TRAILER SWAY CONTROL (IF EQUIPPED)
Note:This feature does not prevent trailer sway, but reduces it once it
begins.
Note:This feature cannot stop all trailers from swaying.
Note:In some cases, if vehicle speed is too high, the system may
activate multiple times, gradually reducing vehicle speed.
This feature applies the vehicle brakes at individual wheels and, if
necessary, reduces engine power. If the trailer begins to sway, the
stability control light flashes and the messageTRAILER SWAY
REDUCE SPEEDappears in the information display. The first thing to
do is slow the vehicle down, then pull safely to the side of the road and
check for proper tongue load and trailer load distribution. See theLoad
Carryingchapter for specific loading information.
RECOMMENDED TOWING WEIGHTS
Note:Do not exceed a trailer weight of 5000 pounds (2268 kilograms)
when towing with, or by, bumper only.
Note:Do not exceed a trailer weight of 5000 pounds (2268 kilograms) if
your vehicle is not equipped with a Heavy-duty Trailer Towing Package.
Note:Trailer frontal area is the total area in square feet (meters) that a
moving vehicle and trailer are exposed to air resistance. The following
trailer frontal area limitations should be considered in selecting a trailer
based on your vehicle configuration:
•Equal to the base vehicle frontal area on vehicles without the Trailer
Tow Package or the Heavy Duty Payload Package.
•60 feet
2(5.57 meters2) on vehicles with the Trailer Tow Package or
the Heavy Duty Payload Package.
Note:Exceeding these limitations may significantly reduce the
performance of your towing vehicle. Selecting a trailer with a low
aerodynamic drag and rounded front design will help optimize
performance and fuel economy.
Note:For high altitude operation, reduce the gross combined weight by
2% per 1000 feet (300 meters) starting at the 1000 foot (300 meter)
elevation point.
Note:Certain states require electric trailer brakes for trailers over a
specified weight. Be sure to check state regulations for this specified
weight. The maximum trailer weights listed may be limited to this
specified weight, as the vehicle’s electrical system may not include the
wiring connector needed to activate electric trailer brakes.
260Towing
2013 F-150(f12)
Owners Guide gf, 1st Printing
USA(fus)
Using a Step Bumper (If Equipped)
The rear bumper is equipped with an integral hitch and only requires a ball
with a one inch (25.4 millimeter) shank diameter. The bumper has a
5000 pound (2268 kilogram) trailer weight and 500 pound (227 kilogram)
tongue weight capacity.
If it is necessary to relocate the trailer hitch ball position, a
frame-mounted trailer hitch must be installed.
Before Towing a Trailer
Practice turning, stopping and backing up to get the feel of the
vehicle-trailer combination before starting on a trip. When turning, make
wider turns so the trailer wheels will clear curbs and other obstacles.
When Towing a Trailer
•Do not drive faster than 70 mph (113 km/h) during the first 500 miles
(800 kilometers).
•Do not make full-throttle starts.
•Check your hitch, electrical connections and trailer wheel lug nuts
thoroughly after you have traveled 50 miles (80 kilometers).
•When stopped in congested or heavy traffic during hot weather, place
gearshift in positionPto aid engine and transmission cooling and to
help A/C performance.
•Turn off the speed control with heavy loads or in hilly terrain. The
speed control may turn off automatically when you are towing on
long, steep grades.
•Shift to a lower gear when driving down a long or steep hill. Do not
apply the brakes continuously, as they may overheat and become less
effective.
•If your transmission is equipped with a Grade Assist or Tow/Haul
feature, use this feature when towing. This provides engine braking
and helps eliminate excessive transmission shifting for optimum fuel
economy and transmission cooling.
•If your vehicle is equipped with AdvanceTrac™ with RSC, you may
experience AdvanceTrac™ with RSC activations during typical
cornering maneuvers with a heavily loaded trailer; this is normal.
Cornering at a slower speed while towing reduces the tendency of the
AdvanceTrac™ stability enhancement system to activate.
272Towing
2013 F-150(f12)
Owners Guide gf, 1st Printing
USA(fus)
Should your vehicle shut off after a collision, you may restart your
vehicle by doing the following:
1. Turn the ignition off.
2. Turn the ignition on.
3. Repeat steps 1 and 2 to re-enable fuel pump.
Note:If your vehicle has the push button start system, press the
stop/start button twice to reactivate the fuel system.
JUMP-STARTING THE VEHICLE
WARNING:The gases around the battery can explode if exposed
to flames, sparks, or lit cigarettes. An explosion could result in
injury or vehicle damage.
WARNING:Batteries contain sulfuric acid which can burn skin,
eyes and clothing, if contacted.
Do not attempt to push-start your automatic transmission vehicle.
Automatic transmissions do not have push-start capability. Attempting to
push-start a vehicle with an automatic transmission may cause
transmission damage.
