2018 FORD F-150 coolant level

Brake system
Cabin air filter
Check fuel cap
Child safety door lock or unlock
Child seat lower anchor
Child seat tether anchor
Cruise control
Do not open when hot
Engine air filter
Engine coolant
Engine coolant temperature
Engine oil
Explosive gas
Fan warning
Fasten seatbelt Flammable
Front airbag
Front fog lamps
Fuel pump reset
Fuse compartment
Hazard flashers
Heated rear window
Windshield defrosting system
Interior luggage compartment
release
Jack
Keep out of reach of children
Lighting control
Low tire pressure warning
Maintain correct fluid level
Note operating instructions
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F-150 (TFC) Canada/United States of America, enUSA, Edition date: 201709, Fifth-Printing IntroductionE270480 E71340 E71880 E231160 E67017 E161353

Type 3
Engine oil pressure gauge
A
Engine coolant temperature
gauge
B
Fuel gauge
C
Transmission fluid temperature,
Turbo boost or Diesel exhaust
fluid gauge
D
Speedometer
E
Information display See
General Information (page
113).
F
Tachometer
G Engine Oil Pressure Gauge
Indicates engine oil pressure. The needle
should stay in the normal operating range
(between L and H). If the needle falls
below the normal range, stop your 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 by an
authorized dealer.
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F-150 (TFC) Canada/United States of America, enUSA, Edition date: 201709, Fifth-Printing Instrument ClusterE176091

Engine Coolant Temperature
Gauge
WARNING: Do not remove the
coolant reservoir cap when the cooling
system is hot. Wait 10 minutes for the
cooling system to cool down. Cover the
coolant reservoir cap with a thick cloth
to prevent the possibility of scalding and
slowly remove the cap. Failure to follow
this instruction could result in personal
injury.
Indicates engine coolant temperature. At
normal operating temperature, the level
indicator will be in the normal range. If the
engine coolant temperature exceeds the
normal range, stop your vehicle as soon as
safely possible, switch off the engine and
let the engine cool.
Fuel Gauge
The fuel gauge indicates about how much
fuel is in the fuel tank.
The arrow adjacent to the fuel pump
symbol indicates on which side of your
vehicle the fuel filler door is located.
Note: The fuel gauge may vary slightly
when your vehicle is moving or on a slope.
Low Fuel Reminder
A low fuel level reminder displays and
sounds when the distance to empty
reaches
75 mi (120 km) to empty for
MyKey, and at 50 mi (80 km), 25 mi
(40 km), 10 mi (20 km) and 0 mi (0 km)
for all vehicle keys.
Note: The low fuel reminder can appear at
different fuel gauge positions depending on
fuel economy conditions. This variation is
normal. Transmission Fluid Temperature
Gauge
(If Equipped)
Indicates transmission fluid temperature.
At normal operating temperature, the level
indicator will be in the normal range. If the
transmission fluid temperature exceeds
the normal range, stop your vehicle as soon
as safely possible and verify the airflow is
not restricted (snow or debris blocking
airflow through the grille).
Also, higher than normal operating
temperature can be caused by special
operation conditions (snowplowing, towing
or off-road use). Refer to Special operating
conditions in the scheduled maintenance
information for instructions.
Operating the transmission for extended
periods with the gauge in the higher than
normal area may cause internal
transmission damage. You need to alter
the severity of your driving conditions to
lower the transmission temperature into
the normal range. If the gauge continues
to show high temperatures, see an
authorized dealer.
Turbo Boost Gauge
(If Equipped)
Indicates the amount of manifold air
pressure in the engine.
Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF) Gauge
(If Equipped)
Indicates the current DEF level.
Information Display
Odometer
Located in the bottom of the information
display. Registers the accumulated
distance your vehicle has traveled.
Compass
Displays the vehicle ’s heading direction.
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F-150 (TFC) Canada/United States of America, enUSA, Edition date: 201709, Fifth-Printing Instrument Cluster

