2012 FORD F150 brake

AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION OPERATION
Understanding the shift positions of the 6-speed automatic
transmission
This vehicle is equipped with an adaptive transmission shift strategy. The
adaptive transmission shift strategy offers the optimal transmission
operation and shift quality. When the engine is turned off, the shift data
which includes the adaptive information will be stored automatically in
the powertrain control module (PCM). If the battery is disconnected for
any reason, the stored information from the last time the key was turned
to off will be read. This way, no information will be lost with any battery
removal or battery disconnect.
P (Park)
This position locks the transmission
and prevents the rear wheels from
turning.
To put your vehicle in gear:
•Press the brake pedal
•Start the engine
•Move the gearshift lever into the
desired gear. If your vehicle is
equipped with a floor-shift transmission, press the gearshift lever
release button (on the front of the lever) while shifting into the
desired gear.
To put your vehicle in P (Park):
•Come to a complete stop
•Move the gearshift lever and securely latch it in P (Park)
WARNING:Always set the parking brake fully and make sure
the gearshift is latched in P (Park). Turn the ignition to the off
position and remove the key whenever you leave your vehicle.
R (Reverse)
With the gearshift lever in R (Reverse), the vehicle will move backward.
Always come to a complete stop before shifting into and out of R
(Reverse).
N (Neutral)
With the gearshift lever in N (Neutral), the vehicle can be started and is
free to roll. Hold the brake pedal down while in this position.
T/H
PR
N
D
M
2
1
+
-
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D (Drive) with Tow/Haul Off
The normal driving position for the best fuel economy. Transmission
operates in gears one through six.
D (Drive) with Tow/Haul On
The Tow/Haul feature improves transmission operation when towing a
trailer or a heavy load. All transmission gear ranges are available when
using Tow/Haul.
Tow/Haul can be activated by pressing the transmission control switch on
the end of the gearshift lever (column-shift transmission) or on the side
of the gearshift lever (floor-shift transmission).
•Column-shift transmission
•Floor-shift transmission
The TOW HAUL indicator light will
illuminate in the instrument cluster.
Tow/haul delays upshifts to reduce frequency of transmission shifting.
Tow/haul also provides engine braking in all forward gears when the
transmission is in the D (Drive) position; this engine braking will slow
the vehicle and assist the driver in controlling the vehicle when
descending a grade. Depending on driving conditions and load
conditions, the transmission may downshift, slow the vehicle and control
the vehicle speed when descending a hill, without the accelerator pedal
being pressed. The amount of downshift braking provided will vary based
upon the amount the brake pedal is pressed.
T/H
PR
N
D
M
2
1
+
-
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Upshifts when accelerating
Shift from:
4 – 5 45 mph (72 km/h)
5 – 6 50 mph (80 km/h)
In order to prevent the engine from running at too low an RPM, which
may cause it to stall, the SST will still automatically make some
downshifts if it has determined that you have not downshifted in time.
Although the SST will make some downshifts for you, it will still allow
you to downshift at any time as long as the SST determines that the
engine will not be damaged from over-revving.
The SST will not automatically upshift, even if the engine is approaching
the RPM limit. It must be shifted manually by pressing the + button.
Engine damage may occur if excessive engine revving is held
without shifting.
Hill start assist
WARNING:The hill start assist feature does not replace the
parking brake. When you leave the vehicle, always apply the
parking brake and shift the transmission into P (Park).
WARNING:You must remain in the vehicle once you have
activated the hill start assist feature.
WARNING:If the engine is revved excessively, or if a
malfunction is detected when the hill start assist feature is
active, the hill start assist feature will be deactivated.
Hill start assist keeps your vehicle stationary long enough to move your foot
from the brake to the accelerator pedal when your vehicle is on a slope.
Activating hill start assist
1. Press the brake pedal to bring the vehicle to a complete standstill.
Keep the brake pedal pressed.
2. If the sensors detect that the vehicle is on a slope, the hill start assist
feature will be activated automatically.
3. When you remove your foot from the brake pedal, the vehicle will
remain on the slope without rolling away for approximately two or three
seconds. This hold time will automatically be extended if you are in the
process of driving off.
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4. Drive off in the normal manner. The brakes will be released automatically.
If your vehicle gets stuck in mud or snow
Note:Do not rock the vehicle if the engine is not at normal operating
temperature or damage to the transmission may occur.
Note:Do not rock the vehicle for more than a minute or damage to the
transmission and tires may occur, or the engine may overheat.
If your vehicle gets stuck in mud or snow, it may be rocked out by
shifting between forward and reverse gears, stopping between shifts in a
steady pattern. Press lightly on the accelerator in each gear.
REVERSE SENSING SYSTEM (IF EQUIPPED)
The Reverse Sensing System (RSS) sounds a tone to warn the driver of
obstacles near the rear bumper when R (Reverse) is selected and the
vehicle is moving at speeds less than 3 mph (5 km/h). The system is not
effective at speeds above 3 mph (5 km/h) and may not detect certain
angular or moving objects.
WARNING:To help avoid personal injury, please read and
understand the limitations of the reverse sensing system as
contained in this section. Reverse sensing is only an aid for some
(generally large and fixed) objects when moving in reverse on a flat
surface at “parking speeds”. Inclement weather may also affect the
function of the RSS; this may include reduced performance or a false
activation.
WARNING:To help avoid personal injury, always use caution
when in reverse and when using the RSS.
