2011 FORD F150 check oil

ENGINE COOLANT
Checking engine coolant
The concentration and level of engine coolant should be checked at the
intervals listed inscheduled maintenance information.The coolant
concentration should be maintained at 50/50 coolant and distilled water,
which equates to a freeze point of -34°F (-37°C). Coolant concentration
testing is possible with a hydrometer or antifreeze tester. The level of
coolant should be maintained at the FULL COLD level or within the
COLD FILL RANGE in the coolant reservoir. If the level falls below, add
coolant per the instructions in theAdding engine coolantsection.
Your vehicle was factory-filled with a 50/50 engine coolant and water
concentration. If the concentration of coolant falls below 40% or above
60%, the engine parts could become damaged or not work properly.A
50/50 mixture of coolant and water provides the following:
•Freeze protection down to -34°F (-37°C).
•Boiling protection up to 265°F (129°C).
•Protection against rust and other forms of corrosion.
•Proper function of calibrated gauges.
When the engine is cold, check the
level of the engine coolant in the
reservoir.
•The engine coolant should be at the FULL COLD level, or within the
COLD FILL or MIN / MAX range as listed on the engine coolant
reservoir (depending upon application).
•Refer toscheduled maintenance informationfor service interval
schedules.
If the engine coolant has not been checked at the recommended interval,
the engine coolant reservoir may become low or empty. If the reservoir is
low or empty, add engine coolant to the reservoir. Refer toAdding
engine coolantin this chapter.
Maintenance and Specifications
381
2011 F-150(f12)
Owners Guide, 1st Printing
USA(fus)

•You may want to turn off the speed control in hilly terrain if
unnecessary shifting between the top gears occurs. Unnecessary
shifting of this type could result in reduced fuel economy.
•Warming up a vehicle on cold mornings is not required and may
reduce fuel economy.
•Resting your foot on the brake pedal while driving may reduce fuel
economy.
•Combine errands and minimize stop-and-go driving.
Maintenance
•Keep tires properly inflated and use only recommended size.
•Operating a vehicle with the wheels out of alignment will reduce fuel
economy.
•Use recommended engine oil. Refer toMaintenance product
specifications and capacitiesin this chapter.
•Perform all regularly scheduled maintenance items. Follow the
recommended maintenance schedule and owner maintenance checks
found inscheduled maintenance information.
Conditions
•Heavily loading a vehicle or towing a trailer may reduce fuel economy
at any speed.
•Carrying unnecessary weight may reduce fuel economy (approximately
1 mpg [0.4 km/L] is lost for every 400 lb [180 kg] of weight carried).
•Adding certain accessories to your vehicle (for example bug
deflectors, rollbars/light bars, running boards, ski/luggage racks) may
reduce fuel economy.
•To maximize the fuel economy, drive with the tonneau cover installed
(if equipped).
•Using fuel blended with alcohol may lower fuel economy.
•Fuel economy may decrease with lower temperatures during the first
8–10 miles (12–16 km) of driving.
•Driving on flat terrain offers improved fuel economy as compared to
driving on hilly terrain.
•Transmissions give their best fuel economy when operated in the top
cruise gear and with steady pressure on the gas pedal.
•Four-wheel-drive operation (if equipped) is less fuel efficient than
two-wheel-drive operation.
Maintenance and Specifications
398
2011 F-150(f12)
Owners Guide, 1st Printing
USA(fus)

•Check the exhaust for any foreign material that may have collected
during storage.
•Check tire pressures and set tire inflation per the Tire Label.
•Check brake pedal operation. Drive the vehicle 15 ft (4.5 meters) back
and forth to remove rust build-up.
•Check fluid levels (including coolant, oil and gas) to make sure there
are no leaks, and fluids are at recommended levels.
•If the battery was removed, clean the battery cable ends and inspect.
If you have any concerns or issues, contact your authorized dealer.
MOTORCRAFT PART NUMBERS
Component3.7L V6
engine5.0L V8
engine6.2L V8
engine3.5L V6
EcoBoost™
engine
Air filter
elementFA-1883 FA-1883 FA-1883 FA-1883
Battery BXT-65-750 BXT-65-750 BXT-65-750 BXT-65-750
Oil Filter FL-500-S FL-500-S FL-820-S FL-500-S
Spark plugs
1111
1
For spark plug replacement, see your authorized dealer. Refer to
scheduled maintenance informationfor the appropriate intervals for
changing the spark plugs.
Replace the spark plugs with ones that meet Ford material and
design specifications for your vehicle, such as Motorcraftor
equivalent replacement parts. The customer warranty may be
void for any damage to the engine if such spark plugs are not
used.
Maintenance and Specifications
409
2011 F-150(f12)
Owners Guide, 1st Printing
USA(fus)

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. Check the coolant reservoir bottle
labeling for the correct fluid type to use.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.4Your 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.5Service refill capacity is determined by filling the transfer case to the bottom of the filler hole
with the vehicle on a level surface.6Approximate 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.7Automatic 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.
Maintenance and Specifications
414
2011 F-150(f12)
Owners Guide, 1st Printing
USA(fus)

