2008 FORD F150 warning lights

•Make sure the parking brake is
set.
If starting a vehicle with a manual transmission:
•Make sure the parking brake is
set.
•Push the clutch pedal to the floor
3. Turn the key to 3 (ON) without
turning the key to 4 (START).
Some warning lights will briefly illuminate. SeeWarning lights and
chimesin theInstrument Clusterchapter for more information
regarding the warning lights.
BRAKE
2008 F-150(f12)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Driving
260

What you should know about fail-safe cooling (if equipped)
If the engine coolant supply is depleted, this feature allows the vehicle to
be driven temporarily before incremental component damage is incurred.
The “fail-safe” distance depends on ambient temperatures, vehicle load
and terrain.
How fail-safe cooling works
If the engine begins to overheat:
•The engine coolant temperature
gauge will move to the red (hot)
area.
•The mini message center (if
equipped) will indicate “Check
Gauges”, refer toWarning Lights
and Chimesin theInstrument Clusterchapter.
•The message center (if equipped) will indicate a system warning, refer
toMessage Centerin theDriver Controlschapter.
•The
light will illuminate.
If the engine reaches a preset over-temperature condition, the engine
will automatically switch to alternating cylinder operation. Each disabled
cylinder acts as an air pump and cools the engine.
When this occurs the vehicle will still operate. However:
•The engine power will be limited.
•The air conditioning system will be disabled.
Continued operation will increase the engine temperature:
•The engine will completely shut down.
•Steering and braking effort will increase.
Once the engine temperature cools, the engine can be re-started. Take
your vehicle to an authorized dealer as soon as possible to minimize
engine damage.
When fail-safe mode is activated
You have limited engine power when in the fail-safe mode, so drive the
vehicle with caution. The vehicle will not be able to maintain high speed
operation and the engine will run rough. Remember that the engine is
capable of completely shutting down automatically to prevent engine
damage, therefore:
1. Pull off the road as soon as safely possible and turn off the engine.
2008 F-150(f12)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Maintenance and Specifications
356

Unleaded Gasoline engines
If you are experiencing starting, rough idle or hesitation driveability
problems during a cold start, try a different brand of “Regular” unleaded
gasoline. “Premium” unleaded gasoline is not recommended because it
may cause these problems to become more pronounced. If the problems
persist, see your authorized dealer.
FFV engine (if equipped)
To identify if your vehicle is an FFV, it may be equipped with a yellow
fuel cap with the writing “E85/Gasoline”, or check if there is a label on
the fuel filler door, or check your VIN. When checking the VIN, look for
the engine type identifier (8th character). If your vehicle is an FFV, then
the character will be labeled as a “V”.
It is best not to alternate repeatedly between gasoline and E
85. If you do
switch fuels, it is recommended that you add as much fuel as
possible—at least half a tank. Do not add less than five gallons (18.9 L)
when refueling. You should drive the vehicle immediately after refueling
for at least five miles (8 km) to allow the vehicle to adapt to the change
in ethanol concentration.
If you operate your vehicle 50% or more of the time on ethanol, you
should follow a different maintenance schedule. In addition to this it is
also recommended to fill the fuel tank with regular unleaded gasoline
once every 3,000 miles (4,828 km). Seescheduled maintenance
informationfor more information.
Running out of fuel
Avoid running out of fuel because this situation may have an adverse
effect on powertrain components.
If you have run out of fuel:
•You may need to cycle the ignition from OFF to ON several times after
refueling to allow the fuel system to pump the fuel from the tank to
the engine. On restarting, cranking time will take a few seconds longer
than normal.
•Normally, adding 1 gallon (3.8L) of fuel is enough to restart the
engine. If the vehicle is out of fuel and on a steep grade, more than
1 gallon (3.8L) may be required.
•TheService engine soon
indicator may come on. For more
information on theService engine soon
indicator, refer to
Warning lights and chimesin theInstrument Clusterchapter.
2008 F-150(f12)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Maintenance and Specifications
364

heating and air conditioning
system ...........................82, 85, 87
Homelink wireless control
system ........................................120
Hood ..........................................340
How to get going ........................23
I
Ignition ...............................258, 385
Illuminated visor mirror ...........103
Infant seats
(see Safety seats) .....................196
Inspection/maintenance (I/M)
testing ........................................370
Instrument panel
cleaning ...........................333–334
cluster ........................................12
lighting up panel and
interior .......................................93
J
Jack ............................................307
positioning ...............................307
storage .....................................307
Jump-starting your vehicle ......315
K
Keyless entry system ...............153
autolock ...................................145
keypad .....................................153
locking and unlocking doors ..154
programming entry code .......154
Keys ...................................144, 156
positions of the ignition .........258L
Lamps
autolamp system .......................91
bulb replacement
specifications chart ..................97
daytime running light ...............92
fog lamps ...................................92
headlamps .................................91
headlamps, flash to pass ..........92
instrument panel, dimming .....93
interior lamps .....................95–96
replacing bulbs .................98, 101
Lane change indicator
(see Turn signal) ........................95
Lights, warning and indicator ....12
anti-lock brakes (ABS) ..........265
Load limits .................................237
Loading instructions .................243
Locks
autolock ...................................145
childproof ................................146
doors ........................................144
Lubricant specifications ...........381
Lug nuts ....................................314
Lumbar support, seats .....159–160
M
Manual transmission .................275
reverse .....................................277
Message center .........................125
english/metric button .............129
system check button ..............129
warning messages ...................130
Mirrors ...............................111–112
automatic dimming rearview
mirror ......................................112
fold away .................................113
2008 F-150(f12)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Index
394

V
Vehicle Identification Number
(VIN) ..........................................387
Vehicle loading ..........................237
Ventilating your vehicle ...........262
W
Warning lights (see Lights) .......12Washer fluid ..............................344
Water, Driving through .............292
Windows
power .......................................110
power down back window .....111
Windshield washer fluid and
wipers ........................................102
checking and adding fluid .....344
replacing wiper blades ...........344
2008 F-150(f12)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Index
397