2008 FORD F150 automatic transmission

Autolock (if equipped)
The autolock feature is available on automatic transmission vehicles with
power locking. This feature will lock all the doors when:
•all the doors are closed,
•the ignition is in the 3 (ON) position,
•you shift into any gear putting the vehicle in motion, and
•the brake pedal is released and the vehicle attains a speed greater
than 5 mph (8 km/h).
The autolock feature repeats when:
•any door is opened then closed while the ignition is in the 3 (ON)
position, and
•the brake pedal is released and the vehicle attains a speed greater
than 5 mph (8 km/h).
Deactivating/activating autolock
There are four methods to enable/disable this feature: One is through
your authorized dealer, the second with a power door unlock/lock
sequence, the third with the keypad, and the fourth using the message
center (if equipped).
Before following the activation or deactivation procedures, unlock all
doors using the power door lock/unlock control and ensure all vehicle
doors are closed.
Power door unlock/lock procedure
You must complete Steps 1–5 within
30 seconds, or the procedure will
have to be repeated. If the
procedure needs to be repeated,
you must wait a minimum of 30
seconds to begin again.
1. Turn the ignition to the 3 (ON)
position, then press the
control
three times.
2. Turn the ignition to the 1 (OFF/LOCK) position, then press the
control three times.
3. Turn the ignition to the 3 (ON) position; the horn will chirp to
indicate the driver configuration mode has been activated.
4. Within five seconds, press
then thecontrol.Note:One horn
chirp should be heard, indicating the system has been disabled.
2008 F-150(f12)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Locks and Security
145

The control is located on the outboard side of the seat cushion.
Press the front or rear portion to tilt
the seat.
Press the control to move the seat
forward, backward, up or down.
Memory seats/adjustable pedals (if equipped)
This system allows automatic
positioning of the driver seat and
adjustable pedals to two
programmable positions.
The memory seat control is located
on the driver’s seat.
•To program position one, move
the driver seat and adjustable
pedals to the desired position.
Press the SET control. The SET
control indicator light will briefly illuminate. While the light is
illuminated, press control 1.
•
To program position two, repeat the previous procedure using control 2.
A position can only be recalled when the transmission gearshift is in
Park. A memory position may be programmed at any time.
2008 F-150(f12)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Seating and Safety Restraints
161

Reasons given... Consider...
“I have an airbag” Airbags offer greater protection when
used with safety belts. Frontal airbags
are not designed to inflate in rear and
side crashes or rollovers.
“I’d rather be thrown clear” Not a good idea.Peoplewho are
ejected are 40 times more likely
to DIE.Safety belts help prevent
ejection, WE CAN’T “PICK OUR
CRASH”.
Do not sit on top of a buckled safety belt or insert a latchplate
into the buckle to avoid the Belt-Minderchime. To do so may
adversely affect the performance of the vehicle’s air bag system.
One time disable
If at any time the driver/front passenger quickly buckles then unbuckles
the Belt-Minderfeature for that seating position, the Belt-Minder™ is
disabled for the current ignition cycle. The Belt-Minderfeature will
re-enable during the same ignition cycle if the occupant buckles and
remains buckled for approximately 30 seconds. Confirmation is not given
for the one time disable.
Deactivating/activating the Belt-Minderfeature
The driver and front passenger Belt-Minderare deactivated/activated
independently. When deactivating/activating one seating position, do
not buckle the other position as this will terminate the process.
Read Steps1-4thoroughly before proceeding with the
deactivation/activation programming procedure.
The driver and front passenger Belt-Minderfeatures can be
deactivated/activated by performing the following procedure:
Before following the procedure, make sure that:
•The parking brake is set
•The gearshift is in P (Park) (automatic transmission)
•The ignition switch is in the OFF position
•The driver and front passenger safety belts are unbuckled
2008 F-150(f12)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Seating and Safety Restraints
181

Regular Cab 4x2 (126” wheelbase)
Engine Rear axle ratio Maximum
GCWR-lb. (kg)Maximum
trailer
weight-lb. (kg)
4.2L (with
manual
transmission)3.31 7200 (3266) 2400 (1089)
3.55 8500 (3856) 3700 (1678)
4.2L (with
automatic
transmission)3.55 10000 (4536) 5200 (2359)
3.73 10500 (4763) 5700 (2585)
4.6L 3.55 11500 (5216) 6600 (2993)
4.6L 3.73 12000 (5443) 7100 (3220)
5.4L 3.55 13000 (5897) 8000 (3628)
5.4L 3.73 13500 (6123) 8500 (3855)
Regular Cab 4x2 (145” wheelbase)
Engine Rear axle ratio Maximum
GCWR-lb. (kg)Maximum
trailer
weight-lb. (kg)
4.2L (with
manual
transmission)3.31 7200 (3266) 2300 (1043)
3.55 8500 (3856) 3600 (1633)
4.2L (with
automatic
transmission)3.55 10000 (4536) 5100 (2313)
3.73 10500 (4763) 5600 (2540)
4.6L 3.55 11700 (5307) 6700 (3039)
4.6L 3.73 12200 (5534) 7200 (3266)
5.4L 3.55 14000 (6350) 8900 (4037)
5.4L 3.73 15000 (6804) 9800 (4445)
5.4L (Heavy
Duty – XL)4.10 16400 (7439) 11000 (4989)
5.4L (Heavy
Duty – XLT)4.10 15800 (7167) 10400 (4717)
2008 F-150(f12)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Tires, Wheels and Loading
244

