2008 FORD F150 4WD

NOTICE TO UTILITY VEHICLE AND TRUCK OWNERS
Utility vehicles and trucks handle
differently than passenger cars in
the various driving conditions that
are encountered on streets,
highways and off-road. Utility
vehicles and trucks are not designed
for cornering at speeds as high as
passenger cars any more than
low-slung sports cars are designed
to perform satisfactorily under
off-road conditions.
Utility vehicles have a significantly higher rollover rate than
other types of vehicles. To reduce the risk of serious injury or
death from a rollover or other crash you must:
•Avoid sharp turns and abrupt maneuvers;
•Drive at safe speeds for the conditions;
•Keep tires properly inflated;
•Never overload or improperly load your vehicle; and
•Make sure every passenger is properly restrained.
In a rollover crash, an unbelted person is significantly more likely
to die than a person wearing a seat belt. All occupants must
wear seat belts and children/infants must use appropriate restraints to
minimize the risk of injury or ejection.
Study yourOwner’s Guideand any supplements for specific information
about equipment features, instructions for safe driving and additional
precautions to reduce the risk of an accident or serious injury.
VEHICLE CHARACTERISTICS
4WD and AWD Systems (if equipped)
A vehicle equipped with AWD or 4WD (when selected) has the ability to
use all four wheels to power itself. This increases traction which may
enable you to safely drive over terrain and road conditions that a
conventional two-wheel drive vehicle cannot.
2008 F-150(f12)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Tires, Wheels and Loading
209

Power is supplied to all four wheels through a transfer case or power
transfer unit. 4WD vehicles allow you to select different drive modes as
necessary. Information on transfer case operation and shifting procedures
can be found in theDrivingchapter. Information on transfer case
maintenance can be found in theMaintenance and Specifications
chapter. You should become thoroughly familiar with this information
before you operate your vehicle.
On some 4WD models, the initial shift from two-wheel drive to 4WD
while the vehicle is moving can cause a momentary clunk and ratcheting
sound. These sounds are normal as the front drivetrain comes up to
speed and is not cause for concern.
Do not become overconfident in the ability of 4WD and AWD
vehicles. Although a 4WD or AWD vehicle may accelerate better
than two-wheel drive vehicle in low traction situations, it won’t stop
any faster than two-wheel drive vehicles. Always drive at a safe speed.
How your vehicle differs from other vehicles
SUV and trucks can differ from
some other vehicles in a few
noticeable ways. Your vehicle may
be:
•Higher – to allow higher load
carrying capacity and to allow it
to travel over rough terrain
without getting hung up or
damaging underbody components.
•Shorter – to give it the capability
to approach inclines and drive
over the crest of a hill without
getting hung up or damaging
underbody components. All other
things held equal, a shorter
wheelbase may make your vehicle
quicker to respond to steering inputs than a vehicle with a longer
wheelbase.
2008 F-150(f12)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Tires, Wheels and Loading
210

•Rear Wheel Drive (RWD)
vehicles/Four Wheel Drive
(4WD)/ All Wheel Drive (AWD)
vehicles (front tires at top of
diagram)
Sometimes irregular tire wear can be corrected by rotating the tires.
Note:If your tires show uneven wear ask an authorized dealer to check
for and correct any wheel misalignment, tire imbalance or mechanical
problem involved before tire rotation.
Note:Your vehicle may be equipped with a dissimilar spare tire/wheel. 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. If
you have a dissimilar spare tire/wheel it is intended for temporary use
only and should not be used in a tire rotation.
Note:After having your tires rotated, inflation pressure must be checked
and adjusted to the vehicle requirements.
If the tire label shows different tire pressures for the front and
rear tires and the vehicle is equipped with TPMS (tire pressure
monitoring system), then the settings for the TPMS sensors need to be
updated. 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. See the TPMS reset procedure in this
chapter.
2008 F-150(f12)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Tires, Wheels and Loading
220

