2012 FORD F150 ABS

Powertrain malfunction/Reduced
power/Electronic throttle
control (RTT):Displays when the
engine has defaulted to a
“limp-home” operation or when a transmission problem has been
detected and shifting may be restricted. If the light remains on, have the
system serviced immediately by your authorized dealer.
Check 4X4 (RTT) (if equipped):
Displays with the message CHECK
4X4 when a four-wheel drive fault is
present.
Refer toMessage centerin this chapter.
Brake system warning light:To
confirm the brake system warning
light is functional, it will
momentarily illuminate when the
ignition is turned to the on position
when the engine is not running, or in a position between on and start, or
by applying the parking brake when the ignition is turned to the on
position.
If the brake system warning light does not illuminate at this time, seek
service immediately from your authorized dealer. Illumination after
releasing the parking brake indicates low brake fluid level and the brake
system should be inspected immediately by your authorized dealer.
WARNING:Driving a vehicle with the brake system warning
light on is dangerous. A significant decrease in braking
performance may occur. It will take you longer to stop the vehicle.
Have the vehicle checked by your authorized dealer. Driving extended
distances with the parking brake engaged can cause brake failure and
the risk of personal injury.
Anti-lock brake system:If the
ABS light stays illuminated or
continues to flash, a malfunction has
been detected, have the system
serviced immediately by your
authorized dealer. Normal braking is still functional unless the brake
warning light also is illuminated.
P!
BRAKE
ABS
Instrument Cluster
14
2012 F-150(f12)
Owners Guide, 1st Printing
USA(fus)

Types of messages and warnings:
•Some messages will appear briefly to inform you of something you
may need to take action on or be informed of.
•Some messages will appear once and then again when the vehicle is
restarted.
•Some messages will reappear after clearing or being reset if a problem
or condition is still present and needs your attention.
•Some messages can be acknowledged and reset by pressing RESET.
This allows you to use the full message center functionality by clearing
the message.
DRIVER DOOR AJAR— Displayed when the driver door is not
completely closed.
PASSENGER DOOR AJAR— Displayed when the passenger door is
not completely closed.
REAR LEFT DOOR AJAR— Displayed when the rear left door is not
completely closed.
REAR RIGHT DOOR AJAR— Displayed when the rear right door is
not completely closed.
FUEL LEVEL LOW— Displayed as an early reminder of a low fuel
condition.
PARK BRAKE ENGAGED— Displayed when the parking brake is set,
the engine is running and the vehicle is driven more than 3 mph
(5 km/h). If the warning stays on after the parking brake is released,
contact your authorized dealer as soon as possible.
CHECK BRAKE SYSTEM— Displayed when a fault has been detected
by the ABS module.
CHECK CHARGING SYSTEM— Displayed when the electrical system
is not maintaining proper voltage. If you are operating electrical
accessories when the engine is idling at a low speed, turn off as many of
the electrical loads as soon as possible. If the warning stays on or comes
on when the engine is operating at normal speeds, contact your
authorized dealer as soon as possible.
TURN POWER OFF TO SAVE BATT (if equipped)— Displayed
when the battery management system determines that:
•the battery is at a low state of charge or,
•the ignition has been in accessory position or on position with the
engine off for approximately 45 minutes.
Instrument Cluster
25
2012 F-150(f12)
Owners Guide, 1st Printing
USA(fus)

The adjustable head restraints
consist of :
•a trimmed energy absorbing foam
and structure (1),
•two steel stems (2),
•a guide sleeve adjust/release
button (3),
•and a guide sleeve unlock/remove
button (4).
To adjust the head restraint, do the following:
1. Adjust the seatback to an upright driving/riding position.
2. Raise the head restraint by pulling up on the head restraint.
3. Lower the head restraint by pressing and holding the guide sleeve
adjust/release button (3) and pushing down on the head restraint.
Properly adjust the head restraint so that the top of the head restraint is
even with the top of your head and positioned as close as possible to the
back of your head. For occupants of extremely tall stature, adjust the
head restraint to its full up position.
WARNING:The adjustable head restraint is a safety device.
Whenever possible it should be installed and properly adjusted
when the seat is occupied.
To remove the adjustable head restraint, do the following:
1. Pull up the head restraint until it reaches the highest adjustment
position.
2. Simultaneously press and hold both the adjust/release button (3) and
the unlock/remove button (4), then pull up on the head restraint.
Seating and Safety Restraints
161
2012 F-150(f12)
Owners Guide, 1st Printing
USA(fus)

First-row center seat non-adjustable head restraints (if equipped)
Your vehicle may be equipped with a first-row center head restraint that
is non-adjustable.
WARNING:To minimize the risk of neck injury in the event of a
crash, the driver and passenger occupants should not sit in
and/or operate the vehicle, until the head restraint is placed in its
proper position. The driver should never adjust the head restraint
while the vehicle is in motion.
The non-adjustable head restraints
consist of:
•a trimmed energy absorbing foam
and structure (1),
•two steel stems (2),
•and two guide sleeve
unlock/remove buttons (3).
To remove the non-adjustable head restraint, do the following:
1. Simultaneously press and hold
both unlock/remove buttons, then
pull up on the head restraint.
Seating and Safety Restraints
163
2012 F-150(f12)
Owners Guide, 1st Printing
USA(fus)

