2003 FORD F150 check engine

The flow of fuel through a fuel pump nozzle can produce static
electricity, which can cause a fire if fuel is pumped into an
ungrounded fuel container.
Use the following guidelines to avoid static build-up when filling an
ungrounded fuel container:
•Place approved fuel container on the ground.
•DO NOT fill a fuel container while it is in the vehicle (including the
cargo area).
•Keep the fuel pump nozzle in contact with the fuel container while
filling.
•DO NOT use a device that would hold the fuel pump handle in the fill
position.
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“Check Fuel Cap”
indicator comes on or if“Service Engine
Soon/Check Engine”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.
The fuel system may be under pressure. If the fuel filler cap is
venting vapor or if you hear a hissing sound, wait until it stops
before completely removing the fuel filler cap. Otherwise, fuel may
spray out and injure you or others.
Maintenance and Specifications
235

•Anticipate stopping; slowing down may eliminate the need to stop.
•Sudden or hard accelerations may reduce fuel economy.
•Slow down gradually.
•Driving at reasonable speeds (traveling at 88 km/h [55 mph] uses 15%
less fuel than traveling at 105 km/h [65 mph]).
•Revving the engine before turning it off may reduce fuel economy.
•Using the air conditioner or defroster may reduce fuel economy.
•You may want to turn off the speed control in hilly terrain if
unnecessary shifting between third and fourth gear occurs.
Unnecessary shifting of this type could result in reduced fuel
economy.
•Warming up a vehicle on cold mornings is not required and may
reduce fuel economy.
•Resting your foot on the brake pedal while driving may reduce fuel
economy.
•Combine errands and minimize stop-and-go driving.
Maintenance
•Keep tires properly inflated and use only recommended size.
•Operating a vehicle with the wheels out of alignment will reduce fuel
economy.
•Use recommended engine oil. Refer toLubricant specificationsin
this chapter.
•Perform all regularly scheduled maintenance items. Follow the
recommended maintenance schedule and owner maintenance checks
found in your vehicle scheduled maintenance guide.
Conditions
•Heavily loading a vehicle or towing a trailer may reduce fuel economy
at any speed.
•Carrying unnecessary weight may reduce fuel economy (approximately
0.4 km/L [1 mpg] is lost for every 180 kg [400 lb] of weight carried).
•Adding certain accessories to your vehicle (for example bug
deflectors, rollbars/light bars, running boards, ski/luggage racks) may
reduce fuel economy.
•To maximize the fuel economy, drive with the tonneau cover installed
(if equipped).
Maintenance and Specifications
240

engine must warm up to its normal operating temperature. Once started,
do not turn off the engine until the above driving cycle is complete.
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 MERCONAT 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).
2. While the engine idles, turn the steering wheel left and right several
times.
3. Turn the engine off.
4. Check the fluid level in the
reservoir. It should be between the
MIN and MAX lines. Do not add
fluid if the level is in this range.
5. If the fluid is low, add fluid in small amounts, continuously checking
the level until it reaches the range between the MIN and MAX lines. Be
sure to put the cap back on the reservoir.
MAX
MIN
MAX
MIN
Maintenance and Specifications
243

1. Clean the reservoir cap before
removal to prevent dirt and water
from entering the reservoir.
2. Remove cap and rubber
diaphragm from reservoir.
3. Add fluid until the level reaches
the step in the reservoir.
4. Reinstall rubber diaphragm and
cap onto reservoir.
TRANSMISSION FLUID
Checking automatic transmission fluid (if equipped)
Refer to your scheduled maintenance guide for scheduled intervals for
fluid checks and changes. Your transmission does not consume fluid.
However, the fluid level should be checked if the transmission is not
working properly, i.e., if the transmission slips or shifts slowly or if you
notice some sign of fluid leakage.
Automatic transmission fluid expands when warmed. To obtain an
accurate fluid check, drive the vehicle until it is at normal operating
temperature (approximately 30 km [20 miles]). If your vehicle has been
operated for an extended period at high speeds, in city traffic during hot
weather or pulling a trailer, the vehicle should be turned off for about 30
minutes to allow fluid to cool before checking.
1. Drive the vehicle 30 km (20 miles) or until it reaches normal operating
temperature.
2. Park the vehicle on a level surface and engage the parking brake.
3. With the parking brake engaged and your foot on the brake pedal,
start the engine and move the gearshift lever through all of the gear
ranges. Allow sufficient time for each gear to engage.
Maintenance and Specifications
245