When the battery is disconnected or a new battery is installed, the
automatic transmission must relearn its shift strategy. As a result, the
transmission may exhibit a combination of firm and soft shifts. This
operation is considered normal and will not affect function or durability
of the transmission. Over time, the adaptive learning process will fully
update transmission operation.
Preparing Your Vehicle
Note:Use only a 12 volt supply to start your vehicle.
Note:Do not disconnect the battery of the disabled vehicle as this could
damage the vehicle’s electrical system.
1. Park the booster vehicle close to the hood of the disabled vehicle making
sure the two vehicles do not touch. Set the parking brake on both vehicles
and stay clear of the engine cooling fan and other moving parts.
2. Check all battery terminals and remove any excessive corrosion before
you attach the battery cables. Ensure that vent caps are tight and level.
3. Turn the heater fan on in both vehicles to protect from any electrical
surges. Turn all other accessories off.
Roadside Emergencies287
2013 F-150(f12)
Owners Guide gf, 1st Printing
USA(fus)
Fuse/Relay
NumberFuse Amp
RatingProtected Components
26 10A* Powertrain control module – keep
alive power and relay coil,
canister vent solenoid (3.7L, 5.0L
and 6.2L engines)
27 20A* Fuel pump relay power
28 10A* Upfitter 4 (SVT Raptor)
29 10A* 4x4 integrated wheel end
solenoid
30 10A* A/C clutch relay power
31 15A* Run/start relay power
32 40A** Rear window defroster relay
power, Heated mirror relay power
33 40A** 110 volt AC power point
34 40A** Powertrain control module relay
power (3.7L, 5.0L and 6.2L
engines)
50A** Powertrain control module relay
power (3.5L engine)
35 20A** High intensity discharge
headlamps – driver side
36 30A** Roll stability control / Anti-lock
brake system
37 — Trailer tow left stop/turn relay
38 — Trailer tow right stop/turn relay
39 — Trailer tow back-up lamps relay
40 — Electric fan relay
41 15A* Front camera washer (SVT
Raptor)
42 5A* Run/start relay coil
43 15A* Trailer tow back-up lamp relay
power
Fuses301
2013 F-150(f12)
Owners Guide gf, 1st Printing
USA(fus)
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.
Because your vehicle’s engine is electronically controlled by a computer,
some control conditions are maintained by power from the battery. When
the battery is disconnected or a new battery is installed, the engine must
relearn its idle and fuel trim strategy for optimum driveability and
performance. Flexible fuel vehicles (FFV) must also relearn the ethanol
content of the fuel for optimum driveability and performance. To begin
this process:
1. With the vehicle at a complete stop, set the parking brake.
2. Put the gearshift in P (Park), turn off all accessories and start the
engine.
3. Run the engine until it reaches normal operating temperature.
4. Allow the engine to idle for at least one minute.
5. Turn the A/C on and allow the engine to idle for at least one minute.
6. Release the parking brake. With your foot on the brake pedal and with
the A/C on, put the vehicle in D (Drive) and allow the engine to idle for
at least one minute.
Note:If you do not allow the engine to relearn its idle trim, the idle
quality of your vehicle may be adversely affected until the idle trim is
eventually relearned.
7. Drive the vehicle to complete the relearning process.
•The vehicle may need to be driven 10 miles (16 kilometers) or more
to relearn the idle and fuel trim strategy along with the ethanol
content for flexible fuel vehicles.
•
For flexible fuel vehicles, if you are operating on E85, you may
experience poor starts or an inability to start the engine and driveability
problems until the fuel trim and ethanol content have been relearned.
If the battery has been disconnected or a new battery has been installed,
the clock and radio settings must be reset once the battery is
reconnected.
Maintenance325
2013 F-150(f12)
Owners Guide gf, 1st Printing
USA(fus)
Important:Remember to replace the wheel valve stems when the road
tires are replaced on your vehicle.
It is recommended that the two front tires or two rear tires generally be
replaced as a pair.
The tire pressure sensors mounted in the wheels (originally installed on
your vehicle) are not designed to be used in aftermarket wheels.
The use of wheels or tires not recommended by Ford Motor Company
may affect the operation of your tire pressure monitoring system.
If the TPMS indicator is flashing, your TPMS is malfunctioning. Your
replacement tire might be incompatible with your TPMS, or some
component of the TPMS may be damaged.
Safety Practices
WARNING:If your vehicle is stuck in snow, mud, sand, etc., do
not rapidly spin the tires; spinning the tires can tear the tire and
cause an explosion. A tire can explode in as little as three to five seconds.
WARNING:Do not spin the wheels at over 35 mph (56 km/h).
The tires may fail and injure a passenger or bystander.
Driving habits have a great deal to do with your tire mileage and safety.
•Observe posted speed limits.
•Avoid fast starts, stops and turns.
•Avoid potholes and objects on the road.
•Do not run over curbs or hit the tire against a curb when parking.
