2003 Ford F 150 Owners Manual

2003 F150 (f12) Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt) USA English (fus)

Seating and Safety Restraints • 4–door SuperCab (Bench seats

only)

To lower the shoulder belt height, push the button and slide the height adjuster down. To raise the height of the shoulder belt, slide the height adjuster up. Pull down on the height adjuster to make sure it is locked in place.

Position the safety belt height adjusters so that the belt rests across the middle of your shoulder. Failure to adjust the safety

belt properly could reduce the effectiveness of the seat belt and increase the risk of injury in a collision.

Lap belts

Adjusting the lap belt

The lap belt should fit snugly and as low as possible around the hips, not across the waist.

The center lap belt tongues are designed to fit only in the correct buckle. The tongue will not securely latch if you attempt to use it in any of the outboard seating position buckles. To ensure that you have used the correct buckle you should hear a snap and feel it latch. • 1st row center and 2nd row center (SuperCab) seating position The lap belt does not adjust automatically.

104

2003 F150 (f12) Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt) USA English (fus)

Seating and Safety Restraints

Insert the tongue into the correct buckle (the buckle closest to the direction the tongue is coming from). To lengthen the belt, turn the tongue at a right angle to the belt and pull across your lap until it reaches the buckle. To tighten the belt, pull the loose end of the belt through the tongue until it fits snugly across the hips.

Shorten and fasten the belt when not in use.

• 2nd row center seating position (SuperCrew) The lap belt will adjust automatically. To fasten, grasp the tongue, and with a continuous motion, pull out enough webbing to buckle the tongue into the correct buckle (the buckle closest to the direction the tongue is coming from). If you did not pull out enough webbing to reach the buckle, allow the tongue to retract fully before trying to pull it out again. The belt should fit snugly and as low as possible around your hips. Do not wear the lap belt around your waist.

Safety belt warning light and indicator chime The safety belt warning light illuminates in the instrument cluster and a chime sounds to remind the occupants to fasten their safety belts.

105

2003 F150 (f12) Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt) USA English (fus)

Seating and Safety Restraints

Conditions of operation If... The driver’s safety belt is not buckled before the ignition switch is turned to the ON position... The driver’s safety belt is buckled while the indicator light is illuminated and the warning chime is sounding... The driver’s safety belt is buckled before the ignition switch is turned to the ON position...

Then... The safety belt warning light illuminates 1-2 minutes and the warning chime sounds 4-8 seconds.

The safety belt warning light and warning chime turn off.

The safety belt warning light and indicator chime remain off.

BeltMinder (if equipped) The BeltMinder feature is a supplemental warning to the safety belt warning function. This feature provides additional reminders to the driver that the driver’s safety belt is unbuckled by intermittently sounding a chime and illuminating the safety belt warning lamp in the instrument cluster. If... The driver’s safety belt is not buckled approximately 5
seconds after the safety belt warning light has turned off...

Then... The BeltMinder feature is activated - the safety belt warning light illuminates and the warning chime sounds for 6 seconds every 30
seconds, repeating for approximately 5 minutes or until safety belt is buckled. The BeltMinder feature will not activate.

The driver’s safety belt is buckled while the safety belt indicator light is illuminated and the safety belt warning chime is sounding...

106

2003 F150 (f12) Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt) USA English (fus)

Seating and Safety Restraints

Then... The BeltMinder feature will not activate.

If... The driver’s safety belt is buckled before the ignition switch is turned to the ON position... The following are reasons most often given for not wearing safety belts: (All statistics based on U.S. data) Reasons given... “Crashes are rare events”

Consider... 36700 crashes occur every day. The more we drive, the more we are exposed to “rare” events, even for good drivers. 1 in 4 of us will be seriously injured in a crash during our lifetime. 3 of 4 fatal crashes occur within 25
miles of home. We design our safety belts to enhance comfort. If you are uncomfortable - try different positions for the safety belt upper anchorage and seatback which should be as upright as possible; this can improve comfort. Prime time for an accident. BeltMinder reminds us to take a few seconds to buckle up. Safety belts, when used properly, reduce risk of death to front seat occupants by 45% in cars, and by 60% in light trucks. Nearly 1 of 2 deaths occur in single-vehicle crashes, many when no other vehicles are around. Possibly, but a serious crash can do much more than wrinkle your clothes, particularly if you are unbelted.

“I’m not going far”

“Belts are uncomfortable”

“I was in a hurry”

“Safety belts don’t work”

“Traffic is light”

“Belts wrinkle my clothes”

107

2003 F150 (f12) Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt) USA English (fus)

Seating and Safety Restraints

Reasons given... “The people I’m with don’t wear belts”

“I have an air bag”

“I’d rather be thrown clear”

Consider... Set the example, teen deaths occur 4
times more often in vehicles with TWO or MORE people. Children and younger brothers/sisters imitate behavior they see. Air bags offer greater protection when used with safety belts. Frontal airbags are not designed to inflate in rear and side crashes or rollovers. Not a good idea. People who are ejected are 40 times more likely to DIE. Safety belts help prevent ejection, WE CAN’T “PICK OUR CRASH”.