Brake System Warning Lamp
WARNING: Driving your vehicle
with the warning lamp on is dangerous.
A significant decrease in braking
performance may occur. It may take you
longer to stop your vehicle. Have your
vehicle checked as soon as possible.
Driving extended distances with the
parking brake engaged can cause brake
failure and the risk of personal injury.
Note: Indicators vary depending on region.
This lamp is a dual function lamp and will
illuminate when:
• You apply the parking brake with the
ignition on.
• Your vehicle has a brake fault or low
brake fluid level, regardless of parking
brake position. If the lamp illuminates while you
are moving, you may have the
parking brake applied. Be sure
that the parking brake is off.
Have your vehicle checked as
soon as possible if the lamp
continues to illuminate.
Check 4X4
(If Equipped) Illuminates with the message
Check 4x4
when a four-wheel
drive fault is present. See Using
Four-Wheel Drive (page 213).
Cruise Control Indicator
(If Equipped) It illuminates when you switch
the system on.
See
Using Cruise Control
(page 244). Diesel Exhaust Fluid
(If Equipped) With the key in the on position,
illuminates when the DEF is
contaminated, low or someone
has tampered with the DEF system. See
Selective Catalytic Reductant System
(page
197).
Direction Indicator Flashes when the left or right
direction indicator or the hazard
warning flasher turns on. An
increase in the rate of flashing warns of a
failed indicator bulb.
Door Ajar Warning Lamp It illuminates when you switch
the ignition on and remains on if
any door or the hood is open.
Electronic Locking Differential
(If
Equipped) Illuminates when using the
electronic locking differential.
Electric Park Brake
(If Equipped) It illuminates or flashes when the
electric parking brake has a
malfunction. See
Electric
Parking Brake (page 224).
Engine Coolant Temperature
Warning Lamp If it illuminates when your vehicle
is moving, this indicates that the
engine is overheating. Stop your
vehicle as soon as it is safe to do so and
switch the engine off. Have your vehicle
checked as soon as possible.
See
Engine Coolant Check (page 354).
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F-150 (TFC) Canada/United States of America, enUSA, Edition date: 201709, Fifth-Printing Instrument ClusterE270480 E71340 E163176 E163170 E146190

WARNING: To reduce the risk of
vehicle damage and personal burn
injuries, do not start your engine with the
air cleaner removed and do not remove
it while the engine is running.
In order to operate the engine in
temperatures of 32°F (0°C) or lower, read
the following instructions:
• Make sure that the batteries are of
sufficient size and are fully charged.
Check other electrical components to
make sure they are in optimum
condition.
• Use the proper coolant solution at the
concentration recommended
protecting the engine against damage
from freezing.
• Try to keep the fuel tank full as much
as possible at the end of operation to
prevent condensation in the fuel
system.
• Make sure you use proper cold weather
engine oil and that it is at its proper
level. Also, if necessary, make sure to
follow the engine oil and filter change
schedule found under the Special
operating conditions section listed in
the scheduled maintenance
information.
• At temperatures of
-9°F (-23°C) or
below, it is recommended that you use
an engine block heater to improve cold
engine starting.
• If operating in arctic temperatures of
-20°F (-29°C)
or lower, consult your
truck dealer for information about
special cold weather equipment and
precautions. The following cold weather idling
guidelines are recommended:
•
You can use Motorcraft® cetane
improvers or non-alcohol-based
cetane improvers from a reputable
manufacturer as needed.
• Maintain the engine cooling system
properly.
• Avoid shutting the engine down after
an extensive idling period. Drive your
vehicle for several miles with the
engine at normal operating
temperatures under a moderate load.
• Consider using an engine block heater.
• For extended idle times use an
approved idle speed increase device.
Winter Operating Tips for Arctic
Operation -20°F (-29°C) and Below
The following information is a guideline
only and is not to be the only source of
possible solutions in resolving extreme
cold temperature issues.
Starting Aids WARNING:
Do not use starting
fluid, for example ether, in the air intake
system. Such fluid could cause
immediate explosive damage to the
engine and possible personal injury.
The use of the factory engine block heater
assists in engine starting in extreme cold
ambient temperatures
See Engine Block
Heater (page 179).
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F-150 (TFC) Canada/United States of America, enUSA, Edition date: 201709, Fifth-Printing Starting and Stopping the Engine