4. Latch the gearshift lever in P (Park) and leave the engine running.
5. Remove the dipstick, wiping it clean with a clean, dry lint free rag. If
necessary, refer toIdentifying components in the engine compartment
in this chapter for the location of the dipstick.
6. Install the dipstick making sure it is fully seated in the filler tube.
7. Remove the dipstick and inspect the fluid level. The fluid should be in
the designated area for normal operating temperature or ambient
temperature.
Low fluid level
Do not drive the vehicle if the fluid
level is at the bottom of the dipstick
and the ambient temperature is
above 10°C (50°F).
Correct fluid level
The transmission fluid should be checked at normal operating
temperature 66°C-77°C (150°F-170°F) on a level surface. The normal
operating temperature can be reached after approximately 30 km
(20 miles) of driving.
You can check the fluid without driving if the ambient temperature is
above 10°C (50°F). However, if fluid is added at this time, an overfill
condition could result when the vehicle reaches normal operating
temperature.
The transmission fluid should be in
this range if at normal operating
temperature (66°C-77°C
[150°F-170°F]).
DON’T ADD
ADD COLD HOT DO NOT ADD
DON’T ADD
ADD COLD HOT DO NOT ADD
Maintenance and Specifications
246

1. World manufacturer identifier
2. Brake type and gross vehicle
weight rating (GVWR)
3. Vehicle line, series, body type
4. Engine type
5. Check digit
6. Model year
7. Assembly plant
8. Production sequence number
Engine number
The engine number (the last eight numbers of the vehicle identification
number) is stamped on the engine block and transmission.
Harley-Davidson serialization plate
The Harley-Davidson Edition contains a serialization plate that is unique
and custom made for each Harley-Davidson vehicle. The serialization
plate contains the model year, vehicle identification number and build
sequence number. This information is added to the plate at the time of
vehicle build. Since plate is custom made, it isnot a serviceable part.
Maintenance and Specifications
268

A
Accessory delay ..........................61
Air bag supplemental
restraint system ........................111
and child safety seats ............113
description ..............................111
disposal ....................................115
driver air bag ..........................113
indicator light .........................115
operation .................................113
passenger air bag ...................113
passenger deactivation
switch ......................................116
Air cleaner filter ...............250, 255
Air conditioning ..........................41
Ambulance packages ....................8
Antifreeze (see
Engine coolant) ........................227
Anti-lock brake system
(see Brakes) ..............................140
Armrests ......................................98
Audio system (see
Radio) ........................19, 25, 28, 31
Automatic transmission ............143
driving an automatic
overdrive .................................144
fluid, adding ............................245
fluid, checking ........................245
fluid, refill capacities ..............256
fluid, specification ..................262
Auxiliary power point .................59
Axle
lubricant
specifications ..................259, 262
refill capacities ........................256
traction lok ..............................142B
Battery .......................................225
acid, treating emergencies .....225
jumping a disabled battery ....191
maintenance-free ....................225
replacement, specifications ...255
servicing ..................................225
Bed extender ..............................73
BeltMinder .................................106
Brakes ........................................140
anti-lock ...................................140
anti-lock brake system
(ABS) warning light ...............140
fluid, checking and adding ....244
fluid, refill capacities ..............256
fluid, specifications .........259, 262
lubricant
specifications ..................259, 262
parking ....................................141
shift interlock ..........................143
Bulbs ............................................48
C
Calculating load ........................163
Capacities for refilling fluids ....256
Cassette tape player ...................28
CD-single premium .........19, 25, 31
Cell phone use ............................60
Certification Label ....................267
Changing a tire .........................184
Child safety restraints ..............120
child safety belts ....................120
Child safety seats ......................123
attaching with tether
straps .......................................128
in front seat ............................124
in rear seat ......................124, 127
Index
273

Cleaning your vehicle
engine compartment ..............209
exterior ....................................214
instrument panel ....................212
interior .....................................212
interior trim ............................212
plastic parts ............................211
washing ....................................208
waxing .....................................208
wheels ......................................209
wiper blades ............................211
Climate control (see Air
conditioning or Heating) ............41
Clutch
fluid ..........................................244
operation while driving ..........146
recommended shift speeds ....147
Compass, electronic ..............57, 61
calibration .................................58
set zone adjustment .................58
Console ........................................59
overhead ..............................55–56
Coolant
checking and adding ..............227
refill capacities ................231, 256
specifications ..................259, 262
Cruise control (see
Speed control) ............................63
Customer Assistance ................174
Ford accessories for
your vehicle ............................215
Ford Extended Service
Plan ..........................................200
Getting assistance outside
the U.S. and Canada ..............204
Getting roadside assistance ...174
Getting the service
you need .................................198
Ordering additional
owner’s literature ...................205The Dispute Settlement
Board .......................................201
Utilizing the Mediation/
Arbitration Program ...............204
D
Daytime running lamps
(see Lamps) ................................45
Dipstick
automatic transmission
fluid ..........................................245
engine oil .................................221
Doors
lubricant specifications ..........259
Driveline universal joint
and slip yoke .............................249
Driving under special
conditions ..................146, 154, 157
sand .........................................156
snow and ice ...........................158
through water .................156, 161
E
Emergencies, roadside
jump-starting ..........................191
Emission control system ..........241
Engine ........................................262
cleaning ...................................209
coolant .....................................227
fail-safe coolant ......................232
idle speed control ...................225
lubrication
specifications ..................259, 262
refill capacities ........................256
service points ..................218–220
starting after a collision .........175
Engine block heater .................139
Engine oil ..................................221
Index
274