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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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
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Engine Messages Action / Description
POWER REDUCED
TO LOWER ENGINE
TEMPDisplayed when the engine temperature gauge
needle moves to H. You may notice reduced
engine power. Refer toEngine coolantin the
Maintenancechapter for more information.
Fuel Messages Action / Description
CHECK FUEL FILL
INLETDisplayed when the fuel fill inlet may not be
properly closed.
FUEL LEVEL LOWDisplayed as an early reminder of a low fuel
condition.
Key Messages Action / Description
COULD NOT
PROGRAM
INTEGRATED KEYDisplayed when an attempt is made to
program a fifth integrated key. For more
information, refer to theSecuritychapter.
TO DRIVE: TURN
KEY TO ONDisplayed when the factory equipped remote
start is activated.
Maintenance
MessagesAction / Description
ENGINE OIL
CHANGE SOONDisplayed when the engine oil life is nearing
its end.
OIL CHANGE
REQUIREDDisplayed when the oil life left reaches 0%.
SERVICE POWER
STEERINGThe power steering system has detected a
condition that requires service. See your
authorized dealer.
SERVICE POWER
STEERING NOWThe power steering system has detected a
condition within the power steering system
that requires service immediately. See your
authorized dealer.
POWER STEERING
ASSIST FAULTThe power steering system has disabled power
steering assist due to a system error. See your
authorized dealer.
Information Displays127
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BREAKING-IN
You need to break in new tires for approximately 300 mi (480 km).
During this time, your vehicle may exhibit some unique driving
characteristics. Avoid driving too fast during the first 1000 mi (1600 km).
Vary your speed frequently and change up through the gears early. Do
not labor the engine. Do not tow during the first 1000 miles (1600 km).
ECONOMICAL DRIVING
Fuel economy is affected by several things, such as how you drive, the
conditions you drive under and how you maintain your vehicle.
There are some things to keep in mind that may improve your fuel
economy:
•Accelerate and slow down in a smooth, moderate fashion.
•Drive at steady speeds without stopping.
•Anticipate stops; slowing down may eliminate the need to stop.
•Combine errands and minimize stop-and-go driving.
•Close the windows for high-speed driving.
•Drive at reasonable speeds (traveling at 55 mph [88 km/h] uses 15%
less fuel than traveling at 65 mph [105 km/h]).
•Keep the tires properly inflated and use only the recommended size.
•Use the recommended engine oil.
•Perform all regularly scheduled maintenance.
There are also some things you may not want to do because they may
reduce your fuel economy:
•Sudden or hard accelerations.
•Rev the engine before turning it off.
•Idle for periods longer than one minute.
•Warm up your vehicle on cold mornings.
•Use the air conditioner or front defroster.
•Use the speed control in hilly terrain.
•Rest your foot on the brake pedal while driving.
•Drive a heavily loaded vehicle or tow a trailer.
278Driving Hints
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•Rear ballast weight behind the rear axle may be required to prevent
exceeding the FGAWR, and provide front-to-rear weight balance for
proper braking and steering.
•Front wheel toe may require re-adjustment to prevent premature
uneven tire wear. Specifications are found in the FordWorkshop
Manual.
•Headlight aim may require re-adjustment.
•The tire air pressures recommended for general driving are found on
the vehicle’s Safety Certification Label. The maximum cold inflation
pressure for the tire and associated load rating is imprinted on the tire
sidewall. Tire air pressure may require re-adjustment within these
pressure limits to accommodate the additional weight of the snowplow
installation.
•Federal and some local regulations require additional exterior lamps
for snowplow-equipped vehicles. Consult your authorized dealer for
additional information.
Operating the Vehicle with the Snowplow Attached
Note:Do not use your vehicle for snow removal until it has been driven
at least 500 miles (800 kilometers).
Ford recommends vehicle speed does not exceed 45 mph (72 km/h)
when snowplowing.
The attached snowplow blade restricts airflow to the radiator, and may
cause the engine to run at a higher temperature: Attention to engine
temperature is especially important when outside temperatures are
above freezing. Angle the blade to maximize airflow to the radiator and
monitor engine temperature to determine whether a left or right angle
provides the best performance.
Follow the severe duty schedule in yourscheduled maintenance
informationfor engine oil and transmission fluid change intervals.
282Driving Hints
2013 F-150(f12)
Owners Guide gf, 1st Printing
USA(fus)