WARNING:This system is not designed to prevent contact with
small or moving objects. The system is designed to provide a
warning to assist the driver in detecting large stationary objects to
avoid damaging the vehicle. The system may not detect smaller
objects, particularly those close to the ground.
WARNING:Certain add-on devices such as large trailer hitches,
bike or surfboard racks and any device that may block the
normal detection zone of the RSS system may create false beeps.
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The RSS detects obstacles up to
6 feet (2 meters) from the rear
bumper with a decreased coverage
area at the outer corners of the
bumper, (refer to the figures for
approximate zone coverage areas).
As you move closer to the obstacle,
the rate of the tone increases. When
the obstacle is less than 10 inches
(25.0 cm) away, the tone will sound
continuously. If the RSS detects a
stationary or receding object further
than 10 inches (25.0 cm) from the
side of the vehicle, the tone will
sound for only three seconds. Once
the system detects an object
approaching, the tone will sound
again.
While receiving a warning the radio
volume may be reduced to a
predetermined level. After the
warning goes away, the radio will return to the previous volume.
The RSS may have reduced performance or an increased chance of false
detection if the tailgate is not locked and in the upright position. If the
tailgate is down, the RSS tone may be heard intermittently or
continuously. The tone may also be heard if items in the truck bed
protrude rearward outside the bed.
The RSS automatically turns on when the gearshift lever is placed in R
(Reverse) and the ignition is on. A control in the message center allows
the driver to disable the system, refer toMessage center and Rear park
aidin theInstrument Clusterchapter for more information.
Note:If the system cannot be turned off, refer toMyKeyrestricted
featuresin theLocks and Securitychapter for more information.
Note:If your vehicle is equipped with a fully integrated electronic trailer
brake controller (TBC) and a trailer with electric trailer brakes is
connected to your vehicle, the RSS will be disabled. When the vehicle is
shifted into reverse, the message center display will remain in the Rear
Park Aid Off selection. For more information on the TBC, refer to the
Tires, Wheels and Loadingchapter.
Keep the RSS sensors (located on the rear bumper/fascia) free
from snow, ice and large accumulations of dirt (do not clean the
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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.
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If your vehicle goes off the edge of the pavement
•If your vehicle goes off the edge of the pavement, slow down, but
avoid severe brake application, ease the vehicle back onto the
pavement only after reducing your speed. Do not turn the steering
wheel too sharply while returning to the road surface.
•It may be safer to stay on the apron or shoulder of the road and slow
down gradually before returning to the pavement. You may lose
control if you do not slow down or if you turn the steering wheel too
sharply or abruptly.
•It often may be less risky to strike small objects, such as highway
reflectors, with minor damage to your vehicle rather than attempt a
sudden return to the pavement which could cause the vehicle to slide
sideways out of control or roll over. Remember, your safety and the
safety of others should be your primary concern.
WARNING:Vehicles with a higher center of gravity such as
utility and four-wheel drive vehicles handle differently than
vehicles with a lower center of gravity. Utility and four-wheel drive
vehicles arenotdesigned for cornering at speeds as high as passenger
cars any more than low-slung sports cars are designed to perform
satisfactorily under off-road conditions. Avoid sharp turns, excessive
speed and abrupt maneuvers in these vehicles. Failure to drive
cautiously could result in an increased risk of loss of vehicle control,
vehicle rollover, personal injury and death.
If your vehicle gets stuck
If your vehicle gets stuck in mud or snow it may be rocked out by
shifting between forward and reverse gears, stopping between shifts, in a
steady pattern. Press lightly on the accelerator in each gear.
Do not rock the vehicle if the engine is not at normal operating
temperature or damage to the transmission may occur.
Do not rock the vehicle for more than a few minutes or damage
to the transmission and tires may occur or the engine may
overheat.
WARNING:Do not spin the wheels at over 35 mph (56 km/h).
The tires may fail and injure a passenger or bystander.
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Emergency maneuvers
•In an unavoidable emergency situation where a sudden sharp turn
must be made, remember to avoid “over-driving” your vehicle, i.e.,
turn the steering wheel only as rapidly and as far as required to avoid
the emergency. Excessive steering will result in less vehicle control,
not more. Additionally, smooth variations of the accelerator and/or
brake pedal pressure should be utilized if changes in vehicle speed are
called for. Avoid abrupt steering, acceleration or braking which could
result in an increased risk of loss of vehicle control, vehicle rollover
and/or personal injury. Use all available road surface to return the
vehicle to a safe direction of travel.
•In the event of an emergency stop, avoid skidding the tires and do not
attempt any sharp steering wheel movements.
•If the vehicle goes from one type of surface to another (i.e., from
concrete to gravel) there will be a change in the way the vehicle
responds to a maneuver (steering, acceleration or braking). Again,
avoid these abrupt inputs.
Parking
On some 4WD vehicles, when the transfer case is in the N (Neutral)
position, 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.
WARNING:Always set the parking brake fully and make sure
the gearshift is latched in P (Park). Turn the ignition to the off
position and remove the key whenever you leave your vehicle.
WARNING:If the parking brake is fully released, but the brake
warning lamp remains illuminated, the brakes may not be
working properly. See your authorized dealer.
4WD systems
4WD (when you select a 4WD mode) uses all four wheels to power the
vehicle. This increases traction, enabling you to drive over terrain and
road conditions that a conventional two-wheel drive vehicle cannot.
Power is supplied to all four wheels through a transfer case. On 4WD
vehicles, the transfer case allows you to select 4WD when necessary.
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