AUTO-START-STOP (IF EQUIPPED)
The system helps reduce fuel consumption
by automatically stopping and restarting
the engine when your vehicle has stopped.
The engine restarts automatically when
you release the brake pedal.
In some situations, your vehicle may restart
automatically, for example:
• To maintain interior comfort.
• To recharge the battery.
Note: Power assist steering turns off when
the engine is off.
Note: If your vehicle is flex fuel capable,
Auto-Start-Stop will be inhibited for a short
time after a refuel event while the system
is verifying the fuel type being used. WARNING:
Always fully apply the
parking brake. Make sure you shift into
park (P) for vehicles with an automatic
transmission. Switch the ignition off and
remove the key whenever you leave your
vehicle. WARNING:
Before opening the
hood or performing any maintenance,
fully apply the parking brake, shift into
park (P) or neutral (N) and switch the
ignition off. WARNING:
Always switch the
ignition off before leaving the vehicle. If
the ignition is switched on an automatic
restart may occur at any time. WARNING:
The system may
require the engine to automatically
restart when the auto-start-stop
indicator illuminates green or flashes
amber. Failure to follow this instruction
could result in personal injury. The Auto-Start-Stop system status is
available at a glance within the information
display. See Information Displays (page
113
).
Enabling Auto-Start-Stop
The system automatically enables every
time you start your vehicle if:
• You do not press the Auto-Start-Stop
button (not illuminated).
• Your vehicle exceeds an initial speed
of
3 mph (5 km/h) after you have
initially started your vehicle.
• You have stopped your vehicle.
• Your foot is on the brake pedal.
• The driver door is closed.
• There is adequate brake vacuum.
• The interior compartment has cooled
or warmed to an acceptable level.
• The front windshield defroster is off.
• You have not turned the steering wheel
rapidly or you do not have it at a sharp
angle.
• The vehicle is not on a steep road
grade.
• The battery is within optimal operating
conditions (battery state of charge and
temperature in range).
• The engine coolant is at operating
temperature.
• Elevation is below about
11,000 ft
(3,350 m).
• Ambient temperature is moderate.
• The trailer is not connected.
• If you select Normal, Eco, Snow/Wet
or Grass/Gravel/Snow modes. (if
equipped).
• You are not in 4H or 4L.
• You have not selected Manual shift
mode.
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F-150 (TFC) Canada/United States of America, enUSA, Edition date: 201709, Fifth-Printing Unique Driving Characteristics