dark. If either of the lamps are not operating, stop using the reverse
camera system, at least in the dark, until the lamp(s) are replaced and
functioning.
Servicing
•If the vehicle is in R (Reverse) and the screen in the rear view mirror
appears blue for three seconds and turns blank afterwards, the camera
is not working properly; have the system inspected by your authorized
dealer.
•If the image comes on while the vehicle is not in R (Reverse), have
the system inspected by your authorized dealer.
•If the vehicle is in R (Reverse) and the screen is blank and no blue
screen is observed, the mirror is not working properly; have the
system inspected by your authorized dealer.
•If the image is not clear, then check if there is anything covering the
lens such as dirt, mud, ice, snow, etc. If the image is still not clear
after cleaning, have your system inspected by your authorized dealer.
FOUR-WHEEL DRIVE (4WD) OPERATION (IF EQUIPPED)
For important information regarding safe operation of this type
of vehicle, seePreparing to drive your vehiclein this chapter.
Four–wheel drive (4WD) supplies power to all four wheels. 4WD should
not be operated on dry pavement; driveline damage may occur.
If equipped with the Electronic Shift 4WD System, and 4WD Low
is selected while the vehicle is moving above 3 mph (5 km/h), the
4WD system will not engage past 4WD High. This is normal and
should be no reason for concern.Refer toShifting to/from 4L (4WD
Low)for proper operation.
System indicator lights
•4X4 HI- Momentarily illuminates
when the engine is started.
Illuminates when 4H is selected.
•4X4 LOW– Momentarily
illuminates when the engine is
started. Illuminates when 4L is
selected.
4x4 HI
4x4
LOW
2008 F-150(f12)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Driving
282

Using a manual 4WD system (if equipped)
2H (2WD High)– Power to the rear wheels only; used for street and
highway driving. Provides optimal smoothness and fuel economy at high
speeds.
4H (4WD High)– Used for extra traction such as in snow or icy roads
or in off-road situations. Not intended for use on dry pavement.
N (Neutral)– No power to either front or rear wheels.
4L (4WD Low)– Uses extra gearing to provide maximum power to all
four wheels at reduced speeds. Intended only for off-road applications
such as deep sand, steep grades or pulling heavy objects. 4L (4WD Low)
will not engage while the vehicle is moving above 3 mph (5 km/h); this is
normal and should be no reason for concern. Refer toShifting to/from
4L (4WD Low)for proper operation.
Shifting between 2H (2WD high) and 4H (4WD high)
•Move the transfer case lever between 2H (2WD High) and 4H (4WD
High) at a stop or any forward speed up to 55 mph (88 km/h).
Note:Do not perform this operation if the rear wheels are slipping.
Note:Some noise may be heard as the system shifts or engages; this is
normal.
Shifting to/from 4L (4WD Low)
1. Bring the vehicle to a complete stop.
2. Place the transmission in N (Neutral).
3. Move the transfer case lever through N (Neutral) directly to the
desired position.
•If the transfer casewill notengage into 4L (4WD Low), allow the
vehicle to coast at a speed below 3 mph (5 km/h), then repeat Steps 2
and 3.
2H
4H
4L N
2008 F-150(f12)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Driving
283