Do not sit on top of a buckled safety belt to avoid the Belt Minder chime. Sitting on the safety belt will increase the risk of

injury in an accident. To disable (one-time) or deactivate the Belt Minder feature please follow the directions stated below.

One time disable Any time the safety belt is buckled and then unbuckled during an ignition ON cycle, the BeltMinder will be disabled for that ignition cycle only. Deactivating/activating the BeltMinder feature Read steps 1 - 9 thoroughly before proceeding with the deactivation/activation programming procedure. The BeltMinder feature can be deactivated/activated by performing the following procedure: Before following the procedure, ensure that the following conditions are met: • The parking brake is set. • The gearshift is in P (Park) (automatic transmission) or the neutral • The ignition switch is in the OFF position. 108

position (manual transmission).

2003 F150 (f12) Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt) USA English (fus)

Seating and Safety Restraints

• All vehicle doors are closed. • The driver’s safety belt is unbuckled. • The parklamps/headlamps are in OFF position (If vehicle is equipped

with Autolamps, this will not affect the procedure).

To reduce the risk of injury, do not deactivate/activate the Belt Minder feature while driving the vehicle.

BeltMinder activation and deactivation procedure 1. Turn the ignition switch to the RUN (or ON) position. (DO NOT START THE ENGINE.) 2. Wait until the safety belt warning light turns off. (Approximately 1–2
minutes.) • Steps 3–5 must be completed within 60 seconds or the procedure will

have to be repeated.

3. Buckle then unbuckle the safety belt three times, ending with the safety belt unbuckled. This can be done before or during BeltMinder warning activation. 4. Turn on the parklamps/headlamps, turn off the parklamps/headlamps. 5. Buckle then unbuckle the safety belt three times, ending with the safety belt unbuckled. • After step 5 the safety belt warning light will be turned on for three

seconds.

6. Within seven seconds of the safety belt warning light turning off, buckle then unbuckle the safety belt. • This will disable BeltMinder if it is currently enabled, or enable

BeltMinder if it is currently disabled.

7. Confirmation of disabling BeltMinder is provided by the safety belt warning light flashing four times per second for three seconds. 8. Confirmation of enabling BeltMinder is provided by: • The safety belt warning light flashing four times per second for three • Followed by three seconds with the safety belt warning light off. • Once again, the safety belt warning light will flash four times per

seconds.

second for three seconds.

9. After receiving confirmation, the deactivation/activation procedure is complete.

109

2003 F150 (f12) Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt) USA English (fus)

Seating and Safety Restraints

Safety belt extension assembly If the safety belt is too short when fully extended, there is a 20 cm (8
inch) safety belt extension assembly that can be added (part number 611C22). This assembly can be obtained from your dealer at no cost. Use only extensions manufactured by the same supplier as the safety belt. Manufacturer identification is located at the end of the webbing on the label. Also, use the safety belt extension only if the safety belt is too short for you when fully extended.

Do not use extensions to change the fit of the shoulder belt across the torso.

Safety belt maintenance Inspect the safety belt systems periodically to make sure they work properly and are not damaged. Inspect the safety belts to make sure there are no nicks, tears or cuts. Replace if necessary. All safety belt assemblies, including retractors, buckles, front seat belt buckle assemblies, buckle support assemblies (slide bar-if equipped), shoulder belt height adjusters (if equipped), shoulder belt guide on seatback (if equipped), child safety seat LATCH and tether anchors, and attaching hardware, should be inspected after a collision. Ford Motor Company recommends that all safety belt assemblies used in vehicles involved in a collision be replaced. However, if the collision was minor and a qualified technician finds that the belts do not show damage and continue to operate properly, they do not need to be replaced. Safety belt assemblies not in use during a collision should also be inspected and replaced if either damage or improper operation is noted.

Failure to inspect and if necessary replace the safety belt assembly under the above conditions could result in severe

personal injuries in the event of a collision.

Refer to Interior in the Cleaning chapter.

110

2003 F150 (f12) Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt) USA English (fus)

Seating and Safety Restraints

AIR BAG SUPPLEMENTAL RESTRAINT SYSTEM (SRS)

Important SRS precautions The SRS is designed to work with the safety belt to help protect the driver and right front passenger from certain upper body injuries. Air bags DO NOT inflate slowly; there is a risk of injury from a deploying air bag.

All occupants of the vehicle, including the driver, should always properly wear their safety belts, even when an air bag (SRS) is

provided.

Always transport children 12 years old and under in the back seat if your vehicle has a back seat. If a child in a rear facing

infant seat must be transported in front, the passenger air bag must be turned OFF. This is because the back of the infant seat is too close to the inflating air bag and the risk of a fatal injury to the infant when the air bag inflates is substantial.

111

2003 F150 (f12) Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt) USA English (fus)

Seating and Safety Restraints

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) recommends a minimum distance of at least 25 cm (10 inches)

between an occupant’s chest and the driver air bag module.

Never place your arm over the air bag module as a deploying air bag can result in serious arm fractures or other injuries.

To properly position yourself away from the air bag: • Move your seat to the rear as far as you can while still reaching the • Recline the seat slightly one or two degrees from the upright position.

pedals comfortably.

