Page 2 of 400
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)
Page 3 of 400
Customer Assistance 321
Reporting safety defects (U.S. only) 327
Reporting safety defects (Canada only) 328
Cleaning 329
Maintenance and Specifications 339
Engine compartment 341
Engine oil 345
Battery 349
Engine coolant 351
Fuel information 357
Air filter(s) 377
Part numbers 380
Maintenance product specifications and capacities 381
Engine data 385
Accessories 389
Index 391
All rights reserved. Reproduction by any means, electronic or mechanical
including photocopying, recording or by any information storage and retrieval
system or translation in whole or part is not permitted without written
authorization from Ford Motor Company. Ford may change the contents without
notice and without incurring obligation.
Copyright © 2007 Ford Motor Company
Table of Contents
3
2008 F-150(f12)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Page 5 of 400

Fuel pump shut-off switch:In the event of an accident the
safety switch will automatically cut off the fuel supply to the
engine. The switch can also be activated through sudden vibration (e.g.
collision when parking). To reset the switch, refer to theFuel pump
shut-off switchin theRoadside Emergencieschapter.
SAFETY AND ENVIRONMENT PROTECTION
Warning symbols in this guide
How can you reduce the risk of personal injury to yourself or others? In
this guide, answers to such questions are contained in comments
highlighted by the warning triangle symbol. These comments should be
read and observed.
Warning symbols on your vehicle
When you see this symbol, it is
imperative that you consult the
relevant section of this guide before
touching or attempting adjustment
of any kind.
Protecting the environment
We must all play our part in
protecting the environment. Correct
vehicle usage and the authorized
disposal of waste, cleaning and
lubrication materials are significant
steps towards this aim. Information in this respect is highlighted in this
guide with the tree symbol.
2008 F-150(f12)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Introduction
5
Page 10 of 400
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
Page 11 of 400
Vehicle Symbol Glossary
Power Windows
Front/Rear
Power Window Lockout
Child Safety Door
Lock/UnlockInterior Luggage
Compartment Release
Panic AlarmEngine Oil
Engine CoolantEngine Coolant
Temperature
Do Not Open When HotBattery
Avoid Smoking, Flames,
or SparksBattery Acid
Explosive GasFan Warning
Power Steering FluidMaintain Correct Fluid
LevelMAX
MIN
Service Engine SoonEngine Air Filter
Passenger Compartment
Air FilterJack
Check Fuel CapLow Tire Pressure
Warning
2008 F-150(f12)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Introduction
11
Page 16 of 400

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-homeoperation. 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
Page 19 of 400

MINI MESSAGE CENTER WARNING DISPLAYS (IF EQUIPPED)
Door ajar:Displays when the
ignition is in the ON position and
any door is open.
Low fuel:Displays when the fuel
level in the fuel tank is at or near
empty (refer toFuel gaugein this
chapter).
Check fuel cap:Displays when the
fuel cap may not be properly
installed. Continued driving with
this display on may cause the
Service engine soon warning light to
come on. Refer toFuel filler capin theMaintenance and
Specificationschapter.
Check gauge:Displays when any of
the following conditions has
occurred:
•The engine coolant temperature
is high.
•The engine oil pressure is low.
•The fuel gauge is at or near empty.
Trans fault:Displays when a
transmission problem has been
detected and shifting may be
restricted. If the light remains on,
have the system serviced
immediately by your authorized dealer.
Key-in-ignition warning chime:Sounds when the key is left in the
ignition in the OFF/LOCK or ACCESSORY position and the driver’s door
is opened.
Headlamps on warning chime:Sounds when the headlamps or parking
lamps are on, the ignition is off (the key is not in the ignition) and the
driver’s door is opened.
2008 F-150(f12)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Instrument Cluster
19
Page 22 of 400

Battery voltage gauge:Indicates
the battery voltage when the
ignition is in the ON position. If the
pointer moves and stays outside the
normal operating range, have the
vehicle’s electrical system checked
by your authorized dealer as soon as
possible.
Engine oil pressure gauge:
Indicates engine oil pressure. The
needle should stay in the normal
operating range (between “L” and
“H”). If the needle falls below the
normal range, stop the vehicle, turn
off the engine and check the engine
oil level. Add oil if needed. If the oil level is correct, have your vehicle
checked by your authorized dealer.
Fuel gauge:Indicates
approximately how much fuel is left
in the fuel tank (when the ignition
is in the ON position). The fuel
gauge may vary slightly when the
vehicle is in motion or on a grade.
The arrow next to the fuel pump
icon indicates which side of the vehicle the fuel filler door is located.
For more information, refer toFilling the tankin theMaintenance and
Specificationschapter.
2008 F-150(f12)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Instrument Cluster
22