Climate controlled seats air filter replacement (if equipped)
The heated and cooled seat system includes air filters that must be
replaced periodically. Refer toScheduled maintenance information.
•There is a filter located under
each front seat.
•The filter can be accessed from the 2nd row foot-well area. Move the
front seats all the way to the full front and full up positions to ease
access.
To remove an air filter:
1. Turn the vehicle off.
2. Push up on the outside rigid edge
of the filter until the tabs are
released, then rotate the air filter
toward the front of the vehicle.
3. Remove filter.
Seating and Safety Restraints
172
2012 F-150(f12)
Owners Guide, 1st Printing
USA(fus)

To install a filter:
1. First, position the filter in its
housing making sure that the far
forward end is all the way up in the
housing.
2. Push in on the center of the
outside edge of the filter and rotate
up into the housing until it clips into
position.
REAR SEATS
Second row head restraints
Your vehicle is equipped with head restraints that are vertically adjustable.
WARNING:To minimize the risk of neck injury in the event of a
crash, the driver and passenger occupants should not sit in
and/or operate the vehicle, until the head restraint is placed in its
proper position. The driver should never adjust the head restraint
while the vehicle is in motion.
WARNING:The adjustable head restraint is a safety device.
Whenever possible it should be installed and properly adjusted
when the seat is occupied.
The adjustable head restraints
consist of :
•a trimmed energy absorbing foam
and structure (1),
•two steel stems (2),
•a guide sleeve adjust/release
button (3),
•and a guide sleeve unlock/remove
button (4).
The second row head restraints look differently than the front head
restraints, but function similarly. For details about how to raise, lower
and remove/reinstall the second row head restraints, refer toAdjustable
head restraintsat the beginning of this chapter.
Seating and Safety Restraints
173
2012 F-150(f12)
Owners Guide, 1st Printing
USA(fus)

WIRING FAULT ON TRAILER:This message is displayed when a
Short circuit on the electric brake output wirehas occurred. If the
WIRING FAULT ON TRAILERmessage is displayed and accompanied
by a single chime, with no trailer connected, the problem is with the
vehicle wiring from the TBC to the 7–pin connector at the bumper. If the
message is only displayed with a trailer connected, the problem is related
to the trailer wiring; consult your trailer dealer for assistance. This can
be a short to ground (i.e., chaffed wire) or a short to voltage (i.e., pulled
pin on trailer emergency break-away battery) or trailer brakes drawing
too much current.
Note:Your TBC can be diagnosed by your authorized dealer to determine
exactly which trailer fault has occurred; however, if the fault is with the
trailer this diagnosis isnotcovered under your Ford warranty.
Points to Remember:
•Remember to adjust gain setting before using the TBC for the first
time.
•Readjust gain setting on the TBC (according to procedure above)
whenever road, weather and trailer or vehicle loading conditions
change from those that existed when the gain was initially set.
•The sliding lever on the TBC should be used only for manual
activation of trailer brakes to assist with proper adjustment of the
GAIN. Misuse, such as application during trailer sway, could cause
instability of trailer and/or tow vehicle.
•Avoid towing in adverse weather conditions. The TBC does not
provide anti-lock control of the trailer wheels. Trailer wheels can lock
up on slippery surfaces, resulting in reduced stability of trailer and
tow vehicle.
•The TBC is equipped with a feature which reduces output at vehicle
speeds below 11 mph (18 km/h) so trailer and vehicle braking is not
jerky or harsh. This feature is only available when applying the brakes
using the vehicle’s brake pedal, not the TBC.
•The TBC interacts with the brake system of the vehicle, including
ABS, in order to reduce the likelihood of trailer wheel lock-up;
therefore, if these systems are not functioning properly, the TBC may
not function at full performance.
•Your vehicle’s brake system and the trailer brake system work
independently of each other; changing the GAIN setting on the TBC
does not affect the operation of your vehicle’s brakes whether a trailer
is attached or not.
Tires, Wheels and Loading
273
2012 F-150(f12)
Owners Guide, 1st Printing
USA(fus)

•Finally, have the engine block heater system checked during your fall
tune-up to be sure it’s in good working order.
How to use the engine block heater
Ensure the receptacle terminals are clean and dry prior to use. To clean
them, use a dry cloth.
Depending on the type of factory installed equipment, your engine block
heater system may consume anywhere between 400 watts or 1000 watts
of power per hour. Your factory installed block heater system does not
have a thermostat; however, maximum temperature is attained after
approximately three hours of operation. Block heater operation longer
than three hours will not improve system performance and will
unnecessarily use additional electricity.
Make sure system is unplugged and properly stowed before driving the
vehicle. While not in use, make sure the protective cover seals the
prongs of the engine block heater cord plug.
BRAKES
Occasional brake noise is normal. If a metal-to-metal, continuous grinding
or continuous squeal sound is present, the brake linings may be worn-out
and should be inspected by an authorized dealer. If the vehicle has
continuous vibration or shudder in the steering wheel while braking, the
vehicle should be inspected by an authorized dealer.
Refer toWarning lights and
chimesin theInstrument Cluster
chapter for information on the brake
system warning light.
Four-wheel anti-lock brake system (ABS)
Your vehicle is equipped with an anti-lock braking system (ABS). This
system helps you maintain steering control during emergency stops by
keeping the brakes from locking. Noise from the ABS pump motor and
brake pedal pulsation may be observed during ABS braking and the
brake pedal may suddenly travel a little farther as soon as ABS braking is
done and normal brake operation resumes. These are normal
characteristics of the ABS and should be no reason for concern.
Using ABS
When hard braking is required, apply continuous force on the brake
pedal. Do not pump the brake pedal since this will reduce the
P!
BRAKE
Driving
284
2012 F-150(f12)
Owners Guide, 1st Printing
USA(fus)