2003 FORD F150 ABS

Many lights will illuminate when you start your vehicle to make sure the
bulb works. If any light remains on after starting the vehicle, have the
respective system inspected immediately.
Service engine soon:If this light
illuminates while driving, it is a
possible indication that one of the
engine’s emission control systems
has failed.
Check fuel cap:Illuminates when
the fuel cap may not be properly
installed. Continued driving with
this light on may cause the Service
engine soon warning light to come
on.
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 dealership. Illumination after releasing the parking brake
indicates low brake fluid level and the brake system should be inspected
immediately by your servicing dealership.
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 dealer immediately.
Anti-lock brake system:If the
ABS light stays illuminated or
continues to flash, a malfunction has
been detected, have the system
serviced immediately. Normal
braking is still functional unless the brake warning light also is
illuminated.
SERVICE
ENGINE
SOON
ABS
Instrument Cluster
13

Guarding against exhaust fumes
Carbon monoxide is present in exhaust fumes. Take precautions to avoid
its dangerous effects.
If you smell exhaust fumes inside your vehicle, have your dealer
inspect your vehicle immediately. Do not drive if you smell
exhaust fumes.
Important ventilating information
If the engine is idling while the vehicle is stopped for a long period of
time, open the windows at least 2.5 cm (one inch) or adjust the heating
or air conditioning to bring in fresh air.
BRAKES
Occasional brake noise is normal. If a metal-to-metal, continuous grinding
or continuous squeal sound is present, the brake linings may be worn-out
and should be inspected by a qualified service technician. If the vehicle
has continuous vibration or shudder in the steering wheel while braking,
the vehicle should be inspected by a qualified service technician.
Four-wheel anti-lock brake system (ABS)
Your vehicle is equipped with an Anti-lock Braking System (ABS). This
system helps you maintain steering control during emergency stops by
keeping the brakes from locking. Noise from the ABS pump motor and
brake pedal pulsation may be observed during ABS braking; any
pulsations or mechanical noise you may feel or hear is normal.
Using ABS
When hard braking is required, apply continuous force on the brake
pedal; do not pump the brake pedal since this will reduce the
effectiveness of the ABS and will increase your vehicle’s stopping
distance. The ABS will be activated immediately, allowing you to retain
full steering control during hard braking and on slippery surfaces.
However, the ABS does not decrease stopping distance.
ABS warning lamp
ABS
TheABSlamp in the instrument cluster momentarily illuminates when
the ignition is turned to ON. If the light does not illuminate during start
up, remains on or flashes, the ABS may be disabled and the ABS may
need to be serviced.
Driving
140

Even when the ABS is disabled,
normal braking is still effective. (If
your BRAKE warning lamp
illuminates with the parking brake
released, have your brake system serviced immediately.)
Parking brake
To set the parking brake (1), press
the parking brake pedal down until
the pedal stops. The BRAKE
warning lamp will illuminate and will
remain illuminated until the parking
brake is released.
To release, pull the lever (2).
Always set the parking
brake fully and make sure
that the gearshift is securely
latched in P (Park) (automatic
transmission) or in 1 (First)
(manual transmission).
STEERING
To prevent damage to the power steering system:
•Never hold the steering wheel at its furthest turning points (until it
stops) for more than a few 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).
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.
BRAKE
H
OOD
2
1
Driving
141

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. Drive slower than usual and consider using one of the lower
gears. In emergency stopping situations, avoid locking of the wheels. Use
a“squeeze”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“pump”the brakes. Refer to theBrakessection of
this chapter for additional information on the operation of the anti-lock
brake system.
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
Do not use a size and type of tire and wheel other than that
originally provided by Ford Motor Company because it can affect
the safety and performance of your vehicle, which could result in an
increased risk of loss of vehicle control, vehicle rollover, and/or serious
personal injury or death.
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 Motor Company recommends, you should not use
these tires for highway driving.
If you use any tire/wheel combination not recommended by Ford Motor
Company, it may adversely affect vehicle handling and could cause
steering, suspension, axle or transfer case failure.
Do not use“aftermarket lift kits”or other suspension modifications,
whether or not they are used with larger tires and wheels.
These“aftermarket lift kits”could adversely affect the vehicle’s handling
characteristics, which could lead to loss of vehicle control or rollover and
serious injury.
Driving
159