Value shopping for your vehicle’s maintenance needs
Your dealership recognizes the competitive landscape of maintenance and
light repair automotive services. With factory-trained technicians, and
one-stop service from routine maintenance like oil changes and tire
rotations to repairs like brake service, check out the value your dealers
can offer.
Owner checks and services
Certain basic maintenance checks and inspections should be performed
by the owner or a service technician at the intervals indicated. Service
information and supporting specifications are provided in this owner’s
guide.
Any adverse condition should be brought to the attention of your dealer
or qualified service technician as soon as possible for the proper service
advice. The owner maintenance service checks are generally not covered
by warranties so you may be charged for labor, parts or fluids used.
Engine oil/coolant change intervals
Engine oil
(3.5L/3.7L/5.0L)As indicated by the message center (can be
up to one year or 10,000 miles [16,000 km])
Engine oil (6.2L)6 months or 7,500 miles (12,000 km)
(whichever comes first)
Engine coolant, initial
change (3.5L/3.7L/5.0L)6 years or 100,000 miles (160,000 km)
(whichever comes first)
Engine coolant, initial
change (6.2L)6 years or 105,000 miles (168,000 km)
(whichever comes first)
Engine coolant, after
initial change
(3.5L/3.7L/5.0L)Every 3 years or 50,000 miles (80,000 km)
Engine coolant, after
initial change (6.2L)Every 3 years or 45,000 miles (72,000 km)
Scheduled Maintenance Guide
429
2011 F-150(f12)
Owners Guide, 1st Printing
USA(fus)

Check every month
Engine oil level
Function of all interior and exterior lights
Tires for wear and proper pressure, including spare
Windshield washer fluid level
Check every six months
Battery connections; clean if necessary
Body and door drain holes for obstructions; clean if necessary
Cooling system fluid level and coolant strength
Door weatherstrips for wear; lubricate if necessary
Hinges/latches/outside locks for proper operation; lubricate if necessary
Parking brake for proper operation
Safety belts and seat latches for wear and function
Safety warning lamps (brake, ABS, airbag, safety belt) for operation
Washer spray/wiper operation; clean or replace blades as necessary
Multi-point inspection
In order to keep your vehicle running right, it is important to have the
systems on your vehicle checked regularly. This can help identify
potential issues and prevent major problems. Ford Motor Company
recommends the following multi-point inspection be performed at every
scheduled maintenance interval to help ensure your vehicle keeps
running great.
Scheduled Maintenance Guide
430
2011 F-150(f12)
Owners Guide, 1st Printing
USA(fus)

Multi-point inspection – Recommended each visit
Accessory drive belt(s) Half-shaft dust boots (if equipped)
Battery performance Horn operation
Clutch operation (if equipped) Radiator, cooler, heater and A/C hoses
Engine air filter Suspension components for leaks and
damage
Exhaust system Steering and linkage
Exterior lamps and hazard
warning system operationTires for wear and proper pressure,
including spare
Fluid levels*; fill if necessary Windshield for cracks, chips or pits
For oil and fluid leaks Washer spray and wiper operation
*Brake, coolant recovery reservoir, manual and automatic transmission
(with an underhood dipstick), power steering (if equipped) and
window washer
Be sure to ask your dealership service advisor or technician about the
multi-point vehicle inspection. It’s a comprehensive way to perform a
thorough inspection of your vehicle. It’s your checklist that gives you
immediate feedback on the overall condition of your vehicle. You’ll know
what’s been checked, what’s okay, as well as those things that may
require future or immediate attention. The multi-point vehicle inspection
is one more way to keep your vehicle running great!
Scheduled Maintenance Guide
431
2011 F-150(f12)
Owners Guide, 1st Printing
USA(fus)

C
Capacities for refilling fluids ....410
Car2UHome Automation
System .......................................114
Cargo management system ......127
CD ................................................49
Cell phone use ..............................9
Changing a tire .........................332
Child safety seats ......................208
attaching with tether
straps .......................................217
in front seat ....................209, 215
in rear seat ......................209, 215
LATCH .....................................215
recommendations ...................206
Child safety
seats - booster seats .................222
Cleaning your vehicle
engine compartment ..............357
instrument panel ............362–363
interior .....................................364
plastic parts ............................361
safety belts ..............................364
washing ....................................355
waxing .....................................356
wheels ......................................356
wiper blades ............................361
Climate control (see Air
conditioning or Heating) ...........66,
69, 71, 74
Clock adjust
AM/FM .......................................50
AM/FM Stereo ...........................49
Compass, electronic ....................96
calibration .................................97
set zone adjustment .................97
Console ........................................96Controls
power seat ...............................162
steering column ......................111
Coolant
checking and adding ..............381
refill capacities ................384, 410
specifications ..........................410
Cruise control
(see Speed control) ..................108
Customer Assistance ................321
Ford Extended Service
Plan ..................................422, 425
Getting assistance outside the
U.S. and Canada .....................352
Getting roadside assistance ...321
Getting the service
you need .................................347
Ordering additional owner’s
literature .................................353
Utilizing the
Mediation/Arbitration
Program ...................................351
D
Daytime running lamps
(see Lamps) ................................81
Defrost
rear window and rearview
mirrors ...........................69, 71, 74
windshield .....................69, 71, 74
Dipstick
automatic transmission
fluid ..........................................403
engine oil .................................375
Driving under special
conditions ..................297, 314, 317
sand .........................................316
snow and ice ...........................318
through water .................316, 320
Index
456
2011 F-150(f12)
Owners Guide, 1st Printing
USA(fus)