refilling your rear axle with synthetic gear lube if not already so
equipped. Refer to theMaintenance and Specificationschapter for
the lubricant specification. Remember that regardless of the rear axle
lube used, do not tow a trailer for the first 1,000 miles (1,600 km) of a
new vehicle, and that the first 500 miles (800 km) of towing be done
at no faster than 70 mph (113 km/h) with no full throttle starts.
•Vehicles with trailers should not be parked on a grade. If you must
park on a grade, place wheel chocks under the trailer’s wheels.
Launching or retrieving a boat
Disconnect the wiring to the trailer before backing the trailer
into the water. Reconnect the wiring to the trailer after the
trailer is removed from the water.
When backing down a ramp during boat launching or retrieval:
•Do not allow the static water level to rise above the bottom edge of
the rear bumper.
•Do not allow waves to break higher than 6 in (15 cm) above the
bottom edge of the rear bumper.
Exceeding these limits may allow water to enter vehicle components:
•Causing internal damage to the components.
•Affecting driveability, emissions and reliability.
Replace the rear axle lubricant any time the axle has been submerged in
water. Rear axle lubricant quantities are not to be checked or changed
unless a leak is suspected or repair required.
RECREATIONAL TOWING
Follow these guidelines if you have a need for recreational (RV) towing.
An example of recreational towing would be towing your vehicle behind
a motor home.
Note:Put your climate control system in recirculated air mode to
prevent exhaust fumes from entering the vehicle. Refer to theClimate
Controlschapter for more information.
In case of a roadside emergency with a disabled vehicle, seeWrecker
towingin theRoadside Emergencieschapter.
These guidelines are designed to prevent damage to your vehicle and its
transmission after it is hooked-up to the RV or tow dolly.
2WD vehicles and 4WD vehicles equipped with an electronic-shift
transfer case:Do not tow your vehicle with any wheels on the ground,
Tires, Wheels and Loading
270
2011 F-150(f12)
Owners Guide, 1st Printing
USA(fus)
AdvanceTracwith RSCFeatures
Button functionsStability
control
OFF lightRSCESC TCS
Button pressed
again after
deactivationNot
illuminatedEnabled Enabled Enabled
Transfer case
switched to 4WD
Low Locked
3Illuminated Disabled Disabled Disabled4
1
TCS could be enabled but with higher entry thresholds compared to full
system. ESC entry thresholds are higher compared to full system.
2Lamp light starts blinking for three seconds after entering press and
hold state.
3Control switch is not pressed. Stability control light turned on when
4WD low locked transfer case mode selected.
4Engine traction control and two-wheel spin brake traction control
functions are disabled. Single wheel spin traction control is always
enabled.
Trailer sway control
Your vehicle is equipped with trailer sway control. When properly
equipped, trailer sway control will use the vehicle’s AdvanceTracwith
RSCsystem to detect and help reduce trailer sway by applying brake
force at individual wheels and, if necessary, by reducing engine power.
WARNING:Trailer sway control does not prevent a trailer from
swaying, it mitigates the sway from increasing once it has
occurred. If you are experiencing trailer sway it is likely that the trailer
is improperly loaded for the correct tongue weight or the speed of the
vehicle and trailer is too high. Pull the vehicle-trailer over to a safe
location to check the trailer weight distribution and tongue load and
reduce speed to a safe level while towing. If trailer sway is
experienced, SLOW DOWN.Note:When trailer sway control is
activated, cruise control is disabled.
During trailer sway control events, the stability control light in the
instrument cluster will flash momentarily. The message center will also
displayTRAILER SWAY REDUCE SPEED.In some cases when trailer
sway is detected, the vehicle speed is too high and may be above a
Driving
285
2011 F-150(f12)
Owners Guide, 1st Printing
USA(fus)
To deactivate the tow/haul feature and return to normal driving mode,
press the button on the end of the gearshift lever. The TOW HAUL light
will no longer be illuminated. Tow/haul will also deactivate when the
vehicle is powered down.
