2012 FORD F150 check engine light

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 speed
at which trailer sway will not grow continuously. This may cause the
system to activate multiple times, causing a gradual reduction in speed.
Note:The trailer sway control will only activate at speeds greater than
31 mph (50 km/h).
Disabling trailer sway control
Trailer sway control can be disabled during any key cycle. See trailer
sway control under theMessage centerin theInstrument Cluster
chapter. Note that regardless of chosen enable state, trailer sway control
will be re-enabled at each new key cycle.
WARNING:Turning off trailer sway control increases the risk of
loss of vehicle control, serious injury, or death. Ford does not
recommend disabling this feature except in situations where speed
reduction may be detrimental (e.g., hill climbing), the driver has
significant trailer towing experience, and can control trailer sway and
maintain safe operation.
STEERING
3.7L, 5.0L and 3.5L EcoBoost™ engines:
Your vehicle is equipped with an electric power steering (EPS) system.
There is no fluid reservoir to check or fill.
If your vehicle loses electrical power while you are driving (or if the
ignition is turned off), you can steer the vehicle manually, but it takes
more effort. Under extreme usage conditions, the steering effort may
increase. This occurs to prevent overheating and permanent damage to
your steering system. If this should occur, you will neither lose the ability
to steer the vehicle manually nor will it cause permanent damage.
Typical steering and driving maneuvers will allow the system to cool and
steering assist will return to normal.
The EPS system has diagnostic checks that continuously monitor the
EPS system to ensure proper operation. When a system error is
detected, the following message SERVICE POWER STEERING, SERVICE
POWER STEERING NOW or POWER STEERING ASSIST FAULT may
display in the message center, refer to theMessage centerin theDriver
Controlschapter for more information.
Driving
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All engines
If the steering wanders or pulls equipped with either an EPS or a
hydraulic steering system, check for:
•an improperly inflated tire
•uneven tire wear
•loose or worn suspension components
•loose or worn steering components
•improper steering alignment
A high crown in the road or high crosswinds may also make the steering
seem to wander/pull.
LIMITED-SLIP AXLE (IF EQUIPPED)
This axle provides added traction on slippery surfaces, particularly when
one wheel is on a poor traction surface. Under normal conditions, the
limited-slip axle functions like a standard rear axle. The axle may exhibit
a slight noise or vibration in tight turns with low vehicle speed. This is
normal behavior and indicates the axle is working.
Electronic locking differential (ELD) (if equipped)
The electronic locking differential provides added traction on slippery
and/or off-road surfaces, particularly when one wheel is on a poor
traction surface. In normal driving conditions, the rear axle functions as
a standard axle. The ELD may be locked or unlocked by the vehicle
operator. Refer toFour-wheel drive (4WD) operationsection in this
chapter for further details on ELD function and usage. When the axle is
unlocked, it will function like a standard rear axle. When the axle is
locked, it will not allow the rear wheels to rotate at different speeds
when turning. The ELD axle is not recommended for use on good
traction surfaces such as dry pavement. Doing so may result in abnormal
driving behavior while cornering and excessive tire wear.
PREPARING TO DRIVE
WARNING:Utility vehicles have a significantly higher rollover
rate than other types of vehicles.
WARNING:In a rollover crash, an unbelted person is
significantly more likely to die than a person wearing a seat belt.
Utility vehicles and trucks have larger tires and increased ground clearance,
giving the vehicle a higher center of gravity than a passenger car.
Driving
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Activating the electronic locking differential (ELD)
The ELD can be turned on by
pulling the 4WD control knob
toward you (4x4 vehicles) or by
turning the ELD control knob from
OFF to ON (4x2 vehicles).
Once the indicator light is displayed
in the message center, both rear
wheel axle shafts will be locked
together providing added traction.
If the indicator does not come on, or the indicator turns off while
driving, 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.
Basic operating principles
Do not use 4WD on dry, hard surfaced roads. Doing so will produce
excessive noise and vibration and increase tire wear. 4WD modes are
only intended for consistently slippery or loose surfaces.
Parking
On 4WD vehicles, when the transfer case is in the N (Neutral) position
for recreational towing purposes, the engine and transmission are
disconnected from the rest of the driveline. Therefore, the vehicle is free
to roll even if the automatic transmission is in P (Park) or the manual
transmission is in gear. Do not leave the vehicle unattended with the
transfer case in the N (Neutral) position. Always set the parking brake
fully and turn off the ignition when leaving the vehicle. Refer to
Recreational towingfor more information.
Driving
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•Do not use alcohol, methanol, brine or any engine coolants
mixed with alcohol or methanol antifreeze (coolant).Alcohol
and other liquids can cause engine damage from overheating or
freezing.
•Do not add extra inhibitors or additives to the coolant.These
can be harmful and compromise the corrosion protection of the engine
coolant.
For vehicles with overflow coolant systems with a non-pressurized cap
on the coolant recovery system, add coolant to the coolant recovery
reservoir when the engine is cool. Add the proper mixture of coolant and
distilled water to the FULL COLD level. For all other vehicles which have
a coolant degas system with a pressurized cap, or if it is necessary to
remove the coolant pressure relief cap on the radiator of a vehicle with
an overflow system, follow these steps to add engine coolant.
WARNING:To reduce the risk of personal injury, make sure the
engine is cool before unscrewing the coolant pressure relief cap.
The cooling system is under pressure; steam and hot liquid can come
out forcefully when the cap is loosened slightly.
