
Anti-lock brake system:If the
ABS light stays illuminated or
continues to flash, a malfunction has
been detected, have the system
serviced immediately by your
authorized dealer. Normal braking is still functional unless the brake
warning light also is illuminated.
Airbag readiness:If this light fails
to illuminate when the ignition is
turned to ON, continues to flash or
remains on, have the system
serviced immediately by your
authorized dealer. A chime will also sound when a malfunction in the
supplemental restraint system has been detected.
Safety belt:Reminds you to fasten
your safety belt. A Belt-Minder
chime will also sound to remind you
to fasten your safety belt. Refer to
theSeating and safety restraints
chapter to activate/deactivate the Belt-Minderchime feature.
Charging system:Illuminates when
the battery is not charging properly.
Door ajar:Illuminates when the
ignition is in the ON position and
any door is open.
Low tire pressure warning
(if equipped):Illuminates when
your tire pressure is low. If the light
remains ON at start up or while
driving, the tire pressure should be
checked. Refer toInflating Your Tiresin theTires, Wheels and
Loadingchapter. When the ignition is first turned to ON, the light will
illuminate for 3 seconds to ensure the bulb is working. If the light does
not turn ON, have the system inspected by your authorized dealer. For
more information on this system, refer toUnderstanding Your Tire
Pressure Monitoring Systemin theTires, Wheels and Loading
chapter.
ABS
2008 F-150(f12)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Instrument Cluster
17

Cargo rail package:The strong extruded aluminum double channel
rails and four adjustable cleats are designed to hold loads up to 600 lb
(272 kg) per cleat (maximum of two cleats per rail).
•Cleat positions are adjusted by pulling the knob and turning slightly to
lock open. The cleat can then be moved along the rail. Once the
desired position is reached, return the knob to the horizontal position.
Pull the cleat side-to-side to ensure it has locked into the next
available hole location.
•To remove cleat from rail, release rail endcap by pulling inboard and
towards the end of the rail on the two plastic tabs located inside the
tracks at each end of the rails. The plastic endcap will then release
and may be removed. The cleat can then be slid out the end of the
rail.
When installing cleat, reverse instructions above.
Note:When replacing a cleat into the rail, make sure the oval embossed
on the knob is not upside down. This will ensure that the cleat is
properly oriented to accept accessory attachments.
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Driver Controls
138

Four-wheel anti-lock brake system (ABS)
Your vehicle is equipped with an Anti-lock Braking System (ABS). This
system helps you maintain steering control during emergency stops by
keeping the brakes from locking. Noise from the ABS pump motor and
brake pedal pulsation may be observed during ABS braking and the
brake pedal may suddenly travel a little farther as soon as ABS braking is
done and normal brake operation resumes. These are normal
characteristics of the ABS and should be no reason for concern.
Using ABS
When hard braking is required, apply continuous force on the brake
pedal; do not pump the brake pedal since this will reduce the
effectiveness of the ABS and will increase your vehicle’s stopping
distance. The ABS will be activated immediately, allowing you to retain
steering control during hard braking and on slippery surfaces. However,
the ABS does not decrease stopping distance.
ABS warning lamp
The ABS lamp in the instrument
cluster momentarily illuminates
when the ignition is turned on. If
the light does not illuminate during
start up, remains on or flashes, the
ABS may be disabled and may need to be serviced.
Even when the ABS is disabled, normal braking is still effective. If your
BRAKE warning lamp illuminates with the parking brake released, have
your brake system serviced immediately.
Base, Base with Tachometer and
Family Carrier instrument
cluster
Mid, Luxury, Limited and
Harley-Davidson instrument
cluster
ABS
!
BRAKE
P!
BRAKE
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Driving
265

faster, because as in other vehicles, braking occurs at all four wheels. Do
not become overconfident as to road conditions.
Make sure you allow sufficient distance between you and other vehicles
for stopping. Drive slower than usual and consider using one of the lower
gears. In emergency stopping situations, apply the brake steadily. Do not
“pump” the brakes. Refer to theBrakessection of this chapter for
additional information on the operation of the Anti-lock Brake System
(ABS).
Never drive with chains on the front tires of 4WD vehicles without also
putting them on the rear tires. This could cause the rear to slide and
swing around during braking.
Maintenance and Modifications
The suspension and steering systems on your vehicle have been designed
and tested to provide predictable performance whether loaded or empty
and durable load carrying capability. For this reason, Ford Motor
Company strongly recommends that you do not make modifications such
as adding or removing parts (such as lift kits or stabilizer bars) or by
using replacement parts not equivalent to the original factory equipment.
Any modifications to a vehicle that raise the center of gravity can make
it more likely the vehicle will roll over as a result of a loss of control.
Ford Motor Company recommends that caution be used with any vehicle
equipped with a high load or device (such as ladder racks or pickup box
cover).
Failure to maintain your vehicle properly may void the warranty, increase
your repair cost, reduce vehicle performance and operational capabilities
and adversely affect driver and passenger safety. Frequent inspection of
vehicle chassis components is recommended if the vehicle is subjected to
heavy off-road usage.
DRIVING THROUGH WATER
If driving through deep or standing
water is unavoidable, proceed very
slowly especially when the depth is
not known. Never drive through
water that is higher than the bottom
of the wheel rims (for cars) or the
bottom of the hubs (for trucks).
When driving through water, traction or brake capability may be limited.
Also, water may enter your engine’s air intake and severely damage your
2008 F-150(f12)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Driving
292

