2013 FORD F150 Owners Manual

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.
Maintenance and modifications
The suspension and steering systems on your vehicle have been designed
and tested to provide predictable performance whether loaded or empty
and durable load carrying capability. For this reason, Ford Motor
Company strongly recommends that you do not make modifications such
as adding or removing parts (such as lift kits or stabilizer bars) or by
using replacement parts not equivalent to the original factory equipment.
Any modifications to a vehicle that raise the center of gravity can make
it more likely the vehicle will roll over as a result of a loss of control.
Ford Motor Company recommends that caution be used with any vehicle
equipped with a high load or device (such as ladder racks or pickup box
cover).
Failure to maintain your vehicle properly may void the warranty, increase
your repair cost, reduce vehicle performance and operational capabilities
and adversely affect driver and passenger safety. Frequent inspection of
vehicle chassis components is recommended if the vehicle is subjected to
heavy off-road usage.
Snow plow restriction
WARNING:Ford does not recommend the use of any F-150
model to be upfitted and equipped with snow plow hardware for
use as a snow plow vehicle.
Four-Wheel Drive (If Equipped)225
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GENERAL INFORMATION
Note: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 your
vehicle has continuous vibration or shudder in the steering wheel while
braking, it should be inspected by an authorized dealer.
Note:Brake dust may accumulate on the wheels, even under normal
driving conditions. Some dust is inevitable as the brakes wear and does
not contribute to brake noise. See theVehicle Carechapter for wheel
cleaning instructions.
See theInstrument Clusterchapter for information on the
brake system warning light.
Wet brakes result in reduced braking efficiency. Gently press the brake
pedal a few times when driving from a car wash or standing water to dry
the brakes.
Brake Over Accelerator
In the event the accelerator pedal becomes stuck or entrapped, apply
steady and firm pressure to the brake pedal to slow your vehicle and
reduce engine power. If you experience this condition, apply the brakes
and bring your vehicle to a safe stop. Turn the engine off, shift to
positionPand apply the parking brake, then inspect the accelerator
pedal for any interferences. If none are found and the condition persists,
have your vehicle towed to the nearest authorized dealer.
Brake Assist
Brake assist detects when you brake heavily by measuring the rate at
which you press the brake pedal. It provides maximum braking efficiency
as long as you press the pedal. Brake assist can reduce stopping
distances in critical situations.
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Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS)
This system helps you maintain steering control during emergency stops
by keeping the brakes from locking.
The ABS lamp momentarily illuminates when the ignition is
turned on. If the light does not illuminate during start-up,
remains on or flashes, the ABS may be disabled and may need
to be serviced.
If the ABS is disabled, normal braking is still effective. If the
brake warning lamp illuminates with the parking brake released,
have your brake system serviced immediately.
HINTS ON DRIVING WITH ANTI-LOCK BRAKES
When the system is operating, the brake pedal will pulse and may travel
further. Maintain pressure on the brake pedal. You may also hear a noise
from the system. This is normal.
The ABS will not eliminate the dangers inherent when:
•you drive too closely to the vehicle in front of you.
•your vehicle is hydroplaning.
•you take corners too fast.
•the road surface is poor.
PARKING BRAKE
WARNING:Always set the parking brake fully and make sure
that the transmission selector lever is securely latched in
positionP.
To set the parking brake, press the parking brake pedal down until the
pedal stops.
The BRAKE warning lamp will illuminate and will remain illuminated
until the parking brake is released.
To release, pull the brake release lever located at the lower left side of
the instrument panel.
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PRINCIPLES OF OPERATION
The traction control system helps avoid drive wheel spin and loss of
traction.
If your vehicle begins to slide, the system applies the brakes to individual
wheels and, when needed, reduces engine power at the same time. If the
wheels spin when accelerating on slippery or loose surfaces, the system
reduces engine power in order to increase traction.
USING TRACTION CONTROL
In certain situations (e.g. stuck in snow or mud), turning the traction
control off may be beneficial as this allows the wheels to spin with full
engine power.
Turn off the traction control system by pressing the
stability control button located on the center of the
instrument panel.
System indicator lights and messages
WARNING:If a failure has been detected within the Traction
Control System, the stability control light will illuminate steadily.
Verify that the Traction Control System was not manually disabled
using the stability control button. If the stability control light still
illuminates steadily, have the system serviced by an authorized dealer
immediately. Operating your vehicle with Traction Control disabled
could lead to an increased risk of loss of vehicle control, vehicle
rollover, personal injury and death.
The stability control light temporarily illuminates on engine
start-up and flashes when a driving condition activates the
stability system.
The stability control off light temporarily illuminates on engine
start-up and stays on when the traction control system is
turned off or if a problem occurs in the stability system.
