2006 FORD F150 steering wheel

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. Drive slower than usual and consider using one of the lower
gears. In emergency stopping situations, 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
(ABS).
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.
Maintenance and Modifications
The suspension and steering systems on your vehicle have been designed
and tested to provide predictable performance whether loaded or empty
and durable load carrying capability. For this reason, Ford Motor
Company strongly recommends that you do not make modifications such
as adding or removing parts (such as lift kits or stabilizer bars) or by
using replacement parts not equivalent to the original factory equipment.
Any modifications to a vehicle that raise the center of gravity can make
it more likely the vehicle will roll over as a result of a loss of control.
Ford Motor Company recommends that caution be used with any vehicle
equipped with a high load or device (such as ladder racks or pickup box
cover).
Failure to maintain your vehicle properly may void the warranty, increase
your repair cost, reduce vehicle performance and operational capabilities
and adversely affect driver and passenger safety. Frequent inspection of
vehicle chassis components is recommended if the vehicle is subjected to
heavy off-road usage.
2006 F-150(f12)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Driving
229

•The Total Accessory Reserve Capacity (TARC) is shown on the lower
right side of the vehicle’s Safety Certification Label. This is the weight
of permanently-attached auxiliary equipment, such as snowplow
frame-mounting hardware, that can be added to the vehicle and satisfy
Ford compliance certification to FMVSS. Exceeding this weight may
require the auxiliary equipment installer additional safety certification
responsibility. The Front Accessory Reserve Capacity (FARC) is added
for customer convenience
•Rear ballast weight behind the rear axle may be required to prevent
exceeding the FGAWR, and provide front-to-rear weight balance for
proper braking and steering.
•Front wheel toe may require re-adjustment to prevent premature
uneven tire wear. Specifications are found in the Ford Workshop
Manual.
•Headlight aim may require re-adjustment.
•The tire air pressures recommended for general driving are found on
the vehicle’s Safety Certification Label. The maximum cold inflation
pressure for the tire and associated load rating is imprinted on the tire
sidewall. Tire air pressure may require re-adjustment within these
pressure limits to accommodate the additional weight of the snowplow
installation
Operating the vehicle with the snowplow attached
Ford recommends that the F–150 be limited to low speed, personal-use
snow removal. Do not use your vehicle for snow removal until it has
been driven at least 500 miles (800 km).
The attached snowplow blade restricts airflow to the radiator, and may
cause the engine to run at a higher temperature:
•If you are driving more than 15 miles (24 km) where outside air
temperatures are above freezing, then angle the plow blade to full left
or right to maximize airflow to the radiator.
•If you are driving less than 15 miles (24 km) at speeds up to 40 mph
(64 km/h) in cold weather you will not need to adjust blade position
2006 F-150(f12)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Driving
231

HAZARD FLASHER
The hazard flasher is located on the
steering column, just behind the
steering wheel. The hazard flashers
will operate when the ignition is in
any position or if the key is not in
the ignition.
Push in the flasher control and all
front and rear direction signals will
flash. Press the flasher control again
to turn them off. Use it when your
vehicle is disabled and is creating a
safety hazard for other motorists.
Note:With extended use, the flasher may run down your battery.
2006 F-150(f12)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Roadside Emergencies
236

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.
The use of tire sealants may damage your tires.
Dissimilar spare tire/wheel information
Failure to follow these guidelines could result in an increased
risk of loss of vehicle control, injury or death.
If you have a dissimilar spare tire/wheel, then it is intended for
temporary use only. This means that if you need to use it, you should
replace it as soon as possible with a road tire/wheel that is the same size
and type as the road tires and wheels that were originally provided by
Ford. If the dissimilar spare tire or wheel is damaged, it should be
replaced rather than repaired.
A dissimilar spare tire/wheel is defined as a spare tire and/or wheel that
is different in brand, size or appearance from the road tires and wheels
and can be one of three types:
1.T-type mini-spare:This spare tire begins with the letter “T” for tire
size and may have “Temporary Use Only” molded in the sidewall
2.Full-size dissimilar spare with label on wheel:This spare tire has
a label on the wheel that states: “THIS TIRE AND WHEEL FOR
TEMPORARY USE ONLY”
When driving with one of the dissimilar spare tires listed above,do not:
•Exceed 50 mph (80 km/h)
•Load the vehicle beyond maximum vehicle load rating listed on the
Safety Compliance Label
•Tow a trailer
•Use snow chains on the end of the vehicle with the dissimilar spare
tire
•Use more than one dissimilar spare tire at a time
•Use commercial car washing equipment
•Try to repair the dissimilar spare tire
2006 F-150(f12)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Roadside Emergencies
244

