2002 FORD F150 4WD

4WD Systems (if equipped)
4WD (when you select the 4WD mode), uses all four wheels to power
itself. This increases traction, enabling you to drive over terrain and road
conditions that a conventional two-wheel drive vehicle can't.
Power is supplied to all four wheels
through a transfer case. On 4WD
vehicles, the transfer case allows
you to select 4WD when necessary.
Information on transfer case
operation and shifting procedures
can be found in theDriving
chapter. Information on transfer
case maintenance can be found in theMaintenance and specifications
chapter. 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.
If you must reduce the tire pressure for whatever reason in sand, make
sure you re-inflate the tires as soon as possible.
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.
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191

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.
Water intrusion into the transmission may damage the
transmission.
If the front or rear axle is submerged in water, the axle lubricant should
be replaced.
After driving through mud, clean off residue stuck to rotating driveshafts
and tires. Excess mud stuck on tires and rotating driveshafts causes an
imbalance that could damage drive components.
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192

Descend a hill in the same gear you
would use to climb up the hill to
avoid excessive brake application
and brake overheating. Do not
descend in neutral, disengage
overdrive or manually shift to a
lower gear. When descending a
steep hill, avoid sudden hard
braking as you could lose control.
When you brake hard, the front
wheels can't turn and if they aren't
turning, you won't be able to steer.
The front wheels have to be turning in order to steer the vehicle. Rapid
pumping of the brake pedal will help you slow the vehicle and still
maintain steering control.
If your vehicle has anti-lock brakes, apply the brakes steadily. Do not
ªpumpº the brakes.
Driving on snow and ice
4WD vehicles have advantages over 2WD vehicles in snow and ice but
can skid like any other vehicle.
Should you start to slide while driving on snowy or icy roads, turn the
steering wheel in the direction of the slide until you regain control.
Avoid sudden applications of power and quick changes of direction on
snow and ice. Apply the accelerator slowly and steadily when starting
from a full stop.
Avoid sudden braking as well. Although a 4WD vehicle may accelerate
better than a two-wheel drive vehicle in snow and ice, it won't stop any
faster, because as in other vehicles, braking occurs at all four wheels. Do
not become overconfident as to road conditions.
Make sure you allow sufficient distance between you and other vehicles for
stopping as well as drive slower than usual and consider using one of the
lower gears. In emergency stopping situations, avoid locking of the wheels.
Use a ªsqueezeº technique, push on the brake pedal with a steadily increasing
force which allows the wheels to brake yet continue to roll so that you may
steer in the direction you want to travel. If you lock the wheels, release the
brake pedal and repeat the squeeze technique. If your vehicle is equipped
with a Four Wheel Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS), apply the brake steadily.
Do not ªpumpº the brakes. Refer to theBrakessection of this chapter for
additional information on the operation of the anti-lock brake system.
Driving
194

Never drive with chains on the front tires of 4WD vehicles without also
putting them on the rear tires. This could cause the rear to slide and
swing around during braking.
Tires, Replacement Requirements
4WD vehicles are equipped with tires designed to provide for safe ride
and handling capability.
Do not use a size and type of tire and wheel other than that originally
provided by Ford because it can affect the safety and performance of
your vehicle, which could lead to loss of vehicle control or roll over and
serious injury. Make sure all tires and wheels on the vehicle are of the
same size, type, tread design, brand and load-carrying capacity. If you
have questions regarding tire replacement, see an authorized Ford or
Lincoln/Mercury dealer.
If you nevertheless decide to equip your 4WD for off-road use with tires
larger than what Ford recommends, you should not use these tires for
highway driving.
If you use any tire/wheel combination not recommended by Ford, it may
adversely affect vehicle handling and could cause steering, suspension,
axle or transfer case failure.
Do not useºaftermarket lift kitsº or other suspension modifications,
whether or not they are used with larger tires and wheels.
These ªaftermarket lift kitsº could adversely affect the vehicle's handling
characteristics, which could lead to loss of vehicle control or roll over
and serious injury.
Tires can be damaged during off-road use. For your safety, tires that are
damaged should not be used for highway driving because they are more
likely to blow out or fail.
You should carefully observe the recommended tire inflation pressure
found on the safety compliance certification label attached to the left
front door lock facing or door latch post pillar. Failure to follow tire
pressure recommendations can adversely affect the way your vehicle
handles. Do not exceed the Ford recommended pressure even if it is less
than the maximum pressure allowed for the tire.
Driving
195