Do not put anything on or over the air bag module. Placing objects on or over the air bag inflation area may cause those

objects to be propelled by the air bag into your face and torso causing serious injury.

Do not attempt to service, repair, or modify the air bag supplemental restraint systems or its fuses. See your Ford or

Lincoln Mercury dealer.

The front passenger air bag is not designed to offer protection to an occupant in the center front seating position.

Modifying or adding equipment to the front end of the vehicle (including frame, bumper, front end body structure and tow

hooks) may affect the performance of the air bag system, increasing the risk of injury. Do not modify the front end of the vehicle.

Additional equipment may affect the performance of the air bag sensors increasing the risk of injury. Please refer to the Body

Builders Layout Book for instructions about the appropriate installation of additional equipment.

Children and air bags For additional important safety information, read all information on safety restraints in this guide.

112

2003 F150 (f12) Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt) USA English (fus)

Seating and Safety Restraints

Children must always be properly restrained. Failure to follow these instructions may increase the risk of injury in a collision.

An infant in a rear-facing seat faces a high risk of serious or fatal injuries from a deploying passenger air bag. Rear facing infant

seats should NEVER be placed in the front seats, unless the passenger air bag is turned off. See Passenger air bag ON/OFF switch.

How does the air bag supplemental restraint system work? The air bag SRS is designed to activate when the vehicle sustains sufficient longitudinal deceleration. The fact that the air bags did not inflate in a collision does not mean that something is wrong with the system. Rather, it means the forces were not of the type sufficient to cause activation. Air bags are designed to inflate in frontal and near-frontal collisions, not rollover, side-impact, or rear-impacts. The air bags inflate and deflate rapidly upon activation. After air bag deployment, it is normal to notice a smoke-like, powdery residue or smell the burnt propellant. This may consist of cornstarch, talcum powder (to lubricate the bag) or sodium compounds (e.g., baking soda) that result from the combustion process that inflates the air bag. Small amounts of sodium hydroxide may be present which may irritate the skin and eyes, but none of the residue is toxic. While the system is designed to help reduce serious injuries, it may also cause minor abrasions, swelling or temporary hearing loss. Because air bags must inflate rapidly and with considerable force, there is the risk of death or serious injuries such as fractures, facial and eye injuries or

113

2003 F150 (f12) Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt) USA English (fus)

Seating and Safety Restraints

internal injuries, particularly to occupants who are not properly restrained or are otherwise out of position at the time of air bag deployment. Thus, it is extremely important that occupants be properly restrained as far away from the air bag module as possible while maintaining vehicle control.

Several air bag system components get hot after inflation. Do not touch them after inflation.

If the air bag has deployed, the air bag will not function again and must be replaced immediately. If the air bag is not

replaced, the unrepaired area will increase the risk of injury in a collision.

air bags),

switch and diagnostic monitor (RCM)

The SRS consists of: • driver and passenger air bag modules (which include the inflators and • one or more impact and safing sensors, passenger air bag deactivation • a readiness light and tone, • and the electrical wiring which connects the components. The RCM (restraints control module) monitors its own internal circuits and the supplemental air bag electrical system warning (including the passenger air bag deactivation switch, the impact sensors, the system wiring, the air bag system readiness light, the air bag back up power and the air bag ignitors).

Determining if the system is operational The SRS uses readiness lights in the instrument cluster and the passenger air bag deactivate switch or a tone to indicate the condition of the system. Refer to the Air bag readiness section in the Instrument cluster chapter or Passenger air bag on/off switch section in this chapter. Routine maintenance of the air bag is not required.

114

2003 F150 (f12) Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt) USA English (fus)

Seating and Safety Restraints

flash or stay lit.

A difficulty with the system is indicated by one or more of the following: • The readiness lights will either • The readiness lights will not illuminate immediately after ignition is turned on.

• A series of five beeps will be heard. The tone pattern will repeat

periodically until the problem and/or light are repaired.

If any of these things happen, even intermittently, have the SRS serviced at your dealership or by a qualified technician immediately. Unless serviced, the system may not function properly in the event of a collision.

Disposal of air bags and air bag equipped vehicles (including pretensioners) See your local dealership or qualified technician. Air bags MUST BE disposed of by qualified personnel.

Passenger air bag ON/OFF switch (if equipped)

An air bag ON/OFF switch has been installed in this vehicle. Before driving, always look at the face of the switch to be sure the switch is in the proper position in accordance with these instructions and warnings. Failure to put the switch in a proper position can increase the risk of serious injury or death in a collision.

2003 F150 (f12) Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt) USA English (fus)

PASSENGER AIRBAG

ON

OFF

OFF

115

Seating and Safety Restraints

Turning the passenger air bag off 1. Insert the ignition key, turn the switch to OFF position and hold in OFF position while removing the key. 2. When the ignition is turned to the ON position the OFF light illuminates briefly, momentarily shuts off and then turns back on. This indicates that the passenger air bag is deactivated.

PASSENGER AIRBAG

ON

OFF

OFF

If the OFF light fails to illuminate when the passenger airbag ON/OFF switch is in the OFF position and the ignition switch is

in ON, have the passenger airbag ON/OFF switch serviced at your Ford or Lincoln-Mercury dealer immediately.