ENGINE COOLANT CHECK
WARNING: Do not remove the
coolant reservoir cap when the engine is
on or the cooling system is hot. Wait 10
minutes for the cooling system to cool
down. Cover the coolant reservoir cap
with a thick cloth to prevent the
possibility of scalding and slowly remove
the cap. Failure to follow this instruction
could result in personal injury. WARNING:
Do not put coolant in
the windshield washer reservoir. If
sprayed on the windshield, coolant could
make it difficult to see through the
windshield. WARNING:
To reduce the risk of
personal injury, make sure the engine is
cool before unscrewing the coolant
pressure relief cap. The cooling system
is under pressure. Steam and hot liquid
can come out forcefully when you loosen
the cap slightly. WARNING:
Do not add coolant
further than the MAX mark.
When the engine is cold, check the
concentration and level of the coolant at
the intervals listed in the scheduled
maintenance information. See Scheduled
Maintenance
(page 561).
Note: Make sure that the coolant level is
between the
MIN and MAX marks on the
coolant reservoir.
Note: Coolant expands when it is hot. The
level may extend beyond the
MAX mark. Maintain coolant concentration within
48% to 50%, which equates to a freeze
point between
-29°F (-34°C) and -35°F
(-37°C). Coolant concentration should be
checked using a refractometer. We do not
recommend the use of hydrometers or
coolant test strips for measuring coolant
concentration.
Adding Coolant WARNING:
Do not add engine
coolant when the engine is hot. Failure
to follow this instruction could result in
personal injury. WARNING:
Do not remove the
coolant reservoir cap when the engine is
on or the cooling system is hot. Wait 10
minutes for the cooling system to cool
down. Cover the coolant reservoir cap
with a thick cloth to prevent the
possibility of scalding and slowly remove
the cap. Failure to follow this instruction
could result in personal injury. WARNING:
Do not put coolant in
the windshield washer reservoir. If
sprayed on the windshield, coolant could
make it difficult to see through the
windshield.
Note: Do not use stop leak pellets, cooling
system sealants, or non-specified additives
as they can cause damage to the engine
cooling or heating systems. Resulting
component damage may not be covered by
the vehicle Warranty.
Note: Automotive fluids are not
interchangeable.
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F-150 (TFC) Canada/United States of America, enUSA, Edition date: 201709, Fifth-Printing Maintenance

It is very important to use prediluted
coolant approved to the correct
specification in order to avoid plugging the
small passageways in the engine cooling
system. See Capacities and
Specifications (page 415). Do not mix
different colors or types of coolant in your
vehicle. Mixing of engine coolants or using
an incorrect coolant may harm the engine
or cooling system components and may
not be covered by the vehicle Warranty.
Note: If prediluted coolant is not available,
use the approved concentrated coolant
diluting it to 50/50 with distilled water. See
Capacities and Specifications (page 415).
Using water that has not been deionised
may contribute to deposit formation,
corrosion and plugging of the small cooling
system passageways.
Note: Coolants marketed for all makes and
models may not be approved to our
specifications and may cause damage to
the cooling system. Resulting component
damage may not be covered by the vehicle
Warranty.
If the coolant level is at or below the
minimum mark, add prediluted coolant
immediately.
To top up the coolant level do the
following:
1. Unscrew the cap slowly. Any pressure escapes as you unscrew the cap.
2. Add prediluted coolant approved to the correct specification. See
Capacities and Specifications (page
415
).
3. Add enough prediluted coolant to reach the correct level.
4. Replace the coolant reservoir cap, turn
it clockwise until you feel a strong
resistance. 5. Check the coolant level in the coolant
reservoir the next few times you drive
your vehicle. If necessary, add enough
prediluted engine coolant to bring the
coolant level to the correct level.
If you have to add more than
1.1 qt (1 L) of
engine coolant per month, have your
vehicle checked as soon as possible.
Operating an engine with a low level of
coolant can result in engine overheating
and possible engine damage.
Note: During normal vehicle operation, the
coolant may change color from orange to
pink or light red. As long as the coolant is
clear and uncontaminated, this color change
does not indicate the coolant has degraded
nor does it require the coolant to be drained,
the system to be flushed, or the coolant to
be replaced.
In case of emergency, you can add a large
amount of water without engine coolant
in order to reach a vehicle service location.
In this instance, qualified personnel:
1. Must drain the cooling system.
2. Chemically clean the coolant system.
3. Refill with engine coolant as soon as possible.
Water alone, without engine coolant, can
cause engine damage from corrosion,
overheating or freezing.
Do not use the following as a coolant
substitute:
• Alcohol.
• Methanol.
• Brine.
• Any coolant mixed with alcohol or
methanol antifreeze.
Alcohol and other liquids can cause engine
damage from overheating or freezing.
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F-150 (TFC) Canada/United States of America, enUSA, Edition date: 201709, Fifth-Printing Maintenance