2012 FORD F150 service

GENERAL MAINTENANCE INFORMATION
Why maintain your vehicle?
Carefully following this schedule helps protect against major repair
expenses resulting from neglect or inadequate maintenance and may also
help to increase the value of your vehicle when you sell or trade it.
It is your responsibility to see that all scheduled maintenance is
performed and that the materials used meet Ford engineering
specifications as identified in theMaintenance and Specifications
chapter. Failure to perform scheduled maintenance specific in this guide
will invalidate warranty coverage on parts affected by the lack of
maintenance. Be sure receipts for completed maintenance are kept with
the vehicle and confirmation of the work performed is always recorded in
this guide.
Your dealer has factory-trained technicians who can perform the required
maintenance using genuine Ford parts. They are committed to meeting
your service needs and to assuring your continuing satisfaction.
Protecting your investment
Maintenance is an investment that will pay dividends in the form of
improved reliability, durability and resale value. To ensure the proper
performance of your vehicle and its emission control systems, it is
imperative that scheduled maintenance be completed at the designated
intervals.
Your vehicle is equipped with the Intelligent Oil Life Monitor™ (IOLM)
system which displays a message in the message center at the proper oil
change service interval; this interval may be up to one year or
10,000 miles (16,000 km). When ENGINE OIL CHANGE DUE or OIL
CHANGE REQUIRED appears in the message center display, it’s time for
an oil change; the oil change must be done within two weeks or
500 miles (800 km) of the ENGINE OIL CHANGE DUE or OIL CHANGE
REQUIRED message appearing. The Intelligent Oil Life Monitor™ must
be reset after each oil change; refer to theInstrument Clusterchapter.
If your message center is prematurely reset or becomes inoperative, you
should perform the oil change interval at six months or 5,000 miles
(8,000 km) from your last oil change.
Note:Vehicles equipped with a 6.2L engine do not have an IOLM
system; refer to the 7,500 mile (12,000 km) maintenance schedule for oil
change service intervals.
Scheduled Maintenance
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Your vehicle is very sophisticated and built with multiple complex
performance systems. Every manufacturer develops these systems using
different specifications and performance features. That’s why it’s
important to rely upon your dealership to properly diagnose and repair
your vehicle.
Ford Motor Company has recommended maintenance intervals for
various parts and component systems based upon engineering testing.
Ford Motor Company relies upon this testing to determine the most
appropriate mileage for replacement of oils and fluids to protect your
vehicle at the lowest overall cost to you and recommends against
maintenance schedules that deviate from the scheduled maintenance
information.
Ford strongly recommends the use of genuine Ford replacement parts.
Parts other than Ford, Motorcraftor Ford-authorized remanufactured
parts that are used for maintenance replacement or for the service of
components affecting emission control must be equivalent to genuine
Ford Motor Company parts in performance and durability. It is the
owner’s responsibility to determine the equivalency of such parts. Please
consult yourWarranty Guidefor complete warranty information.
Chemicals or additives not approved by Ford are not required for factory
recommended maintenance. In fact, Ford Motor Company recommends
against the use of such additive products unless specifically
recommended by Ford for a particular application.
Oils, fluids and flushing
In many cases, fluid discoloration is a normal operating characteristic
and, by itself, does not necessarily indicate a concern or that the fluid
needs to be changed. However, discolored fluids that also show signs of
overheating and/or foreign material contamination should be inspected
immediately by a qualified expert such as the factory-trained technicians
at your dealership. Your vehicle’s oils and fluids should be changed at the
specified intervals or in conjunction with a repair. Flushing is a viable
way to change fluid for many vehicle sub-systems during scheduled
maintenance. It is critical that systems are flushed only with new fluid
that is the same as that required to fill and operate the system, or using
a Ford-approved flushing chemical.
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Genuine Ford parts and service
When planning your maintenance services, consider your dealership for
all your vehicle’s needs.
There are a lot of reasons why visiting your dealership for all your
service needs is a great way to help keep your vehicle running great.
Convenience
Many dealerships have extended evening and Saturday hours to make
your service visit more convenient. How’s that for quality service?
Factory-trained technicians
Service technicians participate in extensive factory-sponsored
certification training to help them become experts on the operation of
your vehicle. Ask your dealership about the training and certification
their technicians have received.
Genuine Ford and Motorcraftreplacement parts
Dealerships stock Ford and Motorcraftbranded replacement parts.
These parts meet or exceed Ford Motor Company’s specifications, and
we stand behind them. Parts installed at your dealership carry a
nationwide, 12 month/12,000 mile (20,000 km) parts and labor limited
warranty. Your dealer can give you details.
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.
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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.
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 component for leaks or
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!
