2012 FORD F150 tow

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
447
2012 F-150(f12)
Owners Guide, 1st Printing
USA(fus)

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
449
2012 F-150(f12)
Owners Guide, 1st Printing
USA(fus)

EXCEPTIONS
There are several exceptions to the Normal Schedule. They are listed
below:
Normal vehicle axle maintenance:Rear axles and power take-off
(PTO) units with synthetic fluid and light-duty trucks equipped with
Ford-design axles are lubricated for life; do not check or change fluid
unless a leak is suspected, service is required or the assembly has been
submerged in water. During long periods of trailer towing with outside
temperatures above 70°F (21°C) and at wide-open throttle for long
periods above 45 mph (72 km/h), non-synthetic rear axle fluids should
be changed every 3,000 miles (4,800 km) or three months, whichever
comes first. This interval can be waived if the axle is filled with 75W140
synthetic gear fluid meeting Ford specification WSL-M2C192-A, part
number F1TZ-19580-B or equivalent. Add friction modifier XL-3
(EST-M2C118-A) or equivalent for complete refill of Traction-Lok rear
axles (refer toMaintenance product specifications and capacitiesin
theMaintenance and Specificationschapter for details).
Police/Taxi/Livery vehicle axle maintenance:Change rear axle fluid
every 100,000 miles (160,000 km). Rear axle fluid change may be waived
if the axle was filled with 75W140 synthetic gear fluid meeting Ford
specification WSL-M2C192-A, part number FITZ-19580-B or equivalent.
Add four ounces (118 mL) of additive friction modifier XL-3
(EST-M2C118-A) or equivalent for complete refill of Traction-Lok rear
axles. The axle fluid should be changed anytime the axle has been
submerged in water
California fuel filter replacement:If the vehicle is registered in
California, the California Air Resources Board has determined that the
failure to perform this maintenance item will not nullify the emission
warranty or limit recall liability prior to the completion of the vehicle’s
useful life. Ford Motor Company, however, urges you to have all
recommended maintenance services performed at the specified intervals
and to record all vehicle service.
Class A Motorhome:Change brake fluid every two years.
Scheduled Maintenance
453
2012 F-150(f12)
Owners Guide, 1st Printing
USA(fus)

tire grades ...............................234
treadwear ........................233, 238
Towing .......................................263
recreational towing .................276
Trailer Brake
Controller-Integrated ..............270
trailer towing ..........................263
Trailer Brake
Controller-Integrated ................270
Transfer case
fluid checking .........................407
Transmission .............................299
brake-shift interlock
(BSI) ................................295, 297
fluid, checking and adding
(automatic) .............................407
fluid, refill capacities ..............415
lubricant specifications ..........415
Turn signal ..................................85
U
Universal garage door opener ..116USB port ......................................60
V
Vehicle Identification Number
(VIN) ..........................................422
Vehicle loading ..........................255
Ventilating your vehicle ...........282
W
Warning lights (see Lights) .......12
Washer fluid ..............................377
Water, Driving through .............325
Windows
power .......................................103
Windshield washer fluid and
wipers ..........................................94
checking and adding fluid .....377
replacing wiper blades ...........377
Index
462
2012 F-150(f12)
Owners Guide, 1st Printing
USA(fus)