
Tachometer (if equipped):
Indicates the engine speed in
revolutions per minute. Driving with
your tachometer pointer
continuously at the top of the scale
may damage the engine.
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 inlet is located.
For more information, refer toFilling the tankin theMaintenance and
Specificationschapter.
Transmission fluid temperature gauge:If the gauge is in the:
Normal area(normal) - the
transmission fluid is within the
normal operating temperature
(between “H” and “C”).
2009 F-150(f12)
Owners Guide, 1st Printing
USA(fus)
Instrument Cluster
20

Avoid excessive speed because vehicle momentum can work against you
and cause the vehicle to become stuck to the point that assistance may
be required from another vehicle. Remember, you may be able to back
out the way you came if you proceed with caution.
Mud and water
If you must drive through high
water, drive slowly. Traction or
brake capability may be limited.
When driving through water,
determine the depth; avoid water
higher than the bottom of the hubs
(if possible) and proceed slowly. If
the ignition system gets wet, the
vehicle may stall.
Once through water, always try the brakes. Wet brakes do not stop the
vehicle as effectively as dry brakes. Drying can be improved by moving
your vehicle slowly while applying light pressure on the brake pedal.
Be cautious of sudden changes in vehicle speed or direction when you
are driving in mud. Even 4WD vehicles can lose traction in slick mud. As
when you are driving over sand, apply the accelerator slowly and avoid
spinning your wheels. If the vehicle does slide, steer in the direction of
the slide until you regain control of the vehicle.
If the transmission, transfer case or front axle are submerged in water,
their fluids should be checked and changed, if necessary.
Driving through deep water may damage the transmission.
If the front or rear axle is submerged in water, the axle lubricant should
be replaced.
After driving through mud, clean off residue stuck to rotating driveshafts
and tires. Excess mud stuck on tires and rotating driveshafts causes an
imbalance that could damage drive components.
“Tread Lightly” is an educational
program designed to increase public
awareness of land-use regulations
and responsibilities in our nations
wilderness areas. Ford Motor
Company joins the U.S. Forest Service and the Bureau of Land
Management in encouraging you to help preserve our national forest and
other public and private lands by “treading lightly.”
2009 F-150(f12)
Owners Guide, 1st Printing
USA(fus)
Driving
302

TRANSMISSION FLUID
Checking 4-speed automatic transmission fluid
Refer to yourscheduled maintenance informationfor scheduled
intervals for fluid checks and changes. Your transmission does not
consume fluid. However, the fluid level should be checked if the
transmission is not working properly, i.e., if the transmission slips or
shifts slowly or if you notice some sign of fluid leakage.
Automatic transmission fluid expands when warmed. To obtain an
accurate fluid check, drive the vehicle until it is at normal operating
temperature (approximately 20 miles [30 km]). If your vehicle has been
operated for an extended period at high speeds, in city traffic during hot
weather or pulling a trailer, the vehicle should be turned off for about
30 minutes to allow fluid to cool before checking.
1. Drive the vehicle 20 miles (30 km) or until it reaches normal operating
temperature.
2. Park the vehicle on a level surface and engage the parking brake.
3. With the parking brake engaged and your foot on the brake pedal,
start the engine and move the gearshift lever through all of the gear
ranges. Allow sufficient time for each gear to engage.
4. Latch the gearshift lever in P (Park) and leave the engine running.
5. Remove the dipstick, wiping it clean with a clean, dry lint free rag. If
necessary, refer toIdentifying components in the engine compartment
in this chapter for the location of the dipstick.
6. Install the dipstick making sure it is fully seated in the filler tube.
7. Remove the dipstick and inspect the fluid level. The fluid should be in
the designated area for normal operating temperature or ambient
temperature.
Low fluid level
Do not drive the vehicle if the fluid
level is at the bottom of the dipstick
and the ambient temperature is
above 50°F (10°C).
Correct fluid level
The transmission fluid should be checked at normal operating
temperature 150°F-170°F (66°C-77°C) on a level surface. The normal
operating temperature can be reached after approximately 20 miles
(30 km) of driving.
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Owners Guide, 1st Printing
USA(fus)
Maintenance and Specifications
383

You can check the fluid without driving if the ambient temperature is
above 50°F (10°C). However, if fluid is added at this time, an overfill
condition could result when the vehicle reaches normal operating
temperature.
The transmission fluid should be in
this range if at normal operating
temperature (150°F-170°F
[66°C-77°C]).
The transmission fluid should be in
this range if at ambient temperature
(50°F-95°F [10°C-35°C]).
High fluid level
Fluid levels above the safe range
may result in transmission failure.
An overfill condition of transmission
fluid may cause shift and/or
engagement concerns and/or
possible damage.
High fluid levels can be caused by an overheating condition.
Adjusting automatic transmission fluid levels
Before adding any fluid, make sure the correct type is used. The type of
fluid used is normally indicated on the dipstick. Refer toMaintenance
product specifications and capacitiesin this chapter.
Use of a non-approved automatic transmission fluid may cause
internal transmission component damage.
If necessary, add fluid in 1/2 pint (250 ml) increments through the filler
tube until the level is correct.
If an overfill occurs, excess fluid
should be removed by an authorized
dealer.
An overfill condition of
transmission fluid may cause
shift and/or engagement concerns and/or possible damage.
2009 F-150(f12)
Owners Guide, 1st Printing
USA(fus)
Maintenance and Specifications
384