Add the proper mixture of coolant and water to the cooling system by
following these steps:
1. Before you begin, turn the engine off and let it cool.
2. When the engine is cool, wrap a thick cloth around the coolant
pressure relief cap on the coolant reservoir (a translucent plastic bottle).
Slowly turn cap counterclockwise (left) until pressure begins to release.
3. Step back while the pressure releases.
4. When you are sure that all the pressure has been released, use the
cloth to turn it counterclockwise and remove the cap.
5. Fill the coolant reservoir slowly with the proper coolant mixture, to
within the COLD FILL RANGE or the FULL COLD level on the reservoir.
If you removed the radiator cap in an overflow system, fill the radiator
until the coolant is visible and radiator is almost full.
6. Replace the cap. Turn until tightly installed. Cap must be tightly
installed to prevent coolant loss.
After any coolant has been added, check the coolant concentration (refer
toChecking engine coolant). If the concentration is not 50/50, drain
some coolant and adjust the concentration. It may take several drains
and additions to obtain a 50/50 coolant concentration.
Maintenance and Specifications
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If you drive in extremely hot climates:
•It is still necessary to maintain the coolant concentration
above 40%.
•NEVER decrease the coolant concentration below 40%.
•Decreased engine coolant concentrations below 40% will
decrease the corrosion/freeze protection characteristics of the
engine coolant and may cause engine damage.
•If available, refer to the chart on the coolant container to
ensure the coolant concentration in your vehicle will provide
adequate protection at the temperatures in which you drive.
Vehicles driven year-round in non-extreme climates should use a 50/50
mixture of engine coolant and distilled water for optimum cooling system
and engine protection.
What you should know about fail-safe cooling (if equipped)
If the engine coolant supply is depleted, this feature allows the vehicle to
be driven temporarily before incremental component damage is incurred.
The “fail-safe” distance depends on ambient temperatures, vehicle load
and terrain.
WARNING:If fail-safe cooling activates, pull off the road as
soon as safely possible and turn the engine off. The engine may
automatically shut off while driving without further indication.
How fail-safe cooling works
If the engine begins to overheat:
•
The engine coolant temperature gauge will move to the red (hot) area.
•The mini message center (if equipped) will indicate “Check Gauges”,
refer toWarning lights and chimesin theInstrument Clusterchapter.
•Thelight will illuminate.
If the engine reaches a preset over-temperature condition, the engine
will automatically switch to alternating cylinder operation. Each disabled
cylinder acts as an air pump and cools the engine.
When this occurs the vehicle will still operate. However:
•The engine power will be limited.
•The air conditioning system will be disabled.
Maintenance and Specifications
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•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.
•Close windows for high speed driving.
Maintenance and Specifications
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Engine oil/coolant change intervals – 3.5L, 3.7L and 5.0L engines
Engine oilAs indicated by the message center: do not
exceed one year or 10,000 miles (16,000 km)
Engine coolant,
initial change6 years or 100,000 miles (160,000 km)
(whichever comes first)
Engine coolant, after
initial changeEvery 3 years or 50,000 miles (80,000 km)
Engine oil/coolant change intervals – 6.2L engine
Engine oil6 months or 7,500 miles (12,000 km)
(whichever comes first)
Engine coolant,
initial change6 years or 105,000 miles (168,000 km)
(whichever comes first)
Engine coolant, after
initial changeEvery 3 years or 45,000 miles (72,000 km)
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
Scheduled Maintenance
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A
Accessory delay ........................105
AdvanceTrac ..............................286
Airbag supplemental restraint
system ................193–194, 202, 205
and child safety seats ............196
description ..............194, 202, 205
disposal ....................................208
driver airbag ....194, 197, 203, 206
indicator light .........202, 204, 208
operation .........194, 197, 203, 206
passenger airbag ............194, 197,
203, 206
side airbag ...............................202
Air cleaner filter .......408, 411, 414
Air conditioning ........68, 71, 73, 76
manual heating and air
conditioning system .................68
Ambient mood/lighting ...............87
Ambulance packages ....................6
AM/FM .........................................49
Antifreeze
(see Engine coolant) ................385
Anti-lock brake system
(see Brakes) ..............................284
Anti-theft system ..............156, 158
arming the system ..........156, 158
disarming a triggered
system .....................................159
triggering .................................159
Armrests ....................................165
Audio system
(see Radio) ............................47, 49
Automatic transmission
driving an automatic
overdrive .................................299
fluid, adding ............................407fluid, checking ........................407
fluid, refill capacities ..............415
fluid, specification ..................415
Selectshift (SST) ....................301
Auxiliary input jack
(Line in) ......................................58
Axle
lubricant specifications ..........415
refill capacities ........................415
B
Battery .......................................382
acid, treating emergencies .....382
jumping a disabled battery ....347
maintenance-free ....................382
replacement, specifications
...414
servicing
..................................382
Bed extender
............................127
Belt-Minder
.............................189
deactivating/activating the
Belt-Minder
...........................191
Blind spot mirror
......................311
Booster seats
.............................227
Brakes
........................................284
anti-lock
...................................284
anti-lock brake system (ABS)
warning light
...........................285
fluid, checking and adding
....406
fluid, refill capacities
..............415
fluid, specifications
.................415
lubricant specifications
..........415
parking
....................................285
shift interlock
..................295, 297
trailer
.......................................270
Bulbs
............................................88
Index
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