2023 FORD F150 engine overheat

Your vehicle may have a temporary orconventional spare tire. A temporary sparetire is different in diameter or width,tread-type, or is from a differentmanufacturer than the road tires on yourvehicle. Consult information on the tirelabel or Safety Compliance label forlimitations when using.
When towing a trailer:
•Obey country specific regulations fortowing a trailer.
•Do not drive faster than 70 mph(113 km/h) during the first 500 mi(800 km).
•Do not make full-throttle starts.
•Check your hitch, electrical connectionsand trailer wheel lug nuts thoroughlyafter you have traveled 50 mi (80 km).
•When stopped in congested or heavytraffic during hot weather, place thetransmission in park (P) to aid engineand transmission cooling and to helpA/C performance.
•Turn off the speed control with heavyloads or in hilly terrain. The speedcontrol may turn off when you aretowing on long, steep slopes.
•Shift to a lower gear when driving downa long or steep hill. Do not continuouslyapply the brakes, as they may overheatand become less effective.
•If your transmission has Grade Assistor Tow/Haul, use this feature whentowing. This provides engine brakingand helps eliminate excessivetransmission shifting for optimum fueleconomy and transmission cooling.
•Your vehicle has AdvanceTrac with rollstability control. When towing a trailer,additional loads could cause theAdvanceTrac system to engage duringcornering maneuvers. Reduce corneringspeeds to make sure that you canmaintain control of the vehicle andtrailer if the AdvanceTrac systemengages.
•Allow more distance for stopping witha trailer attached. Anticipate stops andgradually brake.
•Avoid parking on a slope. However, ifyou must park on a slope, turn thesteering wheel to point your vehicletires away from traffic flow, set theparking brake, place the transmissionin park (P) and place wheel chocks infront and back of the trailer wheels.
Note:Chocks are not included with yourvehicle.
LAUNCHING OR RETRIEVING
A BOAT OR PERSONAL
WATERCRAFT
When backing down a ramp during boatlaunching or retrieval:
•Do not allow the static water level torise above the bottom edge of the rearbumper.
•Do not allow waves to break higherthan 6 in (15 cm) above the bottomedge of the rear bumper.
Exceeding 6 in (15 cm) could allow waterto enter vehicle components, causinginternal damage to the components andaffecting driveability, emissions andreliability.
Note:Replace the rear axle lubricantanytime the rear axle has been submergedin water.
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2023 F-150 (TFD) Canada/United States of America, enUSA, Edition date: 202206, DOMTowing a Trailer

OFF-ROAD DRIVING
WHAT IS OFF-ROAD DRIVING
Off-road driving is driving your vehicle onunsurfaced roads or trails, made from dirt,rocks, sand and mud.
OFF-ROAD DRIVINGPRECAUTIONS - RAPTOR
WARNING: If you continue to driveyour vehicle when the engine isoverheating, the engine could stopwithout warning. Failure to follow thisinstruction could result in the loss ofcontrol of your vehicle.
Before going off-road driving, consult withall the appropriate government entities todetermine where you are legally allowedto operate your vehicle and what permitsor registrations are required to do so.
Inspect your vehicle before and after anyoff-road driving.
Familiarize yourself with the dimensionsof your vehicle including approach angles,breakover angles, and ground clearance.
Also familiarize yourself with the featuresof your vehicle. Some of these featuressuch as drive modes and cameras canimprove your off-road driving experience.
Secure loose objects inside your vehicleand in the cargo area.
BASIC OFF-ROAD DRIVINGTECHNIQUES - EXCLUDING:RAPTOR
Off-road Driving Hints
Before taking your vehicle off-roading, abasic vehicle inspection should be done tomake sure that the vehicle is in top workingcondition. It is always recommended thatat least two vehicles are used whileoff-roading. The buddy system helps makesure that help is close at hand should avehicle become stuck or damaged. It is alsowise to take supplies such as a first aid kit,supply of water, tow strap, cell or satellitephone with you any time an off-roadexcursion is planned.
1.Grip the steering wheel with thumbson the outside of the rim. This willreduce the risk of injury due to abruptsteering wheel motions that occurwhen negotiating rough terrain.
2.Throttle, brake and steering inputsshould be made in a smooth andcontrolled manner. Sudden inputs tothe controls can cause loss of tractionor upset the vehicle, especially whileon loose terrain or while crossingobstacles such as rocks or logs.
3.Look ahead on your route notingupcoming obstacles, or any otherfactors which may indicate a changein available traction, and adjust thevehicle speed and route accordingly.
4.When driving off-road, if the front orrear suspension is bottoming outand/or excessive contact with theskid-plates is encountered, reducevehicle speed to avoid potentialdamage to the vehicle.
5.When with other vehicles, it isrecommended that communication isused, and the lead vehicle notify othervehicles of obstacles that could causepotential vehicle damage.
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2023 F-150 (TFD) Canada/United States of America, enUSA, Edition date: 202206, DOMDriving Hints

