2023 FORD F150 warning

conditions like deep sand, steep slopes, orpulling heavy objects. Additionally, thesystem is capable of recreational flattowing by putting the transfer case intoneutral (N). See Recreationally TowingYour Vehicle (page 485).
There is further information on driving inunique driving conditions. See Off-RoadDriving (page 466).
FOUR-WHEEL DRIVE
PRECAUTIONS
WARNING: Vehicles with a highercenter of gravity (utility and four-wheeldrive vehicles) handle differently thanvehicles with a lower center of gravity(passenger cars). Avoid sharp turns,excessive speed and abrupt steering inthese vehicles. Failure to drive cautiouslyincreases the risk of losing control of yourvehicle, vehicle rollover, personal injuryand death.
WARNING: Do not becomeoverconfident in the ability of four-wheeldrive vehicles. Although a four-wheeldrive vehicle may accelerate better thana two-wheel drive vehicle in low tractionsituations, it won't stop any faster thantwo-wheel drive vehicles. Always driveat a safe speed.
Truck and utility vehicles can differ fromsome other vehicles. Your vehicle could behigher to allow it to travel over roughterrain without getting stuck or damagingunderbody components. The differencesthat make your vehicle so versatile alsomake it handle differently than an ordinarypassenger car. Always maintain steeringwheel control, especially in rough terrain.Since sudden changes in terrain can resultin abrupt steering wheel motion, make sureyou grip the steering wheel from the
outside. Do not grip the spokes. Drivecautiously to avoid vehicle damage fromconcealed objects such as rocks andstumps. Drive slower in strong crosswindswhich can affect the normal steeringcharacteristics of your vehicle. Beextremely careful when driving onpavement made slippery by loose sand,water, gravel, snow or ice.
Note:Do not use four-wheel drive high orfour-wheel drive low mode on dry, hardsurfaced roads. Doing so can produceexcessive noise, increase tire wear and candamage drive components.
FOUR-WHEEL DRIVE
LIMITATIONS
Operating Four-Wheel Drive witha Spare or Mismatched Tires (If
Equipped)
On four-wheel drive vehicles, the size ofthe spare tire can affect the four-wheeldrive system. If there is a significantdifference between the size of the sparetire and the remaining tires, you could havelimited four-wheel drive functionality.When driving with the full-size dissimilarspare wheel and tire assembly, werecommend that you do not:
•Exceed 50 mph (80 km/h) with afour-wheel drive mode turned on.
•Turn on a four-wheel drive modeunless the vehicle is stationary.
•Use a four-wheel drive mode on drypavement.
Driving with the full-size dissimilar sparewheel and tire assembly can limitfour-wheel drive functionality, especiallywhen driving in a mechanically lockedfour-wheel drive mode. You can experiencethe following:
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To select a four-wheel drive mode, pressthe four-wheel drive mode control buttonof the desired mode. You can selecttwo-wheel drive high (2H), four-wheeldrive high (4H), or if your vehicle hasfour-wheel drive auto (4A) at a stop orwhile driving. Once the shift is complete,the instrument cluster display will thendisplay the selected four-wheel drivemode. While shifts are in progress, thelights on the four-wheel drive controlswitch can flash and you could seemessages in the instrument cluster displayindicating that a shift is in progress or torelease the accelerator pedal to improveshift performance.
Note:Momentarily releasing the acceleratorpedal while a shift in progress messagedisplays improves engagement ordisengagement performance.
Note:Do not perform this operation whencruise control or trail control is selected andactive. The system may not shift asexpected.
Note:Do not perform this operation if therear wheels are slipping or while applyingthe accelerator pedal.
Note:You could hear some noise as thesystem shifts or engages which is normal.
If the system detects a fault, a warningmessage appears in the instrument clusterdisplay. See Four-Wheel Drive –Information Messages (page 280).
Shifting to or from Four-WheelDrive Low (4L)
To select or exit four-wheel drive low (4L):
1.Bring your vehicle to a speed of 3 mph(5 km/h) or less.
2.Place the transmission in neutral (N)
3.Press the desired four-wheel drivebutton on the four-wheel drive modecontrol switch.
