2008 FORD F150 TPMS

TPMS reset procedure (if applicable)
This procedure is only required after tire rotation on vehicles
with different front and rear tire pressures.
To determine if your vehicle requires two different pressures -
one for the front tires and one for the rear tires - refer to the
Safety Compliance Certification Label or Tire Label which is located on
the B-Pillar or the edge of the driver’s door. SeeVehicle Loadingin
this chapter for more information.
Overview
To provide the vehicle’s load carrying capability, some trucks require
different recommended tire pressures in the front tires as compared to
the rear tires. The Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) equipped on
this vehicle is designed to illuminate the Low Tire Pressure Warning
indicator at two different pressures; one for the front tires and one for
the rear tires. Since tires need to be rotated to provide consistent
performance and maximum tire life, the Tire Pressure Monitoring System
needs to know when the tires are rotated to determine which set of tires
are on the front and which are on the rear. With this information, the
system can detect and properly warn of low tire pressures.
Always perform the TPMS reset procedure after tire rotation. If
the system is not reset, it may not provide a low tire pressure
warning when necessary.
TPMS reset tool
A special TPMS reset tool has been provided with your vehicle to reset
your TPMS after tire rotation. The tool is located with your Owner’s
Guide materials.
2008 F-150(f12)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Tires, Wheels and Loading
231

Please take the tool with the
provided Velcrostrip on the back
and mount it in the bottom right
corner of your Owner’s Guide case
(as shown) for safe keeping.
If you find that the reset tool was
not provided when delivered, has
been lost or no longer functions
(the battery is not replaceable),
please contact your authorized
dealer to obtain a replacement.
To verify that your TPMS reset tool is working, press and release the
button on the center of the TPMS tool. The red light should illuminate
and remain on for approximately five (5) seconds. If the light does not
illuminate, the tool needs to be replaced.
TPMS reset tips
To reduce the chances of interference from another vehicle, TPMS reset
should be performed at least three feet (one meter) away from another
Ford Motor Company vehicle undergoing the TPMS reset procedure at
same time.
Do not wait more than two (2) minutes between resetting each tire
sensor or the system will timeout and the entire procedure will have to
be repeated on all four wheels.
A double horn chirp indicates the need to repeat the procedure.
TPMS reset procedure
Note:It is recommended that you read the entire procedure before
attempting.
Note:To enter the reset mode, Steps 1–5 MUST be completed within 60
seconds.
1. The key must be in the ignition and the ignition turned to OFF/LOCK.
Press and release the brake pedal.
2. Cycle the ignition from OFF/LOCK to RUN three (3) times ending in
the RUN position.DO NOTstart the engine.
3. Press and hold the brake pedal for two (2) seconds, then release.
4. Turn the ignition to OFF/LOCK (DO NOTremove the key.)
5. Cycle the ignition from OFF/LOCK to RUN three (3) times ending in
RUN.DO NOTstart the engine.
2008 F-150(f12)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Tires, Wheels and Loading
232

If reset mode has been entered successfully, the horn will sound once,
the TPMS indicator will flash and the message center will displayTRAIN
LF TIRE.
If after repeated attempts to enter reset mode, the horn does not sound,
the TPMS indicator does not flash and the message center does not
display TRAIN LF TIRE, seek service from your authorized dealer.
TPMS reset sequence
The TPMS system needs to be reset starting with the left front tire in
the following clockwise order:
1. Left front tire
2. Right front tire
3. Right rear tire
4. Left rear tire
1.Left front tire:Place the TPMS reset tool against the left front tire
where the tire meets the rim, opposite from the valve stem (1) as shown.
This is where the sensor is located inside the rim.
The tool needs to be held against the tire sidewall opposite the
valve stem as illustrated with the arrow on the tool pointing
towards the rim; do not use the tool with the arrow pointing away
from the rim as it may not activate the sensor.
2. Press and release the green button and hold the tool to the tire
sidewall until the horn sounds. The red light on the TPMS reset tool will
2008 F-150(f12)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Tires, Wheels and Loading
233

illuminate while the tool is active. The horn will sound once within
10 seconds to indicate the process was successful.
Note:If a double horn chirp is heard, repeat the procedure. If a single
horn chirp is not heard, move the vehicle to rotate the wheels at least a
1⁄4-turn and repeat the procedure. If the horn does not sound while
attempting to reset any wheel, seek service from your authorized dealer.
3. Perform Steps 1 and 2 on the right front, right rear and finally the left
rear tires.
Successful completion of the reset procedure can be verified by turning
the ignition to OFF without the horn sounding. If two short beeps are
heard, the reset procedure was unsuccessful and must be repeated.
If after repeating the procedure two short beeps are heard when the key
is turned to OFF, seek assistance from your authorized dealer.
Rotation, pressure adjustment and TPMS reset example
The following example describes all the major steps involved in rotating
tires on a vehicle with different front and rear tire pressures. It
illustrates that the TPMS reset procedure needs to follow tire rotation
and pressure adjustment to avoid a possible false low tire warning.
Example:
A particular vehicle has the following recommended tire pressures: 50 psi
(345 kPa) front; 80 psi (552 kPa) rear.
Note:For your vehicle’s pressure, refer to the Safety Compliance
Certification Label located on the B-Pillar or the edge of your vehicle’s
driver’s door.
Before tire rotation
Sensor 1: 50 psi
Sensor 2: 50 psi
Sensor 3: 80 psi
Sensor 4: 80 psi
2008 F-150(f12)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Tires, Wheels and Loading
234