Vehicles used to traverse water should beperiodically inspected for signs of wateringestion in all of the vehicle's fluids. Ifwater is found inside your vehicle fluids,service your vehicle or see an authorizeddealer.
Avoid Getting High-Centered
Always keep available ground clearancein mind and pick a route that minimizes therisk of catching the underside of the vehicleon an obstacle and getting high-centered.
Freeing A Stuck Vehicle
WARNING: Do not spin the wheelsat over 34 mph (55 km/h). The tires mayfail and injure a passenger or bystander.
Recovery hooks are mounted to thevehicle's structure and are used to pull outthe vehicle from a surface or location whenstuck. Recover your vehicle using varioustowing apparatus attached to yourrecovery hook such as winch, open hook,or strap.
Note:Do not use recovery hooks torecreationally tow your vehicle. SeeRecreationally Towing Your Vehicle (page485).
Note: Do not rock your vehicle if the engineis not at normal operating temperature asdamage to the transmission could occur.
Note:Do not rock your vehicle for morethan a minute as damage to thetransmission and tires could occur or theengine could overheat.
If you are unable to free your vehicle callroadside assistance. See RoadsideAssistance (page 478).
Crossing A Ravine, Gully, Ditch,Washout Or Rut
Review the path ahead before attemptingto cross any obstacle.
Driving Over Logs
Review the path ahead before attemptingto cross any obstacle.
DRIVING YOUR VEHICLE AT HIGHSPEEDS - RAPTOR
If you plan on using your vehicle for severe,high speed off-road use, we recommendthe following:
•Equipping your vehicle with the safetyequipment appropriate for off-roadrecovery.
•Using personal safety equipment,including a certified helmet andapproved neck restraint device.
•Doing a low speed reconnaissance runin unfamiliar areas to become awareof any obstacles that you couldencounter.
Your vehicle can incur damage if drivenbeyond its capabilities. Skid plates, shockguards and running boards are designedto help limit damage to vital componentsand exterior finishes, but cannot preventall damage if driven in extreme off-roadconditions. Damage to skid plates, shockguards, running boards and exteriorfinishes as well as bent, cracked or brokenbody, frame and chassis components maynot be covered by warranty.
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2023 F-150 (TFD) Canada/United States of America, enUSA, Edition date: 202206, DOMDriving Hints

