2009 FORD F150 steering wheel

Driving on hilly or sloping terrain
Although natural obstacles may make it necessary to travel diagonally up
or down a hill or steep incline, you should always try to drive straight up
or straight down.Avoid driving crosswise or turning on steep
slopes or hills. A danger lies in losing traction, slipping sideways and
possibly rolling over. Whenever driving on a hill, determine beforehand
the route you will use. Do not drive over the crest of a hill without
seeing what conditions are on the other side. Do not drive in reverse
over a hill without the aid of an observer.
When climbing a steep slope or hill,
start in a lower gear rather than
downshifting to a lower gear from a
higher gear once the ascent has
started. This reduces strain on the
engine and the possibility of stalling.
If you do stall out, do not try to
turn around because you might roll
over. It is better to back down to a safe location.
Apply just enough power to the wheels to climb the hill. Too much
power will cause the tires to slip, spin or lose traction, resulting in loss of
vehicle control.
Descend a hill in the same gear you
would use to climb up the hill to
avoid excessive brake application
and brake overheating. Do not
descend in neutral; instead,
disengage overdrive or manually
shift to a lower gear. When
descending a steep hill, avoid
sudden hard braking as you could
lose control. When you brake hard,
the front wheels can’t turn and if
they aren’t turning, you won’t be
able to steer. The front wheels have to be turning in order to steer the
vehicle. Rapid pumping of the brake pedal will help you slow the vehicle
and still maintain steering control.
If your vehicle has anti-lock brakes, apply the brakes steadily. Do not
“pump” the brakes.
2009 F-150(f12)
Owners Guide, 1st Printing
USA(fus)
Driving
303

Driving on snow and ice
4WD vehicles have advantages over 2WD vehicles in snow and ice but
can skid like any other vehicle.
Should you start to slide while driving on snowy or icy roads, turn the
steering wheel in the direction of the slide until you regain control.
Avoid sudden applications of power and quick changes of direction on
snow and ice. Apply the accelerator slowly and steadily when starting
from a full stop.
Avoid sudden braking as well. Although a 4WD vehicle may accelerate
better than a two-wheel drive vehicle in snow and ice, it won’t stop any
faster, because as in other vehicles, braking occurs at all four wheels. Do
not become overconfident as to road conditions.
Make sure you allow sufficient distance between you and other vehicles
for stopping. Drive slower than usual and consider using one of the lower
gears. In emergency stopping situations, apply the brake steadily. Do not
“pump” the brakes. Refer to theBrakessection of this chapter for
additional information on the operation of the Anti-lock Brake System
(ABS).
Never drive with chains on the front tires of 4WD vehicles without also
putting them on the rear tires. This could cause the rear to slide and
swing around during braking.
Maintenance and Modifications
The suspension and steering systems on your vehicle have been designed
and tested to provide predictable performance whether loaded or empty
and durable load carrying capability. For this reason, Ford Motor
Company strongly recommends that you do not make modifications such
as adding or removing parts (such as lift kits or stabilizer bars) or by
using replacement parts not equivalent to the original factory equipment.
Any modifications to a vehicle that raise the center of gravity can make
it more likely the vehicle will roll over as a result of a loss of control.
Ford Motor Company recommends that caution be used with any vehicle
equipped with a high load or device (such as ladder racks or pickup box
cover).
Failure to maintain your vehicle properly may void the warranty, increase
your repair cost, reduce vehicle performance and operational capabilities
and adversely affect driver and passenger safety. Frequent inspection of
vehicle chassis components is recommended if the vehicle is subjected to
heavy off-road usage.
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Owners Guide, 1st Printing
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Driving
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Installing the snowplow
Weight limits and guidelines for selecting and installing the snowplow can
be found in the Ford Truck Body Builders Layout Book, Snowplow
section, found at www.fleet.ford.com/truckbbas. A typical installation
affects the following:
•Certification to government safety laws such as occupant protection
and airbag deployment, braking and lighting. Look for anAlterer’s
Labelon the vehicle from the snowplow installer certifying that the
installation meets all applicable Federal Motor Vehicle Safety
Standards (FMVSS).
•The Total Accessory Reserve Capacity (TARC) is shown on the lower
right side of the vehicle’s Safety Certification Label. This is the weight
of permanently-attached auxiliary equipment, such as snowplow
frame-mounting hardware, that can be added to the vehicle and satisfy
Ford compliance certification to FMVSS. Exceeding this weight may
require the auxiliary equipment installer additional safety certification
responsibility. The Front Accessory Reserve Capacity (FARC) is added
for customer convenience
•Rear ballast weight behind the rear axle may be required to prevent
exceeding the FGAWR, and provide front-to-rear weight balance for
proper braking and steering.
•Front wheel toe may require re-adjustment to prevent premature
uneven tire wear. Specifications are found in the Ford Workshop
Manual.
•Headlight aim may require re-adjustment.
•The tire air pressures recommended for general driving are found on
the vehicle’s Safety Certification Label. The maximum cold inflation
pressure for the tire and associated load rating is imprinted on the tire
sidewall. Tire air pressure may require re-adjustment within these
pressure limits to accommodate the additional weight of the snowplow
installation
Operating the vehicle with the snowplow attached
Ford recommends that the F–150 be limited to low speed, personal-use
snow removal. Do not use your vehicle for snow removal until it has
been driven at least 500 miles (800 km).
The attached snowplow blade restricts airflow to the radiator, and may
cause the engine to run at a higher temperature. Attention to engine
temperature is especially important when outside temperatures are
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Driving
306

