
•4.6L/5.4L V8 engine
•If the oil level is below the lower
hole or the MIN mark, add
enough oil to raise the level
within the lower and upper holes
or within the MIN-MAX range.
•Oil levels above the upper hole or the MAX mark may cause engine
damage. Some oil must be removed from the engine by an authorized
dealer.
7. Put the dipstick back in and ensure it is fully seated.
Adding engine oil
1. Check the engine oil. For instructions, refer toChecking the engine
oilin this chapter.
2. If the engine oil level is not within the normal range, add only certified
engine oil of the recommended viscosity. Remove the engine oil filler cap
and use a funnel to pour the engine oil into the opening.
3. Recheck the engine oil level. Make sure the oil level is not above the
normal operating range on the engine oil level dipstick.
4. Install the dipstick and ensure it is fully seated.
5. Fully install the engine oil filler cap by turning the filler cap clockwise
1/4 of a turn until three clicks are heard or until the cap is fully seated.
To avoid possible oil loss, DO NOT operate the vehicle with the
engine oil level dipstick and/or the engine oil filler cap removed.
2008 F-150(f12)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Maintenance and Specifications
347

Keep batteries out of reach of children. Batteries contain sulfuric
acid. Avoid contact with skin, eyes or clothing. Shield your eyes
when working near the battery to protect against possible splashing of
acid solution. In case of acid contact with skin or eyes, flush
immediately with water for a minimum of 15 minutes and get prompt
medical attention. If acid is swallowed, call a physician immediately.
Battery posts, terminals and related accessories contain lead and
lead compounds.Wash hands after handling.
Because your vehicle’s engine is also electronically controlled by a
computer, some control conditions are maintained by power from the
battery. When the battery is disconnected or a new battery is installed,
the engine must relearn its idle and fuel trim strategy for optimum
driveability and performance. Flexible fuel vehicles (FFV) must also
relearn the ethanol content of the fuel for optimum driveability and
performance. To begin this process:
1. With the vehicle at a complete stop, set the parking brake.
2. Put the gearshift in P (Park) (automatic transmission) or the neutral
position (manual transmission), turn off all accessories and start the
engine.
3. Run the engine until it reaches normal operating temperature.
4. Allow the engine to idle for at least one minute.
5. Turn the A/C on and allow the engine to idle for at least one minute.
6. Drive the vehicle to complete the relearning process.
•The vehicle may need to be driven 10 miles (16 km) or more to
relearn the idle and fuel trim strategy along with the ethanol content
for flexible fuel vehicles.
•If you do not allow the engine to relearn its idle trim, the idle quality
of your vehicle may be adversely affected until the idle trim is
eventually relearned.
•For flexible fuel vehicles, if you are operating on E85, you may
experience poor starts or an inability to start the engine and
driveability problems until the fuel trim and ethanol content have been
relearned.
If the battery has been disconnected or a new battery has been installed,
the clock and the preset radio stations must be reset once the battery is
reconnected.
2008 F-150(f12)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Maintenance and Specifications
350

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.
Add the proper mixture of coolant and water to the cooling system by
following these steps:
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 (a translucent 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, to
within the “COLD FILL RANGE” or the “FULL COLD” level on the
reservoir. If you removed the radiator cap in an overflow system, fill the
radiator until the coolant is visible and radiator is almost full.
6. Replace the cap. Turn until tightly installed. Cap must be tightly
installed to prevent coolant loss.
After any coolant has been added, check the coolant concentration (refer
toChecking engine coolant). 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 authorized 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.
2008 F-150(f12)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Maintenance and Specifications
354

Refueling
Fuel vapor burns violently and a fuel fire can cause severe
injuries. To help avoid injuries to you and others:
•Read and follow all the instructions on the pump island;
•Turn off your engine when you are refueling;
•Do not smoke if you are near fuel or refueling your vehicle;
•Keep sparks, flames and smoking materials away from fuel;
•Stay outside your vehicle and do not leave the fuel pump unattended
when refueling your vehicle — this is against the law in some places;
•Keep children away from the fuel pump; never let children pump
fuel.
Use the following guidelines to avoid electrostatic charge 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 1/4 turn on/off
feature.
When fueling your vehicle:
1. Turn the engine off.
2. Carefully turn the filler cap counterclockwise 1/4 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 1/4 of a turn until it clicks at least once.
2008 F-150(f12)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Maintenance and Specifications
360

Lifestyle
Ash cup / smoker’s package
Bedliners and bedmats
Cargo organization and management
Towing mirrors
Trailer hitches, wiring harnesses and accessories
Peace of mind
Mobile-Ease™ hands free communication system
Remote start
Vehicle security systems
Wheel locks
For maximum vehicle performance, keep the following information in
mind when adding accessories or equipment to your vehicle:
•When adding accessories, equipment, passengers and luggage to your
vehicle, do not exceed the total weight capacity of the vehicle or of
the front or rear axle (GVWR or GAWR as indicated on the Safety
Compliance Certification label). Consult your authorized dealer for
specific weight information.
•The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) and Canadian Radio
Telecommunications Commission (CRTC) regulate the use of mobile
communications systems — such as two-way radios, telephones and
theft alarms - that are equipped with radio transmitters. Any such
equipment installed in your vehicle should comply with FCC or CRTC
regulations and should be installed only by a qualified service
technician.
•Mobile communications systems may harm the operation of your
vehicle, particularly if they are not properly designed for automotive
use.
•To avoid interference with other vehicle functions, such as anti-lock
braking systems, amateur radio users who install radios and antennas
onto their vehicle should not locate the Amateur Radio Antennas in
the area of the driver’s side hood.
•Electrical or electronic accessories or components that are added to
the vehicle by the authorized dealer or the owner may adversely affect
battery performance and durability.
2008 F-150(f12)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Accessories
390

