2013 FORD F150 ECO mode

Using the Electronic Shift on the Fly 4WD system (If Equipped)
2H (4X2)- Delivers power to the
rear wheels only. This mode is
appropriate for normal on-road
driving and provides the best fuel
economy and smoothness.
4H (4X4 HIGH)- provides
mechanically locked four-wheel
drive power to the front and rear
wheels. This position is not
recommended for use on dry
pavement. This position is only
intended for off-road or winter conditions, such as deep snow, ice or
shallow sand.
Note:Do not use 4H (4X4 HIGH) on dry, hard surfaced roads. Doing so
can produce excessive noise and increased tire wear. 4H (4X4 HIGH) is
only intended for consistently slippery or loose surfaces.
4L (4X4 LOW)- Provides mechanically locked four-wheel drive when
extra power at reduced speeds is required. This position is not
recommended for use on dry pavement. Use this position for off-road
low-speed operation or when extra power is required, such as climbing
steep grades, going through deep sand or pulling a boat out of the water.
4L (4X4 LOW) will not engage while the vehicle is moving above 3 mph
(5 km/h); this is normal and should be no reason for concern. Refer to
Shifting to/from 4L (4X4 LOW) for proper operation.
Note:Do not use 4L (4X4 LOW) on dry, hard surfaced roads. Doing so
can produce excessive noise and increased tire wear. 4L (4X4 LOW) is
only intended for consistently slippery or loose surfaces.
2H
4H
4L
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Using the 2-Speed Automatic 4WD System (If Equipped)
This system includes an
electronically controlled transfer
case with a high capacity clutch.
The system is interactive with the
road, continually monitoring and
adjusting torque delivery to the
front and rear wheels to optimize
traction.
•2H (4X2)- delivers power to the
rear wheels only. This mode is
appropriate for normal on-road
driving on dry pavement and provides best fuel economy and
smoothness.
•4A (4X4 AUTO)- provides electronic control four-wheel drive with
power delivered to the front and rear wheels, as required, for
increased traction. This is appropriate for all on-road driving
conditions, including as dry road surfaces, but is especially useful on
wet pavement, snow, dirt, or gravel.
•4H (4X4 HIGH)- provides electronically locked four-wheel drive
power to front and rear wheels. This position is not recommended for
use on dry pavement. This position is only intended for severe winter
or off-road conditions, such as deep snow, ice or shallow sand.Note:
Do not use 4H (4X4 HIGH) on dry, hard surfaced roads. Doing so can
produce excessive noise and increased tire wear. 4H (4X4 HIGH) is
only intended for consistently slippery or loose surfaces. Use of 4H
(4X4 HIGH) on these surfaces may produce some noise (such as
occasional clunks), but will not damage drive components.
•4L (4X4 LOW)- provides electronically locked four-wheel drive when
extra power at reduced speeds is required. This position is not
recommended for use on dry pavement. Use this position for off-road
low-speed operation or when extra power is required, such as climbing
steep grades, going through deep sand or pulling a boat out of the
water. 4L (4X4 LOW) will not engage while the vehicle is moving
above 3 mph (5 km/h); this is normal and should be no reason for
concern. Refer toShifting to/from 4L (4X4 LOW)for proper
operation.
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IfSHIFT DELAYED PULL FORWARDis displayed in the message
center, transfer case gear tooth blockage is present. To alleviate this
condition, place the transmission in a forward gear, move the vehicle
forward approximately 5 feet (2 meters), and shift the transmission back
to neutral to allow the transfer case to complete the range shift.
Note:Some noise may be heard as the system shifts or engages; this is
normal.
Note:4x4 low mode is not intended for use on dry pavement
Electronic Locking Differential (ELD) (If Equipped)
Note:The ELD is designed for off-road use only and is not intended for
use on dry pavement. Using the ELD on dry pavement will result in
increased tire wear, noise and vibration.
The electronic locking differential (ELD) is a device housed in the rear
axle which allows both rear wheels to turn at the same speed. The ELD
can provide additional traction should the vehicle become stuck. The
ELD is electronically activated by the driver and can be shifted on the fly
within the ELD operating speed range. It is intended for use in mud,
rocks, sand, or any off-road condition where maximum traction is
needed. It is not intended for use on dry pavement.
The ELD is affected by the following conditions:
•The ELD will not engage if the vehicle speed is above 20 mph
(32 km/h) in 4x2, 4x4 Auto, or 4x4 High modes.
•The ELD will not engage if the vehicle speed is above or 56 mph
(90 km/h) in 4X4 Low.
