2008 FORD F150 fuel type

When checking the VIN look for the engine type identifier (8th
character). If your vehicle is an FFV, then the character will be
labeled as a “V”.
Pure ethanol is the alcohol which is the intoxicating agent in liquor, beer
and wine. It is distilled from the fermentation of plants such as field corn
and sugar cane. When ethanol is produced for use in motor fuels, a small
amount of gasoline is added to make it unfit for beverage use. The
resulting ethanol blend is called denatured fuel ethanol meaning that it is
denatured with 2% to 5% gasoline and is suitable for automotive use.
During the summer season, fuel ethanol may contain a maximum of 85%
denatured ethanol (Ed85) and 15% unleaded gasoline. The fuel ethanol
has a higher octane rating than unleaded regular or premium gasoline
and this allows the design of engines with greater efficiency and power.
Winter blends may contain up to 75% denatured ethanol (Ed75) and up
to 25% unleaded gasoline to enhance cold engine starts. Severely cold
weather may require additional measures for reliable starting. Refer to
Cold Weather Startingin theDrivingchapter.
Ethanol is more chemically active than gasoline. It corrodes some metals
and causes some plastic and rubber components to swell, break down or
become brittle and crack, especially when mixed with gasoline. Special
materials and procedures have been developed for flexible fuel vehicles
and the dispensers used by ethanol fuel providers.
Flexible fuel components and standard unleaded gasoline fuel
components are not interchangeable. If your vehicle is not
serviced in accordance with flexible fuel vehicles procedures, damage
may occur and your warranty may be invalidated.
When refueling always shut the engine off and never allow
sparks or open flames near the filler neck. Never smoke while
refueling. Fuel vapor is extremely hazardous under certain conditions.
Care should be taken to avoid inhaling excess fumes.
The flow of fuel through a fuel pump nozzle can produce static
electricity, which can cause a fire if fuel is pumped into an
ungrounded fuel container.
2008 F-150(f12)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Maintenance and Specifications
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Unleaded Gasoline engines
If you are experiencing starting, rough idle or hesitation driveability
problems during a cold start, try a different brand of “Regular” unleaded
gasoline. “Premium” unleaded gasoline is not recommended because it
may cause these problems to become more pronounced. If the problems
persist, see your authorized dealer.
FFV engine (if equipped)
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. When checking the VIN, look for
the engine type identifier (8th character). If your vehicle is an FFV, then
the character will be labeled as a “V”.
It is best not to alternate repeatedly between gasoline and E
85. If you do
switch fuels, it is recommended that you add as much fuel as
possible—at least half a tank. Do not add less than five gallons (18.9 L)
when refueling. You should drive the vehicle immediately after refueling
for at least five miles (8 km) to allow the vehicle to adapt to the change
in ethanol concentration.
If you operate your vehicle 50% or more of the time on ethanol, you
should follow a different maintenance schedule. In addition to this it is
also recommended to fill the fuel tank with regular unleaded gasoline
once every 3,000 miles (4,828 km). Seescheduled maintenance
informationfor more information.
Running out of fuel
Avoid running out of fuel because this situation may have an adverse
effect on powertrain components.
If you have run out of fuel:
•You may need to cycle the ignition from OFF to ON several times after
refueling to allow the fuel system to pump the fuel from the tank to
the engine. On restarting, cranking time will take a few seconds longer
than normal.
•Normally, adding 1 gallon (3.8L) of fuel is enough to restart the
engine. If the vehicle is out of fuel and on a steep grade, more than
1 gallon (3.8L) may be required.
•TheService engine soon
indicator may come on. For more
information on theService engine soon
indicator, refer to
Warning lights and chimesin theInstrument Clusterchapter.
2008 F-150(f12)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Maintenance and Specifications
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2. Each time you fill the tank, record the amount of fuel added (in
gallons or liters).
3. After at least three to five tank fill-ups, fill the fuel tank and record
the current odometer reading.
4. Subtract your initial odometer reading from the current odometer
reading.
5. Follow one of the simple calculations in order to determine fuel
economy:
Calculation 1:Divide total miles traveled by total gallons used.
Calculation 2:Multiply liters used by 100, then divide by total
kilometers traveled.
Keep a record for at least one month and record the type of driving (city
or highway). This will provide an accurate estimate of the vehicle’s fuel
economy under current driving conditions. Additionally, keeping records
during summer and winter will show how temperature impacts fuel
economy. In general, lower temperatures give lower fuel economy.
Driving style — good driving and fuel economy habits
Give consideration to the lists that follow and you may be able to change
a number of variables and improve your fuel economy.
Habits
•Smooth, moderate operation can yield up to 10% savings in fuel.
•Steady speeds without stopping will usually give the best fuel
economy.
•Idling for long periods of time (greater than one minute) may waste
fuel.
•Anticipate stopping; slowing down may eliminate the need to stop.
•Sudden or hard accelerations may reduce fuel economy.
•Slow down gradually.
•Driving at reasonable speeds (traveling at 55 mph [88 km/h] uses
15% less fuel than traveling at 65 mph [105 km/h]).
•Revving the engine before turning it off may reduce fuel economy.
•Using the air conditioner or defroster may reduce fuel economy.
•You may want to turn off the speed control in hilly terrain if
unnecessary shifting between the top gears occurs. Unnecessary
shifting of this type could result in reduced fuel economy.
2008 F-150(f12)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Maintenance and Specifications
366