Fuse/Relay
LocationFuse Amp
RatingPassenger Compartment Fuse
Panel Description
F01 10A* Run/Accessory - Wipers,
Instrument cluster, Audio for
XL/STX
F02 20A* Stop/Turn lamps, ABS, T/T
electric brake module, PCM (BOO
signal), turn signal mirrors,
CHMSL
F03 7.5A* Power mirrors, Memory seats and
pedals
F04 10A* DVD battery power, Power fold
mirror
F05 7.5A* Keep alive memory for Powertrain
Control Module (PCM) and
Climate control module
F06 15A* Parklamps, Body Security Module
(BSM), Instrument panel
illumination
F07 5A* Radio (start signal)
F08 10A* Heated mirrors, Switch indicator
F09 20A* Fuel pump relay, Fuel injectors,
Injector sense
F10 20A* Trailer tow back-up lamps relay,
Trailer tow parklamp relay
F11 10A* A/C clutch, 4x4 solenoid
F12 5A* PCM relay coil
F13 10A* Climate control module power,
Flasher relay
F14 10A* Back-up lamp and Daytime
Running Lamps (DRL) relay coil,
A/C pressure switch, Redundant
speed control switch, Heated PCV
(5.4L), ABS
F15 5A* Overdrive cancel, Cluster
F16 10A* Brake-shift interlock solenoid
F17 15A* Fog lamp relay
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Roadside Emergencies
302

Fuse/Relay
LocationFuse Amp
RatingPassenger Compartment Fuse
Panel Description
F33 15A* Shift solenoid, CMS #12 and #22,
Ignition coils
F34 15A* PCM power, IMRC (4.2L)
F35 20A* Instrument cluster high beam
indicator, High beam headlamps,
DRL disable relay
F36 10A* Trailer tow right turn/stop lamps
37 20A* Rear power point
38 25A* Subwoofer power
39 — Not used
40 20A* Low beam headlamps, DRL
41 — Not used
42 10A* Trailer tow left turn/stop lamps
F101 30A** Starter solenoid
F102 20A** Ignition switch feed
F103 20A** ABS valves
F104 — Not used
F105 30A** Electric trailer brakes
F106 30A** Trailer tow battery charge
F107 30A** Power door locks (BSM)
F108 30A** Passenger power seat
F109 30A** Driver power seat, Adjustable
pedals, Memory module (pedals,
seats)
F110 20A** Cigar lighter, Diagnostic connector
power
F111 30A** 4x4 motor relays
F112 40A** ABS pump power
F113 30A** Wipers and washer pump
F114 40A** Heated backlite, Heated mirror
power
F115 20A** Moonroof
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Roadside Emergencies
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Fuel ethanol and gasoline may contain benzene, which is a
cancer-causing agent.
Observe the following guidelines when handling automotive fuel:
•Extinguish all smoking materials
and any open flames before
fueling your vehicle.
•Always turn off the vehicle before
fueling.
•Automotive fuels can be harmful
or fatal if swallowed. Fuels such as gasoline and ethanol are highly
toxic and if swallowed can cause death or permanent injury. If fuel is
swallowed, call a physician immediately, even if no symptoms are
immediately apparent. The toxic effects of fuel may not be visible for
hours.
•Avoid inhaling fuel vapors. Inhaling too much fuel vapor of any kind
can lead to eye and respiratory tract irritation. In severe cases,
excessive or prolonged breathing of fuel vapor can cause serious
illness and permanent injury.
•Avoid getting fuel liquid in your eyes. If fuel is splashed in the eyes,
remove contact lenses (if worn), flush with water for 15 minutes and
seek medical attention. Failure to seek proper medical attention could
lead to permanent injury.
•Fuels can also be harmful if absorbed through the skin. If fuel is
splashed on the skin and/or clothing, promptly remove contaminated
clothing and wash skin thoroughly with soap and water. Repeated or
prolonged skin contact with fuel liquid or vapor causes skin irritation.
•Be particularly careful if you are taking “Antabuse” or other forms of
disulfiram for the treatment of alcoholism. Breathing gasoline and/or
ethanol vapors, or skin contact could cause an adverse reaction. In
sensitive individuals, serious personal injury or sickness may result. If
fuel is splashed on the skin, promptly wash skin thoroughly with soap
and water. Consult a physician immediately if you experience an
adverse reaction.
•FFV fuel tanks may contain zero to 85 percent ethanol. Any fuel
blends containing gasoline and ethanol should be treated the same as
“Fuel Ethanol ”. 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.
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Maintenance and Specifications
358

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.
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Maintenance and Specifications
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