Tire rotation using the
recommended sequence
(front tires at top of diagram)
Sensor position following tire
rotation
Sensor 1: 50 psi
Sensor 2: 50 psi
Sensor 3: 80 psi
Sensor 4: 80 psi
Pressure adjustment without the
required TPMS reset procedure
Sensor 1: 80 psi
Sensor 2: 80 psi
Sensor 3: 50 psi
Sensor 4: 50 psi
In this situation, the TPMS warning
light will come on.
If the TPMS reset procedure is not performed after tire rotation and air
pressure adjustment, the TPMS telltale may illuminate for a false low tire
pressure condition.
2008 F-150(f12)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Tires, Wheels and Loading
235

As in this example, the rear tires rotated to the front and properly
inflated to 50 psi (345 kPa) for the front axle would falsely illuminate the
low tire warning indicator as they are still trained for the rear positions
which require 80 psi (552 kPa).
Rotation, pressure adjustment
and successful completion of the
TPMS reset procedure
Sensor 1: 80 psi
Sensor 2: 80 psi
Sensor 3: 50 psi
Sensor 4: 50 psi
Tire rotation and air pressure
adjustment followed by sensor
resetting will ensure the system is properly programmed for vehicles
with different front and rear tire pressures and reduce the risk of a false
low tire warning.
In this situation, the TPMS warning light will be off.
SNOW TIRES AND CHAINS
Snow tires must be the same size and grade as the tires you
currently have on your vehicle.
The tires on your vehicle have all weather treads to provide traction in
rain and snow. However, in some climates, you may need to use snow
tires and chains. If you need to use chains, it is recommended that steel
wheels (of the same size and specifications) be used, as chains may chip
aluminum wheels.
Note: Do not place chains on the following tires sizes: P265/60R18,
P275/65R18, LT275/65R18, P275/55R20, and P275/45R22.
Follow these guidelines when using snow tires and chains:
•Use only SAE Class S chains.
•Install chains securely, verifying that the chains do not touch any
wiring, brake lines or fuel lines.
•Drive cautiously. If you hear the chains rub or bang against your
vehicle, stop and re-tighten the chains. If this does not work, remove
the chains to prevent damage to your vehicle.
•If possible, avoid fully loading your vehicle.
2008 F-150(f12)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Tires, Wheels and Loading
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.
Note:The tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS) 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.
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. Replace the spare
tire with a road tire as soon as possible.
The use of tire sealants may 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
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”
2008 F-150(f12)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Roadside Emergencies
307

Safety Compliance
Certification Label ....................386
Satellite Radio Information ........48
Seats ..........................................158
child safety seats ....................196
cleaning ...................................336
heated ................................87, 162
memory seat ...................149, 161
SecuriLock passive
anti-theft system ...............155–156
Servicing your vehicle ..............339
Setting the clock
AM/FM stereo ...........................28
AM/FM/CD .................................31
AM/FM/In-dash 6 CD ................38
Snowplowing .................7, 293–294
Spark plugs,
specifications .....................380, 385
Special notice
ambulance conversions ..............7
four-wheel drive vehicles .......295
utility-type vehicles ....................8
Specification chart,
lubricants ...................................381
Speed control ............................115
Starting a flex fuel vehicle .......261
Starting your
vehicle ........................258–259, 261
jump starting ..........................315
Steering wheel
controls ....................................117
tilting .......................................103
T
Tailgate ..............................134–135Temperature control
(see Climate control) .................81
Tilt steering wheel ....................103
Tire Pressure Monitoring
System (TPMS)
Tires, Wheels and Loading ....226
Tires ...........................211–212, 307
alignment ................................219
care ..........................................215
changing ..........................307, 310
checking the pressure ............215
inflating ...................................213
label .........................................225
replacing ..................................217
rotating ....................................219
safety practices .......................218
sidewall information ...............221
snow tires and chains ............236
spare tire .................................307
terminology .............................212
tire grades ...............................212
treadwear ........................211, 216
Towing .......................................243
recreational towing .................257
trailer towing ..........................243
Traction control ........................266
Traction-lok rear axle ...............268
Transfer case
fluid checking .........................376
Transmission .............................269
brake-shift interlock
(BSI) ................................269–270
fluid, checking and adding
(automatic) .............................372
fluid, checking and adding
(manual) .................................375
fluid, refill capacities ..............381
lubricant specifications ..........381
manual operation ....................275
Turn signal ..................................95
2008 F-150(f12)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Index
396