2014 FORD F150 traction control

Transmission
Automatic Transmission............................147
Four-Wheel Drive
Using Four-Wheel Drive
.............................153
Rear Axle
Limited Slip Differential..............................161
Electronic Locking Differential
.................161
Brakes
General Information
....................................163
Hints on Driving With Anti-Lock Brakes...........................................................163
Parking Brake.................................................164
Hill Start Assist..............................................164
Traction Control
Principle of Operation................................166
Using Traction Control...............................166
Stability Control
Principle of Operation.................................167
Using Stability Control...............................168
Terrain Response
Principle of Operation.................................170
Using Hill Descent Control........................170
Parking Aids
Parking Aid
.......................................................172
Rear View Camera........................................173
Cruise Control
Principle of Operation.................................176
Using Cruise Control
....................................176
Driving Aids
Steering
.............................................................177 Load Carrying
Load Limit
........................................................179
Tailgate.............................................................186
Towing
Towing a Trailer..............................................191
Trailer Sway Control....................................192
Recommended Towing Weights............192
Essential Towing Checks...........................201
Transporting the Vehicle
...........................207
Towing the Vehicle on Four Wheels......208
Driving Hints
Breaking-In......................................................210
Economical Driving
......................................210
Driving Through Water.................................211
Floor Mats.........................................................211
Snowplowing..................................................212
Roadside Emergencies
Roadside Assistance...................................215
Hazard Warning Flashers
..........................216
Fuel Shutoff....................................................216
Jump Starting the Vehicle.........................216
Post-Crash Alert System
...........................218
Customer Assistance
Getting the Services You Need................219
In California (U.S. Only)
............................220
The Better Business Bureau (BBB) Auto Line Program (U.S. Only).......................221
Utilizing the Mediation/Arbitration Program (Canada Only)
........................221
Getting Assistance Outside the U.S. and Canada........................................................222
Ordering Additional Owner's Literature.....................................................223
Reporting Safety Defects (U.S. Only).............................................................223
Reporting Safety Defects (Canada Only).............................................................224
3
F150 (TF6) , enUSA Table of Contents

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 Emission Control
System (page 144).
Traction and Stability Control Illuminates when the system is
active. If it remains illuminated
or does not illuminate when you
switch the ignition on, this indicates a
malfunction. During a malfunction the
system will switch off. Have the system
checked by your authorized dealer
immediately. See
Using Stability
Control (page 168).
Traction and Stability Control Off Illuminates when you switch the
system off. It will go out when
you switch the system back on
or when you switch the ignition off. See
Using Stability Control
(page 168).
Transmission Tow/Haul
(If Equipped) Illuminates when the tow/haul
feature has been activated. If the
light flashes steadily, have the
system serviced immediately, damage to
the transmission could occur. See
Automatic Transmission
(page 147).
4X2
(If Equipped) Illuminates momentarily when
two-wheel drive high is selected.
If the light fails to display when
the ignition is turned on, or remains on,
have the system serviced immediately by
your authorized dealer. 4X4 Auto
(If Equipped) Illuminates when the four-wheel
drive system is engaged. If the
light fails to display when the
ignition is turned on, or remains on, have
the system serviced immediately by your
authorized dealer.
4X4 LOW
(If Equipped) Illuminates when four-wheel
drive low is engaged. If the light
fails to display when the ignition
is turned on, or remains on, have the
system serviced immediately by your
authorized dealer.
4X4 HIGH
(If Equipped) Illuminates when four-wheel
drive high is engaged. If the light
fails to display when the ignition
is turned on, or remains on, have the
system serviced immediately by your
authorized dealer.
AUDIBLE WARNINGS AND
INDICATORS
Headlamps On Warning Chime
Sounds when you remove the key from the
ignition and open the driver's door and you
have left the headlamps or parking lamps
on.
Key in Ignition Warning Chime
Sounds when you open the driver's door
and you have left the key in the ignition
with it in the off or accessory position.
85
F150 (TF6) , enUSA Instrument ClusterE138639 E161509 E163173 E166922 E163174 E163175