Note:Some noise may be heard as the system shifts or engages; this is
normal.
Note:For proper operation in 4WD Low, ensure the transfer case shift
lever is moved entirely rearward in to the 4L (4WD Low) position and
that the 4x4 Low light is illuminated.
Note:Ideal 4L (4WD Low) shift conditions occur when the vehicle is
rolling at a speed below 3 mph (5 km/h) and the transmission is in N
(Neutral).
Using the N (Neutral) position
The transfer case N (Neutral) position overrides the transmission
and puts the vehicle in neutral regardless of transmission
gearshift lever position. The vehicle can move forward or
backward.
This position should only be used when towing the vehicle.
Do not leave the vehicle unattended with the transfer case in the
N (Neutral) position. Always set the parking brake fully and turn
off the ignition when leaving the vehicle.
Using the electronic shift 4WD system (if equipped)
2H (2WD High)- Power to the rear wheels only; used for street and
highway driving. Provides optimal smoothness and fuel economy at high
speeds.
4H (4WD High)- Used for extra traction such as in snow or icy roads
or in off-road situations. Not intended for use on dry pavement.
4L (4WD Low)- Uses extra gearing to provide maximum power to all
four wheels at reduced speeds. Intended only for off-road applications
such as deep sand, steep grades or pulling heavy objects. 4L (4WD Low)
will not engage while the vehicle is moving above 3 mph (5 km/h); this is
2008 F-150(f12)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Driving
284

normal and should be no reason for concern. Refer toShifting to/from
4L (4WD Low)for proper operation.
Shifting between 2H (2WD High) and 4H (4WD High)
•Move the 4WD control between 2H and 4H at any forward speed up to
55 mph (88 km/h).
Note:Do not perform this operation if the rear wheels are slipping.
Note:Some noise may be heard as the system shifts or engages; this is
normal.
Shifting to/from 4L (4WD Low)
1. Bring the vehicle to a complete stop
2. Place the transmission in N (Neutral).
3. Move the 4WD control to the desired position.
•If shifting into 4L (4WD Low), wait for the 4X4 LOW light in the
instrument cluster to turnonindicating the shift is complete.
•If shifting out of 4L (4WD Low), wait for the 4X4 LOW light in the
instrument cluster to turnoffindicating the shift is complete.
Note:Some noise may be heard as the system shifts or engages; this is
normal.
Using the all-wheel drive (AWD) system
(if equipped, Harley-Davidson and Limited only)
This system includes an electronically controlled transfer case. The
system is interactive with the road, continually monitoring and adjusting
torque delivery to the front and rear wheels to optimize traction.
AWD (Auto)- Power delivered to all four wheels, as required, for
increased traction. This is appropriate for all on-road driving conditions,
such as dry road surfaces, wet pavement, snow, gravel and shallow sand.
2008 F-150(f12)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Driving
285

4H (Lock)- The “4X4 HI” light will illuminate in the instrument cluster
when this position is selected. This position is not recommended for use
on dry pavement. This position is only intended for severe winter or
off-road conditions, such as deep snow, ice or deep sand.
Shifting between AWD (Auto) and 4H (Lock)
Move the control from AWD to 4H at a stop or while driving at any
speed.
Driving off-road with truck and utility vehicles
4WD vehicles are specially equipped for driving on sand, snow, mud and
rough terrain and have operating characteristics that are somewhat
different from conventional vehicles, both on and off the road.
How your vehicle differs from other vehicles
Truck and utility vehicles can differ from some other vehicles. Your
vehicle may be higher to allow it to travel over rough terrain without
getting hung up or damaging underbody components.
The differences that make your vehicle so versatile also make it handle
differently than an ordinary passenger car.
Maintain steering wheel control at all times, especially in rough terrain.
Since sudden changes in terrain can result in abrupt steering wheel
motion, make sure you grip the steering wheel from the outside. Do not
grip the spokes.
Drive cautiously to avoid vehicle damage from concealed objects such as
rocks and stumps.
You should either know the terrain or examine maps of the area before
driving. Map out your route before driving in the area. To maintain
steering and braking control of your vehicle, you must have all four
wheels on the ground and they must be rolling, not sliding or spinning.
Basic operating principles
•Do not use 4WD on dry, hard surfaced roads. Doing so will produce
excessive noise, increase tire wear and may damage drive components.
4WD modes are only intended for consistently slippery or loose
surfaces.
•Drive slower in strong crosswinds which can affect the normal steering
characteristics of your vehicle.
•Be extremely careful when driving on pavement made slippery by
loose sand, water, gravel, snow or ice.
2008 F-150(f12)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Driving
286