2008 FORD F150 brake

Locks and Security 144
Keys 144
Locks 144
Anti-theft system 155
Seating and Safety Restraints 158
Seating 158
Safety restraints 164
Airbags 183
Child restraints 192
Tires, Wheels and Loading 209
Tire information 211
Tire inflation 213
Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) 226
Vehicle loading 237
Trailer towing 243
Recreational towing 257
Driving 258
Starting 258
Brakes 264
Traction Control™ 266
Transmission operation 269
Snowplowing 293
Roadside Emergencies 296
Getting roadside assistance 296
Hazard flasher switch 298
Fuel pump shut-off switch 298
Fuses and relays 299
Changing tires 307
Lug nut torque 314
Jump starting 315
Wrecker towing 320
Table of Contents
2
2008 F-150(f12)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)

Service Data Recording
Service data recorders in your vehicle are capable of collecting and
storing diagnostic information about your vehicle. This potentially
includes information about the performance or status of various systems
and modules in the vehicle, such as engine, throttle, steering or brake
systems. In order to properly diagnose and service your vehicle, Ford
Motor Company, Ford of Canada, and service and repair facilities may
access vehicle diagnostic information through a direct connection to your
vehicle when diagnosing or servicing your vehicle.
Event Data Recording
Other modules in your vehicle — event data recorders — are capable of
collecting and storing data during a crash or near crash event. The
recorded information may assist in the investigation of such an event.
The modules may record information about both the vehicle and the
occupants, potentially including information such as:
•how various systems in your vehicle were operating;
•whether or not the driver and passenger seatbelts were buckled;
•how far (if at all) the driver was depressing the accelerator and/or the
brake pedal;
•how fast the vehicle was traveling; and
•where the driver was positioning the steering wheel.
To access this information, special equipment must be directly connected
to the recording modules. Ford Motor Company and Ford of Canada do
not access event data recorder information without obtaining consent,
unless pursuant to court order or where required by law enforcement,
other government authorities or other third parties acting with lawful
authority. Other parties may seek to access the information
independently of Ford Motor Company and Ford of Canada.
Using your vehicle with a snowplow
For more information and guidelines for using your vehicle with a
snowplow, refer to theDrivingchapter.
Using your vehicle as an ambulance
Do not use this vehicle as an ambulance.
Your vehicle is not equipped with the Ford Ambulance Preparation
Package.
2008 F-150(f12)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Introduction
7

These are some of the symbols you may see on your vehicle.
Vehicle Symbol Glossary
Safety Alert
See Owner’s Guide
Fasten Safety BeltAirbag - Front
Airbag - SideChild Seat Lower
Anchor
Child Seat Tether
AnchorBrake System
Anti-Lock Brake SystemParking Brake System
Brake Fluid -
Non-Petroleum BasedParking Aid System
Stability Control SystemSpeed Control
Master Lighting SwitchHazard Warning Flasher
Fog Lamps-FrontFuse Compartment
Fuel Pump ResetWindshield Wash/Wipe
Windshield
Defrost/DemistRear Window
Defrost/Demist
2008 F-150(f12)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Introduction
10

Under engine misfire conditions, excessive exhaust temperatures
could damage the catalytic converter, the fuel system, interior
floor coverings or other vehicle components, possibly causing a fire.
Electronic throttle control
(if equipped):Illuminates when
the engine has defaulted to a

limp-home
operation. Report the
fault to a dealer at the earliest opportunity.
On vehicles equipped with a message center, “ENGINE FAILSAFE
MODE” will be displayed, refer toMessage centerin theDriver
Controlschapter.
Brake system warning light:To confirm the brake system warning
light is functional, it will momentarily illuminate when the ignition is
turned to the ON position when the engine is not running, or in a
position between ON and START, or by applying the parking brake when
the ignition is turned to the ON position.
Base, Base with Tachometer and
Family Carrier instrument
cluster
Mid, Luxury, Limited and
Harley-Davidson instrument
cluster
If the brake system warning light
does not illuminate at this time,
seek service immediately from your authorized dealer. Illumination after
releasing the parking brake indicates low brake fluid level and the brake
system should be inspected immediately by your authorized dealer.
Driving a vehicle with the brake system warning light on is
dangerous. A significant decrease in braking performance may
occur. It will take you longer to stop the vehicle. Have the vehicle
checked by your authorized dealer. Driving extended distances with
the parking brake engaged can cause brake failure and the risk of
personal injury.
!
BRAKE
P!
BRAKE
2008 F-150(f12)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Instrument Cluster
16