The instrument cluster display will displaya message indicating a four-wheel driveshift is in progress. If any of the above shiftconditions are not present, the shift willnot occur and the instrument clusterdisplay will display information guiding thedriver through the proper shiftingprocedures. If there is a transfer case toothblockage a message will display in theinstrument cluster display. To alleviate thiscondition, place the transmission in aforward gear, move your vehicle forwardapproximately 5 ft (1.5 m), and shift thetransmission back to neutral (N) to allowthe transfer case to complete the rangeshift.
Note:You could hear some noise as thesystem shifts or engages which is normal.
If the system detects a fault, a warningmessage appears in the instrument clusterdisplay. See Four-Wheel Drive –Information Messages (page 280).
SELECTING A FOUR-WHEEL
DRIVE MODE - RAPTOR
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The four-wheel drive mode control is onthe instrument panel.
To select a four-wheel drive mode, pressthe four-wheel drive mode control buttonof the desired mode. You can selecttwo-wheel drive high (2H), four-wheeldrive high (4H), or four-wheel drive auto(4A) at a stop or while driving. Once theshift is complete, the instrument clusterdisplay will then display the selectedfour-wheel drive mode. While shifts are inprogress, the lights on the four-wheel drivecontrol switch can flash and you could seemessages in the instrument cluster displayindicating that a shift is in progress or torelease the accelerator pedal to improveshift performance.
Note:Momentarily releasing the acceleratorpedal when a shift in progress messagedisplays improves engagement anddisengagement performance.
Note:Do not perform this operation whenyou have cruise control or trail controlselected and active. The system may notshift as expected.
Note:Do not perform this operation if therear wheels are slipping or while applyingthe accelerator pedal.
Note:You could hear some noise as thesystem shifts or engages, which is normal.
If the system detects a fault, a warningmessage appears in the instrument clusterdisplay. See Four-Wheel Drive –Information Messages (page 280).
Shifting to or from Four-WheelDrive Low (4L)
To select or exit four-wheel drive low (4L):
1.Bring your vehicle to a speed of 3 mph(5 km/h) or less.
2.Place the transmission in neutral (N).
3.Press the desired four-wheel drivebutton on the four-wheel drive modecontrol switch.
The instrument cluster display will displaya message indicating a four-wheel driveshift is in progress. If any of the above shiftconditions are not present, the shift doesnot occur and the instrument clusterdisplay will display information guiding thedriver through the proper shiftingprocedures. If there is a transfer case toothblockage, a message displays in theinstrument cluster display. To alleviate thiscondition, place the transmission in aforward gear, move your vehicle forwardapproximately 5 ft (1.5 m), and shift thetransmission back to neutral (N) to allowthe transfer case to complete the rangeshift.
Note:You could hear some noise as thesystem shifts or engages, which is normal.
If the system detects a fault, a warningmessage appears in the instrument clusterdisplay. See Four-Wheel Drive –Information Messages (page 280).
FOUR-WHEEL DRIVE MODES
TWO-WHEEL DRIVE HIGH
Two-wheel drive high is for generalon-road driving. Power is sent to the rearwheels only.
Note:Two-wheel drive high can turn on oroff based on Drive Mode selection See DriveMode Control (page 362).
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Four-wheel Drive Auto (If Equipped)
Continuously illuminates whenfour-wheel drive auto is selected.
Four-wheel Drive High
Continuously illuminates whenfour-wheel drive high is selected.
Four-wheel Drive Low
Continuously illuminates whenfour-wheel drive low is selected.
FOUR-WHEEL DRIVE –
TROUBLESHOOTING
FOUR-WHEEL DRIVE – WARNINGLAMPS
Illuminates when a four-wheeldrive or power train fault ispresent.
Note:When a system fault is present, thesystem can typically remain in whichevermode was selected prior to the faultcondition occurring. It does not default totwo-wheel drive in all circumstances. Whenthis warning is displayed, have your vehicleserviced by an authorized dealer.
FOUR-WHEEL DRIVE – INFORMATION MESSAGES
ActionMessage
A four-wheel drive system fault is present.Have your vehicle checked as soon aspossible.