Transmission indicator display (if
equipped)
The transmission gear indicator displays
in the right side of the information display
when using the SelectShift Automatic
™
transmission feature. These displays will
not be shown in all screen modes. For
example: when programming certain
vehicle features or in certain information
menus. INFORMATION MESSAGES
Note:
Depending on the vehicle options
equipped with your vehicle, not all of the
messages will display or be available.
Certain messages may be abbreviated or
shortened depending upon which cluster
type you have.
Press the RESET button for Type 1 displays
or the OK button for Type 2 displays to
acknowledge and remove some messages
from the information display. Other
messages will be removed automatically
after a short time.
Certain messages need to be confirmed
before you can access the menus.
AdvanceTrac® and Traction Control Action
Message
Displays when the system detects a condition that requires
service. Contact your authorized dealer as soon as possible.
SERVICE ADVAN-
CETRAC
Displayed when the AdvanceTrac® system has been disabled by the driver.
ADVANCETRAC OFF
Displayed when the AdvanceTrac® system has been enabledby the driver.
ADVANCETRAC ON
Displayed when the AdvanceTrac® sport mode has beenenabled by the driver. (SVT Raptor)
ADVANCETRAC SPORT
MODE
Displayed when the traction control has been disabled by thedriver. See Using Traction Control (page 166).
TRACTION CONTROL
OFF
Displayed when the traction control has been enabled by thedriver. See
Using Traction Control (page 166).
TRACTION CONTROL
ON
Airbag Action
Message
Displays when the system detects a malfunction due to a blocked sensor.
REMOVE OBJECTS
NEAR PASSENGER SEAT
98
F150 (TF6) , enUSA Information Displays

4L (4X4 LOW)
Uses extra gearing to provide maximum
power to all four wheels at reduced
speeds. Intended only for off-road
applications such as deep sand, steep
grades, or pulling heavy objects. 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 or 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. Use of 4L (4X4
LOW) on these surfaces may produce some
noise (such as occasional clunks), but will
not damage drive components.
Note: The AdvanceTrac system has the
ability to take over control of the transfer
case clutch and disable it during driving
maneuvers when necessary.
Shifting between system modes
Note: Momentarily releasing the accelerator
pedal while performing a shift will improve
engagement/disengagement times.
Note: Do not perform this operation if the
rear wheels are slipping.
Note: Some noise may be heard as the
system shifts or engages; this is normal.
Note: 4X4 high mode is not intended for
use on dry pavement.
You can move the control from 2H or 4H
at a stop or while driving. The information
display may display a message indicating
a 4X4 shift is in progress. Once the shift is
complete the message center will then
display the system mode selected.
Shifting to or from 4L (4X4 low)
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.
1. Bring the vehicle to a speed of 3 mph (5 km/h) or less.
2. Place the transmission in N (Neutral).
3. Move the 4WD control to the desired position.
The information display will display a
message indicating a 4X4 shift is in
progress. The information display will then
display the system mode selected. If any
of the above shift conditions are not met,
the shift will not occur and the information
display will display information guiding the
driver through the proper shifting
procedures.
If
SHIFT DELAYED PULL FORWARD
displays in the information display, a
transfer case gear tooth blockage is
present. To alleviate this condition, place
the transmission in a forward gear, move
your vehicle forward approximately 5 feet
(1.5 meters), and shift the transmission
back to
N neutral to allow the transfer case
to complete the range shift.
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.
Note: The AdvanceTrac system has the
ability to take over control of the transfer
case clutch and disable it during driving
maneuvers when necessary.
154
F150 (TF6) , enUSA Four-Wheel Drive
(If Equipped)

