2021 FORD F-150 check engine

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.
515
F-150 (TFD) Canada/United States of America, enUSA, Edition date: 202104, Second-Printing Maintenance E254173

After operating your vehicle during heavy
snowfall or extreme rain, do the following:
•
Snow: At the earliest opportunity, open
the hood and clear any snow and ice
from the air filter housing inlet and
reset the air filter restriction gauge.
• Extreme rain: The air filter element
dries out after approximately 15– 30
minutes of driving at highway speeds.
At the earliest opportunity, open the
hood and reset the air filter restriction
gauge.
CHANGING THE ENGINE AIR
FILTER - DIESEL 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.
Change the air filter element at the correct
service interval. See
Scheduled
Maintenance (page 664).
Use the correct specification air filter
element. See
Motorcraft Parts (page
581).
Note: Failure to use the correct air filter
element may result in severe engine
damage. Resulting component damage
may not be covered by the vehicle Warranty. 1. Release the clips that secure the air
filter housing cover. Lift and rotate the
air filter housing cover. 2.
Remove the air filter element from the
air filter housing.
3. To install, reverse the removal procedure.
4. After installing a new air filter element,
reset the air filter restriction gauge by
pressing the reset button. See
Checking the Engine Air Filter
Restriction Gauge
(page 515).
516
F-150 (TFD) Canada/United States of America, enUSA, Edition date: 202104, Second-Printing MaintenanceE254171 E254172

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.
518
F-150 (TFD) Canada/United States of America, enUSA, Edition date: 202104, Second-Printing MaintenanceE254226

5. Start the engine.
6. Check for leaks.
Note:
The water in fuel warning lamp turns
off after approximately two seconds with
the engine running.
Note: The in-tank pump will turn off
automatically after approximately 30
seconds.
CHANGING THE FUEL FILTER
- DIESEL
Your fuel filters must be changed at the
correct service interval or when you see the
low fuel pressure message appear. Refer
to scheduled maintenance for the correct
service interval.
CHANGING THE FUEL FILTER
- GASOLINE
Your vehicle has a lifetime fuel filter that
integrates with the fuel tank. It does not
need regular maintenance or replacement.
CHANGING THE 12V BATTERY WARNING: Batteries normally
produce explosive gases which can
cause personal injury. Therefore, do not
allow flames, sparks or lighted
substances to come near the battery.
When working near the battery, always
shield your face and protect your eyes.
Always provide correct ventilation. WARNING:
When lifting a
plastic-cased battery, excessive pressure
on the end walls could cause acid to flow
through the vent caps, resulting in
personal injury and damage to the
vehicle or battery. Lift the battery with a
battery carrier or with your hands on
opposite corners. WARNING:
Keep batteries out of
reach of children. Batteries contain
sulfuric acid. Avoid contact with skin,
eyes or clothing. Shield your eyes when
working near the battery to protect
against possible splashing of acid
solution. In case of acid contact with skin
or eyes, flush immediately with water for
a minimum of 15 minutes and get prompt
medical attention. If acid is swallowed,
call a physician immediately. WARNING:
Battery posts,
terminals and related accessories
contain lead and lead compounds,
chemicals known to the State of
California to cause cancer and
reproductive harm. Wash your hands
after handling
. WARNING:
This vehicle may have
more than one battery. Removing the
battery cables from only one battery
does not disconnect your vehicle
electrical system. Make sure you
disconnect the battery cables from all
batteries when disconnecting power.
Failure to do so may cause serious
personal injury or property damage.
The battery is in the engine compartment.
See
Under Hood Overview (page 504).
Your vehicle has a maintenance-free
battery. It does not require additional
water during service.
519
F-150 (TFD) Canada/United States of America, enUSA, Edition date: 202104, Second-Printing Maintenance

PREPARING YOUR VEHICLE
FOR STORAGE
If you plan on storing your vehicle for 30
days or more, the following maintenance
recommendations ensures your vehicle
stays in good operating condition.
Under various conditions, long-term
storage may lead to degraded engine
performance or failure unless you use
specific precautions to preserve your
vehicle.
General
•
Store all vehicles in a dry, ventilated
place.
• If vehicles are stored outside, they
require regular maintenance to protect
against rust and weather damage.
• Make sure all linkages, cables, levers
and pins under your vehicle are covered
with grease to prevent rust.
• Move vehicles at least 25 ft (7.5 m)
every 15 days to lubricate working parts
and prevent corrosion.
• Fill the fuel tank with high-quality fuel
until the first automatic shutoff of the
fuel pump nozzle.
Engine
• Change the engine oil and filter prior to
storage because used engine oil
contains contaminants which may
cause engine damage.
• Start the engine every 15 days for a
minimum of 15 minutes. Run at fast
idle with the climate controls set to
defrost until the engine reaches normal
operating temperature.
• With your foot on the brake, shift
through all the gears while the engine
is running. Body
•
Wash your vehicle thoroughly to
remove dirt, grease, oil, tar or mud from
exterior surfaces, rear-wheel housings
and the underside of front fenders.
• Periodically wash your vehicle if it is
stored in exposed locations.
• Touch-up exposed or primed metal to
prevent rust.
• Cover chrome and stainless steel parts
with a thick coat of auto wax to prevent
discoloration. Re-wax as necessary
when you wash your vehicle.
• Lubricate all hood, door and luggage
compartment hinges and latches with
a light grade oil.
• Cover interior trim to prevent fading.
• Keep all rubber parts free from oil and
solvents.
Hybrid Battery Systems
We recommend the following actions for
your vehicle:
• When storing your vehicle for greater
than 30 days the state of charge
should be approximately 50%.
Additionally we recommend
disconnecting the 12V battery which
will reduce system loads on the HV
battery.
12 Volt Battery
• Check and recharge as necessary. Keep
connections clean.
Note: It is necessary to reset memory
features if you disconnect the battery
cables.
Brakes
Make sure the brakes and parking brake
release fully.
540
F-150 (TFD) Canada/United States of America, enUSA, Edition date: 202104, Second-Printing Storing Your Vehicle

