2011 FORD F150 towing

Locks and Security 133
Keys 133
Locks 140
Anti-theft system 153
Seating and Safety Restraints 157
Seating 157
Safety restraints 172
Airbags 189
Child restraints 203
Tires, Wheels and Loading 226
Tire information 228
Tire inflation 231
Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) 244
Vehicle loading 251
Trailer towing 258
Trailer brake controller-integrated 265
Recreational towing 270
Driving 272
Starting 272
Brakes 278
AdvanceTrac280
Transmission operation 293
Reverse sensing system 298
Rear-view camera system 300
Roadside Emergencies 321
Getting roadside assistance 321
Hazard flasher control 322
Fuel pump shut-off 323
Fuses and relays 323
Changing tires 332
Wheel lug nut torque 340
Jump starting 341
Wrecker towing 345
Table of Contents
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Protecting the environment
We must all play our part in
protecting the environment. Correct
vehicle usage and the authorized
disposal of waste, cleaning and
lubrication materials are significant
steps towards this aim. Information in this respect is highlighted in this
guide with the tree symbol.
CALIFORNIA Proposition 65 Warning
WARNING:Engine exhaust, some of its constituents, and
certain vehicle components contain or emit chemicals known to
the State of California to cause cancer and birth defects or other
reproductive harm. In addition, certain fluids contained in vehicles and
certain products of component wear contain or emit chemicals known
to the State of California to cause cancer and birth defects or other
reproductive harm.
PERCHLORATE MATERIAL
Certain components of this vehicle such as airbag modules, seat belt
pretensioners, and button cell batteries may contain Perchlorate Material
– Special handling may apply for service or vehicle end of life disposal.
See www.dtsc.ca.gov/hazardouswaste/perchlorate.
BREAKING-IN YOUR VEHICLE
Your vehicle does not need an extensive break-in. Try not to drive
continuously at the same speed for the first 1,000 miles (1,600 km) of
new vehicle operation. Vary your speed frequently in order to give the
moving parts a chance to break in.
Drive your new vehicle at least 1,000 miles (1,600 km) before towing a
trailer. For more detailed information about towing a trailer, refer to
Trailer towingin theTires, Wheels and Loadingchapter.
Do not add friction modifier compounds or special break-in oils since
these additives may prevent piston ring seating. SeeEngine oilin the
Maintenance and Specificationschapter for more information on oil
usage.
SPECIAL NOTICES
New Vehicle Limited Warranty
For a detailed description of what is covered and what is not covered by
your vehicle’s New Vehicle Limited Warranty, refer to theWarranty
Guidethat is provided to you along with your Owner’s Guide.
Introduction
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slightly when the vehicle is in motion or on a grade. The fuel icon and
arrow indicates which side of the vehicle the fuel filler door is located.
Refer toFilling the tankin theMaintenance and Specifications
chapter for more information.
4.Transmission fluid temperature gauge:If the gauge is in the:
Normal areaThe transmission fluid is within the normal operating
temperature (between H and C).
Yellow areaThe transmission fluid is higher than normal operating
temperature. This can be caused by special operation conditions (i.e.
snowplowing, towing or off-road use). Refer toSpecial operating
conditionsin thescheduled maintenance informationfor instructions.
Operating the transmission for extended periods of time with the gauge
in the yellow area may cause internal transmission damage.
Altering the severity of the driving conditions is recommended to lower
the transmission temperature into the normal range.
Red areaThe transmission fluid is overheating. Stop the vehicle to allow
the temperature to return to normal range.
If the gauge is operating in the yellow or red area, stop the vehicle and
verify the airflow is not restricted such as snow or debris blocking airflow
through the grill. If the gauge continues to show high temperatures, see
your authorized dealer.
5.Speedometer:Indicates the current vehicle speed.
6.Tachometer:Indicates the engine speed in revolutions per minute.
Driving with your tachometer pointer continuously at the top of the scale
may damage the engine.
Odometer and trip odometer:The odometer is displayed on the lower
line in the message center and registers the total accumulated distance
the vehicle has traveled. For trip odometer, refer toBase message
centerorUplevel message centerin this chapter.
BASE MESSAGE CENTER
Your vehicle’s message center is capable of monitoring many vehicle
systems and will alert you to potential vehicle problems and various
conditions with an informational message followed by a long indicator
chime.
The message center display is located in the instrument cluster.
Instrument Cluster
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TIRE PRESSURE MONITOR FAULT— Displayed when the tire
pressure monitoring system (TPMS) is malfunctioning. If the warning
stays on or continues to come on, contact your authorized dealer as soon
as possible.