•The ELD will not engage if the accelerator pedal is pressed beyond
50% during an engagement attempt
•In 4x2, 4x4 Auto, and 4x4 High modes, the ELD will automatically
disengage at speeds above 25 mph (41 km/h) and will automatically
reengage at speeds below 20 mph (32 km/h).
•In 4L (4X4 low), the ELD will automatically disengage at speeds above
62 mph (100 km/h) and will automatically reengage at speeds below
56 mph (90 km/h).
•The AdvanceTrac system has the ability to take over control of the
ELD and disable it during driving maneuvers when necessary.
If the required conditions for ELD activation are not met when the switch
is actuated, the instrument cluster will display the appropriate information
guiding the driver through the proper ELD activation process.
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Truck and utility vehicles can differ from some other vehicles. Your
vehicle may be higher to allow it to travel over rough terrain without
getting hung up or damaging underbody components.
The differences that make your vehicle so versatile also make it handle
differently than an ordinary passenger car.
Maintain steering wheel control at all times, especially in rough terrain.
Since sudden changes in terrain can result in abrupt steering wheel
motion, make sure you grip the steering wheel from the outside. Do not
grip the spokes.
Drive cautiously to avoid vehicle damage from concealed objects such as
rocks and stumps.
You should either know the terrain or examine maps of the area before
driving. Map out your route before driving in the area. To maintain
steering and braking control of your vehicle, you must have all four
wheels on the ground and they must be rolling, not sliding or spinning.
Driving Off-Road With Truck and Utility Vehicles
Note:On some 4WD models, the initial shift from two-wheel drive to
four-wheel drive while the vehicle is moving can cause some momentary
clunk and ratcheting sounds. This is the front drivetrain coming up to
speed and the automatic locking hubs engaging and is not cause for
concern.
Note:Your vehicle may be equipped with a front air dam that can
become damaged (due to reduced ground clearance) when taking your
vehicle off-road. This air dam can be taken off by removing two bolts.
4WD vehicles are specially equipped for driving on sand, snow, mud and
rough terrain and have operating characteristics that are somewhat
different from conventional vehicles, both on and off the road.
Power is supplied to all four wheels through a transfer case. On 4WD
vehicles, the transfer case allows you to select 4WD when necessary.
Information on transfer case operation and shifting procedures can be
found in this chapter. Information on transfer case maintenance can be
found in theMaintenancechapter. You should become thoroughly
familiar with this information before you operate your vehicle.
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.
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For vehicles equipped with a 3.5L Ecoboost™ engine:
Your vehicle is equipped with an underbody transmission shield and
brackets that may become damaged (due to reduced ground clearance)
when taking your vehicle off-road. Remove the shield by disengaging the
fasteners at each corner of the shield. Then, remove the shield rear
brackets by removing the bracket to frame bolts, or have your authorized
dealer perform the work for you.
Basic Operating Principles In Special Conditions
•Do not use 4WD on dry, hard surfaced roads. Doing so will produce
excessive noise, increase tire wear and may damage drive components.
4WD modes are only intended for consistently slippery or loose
surfaces.
•Drive slower in strong crosswinds which can affect the normal steering
characteristics of your vehicle.
•Be extremely careful when driving on pavement made slippery by
loose sand, water, gravel, snow or ice.
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.
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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.
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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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Note:Noise from the ABS pump motor may be observed during hill
descent control operation. This is a normal characteristic of the ABS and
should be no reason for concern.
Hill descent modes
•At speeds below 20 mph (32 km/h): When the hill decent control
button is pressed and hill decent control is active, HILL DESCENT
CONTROL ACTIVE will appear in the message center for several
seconds.
•At speeds below 20 mph (32 km/h): When the hill decent control
button is pressed and conditions are not correct for hill descent
activation, the HDC system will be enabled, the light on the button
will be on solid and HILL DESCENT CONTROL READY will be
displayed in the message center for several seconds.
•At speeds above 20 mph (32 km/h): When the hill decent control
button is pressed, the hill decent control system will be enabled, the
light on the button will be illuminated, and FOR HILL CNTRL, 20 MPH
OR LESS will be displayed in the message center for several seconds.
•For hill decent control to enable, the vehicle must be in a drive gear
or (R) Reverse. If the vehicle is in P (Park) or N (Neutral) and the
hill decent control button is pressed, FOR HILL CNTRL, SELECT
GEAR will be displayed in the message center for several seconds.
Refer toWarning lamps and indicatorsin theInstrument Cluster
chapter for hill descent control messages.
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