2021 FORD F-150 display

Note:
You may hear a noise as the transfer
case shifts out of its neutral position. This
is normal.
5. Make sure the instrument cluster displays Neutral Tow Disabled.
RECREATIONALLY TOWING
YOUR VEHICLE - 4X2
You cannot recreational tow your vehicle
with all wheels on the ground because
vehicle or transmission damage could
occur. You must recreational tow your
vehicle with all four wheels off the ground,
such as when using a car-hauling trailer.
Otherwise, you cannot recreational tow
your vehicle. EMERGENCY TOWING
If your vehicle becomes inoperable without
access to wheel dollies or a vehicle
transport trailer, it can be flat-towed with
all wheels on the ground, regardless of the
powertrain and transmission configuration,
under the following conditions:
•
Your vehicle is facing forward for
towing in a forward direction.
• Use the manual park release
procedure. See
Using Manual Park
Release (page 288). Failure to do so
may result in damage to the
transmission.
• Maximum speed is 35 mph (56 km/h).
• Maximum distance is
50 mi (80 km).
TOWING YOUR VEHICLE – TROUBLESHOOTING
TOWING YOUR VEHICLE – INFORMATION MESSAGES Description
Message
The transfer case is in the neutral position and your vehicleis safe to tow with all four wheels on the ground.
Neutral Tow Enabled
Leave Transmission in Neutral
There is a transfer case gear tooth blockage present. With
your vehicle on, shift the transmission into drive (D) and let the vehicle roll forward, up to
3 ft (1 m).
Shift Delayed Drive
Forward
The transfer case is not in the neutral position and your vehicleis not safe to tow with all four wheels on the ground.
Neutral Tow Disabled
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F-150 (TFD) Canada/United States of America, enUSA, Edition date: 202104, Second-Printing Towing Your Vehicle

Protected Component
Fuse Rating
Fuse
Loca- tion
Driver door control module.
30 A
23
Moonroof.
30 A
24
Not used.
20 A
25
Passenger door control module.
30 A
26
Not used.
30 A
27
Amplifier.
30 A
28
12 inch display.
15 A
29
Adjustable pedals.
Not used.
5 A
30
RF receiver.
10 A
31
Driver monitor.
Terrain management switch.
Audio control module.
20 A
32
Not used.
—
33
Run/start relay.
30 A
34
400 watt inverter run/start.
5 A
35
Auto-dimming interior mirror.
15 A
36
Rear heat seat run/start.
Adaptive front steering run/start.
Heated wheel (vehicles without adaptive front steering).
Advanced driver-assistance systems.
20 A
37
Rear power windows.
30 A circuit
breaker.
38
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F-150 (TFD) Canada/United States of America, enUSA, Edition date: 202104, Second-Printing Fuses

