
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)

BRAKE FLUID CHECK
Fluid levels between the MIN and MAX lines are within the normal
operating range; there is no need to add fluid. If the fluid levels are outside
of the normal operating range, the performance of the system could be
compromised; seek service from your authorized dealer immediately.
POWER STEERING FLUID CHECK (6.2L V8 ENGINE ONLY)
Check the power steering fluid at the proper intervals. Refer to
Scheduled Maintenance Information.
1. Start the engine and let it run until it reaches normal operating
temperature (the engine coolant temperature gauge indicator will be
near the center of the normal area between H and C).
2. While the engine idles, turn the steering wheel left and right several
times.
3. Turn the engine off.
4. Check the fluid level in the reservoir. It should be between the MIN
and MAX lines. Do not add fluid if the level is in this range.
5. If the fluid is low, add fluid in small amounts, continuously checking
the level until it reaches the range between the MIN and MAX lines. Be
sure to put the cap back on the reservoir. Refer toCapacities and
Specificationsfor the proper fluid type.
FUEL FILTER
Your vehicle is equipped with a lifetime fuel filter that is integrated with
the fuel tank. Regular maintenance or replacement is not needed.
WASHER FLUID CHECK
WARNING:If you operate your vehicle in temperatures below
40°F (5°C), use washer fluid with antifreeze protection. Failure
to use washer fluid with antifreeze protection in cold weather could
result in impaired windshield vision and increase the risk of injury or
accident.
Add fluid to fill the reservoir if the level is low. Only use a washer fluid
that meets Ford specifications. See the technical specifications chart in
theCapacities and Specificationschapter.
State or local regulations on volatile organic compounds may restrict the
use of methanol, a common windshield washer antifreeze additive.
Maintenance323
2013 F-150(f12)
Owners Guide gf, 1st Printing
USA(fus)

Engine
•The engine oil and filter should be changed prior to storage, as used
engine oil contains contaminates that may cause engine damage.
•Start the engine every 15 days. Run at fast idle until it reaches normal
operating temperature.
•With your foot on the brake, shift through all the gears while the
engine is running.
Fuel system
•Fill the fuel tank with high-quality fuel until the first automatic shutoff
of the fuel pump nozzle.
Note:During extended periods of vehicle storage (30 days or more),
fuel may deteriorate due to oxidation. Add a quality gas stabilizer
product to the vehicle fuel system whenever actual or expected storage
periods exceed 30 days. Follow the instructions on the additive label.
The vehicle should then be operated at idle speed to circulate the
additive throughout the fuel system.
Cooling system
•Protect against freezing temperatures.
•When removing vehicle from storage, check coolant fluid level.
Confirm there are no cooling system leaks, and fluid is at the
recommended level.
Battery
•Check and recharge as necessary. Keep connections clean.
•If storing your vehicle for more than 30 days without recharging the
battery, it may be advisable to disconnect the battery cables to ensure
battery charge is maintained for quick starting.
Note:If battery cables are disconnected, it will be necessary to reset
memory features.
Brakes
•Make sure brakes and parking brake are fully released.
Tires
•Maintain recommended air pressure.
348Vehicle Care
2013 F-150(f12)
Owners Guide gf, 1st Printing
USA(fus)

Exclusive Use of E85 (Flex Fuel Vehicles only)
Every oil change If ran exclusively on E85, fill the fuel tank full
with regular unleaded fuel.
SPECIAL OPERATING CONDITIONS – 6.2L ENGINE
If you operate your vehicleprimarilyin any of the following conditions,
you need to perform additional maintenance as indicated. If you
occasionallyoperate your vehicle under any of these conditions, it is
not necessary to perform the additional maintenance. For specific
recommendations, see your dealership service advisor or technician.
Towing a Trailer or Using a Camper or Car-top Carrier
Inspect frequently,
service as requiredInspect and lubricate U-joints.
See axle maintenance items under
Exceptions.
Every 5000 miles
(8000 km)Inspect wheels and related components for
abnormal noise, wear, looseness or drag.
Rotate tires, inspect tires for wear and
measure tread depth.
Every 5000 miles
(8000 km) or six
monthsChange engine oil and filter.
*
Inspect and lubricate U-joints.
Every 60000 miles
(96000 km)Change transfer case fluid (4WD vehicles).
*Reset your oil life monitoring system after each engine oil and filter
change. See theInstrument Clusterchapter.
416Scheduled Maintenance
2013 F-150(f12)
Owners Guide gf, 1st Printing
USA(fus)