Trailer lamps
Trailer lamps are required on most towed vehicles. Make sure all running
lights, brake lights, turn signals and hazard lights are working. See your
authorized dealer or trailer rental agency for proper instructions and
equipment for hooking up trailer lamps.
Using a step bumper (if equipped)
The rear bumper is equipped with an integral hitch and only requires a
ball with a one inch (25.4 mm) shank diameter. The bumper has a 5,000 lb.
(2,270 kg) trailer weight and 500 lb. (227 kg) tongue weight capacity.
If it is necessary to relocate the trailer hitch ball position, a
frame-mounted trailer hitch must be installed.
Driving while you tow
When towing a trailer:
•To ensure proper “break-in” of powertrain components, do not trailer
tow during the first 1,000 miles (1600 km) of a new vehicle.
•To ensure proper “break-in” of powertrain components during the first
500 miles (800 km) of trailer towing, drive no faster than 70 mph
(112 km/h) with no full throttle starts.
•Turn off the speed control. The speed control may shut off
automatically when you are towing on long, steep grades.
•Consult your local motor vehicle speed regulations for towing a trailer.
•To eliminate excessive shifting, use a lower gear. This will also assist
in transmission cooling. (For additional information, refer to
Understanding the gearshift positions of the 4–speed automatic
transmissionin theDriving chapter.
•Anticipate stops and brake gradually.
•Do not exceed the GCWR rating or transmission damage may occur.
Servicing after towing
If you tow a trailer for long distances, your vehicle will require more
frequent service intervals. Refer to yourscheduled maintenance
informationfor more information.
2008 F-150(f12)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Tires, Wheels and Loading
255

Trailer towing tips
•Practice turning, stopping and backing up before starting on a trip to
get the feel of the vehicle trailer combination. When turning, make
wider turns so the trailer wheels will clear curbs and other obstacles.
•Allow more distance for stopping with a trailer attached.
•The trailer tongue weight should be 10–15% of the loaded trailer
weight.
•If you will be towing a trailer frequently in hot weather, hilly
conditions, at GCWR, or any combination of these factors, consider
refilling your rear axle with synthetic gear lube if not already so
equipped. Refer to theMaintenance and specificationschapter for
the lubricant specification. Remember that regardless of the rear axle
lube used, do not tow a trailer for the first 1,000 miles (1600 km) of a
new vehicle, and that the first 500 miles (800 km) of towing be done
at no faster than 70 mph (112 km/h) with no full throttle starts.
•After you have traveled 50 miles (80 km), thoroughly check your
hitch, electrical connections and trailer wheel lug nuts.
•To aid in engine/transmission cooling and A/C efficiency during hot
weather while stopped in traffic, place the gearshift lever in P (Park)
(automatic transmission) or N (Neutral) (manual transmissions).
•Vehicles with trailers should not be parked on a grade. If you must
park on a grade, place wheel chocks under the trailer’s wheels.
Launching or retrieving a boat
Disconnect the wiring to the trailer before backing the trailer
into the water. Reconnect the wiring to the trailer after the
trailer is removed from the water.
When backing down a ramp during boat launching or retrieval:
•do not allow the static water level to rise above the bottom edge of
the rear bumper.
•do not allow waves to break higher than 6 inches (15 cm) above the
bottom edge of the rear bumper.
Exceeding these limits may allow water to enter vehicle components:
•causing internal damage to the components.
•affecting driveability, emissions and reliability.
Replace the rear axle lubricant any time the axle has been submerged in
water. Rear axle lubricant quantities are not to be checked or changed
unless a leak is suspected or repair required.
2008 F-150(f12)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Tires, Wheels and Loading
256

RECREATIONAL TOWING
Follow these guidelines if you have a need for recreational (RV) towing.
An example of recreational towing would be towing your vehicle behind
a motorhome. These guidelines are designed to ensure that your
transmission is not damaged.
Transmission Drivetrain
configurationRequirements for
RV towing
Manual
4x2 Cannot be RV towed
Automatic
Automatic
4x4 with manual-shift
transfer caseTransmission in
Neutral; Transfer case
in N (Neutral)
1
Automatic 4x4 with
electronic-shift
transfer caseCannot be RV towed
Automatic
(Harley-Davidson)All-Wheel-Drive
(AWD)Cannot be RV towed
1To ensure the transfer case is in 2WD, turn the ignition key on, then
shift to 2WD. The 4x4 HIGH light or 4x4 LOW light should not be
illuminated in the instrument cluster; if either one is illuminated, the
transfer case is not in 2WD.
2008 F-150(f12)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Tires, Wheels and Loading
257

STARTING
Positions of the ignition
1. OFF/LOCK, locks the steering
wheel, automatic transmission
gearshift lever and allows key
removal.
Note:The ignition key cannot be
removed from the ignition unless
the gearshift lever is securely
latched in P (Park).
2. ACCESSORY, allows the electrical
accessories such as the radio to
operate while the engine is not running.
3. ON, all electrical circuits operational. Warning lights illuminated. Key
position when driving.
4. START, cranks the engine. Release the key as soon as the engine
starts.
Preparing to start your vehicle
Engine starting is controlled by the powertrain control system. This
system meets all Canadian Interference-Causing Equipment standard
requirements regulating the impulse electrical field strength of radio
noise.
When starting a fuel-injected engine, don’t press the accelerator before
or during starting. Only use the accelerator when you have difficulty
starting the engine. For more information on starting the vehicle, refer to
Starting the enginein this chapter.
Extended idling at high engine speeds can produce very high
temperatures in the engine and exhaust system, creating the risk
of fire or other damage.
Do not park, idle, or drive your vehicle in dry grass or other dry
ground cover. The emission system heats up the engine
compartment and exhaust system, which can start a fire.
2008 F-150(f12)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Driving
258