WARNING:Do not use the tow/haul feature when driving in icy
or slippery conditions as the increased engine braking can cause
the rear wheels to slide and the vehicle to swing around with the
possible loss of vehicle control.
3 (Third) (column-shift only)
Transmission operates in third gear only.
Used for improved traction on slippery roads. Selecting 3 (Third)
provides engine braking.
2 (Second)
Transmission operates in 2nd gear only.
Use 2 (Second) to start-up on slippery roads or to provide additional
engine braking on downgrades.
1 (First)
•Transmission operates in 1st gear only.
•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 (Drive) only.
•Press the accelerator to the floor.
•Allows transmission to select an appropriate gear.
Understanding your SelectShift Automatic™ transmission (SST)
gearshift lever
This vehicle is equipped with a SelectShift Automatic™ transmission
(SST) gearshift lever. The SST is an automatic transmission with the
ability for the driver to change gears up or down (without a clutch) as
desired. The SST feature has two modes: PRS and M mode.
Driving
295
2011 F-150(f12)
Owners Guide, 1st Printing
USA(fus)
•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.
Note:Momentarily releasing the accelerator pedal while performing a
shift will improve engagement/disengagement times.
Note:Do not perform this operation if the rear wheels are slipping.
Note:Some noise may be heard as the system shifts or engages; this is
normal.
Note:4X4 high mode is not intended for use on dry pavement.
Driving
307
2011 F-150(f12)
Owners Guide, 1st Printing
USA(fus)
Using the electronic shift 4WD system (if equipped)
2H (2WD)- For general on-road
driving. Sends power to the rear
wheels only and should be 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.This mode
is not intended for use on dry
pavement.
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. 4L (4X4 low)
will not engage while the vehicle is moving above 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 4WD control between 2H (4X2) and 4H (4X4 high) at any
forward speed. The message center will display4X4 SHIFT IN
PROGRESSduring the system shift. “4X4 HIGH” will display in the
message center if 4H is selected and “4X2” will momentarily display in
the message center if 2H is selected.
IfSHIFT DELAYED PULL FORWARDis displayed in the message
center during the mode shift, transfer case gear tooth blockage is
present. To alleviate this condition, place the transmission in a forward
gear and move the vehicle forward approximately 5 feet (2 meters) to
allow the transfer case to complete the mode shift.
Note:Momentarily releasing the accelerator pedal while performing a
shift will improve engagement/disengagement times.
Note:Do not perform this operation if the rear wheels are slipping.
Note:Some noise may be heard as the system shifts or engages; this is
normal.
Note:4X4 high mode is not intended for use on dry pavement.
Driving
309
2011 F-150(f12)
Owners Guide, 1st Printing
USA(fus)
Shifting to/from 4L (4X4 low)
1. Bring the vehicle to a speed of 3 mph (5 km/h) or less.
2. Place the transmission in N (Neutral).
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.
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 (1.5 m), 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 (4X4 auto)- Power delivered
to all four wheels, as required, for
increased traction.
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.
Driving
310
2011 F-150(f12)
Owners Guide, 1st Printing
USA(fus)
Note:Do not use 4H (4X4 high) on dry, hard surfaced roads. Doing so
will produce excessive noise, increased tire wear and may damage drive
components. 4H (4X4 High) is only intended for consistently slippery or
loose surfaces. Use of 4H (4X4 High) on these surfaces may produce
some noise (such as occasional clunks), but will not damage drive
components.
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
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).
Driving
311
2011 F-150(f12)
Owners Guide, 1st Printing
USA(fus)
The ELD is designed for off-road use only and is not intended for use on
dry pavement.
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
LOCKING DIFFERENTIALmessage 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.
Your vehicle may be equipped with a front air dam that can become
damaged (due to reduced ground clearance) when taking your vehicle
off-road. This air dam can be taken off by removing two bolts.
Driving
312
2011 F-150(f12)
Owners Guide, 1st Printing
USA(fus)