WARNING: Do not remove thecoolant reservoir cap when the engine ison or the cooling system is hot. Wait 10minutes for the cooling system to cooldown. Cover the coolant reservoir capwith a thick cloth to prevent thepossibility of scalding and slowly removethe cap. Failure to follow this instructioncould result in personal injury.
WARNING: Do not add coolantwhen the vehicle is on or the coolingsystem is hot. Failure to follow thisinstruction could result in personal injury.
WARNING: Do not add coolantfurther than the MAX mark.
WARNING: Do not put coolant inthe windshield washer reservoir. Ifsprayed on the windshield, coolant couldmake it difficult to see through thewindshield.
WARNING: Do not allow the fluidto touch your skin or eyes. If thishappens, rinse the affected areasimmediately with plenty of water andcontact your physician.
Note: Do not use stop leak pellets, coolingsystem sealants, or non-specified additivesas they can cause damage to the enginecooling or heating systems. Resultingcomponent damage may not be covered bythe vehicle Warranty.
Note:Automotive fluids are notinterchangeable.
It is very important to use predilutedcoolant approved to the correctspecification in order to avoid plugging thesmall passageways in the engine coolingsystem. See Capacities andSpecifications (page 578). Do not mixdifferent colors or types of coolant in yourvehicle. Mixing of engine coolants or usingan incorrect coolant may harm the engineor cooling system components and couldvoid the vehicle Warranty.
Note:If prediluted coolant is not available,use the approved concentrated coolantdiluting it to 50/50 with deionized ordistilled water. See Capacities andSpecifications (page 578). Using water thathas not been deionized may contribute todeposit formation, corrosion and pluggingof the small cooling system passageways.
To top up the coolant level do thefollowing:
1.Unscrew the cap slowly. Any pressureescapes as you unscrew the cap.
2.Add enough prediluted coolant toreach the correct level.
Note:We do not recommend the use ofrecycled coolant.
3.Replace the coolant reservoir cap. Turnthe cap clockwise until it contacts thehard stop.
4.Check the coolant level in the coolantreservoir the next few times you driveyour vehicle. If necessary, repeat step2.
If you have to add more than 1.1 qt (1 L) ofengine coolant per month, have yourvehicle checked as soon as possible.Operating an engine with a low level ofcoolant can result in engine overheatingand possible engine damage.
In case of emergency, you can add a largeamount of water without engine coolantin order to reach a vehicle service location.Service your vehicle as soon as possible.
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2023 F-150 (TFD) Canada/United States of America, enUSA, Edition date: 202206, DOMMaintenance

Water alone, without engine coolant, cancause engine damage from corrosion,overheating or freezing.
Do not use the following as a coolantsubstitute, as they can cause enginedamage from overheating or freezing:
•Alcohol.
•Methanol.
•Brine.
•Any coolant mixed with alcohol ormethanol antifreeze.
Do not add extra inhibitors or additives tothe coolant. These can be harmful andcompromise the corrosion protection ofthe coolant.
Severe Climates
If you drive in extremely cold climates, youmay need to increase the coolantconcentration above 50%.
Note:A coolant concentration of 60%provides improved freeze point protection.Coolant concentrations above 60%decrease the overheat protectioncharacteristics of the coolant and couldcause engine damage.
If you drive in extremely hot climates, youmay need to decrease the coolantconcentration to 40%.
Note:A coolant concentration of 40%provides improved overheat protection.Coolant concentrations below 40%decrease the overheat and corrosionprotection characteristics of the coolant andcould cause engine damage.
Coolant Change
WARNING: Do not dispose ofcoolant in the household refuse or thepublic sewage system. Use an authorizedwaste disposal facility.
Change the coolant at specific mileageintervals. Refer to the scheduledmaintenance information. See NormalScheduled Maintenance (page 670).
Note:Dispose of used coolant in theappropriate manner.
Follow your community's regulations andstandards for recycling and disposing ofautomotive fluids.
Fail-Safe Cooling
Fail-safe cooling allows you to temporarilydrive your vehicle before any incrementalcomponent damage occurs. The fail-safedistance depends on ambienttemperature, vehicle load and terrain.
How Fail-Safe Cooling Works
WARNING: If you continue to driveyour vehicle when the engine isoverheating, the engine could stopwithout warning. Failure to follow thisinstruction could result in the loss ofcontrol of your vehicle.
If the engine begins to overheat,the coolant temperature gaugemoves toward the red zone:
A warning lamp illuminates anda message may appear in theinformation display.
If the engine reaches a presetover-temperature condition, the engineautomatically switches to alternatingcylinder operation. Each disabled cylinderacts as an air pump and cools the engine.
When this occurs, your vehicle stilloperates, however:
•Engine power is limited.
•The air conditioning system turns off.
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2023 F-150 (TFD) Canada/United States of America, enUSA, Edition date: 202206, DOMMaintenanceE103308 E67028

