
•O/D (Overdrive) is automatically returned each time the key is turned
off.
2 (Second)
This position allows for second gear only.
•Provides engine braking.
•Use to start-up on slippery roads.
•To return to D (Overdrive), move the gearshift lever into the D
(Overdrive) position.
•Selecting 2 (Second) at higher speeds will cause the transmission to
downshift to second gear at the appropriate vehicle speed.
1 (First)
•Provides maximum engine braking.
•Allows upshifts by moving gearshift lever.
•Will not downshift into 1 (First) at high speeds; allows for 1 (First)
when vehicle reaches slower speeds.
Forced downshifts
•Allowed in D (Overdrive) or Drive.
•Press the accelerator to the floor.
•Allows transmission to select an appropriate gear.
Driving with a 6–speed automatic transmission
Your vehicle has been designed to improve fuel economy by reducing
fuel usage while coasting or decelerating. When you take your foot off
the accelerator pedal and the vehicle begins to slow down the torque
converter clutch locks up and aggressively shuts off fuel flow to the
engine while decelerating. This fuel economy benefit may be perceived
as a light to medium braking sensation when removing your foot from
the accelerator pedal.
This vehicle is equipped with an Adaptive Transmission Shift Strategy.
The Adaptive Transmission Shift Strategy offers the optimal transmission
operation and shift quality. When the engine is turned off, the shift data
which includes the adaptive information will be stored automatically in
the Powertrain Control Module (PCM) and Transmission Control Module
(TCM). If the battery is disconnected for any reason, the stored
information from the last time the key was turned to off will be read.
This way, no information will be lost with any battery removal or battery
disconnect.
Driving
293
2010 F-150(f12)
Owners Guide, 1st Printing
USA(fus)

P (Park)
This position locks the transmission
and prevents the rear wheels from
turning.
To put your vehicle in gear:
•Press the brake pedal
•Start the engine
•Move the gearshift lever into the
desired gear. If your vehicle is
equipped with a floor-shift
transmission, press the gearshift
lever release button (on the front
of the lever) while shifting into
the desired gear.
To put your vehicle in P (Park):
•Come to a complete stop
•Move the gearshift lever and securely latch it in P (Park)
WARNING:Always set the parking brake fully and make sure
the gearshift is latched in P (Park). Turn the ignition to the off
position and remove the key whenever you leave your vehicle.
R (Reverse)
With the gearshift lever in R (Reverse), the vehicle will move backward.
Always come to a complete stop before shifting into and out of R
(Reverse).
N (Neutral)
With the gearshift lever in N (Neutral), the vehicle can be started and is
free to roll. Hold the brake pedal down while in this position.
D (Overdrive) with Tow/Haul Off
The normal driving position for the best fuel economy. Transmission
operates in gears one through six.
D (Overdrive) with Tow/Haul On
The Tow/Haul feature improves transmission operation when towing a
trailer or a heavy load. All transmission gear ranges are available when
using Tow/Haul.
Tow/Haul can be activated by pressing the transmission control switch on
the end of the gearshift lever (column-shift transmission) or on the side
of the gearshift lever (floor-shift transmission).
Driving
294
2010 F-150(f12)
Owners Guide, 1st Printing
USA(fus)

REVERSE SENSING SYSTEM (IF EQUIPPED)
The Reverse Sensing System (RSS) sounds a tone to warn the driver of
obstacles near the rear bumper when R (Reverse) is selected and the
vehicle is moving at speeds less than 3 mph (5 km/h). The system is not
effective at speeds above 3 mph (5 km/h) and may not detect certain
angular or moving objects.
WARNING:To help avoid personal injury, please read and
understand the limitations of the reverse sensing system as
contained in this section. Reverse sensing is only an aid for some
(generally large and fixed) objects when moving in reverse on a flat
surface at “parking speeds”. Inclement weather may also affect the
function of the RSS; this may include reduced performance or a false
activation.
WARNING:To help avoid personal injury, always use caution
when in reverse and when using the RSS.
WARNING:This system is not designed to prevent contact with
small or moving objects. The system is designed to provide a
warning to assist the driver in detecting large stationary objects to
avoid damaging the vehicle. The system may not detect smaller
objects, particularly those close to the ground.
WARNING:Certain add-on devices such as large trailer hitches,
bike or surfboard racks and any device that may block the
normal detection zone of the RSS system may create false beeps.
Driving
297
2010 F-150(f12)
Owners Guide, 1st Printing
USA(fus)

The RSS detects obstacles up to
6 feet (2 meters) from the rear
bumper with a decreased coverage
area at the outer corners of the
bumper, (refer to the figures for
approximate zone coverage areas).
As you move closer to the obstacle,
the rate of the tone increases. When
the obstacle is less than 10 inches
(25.0 cm) away, the tone will sound
continuously. If the RSS detects a
stationary or receding object further
than 10 inches (25.0 cm) from the
side of the vehicle, the tone will
sound for only three seconds. Once
the system detects an object
approaching, the tone will sound
again.
While receiving a warning the radio
volume may be reduced to a
predetermined level. After the
warning goes away, the radio will return to the previous volume.
The RSS may have reduced performance or an increased chance of false
detection if the tailgate is not locked and in the upright position. If the
tailgate is down, the RSS tone may be heard intermittently or
continuously. The tone may also be heard if items in the truck bed
protrude rearward outside the bed.
The RSS automatically turns on when the gearshift lever is placed in R
(Reverse) and the ignition is on. A control in the message center allows
the driver to disable the system, refer toMessage centerin the
Instrument Clusterchapter for more information.
Note:If the system cannot be turned off, refer toMyKey™in theLocks
and Securitychapter for more information.
Keep the RSS sensors (located on the rear bumper/fascia) free
from snow, ice and large accumulations of dirt (do not clean the
sensors with sharp objects). If the sensors are covered, it will
affect the accuracy of the RSS.
If your vehicle sustains damage to the rear bumper/fascia, leaving
it misaligned or bent, the sensing zone may be altered causing
inaccurate measurement of obstacles or false alarms.
Driving
298
2010 F-150(f12)
Owners Guide, 1st Printing
USA(fus)