A
Accessory delay ........................111
Air cleaner filter .......377–378, 380
Air conditioning ....................85, 87
Airbag supplemental
restraint system ................183–184
and child safety seats ............186
description ..............................184
disposal ....................................188
driver airbag ....................184, 187
indicator light .........................188
operation .........................184, 187
passenger airbag .............184, 187
Ambulance packages ....................7
Antifreeze
(see Engine coolant) ................351
Anti-lock brake system
(see Brakes) ..............................265
Anti-theft system ......................155
arming the system ..................156
Armrests ....................................159
Audio system
(see Radio) ................23, 27, 29, 36
Automatic transmission
driving an automatic
overdrive .................................272
fluid, adding ............................372
fluid, checking ........................372
fluid, refill capacities ..............381
fluid, specification ..................381
Auxiliary input jack (Line in) ....44
Axle
lubricant specifications ..........381
refill capacities ........................381
traction lok ..............................268B
Battery .......................................349
acid, treating emergencies .....349
jumping a disabled battery ....315
maintenance-free ....................349
replacement, specifications ...380
servicing ..................................349
Belt-Minder.............................178
deactivating/activating the
Belt-Minder...........................181
Booster seats .............................193
Brakes ........................................264
anti-lock ...................................265
anti-lock brake system (ABS)
warning light ...........................265
fluid, checking and adding ....371
fluid, refill capacities ..............381
fluid, specifications .................381
lubricant specifications ..........381
parking ....................................266
shift interlock ..................269–270
Bulbs ............................................97
C
Capacities for refilling fluids ....381
Cargo cage .................................136
Cargo management system ......137
Cell phone use ..............................8
Changing a tire .........................307
Child safety restraints ..............192
child safety belts ....................192
Child safety seats ......................196
attaching with tether
straps .......................................203
in front seat ....................197, 200
in rear seat ..............197, 200, 203
2008 F-150(f12)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Index
391

Child safety seats - booster
seats ...........................................193
Cleaning your vehicle
engine compartment ..............331
instrument panel ............333–334
interior .....................................335
plastic parts ............................332
safety belts ..............................335
washing ....................................329
waxing .....................................330
wheels ......................................330
wiper blades ............................333
Climate control (see
Air conditioning or
Heating) ...........................81, 85, 87
Clock adjust
6-CD in dash .............................38
AM/FM Stereo ...........................28
AM/FM/CD .................................31
Clutch
fluid ..........................................371
operation while driving ..........275
recommended shift speeds ....276
Compass, electronic ..........123, 125
calibration ...............................125
set zone adjustment .......125–126
Console ......................................104
overhead ..........................104–105
Controls
power seat ...............................160
steering column ......................117
Coolant
checking and adding ..............351
refill capacities ................355, 381
specifications ..........................381
Cruise control
(see Speed control) ..................115
Customer Assistance ................296Ford Extended Service
Plan ..........................................325
Getting assistance outside
the U.S. and Canada ..............326
Getting roadside assistance ...296
Getting the service
you need .................................321
Ordering additional
owner’s literature ...................327
Utilizing the Mediation/
Arbitration Program ...............325
D
Daytime running lamps
(see Lamps) ................................92
Dipstick
automatic transmission
fluid ..........................................372
engine oil .................................345
Driveline universal joint
and slip yoke .............................377
Driving under special
conditions ..................275, 287, 290
sand .........................................289
snow and ice ...........................291
through water .................289, 292
DVD system .................................51
E
Electronic message center .......125
Emergencies, roadside
jump-starting ..........................315
Emergency Flashers .................298
Emission control system ..........368
Engine ........................................385
cleaning ...................................331
coolant .....................................351
fail-safe cooling .......................356
2008 F-150(f12)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Index
392

idle speed control ...................349
lubrication specifications .......381
refill capacities ........................381
service points ..................341–343
starting after a collision .........298
Engine block heater .................262
Engine oil ..................................345
checking and adding ..............345
dipstick ....................................345
filter, specifications ........348, 380
recommendations ...................348
refill capacities ........................381
specifications ..........................381
Event data recording ....................7
Exhaust fumes ..........................262
F
Fail safe cooling ........................356
Family entertainment system ....51
Flexible Fuel Vehicle (FFV) ....357
Floor mats .................................134
Fluid capacities .........................381
Foglamps .....................................92
Four-Wheel Drive vehicles .......282
driving off road .......................286
electronic shift ................284–285
indicator light .........................282
lever operated shift ................283
preparing to drive your
vehicle .....................................268
Fuel ............................................357
calculating fuel
economy ..........................128, 365
cap ...........................................360
capacity ...................................381
choosing the right fuel ...........362comparisons with EPA fuel
economy estimates .................367
detergent in fuel .....................362
filling your vehicle
with fuel ..................357, 360, 365
filter, specifications ........357, 380
fuel pump shut-off switch .....298
improving fuel economy ........365
octane rating ...................363, 385
quality ..............................363–364
running out of fuel .................364
safety information relating
to automotive fuels ................357
Fuel - flex fuel vehicle
(FFV) .........................357, 362–363
Fuel pump shut-off switch .......298
Fuses ..................................299–300
G
Gas cap (see Fuel cap) ............360
Gas mileage
(see Fuel economy) .................365
Gauges .........................................20
H
Hazard flashers .........................298
Head restraints .................158, 162
Headlamps ...................................91
aiming ..................................93–94
autolamp system .......................91
bulb specifications ....................97
daytime running lights .............92
flash to pass ..............................92
high beam .................................92
replacing bulbs .........................98
turning on and off ....................91
Heating
heater only system ...................81
2008 F-150(f12)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Index
393