RECREATIONAL TOWING (ALL WHEELS ON THE GROUND)
An example of recreational towing would be towing your vehicle behind a
motorhome. Follow these guidelines if you have the need for recreational
towing your vehicle with all four wheels on the ground. These guidelines are
designed to ensure that your transmission is not damaged.
2WD vehicles (with automatic transmissions)
²Place the transmission in N (Neutral)
²Maximum speed is 56 km (35 mph)
²Maximum distance is 80 km (50 miles)
If a distance of 80 km (50 miles) or a speed of 56 km (35 mph) must be
exceeded, the drive shaft will have to be removed before the vehicle is towed.
Ford recommends the driveshaft be removed/installed only by a qualified
technician. See your local dealer for driveshaft removal/installation.
Improper removal/installation of the driveshaft can cause
transmission fluid loss, damage to the driveshaft and internal
transmission components.
4WD vehicles electronic shift transfer case (with automatic
transmissions)
4x4 vehicles with electronic shift on the fly cannot be towed with any
wheels on the ground.
SNOWPLOWING
Ford recommends the following specifications for low speed, personal
use snow removal:
²
F-150 4x4 (except F-150 Supercrew, ªLightningº and ªHarley-Davidsonº)
²5.4L engine
²Heavy duty service package
²Super engine cooling
²Heavy duty front suspension package
²Automatic transmission with auxiliary automatic transmission fluid
cooling
²All-terrain tires
²Limited slip and optional axle ratio.
Do not install a snowplow and plow with your vehicle until it has been
driven at least 800 km (500 miles).
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206

Engine temperature while plowing
When driving with a plow, your
engine may run at a higher
temperature than normal because
the attached snowplow blade will
restrict airflow to the radiator.
If you are driving more than 24 km (15 miles) at temperatures above
freezing, angle the plow blade either full left or full right to provide
maximum airflow to the radiator.
If you are driving less than 24 km (15 miles) at speeds up to 64 km/h
(40 mph) in cold weather, you will not need to worry about blade
position to provide maximum airflow.
Transmission operation while plowing
²Shift transfer case to 4L (4WD Low) when plowing in small areas at
speeds below 8 km/h (5 mph).
²Shift transfer case to 4H (4WD High) when plowing larger areas or
light snow at higher speeds. Do not exceed 24 km/h (15 mph).
²Do not shift the transmission from a forward gear to R (Reverse) until
the engine is at idle and the wheels are stopped.
²If the vehicle is stuck, shift the transmission in a steady motion
between forward and reverse gears. Do not rock the vehicle for more
than a few minutes. The transmission and tires may be damaged or
the engine can overheat.
Do not rock the vehicle if the engine is not at operating
temperature. Do not rock the vehicle for more than a few
minutes. The transmission and tires may be damaged or the
engine may overheat.
Do not spin the wheels at over 35 mph (55 km/h). The tires may
fail and injure a passenger or bystander.
H
C
Driving
209

Fuse/Relay
LocationFuse Amp
RatingPower Distribution Box
Description
209 Ð Front Wiper Hi/Lo Relay
301 Ð Fuel Pump Relay
302 Ð Trailer Tow Battery Charge Relay
303 Ð Not Used
304 Ð Powertrain Control Module Relay
305 Ð Fuel Pump Hi/Lo Relay
(Supercharged engine only)
306 Ð Inertia Switch Relay
(Supercharged engine only)
401 Ð Not Used
501 Ð Powertrain Control Module Diode
502 Ð A/C Compressor Diode
503 Ð Not Used
601 CB Power Windows, Moonroof
602 Ð Not Used
*Mini fuses **Maxi fuses
CHANGING THE TIRES
If you get a flat tire while driving, do not apply the brake heavily.
Instead, gradually decrease your speed. Hold the steering wheel firmly
and slowly move to a safe place on the side of the road.
Spare tire information
Your vehicle is equipped with a spare tire that may be used as a spare or
a regular tire. The spare tire wheel may not match the road wheel, and is
not equipped with wheel trim. The wheel trim from the wheel/tire may
be used on the spare if the wheels match.
If your vehicle is equipped with 4WD, a spare tire of a different
size than the road tires should not be used. Such a tire could
result in damage to driveline components and make the vehicle
difficult to control.
Roadside Emergencies
220