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

BULB REPLACEMENT
Headlamp Condensation
The headlamps are vented to equalize pressure. When moist air enters
the headlamp(s) through the vents, there is a possibility that
condensation can occur. This condensation is normal and will clear
within 45 minutes of headlamp operation.
Using the right bulbs
Replacement bulbs are specified in the chart below. Headlamp bulbs
must be marked with an authorized “D.O.T.” for North America and an
“E” for Europe to ensure lamp performance, light brightness and pattern
and safe visibility. The correct bulbs will not damage the lamp assembly
or void the lamp assembly warranty and will provide quality bulb burn
time.
Function Number of
bulbsTrade number
Headlamps 2 H13/9008
Front park/turn lamps 2 3157A (amber)
Front sidemarker 2 194
Fog lamps 2 9140
Backup lamp (except Harley &
Limited)2 3156
Backup lamp (Harley & Limited) 2 3155
Rear stop/turn/sidemarker/tail
lamp2 4057K or 3057K
High-mount brakelamp 1 921
Cargo lamp 2 921
License plate lamp 2 194
Exterior mounted mirror turn
signal indicator (if equipped)2 See your dealer
Puddle lamp (if equipped) 2 See your dealer
All replacement bulbs are clear in color except where noted.
To replace all instrument panel lights - see your authorized dealer
Replacing exterior bulbs
Check the operation of all the bulbs frequently.
2008 F-150(f12)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Lights
97

Replacing front parking lamp/turn signal/sidemarker bulbs
1. Make sure the headlamp control
is in the OFF position and open the
hood.
2. At the top and inboard side of the
headlamp, peel the protective cover
back from the lower screws and
loosen the three retaining screws.
3. Once the three retaining screws
have been removed, disengage the
tab at the top center of the
headlamp assembly by lifting it up.
4. Slide the headlamp assembly
forward disconnecting the snap
attachment at the fender.
5. Remove bulb socket from the
lamp assembly by turning it
counterclockwise and then pull the
bulb straight out.
Install the new bulb(s) in reverse order.
Replacing tail/brake/turn signal/backup lamp bulbs
1. Make sure the headlamp control
is in the OFF position.
2. Open the tailgate to expose the
lamp assembly and remove the two
bolts from the tail lamp assembly.
2008 F-150(f12)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Lights
99

3. Carefully pull the lamp assembly
straight rearward from the tailgate
pillar to disengage two hidden
snap-in retainers. (Flare side tail
lamps are not equipped with snap-in
retainers.)
4. Remove bulb socket from the
lamp assembly by turning it
counterclockwise.
5. Pull bulb straight out of socket
and press in the new bulb.
Install the new bulb(s) in reverse order.
Replacing high-mount brake and cargo lamp bulbs
Make sure the headlamp control is
in the OFF position.
1. Remove the two screws and move
the lamp assembly away from the
vehicle to expose the bulb sockets.
2. Remove the bulb socket by
rotating counterclockwise and
pulling it out of the lamp assembly.
3. Pull the bulb straight out of the socket and push in the new bulb.
Install the new bulbs in reverse order.
Replacing fog lamp bulbs (if equipped)
1. Make sure the headlamp control
is in the OFF position.
2. Remove the bulb socket from the
fog lamp by turning
counterclockwise.
3. Disconnect the electrical
connector from the fog lamp bulb.
Install the new bulb in reverse order.
Replacing exterior mounted mirror turn signal indicator lamp bulbs
For bulb replacement, see your authorized dealer.
2008 F-150(f12)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Lights
100