Fuse/Relay
LocationFuse Amp
RatingPassenger Compartment Fuse
Panel Description
7—Not used
8 5A Radio, Remote entry module,
GEM, In-vehicle entertainment
system (SuperCrew only)
9—Not used
10—Not used
11 30A Front washer pump relay, Wiper
run/park relay, Wiper HI/LO relay,
Windshield wiper motor
12—Not used
13 20A Stop lamp switch (Lamps),
Turn/Hazard flasher
14 15A Battery saver relay, Interior lamp
relay
15 5A Stop lamp switch (speed control,
brake shift interlock), GEM, Rear
Anti-lock Brake System (RABS)
module
16 20A Headlamps (hi beams), Cluster
(hi beam indicator)
17—Not used
18 5A Instrument illumination (dimmer
switch power)
19—Not used
20 5A Audio, GEM, PCM, Transmission
range sensor
21 15A DTR sensor, Clutch switch,
Starter relay, I/P fuse 20
22 10A Air bag module, Passenger air bag
deactivation module
Roadside Emergencies
179

Fuse/Relay
LocationFuse Amp
RatingPassenger Compartment Fuse
Panel Description
23 10A Trailer tow battery Charge relay,
Turn/Hazard flasher, 4x4
solenoids, 4x4 relays, Overhead
console, 4–Wheel Anti-lock Brake
System (4WABS) module, EC
mirror, Heated seats
24 10A Function selector switch assembly
25 10A Heated mirrors
26 10A Right-hand low beam headlamp
27 5A Foglamp relay and foglamp
indicator, Main light switch
(upstream)
28 10A Left-hand low beam headlamp
29 5A Autolamp module, Transmission
overdrive control switch, Central
security module, Beltminder
30 30A Passive Anti-theft transceiver,
Cluster, Ignition coils, PCM relay,
Coil on plugs, Radio noise
capacitor, ECC diode
31—Not used
Relay 1—Interior lamp relay
Relay 2—Battery saver relay
Relay 3—Not used
Relay 4—One-touch down window relay
Relay 5—Accessory delay relay
Power distribution box
The power distribution box is located in the engine compartment. The
power distribution box contains high-current fuses that protect your
vehicle’s main electrical systems from overloads.
Always disconnect the battery before servicing high current
fuses.
Roadside Emergencies
180

Fuse/Relay
LocationFuse Amp
RatingPower Distribution Box
Description
102 50/20A** Four-wheel Anti-lock Brake
System (4WABS)
module/Rear-wheel Anti-lock
Brake System (RABS) module,
Ignition switch
103 50A** Central junction box
104 30A** 4x4 shift motor & clutch
105 40A** Climate control front blower
106 20A** Intercooler pump (supercharged
engine only)
107—Not used
108 30A** Trailer tow electric brake
109—Not used
110 30A** Accessory delay relay (Not used
on SuperCrew)
111 40A** Ignition switch battery feed (start
and run circuits)
112 30A** Drivers power seat, Adjustable
pedal switch
113 40A** Ignition switch battery feed (run
and accessory circuits)
114—Not used
115 20A** Power door locks (SuperCrew
only)
116 40A** Heated backlight
117 40A** Audiophile radio (SuperCrew
only)
118 30A** Heated seats
201—Trailer tow park lamp relay
202—Front wiper run/park relay
203—Trailer tow backup lamp relay
204—A/C clutch relay
Roadside Emergencies
183

Gasoline may contain benzene, which is a cancer-causing agent.
Observe the following guidelines when handling automotive fuel:
•Extinguish all smoking materials
and any open flames before
fueling your vehicle.
•Always turn off the vehicle before
fueling.
•Automotive fuels can be harmful
or fatal if swallowed. Fuel such as gasoline is highly toxic and if
swallowed can cause death or permanent injury. If fuel is swallowed,
call a physician immediately, even if no symptoms are immediately
apparent. The toxic effects of fuel may not be visible for hours.
•Avoid inhaling fuel vapors. Inhaling too much fuel vapor of any kind
can lead to eye and respiratory tract irritation. In severe cases,
excessive or prolonged breathing of fuel vapor can cause serious
illness and permanent injury.
•Avoid getting fuel liquid in your eyes. If fuel is splashed in the eyes,
remove contact lenses (if worn), flush with water for 15 minutes and
seek medical attention. Failure to seek proper medical attention could
lead to permanent injury.
•Fuels can also be harmful if absorbed through the skin. If fuel is
splashed on the skin and/or clothing, promptly remove contaminated
clothing and wash skin thoroughly with soap and water. Repeated or
prolonged skin contact with fuel liquid or vapor causes skin irritation.
•Be particularly careful if you are taking“Antabuse”or other forms of
disulfiram for the treatment of alcoholism. Breathing gasoline vapors,
or skin contact could cause an adverse reaction. In sensitive
individuals, serious personal injury or sickness may result. If fuel is
splashed on the skin, promptly wash skin thoroughly with soap and
water. Consult a physician immediately if you experience an adverse
reaction.
When refueling always shut the engine off and never allow
sparks or open flames near the filler neck. Never smoke while
refueling. Fuel vapor is extremely hazardous under certain conditions.
Care should be taken to avoid inhaling excess fumes.
Maintenance and Specifications
234