2012 FORD F150 maintenance

6.2L V8 engine
1. Windshield washer fluid reservoir
2. Engine oil dipstick
3. Brake fluid reservoir
4. Engine coolant reservoir
5. Air filter assembly
6. Power steering fluid reservoir
7. Power distribution box
8. Engine oil filler cap
9. Battery
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3.5L V6 EcoBoost™ engine
1. Windshield washer fluid reservoir
2. Battery
3. Engine oil filler cap
4. Engine oil dipstick
5. Brake fluid reservoir
6. Engine coolant reservoir
7. Air filter assembly
8. Power distribution box
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WINDSHIELD WASHER FLUID
Add fluid to fill the reservoir if the
level is low. In very cold weather, do
not fill the reservoir completely.
Only use a washer fluid that meets
Ford specifications. Do not use any
special washer fluid such as
windshield water repellent type fluid
or bug wash. They may cause
squeaking, chatter noise, streaking
and smearing. Refer to
Maintenance product
specifications and capacitiesin this chapter.
State or local regulations on volatile organic compounds may restrict the
use of methanol, a common windshield washer antifreeze additive.
Washer fluids containing non-methanol antifreeze agents should be used
only if they provide cold weather protection without damaging the
vehicle’s paint finish, wiper blades or washer system.
WARNING:If you operate your vehicle in temperatures below
40°F (5°C), use washer fluid with antifreeze protection. Failure
to use washer fluid with antifreeze protection in cold weather could
result in impaired windshield vision and increase the risk of injury or
accident.
CHANGING THE WIPER BLADES
1. To remove the wiper blade, pull
the wiper arm away from the
vehicle. Pry open the lock cover
with your thumb (1) to release the
blade.
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2. Press the retaining clip to
disengage the wiper blade, then pull
the wiper blade down toward the
windshield to remove it from the
arm (2).
3. To install the new wiper blade,
insert the wiper arm hook into the
wiper arm (3).
4. While holding the wiper arm, push the wiper blade up and away from
the windshield.
5. Close the lock cover.
Replace wiper blades at least once per year for optimum performance.
Poor wiper quality can be improved by cleaning the wiper blades and the
windshield. Refer toWindows and wiper bladesin theCleaning
chapter.
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.
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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.
2. If the engine oil level is not within the normal range, add only certified
engine oil of the recommended viscosity. Remove the engine oil filler cap
and use a funnel to pour the engine oil into the opening.
3. Recheck the engine oil level. Make sure the oil level is not above the
normal operating range on the engine oil level dipstick.
4. Install the dipstick and ensure it is fully seated.
5. Fully install the engine oil filler cap by turning the filler cap clockwise
1/4 of a turn until three clicks are heard or until the cap is fully seated.
To avoid possible oil loss, DO NOT operate the vehicle with the
engine oil level dipstick and/or the engine oil filler cap removed.
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Engine oil and filter recommendations
3.7L V6, 5.0L V8, and 6.2L V8 engines
Look for this certification
trademark.
Use SAE 5W-20 engine oil
Only use oils certified for gasoline engines by the American Petroleum
Institute (API). An oil with this trademark symbol conforms to the
current engine and emission system protection standards and fuel
economy requirements of the International Lubricant Standardization and
Approval Committee (ILSAC), comprised of U.S. and Japanese
automobile manufacturers.
To protect your engine and engine’s warranty, use MotorcraftSAE
5W-20 or an equivalent SAE 5W-20 oil meeting Ford specification
WSS-M2C945-A.SAE 5W-20 oil provides optimum fuel economy and
durability performance meeting all requirements for your
vehicle’s engine. Refer toMaintenance product specifications and
capacitieslater in this section for more information.
Do not use supplemental engine oil additives, cleaners or other engine
treatments. They are unnecessary and could lead to engine damage that
is not covered by Ford warranty.
Change your engine oil according to the appropriate schedule listed in
thescheduled maintenance information.
Ford production and Motorcraftreplacement oil filters are designed for
added engine protection and long life. If a replacement oil filter is used
that does not meet Ford material and design specifications, start-up
engine noises or knock may be experienced.
It is recommended you use the appropriate Motorcraftoil filter or
another with equivalent performance for your engine application.
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3.5L V6 EcoBoost™ engine
Look for this certification
trademark.
Use SAE 5W-30 engine oil
Only use oils “Certified For Gasoline Engines” by the American
Petroleum Institute (API). An oil with this trademark symbol conforms
to the current engine and emission system protection standards and fuel
economy requirements of the International Lubricant Standardization and
Approval Committee (ILSAC), comprised of U.S. and Japanese
automobile manufacturers.
To protect your engine and engine’s warranty, use MotorcraftSAE
5W-30 or an equivalent SAE 5W-30 oil meeting Ford specification
WSS-M2C946-A. Refer toMaintenance product specifications and
capacitieslater in this section for more information.
Do not use supplemental engine oil additives, cleaners or other engine
treatments. They are unnecessary and could lead to engine damage that
is not covered by Ford warranty.
Change your engine oil according to the appropriate schedule listed in
thescheduled maintenance information.
Ford production and Motorcraftreplacement oil filters are designed for
added engine protection and long life. If a replacement oil filter is used
that does not meet Ford material and design specifications, start-up
engine noises or knock may be experienced.
It is recommended you use the appropriate Motorcraftoil filter or
another with equivalent performance for your engine application.
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BATTERY
Your vehicle is equipped with a Motorcraftmaintenance-free battery
which normally does not require additional water during its life of
service.
Note:If your battery has a
cover/shield, make sure it is
reinstalled after the battery has
been cleaned or replaced.
For longer, trouble-free operation,
keep the top of the battery clean
and dry. Also, make certain the
battery cables are always tightly
fastened to the battery terminals.
If you see any corrosion on the
battery or terminals, remove the cables from the terminals and clean
with a wire brush. You can neutralize the acid with a solution of baking
soda and water.
It is recommended that the negative battery cable terminal be
disconnected from the battery if you plan to store your vehicle for an
extended period of time. This will minimize the discharge of your battery
during storage.
Note:Electrical or electronic accessories or components added to the
vehicle by the dealer or the owner may adversely affect battery
performance and durability.
WARNING:Batteries normally produce explosive gases which
can cause personal injury. Therefore, do not allow flames, sparks
or lighted substances to come near the battery. When working near the
battery, always shield your face and protect your eyes. Always provide
proper ventilation.
WARNING:When lifting a plastic-cased battery, excessive
pressure on the end walls could cause acid to flow through the
vent caps, resulting in personal injury and/or damage to the vehicle or
battery. Lift the battery with a battery carrier or with your hands on
opposite corners.
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