Check 4x4
The four-wheel drive system is making ashift.4x4 Shift in Progress
Displays when you attempt to switch tofour-wheel drive low mode and you do notshift the transmission to neutral (N).
For 4x4 LOW Shift to N
Displays when you attempt to switch tofour-wheel drive low mode and yourvehicle's speed is greater than 3 mph(5 km/h).
For 4x4 LOW Slow to 3 MPH
For 4x4 LOW Slow to 5 km/h
Displays when you attempt to switch fromfour-wheel drive low mode and you do notshift the transmission to neutral (N).
To Exit 4x4 LOW Shift to N
Displays when you attempt to switch fromfour-wheel drive low mode and yourvehicle's speed is greater than 3 mph(5 km/h).
To Exit 4x4 LOW Slow to 3 MPH
To Exit 4x4 LOW Slow to 5 km/h
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BRAKE PRECAUTIONS
Wet brakes result in reduced brakingefficiency. Gently press the brake pedal afew times when leaving a car wash ordriving from standing water to dry thebrakes.
Note:Depending on applicable laws andregulations in the country where your vehiclewas originally built, the stoplamps couldflash during heavy braking. The hazardwarning flashers could also turn on whenyour vehicle comes to a stop.
ANTI-LOCK BRAKING SYSTEM
ANTI-LOCK BRAKING SYSTEMLIMITATIONS
The anti-lock braking system does noteliminate the risk of crash when:
•You drive too closely to the vehicle infront of you.
•Your vehicle is hydroplaning.
•You take corners too fast.
•The road surface is poor.
Note: If the system activates, the brakepedal could pulse and travel further.Maintain pressure on the brake pedal.
BRAKE OVER ACCELERATOR
- EXCLUDING: RAPTOR
In the event the accelerator pedalbecomes stuck or entrapped, apply steadyand firm pressure to the brake pedal toslow the vehicle and reduce engine power.If you experience this condition, apply thebrakes and bring your vehicle to a safe
stop. Move the transmission to park (P),switch the engine off and apply the parkingbrake. Inspect the accelerator pedal forany interference. If none are found and thecondition persists, have your vehicle towedto the nearest authorized dealer.
BRAKE OVER ACCELERATOR
- RAPTOR
In the event the accelerator pedalbecomes stuck or entrapped, apply steadyand firm pressure to the brake pedal toslow the vehicle and reduce engine power.If you experience this condition, apply thebrakes and bring your vehicle to a safestop. Move the transmission to park (P),switch the engine off and apply the parkingbrake. Inspect the accelerator pedal forany interference. If none are found and thecondition persists, have your vehicle towedto the nearest authorized dealer.
Note:Certain drive modes can disablebrake over accelerator for off-road driving.
LOCATING THE BRAKE FLUID
RESERVOIR
See Under Hood Overview (page 499).
CHECKING THE BRAKE FLUID
WARNING: Do not use any fluidother than the recommended brake fluidas this will reduce brake efficiency. Useof incorrect fluid could result in the lossof vehicle control, serious personal injuryor death.
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WARNING: Only use brake fluidfrom a sealed container. Contaminationwith dirt, water, petroleum products orother materials may result in brakesystem damage or failure. Failure toadhere to this warning could result in theloss of vehicle control, serious personalinjury or death.
WARNING: Do not allow the fluidto touch your skin or eyes. If thishappens, rinse the affected areasimmediately with plenty of water andcontact your physician.
WARNING: The brake systemcould be affected if the brake fluid levelis below the MIN mark or above the MAXmark on the brake fluid reservoir.
1.Park your vehicle on a level surface.
2.Look at the brake fluid reservoir to seewhere the brake fluid level is relativeto the MIN and the MAX marks on thereservoir.
Note:To avoid fluid contamination, thereservoir cap must remain in place and fullytight, unless you are adding fluid.
Only use fluid that meets ourspecifications. See Capacities andSpecifications (page 578).
BRAKE FLUID SPECIFICATION
See Brake Fluid Specification (page 615).
