2013 FORD F150 ignition

Mud and water
Note:Driving through deep water may damage the vehicle.
If you must drive through high water, drive slowly. Traction or brake
capability may be limited.
When driving through water, determine the depth; avoid water higher
than the bottom of the hubs (if possible) and proceed slowly. If the
ignition system gets wet, the vehicle may stall.
Once through water, always try the brakes. Wet brakes do not stop the
vehicle as effectively as dry brakes. Drying can be improved by moving
your vehicle slowly while applying light pressure on the brake pedal.
Be cautious of sudden changes in vehicle speed or direction when you
are driving in mud. Even 4WD vehicles can lose traction in slick mud. As
when you are driving over sand, apply the accelerator slowly and avoid
spinning your wheels. If the vehicle does slide, steer in the direction of
the slide until you regain control of the vehicle.
If the transmission, transfer case or front axle are submerged in water,
their fluids should be checked and changed, if necessary.
If the front or rear axle is submerged in water, the axle lubricant should
be replaced.
After driving through mud, clean off residue stuck to rotating driveshafts
and tires. Excess mud stuck on tires and rotating driveshafts causes an
imbalance that could damage drive components.
Tread Lightly is an educational
program designed to increase public
awareness of land-use regulations
and responsibilities in our nations
wilderness areas. Ford Motor
Company joins the U.S. Forest
Service and the Bureau of Land Management in encouraging you to help
preserve our national forest and other public and private lands by
treading lightly.
222Four-Wheel Drive (If Equipped)
2013 F-150(f12)
Owners Guide gf, 1st Printing
USA(fus)

Driving on snow and ice
WARNING:If you are driving in slippery conditions that require
tire chains or cables, then it is critical that you drive cautiously.
Keep speeds down, allow for longer stopping distances and avoid
aggressive steering to reduce the chances of a loss of vehicle control
which can lead to serious injury or death. If the rear end of the vehicle
slides while cornering, steer in the direction of the slide until you
regain control of the vehicle.
4WD vehicles have advantages over 2WD vehicles in snow and ice but
can skid like any other vehicle.
Should you start to slide while driving on snowy or icy roads, turn the
steering wheel in the direction of the slide until you regain control.
Avoid sudden applications of power and quick changes of direction on
snow and ice. Apply the accelerator slowly and steadily when starting
from a full stop.
Avoid sudden braking as well. Although a 4WD vehicle may accelerate
better than a two-wheel drive vehicle in snow and ice, it won’t stop any
faster, because as in other vehicles, braking occurs at all four wheels. Do
not become overconfident as to road conditions.
Make sure you allow sufficient distance between you and other vehicles
for stopping. Drive slower than usual and consider using one of the lower
gears. In emergency stopping situations, apply the brake steadily. Do not
pump the brakes. Refer to theBrakessection of this chapter for
additional information on the operation of the Anti-lock Brake System
(ABS).
Parking
WARNING:If the parking brake is fully released, but the brake
warning lamp remains illuminated, the brakes may not be
working properly. See your authorized dealer.
WARNING:Always set the parking brake fully and make sure
the gearshift is latched in P (Park). Turn the ignition to the off
position and remove the key whenever you leave your vehicle.
224Four-Wheel Drive (If Equipped)
2013 F-150(f12)
Owners Guide gf, 1st Printing
USA(fus)

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
2013 F-150(f12)
Owners Guide gf, 1st Printing
USA(fus)

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.
Brakes227
2013 F-150(f12)
Owners Guide gf, 1st Printing
USA(fus)

The sensing system warns the driver of obstacles within a certain range
of the bumper area. The system turns on automatically whenever the
ignition is switched on.
When receiving a detection warning, the radio volume is reduced to a
predetermined level. After the warning goes away, the radio volume
returns to the previous level.
Using the Rear Sensing System
The rear sensors are only active when the transmission is in R (Reverse).
As the vehicle moves closer to the obstacle, the rate of the audible
warning increases. When the obstacle is fewer than 10 inches (25
centimeters) away, the warning sounds continuously. If a stationary or
receding object is detected farther than 10 inches (25 centimeters) from
the side of the vehicle, the tone sounds for only three seconds. Once the
system detects an object approaching, the warning sounds again.
A. Coverage area of up to 6 feet
(2 meters) from the rear bumper
(with a decreased coverage area at
the outer corners of the bumper).
The system detects certain objects while the transmission is in R
(Reverse):
•and moving toward a stationary object at a speed of 3 mph (5 km/h)
or less.
•but not moving, and a moving object is approaching the rear of the
vehicle at a speed of 3 mph (5 km/h) or less.
•and moving at a speed of less than 3 mph (5 km/h) and a moving
object is approaching the rear of the vehicle at a speed of less than
3 mph (5 km/h).
A
Parking Aids235
2013 F-150(f12)
Owners Guide gf, 1st Printing
USA(fus)