2H (4X2)
For general on-road driving. Sends power
to the rear wheels only and should be used
for street and highway driving. Provides
optimal smoothness and fuel economy at
high speeds.
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)
Used for extra traction such as in snow or
icy roads or in off road situations. This
mode is not intended for use on dry
pavement.
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)
Uses extra gearing to provide maximum
power to all four wheels at reduced
speeds. Intended only for off-road
applications such as deep sand, steep
grades, or pulling heavy objects. 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 or from 4L
(4x4 low) for proper operation.
Shifting between system modes
Note:
Momentarily releasing the accelerator
pedal while performing a shift will improve
engagement/disengagement times.
Note: Do not perform this operation if the
rear wheels are slipping.
Note: Some noise may be heard as the
system shifts or engages; this is normal.
Note: 4X4 high mode is not intended for
use on dry pavement.
You can move the control from 2H to 4A
or 4H at a stop or while driving. The
information display may display a message
indicating a 4X4 shift is in progress. Once
the shift is complete the message center
will then display the system mode
selected.
Shifting to or from 4L (4X4 low)
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.
1. Bring the vehicle to a speed of 3 mph (5 km/h) or less.
2. Place the transmission in N (Neutral).
3. Move the 4WD control to the desired position.
155
F150 (TF6) , enUSA Four-Wheel Drive
(If Equipped)E166931

Power is supplied to all four wheels
through a transfer case. On Four-wheel
drive 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 the
Maintenance chapter. You should become
thoroughly familiar with this information
before you operate your vehicle.
Four-wheel drive (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.
Basic Operating Principles
•
Drive slower in strong crosswinds which
can affect the normal steering
characteristics of your vehicle.
• When driving your vehicle on surfaces
made slippery by loose sand, water,
gravel, snow or ice proceed with care.
• Do not use Four-wheel drive on dry,
hard surfaced roads. Doing so will
produce excessive noise, increase tire
wear and may damage drive
components. Four-wheel drive modes
are only intended for consistently
slippery or loose surfaces.
If Your Vehicle leaves the Road
If your vehicle leaves the road, reduce your
vehicle speed and avoid severe braking.
When your vehicle speed has been reduced
ease your vehicle back onto the road. Do
not turn the steering wheel sharply while
returning your vehicle to the road.
It may be safer to stay on the shoulder of
the road and slow down gradually before
returning to the road. You may lose control
if you do not slow down or if you turn the
steering wheel too sharply or abruptly. It may be less risky to strike small objects,
such as freeway reflectors, with minor
damage to your vehicle rather than
attempt a sudden return to the road which
could cause your vehicle to slide sideways
out of control or roll over. Remember, your
safety and the safety of others should be
your primary concern.
Emergency Maneuvers
In an unavoidable emergency situation
where a sudden sharp turn must be made,
remember to avoid over-driving your
vehicle (i.e. turn the steering wheel only as
rapidly and as far as required to avoid the
emergency). Excessive steering can result
in loss of vehicle control. Apply smooth
pressure to the accelerator pedal or brake
pedal when changes in vehicle speed are
required. Avoid abrupt steering,
acceleration and braking. This could result
in an increased risk of vehicle roll over, loss
of vehicle control and personal injury. Use
all available road surface to bring your
vehicle to a safe direction of travel.
In the event of an emergency stop, avoid
skidding the tires and do not attempt any
sharp steering wheel movements.
If your vehicle goes from one type of
surface to another (i.e. from concrete to
gravel) there will be a change in the way
your vehicle responds to a maneuver (i.e.
steering, acceleration or braking).
Sand
When driving over sand, try to keep all four
wheels on the most solid area of the trail.
Avoid reducing the tire pressures but shift
to a lower gear and drive steadily through
the terrain. Apply the accelerator slowly
and avoid excessive wheel slip.
When driving at slow speeds in deep sand
under high outside temperatures, use a low
gear when possible. Low gear operation
will maximize the engine and transmission
cooling capability.
157
F150 (TF6) , enUSA Four-Wheel Drive (If Equipped)