In order to avoid inadvertent activation of the switch, always remove the ignition key from the passenger air bag ON/OFF

switch.

116

2003 F150 (f12) Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt) USA English (fus)

Seating and Safety Restraints

Turning the passenger air bag back on The passenger air bag remains OFF until you turn it back ON. 1. Insert the ignition key and turn the switch to ON. 2. The OFF light will briefly illuminate when the ignition is turned to ON. This indicates that the passenger air bag is operational.

PASSENGER AIRBAG

ON

OFF

OFF

If the OFF light is illuminated when the passenger air bag ON/OFF switch is in the ON position and the ignition switch is ON, have the passenger air bag ON/OFF switch serviced at your Ford or Lincoln-Mercury dealer immediately.

The passenger side air bag should always be ON (the air bag OFF light should not be illuminated) unless the passenger is a person who meets the requirements stated either in Category 1, 2 or 3 of the NHTSA/Transport Canada deactivation criteria which follows.

The safety belts for the driver and right front passenger seating positions have been specifically designed to function together

with the air bags in certain types of crashes. When you turn OFF your air bag, you not only lose the protection of the air bag, you also may reduce the effectiveness of your safety belt system, which was designed to work with the air bag. If you are not a person who meets the requirements stated in the NHTSA/Transport Canada deactivation criteria turning OFF the air bag can increase the risk of serious injury or death in a collision.

117

2003 F150 (f12) Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt) USA English (fus)

Seating and Safety Restraints

Always transport children who are 12 and younger in the rear seat. Always use safety belts and child restraints properly. If a

child in a rear facing infant seat must be transported in front, the passenger air bag must be turned OFF. This is because the back of the infant seat is too close to the inflating air bag and the risk of a fatal injury to the infant when the air bag inflates is substantial.

The vast majority of drivers and passengers are much safer with an air bag than without. To do their job and reduce the risk of life threatening injuries, air bags must open with great force, and this force can pose a potentially deadly risk in some situations, particularly when a front seat occupant is not properly buckled up. The most effective way to reduce the risk of unnecessary air bag injuries without reducing the overall safety of the vehicle is to make sure all occupants are properly restrained in the vehicle, especially in the front seat. This provides the protection of safety belts and permits the air bags to provide the additional protection they were designed to provide. If you choose to deactivate your air bag, you are losing the very significant risk-reducing benefits of the air bag and you are also reducing the effectiveness of the safety belts, because safety belts in modern vehicles are designed to work as a safety system with the air bags. Read all air bag Warning labels in the vehicle as well as the other important air bag instructions and Warnings in this Owner’s Guide. NHTSA deactivation criteria (excluding Canada) 1. Infant. An infant (less than 1 year old) must ride in the front seat because: • the vehicle has no rear seat; • the vehicle has a rear seat too small to accommodate a rear-facing • the infant has a medical condition which, according to the infant’s

infant seat; or

physician, makes it necessary for the infant to ride in the front so that the driver can constantly monitor the child’s condition.

2. Child age 1 to 12. A child age 1 to 12 must ride in the front seat because: • the vehicle has no rear seat; • although children ages 1 to 12 ride in the rear seat(s) whenever possible, children ages 1 to 12 sometimes must ride in the front because no space is available in the rear seat(s) of the vehicle; or

118

2003 F150 (f12) Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt) USA English (fus)

Seating and Safety Restraints

• the child has a medical condition which, according to the child’s

physician, makes it necessary for the child to ride in the front seat so that the driver can constantly monitor the child’s condition.

and

3. Medical condition. A passenger has a medical condition which, according to his or her physician: • causes the passenger air bag to pose a special risk for the passenger; • makes the potential harm from the passenger air bag in a crash greater than the potential harm from turning OFF the air bag and allowing the passenger, even if belted, to hit the dashboard or windshield in a crash.

Transport Canada deactivation criteria (Canada Only) 1. Infant: An infant (less than 1 year old) must ride in the front seat because: • my vehicle has no rear seat; • the rear seat in my vehicle cannot accommodate a rear-facing infant • the infant has a medical condition which, according to the infant’s

seat; or

physician, makes it necessary for the infant to ride in the front seat so that the driver can monitor the infant’s condition.

2. Child age 12 or under: A child age 12 or under must ride in the front seat because: • my vehicle has no rear seat; • although children age 12 and under ride in the rear seat whenever

possible, children age 12 and under have no option but to sometimes ride in the front seat because rear seat space is insufficient; or • the child has a medical condition that, according to the child’s

physician, makes it necessary for the child to ride in the front seat so that the driver can monitor the child’s condition.

3. Medical condition: A passenger has a medical condition that, according to his or her physician: • poses a special risk for the passenger if the air bag deploys; and • makes the potential harm from the passenger air bag deployment greater than the potential harm from turning OFF the air bag and experiencing a crash without the protection offered by the air bag

SAFETY RESTRAINTS FOR CHILDREN See the following sections for directions on how to properly use safety restraints for children. Also see Air bag supplemental restraint system (SRS) in this chapter for special instructions about using air bags.