Fuse/Relay
LocationFuse Amp
RatingProtected Circuits
70 — Not used
71 — Not used
72 20A** Auxiliary power point (Rear)
73 — Not used
74 30A** Driver power seat
75 15A* PCM – VPWR1
76 20A* VPWR2,VBV, MAF/IAT, CMS 12
and 22 with 6R80 transmission,
Brake on/off switch (BOO)
77 10A* VPWR3, Electric fan clutch, A/C
clutch relay coil, Floor shifter
(4–speed transmission)
78 25A* Ignition coils, VPWR4
79 10A* CMS 4–speed transmission, 12
and 22 with 4–speed transmission
80 5A* Steering wheel illumination
81 — Not used
82 10A* Traction brake control module
(TBCM), Center high mount
brake lamp (CHMSL), After
market CHMSL
83 — Not used
84 diode A/C clutch
85 — Not used
* Mini Fuses ** Cartridge Fuses
CHANGING THE TIRES
If you get a flat tire while driving, do not apply the brake heavily.
Instead, gradually decrease your speed. Hold the steering wheel firmly
and slowly move to a safe place on the side of the road.
Note:The tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS) indicator light will
illuminate when the spare tire is in use. To restore the full functionality
of the monitoring system, all road wheels equipped with tire pressure
monitoring sensors must be mounted on the vehicle.
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Roadside Emergencies
319

•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.
•Be certain to wash or wipe your hands clean if you have been in
contact with certain products such as insect repellent and suntan
lotion in order to avoid possible damage to the interior painted
surfaces.
•Do not use household or glass cleaners as these may damage the
finish of the instrument panel, interior trim and cluster lens.
WARNING:Do not use chemical solvents or strong detergents
when cleaning the steering wheel or instrument panel to avoid
contamination of the airbag system.
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Owners Guide, 1st Printing
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Cleaning
347

POWER STEERING FLUID
Check the power steering fluid. Refer to thescheduled maintenance
informationfor the service interval schedules.
1. Start the engine and let it run
until it reaches normal operating
temperature (the engine coolant
temperature gauge indicator will be
near the center of the normal area
between H and C).
2. While the engine idles, turn the
steering wheel left and right several
times.
3. Turn the engine off.
4. Check the fluid level in the reservoir. It should be between the MIN
and MAX lines. Do not add fluid if the level is in this range.
5. If the fluid is low, add fluid in small amounts, continuously checking
the level until it reaches the range between the MIN and MAX lines. Be
sure to put the cap back on the reservoir. Refer toMaintenance
product specifications and capacitiesin this chapter for the proper
fluid type.
BRAKE FLUID
The fluid level will drop slowly as
the brakes wear, and will rise when
the brake components are replaced.
Fluid levels between the “MIN” and
“MAX” lines are within the normal
operating range; there is no need to
add fluid. If the fluid levels are
outside of the normal operating
range the performance of the
system could be compromised; seek
service from your authorized dealer
immediately.
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Maintenance and Specifications
382

