Page 375 of 461

To prolong the life of the wiper blades, it is highly recommended to
scrape off the ice on the windshield before turning on the wipers. The
layer of ice has many sharp edges and can damage the micro edge of the
wiper rubber element.
ENGINE OIL
Checking the engine oil
Refer to thescheduled maintenance informationfor the appropriate
intervals for checking the engine oil.
1. Make sure the vehicle is on level ground.
2. Turn the engine off and wait 15 minutes for the oil to drain into the
oil pan.
3. Set the parking brake and ensure the gearshift is securely latched in P
(Park).
4. Open the hood. Protect yourself from engine heat.
5. Locate and carefully remove the
engine oil level dipstick. See
Identifying components in the
engine compartmentin this
chapter for location of dipstick.
6. Wipe the dipstick clean. Insert the dipstick fully, then remove it again.
•If the oil level isbetween the lower and upper holes or between
the MIN and MAX marks (depending on application),the oil
level is acceptable.DO NOT ADD OIL.
•If the oil level is below the lower hole or the MIN mark, add enough
oil to raise the level within the lower and upper holes or within the
MIN-MAX range.
•Oil levels above the upper hole or the MAX mark may cause engine
damage. Some oil must be removed from the engine by an authorized
dealer.
7. Put the dipstick back in and ensure it is fully seated.
Adding engine oil
1. Check the engine oil. For instructions, refer toChecking the engine
oilin this chapter.
Maintenance and Specifications
375
2011 F-150(f12)
Owners Guide, 1st Printing
USA(fus)
Page 408 of 461

Note:During extended periods of vehicle storage (30 days or more),
fuel may deteriorate due to oxidation. Add MotorcraftGas Stabilizer or
equivalent meeting Ford material specification ESE-M99C112-A to the
vehicle fuel system whenever actual or expected storage periods exceed
30 days. Follow the instructions on the additive label. The vehicle should
then be operated at idle speed to circulate the additive throughout the
fuel system.
Cooling system
•Protect against freezing temperatures.
•When removing vehicle from storage, check coolant fluid level.
Confirm there are no cooling system leaks, and fluid is at the
recommended level.
Battery
•Check and recharge as necessary. Keep connections clean.
•If storing your vehicle for more than 30 days without recharging the
battery, it may be advisable to disconnect the battery cables to ensure
battery charge is maintained for quick starting.
Note:If battery cables are disconnected, it will be necessary to reset
memory features.
Brakes
•Make sure brakes and parking brake are fully released.
Tires
•Maintain recommended air pressure.
Miscellaneous
•Make sure all linkages, cables, levers and pins under vehicle are
covered with grease to prevent rust.
•Move vehicles at least 25 feet (8 m) every 15 days to lubricate
working parts and prevent corrosion.
Removing vehicle from storage
When your vehicle is ready to come out of storage, do the following:
•Wash your vehicle to remove any dirt or grease film build-up on
window surfaces.
•Check windshield wipers for any deterioration.
•Check under the hood for any foreign material that may have collected
during storage (mice/squirrel nests).
Maintenance and Specifications
408
2011 F-150(f12)
Owners Guide, 1st Printing
USA(fus)
Page 461 of 461

snow tires and chains ............250
spare tire .................................333
terminology .............................230
tire grades ...............................229
treadwear ........................229, 233
Towing .......................................258
recreational towing .................270
Trailer Brake
Controller-Integrated ..............265
trailer towing ..........................258
Trailer Brake
Controller-Integrated ................265
Transfer case
fluid checking .........................403
Transmission .............................293
brake-shift interlock
(BSI) ................................289, 291
fluid, checking and adding
(automatic) .............................403
fluid, refill capacities ..............410
lubricant specifications ..........410
Turn signal ..................................83U
Universal garage
door opener ...............................113
USB port ......................................59
V
Vehicle Identification Number
(VIN) ..........................................417
Vehicle loading ..........................251
Ventilating your vehicle ...........276
W
Warning lights (see Lights) .......12
Washer fluid ..............................374
Water, Driving through .............320
Windows
power .......................................100
Windshield washer fluid and
wipers ..........................................92
checking and adding fluid .....374
replacing wiper blades ...........374
Index
461
2011 F-150(f12)
Owners Guide, 1st Printing
USA(fus)