2013 FORD F150 coolant temperature

At this time, you may notice your engine coolant temperature gauge
needle move toward the H and the POWER REDUCED TO LOWER
TEMP message may appear in the information display.
You may notice a reduction in the vehicle’s speed caused by reduced
engine power. Your vehicle has been designed to enter this mode if
certain high temperature/high load conditions take place in order to
manage the engine’s fluid temperatures. The amount of speed reduction
will depend on the vehicle loading, towing, grade, ambient temperature,
and other factors. If this occurs, there is no need to pull off the road.
The vehicle can continue to be driven while this message is active.
The air conditioning may also cycle on and off during severe operating
conditions to protect overheating of the engine. When the engine coolant
temperature decreases to a more normal operating temperature, the air
conditioning will turn on once again.
If you notice any of the following:
•the engine coolant temperature gauge moves fully into the red (hot)
area
•the coolant temperature warning light illuminates
•the service engine soon indicator illuminates
1. Pull off the road as soon as safely possible and place the vehicle in P
(Park).
2. Leave the engine running until the coolant temperature gauge needle
moves away from the H range. After several minutes, if this does not
happen, follow the remaining steps.
3. Turn the engine off and wait for it to cool before checking the coolant
level.
WARNING:Never remove the coolant reservoir cap while the
engine is running or hot.
4. If the coolant level is normal, you may restart your engine and
continue on.
5. If the coolant is low, add coolant, restart the engine and take your
vehicle to an authorized dealer. SeeAdding engine coolantin this
chapter for more information.
Refer to fail-safe cooling for additional information.
Maintenance321
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BRAKE FLUID CHECK
Fluid levels between the MIN and MAX lines are within the normal
operating range; there is no need to add fluid. If the fluid levels are outside
of the normal operating range, the performance of the system could be
compromised; seek service from your authorized dealer immediately.
POWER STEERING FLUID CHECK (6.2L V8 ENGINE ONLY)
Check the power steering fluid at the proper intervals. Refer to
Scheduled Maintenance Information.
1. Start the engine and let it run until it reaches normal operating
temperature (the engine coolant temperature gauge indicator will be
near the center of the normal area between H and C).
2. While the engine idles, turn the steering wheel left and right several
times.
3. Turn the engine off.
4. Check the fluid level in the reservoir. It should be between the MIN
and MAX lines. Do not add fluid if the level is in this range.
5. If the fluid is low, add fluid in small amounts, continuously checking
the level until it reaches the range between the MIN and MAX lines. Be
sure to put the cap back on the reservoir. Refer toCapacities and
Specificationsfor the proper fluid type.
FUEL FILTER
Your vehicle is equipped with a lifetime fuel filter that is integrated with
the fuel tank. Regular maintenance or replacement is not needed.
WASHER FLUID CHECK
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.
Add fluid to fill the reservoir if the level is low. Only use a washer fluid
that meets Ford specifications. See the technical specifications chart in
theCapacities and Specificationschapter.
State or local regulations on volatile organic compounds may restrict the
use of methanol, a common windshield washer antifreeze additive.
Maintenance323
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Engine
•The engine oil and filter should be changed prior to storage, as used
engine oil contains contaminates that may cause engine damage.
•Start the engine every 15 days. Run at fast idle until it reaches normal
operating temperature.
•With your foot on the brake, shift through all the gears while the
engine is running.
Fuel system
•Fill the fuel tank with high-quality fuel until the first automatic shutoff
of the fuel pump nozzle.
Note:During extended periods of vehicle storage (30 days or more),
fuel may deteriorate due to oxidation. Add a quality gas stabilizer
product to the vehicle fuel system whenever actual or expected storage
periods exceed 30 days. Follow the instructions on the additive label.
The vehicle should then be operated at idle speed to circulate the
additive throughout the fuel system.
Cooling system
•Protect against freezing temperatures.
•When removing vehicle from storage, check coolant fluid level.
Confirm there are no cooling system leaks, and fluid is at the
recommended level.
Battery
•Check and recharge as necessary. Keep connections clean.
•If storing your vehicle for more than 30 days without recharging the
battery, it may be advisable to disconnect the battery cables to ensure
battery charge is maintained for quick starting.
Note:If battery cables are disconnected, it will be necessary to reset
memory features.
Brakes
•Make sure brakes and parking brake are fully released.
Tires
•Maintain recommended air pressure.
348Vehicle Care
2013 F-150(f12)
Owners Guide gf, 1st Printing
USA(fus)

Ordering additional owner’s
literature .................................296
Utilizing the
Mediation/Arbitration
Program ...................................294
D
Defrost .......................149, 151, 153
rear window ............................157
Dipstick
automatic transmission
fluid ..........................................322
engine oil .................................315
Display settings .........................519
Drivebelt ....................................385
Driving under special
conditions ..................210, 221, 223
sand .........................................221
snow and ice ...........................224
through water .................222, 279
Dual automatic temperature
control (DATC) .........................153
E
Electronic message center .......110
Electronic stability control ......230
Emergencies, roadside
jump-starting ..........................287
running out of fuel .................195
Emission control system ..........200
End user license agreement ....545
Engine ................................384–385
cleaning ...................................341
coolant .....................................316
fail-safe cooling .......................319
idle speed control ...................324
lubrication specifications .......386refill capacities ........................386
service points ..................311–314
Engine block heater .................191
Engine oil
checking and adding ..............315
dipstick ....................................315
filter, specifications ................392
refill capacities ........................386
specifications ..........................386
Event data recording ..................12
Exhaust fumes ..........................191
F
Fail safe cooling ........................319
Fleet MyKey programming ........69
Flexible Fuel Vehicle (FFV) ....193
Floor mats .................................280
Fluid capacities .........................386
Fog lamps ....................................92
Four-Wheel Drive vehicles .......212
description ..............................215
driving off road .......................219
electronic shift ........................213
indicator light .........................212
Fuel
cap ...........................................197
capacity ...................................386
choosing the right fuel ...........194
filler funnel .............................195
filling your vehicle with fuel ..197
filter, specifications ................323
fuel pump shut-off ..................286
octane rating ...........195, 384–385
quality ......................................194
running out of fuel .................195
safety information relating to
automotive fuels .....................193
Index565
2013 F-150(f12)
Owners Guide gf, 1st Printing
USA(fus)