2008 FORD F150 automatic transmission

SERVICE RECOMMENDATIONS
To help you service your vehicle, we providescheduled maintenance
informationwhich makes tracking routine service easy.
If your vehicle requires professional service, your authorized dealer can
provide the necessary parts and service. Check yourWarranty Guideto
find out which parts and services are covered.
Use only recommended fuels, lubricants, fluids and service parts
conforming to specifications. Motorcraft parts are designed and built to
provide the best performance in your vehicle.
PRECAUTIONS WHEN SERVICING YOUR VEHICLE
•Do not work on a hot engine.
•Make sure that nothing gets caught in moving parts.
•Do not work on a vehicle with the engine running in an enclosed
space, unless you are sure you have enough ventilation.
•Keep all open flames and other burning (cigarettes) material away
from the battery and all fuel related parts.
Working with the engine off
•Automatic transmission/transaxle:
1. Set the parking brake and shift to P (Park).
2. Turn off the engine and remove the key.
3. Block the wheels.
•Manual transmission/transaxle:
1. Set the parking brake, depress the clutch and place the gearshift in
1 (First).
2. Turn off the engine and remove the key.
3. Block the wheels.
Working with the engine on
•Automatic transmission:
1. Set the parking brake and shift to P (Park).
2. Block the wheels.
•Manual transmission:
1. Set the parking brake, depress the clutch and place the gearshift in
N (Neutral).
2008 F-150(f12)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Maintenance and Specifications
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IDENTIFYING COMPONENTS IN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT
4.2L V6 engine
1. Battery
2. Clutch fluid reservoir (manual transmission)
3. Brake fluid reservoir
4. Engine coolant reservoir
5. Power steering fluid reservoir
6. Air filter assembly
7. Engine oil filler cap
8. Engine oil dipstick
9. Transmission fluid dipstick (automatic transmission)
10. Windshield washer fluid reservoir
2008 F-150(f12)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Maintenance and Specifications
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4.6L V8
1. Battery
2. Transmission fluid dipstick (automatic transmission)
3. Engine oil filler cap
4. Power steering fluid reservoir
5. Brake fluid reservoir
6. Engine coolant reservoir
7. Air filter assembly
8. Engine oil dipstick
9. Windshield washer fluid reservoir
2008 F-150(f12)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Maintenance and Specifications
342

5.4L V8
1. Battery
2. Transmission fluid dipstick (automatic transmission)
3. Air filter assembly
4. Power steering fluid reservoir
5. Engine oil dipstick
6. Brake fluid reservoir
7. Engine coolant reservoir
8. Engine oil filler cap
9. Windshield washer fluid reservoir
2008 F-150(f12)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Maintenance and Specifications
343

Poor wiper quality can be improved by cleaning the wiper blades and the
windshield, refer toWindows and wiper bladesin theCleaning
chapter.
To prolong the life of the wiper blades, it is highly recommended to
scrape off the ice on the windshield before turning on the wipers. The
layer of ice has many sharp edges and can damage the micro edge of the
wiper rubber element.
ENGINE OIL
Checking the engine oil
Refer to thescheduled maintenance informationfor the appropriate
intervals for checking the engine oil.
1. Make sure the vehicle is on level ground.
2. Turn the engine off and wait a few minutes for the oil to drain into the
oil pan.
3. Set the parking brake and ensure the gearshift is securely latched in
P (Park) (automatic transmission) or 1 (First) (manual transmission).
4. Open the hood. Protect yourself from engine heat.
•4.2L V6 engine
2008 F-150(f12)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Maintenance and Specifications
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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

Carefully read cautionary information on product label. For
MEDICAL EMERGENCY INFORMATION contact a physician or
Poison Control Center immediately; on Ford-Motorcraft products call:
1-800-959-3673 (FORD). Failure to follow these instructions may result
in personal injury.
1. Clean the reservoir cap before
removal to prevent dirt and water
from entering the reservoir.
2. Remove cap and rubber
diaphragm from reservoir.
3. Add fluid until the level reaches
the step in the reservoir.
4. Reinstall rubber diaphragm and
cap onto reservoir.
TRANSMISSION FLUID
Checking automatic transmission fluid (if equipped)
Refer to yourscheduled maintenance informationfor scheduled
intervals for fluid checks and changes. Your transmission does not
consume fluid. However, the fluid level should be checked if the
transmission is not working properly, i.e., if the transmission slips or
shifts slowly or if you notice some sign of fluid leakage.
Automatic transmission fluid expands when warmed. To obtain an
accurate fluid check, drive the vehicle until it is at normal operating
temperature (approximately 20 miles [30 km]). If your vehicle has been
operated for an extended period at high speeds, in city traffic during hot
2008 F-150(f12)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
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Maintenance and Specifications
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The transmission fluid should be in
this range if at normal operating
temperature (150°F-170°F
[66°C-77°C]).
The transmission fluid should be in
this range if at ambient temperature
(50°F-95°F [10°C-35°C]).
High fluid level
Fluid levels above the safe range
may result in transmission failure.
An overfill condition of transmission
fluid may cause shift and/or
engagement concerns and/or
possible damage.
High fluid levels can be caused by
an overheating condition.
Adjusting automatic transmission fluid levels
Before adding any fluid, make sure the correct type is used. The type of
fluid used is normally indicated on the dipstick. Refer toMaintenance
product specifications and capacitiesin this chapter.
Use of a non-approved automatic transmission fluid may cause
internal transmission component damage.
If necessary, add fluid in 1/2 pint (250 ml) increments through the filler
tube until the level is correct.
If an overfill occurs, excess fluid
should be removed by an authorized
dealer.
An overfill condition of
transmission fluid may cause
shift and/or engagement
concerns and/or possible
damage.
FoMoCo COLD5L 3P -7A020- CB
FoMoCo COLD5L 3P -7A020- CB
FoMoCo COLD5L 3P -7A020- CB
FoMoCo COLD5L 3P -7A020- CB
2008 F-150(f12)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Maintenance and Specifications
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