in rear seat ......................197, 203
LATCH .....................................204
recommendations ...................194
Child safety seats - booster
seats ...........................................210
Cleaning your vehicle
engine compartment ..............345
instrument panel ....................347
interior .....................................348
plastic parts ............................346
safety belts ..............................348
washing ....................................343
waxing .....................................344
wheels ......................................344
wiper blades ............................346
Climate control
(see Air conditioning or
Heating) .....................41, 44, 46, 49
Clock adjust
AM/FM .......................................25
AM/FM Stereo ...........................23
Compass, electronic ....................68
calibration .................................69
set zone adjustment .................69
Console ........................................68
overhead ....................................73
Controls
power seat ...............................149
steering column ........................83
Coolant
checking and adding ..............362
refill capacities ................366, 390
specifications ..........................390
Cruise control
(see Speed control) ....................80
Customer Assistance ................309
Ford Extended Service
Plan ..........................................339Getting assistance outside
the U.S. and Canada ..............340
Getting roadside assistance ...309
Getting the service you
need .........................................335
Ordering additional owner’s
literature .................................341
Utilizing the
Mediation/Arbitration
Program ...................................339
D
Daytime running lamps
(see Lamps) ................................56
Defrost
rear window and rearview
mirrors ...........................44, 46, 49
windshield .....................44, 46, 49
Dipstick
automatic transmission
fluid ..................................383, 385
engine oil .................................357
Driving under special
conditions ..................289, 300, 303
sand .........................................301
snow and ice ...........................304
through water .................302, 305
E
Electronic message
center ...................................89, 100
Emergencies, roadside
jump-starting ..........................328
running out of fuel .........328, 374
Emission control system ..........379
Engine ........................................394
cleaning ...................................345
coolant .....................................362
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Index
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cleaning ...................................349
climate control ............46, 49, 155
easy access/easyout feature ..152
heated ................................44, 153
memory seat ...........133, 150–151
SecuriLock passive anti-theft
system ................................140–141
Servicing your vehicle ..............352
Setting the clock .........................25
AM/FM stereo ...........................23
Snowplowing .................7, 305–307
Spark plugs,
specifications .....................389, 394
Special notice
ambulance conversions ..............7
four-wheel drive
vehicles ............................307–308
utility-type vehicles ....................8
Specification chart,
lubricants ...................................390
Speed control ..............................80
Starting a flex fuel vehicle .......266
Starting your
vehicle ................262–263, 265–266
jump starting ..........................328
Steering wheel
controls ......................................83
tilting .........................................66
Stereo
6-CD in dash .............................24
CD-MP3 .....................................24
SYNC ............................................40
T
Tailgate ......................................113
Tilt steering wheel ......................66Tire Pressure Monitoring
System (TPMS)
Tires, Wheels and Loading ....231
Tires ...........................216–217, 319
alignment ................................224
care ..........................................220
changing ..........................319, 323
checking the pressure ............220
inflating ...................................218
label .........................................230
replacing ..................................222
rotating ....................................224
safety practices .......................223
sidewall information ...............226
snow tires and chains ............240
spare tire .................................320
terminology .............................217
tire grades ...............................217
treadwear ........................216, 221
Towing .......................................248
recreational towing .................261
Trailer Brake
Controller-Integrated ..............254
trailer towing ..........................248
Trailer Brake
Controller-Integrated ................254
Transfer case
fluid checking .........................385
Transmission .............................278
brake-shift interlock
(BSI) ................................278, 281
fluid, checking and adding
(automatic) .....................383, 385
fluid, refill capacities ..............390
lubricant specifications ..........390
Turn signal ..................................58
U
USB port ......................................34
2009 F-150(f12)
Owners Guide, 1st Printing
USA(fus)
Index
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