•4X4 LOW- Illuminates when 4L
is selected.
•
- Illuminates when the
electronic locking differential
(ELD) is selected (if equipped).
•CHECK 4X4- Displays when a
4X4 fault is present.
Note:When a 4X4 system fault is present, the system will typically
remain in whichever 4X4 mode was selected prior to the fault condition
occurring. It will not default to 4X2 in all circumstances. When this
warning is displayed, have your vehicle serviced by an authorized dealer.
Using a manual 4WD system (if equipped)
2H (4X2)– Power to the rear
wheels only; used for street and
highway driving. Provides optimal
smoothness and fuel economy at
high speeds.
4H (4X4 High)– Used for extra
traction such as in snow or icy roads
or in off-road situations. Not
intended for use on dry pavement.
N (Neutral)– No power to either
front or rear wheels.
4L (4X4 Low)– Uses extra gearing to provide maximum power to all
four wheels at reduced speeds. Intended only for off-road applications
such as deep sand, steep grades or pulling heavy objects. The shift lever
will not engage 4L (4X4 LOW) until the transmission is in N (neutral)
and the vehicle is moving below 3 mph (5 km/h); this is normal and
should be no reason for concern. Refer toShifting to/from 4L (4X4
Low)for proper operation.
Shifting between 2H (4X2) and 4H (4X4 high)
•Move the transfer case lever between 2H (4X2) and 4H (4X4 High) at
a stop or any forward speed.
4x4
LOW
Driving
302
2010 F-150(f12)
Owners Guide, 1st Printing
USA(fus)

IfSHIFT DELAYED PULL FORWARDis displayed in the message
center, transfer case gear tooth blockage is present. To alleviate this
condition, place the transmission in a forward gear, move the vehicle
forward approximately 5 feet (2 meters), and shift the transmission back
to neutral to allow the transfer case to complete the range shift.
Note:Some noise may be heard as the system shifts or engages; this is
normal.
Note:4x4 Low mode is not intended for use on dry pavement.
Using the All Wheel Drive (AWD) system
(if equipped, Harley-Davidson only)
This system includes an electronically controlled transfer case. The
system is interactive with the road, continually monitoring and adjusting
torque delivery to the front and rear wheels to optimize traction.
2H (4X2)- Power to the rear
wheels only; used for street and
highway driving. Provides optimal
smoothness and fuel economy at
high speeds. The message center
will momentarily display “4X2” when
this mode is selected.
AWD (Auto)- Power delivered to
all four wheels, as required, for
increased traction. This is
appropriate for all on-road driving
conditions, such as dry road surfaces, wet pavement, snow, gravel and
shallow sand.
4H (4X4 High)- Used for extra traction on snow covered or icy roads
and in off road situations. This position is not recommended for use on
dry pavement. This position is only intended for severe winter or off-road
conditions, such as deep snow, ice or deep sand. The message center will
display “4X4 High” when this mode is selected.
Shifting between 2H (4X2) and AWD (Auto) or 4H (High)
Move the control from the 2H position to the AWD or 4H position at a
stop or while driving at any forward speed. The message center may
display4X4 SHIFT IN PROGRESSduring the system shift. The message
center will then display “AWD” if AWD has been selected or “4X4 High” if
4H is selected. The message center will momentarily display “4X2” if 2H
has been selected.
Note:4X4 High mode is not intended for use on dry pavement
Driving
305
2010 F-150(f12)
Owners Guide, 1st Printing
USA(fus)

Shifting between AWD (Auto) and 4H (High)
Move the control from AWD to 4H at a stop or while driving at any
speed. The message center will display “AWD” if AWD has been selected
and “4X4 High” if 4H has been selected
Note:4X4 High mode is not intended for use on dry pavement
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 (4X4 High) or 4L (4X4 Low)
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 4H (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 4L (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 is designed for off-road use only and is not intended for use on
dry pavement.
Driving
306
2010 F-150(f12)
Owners Guide, 1st Printing
USA(fus)

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 (4X4 High) or 4L (4X4
Low) mode.
Once the knob is pulled, the
light located on the control will
blink for approximately two seconds
and then it will remain solid.
The
indicator light will also
display in the message center.
Once the
light on the control
remains solid and the
indicator
light is displayed in the message
center, both rear wheel axle shafts
will be locked together providing
added traction.
If the
light blinks for 10 seconds, then turns off, and theindicator
light in the message center 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.
Note:If the ELD has difficulty disengaging, release the accelerator pedal
and turn the steering wheel in the opposite direction while rolling.
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.
Driving
307
2010 F-150(f12)
Owners Guide, 1st Printing
USA(fus)