Item CapacityFord part name or
equivalentFord part number /
Ford specification
Fuel tank
Reg. Cab 8’ box /
SuperCab 6.5’ box /
SuperCab 8’ box27.0 gallons (102.2L)
Standard
35.7 gallons (135.1L)
Optional——
1Use of synthetic or synthetic blend motor oil is not mandatory. Engine oil need only meet the requirements of Ford
specification WSS-M2C930-A and the API Certification mark.2Add the coolant type originally equipped in your vehicle.3Service refill capacity is determined by filling the axle to 1/4-9/16 inch (6-14 mm) below the bottom of the filler hole with
the vehicle on a level surface.
Add 4 oz. (118 ml) of Additive Friction Modifier XL-3 or equivalent meeting Ford specification EST-M2C118-A, for complete
fill of 8.8 inch and 9.75 inch Traction-Lok axles.4Service refill capacity is determined by filling the axle to the bottom of the filler hole with the vehicle on a level surface.
For 10.25 inch Traction-Lok axles, use 6.5 pints (3.1L) of Motorcraft SAE 75W-140 Synthetic Rear Axle Lubricant and 8 oz.
(236 ml) of Additive Friction Modifier XL–3 or equivalent meeting Ford Specification EST-M2C118-A.5Your vehicle’s rear axle is filled with a synthetic rear axle lubricant and is considered lubricated for life. These lubricants
do not need to be checked or changed unless a leak is suspected, service is required or the axle assembly has been
submerged in water. The axle lubricant should be changed any time the rear axle has been submerged in water.6Service refill capacity is determined by filling the transfer case to the bottom of the filler hole with the vehicle on a level
surface.7Approximate dry fill capacity including transmission fluid cooling system, actual refill capacities will vary based on vehicle
application and transmission fluid cooling system (i.e. coolers size, cooling lines, auxiliary cooler capacities). The amount of
transmission fluid and fluid level should be set by the indication on the dipstick’s normal operating range.8Automatic transmissions that require MERCONV should only use MERCONV fluid or fluid that is specified dual usage
MERCON/MERCONV. Refer toscheduled maintenance informationto determine the correct service interval. Use of
any fluid other than the recommended fluid may cause transmission damage.
2008 F-150(f12)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Maintenance and Specifications
384

Safety Compliance
Certification Label ....................386
Satellite Radio Information ........48
Seats ..........................................158
child safety seats ....................196
cleaning ...................................336
heated ................................87, 162
memory seat ...................149, 161
SecuriLock passive
anti-theft system ...............155–156
Servicing your vehicle ..............339
Setting the clock
AM/FM stereo ...........................28
AM/FM/CD .................................31
AM/FM/In-dash 6 CD ................38
Snowplowing .................7, 293–294
Spark plugs,
specifications .....................380, 385
Special notice
ambulance conversions ..............7
four-wheel drive vehicles .......295
utility-type vehicles ....................8
Specification chart,
lubricants ...................................381
Speed control ............................115
Starting a flex fuel vehicle .......261
Starting your
vehicle ........................258–259, 261
jump starting ..........................315
Steering wheel
controls ....................................117
tilting .......................................103
T
Tailgate ..............................134–135Temperature control
(see Climate control) .................81
Tilt steering wheel ....................103
Tire Pressure Monitoring
System (TPMS)
Tires, Wheels and Loading ....226
Tires ...........................211–212, 307
alignment ................................219
care ..........................................215
changing ..........................307, 310
checking the pressure ............215
inflating ...................................213
label .........................................225
replacing ..................................217
rotating ....................................219
safety practices .......................218
sidewall information ...............221
snow tires and chains ............236
spare tire .................................307
terminology .............................212
tire grades ...............................212
treadwear ........................211, 216
Towing .......................................243
recreational towing .................257
trailer towing ..........................243
Traction control ........................266
Traction-lok rear axle ...............268
Transfer case
fluid checking .........................376
Transmission .............................269
brake-shift interlock
(BSI) ................................269–270
fluid, checking and adding
(automatic) .............................372
fluid, checking and adding
(manual) .................................375
fluid, refill capacities ..............381
lubricant specifications ..........381
manual operation ....................275
Turn signal ..................................95
2008 F-150(f12)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Index
396