Highway Hazards
No matter how carefully you drive, there is always the possibility that
you may eventually have a flat tire on the highway. Drive slowly to the
closest safe area out of traffic. This may further damage the flat tire, but
your safety is more important.
If you feel a sudden vibration or ride disturbance while driving, or you
suspect your tire or vehicle has been damaged, immediately reduce your
speed. Drive with caution until you can safely pull off the road. Stop and
inspect the tires for damage. If a tire is under-inflated or damaged,
deflate it, remove the wheel and replace it with your spare tire and
wheel. If you cannot detect a cause, have the vehicle towed to the
nearest repair facility or tire dealer to have the vehicle inspected.
366Wheels and Tires
2013 F-150(f12)
Owners Guide gf, 1st Printing
USA(fus)
TIRE PRESSURE MONITORING SYSTEM
WARNING:The tire pressure monitoring system is NOT a
substitute for manually checking tire pressure. The tire pressure
should be checked periodically (at least monthly) using a tire gauge.
SeeInflating Your Tiresin this chapter. Failure to properly maintain
your tire pressure could increase the risk of tire failure, loss of control,
vehicle rollover and personal injury.
Each tire, including the spare (if provided), should be checked
monthly when cold and inflated to the inflation pressure
recommended by the vehicle manufacturer on the vehicle
placard or tire inflation pressure label. (If your vehicle has tires of a
different size than the size indicated on the vehicle placard or tire
inflation pressure label, you should determine the proper tire inflation
pressure for those tires.)
As an added safety feature, your vehicle has been equipped with a tire
pressure monitoring system (TPMS) that illuminates a low tire pressure
telltale when one or more of your tires is significantly under-inflated.
Accordingly, when the low tire pressure telltale illuminates, you should
stop and check your tires as soon as possible, and inflate them to the
proper pressure. Driving on a significantly under-inflated tire causes the
tire to overheat and can lead to tire failure. Under-inflation also reduces
fuel efficiency and tire tread life, and may affect the vehicle’s handling
and stopping ability.
The TPMS is not a substitute for proper tire maintenance, and it is the
driver’s responsibility to maintain correct tire pressure, even if
under-inflation has not reached the level to trigger illumination of the
TPMS low tire pressure telltale.
Your vehicle has also been equipped with a TPMS malfunction indicator
to indicate when the system is not operating properly. The TPMS
malfunction indicator is combined with the low tire pressure telltale.
When the system detects a malfunction, the telltale will flash for
approximately one minute and then remain continuously illuminated.
This sequence will continue upon subsequent vehicle start-ups as long as
the malfunction exists.
When the malfunction indicator is illuminated, the system may not be
able to detect or signal low tire pressure as intended. TPMS malfunctions
may occur for a variety of reasons, including the installation of
replacement or alternate tires or wheels on the vehicle that prevent the
TPMS from functioning properly. Always check the TPMS malfunction
Wheels and Tires369
2013 F-150(f12)
Owners Guide gf, 1st Printing
USA(fus)
3. Cycle the ignition to the on position with the engine off.
4. Turn the hazard flashers on then off three times. This must be
accomplished within 10 seconds.
If the reset mode has been entered successfully, the horn will sound
once, the TPMS indicator will flash and a message is shown in the
information display (if equipped). If this does not occur, please try again
starting at Step 2.
If after repeated attempts to enter the reset mode, the horn does not
sound, the TPMS indicator does not flash and no message is shown in
the information display (if equipped), seek service from your authorized
dealer.
5.Note:Train the TPMS sensors in the tires using the following TPMS
reset sequence starting with the left front tire in the following clockwise
order:
•Left front (Driver’s side front tire)
•Right front (Passenger’s side front tire)
•Right rear (Passenger’s side rear tire)
•Left rear (Driver’s side rear tire)
6. Remove the valve cap from the valve stem on the left front tire;
decrease the air pressure until the horn sounds.
Note:The single horn chirp confirms that the sensor identification code
has been learned by the module for this position. If a double horn is
heard, the reset procedure was unsuccessful, and must be repeated.
7. Remove the valve cap from the valve stem on the right front tire;
decrease the air pressure until the horn sounds.
8. Remove the valve cap from the valve stem on the right rear tire;
decrease the air pressure until the horn sounds.
9. Remove the valve cap from the valve stem on the left rear tire;
decrease the air pressure until the horn sounds.
Training is complete after the horn sounds for the last tire trained
(driver’s side rear tire), the TPMS indicator stops flashing, and a
message is shown in the information display (if equipped)..
10. Turn the ignition off. If two short horn beeps are heard, the reset
procedure was unsuccessful and must be repeated.
If after repeating the procedure and two short beeps are heard when the
ignition is turned to off, seek assistance from your authorized dealer.
11. Set all four tires to the recommended air pressure as indicated on
the Safety Compliance Certification Label (affixed to either the door
374Wheels and Tires
2013 F-150(f12)
Owners Guide gf, 1st Printing
USA(fus)