119

2003 F150 (f12) Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt) USA English (fus)

Seating and Safety Restraints

Important child restraint precautions You are required by law to use safety restraints for children in the U.S. and Canada. If small children (generally children who are four years old or younger and who weigh 18 kg [40 lbs] or less) ride in your vehicle, you must put them in safety seats made especially for children. Check your local and state or provincial laws for specific requirements regarding the safety of children in your vehicle. When possible, always place children under age 12 in the rear seat of your vehicle. Accident statistics suggest that children are safer when properly restrained in the rear seating positions than in the front seating position.

Never let a passenger hold a child on his or her lap while the vehicle is moving. The passenger cannot protect the child from

injury in a collision.

Always follow the instructions and warnings that come with any infant or child restraint you might use.

Children and safety belts If the child is the proper size, restrain the child in a safety seat. Children who are too large for child safety seats (as specified by your child safety seat manufacturer) should always wear safety belts. Follow all the important safety restraint and air bag precautions that apply to adult passengers in your vehicle. If the shoulder belt portion of a combination lap and shoulder belt can be positioned so it does not cross or rest in front of the child’s face or neck, the child should wear the lap and shoulder belt. Moving the child closer to the center of the vehicle may help provide a good shoulder belt fit.

Do not leave children, unreliable adults, or pets unattended in your vehicle.

Child booster seats Children outgrow a typical convertible or toddler seat when they weigh 40 pounds and are around 4 years of age. Although the lap/shoulder belt will provide some protection, these children are still too small for lap/shoulder belts to fit properly, which could increase the risk of serious injury. To improve the fit of both the lap and shoulder belt on children who have outgrown child safety seats, Ford Motor Company recommends use of a belt-positioning booster.

120

2003 F150 (f12) Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt) USA English (fus)

Seating and Safety Restraints

Booster seats position a child so that safety belts fit better. They lift the child up so that the lap belt rests low across the hips and the knees bend comfortably. Booster seats also make the shoulder belt fit better and more comfortably for growing children. When children should use booster seats Children need to use booster seats from the time they outgrow the toddler seat until they are big enough for the vehicle seat and lap/shoulder belt to fit properly. Generally this is when they weigh about 80 lbs (about 8 to 12 years old). Booster seats should be used until you can answer YES to ALL of these questions: • Can the child sit all the way back against the vehicle seat back with knees bent comfortably at the edge of the seat without slouching?

• Does the lap belt rest low across the hips? • Is the shoulder belt centered on the shoulder and chest? • Can the child stay seated like this for the whole trip? Types of booster seats There are two types of belt-positioning booster seats: • Those that are backless.

If your backless booster seat has a removable shield, remove the shield and use the lap/shoulder belt. If a seating position has a low seat back and no head restraint, a backless booster seat may place your child’s head (top of ear level) above the top of the seat. In this case, move the backless booster to another seating position with a higher seat back and lap/shoulder belts.

121

2003 F150 (f12) Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt) USA English (fus)

Seating and Safety Restraints • Those with a high back.

If, with a backless booster seat, you cannot find a seating position that adequately supports your child’s head, a high back booster seat would be a better choice.

Both can be used in any vehicle in a seating position equipped with lap/shoulder belts if your child is over 40 lbs. The shoulder belt should cross the chest, resting snugly on the center of the shoulder. The lap belt should rest low and snug across the hips, never up high across the stomach. If the booster seat slides on the vehicle seat, placing a rubberized mesh sold as shelf or carpet liner under the booster seat may improve this condition. The importance of shoulder belts Using a booster without a shoulder belt increases the risk of a child’s head hitting a hard surface in a collision. For this reason, you should never use a booster seat with a lap belt only. It is best to use a booster seat with lap/shoulder belts in the back seat- the safest place for children to ride.

Follow all instructions provided by the manufacturer of the booster seat.

Never put the shoulder belt under a child’s arm or behind the back because it eliminates the protection for the upper part of

the body and may increase the risk of injury or death in a collision.

Never use pillows, books, or towels to boost a child. They can slide around and increase the likelihood of injury or death in a

collision.

122

2003 F150 (f12) Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt) USA English (fus)

Seating and Safety Restraints

SAFETY SEATS FOR CHILDREN

Child and infant or child safety seats Use a safety seat that is recommended for the size and weight of the child. Carefully follow all of the manufacturer’s instructions with the safety seat you put in your vehicle. If you do not install and use the safety seat properly, the child may be injured in a sudden stop or collision. When installing a child safety seat: • Review and follow the information presented in the Air Bag Supplemental Restraint System section in this chapter. • Use the correct safety belt buckle for that seating position (the buckle closest to the direction the tongue is coming from).

• Insert the belt tongue into the proper buckle until you hear a snap and feel it latch. Make sure the tongue is securely fastened in the buckle.

• Keep the buckle release button pointing up and away from the safety seat, with the tongue between the child seat and the release button, to prevent accidental unbuckling.

• Place seat back in upright position. • Put the safety belt in the automatic locking mode. Refer to Automatic

locking mode (passenger side front and outboard rear seating

123

2003 F150 (f12) Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt) USA English (fus)

Seating and Safety Restraints

positions-Regular Cab and SuperCab) (passenger side front and rear seating positions-SuperCrew) (if equipped).