Note:
If you intend on parking your vehicle
for an extended period after cleaning the
wheels with a wheel cleaner, drive your
vehicle for a few minutes before doing so to
reduce the risk of increased corrosion of the
brake discs, brake pads and linings.
Tires
• Maintain recommended air pressure.
Note: If you intend on parking your vehicle
for an extended period after cleaning the
wheels with a wheel cleaner, drive your
vehicle for a few minutes before doing so.
This reduces the risk of corrosion of the
brake discs, brake pads and linings.
REMOVING YOUR VEHICLE
FROM STORAGE
When your vehicle is ready to come out of
storage, do the following:
• We recommend that you change the
engine oil before you use your vehicle
again.
• Wash your vehicle to remove any dirt
or grease film build-up on window
surfaces.
• Check windshield wipers for any
deterioration.
• Check under the hood for any foreign
material that may have collected
during storage such as mice or squirrel
nests.
• Check the exhaust for any foreign
material that may have collected
during storage.
• Check tire pressures and set tire
inflation per the Tire Label.
• Check brake pedal operation. Drive
your vehicle 15 ft (4.5 m) back and
forth to remove rust build-up. •
Check fluid levels (including coolant,
oil and gas) to make sure there are no
leaks, and fluids are at recommended
levels.
• If you remove the battery, clean the
battery cable ends and check for
damage.
Contact an authorized dealer if you have
any concerns or issues.
541
F-150 (TFD) Canada/United States of America, enUSA, Edition date: 202104, Second-Printing Storing Your Vehicle

VEHICLE IDENTIFICATION
NUMBER
LOCATING THE VEHICLE
IDENTIFICATION NUMBER
The vehicle identification number is on the
left-hand side of the instrument panel.
Note:
In the illustration, XXXX is
representative of your vehicle identification
number.
VEHICLE IDENTIFICATION
NUMBER OVERVIEW
The vehicle identification number contains
the following information: World manufacturer identifier.
A
Brake system, gross vehicle
weight rating, restraint devices
and their locations.
B
Make, vehicle line, series, body
type.
C
Engine or motor type.
D
Check digit.
E
Model year.
F
Assembly plant.
G
Production sequence number.
H
619
F-150 (TFD) Canada/United States of America, enUSA, Edition date: 202104, Second-Printing Vehicle IdentificationE311767 E142477

Less Cost to Properly Maintain Your
Vehicle
The Ford Protect extended service plan
also offers a Premium Maintenance Plan
that covers all scheduled maintenance,
and selected wear items. The coverage is
prepaid, so you never have to worry about
the cost of your vehicle
’s maintenance.
Covered maintenance includes:
• Windshield wiper blades.
• Spark plugs.
• The clutch disc (if equipped).
• Brake pads and linings.
• Shock absorbers.
• Struts.
• Engine belts.
• Engine coolant hoses, clamps and
o-rings.
• Diesel exhaust fluid replenishment (if
equipped).
• Cabin air filter replacement every
20,000 mi (32,000 km) for electric
vehicles only.
Interest Free Finance Options
Just a 5% down payment provides you
with an affordable, no interest, no fee
payment program allowing you all the
security and benefits Ford Protect
extended service plan has to offer while
paying over time. You are pre-approved
with no credit check or hassles. To learn
more, call our Ford Protect extended
service plan specialists at 800-367-3377.
Ford Protect Extended Service Plan
P.O. Box 321067
Detroit, MI 48232 Ford Protect Extended Service
Plan (Canada Only)
You can get more protection for your
vehicle by purchasing a Ford Protect
extended service plan. Ford Protect
extended service plan is the only service
contract backed by Ford Motor Company
of Canada, Limited. Depending on the plan
you purchase, Ford Protect extended
service plan provides benefits such as:
•
Rental reimbursement.
• Coverage for certain maintenance and
wear items.
• Protection against repair costs after
your New Vehicle Limited Warranty
Coverage expires.
• Roadside Assistance benefits.
There are several Ford Protect extended
service plans available in various time,
distance and deductible combinations.
Each plan is tailored to fit your own driving
needs, including reimbursement for towing
and rental. When you purchase Ford
Protect extended service plan, you receive
added peace-of-mind protection
throughout Canada, the United States and
Mexico, provided by a network of
participating authorized Ford Motor
Company dealers.
Note: Repairs performed outside of Canada
and the United States are not eligible for
Ford Protect extended service plan
coverage.
This information is subject to change. Visit
your local Ford of Canada dealer or
www.ford.ca to find the Ford Protect
extended service plan that is right for you.
663
F-150 (TFD) Canada/United States of America, enUSA, Edition date: 202104, Second-Printing Ford Protect