2007 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.
2007 F-150(f12)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Driving
237

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. Attention to engine
temperature is especially important when outside temperatures are
above freezing. Angle the blade to maximize airflow to the radiator and
monitor engine temperature to determine whether a left or right angle
provides the best performance.
Snowplowing with your air bag equipped vehicle
Your vehicle is equipped with a driver and passenger air bag
Supplemental Restraint System (SRS) The SRS is designed to activate in
certain frontal and offset frontal collisions when the vehicle sustains
sufficient longitudinal deceleration.
Careless or high speed driving while plowing snow which results in
sufficient vehicle decelerations can deploy the air bag. Such driving also
increases the risk of accidents.
All occupants of the vehicle, including the driver, should always
properly wear their safety belts, even when an air bag
supplemental restraint system (SRS) is provided.
2007 F-150(f12)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Driving
239

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.
FUEL PUMP SHUT-OFF SWITCH
This device stops the electric fuel pump from sending fuel to the engine
when your vehicle has had a substantial jolt.
After an accident, if the engine cranks but does not start, this switch
may have been activated.
2007 F-150(f12)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Roadside Emergencies
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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.
Note:If your vehicle is equipped with the tire pressure monitoring
system (TPMS), the indicator light will illuminate when the spare tire is
in use. To restore the full functionality of the monitoring system, all road
wheels equipped with tire pressure monitoring sensors must be mounted
on the vehicle.
If your vehicle is equipped with TPMS, have a flat serviced by an
authorized dealer in order to prevent damage to the TPMS sensors, refer
toTire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)in theTires, Wheels and
Loadingchapter.
The use of tire sealants may damage your tires. The use of tire
sealants may also damage your Tire Pressure Monitoring System
and should not be used.
Refer toTire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)in the
Tires, Wheels and Loadingchapter for important information. If
the tire pressure monitor sensor becomes damaged, it will no longer
function.
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
2007 F-150(f12)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Roadside Emergencies
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•The wiper blades can be cleaned with isopropyl (rubbing) alcohol or
Motorcraft Premium Windshield Washer Concentrate (ZC-32–A),
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.
If you cannot remove those streaks after cleaning with the glass cleaner
or if the wipers chatter and move in a jerky motion, clean the outer
surface of the windshield and the wiper blades using a sponge or soft
cloth with a neutral detergent or mild-abrasive cleaning solution. After
cleaning, rinse the windshield and wiper blades with clean water. The
windshield is clean if beads do not form when you rinse the windshield
with water.
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.
2007 F-150(f12)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Cleaning
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Allow the vehicle to sit for at least eight hours without starting the
engine. Then, start the engine and complete the above driving cycle. The
engine must warm up to its normal operating temperature. Once started,
do not turn off the engine until the above driving cycle is complete. If
the vehicle is still not ready for I/M testing, the above driving cycle will
have to be repeated.
POWER STEERING FLUID
Check the power steering fluid. Refer to thescheduled maintenance
informationfor the service interval schedules. If adding fluid is
necessary, use 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.
BRAKE FLUID
The fluid level will drop slowly as
the brakes wear, and will rise when
the brake components are replaced.
Fluid levels between the “MIN” and
“MAX” lines are within the normal
operating range; there is no need to
add fluid. If the fluid levels are
outside of the normal operating
range the performance of the
system could be compromised; seek
service from your authorized dealer
immediately.
2007 F-150(f12)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Maintenance and Specifications
314

washing ....................................273
waxing .....................................273
wheels ......................................274
wiper blades ............................276
Climate control
(see Air conditioning or
Heating) ...........................48, 51, 54
Clock adjust
6-CD in dash .............................35
AM/FM Stereo ...........................27
AM/FM/CD .................................29
Clutch
fluid ..........................................315
operation while driving ..........223
recommended shift speeds ....224
Compass, electronic ..............87, 89
calibration .................................89
set zone adjustment ...........89–90
Console ........................................69
overhead ....................................70
Controls
power seat ...............................117
steering column ........................81
Coolant
checking and adding ..............295
refill capacities ................298, 324
specifications ..........................324
Cruise control
(see Speed control) ....................79
Customer Assistance ................241
Ford Extended Service
Plan ..........................................270
Getting assistance outside the
U.S. and Canada .....................271
Getting roadside assistance ...241
Getting the service you
need .........................................266
Ordering additional owner’s
literature .................................272Utilizing the
Mediation/Arbitration
Program ...................................270
D
Daytime running lamps
(see Lamps) ................................59
Dipstick
automatic transmission
fluid ..........................................316
engine oil .................................289
Driveline universal joint and
slip yoke ....................................320
Driving under special
conditions ..................223, 232, 236
sand .........................................234
snow and ice ...........................237
through water .................235, 238
DVD system .................................47
E
Electronic message center .........89
Emergencies, roadside
jump-starting ..........................259
Emergency Flashers .................243
Emission control system ..........311
Engine ........................................328
cleaning ...................................275
coolant .....................................295
fail-safe cooling .......................299
idle speed control ...................293
lubrication specifications .......324
refill capacities ........................324
service points ..................285–287
starting after a collision .........243
Engine block heater .................212
Engine oil ..................................289
2007 F-150(f12)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Index
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Spark plugs,
specifications .....................322, 328
Special notice
ambulance conversions ..............8
four-wheel drive vehicles .......240
utility-type vehicles ....................8
Specification chart,
lubricants ...................................324
Speed control ..............................79
Starting a flex fuel vehicle .......211
Starting your
vehicle ........................208–209, 211
jump starting ..........................259
Steering wheel
controls ......................................81
tilting .........................................68
T
Tailgate ........................................98
Temperature control
(see Climate control) .................48
Tilt steering wheel ......................68
Tire Pressure Monitoring
System (TPMS)
Tires, Wheels and Loading ....184
Tires ...........................169–170, 252
alignment ................................177
care ..........................................173
changing ..........................252, 255
checking the pressure ............173
inflating ...................................171
label .........................................183
replacing ..................................175
rotating ....................................177
safety practices .......................176
sidewall information ...............178
snow tires and chains ............188
spare tire .................................252terminology .............................171
tire grades ...............................170
treadwear ........................170, 174
Towing .......................................194
recreational towing .................206
trailer towing ..........................194
Traction control ........................215
Traction-lok rear axle ...............216
Transfer case
fluid checking .........................319
Transmission .............................217
brake-shift interlock
(BSI) ................................217–218
fluid, checking and adding
(automatic) .............................316
fluid, checking and adding
(manual) .................................318
fluid, refill capacities ..............324
lubricant specifications ..........324
manual operation ....................223
Turn signal ..................................61
V
Vehicle Identification Number
(VIN) ..........................................330
Vehicle loading ..........................188
Ventilating your vehicle ...........212
W
Warning lights (see Lights) .......12
Washer fluid ..............................288
Water, Driving through .............238
Windows
power .........................................74
power down back window .......75
2007 F-150(f12)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Index
339