
slopes or hills. A danger lies in losing traction, slipping sideways and
possibly rolling over. Whenever driving on a hill, determine beforehand
the route you will use. Do not drive over the crest of a hill without
seeing what conditions are on the other side. Do not drive in reverse
over a hill without the aid of an observer.
When climbing a steep slope or hill,
start in a lower gear rather than
downshifting to a lower gear from a
higher gear once the ascent has
started. This reduces strain on the
engine and the possibility of stalling.
If you do stall out, do not try to
turn around because you might roll
over. It is better to back down to a
safe location.
Apply just enough power to the wheels to climb the hill. Too much
power will cause the tires to slip, spin or lose traction, resulting in loss of
vehicle control.
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; instead,
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’tbe
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
“pump”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.
REVIEW COPY
2005 F150(f12), Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)(own2002),
Market:USA_English(fus)
Driving
218

Do not add engine coolant when the engine is hot. Steam and
scalding liquids released from a hot cooling system can burn you
badly. Also, you can be burned if you spill coolant on hot engine parts.
Do not put engine coolant in the windshield washer fluid
container. If sprayed on the windshield, engine coolant could
make it difficult to see through the windshield.
•Add Motorcraft Premium Gold Engine Coolant
(yellow-colored), VC-7–A (U.S., except CA and OR), VC-7–B
(CA and OR only), meeting Ford Specification
WSS-M97B51–A1.
Note:Use of Motorcraft Cooling System Stop Leak Pellets, VC-6, may
darken the color of Motorcraft Premium Gold Engine Coolant from
yellow to golden tan.
•Do not add/mix an orange-colored, extended life coolant such
as Motorcraft Speciality Orange Engine Coolant, VC-2 (US) or
CXC-209 (Canada), meeting Ford specification WSS-M97B44–D
with the factory-filled coolant.Mixing Motorcraft Speciality Orange
Engine Coolant or any orange-colored extended life product with your
factory filled coolant can result in degraded corrosion protection.
•A large amount of water without engine coolant may be added, in case
of emergency, to reach a vehicle service location. In this instance, the
cooling system must be drained and refilled with a 50/50 mixture of
engine coolant and distilled water as soon as possible. Water alone
(without engine coolant) can cause engine damage from corrosion,
overheating or freezing.
•Do not use alcohol, methanol, brine or any engine coolants
mixed with alcohol or methanol antifreeze (coolant).Alcohol
and other liquids can cause engine damage from overheating or
freezing.
•Do not add extra inhibitors or additives to the coolant.These
can be harmful and compromise the corrosion protection of the engine
coolant.
Add the proper mixture of coolant and water to the“FULL COLD”level.
Follow these steps to add engine coolant.
REVIEW COPY
2005 F150(f12), Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)(own2002),
Market:USA_English(fus)
Maintenance and Specifications
267

To reduce the risk of personal injury, make sure the engine is
cool before unscrewing the coolant pressure relief cap. The
cooling system is under pressure; steam and hot liquid can come out
forcefully when the cap is loosened slightly.
1. Before you begin, turn the engine off and let it cool.
2. When the engine is cool, wrap a thick cloth around the coolant
pressure relief cap on the coolant reservoir (an opaque plastic bottle).
Slowly turn cap counterclockwise (left) until pressure begins to release.
3. Step back while the pressure releases.
4. When you are sure that all the pressure has been released, use the
cloth to turn it counterclockwise and remove the cap.
5. Fill the coolant reservoir slowly with the proper coolant mixture (see
above), to within the“COLD FILL RANGE”or the“FULL COLD”level on
the reservoir.
6. Replace the cap. Turn until tightly installed. Turn cap until click is
heard/felt to ensure it is tightly installed.
After any coolant has been added, check the coolant concentration, refer
toChecking engine coolantsection. If the concentration is not 50/50
(protection to–34°F/–36°C), drain some coolant and adjust the
concentration. It may take several drains and additions to obtain a 50/50
coolant concentration.
Whenever coolant has been added, the coolant level in the coolant
reservoir should be checked the next few times you drive the vehicle. If
necessary, add enough 50/50 concentration of engine coolant and
distilled water to bring the liquid level to the proper level.
If you have to add more than 1.0 quart (1.0 liter) of engine coolant per
month, have your dealer check the engine cooling system. Your cooling
system may have a leak. Operating an engine with a low level of coolant
can result in engine overheating and possible engine damage.
Recycled engine coolant
Ford Motor Company does NOT recommend the use of recycled engine
coolant in vehicles originally equipped with Motorcraft Premium Gold
Engine Coolant since a Ford-approved recycling process is not yet
available.
Used engine coolant should be disposed of in an appropriate
manner. Follow your community’s regulations and standards for recycling
and disposing of automotive fluids.
REVIEW COPY
2005 F150(f12), Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)(own2002),
Market:USA_English(fus)
Maintenance and Specifications
268