available from your authorized dealer. This washer fluid contains
special solution in addition to alcohol which helps to remove the hot
wax deposited on the wiper blade and windshield from automated car
wash facilities. Be sure to replace wiper blades when they appear
worn or do not function properly.
•Do not use abrasives, as they may cause scratches.
•Do not use fuel, kerosene, or paint thinner to clean any parts.
Do not use sharp objects, such as a razor blade, to clean the
inside of the rear window or to remove decals, as it may cause
damage to the rear window defroster’s heated grid lines (if
equipped).
INSTRUMENT PANEL
Clean the instrument panel with a damp cloth, then with a clean, dry
cloth, or use Motorcraft Dash & Vinyl Cleaner (ZC-38-A).
•Avoid cleaners or polish that increase the gloss of the upper portion of
the instrument panel. The dull finish in this area helps protect the
driver from undesirable windshield reflection.
Do not use chemical solvents or strong detergents when cleaning
the steering wheel or instrument panel to avoid contamination of
the airbag system.
•Be certain to wash or wipe your hands clean if you have been in
contact with certain products such as insect repellent and suntan
lotion in order to avoid possible damage to the interior painted
surfaces.
INSTRUMENT PANEL AND CONSOLE
(HARLEY-DAVIDSON F150 ONLY)
Your Harley-Davidson F150 instrument panel and console is uniquely
painted with both high and low gloss paints that require special care.
The high gloss area is similar to that of the vehicle’s exterior; the low
gloss area is designed to help protect the driver from undesirable
windshield reflection.
High gloss paint area
In order to maintain the finish of the instrument panel and console, the
high gloss areas should be treated similar to the that of exterior paint or
glossy plastic surfaces. When cleaning the high gloss areas:
•Do not usepaper towels or newspaper.
2006 F-150(f12)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Cleaning
268

POWER STEERING FLUID
Check the power steering fluid.
Refer toscheduled maintenance
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.
2006 F-150(f12)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Maintenance and Specifications
303

Power distribution box
(see Fuses) ...............................238
Power door locks ........................96
Power mirrors .............................72
Power point .................................69
Power steering ..........................208
fluid, checking and adding ....303
fluid, refill capacity ................313
fluid, specifications .........316, 319
Power Windows ...........................70
Preparing to drive
your vehicle ...............................209
R
Radio ..........................22, 24, 28, 33
Relays ........................................237
Remote entry system .................98
arming and disarming
the anti-theft system ................97
illuminated entry ....................102
locking/unlocking doors .....96, 98
replacement/additional
transmitters .............................101
replacing the batteries ...........100
Reverse sensing system ...........217
Roadside assistance ..................234
S
Safety Belt Maintenance ..........130
Safety belts
(see Safety
restraints) .........117, 120, 122–123,
125–128, 130
Safety defects, reporting ..........263Safety
restraints ..........117, 120, 122–123,
125–128, 130
extension assembly ................130
for adults .........122–123, 125–128
for children .............................146
lap belt ....................................125
Occupant Classification
Sensor ......................................118
safety belt maintenance .........130
warning light and chime ........131
Safety seats for children ..........150
Safety Compliance
Certification Label ....................324
Seat belts
(see Safety restraints) .............117
Seats ..........................................111
child safety seats ....................150
cleaning ...................................270
heated ................................49, 115
memory seat .....................99, 115
SecuriLock passive
anti-theft system .......................109
Servicing your vehicle ..............274
Setting the clock
AM/FM stereo ...........................23
AM/FM/CD .................................26
AM/FM/In-dash 6 CD ................35
AM/FM/Tape/CD .......................30
Snowplowing .................8, 230–232
Spark plugs,
specifications .....................312, 319
Special notice
ambulance conversions ..............8
four-wheel drive
vehicles ............................232–233
utility-type vehicles ....................8
2006 F-150(f12)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Index
333

Specification chart,
lubricants ...........................316, 319
Speed control ..............................74
Starting your
vehicle ........................201–202, 204
jump starting ..........................251
Steering wheel
controls ......................................76
tilting .........................................64
T
Tailgate ..................................93–94
Temperature control
(see Climate control) .................43
Tilt steering wheel ......................64
Tires ...........................166–167, 244
alignment ................................173
care ..........................................171
changing ..........................244, 247
checking the pressure ............171
inspecting and inflating .........168
label .........................................179
replacing ..................................172
rotating ....................................174
safety practices .......................173
sidewall information ...............175
snow tires and chains ............180
spare tire .................................244
terminology .............................168
tire grades ...............................167
treadwear ........................167, 171
Towing .......................................187
recreational towing .................199
trailer towing ..........................187
Traction control ........................207
Traction-lok rear axle ...............209Transfer case
fluid checking .........................309
Transmission .............................209
brake-shift interlock
(BSI) ................................209–210
fluid, checking and adding
(automatic) .............................305
fluid, checking and adding
(manual) .................................308
fluid, refill capacities ..............313
lubricant
specifications ..................316, 319
manual operation ....................215
Turn signal ..................................57
V
Vehicle dimensions ...........319, 324
Vehicle Identification Number
(VIN) ..........................................324
Vehicle loading ..........................180
Ventilating your vehicle ...........204
W
Warning lights (see Lights) .......12
Washer fluid ..............................279
Water, Driving through .............230
Windows
power .........................................70
power down back window .......71
Windshield washer fluid and
wipers ..........................................64
checking and adding fluid .....279
replacing wiper blades ...........279
2006 F-150(f12)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Index
334