Page 367 of 405

How fail-safe cooling works
If the engine begins to overheat:
•
The engine coolant temperature gauge will move to the red (hot) area.
•The mini message center (if equipped) will indicate “Check Gauges”,
refer toWarning lights and chimesin theInstrument Clusterchapter.
•Thelight will illuminate.
If the engine reaches a preset over-temperature condition, the engine
will automatically switch to alternating cylinder operation. Each disabled
cylinder acts as an air pump and cools the engine.
When this occurs the vehicle will still operate. However:
•The engine power will be limited.
•The air conditioning system will be disabled.
Continued operation will increase the engine temperature:
•The engine will completely shut down.
•Steering and braking effort will increase.
Once the engine temperature cools, the engine can be re-started. Take
your vehicle to an authorized dealer as soon as possible to minimize
engine damage.
When fail-safe mode is activated
You have limited engine power when in the fail-safe mode, so drive the
vehicle with caution. The vehicle will not be able to maintain high speed
operation and the engine will run rough. Remember that the engine is
capable of completely shutting down automatically to prevent engine
damage, therefore:
1. Pull off the road as soon as safely possible and turn off the engine.
2. Arrange for the vehicle to be taken to an authorized dealer.
3. If this is not possible, wait a short period for the engine to cool.
4. Check the coolant level and replenish if low.
WARNING:Never remove the coolant reservoir cap while the
engine is running or hot.
5. Restart the engine and take your vehicle to an authorized dealer.
Driving the vehicle without repairing the engine problem
increases the chance of engine damage. Take your vehicle to an
authorized dealer as soon as possible.
2009 F-150(f12)
Owners Guide, 1st Printing
USA(fus)
Maintenance and Specifications
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Page 374 of 405

FFV engine
Flex fuel vehicles have a yellow bezel around the fuel fill inlet.
It is best not to alternate repeatedly between gasoline and E85. 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 5 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 (4,800 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 the “service engine soon” indicator, refer toWarning
lights and chimesin theInstrument Clusterchapter.
Refilling with a portable fuel container
With the Easy Fuel™ “no cap” fuel system, use the following directions
when filling from a portable fuel container:
WARNING:Do not insert the nozzle of portable fuel containers
or aftermarket funnels into the Easy Fuel™ system. This could
damage the fuel system and its seal, and may cause fuel to run onto
the ground instead of filling the tank, which could result in serious
personal injury.
2009 F-150(f12)
Owners Guide, 1st Printing
USA(fus)
Maintenance and Specifications
374
Page 402 of 405

Homelink wireless control
system ..........................................85
Hood ..........................................353
I
Ignition ...............................262, 394
Illuminated visor mirror .............67
Infant seats
(see Safety seats) .....................196
Inspection/maintenance (I/M)
testing ........................................381
Instrument panel
cleaning ...................................347
cluster ........................................12
J
Jack ............................................319
positioning ...............................319
storage .....................................319
Jump-starting your vehicle ......328
K
Keyless entry system ...............138
autolock ...................................127
keypad .....................................139
locking and unlocking doors ..140
programming entry code .......139
Keys ...................................126, 141
positions of the ignition .........262
L
Lamps
autolamp system .......................54
bulb replacement
specifications chart ..................60
daytime running light ...............56fog lamps ...................................55
headlamps .................................54
headlamps, flash to pass ..........55
interior lamps .....................58–59
replacing bulbs ...................61, 64
LATCH anchors .........................204
Lights, warning and indicator ....12
anti-lock brakes (ABS) ..........270
Limited-slip axle .......................277
Load limits .................................241
Loading instructions .................247
Locks
autolock ...................................127
childproof ................................130
doors ........................................126
Lubricant specifications ...........390
Lug nuts ....................................327
Lumbar support, seats .............148
M
Message center ...................89, 100
english/metric button .............106
system check button ..............103
warning messages .............95, 107
Mirrors ...................................74–75
automatic dimming rearview
mirror ........................................74
fold away ...................................76
heated ......................44, 46, 49, 77
programmable memory ..........133
side view mirrors (power) .......75
signal .........................................77
Moon roof ....................................84
Motorcraft parts ........351, 368, 389
N
Navigation system .......................40
2009 F-150(f12)
Owners Guide, 1st Printing
USA(fus)
Index
402
Page 405 of 405
V
Vehicle Identification Number
(VIN) ..........................................395
Vehicle loading ..........................241
Ventilating your vehicle ...........267
W
Warning lights (see Lights) .......12Washer fluid
..............................356
Water, Driving through
.............305
Windows
power
.........................................72
Windshield washer fluid and
wipers
..........................................65
checking and adding fluid
.....356
replacing wiper blades
...........357
2009 F-150(f12)
Owners Guide, 1st Printing
USA(fus)
Index
405
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