3. Add engine oil that meets our
specifications. See Capacities and
Specifications (page 574).
4. Reinstall the engine oil filler cap. Turn it clockwise until you feel a strong
resistance.
Note: Do not add oil further than the
maximum mark. Oil levels above the
maximum mark may cause engine damage.
Note: Immediately soak up any oil spillage
with an absorbent cloth.
RESETTING THE ENGINE OIL
CHANGE REMINDER - VEHICLES
WITH: 4.2 INCH SCREEN
1. Press the Menu button on the steering
wheel to enter the information display
main menu.
2. Select
Truck Info.
3. Select
Oil Life.
4. Select
Reset Oil Life.
5. Press and hold the OK button until the
system reset confirmation appears.
RESETTING THE ENGINE OIL
CHANGE REMINDER - VEHICLES
WITH: 8 INCH SCREEN/12.3 INCH
SCREEN
Depending on your cluster, there are two
paths to reset the engine oil change
reminder.
Path 1
1. Press the Menu button on the steering
wheel to enter the information display
main menu.
2. Select
Settings.
3. Select
Vehicle Maintenance.
4. Select
Oil Life.
5. Press and hold the OK button until the
system reset confirmation appears. Path 2
1.
Press the Menu button on the steering
wheel to enter the information display
main menu.
2. Select
Truck Info.
3. Select
Engine Information.
4. Press and hold the OK button until the
system reset confirmation appears.
ENGINE OIL CAPACITY AND
SPECIFICATION
For filling information, please refer to the
Capacities and Specifications section of
your owner's manual. See
Engine Oil
Capacity and Specification (page 511).
CHECKING THE COOLANT
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 664).
Note: Make sure that the coolant level is
between the minimum and maximum marks
on the coolant reservoir.
Note: Coolant expands when it is hot. The
level may extend beyond the
MAX mark.
If the coolant level is at or below the
minimum mark, add prediluted coolant
immediately.
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.
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Water alone, without engine coolant, can
cause engine damage from corrosion,
overheating or freezing.
Do not use the following as a coolant
substitute, as they can cause engine
damage from overheating or freezing:
•
Alcohol.
• Methanol.
• Brine.
• Any coolant mixed with alcohol or
methanol antifreeze.
Do not add extra inhibitors or additives to
the coolant. These can be harmful and
compromise the corrosion protection of
the coolant.
Severe Climates
If you drive in extremely cold climates, you
may need to increase the coolant
concentration above 50%.
Note: A coolant concentration of 60%
provides improved freeze point protection.
Coolant concentrations above 60%
decrease the overheat protection
characteristics of the coolant and could
cause engine damage.
If you drive in extremely hot climates, you
may need to decrease the coolant
concentration to 40%.
Note: A coolant concentration of 40%
provides improved overheat protection.
Coolant concentrations below 40%
decrease the overheat and corrosion
protection characteristics of the coolant and
could cause engine damage.
Coolant Change WARNING: Do not dispose of
coolant in the household refuse or the
public sewage system. Use an authorized
waste disposal facility. Change the coolant at specific mileage
intervals. Refer to the scheduled
maintenance information. See
Normal
Scheduled Maintenance (page 667).
Note: Dispose of used coolant in the
appropriate manner.
Follow your community's regulations and
standards for recycling and disposing of
automotive fluids.
Fail-Safe Cooling
Fail-safe cooling allows you to temporarily
drive your vehicle before any incremental
component damage occurs. The fail-safe
distance depends on ambient
temperature, vehicle load and terrain.
How Fail-Safe Cooling Works If the engine begins to overheat,
the coolant temperature gauge
moves toward the red zone:
A warning lamp illuminates and
a message may appear in the
information display.
If the engine reaches a preset
over-temperature condition, the engine
automatically switches to alternating
cylinder operation. Each disabled cylinder
acts as an air pump and cools the engine.
When this occurs, your vehicle still
operates, however:
• Engine power is limited.
• The air conditioning system turns off.
Continued operation increases the engine
temperature, causing the engine to
completely shut down. Your steering and
braking effort increases in this situation.
When the engine temperature cools, you
can re-start the engine. Have your vehicle
checked as soon as possible to minimize
engine damage.
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When Fail-Safe Mode Is Activated
WARNING: Fail-safe mode is for
use during emergencies only. Operate
your vehicle in fail-safe mode only as
long as necessary to bring your vehicle
to rest in a safe location and seek
immediate repairs. When in fail-safe
mode, your vehicle will have limited
power, will not be able to maintain
high-speed operation, and may
completely shut down without warning,
potentially losing engine power, power
steering assist, and power brake assist,
which may increase the possibility of a
crash resulting in serious 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.
Your vehicle has limited engine power
when in the fail-safe mode, drive your
vehicle with caution. Your vehicle does not
maintain high-speed operation and the
engine could operate poorly.
Remember that the engine is capable of
automatically shutting down to prevent
engine damage. In this situation:
1. Pull off the road as soon as safely possible and switch the engine off.
2. If you are a member of a roadside assistance program, we recommend
that you contact your roadside
assistance service provider.
3. If this is not possible, wait for a short period of time for the engine to cool. 4. Check the coolant level. If the coolant
level is at or below the minimum mark,
add prediluted coolant immediately.
5. When the engine temperature cools, you can re-start the engine. Have your
vehicle checked as soon as possible to
minimize engine damage.
Note: Driving your vehicle without repair
increases the chance of engine damage.
Engine Coolant Temperature
Management
(If Equipped) WARNING:
To reduce the risk of
crash and injury, be prepared that the
vehicle speed may reduce and the
vehicle may not be able to accelerate
with full power until the coolant
temperature reduces.
If you tow a trailer with your vehicle, the
engine may temporarily reach a higher
temperature during severe operating
conditions, for example ascending a long
or steep grade in high ambient
temperatures.
At this time, you may notice the coolant
temperature gauge moves toward the red
zone and a message may appear in the
information display.
You may notice a reduction in vehicle
speed caused by reduced engine power in
order to manage the engine coolant
temperature. Your vehicle may enter this
mode if certain high-temperature and
high-load conditions take place. The
amount of speed reduction depends on
vehicle loading, grade and ambient
temperature. If this occurs, there is no
need to stop your vehicle. You can
continue to drive.
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F-150 (TFD) Canada/United States of America, enUSA, Edition date: 202104, Second-Printing Maintenance

