2013 FORD F150 check engine

Roadside Emergencies 285
Getting roadside assistance..............................285
Hazard warning flashers................................286
Fuel cut-off switch....................................286
Jump-starting the vehicle...............................287
Customer Assistance 290
Reporting safety defects (U.S. only).......................297
Reporting safety defects (Canada only).....................297
Fuses 298
Changing a fuse......................................298
Fuse specification chart................................299
Maintenance 309
General information...................................309
Opening and closing the hood............................310
Under hood overview..................................311
Engine oil dipstick....................................315
Engine oil check......................................315
Engine coolant check..................................316
Automatic transmission fluid check........................322
Brake fluid check.....................................323
Power steering fluid check..............................323
Fuel filter...........................................323
Washer fluid check....................................324
Battery ............................................324
Checking the wiper blades..............................327
Air filter(s).........................................328
Adjusting the headlamps................................331
Changing a bulb......................................333
6Table of Contents
2013 F-150(f12)
Owners Guide gf, 1st Printing
USA(fus)

SYMBOL GLOSSARY
WARNING:You risk death or serious injury to yourself and
others if you do not follow the instruction highlighted by the
warning symbol.
These are some of the symbols you may see on your vehicle.
Symbol Description Symbol Description Symbol Description
Safety alertSee Owner’s
ManualAnti-lock
braking
system
Avoid
smoking,
flames, or
sparksBatteryBattery acid
Brake fluid –
non
petroleum
baseBrake systemCabin air
filter
Check fuel
capChild Safety
Door Lock
and UnlockChild seat
lower anchor
C hild seat
tether anchorCruise
controlDo not open
when hot
Engine air
filterEngine
coolantEngine
coolant
temperature
Engine oilExplosive gasFan warning
Fasten safety
beltFront airbagFront fog
lamps
10Introduction
2013 F-150(f12)
Owners Guide gf, 1st Printing
USA(fus)

GAUGES
Cluster shown in standard measure. Metric similar.
A. Engine oil pressure gauge
B. Engine coolant temperature gauge
C. Fuel gauge
D. Transmission fluid temperature gauge
E. Speedometer
F. Information display. SeeInformation displaysfor more information.
G. Tachometer
Engine Oil Pressure Gauge
Indicates engine oil pressure. The needle should stay in the normal
operating range. If the needle falls below the normal range, stop the
vehicle, turn off the engine and check the engine oil level. Add oil if
needed. If the oil level is correct, have your vehicle checked at your
authorized dealer.
FGE
ABCD
Instrument Cluster103
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Charging System
It will illuminate when the 12–volt battery is not charging properly.
Contact your authorized dealer as soon as possible. This indicates
a problem with the electrical system or a related component.
Check 4X4
Displays with the message CHECK 4X4 when a four-wheel drive
fault is present. Refer to theInformation Displayschapter for
more information.
Cruise Control (if equipped)
It will illuminate when you switch this feature on.
Direction Indicator
Illuminates when the left or right turn signal or the hazard
warning flasher is switched on. If the indicators stay on or flash
faster, check for a burned out bulb.
Door Ajar
Displays when the ignition is on and any door is not completely
closed.
Electronic Locking Differential
Displays when using the electronic locking differential.
Engine Oil
If it illuminates with the engine running or when you are
driving, this indicates a malfunction. Stop your vehicle as soon
as it is safe to do so and switch the engine off. Check the
engine oil level.
Note:Do not resume your journey if it illuminates despite the level
being correct. Have the system checked by your authorized dealer.
106Instrument Cluster
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USA(fus)