Ford recommends the use of a child safety seat having a top tether strap. Install the child safety seat in a seating position which is capable of providing a tether anchorage. For more information on top tether straps, refer to Attaching safety seats with tether straps.

Carefully follow all of the manufacturer’s instructions included with the safety seat you put in your vehicle. If you do not install and use the safety seat properly, the child may be injured in a sudden stop or collision.

Installing child safety seats with combination lap and shoulder belts

Air bags can kill or injure a child in a child seat. NEVER place a rear-facing child seat in front of an active air bag. If you must

use a forward-facing child seat in the front seat, move the seat all the way back.

Children 12 and under should be properly restrained in the rear seat whenever possible.

1. Position the child safety seat in a seat with a combination lap and shoulder belt.

124

2003 F150 (f12) Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt) USA English (fus)

Seating and Safety Restraints

2. Pull down on the shoulder belt and then grasp the shoulder belt and lap belt together.

3. While holding the shoulder and lap belt portions together, route the tongue through the child seat according to the child seat manufacturer’s instructions. Be sure the belt webbing is not twisted.

4. Insert the belt tongue into the proper buckle (the buckle closest to the direction the tongue is coming from) for that seating position until you hear a snap and feel the latch engage. Make sure the tongue is latched securely by pulling on it.

125

2003 F150 (f12) Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt) USA English (fus)

Seating and Safety Restraints

5. To put the retractor in the automatic locking mode, grasp the shoulder portion of the belt and pull downward until all of the belt is pulled out and a click is heard.

6. Allow the belt to retract. The belt will click as it retracts to indicate it is in the automatic locking mode. 7. Pull the lap belt portion across the child seat toward the buckle and pull up on the shoulder belt while pushing down with your knee on the child seat.

8. Allow the safety belt to retract to remove any slack in the belt. 9. Before placing the child in the seat, forcibly move the seat forward and back to make sure the seat is securely held in place. To check this, grab the seat at the belt path and attempt to move it side to side and forward. There should be no more than one inch of movement for proper installation. 10. Try to pull the belt out of the retractor to make sure the retractor is in the automatic locking mode (you should not be able to pull more belt out). If the retractor is not locked, unbuckle the belt and repeat steps two through nine. Check to make sure the child seat is properly secured before each use.

126

2003 F150 (f12) Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt) USA English (fus)

Seating and Safety Restraints

Installing child safety seats in the front row lap belt seating positions 1. Lengthen the lap belt. To lengthen the belt, hold the tongue so that its bottom is perpendicular to the direction of webbing while sliding the tongue up the webbing. 2. Place the child safety seat in the center seating position. 3. Route the tongue and webbing through the child seat according to the child seat manufacturer’s instructions. 4. Insert the belt tongue into the proper buckle for the center seating position until you hear a snap and feel it latch. Make sure the tongue is securely fastened to the buckle by pulling on tongue. 5. Push down on the child seat while pulling on the loose end of the lap belt webbing to tighten the belt. 6. Before placing the child into the child seat, forcibly tilt the child seat from side to side and in forward direction to make sure that the seat is held securely in place. If the child seat moves excessively, repeat steps 5
through 6, or properly install the child seat in a different position. Installing child safety seat in the second row center seating position with an automatic locking retractor 1. Place the child safety seat in the center seating position. 2. In a continuous motion, pull out enough webbing from the retractor to route the tongue through the child seat. 3. While holding the webbing to prevent it from retracting, route the webbing through the child seat according to the child seat manufacturer’s instructions. Be sure the belt webbing is not twisted. 4. Insert the tongue into the correct buckle for that seating position until you hear and feel the buckle engage. Make sure the buckle is latched securely by pulling on the webbing. 5. If you have not pulled out enough webbing to reach, allow the webbing to fully retract before attempting to pull it out again and repeat steps 2 through 4. 6. Pull the webbing through the child seat toward the retractor while pushing down with your knee on the child seat. 7. Allow the safety belt to retract to remove any slack in the belt. It will make a clicking noise while doing this.

127

2003 F150 (f12) Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt) USA English (fus)

Seating and Safety Restraints

8. Before placing the child in the seat, forcibly move the seat forward and side-to-side to make sure the seat is securely held in place. 9. Check to make sure the child seat is properly secured before each use.

Attaching child safety seats with tether straps Most new forward-facing child safety seats include a tether strap which goes over the back of the seat and hooks to an anchoring point. Tether straps are available as an accessory for many older safety seats. Contact the manufacturer of your child seat for information about ordering a tether strap. The passenger seats of your vehicle are equipped with built-in tether strap anchors located behind the seats as described below. The tether anchors in your vehicle may be straps on the seatback or an anchor bracket on the rear edge of the seat cushion. The rear seat of the SuperCab has three straps behind the top of the seatback that function as both routing loops for the tether straps and anchor loops. The tether strap anchors in your vehicle are in the following positions (shown from top view):

Attach the tether strap only to the appropriate tether anchor as shown. The tether strap may not work properly if attached

somewhere other than the correct tether anchor. • F150 Regular Cab

128

2003 F150 (f12) Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt) USA English (fus)

• F150 SuperCab

Seating and Safety Restraints

• F150 SuperCrew

• F150 SuperCrew with quad buckets

Tether strap attachment 1. Position the child safety seat on the seat cushion. 2. Route the child safety seat tether strap over the back of the seat. 3. Locate the correct anchor for the selected seating position. • You may need to pull the seatback forward to access the tether anchors. Make sure the seatback is locked in the upright position before installing the child seat. Refer to the Folding Down The Rear Seats section in this chapter for information on how to operate the rear seats.