BRAKE FLUID LEVEL LOW— Indicates the brake fluid level is low
and the brake system should be inspected immediately. Refer toBrake
fluidin theMaintenance and Specificationschapter.
OIL CHANGE REQUIRED— Displayed when an oil change is
required.
XX%ENGINE OIL CHANGE SOON—Displayed when an oil change
will soon be required and shows the percentage of oil life left.
TRAILER BRAKE MODULE FAULT (if equipped)— Displayed and
accompanied by a single chime, in response to faults sensed by the TBC.
Refer toTrailer towingin theTires, Wheels and Loadingchapter for
more information.
WIRING FAULT ON TRAILER (if equipped)— Displayed if there
are certain faults in the vehicle wiring and trailer wiring/brake system.
Refer toTrailer towingin theTires, Wheels and Loadingchapter for
more information.
TRAILER SWAY REDUCE SPEED (if equipped)— Displayed when
the trailer sway control has detected trailer sway. For more information,
refer to theDrivingchapter for more information.
4X4 SHIFT IN PROGRESS— Displayed when the 4X4 system is
making a shift. For further information, refer toFour-wheel drive
(4WD) operationin theDrivingchapter.
FOR 4X4 LOW SLOW TO 3 MPH (if equipped)— Displayed when
4X4 LOW is selected while the vehicle is moving. For more information,
refer toFour-wheel drive (4WD) operationin theDrivingchapter.
FOR 4X4 LOW SHIFT TO N (if equipped)— Displayed when 4X4
LOW is selected and the vehicle is stopped. For more information, refer
toFour-wheel drive (4WD) operationin theDrivingchapter.
TO EXIT 4X4 LOW SLOW TO 3 MPH (if equipped)— Displayed
when 2WD is selected while the vehicle is operating in 4X4 LOW. For
more information, refer toFour-wheel drive (4WD) operationin the
Drivingchapter.
TO EXIT 4X4 LOW SHIFT TO N (if equipped)— Displayed when
2WD is selected while the vehicle has been stopped in 4X4 LOW. For
more information, refer toFour-wheel drive (4WD) operationin the
Drivingchapter.
Instrument Cluster
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Truck Apps (if equipped)
In this mode, off-road and trailer towing application options are available.
*Off Road
Pitch and bank angle (in degrees): Displays the pitch angle (front to
rear) and bank angle (side to side) of the road surface.
Steering angle (in degrees): Displays the steering angle of the front
wheels after the vehicle has been driven for a period of time.
Differential lock/unlock: Displays the state (locked or unlocked) of the
electronic locking differential.
Torque flow: Displays the torque flow to the front and rear driveline
and operating mode of the transfer case: 4X2, 4X4 High, 4X4 Low,
AWD.
AdvanceTracsport mode, hill descent control, off-road mode: Displays
which modes are active.
* If equipped—your vehicle may be equipped with some or all of these
options.
When “Press OK for info” is displayed, pressing OK will give you
information on the following options if equipped (Note:Information is
only available when traveling less than 3 mph [5 km/h]):
•4X4 System
•AdvanceTrac
•AWD (All-Wheel Drive)
•ELD (Electronic Locking Differential)
•HDC (Hill Descent Control)
•Off-Road Mode
Trailer:Press the right arrow key (when in the Off-Road menu) to
reach the Trailer menu. The following information is displayed
•Active trailer name or default trailer
•Accumulated trailer distance
•Trailer gain and output
•Trailer disconnected (Disregard this status if your vehicle is not
equipped with a factory installed trailer brake controller. This message
may appear when an aftermarket TBC is used even when the trailer is
connected.)
Instrument Cluster
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Vehicle
Autolamp Delay Off or XXX seconds
DTE Calculation
(distance to
empty)Normal History Used
Towing History Used
Easy Entry/Exit On/Off
Locks Autolock, On/Off
Autounlock On/Off
Unlocking One Stage or Two Stage
Menu ControlStandard: with standard set, pressing the down
arrow from a lower level menu will escape to the
main menu.
Memory On: with memory on set, pressing the
down arrow will navigate to the previous lower
level menu.
Oil Life Reset Set to XXX% (Press and hold OK to set).
Power Running
BoardsAuto/Off/Out
Remote StartClimate ControlFront Defrost
Auto/Off Rear Defrost
Driver Seat
Passenger Seat
Heater-A/C Auto/ Last
Setting
Duration 5, 10 or 15 minutes, Off
Quiet Start On/Off
System Enable/Disable
Wiper ControlCourtesy Wipe On/Off
Rain Sensing
wipersOn/Off
Instrument Cluster
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MYKEY COULD NOT PROGRAM— Displayed when an attempt is
made to program a spare key using two existing MyKeys. Refer to
MyKey™in theLocks and Securitychapter for more information.