Engine Coolant Temperature
Illuminates when the engine coolant temperature is high. Stop the
vehicle as soon as possible, switch off the engine and let cool.
Fasten Safety belt
It will illuminate and a chime will sound to remind you to fasten
your safety belt.
High Beam
It will illuminate when the headlamp high beam is switched on.
It will flash when you use the headlamp flasher.
Hill Descent (if equipped)
Illuminates when hill descent is turned on.
Low Fuel Level
It will illuminate when the fuel level is low or near empty.
Refuel as soon as possible.
Low Tire Pressure Warning
It will illuminate when your tire pressure is low. If the lamp
remains on with the engine running or when driving, check
your tire pressure as soon as possible.
The lamp also illuminates momentarily when you switch the ignition on
to confirm the lamp is functional. If it does not illuminate when you
switch the ignition on, or begins to flash at any time, have the system
checked by your authorized dealer.
Powertrain Malfunction/Reduced Power/Electronic Throttle Control
Illuminates when a powertrain fault has been detected. Contact
your authorized dealer as soon as possible.
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Service Engine Soon
Theservice engine soonindicator light illuminates when the
ignition is first turned to the on position to check the bulb and
to indicate whether the vehicle is ready for
Inspection/Maintenance (I/M) testing. Normally, the “service engine soon”
light will stay on until the engine is cranked, then turn itself off if no
malfunctions are present. However, if after 15 seconds the “service
engine soon” light blinks eight times, it means that the vehicle is not
ready for I/M testing. See theReadiness for inspection/maintenance
(I/M) testingin theFuel and Refuelingchapter.
Solid illumination after the engine is started indicates the on-board
diagnostics system (OBD-II) has detected a malfunction. Refer to
On-board diagnostics (OBD-II)in theFuel and Refuelingchapter. If
the light is blinking, engine misfire is occurring which could damage your
catalytic converter. Drive in a moderate fashion (avoid heavy acceleration
and deceleration) and have your vehicle serviced immediately by your
authorized dealer.
WARNING:Under engine misfire conditions, excessive exhaust
temperatures could damage the catalytic converter, the fuel
system, interior floor coverings or other vehicle components, possibly
causing a fire.
Stability Control System
Displays when the AdvanceTrac/Traction control is active. If
the light remains on, have the system serviced immediately.
Stability Control System Off
Illuminates when AdvanceTrac/Traction control has been
disabled by the driver.
Transmission Tow/Haul
Illuminates when the Tow/Haul feature has been activated.
Refer to theTransmissionchapter for transmission function
and operation. If the light flashes steadily, have the system
serviced immediately, damage to the transmission could occur.
108Instrument Cluster
2013 F-150(f12)
Owners Guide gf, 1st Printing
USA(fus)

SETUP
LANGUAGE =
ENGLISH /
SPANISH /
FRENCHpress the
RESET buttonEnglish / Spanish / French
•RESET FOR SYSTEM CHECK: The message center will begin to cycle
through the vehicle systems and provide a status of the item if
needed. Some systems show a message only if a condition is present.
•OIL LIFE: This displays the remaining oil life. An oil change is
required whenever indicated by the message center and according to
the recommended maintenance schedule. USE ONLY
RECOMMENDED ENGINE OILS.
To reset the oil monitoring system to 100% after each oil change,
perform the following:
1. Press and release the SETUP button to display “OIL LIFE XXX%
HOLD RESET = NEW”.
2. Press and hold the RESET button for two seconds and release to reset
the oil life to 100%.
Note:To change oil life 100% value (if equipped with this feature) to
another value, proceed to Step 3.
3. Once “OIL LIFE SET TO XXX%” is displayed, release and press the
RESET button to change the Oil Life Start Value. Each release and press
will reduce the value by 10%.
•UNITS: Displays the current units in English or Metric.
•AUTOLAMP (SEC): This feature keeps your headlights on for up to
three minutes after the ignition is switched off.
•AUTOLOCK: This feature automatically locks all vehicle doors when
the vehicle is shifted into any gear, putting the vehicle in motion.
•AUTOUNLOCK: This feature automatically unlocks all vehicle doors
when the driver’s door is opened within 10 minutes of the ignition
being turned off.
•COURTESY WIPE: This feature allows for an extra swipe of the wipers
after a wipe/wash cycle.
•EASY ENTRY / EXIT: This feature automatically moves the driver’s
seat rearward and adjusts the steering wheel for easy exit/entry from
the vehicle.
Information Displays11 3
2013 F-150(f12)
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USA(fus)

Battery and
Charging System
MessagesAction / Description
TURN POWER OFF
TO SAVE BATTERYDisplayed when the battery management
system determines that the battery is at a low
state of charge or, the ignition has been in
accessory position or on position with the
engine off for approximately 45 minutes. Turn
the ignition off as soon as possible to protect
the battery. This message will clear once the
vehicle has been started and the battery state
of charge has recovered. Turning off
unnecessary electrical loads while driving will
allow faster battery state-of-charge recovery.
SeeBattery management systemin the
Maintenancechapter for more information.
LOW BATTERY
FEATURES
TEMPORARILY
TURNED OFFDisplayed when the battery management
system detects an extended low-voltage
condition. Various vehicle features will be
disabled to help preserve the battery. Turn off
as many of the electrical loads as soon as
possible to improve system voltage. If the
system voltage has recovered, the disabled
features will operate again as normal.
Brake System
MessagesAction / Description
BRAKE FLUID
LEVEL LOWIndicates the brake fluid level is low and the
brake system should be inspected immediately.
Refer toBrake fluidin theMaintenance
chapter.
CHECK BRAKE
SYSTEMDisplayed when the brake system needs
servicing. If the warning stays on or continues
to come on, contact your authorized dealer as
soon as possible.
PARK BRAKE
ENGAGEDDisplayed when the parking brake is set and
the vehicle is in motion.
Information Displays125
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