change indicator
(see Turn signal) ........................46
Lights, warning and indicator ......8
air bag ..........................................9
anti-lock brakes (ABS) .....10,108
anti-theft ...................................11
brake ..........................................10
charging system ........................11
check coolant ............................11
cruise indicator .........................12
door ajar ....................................12
engine oil pressure ...................11
high beam .................................11
low fuel ........................................8
safety belt .................................10
service engine soon ....................8
speed control ............................50
turn signal indicator .................10
Load limits .................................120
GAWR ......................................120
GVWR ......................................120
trailer towing ..........................120
Loading instructions .................121
Locks
autolock .....................................70
childproof ..................................59
doors ..........................................59
Lubricant specifications ....197,199
Lumbar support, seats ...............76
Mirrors
fold away ...................................61
side view mirrors (power) .......60
Moon roof ....................................57
Motorcraft parts .................178,194Octane rating ............................176
Odometer .....................................15
Oil (see Engine oil) ..................150
Overdrive .....................................52
Panic alarm feature, remote
entry system ................................67
Parking brake ............................109
Parts (see Motorcraft parts) ....194
Pedals (see Power adjustable
foot pedals) .................................19
Power adjustable foot pedals .....19
Power distribution box
(see Fuses) ...............................134
Power door locks ...................59,70
Power steering ..........................110
fluid, checking and adding ....160
fluid, refill capacity ................194
fluid, specifications ..........197,199
Preparing to
drive your vehicle .....................111
Radio ............................................21
Relays ........................................130
Remote entry system ............66,67
illuminated entry ......................71
locking/unlocking doors ...........67
panic alarm ...............................67
replacement/additional
transmitters ..........................69,70
replacing the batteries .............68
Safety belts (see Safety
restraints) ...........13,79,80,81,82,83
Safety defects, reporting ..........215
Safety restraints ......79,80,81,82,83
belt minder ...............................86
cleaning the safety belts ...89,193
extension assembly ..................85
for adults .........................80,81,82
for children ..........................94,95
lap belt ......................................84
warning light
and chime ...................10,12,13,85
Safety seats for children ............96
Index
219