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PRINCIPLES OF OPERATION
WARNING:Vehicle modifications involving braking system,
aftermarket roof racks, suspension, steering system, tire
construction or wheel/tire size may change the handling characteristics
of the vehicle and may adversely affect the performance of the
AdvanceTracsystem. In addition, installing any stereo loudspeakers
may interfere with and adversely affect the AdvanceTracsystem.
Install any aftermarket stereo loudspeaker as far as possible from the
front center console, the tunnel, and the front seats in order to
minimize the risk of interfering with the AdvanceTracsensors.
Reducing the effectiveness of the AdvanceTracsystem could lead to
an increased risk of loss of vehicle control, vehicle rollover, personal
injury and death.
WARNING:Remember that even advanced technology cannot
defy the laws of physics. It’s always possible to lose control of a
vehicle due to inappropriate driver input for the conditions. Aggressive
driving on any road condition can cause you to lose control of your
vehicle increasing the risk of personal injury or property damage.
Activation of the AdvanceTracsystem is an indication that at least
some of the tires have exceeded their ability to grip the road; this could
reduce the operator’s ability to control the vehicle potentially resulting
in a loss of vehicle control, vehicle rollover, personal injury and death. If
your AdvanceTracsystem activates, SLOW DOWN.
The AdvanceTracwith Roll Stability Control™ (RSC) system helps
you keep control of your vehicle when on a slippery surface. The
electronic stability control (ESC) portion of the system helps avoid skids
and lateral slides and roll stability control helps avoid a vehicle rollover.
The traction control system (TCS) helps avoid drive wheel spin and loss
of traction. For details on TCS operation, see theTraction Control
chapter.
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AVehicle without AdvanceTrac
with RSCskidding off its intended
route.
BVehicle with AdvanceTracwith
RSCmaintaining control on a
slippery surface.
USING ADVANCETRACWITH RSC
This system automatically activates when you start your engine. The ESC
and RSC portions of the system can be turned off below 35 mph
(56 km/h) and are disabled when the transmission is in positionR. The
traction control portion of the system can be turned off independently.
See theTraction Controlchapter.
AdvanceTracwith RSCFeatures
Button
functionsStability
control
OFF lightRSCESC TCS
Default at
start-upIlluminated
during bulb
checkEnabled Enabled Enabled
Button pressed
momentarilyIlluminated
solidEnabled Enabled
1Disabled1
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AdvanceTracwith RSCFeatures
Button
functionsStability
control
OFF lightRSCESC TCS
Button pressed
and held for
more than
5 seconds at
vehicle speed
under 35 mph
(56 km/h)Flashes then
illuminated
solid
2Disabled Disabled Disabled4
Vehicle speed
exceeds
35 mph
(56 km/h)
after button is
pressed and
held for more
than 5 secondsIlluminated
solidEnabled Enabled
1Disabled1
Button pressed
again after
deactivationNot
illuminatedEnabled Enabled Enabled
Transfer case
switched to
4WD Low
Locked
3
Illuminated Disabled Disabled Disabled4
1
TCS could be enabled but with higher entry thresholds compared to full
system. ESC entry thresholds are higher compared to full system.
2Lamp light starts blinking for three seconds after entering press and
hold state.
3Control switch is not pressed. Stability control light turned on when
4WD low locked transfer case mode selected.
4Engine traction control and two-wheel spin brake traction control
functions are disabled. Single wheel spin traction control is always
enabled.
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HILL DESCENT CONTROL™ (if equipped)
WARNING:Hill descent control cannot control descent in all
surface conditions and circumstances, such as ice or extremely
steep grades. Hill descent control is a driver assist system and cannot
substitute for good judgment by the driver. Failure to do so may result
in loss of vehicle control, crash or serious injury.
WARNING:Hill descent control does not provide hill hold at
zero mph (0 km/h). When stopped, the parking brake must be
applied and/or the vehicle must be placed in P (Park) or it may roll
away.
Hill descent control allows the driver to set and maintain vehicle speed
while descending steep grades in various surface conditions.
Hill descent control can maintain vehicle speeds on downhill grades
between 3 mph (5 km/h) and 20 mph (32 km/h). Above 20 mph
(32 km/h), the system remains armed, but descent speed cannot be set
or maintained.
Hill descent control requires a cooling down interval after a period of
sustained use. The amount of time that the feature can remain active
before cooling varies with conditions. The system will provide a warning
in the message center and a chime will sound when the system is about
to disengage for cooling. At this time, manually apply the brakes as
needed to maintain descent speed.
To enable hill descent control and set the descent speed, do the
following:
1. Press and release the hill descent button located on the
instrument panel. A light in the control will illuminate and
chime will sound when this feature is activated.
2. To increase descent speed, press the accelerator pedal until the
desired speed is reached. To decrease descent speed, press the brake
pedal until the desired speed is reached.
Whether accelerating or decelerating, once the desired descent speed is
reached, remove your feet from the pedals and the chosen vehicle speed
will be maintained.
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