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Normal Scheduled Maintenance
At every oil change
interval as indicated
by the message
centerChange engine oil and filter
Rotate tires, inspect tire wear and measure tread
depth
Perform multi-point inspection (recommended)
Inspect automatic transmission fluid level (if
equipped with dipstick); consult dealer for
requirements
Inspect brake pads, shoes, rotors, drums, brake
linings, hoses and parking brake
Inspect cabin air filter (if equipped)
Inspect engine cooling system strength and hoses
Inspect exhaust system and heat shields
Inspect front axle and U-joints; lubricate if
equipped with grease fittings (4WD vehicles)
Inspect half-shaft boots (if equipped)
Inspect steering linkage, ball joints, suspension,
tie-rod ends, driveshaft and U-joints; lubricate if
equipped with grease fittings
Inspect wheels and related components for
abnormal noise, wear, looseness or drag
Reset your Intelligent Oil Life Monitor™ after each engine oil and filter
change; refer to theInstrument Clusterchapter
Do not exceed one year or 10,000 miles (16,000 km) between
service intervals
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SPECIAL OPERATING CONDITIONS - 3.5L, 3.7L AND 5.0L ENGINES
If you operate your vehicleprimarilyin any of the following conditions,
you need to perform additional maintenance as indicated. If you
occasionallyoperate your vehicle under any of these conditions, it is
not necessary to perform the additional maintenance. For specific
recommendations, see your dealership service advisor or technician.
Towing a trailer or using a camper or car-top carrier
As required Change engine oil and filter as indicated by
message center and perform services listed in
Normal Scheduled Maintenance chart
Inspect frequently,
service as requiredInspect and lubricate U-joints
See axle maintenance items underExceptions
Every 60,000 miles
(96,000 km)Change transfer case fluid (4WD vehicles)
Perform the services in the preceding table when specified or within
3,000 miles (4,800 km) of the OIL CHANGE REQUIRED message
appearing in the message center.
Example #1:The OIL CHANGE REQUIRED message comes on at
28,751 miles (46,270 km); perform the 30,000 mile (48,000 km)
automatic transmission fluid replacement.
Example #2:The OIL CHANGE REQUIRED message hasnotcome on
but the odometer reads 30,000 miles (48,000 km); perform the engine air
filter replacement. (i.e., Intelligent Oil Life Monitor™ was reset at
25,000 miles [40,000 km].)
Scheduled Maintenance
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Extensive idling and/or low-speed driving for long distances as
in heavy commercial use (i.e. delivery, taxi, patrol car or livery)
As required Change engine oil and filter as indicated by
message center and perform services listed in
Normal Scheduled Maintenance chart
Inspect frequently,
service as requiredReplace cabin air filter (if equipped)
Replace engine air filter
Every 60,000 miles
(96,000 km)Change transfer case fluid (4WD vehicles)
Replace spark plugs
Perform the services in the preceding table when specified or within
3,000 miles (4,800 km) of the OIL CHANGE REQUIRED message
appearing in the message center.
Example #1:The OIL CHANGE REQUIRED message comes on at
28,751 miles (46,270 km); perform the 30,000 mile (48,000 km)
automatic transmission fluid replacement.
Example #2:The OIL CHANGE REQUIRED message hasnotcome on
but the odometer reads 30,000 miles (48,000 km); perform the engine air
filter replacement. (i.e., Intelligent Oil Life Monitor™ was reset at
25,000 miles [40,000 km].)
Operating in dusty conditions such as unpaved or dusty roads
Inspect frequently,
service as requiredReplace cabin air filter (if equipped)
Replace engine air filter
Every 5,000 miles
(8,000 km)Inspect the wheels and related components for
abnormal noise, wear, looseness or drag
Rotate tires, inspect tires for wear and measure
tread depth
Every 5,000 miles
(8,000 km) or
6 monthsChange engine oil and filter
Every 60,000 miles
(96,000 km)Change transfer case fluid (4WD vehicles)
Reset your Intelligent Oil Life Monitor™ after each engine oil and filter
change; refer to theInstrument Clusterchapter
Exclusive use of E85 (Flex Fuel Vehicles only)
Every oil change If ran exclusively on E85, fill the fuel tank full
with regular unleaded fuel
Scheduled Maintenance
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SPECIAL OPERATING CONDITIONS - 6.2L ENGINE
If you operate your vehicleprimarilyin one of the more demanding
conditions listed below, you will need to have some items maintained more
frequently. If you onlyoccasionallyoperate your vehicle under these
conditions, it is not necessary to perform the additional maintenance. For
specific recommendations, see your dealership service advisor or technician.
Towing a trailer or using a camper or car-top carrier
Inspect frequently,
service as requiredInspect and lubricate U-joints
See axle maintenance items underExceptions
Every 5,000 miles
(8,000 km)Inspect wheels and related components for
abnormal noise, wear, looseness or drag
Rotate tires, inspect tires for wear and measure
tread depth
Every 5,000 miles
(8,000 km) or
6 monthsChange engine oil and filter
Inspect and lubricate U-joints
Every 60,000 miles
(96,000 km)Change transfer case fluid (4WD vehicles)
Extensive idling and/or low-speed driving for long distances as
in heavy commercial use (i.e. delivery, taxi, patrol car or livery)
Inspect frequently,
service as requiredReplace cabin air filter (if equipped)
Replace engine air filter
Every 5,000 miles
(8,000 km)Inspect brake system
Inspect wheels and related components for
abnormal noise, wear, looseness or drag
Lubricate control arm and steering ball joints if
equipped with grease fittings
Rotate tires, inspect tires for wear and measure
tread depth
Every 5,000 miles
(8,000 km) or
6 monthsChange engine oil and filter
Every 60,000 miles
(96,000 km)Change transfer case fluid (4WD vehicles)
Replace spark plugs
Reset your oil life monitoring system after each engine oil and filter
change; refer to theInstrument Clusterchapter
Scheduled Maintenance
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Owners Guide, 1st Printing
USA(fus)