SECURITY SYSTEM FAULT (if equipped)— Displayed when the
security system has detected a fault. See your authorized dealer for
service.
SPEED LIMITED TO 130 KM/H— Displayed when starting the
vehicle and MyKey™ is in use and the MyKey speed limit is on. Refer to
MyKey™in theLocks and Securitychapter for more information.
SPEED LIMITED TO 80 MPH— Displayed when starting the vehicle
and MyKey™ is in use and the MyKey speed limit is on. Refer to
MyKey™in theLocks and Securitychapter for more information.
VEHICLE AT TOP SPEED - MYKEY SETTING— Displayed when a
MyKey™ is in use and the MyKey speed limit is on and the vehicle
speed is 80 mph (130 km/h). Refer toMyKey™in theLocks and
Securitychapter for more information.
VEHICLE NEAR TOP SPEED— Displayed when a MyKey™ is in use
and the MyKey speed limit is on and the vehicle speed is approaching
80 mph (130 km/h). Refer toMyKey™in theLocks and Security
chapter for more information.
CHECK REAR PARK AID (if equipped)— Displayed when the
transmission is in R (Reverse) and the park aid is disabled.
REAR PARK AID OFF (if equipped)— Displayed when the rear park
aid is disabled by the driver.
REAR PARK AID ON (if equipped)— Displayed when the rear park
aid is enabled.
TO STOP ALARM, START VEHICLE (if equipped)— Displayed
when the perimeter alarm system is armed and the vehicle is entered
using the key on the driver’s side door. In order to prevent the perimeter
alarm system from triggering, the ignition must be turned to start or on
before the 12 second chime expires. SeePerimeter alarm systemin the
Locks and securitychapter.
TRAILER BRAKE GAIN: XX.X [OUTPUT] (if equipped)— Displays
the current gain setting for the trailer brake. Refer toTrailer towingin
theTires, Wheels and Loadingchapter for more information.
TRAILER BRAKE GAIN: XX.X NO TRAILER (if equipped)—
Displays the current gain setting for the trailer brake when a trailer is
not connected. Refer toTrailer towingin theTires, Wheels and
Loadingchapter for more information.
Instrument Cluster
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TRAILER BRAKE MODULE FAULT (if equipped)— Displayed and
accompanied by a single chime, in response to faults sensed by the TBC.
Refer toTrailer towingin theTires, Wheels and Loadingchapter for
more information.
TRAILER CONNECTED (if equipped)— Displayed when a correct
trailer connection (a trailer with electric trailer brakes) is sensed during
a given ignition cycle. Refer toTrailer towingin theTires, Wheels and
Loadingchapter for more information.
TRAILER DISCONNECTED (if equipped)— Displayed when a
trailer connection becomes disconnected, either intentionally or
unintentionally, and has been sensed during a given ignition cycle.
Disregard this status if your vehicle is not equipped with a factory
installed trailer brake controller. This message may appear when an
aftermarket TBC is used even when the trailer is connected. Refer to
Trailer towingin theTires, Wheels and Loadingchapter for more
information.
TRAILER SWAY REDUCE SPEED (if equipped)— Displayed when
the trailer sway control has detected trailer sway. For more information,
refer to theDrivingchapter for more information.
WIRING FAULT ON TRAILER (if equipped)— Displayed if there
are certain faults in the vehicle wiring and trailer wiring/brake system.
Refer toTrailer towingin theTires, Wheels and Loadingchapter for
more information.
FOR OFF ROAD SLOW TO 5 MPH (if equipped)— Displayed when
the vehicle speed requirement for off-road mode entry has not been met.
OFF ROAD MODE ENABLED (if equipped)— Displayed when
off-road mode becomes active.
EXITING OFF ROAD MODE (if equipped)— Displayed when
off-road mode becomes inactive.
HILL DESCENT CONTROL ACTIVE (if equipped)— Displayed
when hill descent control mode becomes active.
HILL DESCENT CONTROL OFF (if equipped)— Displayed when hill
descent control mode becomes inactive.
DRIVER RESUME CONTROL (if equipped)— Displayed when the
hill control and off-road mode require the driver to resume control.
COAST DOWN MODE (if equipped)— Displayed when vehicle enters
coast down mode.
FOR HILL DESCENT REDUCE SPEED (if equipped)— Displayed
when the vehicle speed requirement for off-road mode entry has not
been met.
Instrument Cluster
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