4. Clip the tether strap to the anchor as shown.

129

2003 F150 (f12) Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt) USA English (fus)

Seating and Safety Restraints • Front seat (Regular Cab and

SuperCab only)

• Rear seats ( with quad buckets

only)

130

2003 F150 (f12) Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt) USA English (fus)

• Rear seats (SuperCrew only)

Seating and Safety Restraints

If the tether strap is clipped incorrectly, the child safety seat may not be retained properly in the event of a collision.

5. Refer to the Installing child safety seats in combination lap and shoulder belt seating positions section of this chapter for further instructions to secure the child safety seat. 6. Tighten the child safety seat tether strap according to the manufacturer’s instructions.

If the safety seat is not anchored properly, the risk of a child being injured in a collision greatly increases.

Tether strap attachment rear SuperCab only There are three loops of webbing just above the back of the rear seat (along the bottom edge of the rear window) in the SuperCab. These loops are to be used as both routing loops and anchor loops for child safety seat tether straps. For example, the center loop can be used as a routing loop for a child safety seat in the center rear seat and as an anchoring loop for child seats installed in the outboard rear seats.

131

2003 F150 (f12) Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt) USA English (fus)

Seating and Safety Restraints

Many tether straps cannot be tightened if the tether strap is hooked to the loop directly behind the child seat. To provide a tight tether strap: 1. Route the tether strap through the loop directly behind the child seat.

2. Attach the strap hook onto the loop behind an adjacent seating position.

3. Install the child safety seat tightly using the safety belts. Follow the instructions in this chapter. 4. Tighten the tether strap according to the child seat manufacturer’s instructions.

132

2003 F150 (f12) Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt) USA English (fus)

Seating and Safety Restraints

Attaching safety seats with LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children) attachments for child seat anchors (if equipped) Some child safety seats have two rigid or webbing mounted attachments that connect to two anchors at certain seating positions in your vehicle. This type of child seat eliminates the need to use seat belts to attach the child seat. For forward-facing child seats, the tether strap must also be attached to the proper tether anchor. See Attaching safety seats with tether straps in this chapter. Your vehicle may be equipped with LATCH anchors for child seat installation at the following seating positions:

• F150 Regular Cab

• F150 Supercab

• F150 SuperCrew

133

2003 F150 (f12) Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt) USA English (fus)

Seating and Safety Restraints

• F150 SuperCrew with Quad Buckets The anchors on both sides of the center of the SuperCrew rear seat are provided only for child seats at the outboard seats. These anchors are further apart than the pairs of lower anchors for child seat installation at other seats. DO NOT install child seats with LATCH attachments (rigid or mounted on belt webbing) to the lower anchors at the center rear seat. If you install a child seat at the center rear position, use the vehicle lap belt and the top tether anchor. Connectors on the LATCH child seat and the child seat instructions may use the symbol shown here. Your vehicle seat may have plain buttons, instead of this symbol, to indicate the location of the LATCH lower anchors.

Never attach two LATCH child safety seats to the same anchor. In a crash, one anchor may not be strong enough to hold two

child safety seat attachments and may break, causing serious injury or death.

The lower anchors for child seat installation are located at the rear section of the seat between the cushion and seat back. The LATCH anchors are below the locator buttons (if provided) on the seat back.

Follow the child seat manufacturer’s instructions to properly install a child seat with LATCH attachments.

Attach LATCH lower attachments of the child seat only to the anchors shown.

134

2003 F150 (f12) Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt) USA English (fus)

Seating and Safety Restraints

If you install a child seat with rigid LATCH attachments, do not tighten the tether strap enough to lift the child seat off the vehicle seat cushion when the child is seated in it. Keep the tether strap just snug without lifting the front of the child seat. Keeping the child seat just touching the vehicle seat gives the best protection in a severe crash. Each time you use the safety seat, check that the seat is properly attached to the lower anchors and tether anchor. Try to tilt the child seat from side to side. Also try to tug the seat forward. Check to see if the anchors hold the seat in place.

If the safety seat is not anchored properly, the risk of a child being injured in a crash greatly increases.

135

2003 F150 (f12) Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt) USA English (fus)

Driving

Driving

STARTING

Positions of the ignition 1. ACCESSORY, allows the electrical accessories such as the radio to operate while the engine is not running. 2. LOCK, locks the steering wheel, automatic transmission gearshift lever and allows key removal. For vehicle equipped with a manual transmission, you must depress the ignition release lever to release the key. 3. OFF, shuts off the engine and all accessories without locking the steering wheel. This position also allows the automatic transmission shift lever to be moved from the P (Park) position without the brake pedal being depressed.

When the key is in the ignition OFF position, the automatic transmission shift lever can be moved from the P (Park) position

without the brake pedal depressed. To avoid unwanted vehicle movement, always set the parking brake.