Off-road Operation
Inspect frequently,
service as requiredInspect steering linkage, ball joints and
U-joints. Lubricate if equipped with grease
fittings.
Replace engine air filter.
Every 5000 miles
(8000 km)Change engine oil and filter.
*
Inspect the wheels and related components for
abnormal noise, wear, looseness or drag.
Rotate tires, inspect tires for wear and
measure tread depth.
Every 60000 miles
(96000 km)Change transfer case fluid (4WD vehicles).
*Reset your oil life monitoring system after each engine oil and filter
change. See theInstrument Clusterchapter.
Exclusive Use of E85 (Flex Fuel Vehicles only)
Every oil change If ran exclusively on E85, fill the fuel tank full
with regular unleaded fuel.
418Scheduled Maintenance
2013 F-150(f12)
Owners Guide gf, 1st Printing
USA(fus)

EXCEPTIONS
Normal vehicle axle maintenance:Rear axles and power take-off
(PTO) units with synthetic fluid and light-duty trucks equipped with
Ford-design axles are lubricated for life; do not check or change fluid
unless a leak is suspected, service is required or the assembly has been
submerged in water. During long periods of trailer towing with outside
temperatures above 70°F (21°C) and at wide-open throttle for long
periods above 45 mph (72 km/h), non-synthetic rear axle fluids should
be changed every 3000 miles (4800 kilometers) or three months,
whichever comes first. This interval can be waived if the axle is filled
with 75W140 synthetic gear fluid meeting Ford specification
WSL-M2C192-A, part number F1TZ-19580-B or equivalent. Add friction
modifier XL-3 (EST-M2C118-A) or equivalent for complete refill of
Traction-Lok rear axles (seeTechnical specificationsin theCapacities
and Specificationschapter for details).
Police/Taxi/Livery vehicle axle maintenance:Change rear axle fluid
every 100000 miles (160000 km). Rear axle fluid change may be waived
if the axle was filled with 75W140 synthetic gear fluid meeting Ford
specification WSL-M2C192-A, part number FITZ-19580-B or equivalent.
Add four ounces (118 mL) of additive friction modifier XL-3
(EST-M2C118-A) or equivalent for complete refill of Traction-Lok rear
axles. The axle fluid should be changed anytime the axle has been
submerged in water.
California fuel filter replacement:If the vehicle is registered in
California, the California Air Resources Board has determined that the
failure to perform this maintenance item will not nullify the emission
warranty or limit recall liability prior to the completion of the vehicle’s
useful life. Ford Motor Company, however, urges you to have all
recommended maintenance services performed at the specified intervals
and to record all vehicle service.
Hot climate oil change intervals:Vehicles operating in the Middle
East, North Africa, Sub-Saharan Africa or locations with similar climates
using an American Petroleum Institute (API) Certified for Gasoline
Engines (Certification mark) oil of SM or SN quality, the normal oil
change interval is 5000 miles (8000 kilometers).
If the available API SM or SN oils are not available, then the oil change
service interval is 3000 miles (4800 kilometers).
Engine air filter replacement:Engine air filter life is dependent on
exposure to dusty and dirty conditions. Vehicles operated in these
conditions require frequent inspection and replacement of the engine air
filter.
Scheduled Maintenance421
2013 F-150(f12)
Owners Guide gf, 1st Printing
USA(fus)

Ordering additional owner’s
literature .................................296
Utilizing the
Mediation/Arbitration
Program ...................................294
D
Defrost .......................149, 151, 153
rear window ............................157
Dipstick
automatic transmission
fluid ..........................................322
engine oil .................................315
Display settings .........................519
Drivebelt ....................................385
Driving under special
conditions ..................210, 221, 223
sand .........................................221
snow and ice ...........................224
through water .................222, 279
Dual automatic temperature
control (DATC) .........................153
E
Electronic message center .......110
Electronic stability control ......230
Emergencies, roadside
jump-starting ..........................287
running out of fuel .................195
Emission control system ..........200
End user license agreement ....545
Engine ................................384–385
cleaning ...................................341
coolant .....................................316
fail-safe cooling .......................319
idle speed control ...................324
lubrication specifications .......386refill capacities ........................386
service points ..................311–314
Engine block heater .................191
Engine oil
checking and adding ..............315
dipstick ....................................315
filter, specifications ................392
refill capacities ........................386
specifications ..........................386
Event data recording ..................12
Exhaust fumes ..........................191
F
Fail safe cooling ........................319
Fleet MyKey programming ........69
Flexible Fuel Vehicle (FFV) ....193
Floor mats .................................280
Fluid capacities .........................386
Fog lamps ....................................92
Four-Wheel Drive vehicles .......212
description ..............................215
driving off road .......................219
electronic shift ........................213
indicator light .........................212
Fuel
cap ...........................................197
capacity ...................................386
choosing the right fuel ...........194
filler funnel .............................195
filling your vehicle with fuel ..197
filter, specifications ................323
fuel pump shut-off ..................286
octane rating ...........195, 384–385
quality ......................................194
running out of fuel .................195
safety information relating to
automotive fuels .....................193
Index565
2013 F-150(f12)
Owners Guide gf, 1st Printing
USA(fus)