2008 FORD F150 wiper blades

MULTI-FUNCTION LEVER
Windshield wiper:Rotate the end
of the control away from you to
increase the speed of the wipers;
rotate towards you to decrease the
speed of the wipers.
Windshield washer:Push the end
of the stalk:
•briefly: causes a single swipe of
the wipers without washer fluid.
•a quick push and hold: the wipers
will swipe three times with
washer fluid.
•a long push and hold: the wipers and washer fluid will be activated for
up to ten seconds.
Note:Do not operate the washer when the washer reservoir is empty.
This may cause the washer pump to overheat. Check the washer fluid
level frequently. Do not operate the wipers when the windshield is dry.
This may scratch the glass, damage the wiper blades and cause the wiper
motor to burn out. Before operating the wiper on a dry windshield,
always use the windshield washer. In freezing weather, be sure the wiper
blades are not frozen to the windshield before operating the wipers.
2008 F-150(f12)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Driver Controls
102

WINDOWS AND WIPER BLADES
The windshield, rear and side windows and the wiper blades should be
cleaned regularly. If the wipers do not wipe properly, substances on the
vehicle’s glass or the wiper blades may be the cause. These may include
hot wax treatments used by commercial car washes, water repellent
coatings, tree sap, or other organic contamination; these contaminants
may cause squeaking or chatter noise from the blades, and streaking and
smearing of the windshield. To clean these items, follow these tips:
•The windshield, rear windows and side windows may be cleaned with
a non-abrasive cleaner such as Motorcraft Ultra-Clear Spray Glass
Cleaner (ZC-23), available from your authorized dealer.
•The wiper blades can be cleaned with isopropyl (rubbing) alcohol or
Motorcraft Premium Windshield Washer Concentrate (ZC-32-A),
available from your authorized dealer. This washer fluid contains
special solution in addition to alcohol which helps to remove the hot
wax deposited on the wiper blade and windshield from automated car
wash facilities. Be sure to replace wiper blades when they appear
worn or do not function properly.
•Do not use abrasives, as they may cause scratches.
•Do not use fuel, kerosene, or paint thinner to clean any parts.
If you cannot remove those streaks after cleaning with the glass cleaner
or if the wipers chatter and move in a jerky motion, clean the outer
surface of the windshield and the wiper blades using a sponge or soft
cloth with a neutral detergent or mild-abrasive cleaning solution. After
cleaning, rinse the windshield and wiper blades with clean water. The
windshield is clean if beads do not form when you rinse the windshield
with water.
Do not use sharp objects, such as a razor blade, to clean the
inside of the rear window or to remove decals, as it may cause
damage to the rear window defroster’s heated grid lines (if
equipped).
INSTRUMENT PANEL/INTERIOR TRIM AND CLUSTER LENS
Clean the instrument panel, interior trim areas and cluster lens with a
clean and damp white cotton cloth, then with a clean and dry white
cotton cloth; you may also use Motorcraft Dash & Vinyl Cleaner
(ZC-38-A) on the instrument panel and interior trim areas.
•Avoid cleaners or polishes that increase the gloss of the upper portion
of the instrument panel. The dull finish in this area helps protect the
driver from undesirable windshield reflection.
2008 F-150(f12)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Cleaning
333

