2003 FORD F150 spare tire

Stowing the flat/spare tire
1. Lay the tire on the ground with the valve stem facing in the direction
specified on the Tire Changing Instructions located with the jack
hardware.
2. Slide the wheel partially under the vehicle and install the retainer
through the wheel center. Pull on the cable to align the components at
the end of the cable.
3. Turn the jack handle clockwise until the tire is raised to its stowed
position underneath the vehicle. The effort to turn the jack handle
increases significantly and the spare tire carrier ratchets or slips when
the tire is raised to the maximum tightness. Tighten to the best of your
ability, to the point where the ratchet/slip occurs, if possible. The spare
tire carrier will not allow you to overtighten. If the spare tire carrier
ratchets or slips with little effort, take the vehicle to your dealer for
assistance at your earliest convenience.
4. Check that the tire lies flat against the frame and is properly
tightened. Try to push or pull, then turn the tire to be sure it will not
move. Loosen and retighten, if necessary. Failure to properly stow the
spare tire may result in failure of the winch cable and loss of the tire.
5. Repeat this tightness check procedure when servicing the spare tire
pressure (every six months, per scheduled maintenance guide), or at any
time that the spare tire is disturbed through service of other
components.
6. If removed, install the spare tire lock (if equipped) into the bumper
drive tube with the spare tire lock key (if equipped) and jack handle.
JUMP STARTING YOUR VEHICLE
The gases around the battery can explode if exposed to flames,
sparks, or lit cigarettes. An explosion could result in injury or
vehicle damage.
Batteries contain sulfuric acid which can burn skin, eyes and
clothing, if contacted.
Do not attempt to push-start your vehicle. Automatic
transmissions do not have push-start capability; also, the
catalytic converter may become damaged.
Roadside Emergencies
191

INFORMATION ABOUT UNIFORM TIRE QUALITY GRADING
New vehicles are fitted with tires
that have a rating on them called
Tire Quality Grades. The Quality
grades can be found where
applicable on the tire sidewall
between tread shoulder and
maximum section width. For
example:
•Treadwear 200 Traction AA Temperature A
These Tire Quality Grades are determined by standards that the United
States Department of Transportation has set.
Tire Quality Grades apply to new pneumatic tires for use on passenger
cars. They do not apply to deep tread, winter-type snow tires,
space-saver or temporary use spare tires, tires with nominal rim
diameters of 10 to 12 inches or limited production tires as defined in
Title 49 Code of Federal Regulations Part 575.104(c)(2).
U.S. Department of Transportation-Tire quality grades:The U.S.
Department of Transportation requires Ford to give you the following
information about tire grades exactly as the government has written it.
Treadwear
The treadwear grade is a comparative rating based on the wear rate of
the tire when tested under controlled conditions on a specified
government test course. For example, a tire graded 150 would wear one
and one-half (1 1/2) times as well on the government course as a tire
graded 100. The relative performance of tires depends upon the actual
conditions of their use, however, and may depart significantly from the
norm due to variations in driving habits, service practices, and
differences in road characteristics and climates.
Traction AA A B C
The traction grades, from highest to lowest are AA, A, B, and C. The
grades represent the tire’s ability to stop on wet pavement as measured
under controlled conditions on specified government test surfaces of
asphalt and concrete. A tire marked C may have poor traction
performance.
Maintenance and Specifications
251

Replacing the tires
Replace the tires when the wear
band is visible through the tire
treads. Due to exposure to the
elements and exhaust you should
replace the spare tire when you
replace the other tires.
When replacing full size tires, never mix radial bias-belted, or
bias-type tires. Use only the tire sizes that are listed on the
Certification Label. Make sure that all tires are the same size, speed
rating, and load-carrying capacity. Use only the tire combinations
recommended on the label. If you do not follow these precautions,
your vehicle handling may be affected which can lead to loss of vehicle
control, vehicle rollover and/or personal injury.
Make sure that all replacement tires are of the same size, type,
speed rating, load-carrying capacity and tread design (e.g.,“All
Terrain”,“Touring”, etc.), as originally offered by Ford.
Do not replace your tires with“high performance”tires or larger
size tires.
Failure to follow these precautions, your vehicle handling may be
adversely effected which can lead to loss of vehicle control,
vehicle rollover and/or personal injury.
Tires that are larger or smaller than your vehicle’s original tires may also
affect the accuracy of your speedometer.
Maintenance and Specifications
254

Pedals (see Power
adjustable foot pedals) ...............63
Power adjustable foot pedals .....63
Power distribution box
(see Fuses) ...............................180
Power door locks ........................78
Power point .................................59
Power steering ..........................141
fluid, checking and adding ....243
fluid, refill capacity ................256
fluid, specifications .........259, 262
Power Windows ...........................60
Preparing to drive
your vehicle ...............................142
R
Radio ..........................19, 25, 28, 31
Relays ........................................176
Remote entry system .................81
illuminated entry ......................83
locking/unlocking doors ...........78
Roadside assistance ..................174
S
Safety belts (see Safety
restraints) ......98–99, 101–102, 104
Safety defects, reporting ..........207
Safety restraints .... 98–99, 101–104
belt minder .............................106
cleaning the safety belts ........110
extension assembly ................110
for adults ...................99, 101–102
for children .....................119–120
lap belt ....................................105
warning light and chime ........106
Safety seats for children ..........123Seat belts (see
Safety restraints) ........................98
Seats ............................................90
child safety seats ....................123
cleaning ...................................213
Servicing your vehicle ..............216
Snowplowing .................7, 170–172
Spare tire (see
Changing the Tire) ...................185
Spark plugs, specifications ......255,
262
Special notice ................................9
ambulance conversions ..............8
four-wheel drive
vehicles ............................172–173
utility-type vehicles ....................8
Specification chart,
lubricants ...........................259, 262
Speed control ..............................63
Starting your vehicle .......135–136,
139
jump starting ..........................191
Steering wheel
tilting .........................................55
T
Tailgate ..................................72–73
Tires ...........................184, 251–252
changing ..................184–185, 187
checking the pressure ............252
replacing ..................................254
rotating ....................................253
snow tires and chains ............255
tire grades ...............................252
treadwear ................................251
Tonneau cover .......................74, 77
Towing .......................................163
Index
277