Do not use supplemental transmission fluid additives, treatments or
cleaning agents. The use of these materials may affect transmission
operation and result in damage to internal transmission components.
Checking 6-speed automatic transmission fluid
The automatic transmission does not have a transmission fluid dipstick.
Refer to yourscheduled maintenance informationfor scheduled
intervals for fluid checks and changes. Your transmission does not
consume fluid. However, the fluid level should be checked if the
transmission is not working properly, (i.e., if the transmission slips or
shifts slowly) or if you notice some sign of fluid leakage.
Transmission fluid should be checked by an authorized dealer. If
required, fluid should be added by an authorized dealer.
Do not use supplemental transmission fluid additives, treatments or
cleaning agents. The use of these materials may affect transmission
operation and result in damage to internal transmission components.
TRANSFER CASE FLUID (IF EQUIPPED)
1. Clean the filler plug.
2. Remove the filler plug and
inspect the fluid level.
3. Add only enough fluid through
the filler opening so that the fluid
level is at the bottom of the
opening.
Use only fluid that meets Ford specifications. Refer to theMaintenance
product specifications and capacitiessection in this chapter.
D
R
A
IN
F
IL
L
2009 F-150(f12)
Owners Guide, 1st Printing
USA(fus)
Maintenance and Specifications
385

Item CapacityFord part name or
equivalentFord part number /
Ford specification
Front axle (4X4) 3.5 pints (1.8L)Motorcraft SAE 80W-90
Premium Rear Axle
LubricantXY-80W-90-QL /
WSP-M2C197-A
Rear 8.8/9.75 inch axle
fluid5.5 pints (2.6L)
3
Motorcraft SAE 75W-140
Rear Synthetic Axle
Lubricant
5
XY-75W140-QL /
WSL-M2C192-A
Transmission
/steering/parking brake
linkages and pivots,
brake pedal shaft—Premium Long-Life
GreaseXG-1-C /
ESA-M1C75-B
Hinges, latches, striker
plates, seat tracks, fuel
filler door hinge and
door check arm—Motorcraft Multi-Purpose
GreaseXG-4 or XL-5 /
ESB-M1C93-B
Power steering fluidFill to between
MIN and MAX
lines on reservoirMotorcraft
MERCONV
AT FXT-5-QM /
MERCONV
Transfer case fluid
(4X4 / AWD)1.6 quarts (1.5L)
6
Motorcraft Transfer Case
FluidXL-12 /
—
Automatic transmission
fluid (4R75E)13.9 quarts
(13.2L)
7
Motorcraft
MERCONLV
AT F
8
XT-10-QLV /
MERCONLV
2009 F-150(f12)
Owners Guide, 1st Printing
USA(fus)
Maintenance and Specifications
391

Item CapacityFord part name or
equivalentFord part number /
Ford specification
Fuel tank
Reg. Cab 8’ box /
SuperCab 6.5’ box /
SuperCab 8’ box26.0 gallons
(98.4L) Standard
36.0 gallons
(136.2L) 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.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 MERCONLV should only use MERCONLV fluid. Refer to
scheduled maintenance informationto determine the correct service interval. Use of any fluid
other than the recommended fluid may cause transmission damage.
2009 F-150(f12)
Owners Guide, 1st Printing
USA(fus)
Maintenance and Specifications
393

A
Accessory delay ..........................74
AdvanceTrac ..............................271
Air cleaner filter ...............386, 389
Air conditioning ........41, 44, 46, 49
manual heating and air
conditioning system .................41
Airbag supplemental restraint
system ................178–179, 186, 189
and child safety seats ............180
description ..............179, 186, 189
disposal ....................................192
driver airbag ....179, 181, 187, 190
indicator light .........182, 188, 191
operation .........179, 181, 187, 190
passenger
airbag ...............179, 181, 187, 190
side airbag ...............................186
Ambulance packages ....................7
AM/FM .........................................24
Antifreeze
(see Engine coolant) ................362
Anti-lock brake system
(see Brakes) ..............................269
Anti-theft system ......................140
arming the system ..................141
Armrests ....................................147
Audio system (see Radio) ...22, 24
Automatic transmission
driving an automatic
overdrive .........................283, 286
fluid, adding ....................383, 385
fluid, checking ................383, 385
fluid, refill capacities ..............390
fluid, specification ..................390
Auxiliary input jack (Line in) ....32Axle
lubricant specifications ..........390
refill capacities ........................390
B
Battery .......................................360
acid, treating emergencies .....360
jumping a disabled battery ....328
maintenance-free ....................360
replacement, specifications ...389
servicing ..................................360
Belt-Minder.............................173
deactivating/activating the
Belt-Minder...........................176
Booster seats .............................210
Brakes ........................................269
anti-lock ...................................269
anti-lock brake system (ABS)
warning light ...........................270
fluid, checking and adding ....382
fluid, refill capacities ..............390
fluid, specifications .................390
lubricant specifications ..........390
parking ....................................270
shift interlock ..................278, 281
trailer .......................................254
Bulbs ............................................59
C
Capacities for refilling fluids ....390
Cargo management system ......119
CD ................................................24
Cell phone use ..............................8
Changing a tire .........................319
Child safety seats ......................196
attaching with tether straps ..206
in front seat ....................197, 203
2009 F-150(f12)
Owners Guide, 1st Printing
USA(fus)
Index
399