WINDSHIELD WASHER FLUID
Add fluid to fill the reservoir if the
level is low. In very cold weather, do
not fill the reservoir completely.
Only use a washer fluid that meets
Ford specification WSB-M8B16-A2.
Do not use any special washer fluid
such as windshield water repellent
type fluid or bug wash. They may
cause squeaking, chatter noise,
streaking and smearing. Refer to the
Maintenance product
specifications and capacitiessection in this chapter.
State or local regulations on volatile organic compounds may restrict the
use of methanol, a common windshield washer antifreeze additive.
Washer fluids containing non-methanol antifreeze agents should be used
only if they provide cold weather protection without damaging the
vehicle’s paint finish, wiper blades or washer system.
If you operate your vehicle in temperatures below 40° F (4.5°C),
use washer fluid with antifreeze protection. Failure to use
washer fluid with antifreeze protection in cold weather could result in
impaired windshield vision and increase the risk of injury or accident.
Note:Do not put washer fluid in the engine coolant reservoir. Washer
fluid placed in the cooling system may harm engine and cooling system
components.
CHANGING THE WIPER BLADES
1. Pull the wiper arm away from the
vehicle. Turn the blade at an angle
from the wiper arm. Push the lock
pin manually to release the blade
and pull the wiper blade down
toward the windshield to remove it
from the arm.
2. Attach the new wiper to the
wiper arm and press it into place
until a click is heard.
Replace wiper blades at least once per year for optimum performance.
2008 F-150(f12)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Maintenance and Specifications
344

Poor wiper quality can be improved by cleaning the wiper blades and the
windshield, refer toWindows and wiper bladesin theCleaning
chapter.
To prolong the life of the wiper blades, it is highly recommended to
scrape off the ice on the windshield before turning on the wipers. The
layer of ice has many sharp edges and can damage the micro edge of the
wiper rubber element.
ENGINE OIL
Checking the engine oil
Refer to thescheduled maintenance informationfor the appropriate
intervals for checking the engine oil.
1. Make sure the vehicle is on level ground.
2. Turn the engine off and wait a few minutes for the oil to drain into the
oil pan.
3. Set the parking brake and ensure the gearshift is securely latched in
P (Park) (automatic transmission) or 1 (First) (manual transmission).
4. Open the hood. Protect yourself from engine heat.
•4.2L V6 engine
2008 F-150(f12)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Maintenance and Specifications
345

Child safety seats - booster
seats ...........................................193
Cleaning your vehicle
engine compartment ..............331
instrument panel ............333–334
interior .....................................335
plastic parts ............................332
safety belts ..............................335
washing ....................................329
waxing .....................................330
wheels ......................................330
wiper blades ............................333
Climate control (see
Air conditioning or
Heating) ...........................81, 85, 87
Clock adjust
6-CD in dash .............................38
AM/FM Stereo ...........................28
AM/FM/CD .................................31
Clutch
fluid ..........................................371
operation while driving ..........275
recommended shift speeds ....276
Compass, electronic ..........123, 125
calibration ...............................125
set zone adjustment .......125–126
Console ......................................104
overhead ..........................104–105
Controls
power seat ...............................160
steering column ......................117
Coolant
checking and adding ..............351
refill capacities ................355, 381
specifications ..........................381
Cruise control
(see Speed control) ..................115
Customer Assistance ................296Ford Extended Service
Plan ..........................................325
Getting assistance outside
the U.S. and Canada ..............326
Getting roadside assistance ...296
Getting the service
you need .................................321
Ordering additional
owner’s literature ...................327
Utilizing the Mediation/
Arbitration Program ...............325
D
Daytime running lamps
(see Lamps) ................................92
Dipstick
automatic transmission
fluid ..........................................372
engine oil .................................345
Driveline universal joint
and slip yoke .............................377
Driving under special
conditions ..................275, 287, 290
sand .........................................289
snow and ice ...........................291
through water .................289, 292
DVD system .................................51
E
Electronic message center .......125
Emergencies, roadside
jump-starting ..........................315
Emergency Flashers .................298
Emission control system ..........368
Engine ........................................385
cleaning ...................................331
coolant .....................................351
fail-safe cooling .......................356
2008 F-150(f12)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Index
392

V
Vehicle Identification Number
(VIN) ..........................................387
Vehicle loading ..........................237
Ventilating your vehicle ...........262
W
Warning lights (see Lights) .......12Washer fluid ..............................344
Water, Driving through .............292
Windows
power .......................................110
power down back window .....111
Windshield washer fluid and
wipers ........................................102
checking and adding fluid .....344
replacing wiper blades ...........344
2008 F-150(f12)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Index
397