The air conditioning may automatically
turn on and off during severe operating
conditions to protect the engine from
overheating. When the coolant
temperature decreases to the normal
operating temperature, the air conditioning
turns on.
If the coolant temperature gauge moves
fully into the red zone, or if the coolant
temperature warning or service engine
soon messages appear in your information
display, do the following:
1. Stop your vehicle as soon as it is safe
to do so. Fully apply the parking brake,
shift into park (P) or neutral (N).
2. Leave the engine running until the coolant temperature gauge needle
returns to the normal position. If the
temperature does not drop after
several minutes, follow the remaining
steps.
3. Switch the engine off and wait for it to
cool. Check the coolant level.
4. If the coolant level is at or below the minimum mark, add prediluted coolant
immediately.
5. If the coolant level is normal, restart the engine and continue. ENGINE AIR FILTER
CHECKING THE ENGINE AIR
FILTER RESTRICTION GAUGE -
DIESEL
The air filter restriction gauge is in the
upper housing of the air filter assembly.
Check the air filter restriction gauge
whenever you open the hood to carry out
general engine maintenance. Change the
air filter element when the restriction
gauge reads near the change filter line and
the gauge is yellow. Allowing the restriction
gauge to reach maximum affects engine
performance and fuel economy.
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F-150 (TFD) Canada/United States of America, enUSA, Edition date: 202104, Second-Printing Maintenance E254173

ENGINE AIR FILTER - INFORMATION MESSAGES - DIESEL
Action
Message
Indicates the engine air filter is performing as expected.
Filter OK
Indicates that there is a higher than expected restriction
across the engine air filter, which could represent an air filter at full useful life or a filter with an obstruction.
When this displays, inspect the engine air filter and replace if necessary.
After the inspection or engine air filter replacement, you must reset the system in order to change the status from Check Filter to Filter OK.
Check Filter See Manual
Indicates that there is an error within the electronic air filtermaintenance minder system requiring service.
System Fault See Manual
DRAINING THE FUEL FILTER
WATER TRAP - DIESEL WARNING: Do not drain the
water-in-fuel separator while the engine
is running. Failure to follow this warning
may result in fire, serious injury, death or
property damage. WARNING:
Do not dispose of fuel
in the household refuse or the public
sewage system. Use an authorized waste
disposal facility.
Your vehicle's fuel system has a fuel filter
and water separator to remove water from
the fuel.
If the water in fuel indicator illuminates
when the engine is running, stop your
vehicle as soon as safely possible, shut off
the engine, then drain the fuel and water
separator.
Note: Allowing water to stay in the fuel
system after the water in fuel indicator
illuminates could result in extensive damage
or failure of the fuel injection system. The fuel water trap is above the frame rail
under the driver side of the vehicle.
Make sure the ignition is off before
performing the following steps.
Front of Vehicle.
A
1. Loosen the drain plug approximately one and a half turns.
2. Allow the water to drain.
3. Tighten the drain plug until you feel a strong resistance.
4. Switch the ignition on for 30 seconds, then switch the ignition off. Repeat
twice.
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F-150 (TFD) Canada/United States of America, enUSA, Edition date: 202104, Second-Printing MaintenanceE254226

Note:
To calibrate the steering angle
sensor, drive the vehicle above 30 mph
(50 km/h) for a minimum of 1.2 mi (2 km).
Make sure to drive straight ahead for a
minimum of 30 seconds. Several vehicle
functions are disabled and a warning light
could appear until the sensor is calibrated.
Battery Management System
The battery management system monitors
battery conditions and takes actions to
extend battery life. If excessive battery
drain is detected, the system temporarily
disables some of the following features:
• Heated rear window.
• Heated seats.
• Climate control.
• Heated steering wheel.
• Audio unit.
• Navigation system.
A message may appear in the information
display to alert you that battery protection
actions are active.
After battery replacement, or in some
cases after charging the battery with an
external charger, the battery management
system requires eight hours of vehicle sleep
time to relearn the battery state of charge.
During this time your vehicle must remain
fully locked with the ignition off.
Note: If you add electrical accessories or
components to the vehicle, it may adversely
affect battery performance and durability.
This may also affect the performance of
other electrical systems in the vehicle.
Battery Disposal Make sure that you dispose of
old batteries in an
environmentally friendly way.
Seek advice from your local authority
about recycling old batteries. ADJUSTING THE HEADLAMPS
Vertical Aim Adjustment
The headlamps on your vehicle are
properly aimed at the assembly plant. If
your vehicle has been in an accident,
contact an authorized dealer to check and
realign your headlamps.
Headlamp Aiming Target
8 feet (2.4 m).
A
Center height of lamp to ground.
B
25 feet (7.6 m).
C
Horizontal reference line.
D
1. Park your vehicle directly in front of a wall or screen on a level surface,
approximately
25 ft (7.6 m) away.
2. Measure the height from the center of your headlamp, indicated by a 3
millimeter circle on the lens, to the
ground and mark an
8 ft (2.4 m)
horizontal reference line on the vertical
wall or screen at this height, a piece of
masking tape works well.
3. Switch on the low beam headlamps to
illuminate the wall or screen and open
the hood. Cover one of the headlamps
so no light hits the wall.
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F-150 (TFD) Canada/United States of America, enUSA, Edition date: 202104, Second-Printing MaintenanceE107998 E142592