High fluid level
Fluid levels above the safe range
may result in transmission failure.
An overfill condition of transmission
fluid may cause shift and/or
engagement concerns and/or
possible damage.
High fluid levels can be caused by an overheating condition.
Adjusting automatic transmission fluid levels
Before adding any fluid, make sure the correct type is used. The type of
fluid used is normally indicated on the dipstick and also in the
Lubricant specificationssection in this chapter.
Use of a non-approved automatic transmission fluid may cause
internal transmission component damage.
If necessary, add fluid in 1/2 pint (250 ml) increments through the filler
tube until the level is correct.
If an overfill occurs, excess fluid
should be removed by a qualified
technician.
An overfill condition of
transmission fluid may cause
shift and/or engagement concerns and/or possible damage.
Do not use supplemental transmission fluid additives, treatments or
cleaning agents. The use of these materials may affect transmission
operation and result in damage to internal transmission components.
REVIEW COPY
2005 F150(f12), Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)(own2002),
Market:USA_English(fus)
Maintenance and Specifications
285

Climate control
(see Air conditioning or
Heating) ...........................36, 39, 42
Clock adjust
6-CD in dash .......................27, 31
AM/FM Stereo .....................19–20
AM/FM/CD .................................21
AM/FM/Tape/CD .......................24
Clutch
fluid ..........................................282
operation while driving ..........205
recommended shift speeds ....206
Compass, electronic ..............84, 86
calibration .................................86
set zone adjustment ...........77, 86
Console ........................................62
overhead ..............................58–59
Controls
power seat ...............................106
steering column ........................70
Coolant
checking and adding ..............265
refill capacities ................269, 291
specifications ..................295, 297
Cruise control
(see Speed control) ....................68
Customer Assistance ................223
Ford accessories for your
vehicle .....................................252
Ford Extended Service
Plan ..........................................244
Getting assistance outside the
U.S. and Canada .....................245
Getting roadside assistance ...223
Getting the service you
need .........................................238
Ordering additional owner’s
literature .................................245
The Dispute Settlement
Board .......................................241Utilizing the
Mediation/Arbitration
Program ...................................243
D
Daytime running lamps
(see Lamps) ................................47
Dipstick
automatic transmission
fluid ..........................................283
engine oil .................................259
Doors
lubricant specifications ..........295
Driveline universal joint and
slip yoke ....................................287
Driving under special
conditions ..................205, 214, 217
sand .........................................216
snow and ice ...........................218
through water .................217, 219
DVD system .................................33
E
Electronic message center .........76
Emergencies, roadside
jump-starting ..........................232
Emergency Flashers .................224
Emission control system ..........279
Engine ................................297–298
cleaning ...................................248
coolant .....................................265
fail-safe coolant ......................269
idle speed control ...................263
lubrication
specifications ..................295, 297
refill capacities ........................291
service points ..................256–258
REVIEW COPY
2005 F150(f12), Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)(own2002),
Market:USA_English(fus)
Index
308

starting after a collision .........224
Engine block heater .................195
Engine oil ..................................259
checking and adding ..............259
dipstick ....................................259
filter, specifications ........262, 290
recommendations ...................262
refill capacities ........................291
specifications ..................295, 297
Exhaust fumes ..........................195
F
Fail safe cooling ........................269
Fluid capacities .........................291
Foglamps .....................................47
Four-Wheel Drive vehicles .......210
driving off road .......................213
electronic shift ........................212
indicator light .........................210
lever operated shift ................210
preparing to drive your
vehicle .....................................198
Fuel ............................................271
calculating fuel
economy ............................79, 275
cap ...........................................273
capacity ...................................291
choosing the right fuel ...........274
comparisons with EPA fuel
economy estimates .................278
detergent in fuel .....................275
filling your vehicle
with fuel ..................271, 273, 276
filter, specifications ........275, 290
fuel pump shut-off switch .....224
improving fuel economy ........275
octane rating ...........274, 297–298
quality ......................................274
running out of fuel .................275safety information relating to
automotive fuels .....................271
Fuel pump shut-off switch .......224
Fuses ..................................225–226
G
Garage Door Opener
(see Homelink wireless control
system) ........................................72
Gas cap (see Fuel cap) ............273
Gas mileage
(see Fuel economy) .................275
Gauges .........................................15
H
Hazard flashers .........................224
Head restraints .................104, 108
Headlamps ...................................46
aiming ........................................48
autolamp system .......................46
bulb specifications ....................52
daytime running lights .............47
flash to pass ..............................48
high beam .................................47
replacing bulbs .........................52
turning on and off ....................46
Heating
heater only system ...................36
heating and air conditioning
system ...........................37, 39, 42
Homelink wireless control
system ..........................................72
Hood ..........................................255
I
Ignition .......................190, 297–298
REVIEW COPY
2005 F150(f12), Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)(own2002),
Market:USA_English(fus)
Index
309