Changing the Set Speed
Note:If you accelerate by pressing the accelerator pedal, the set speed
will not change. When you release the accelerator pedal, you will return
to the speed that you previously set.
•Press and holdSET +orSET –. Release the control when you reach
the desired speed.
•Press and releaseSET +orSET –. The set speed will change in
approximately 1 mph (2 km/h) increments.
•Press the accelerator or brake pedal until you reach the desired
speed. Press and releaseSET +.
Canceling the Set Speed
PressCNCLor tap the brake pedal. You will not erase the set speed.
Resuming the Set Speed
Press and releaseRSM.
Switching Cruise Control Off
Note:You will erase the set speed if you switch the system off.
Press and releaseOFFor switch the ignition off.
Cruise Control241
2013 F-150(f12)
Owners Guide gf, 1st Printing
USA(fus)

STEERING
Electric power steering (3.7L, 5.0L and 3.5L EcoBoost™ engines)
WARNING:The electric power steering system has diagnostic
checks that continuously monitor the system to ensure proper
operation. When a system error is detected the following message
Service Power Steering, Service Power Steering Now or Power Steering
Assist Fault may appear in the information display.
WARNING:The electric power steering system has diagnostics
checks that continuously monitor the system to ensure proper
operation of the electronic system. When an electronic error is detected,
Power Steering Assist Fault will be displayed in the information display. If
this happens, stop the vehicle in a safe place, and turn off the engine.
After at least 10 seconds, reset the system by restarting the engine, and
watch the information display for Power Steering Assist Fault. If the
message returns, or returns while driving, take the vehicle to your dealer
to have it checked. With the message displayed, the steering assist is
turned off, making the vehicle harder to steer.
WARNING:If Service Power Steering is displayed in the information
display, a problem with the system function has been detected. On
the next key cycle Service Power Steering Now will be displayed and
steering assist will be removed until the steering system is serviced. Have
your vehicle taken to the nearest dealer as soon as possible.
WARNING:Obtain immediate service if a system error is
detected. You may not notice any difference in the feel of your
steering, but a serious condition may exist. Failure to do so may result
in loss of steering control.
Your vehicle is equipped with an electric power-assisted steering system.
There is no fluid reservoir to check or fill.
If your vehicle loses electrical power while you are driving (or if the
ignition is turned off), you can steer the vehicle manually, but it takes
more effort. Extreme continuous steering may increase the effort it takes
for you to steer. This occurs to prevent internal overheating and
242Driving Aids
2013 F-150(f12)
Owners Guide gf, 1st Printing
USA(fus)

TAILGATE
Tailgate Lock (If Equipped)
The tailgate lock is designed to help
prevent theft of the tailgate.
Insert the ignition key into the
tailgate lock. Turn it to the right to
lock or to the left to unlock the
tailgate.
Tailgate Removal
WARNING:Always properly secure cargo to prevent shifting
cargo or cargo falling from vehicle, which could result in
compromised vehicle stability and serious personal injury to vehicle
occupants or others.
Your tailgate is removable to allow more room for loading.
Note:If equipped with a rearview camera system, do Steps 1 through 3
before removing the tailgate.
1. Before removing the tailgate,
locate and disconnect the tailgate
in-line connector. It is located under
the pickup box on the passenger
side of the vehicle near the spare
tire.
2. Install a protective cap (located
in the glove box) onto the in-line
rearview camera system connector
that remains under the pickup box.
3. Partially lower the tailgate and carefully feed the tailgate harness up
through the gap between the pickup box and the bumper. Place the
tailgate harness out of the way under the pickup box.
Load Carrying251
2013 F-150(f12)
Owners Guide gf, 1st Printing
USA(fus)