BRAKES –
TROUBLESHOOTING
BRAKES – WARNING LAMPS
WARNING: Driving your vehiclewith the warning lamp on is dangerous.A significant decrease in brakingperformance may occur. It may take youlonger to stop your vehicle. Have yourvehicle checked as soon as possible.Driving extended distances with theparking brake engaged can cause brakefailure and the risk of personal injury.
If the ABS indicator illuminateswhen you are driving, thisindicates a malfunction. Yourvehicle continues to have normal brakingwithout the anti-lock braking systemfunction. See an authorized dealer.
It also momentarily illuminates when youswitch the ignition on to confirm the lampis functional. If it does not illuminate whenyou switch the ignition on, or begins toflash at any time, have the system checkedby an authorized dealer.
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WHAT IS THE ELECTRIC
PARKING BRAKE
The electric parking brake is used to holdyour vehicle on slopes and flat roads.
APPLYING THE ELECTRIC
PARKING BRAKE
WARNING: Apply the parkingbrake, shift into park (P), switch theignition off and remove the key beforeyou leave your vehicle. Failure to followthis instruction could result in personalinjury or death.
WARNING: If you drive extendeddistances with the parking brake applied,you could cause damage to the brakesystem.
WARNING: The electric parkingbrake does not operate if the vehiclebattery has run out of charge.
The switch is on the lower partof the instrument panel.
Pull the switch up to apply the electricparking brake. The red warning lampflashes, then steadily illuminates when theparking brake is applied.
Note:You can apply the electric parkingbrake when the ignition is off.
Note:The electric parking brake couldautomatically apply when park (P) isselected. See Park (P) (page 264).
APPLYING THE ELECTRIC
PARKING BRAKE IN AN
EMERGENCY
You can use the electric parking brake toslow or stop your vehicle in an emergency.
Pull the switch up and hold it.
The red warning lamp illuminates, a tonesounds and the stoplamps turn on whenyou use the electric parking brake in anemergency.
The electric parking brake continues toslow your vehicle down unless you releasethe switch.
Note:Do not apply the electric parkingbrake when your vehicle is moving, exceptin an emergency. If you repeatedly use theelectric parking brake to slow or stop yourvehicle, you could cause damage to thebrake system.
MANUALLY RELEASING THE
ELECTRIC PARKING BRAKE
1.Switch the ignition on.
2.Press and hold the brake pedal.
3.Push the switch down.
The red warning lamp turns off.
Pulling Away on a Hill When Towing aTrailer
1.Press and hold the brake pedal.
2.Pull the switch upward and hold it.
3.Shift into gear.
4.Press the accelerator pedal until enginehas developed sufficient torque toprevent your vehicle from rolling downthe hill.
5.Release the switch and pull away in anormal manner.
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AUTOMATICALLY RELEASING
THE ELECTRIC PARKING
BRAKE
1.Close the driver door.
2.Shift into gear.
3.Press the accelerator pedal and pullaway in a normal manner.
ELECTRIC PARKING BRAKE
AUDIBLE WARNING
Sounds when the parking brake is on andyour vehicle is moving. If the warning tonecontinues after you have released theparking brake, this indicates a malfunction.Have your vehicle checked as soon aspossible.
RELEASING THE ELECTRIC
PARKING BRAKE IF THE
VEHICLE BATTERY HAS RUN
OUT OF CHARGE
WARNING: The electric parkingbrake does not operate if the vehiclebattery has run out of charge.
Connect a booster battery to the vehiclebattery to release the electric parking brakeif the vehicle battery has run out of charge.See Jump Starting the Vehicle (page481).
ELECTRIC PARKING BRAKE –
TROUBLESHOOTING
ELECTRIC PARKING BRAKE –WARNING LAMPS
Brake System
It illuminates red when you applythe parking brake and yourvehicle is on. If the lamp flasheswhen the parking brake has beenreleased, this indicates theparking brake system requiresservice. Have your vehicle checked assoon as possible.
Note:Lamps may vary depending on region.
Electric Parking Brake
When the lamp illuminatesyellow, it indicates a malfunctionin the electric parking brake.Have your vehicle checked as soon aspossible.
Note:Lamps may vary depending on region.
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