You may notice a reduction in vehiclespeed caused by reduced engine power inorder to manage the engine coolanttemperature. Your vehicle may enter thismode if certain high-temperature andhigh-load conditions take place. Theamount of speed reduction depends onvehicle loading, grade and ambienttemperature. If this occurs, there is noneed to stop your vehicle. You cancontinue to drive.
The air conditioning may automaticallyturn on and off during severe operatingconditions to protect the engine fromoverheating. When the coolanttemperature decreases to the normaloperating temperature, the air conditioningturns on.
If the coolant temperature gauge movesfully into the red zone, or if the coolanttemperature warning or service enginesoon messages appear in your informationdisplay, do the following:
1.Stop your vehicle as soon as it is safeto do so. Fully apply the parking brake,shift into park (P) or neutral (N).
2.Leave the engine running until thecoolant temperature gauge needlereturns to the normal position. If thetemperature does not drop afterseveral minutes, follow the remainingsteps.
3.Switch the engine off and wait for it tocool. Check the coolant level.
4.If the coolant level is at or below theminimum mark, add prediluted coolantimmediately.
5.If the coolant level is normal, restartthe engine and continue.
ENGINE AIR FILTER
CHANGING THE ENGINE AIRFILTER
WARNING: To reduce the risk ofvehicle damage and personal burninjuries, do not start your engine with theair cleaner removed and do not removeit while the engine is running.
Change the air filter element at the properintervals. See Scheduled Maintenance(page 667).
When changing the air filter element, useonly the air filter element listed. SeeCapacities and Specifications (page578).
Note:Failure to use the correct air filterelement could result in severe enginedamage that the vehicle Warranty may notcover.
Note:When servicing the air cleaner, do notallow foreign material to enter the airinduction system. The engine is susceptibleto damage from even small particles.
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2023 F-150 (TFD) Canada/United States of America, enUSA, Edition date: 202206, DOMMaintenance

It is important to rely upon your dealershipto properly diagnose and repair yourvehicle.
We strongly recommend only using ourgenuine or our authorized re-manufacturedreplacement parts engineered for yourvehicle.
Additives and Chemicals
We do not recommend using chemicals oradditives not approved by us as part ofyour vehicle’s normal maintenance. Pleaseconsult your warranty information.
Oils, Fluids and Flushing
In many cases, fluid discoloration is anormal operating characteristic and, byitself, does not necessarily indicate aconcern or that the fluid needs to bechanged. Have discolored fluids that alsoshow signs of overheating or foreignmaterial contamination checkedimmediately.
Make sure to change the vehicle’s oils andfluids at the specified intervals or inconjunction with a repair. Flushing is aviable way to change fluid for many vehiclesub-systems during scheduledmaintenance. It is critical that systems areflushed only with new fluid that is the sameas that required to fill and operate thesystem or using our approved flushingchemical.
Owner Checks and Services
Make sure you perform the following basicmaintenance checks and inspections.
Check Every Month
The engine oil level.
Function of all interior and the exterior lights.
The tires including the spare for wear and proper pressure.
The windshield washer fluid level.
Check Every Six Months
The battery connections. Clean if necessary.
The body and door drain holes for obstructions. Clean if necessary.
The cooling system fluid level and the coolant system strength.
The door weatherstrips for wear. Lubricate if necessary.
The hinges, latches and outside locks for proper operation. Lubricate if necessary.
The parking brake for proper operation.
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2023 F-150 (TFD) Canada/United States of America, enUSA, Edition date: 202206, DOMScheduled Maintenance