Avoid driving at excessive speeds, this
causes vehicle momentum to work against
you and your vehicle could become stuck
to the point that assistance may be
required from another vehicle. Remember,
you may be able to back out the way you
came if you proceed with caution.
Mud and Water
Mud
Be cautious of sudden changes in vehicle
speed or direction when you are driving in
mud. Even four-wheel drive vehicles can
lose traction in slick mud. If your vehicle
does slide, steer in the direction of the slide
until you regain control of your vehicle.
After driving through mud, clean off residue
stuck to rotating driveshafts and tires.
Excess mud stuck on tires and rotating
driveshafts can cause an imbalance that
could damage drive components.
Water
If you must drive through high water, drive
slowly. Traction or brake capability may
be limited.
When driving through water, determine the
depth and avoid water higher than the
bottom of the hubs. If the ignition system
gets wet, your vehicle may stall.
Once through water, always try the brakes.
Wet brakes do not stop your vehicle as
effectively as dry brakes. Drying can be
improved by applying light pressure to the
brake pedal while moving slowly.
Note:
Driving through deep water may
damage the transmission. If the front or rear
axle is submerged in water, the axle
lubricant and power transfer unit lubricant
should be checked and changed if
necessary. Driving on Hilly or Sloping Terrain
Although natural obstacles may make it
necessary to travel diagonally up or down
a hill or steep incline, you should always
try to drive straight up or straight down.
Note:
Avoid turning on steep slopes or hills.
A danger lies in losing traction, slipping
sideways and possible vehicle roll over.
Whenever driving on a hill, determine
beforehand the route you will use. Do not
drive over the crest of a hill without seeing
what conditions are on the other side. Do
not drive in reverse over a hill without the
aid of an observer.
When climbing a steep slope or hill, start
in a lower gear rather than downshifting to
a lower gear from a higher gear once the
ascent has started. This reduces strain on
the engine and the possibility of stalling.
If your vehicle stalls, do not try to turn
around because this could cause vehicle
roll over. It is better to reverse back to a
safe location.
Apply just enough power to the wheels to
climb the hill. Too much power will cause
the tires to slip, spin or lose traction,
resulting in loss of vehicle control. 158
F150 (TF6) , enUSA Four-Wheel Drive (If Equipped)E143949

LIMITED SLIP DIFFERENTIAL
(IF EQUIPPED)
This axle provides added traction on
slippery surfaces, particularly when one
wheel is on a poor traction surface. Under
normal conditions, the limited-slip axle
functions like a standard rear axle. The axle
may exhibit a slight noise or vibration
during tight turns with low vehicle speed.
This is normal behavior and indicates the
axle is working.
ELECTRONIC LOCKING
DIFFERENTIAL (IF EQUIPPED)
Note: The electronic locking differential is
for off-road use only and is not for use on
dry pavement. Using the electronic locking
differential on dry pavement will result in
increased tire wear, noise and vibration.
The electronic locking differential is a
device housed in the rear axle that allows
both rear wheels to turn at the same
speed. The electronic locking differential
can provide additional traction should your
vehicle become stuck. You can activate
the differential electronically and shift it
on the fly within the differential operating
speed range. The differential is for use in
mud, rocks, sand, or any off-road condition
where you need maximum traction. It is
not for use on dry pavement.
The following conditions will affect the
electronic locking differential:
• The electronic locking differential will
not engage if your vehicle speed is
above 20 mph (32 km/h) in 4x2, 4x4
Auto, or 4x4 High modes
• The electronic locking differential will
not engage if your vehicle speed is
above or 56 mph (90 km/h) in 4X4
Low •
The electronic locking differential will
not engage if you press your
accelerator pedal beyond 50% during
an engagement attempt
• In 4x2, 4x4 Auto, and 4x4 High modes,
the electronic locking differential 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 electronic locking
differential 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
electronic locking differential and
disable it during driving maneuvers
when necessary
When you switch the system on, if you do
not meet the required conditions for
electronic locking differential activation,
the instrument cluster will display the
appropriate information guiding you
through the proper activation process.
Activating the Electronic Locking
Differential
(If Equipped)
Note: Do not use electronic locking
differential on dry, hard surfaced roads.
Doing so will produce excessive noise,
vibration and increase tire wear.
Note: If the electronic locking differential
has difficulty disengaging, release the
accelerator pedal and turn the steering
wheel in the opposite direction while rolling.
161
F150 (TF6) , enUSA Rear Axle