
•Some noise is normal during operation. If the noise is excessive, check
for a low power steering fluid level before seeking service by your
authorized dealer.
•Heavy or uneven steering efforts may be caused by a low power
steering fluid level. Check for a low power steering fluid level before
seeking service by your authorized dealer.
•Do not fill the power steering fluid reservoir above the MAX mark on
the reservoir.
If the power steering system breaks down (or if the engine is turned
off), you can steer the vehicle manually, but it takes more effort.
If the steering wanders or pulls, check for:
•an improperly inflated tire
•uneven tire wear
•loose or worn suspension components
•loose or worn steering components
•improper steering alignment
A high crown in the road or high crosswinds may also make the steering
seem to wander/pull.
LIMITED-SLIP AXLE (IF EQUIPPED)
This axle provides added traction on slippery surfaces, particularly when
one wheel is on a poor traction surface. Under normal conditions, the
Limited-slip axle functions like a standard rear axle. The axle may
exhibit a slight noise or vibration in tight turns with low vehicle speed.
This is normal behavior and indicates the axle is working.
Electronic locking differential (ELD) axle (if equipped)
This axle provides added traction on slippery and/or off road surfaces,
particularly when one wheel is on a poor traction surface. In normal
driving conditions the rear axle function as a standard axle. The ELD
may be locked or unlocked by the vehicle operator. Refer toFour-wheel
drive (4WD) operationsection in this chapter for further detail on ELD
function and usage. When the axle is unlocked it will function like a
standard rear axle. When the axle is locked it will not allow the rear
wheels to rotate at different speeds when turning. The ELD axle is not
recommended for use on good traction surfaces such as dry pavement.
Doing so may result in abnormal driving behavior while cornering and
excessive tire wear.
2009 F-150(f12)
Owners Guide, 1st Printing
USA(fus)
Driving
277

3. Move the 4WD control to the desired position.
The message center will display4X4 SHIFT IN PROGRESSduring the
shift. The message center will then display the system mode selected.
If any of the above shift conditions are not met, the shift will not occur
and the message center will display information guiding the driver
through the proper shifting procedures.
If 4X4 SHIFT IN PROGRESS is displayed for more than five
seconds, transfer case gear tooth blockage is present. To alleviate
this condition, move the vehicle forward approximately five feet
(2 meters). If a blocked shift remains present, reset the 4X4
mode select switch to the desired mode. The system will
reattempt a shift.
Note:Some noise may be heard as the system shifts or engages; this is
normal.
Electronic locking differential (ELD) (if equipped)
The electronic locking differential (ELD) is a device housed in the rear
axle which allows both rear wheels to turn at the same speed. The ELD
can provide additional traction should the vehicle become stuck. The
ELD is electronically activated by the driver and can be shifted on the
fly. It is intended for use in mud, rocks, sand, or any off-road condition
where maximum traction is needed. It is not intended for use on dry
pavement.
The ELD is affected by the following conditions:
•The 4WD control must be in either 4H or 4L mode.
•The ELD will not engage if the vehicle speed is above 20 mph
(30 km/h) in 4X4 High or 56 mph (90 km/h) in 4X4 Low.
•In 4X4 High, the ELD will disengage at speeds above 25 mph
(40 km/h) and will automatically reengage at speeds below 20 mph
(30 km/h).
•In 4X4 Low, the ELD will disengage at speeds above 62 mph
(100 km/h) and will automatically reengage at speeds below 56 mph
(90 km/h).
•The ELD will not engage if one wheel is spinning 9 mph (15 km/h)
faster than the other.
The ELD is designed for off-road use only.
2009 F-150(f12)
Owners Guide, 1st Printing
USA(fus)
Driving
297

Activating the electronic locking differential (ELD)
The ELD can be turned on by
pulling the knob on the 4WD control
toward you while the control is in
either 4H or 4L mode.
Once the knob is pulled, the light
located on the control will blink for
approximately two seconds and then
it will remain solid.
Once the light on the control
remains solid, both rear wheel axle
shafts will be locked together
providing added traction.
If the light blinks for 10 seconds, then turns off, one of the following has
occurred:
•The vehicle speed is too high.
•The left and right rear wheel speed difference is too high during an
engagement attempt.
•The system has malfunctioned and will be accompanied by aCHECK
4X4message in the message center.
Driving off-road with truck and utility vehicles
4WD vehicles are specially equipped for driving on sand, snow, mud and
rough terrain and have operating characteristics that are somewhat
different from conventional vehicles, both on and off the road.
How your vehicle differs from other vehicles
Truck and utility vehicles can differ from some other vehicles. Your
vehicle may be higher to allow it to travel over rough terrain without
getting hung up or damaging underbody components.
The differences that make your vehicle so versatile also make it handle
differently than an ordinary passenger car.
Maintain steering wheel control at all times, especially in rough terrain.
Since sudden changes in terrain can result in abrupt steering wheel
motion, make sure you grip the steering wheel from the outside. Do not
grip the spokes.
Drive cautiously to avoid vehicle damage from concealed objects such as
rocks and stumps.
2009 F-150(f12)
Owners Guide, 1st Printing
USA(fus)
Driving
298

Fuse/Relay
LocationFuse Amp
RatingProtected Circuits
11 10A Not used (spare)
12 7.5A Power mirror switch, Memory seat
module microprocessor power,
Steering column switch
13 5A SYNC
14 10A Not used (spare)
15 10A Climate control
16 15A Ignition switch feed
17 20A All lock motor feeds
18 20A Driver memory seat switch
19 25A Not used (spare)
20 15A Adjustable pedals, Datalink
21 15A Fog lamps, Fog lamp indicator
22 15A Park lamps, Side marker lamps
23 15A High beam headlamps
24 20A Horn
25 10A Interior demand lamps, Mid box
power feed
26 10A Instrument panel cluster, Key out
inhibit solenoid, Radio info display
(CID), Radio buttons, Key-in
chime
27 20A Not used
28 5A Radio muting
29 5A Instrument panel cluster
30 5A Passenger airbag disable indicator
31 10A Restraints control module
32 10A Non-integrated compass module,
Heated-only seat module
33 10A Trailer brake controller
34 5A Electronic locking differential
indicator
2009 F-150(f12)
Owners Guide, 1st Printing
USA(fus)
Roadside Emergencies
314

•Rear
WARNING:To lessen the
risk of personal injury, do
not put any part of your body
under the vehicle while changing a
tire. Do not start the engine when
your vehicle is on the jack. The
jack is only meant for changing
the tire.
•Never use the front or rear differential as a jacking point.
6. Remove the lug nuts with the lug wrench.
7. Replace the flat tire with the spare tire, making sure the valve stem is
facing outward. Reinstall the lug nuts until the wheel is snug against the
hub. Do not fully tighten the lug nuts until the wheel has been lowered.
8. Lower the wheel by turning the jack handle counterclockwise.
9. Remove the jack and fully tighten
the lug nuts in the order shown
(Refer toWheel lug nut torque
specificationslater in this chapter
for the proper lug nut torque
specification):
•Six lug nut wheel
2009 F-150(f12)
Owners Guide, 1st Printing
USA(fus)
Roadside Emergencies
325