4. ON, all electrical circuits operational. Warning lights illuminated. Key position when driving. 5. START, cranks the engine. Release the key as soon as the engine starts.

Preparing to start your vehicle Engine starting is controlled by the powertrain control system. This system meets all Canadian Interference-Causing Equipment standard requirements regulating the impulse electrical field strength of radio noise. When starting a fuel-injected engine, don’t press the accelerator before or during starting. Only use the accelerator when you have difficulty starting the engine. For more information on starting the vehicle, refer to Starting the engine in this chapter.

136

2003 F150 (f12) Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt) USA English (fus)

Driving

Extended idling at high engine speeds can produce very high temperatures in the engine and exhaust system, creating the risk

of fire or other damage.

Do not park, idle, or drive your vehicle in dry grass or other dry ground cover. The emission system heats up the engine

compartment and exhaust system, which can start a fire.

Do not start your vehicle in a closed garage or in other enclosed areas. Exhaust fumes can be toxic. Always open the garage door before you start the engine. See Guarding against exhaust fumes in this chapter for more instructions.

If you smell exhaust fumes inside your vehicle, have your dealer inspect your vehicle immediately. Do not drive if you smell

exhaust fumes.

Important safety precautions When the engine starts, the idle RPM runs faster to warm the engine. If the engine idle speed does not slow down automatically, have the vehicle checked. Before starting the vehicle: 1. Make sure all occupants buckle their safety belts. For more information on safety belts and their proper usage, refer to the Seating and Safety Restraints chapter. 2. Make sure the headlamps and electrical accessories are off. If starting a vehicle with an automatic transmission:

137

2003 F150 (f12) Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt) USA English (fus)

Driving • Make sure the parking brake is

set.

• Make sure the gearshift is in P

(Park).

If starting a vehicle with a manual transmission: 1. Make sure the parking brake is set. 2. Push the clutch pedal to the floor.

138

2003 F150 (f12) Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt) USA English (fus)

• Turn the key to 4 (ON) without turning the key to 5 (START).

Driving

139

2003 F150 (f12) Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt) USA English (fus)

Driving

Make sure the corresponding lights illuminate or illuminate briefly. If a light fails to illuminate, have the vehicle serviced. • If the driver’s safety belt is fastened, the

light may not illuminate.

Starting the engine 1. Turn the key to 4 (ON) without turning the key to 5 (START). If there is difficulty in turning the key, rotate the steering wheel until the key turns freely. 2. Turn the key to 5 (START), then release the key as soon as the engine starts. Excessive cranking could damage the starter.

Note: If the engine does not start within five seconds on the first try, turn the key to OFF, wait 10 seconds and try again. If the engine still fails to start, press the accelerator to the floor and try again; this will allow the engine to crank with the fuel shut off in case the engine is flooded with fuel.

Using the engine block heater (if equipped) An engine block heater warms the engine coolant which aids in starting and heater/defroster performance. Use of an engine block heater is strongly recommended if you live in a region where temperatures reach -23° C (-10° F) or below. For best results, plug the heater in at least three hours before starting the vehicle. The heater can be plugged in the night before starting the vehicle.

140

2003 F150 (f12) Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt) USA English (fus)

Driving

To reduce the risk of electrical shock, do not use your heater with ungrounded electrical systems or two-pronged (cheater)

adapters.

Guarding against exhaust fumes Carbon monoxide is present in exhaust fumes. Take precautions to avoid its dangerous effects.

If you smell exhaust fumes inside your vehicle, have your dealer inspect your vehicle immediately. Do not drive if you smell

exhaust fumes.

Important ventilating information If the engine is idling while the vehicle is stopped for a long period of time, open the windows at least 2.5 cm (one inch) or adjust the heating or air conditioning to bring in fresh air. BRAKES Occasional brake noise is normal. If a metal-to-metal, continuous grinding or continuous squeal sound is present, the brake linings may be worn-out and should be inspected by a qualified service technician. If the vehicle has continuous vibration or shudder in the steering wheel while braking, the vehicle should be inspected by a qualified service technician. Four-wheel anti-lock brake system (ABS) Your vehicle is equipped with an Anti-lock Braking System (ABS). This system helps you maintain steering control during emergency stops by keeping the brakes from locking. Noise from the ABS pump motor and brake pedal pulsation may be observed during ABS braking; this is normal and should be no reason for concern. Using ABS When hard braking is required, apply continuous force on the brake pedal; do not pump the brake pedal since this will reduce the effectiveness of the ABS and will increase your vehicle’s stopping distance. The ABS will be activated immediately, allowing you to retain full steering control during hard braking and on slippery surfaces. However, the ABS does not decrease stopping distance. ABS warning lamp ABS The ABS lamp in the instrument cluster momentarily illuminates when the ignition is turned to ON. If the light does not illuminate during start up, remains on or flashes, the ABS may be disabled and may need to be serviced.

141

2003 F150 (f12) Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt) USA English (fus)

Driving

Even when the ABS is disabled, normal braking is still effective. (If your BRAKE warning lamp illuminates with the parking brake released, have your brake system serviced immediately.)

Parking brake To set the parking brake (1), press the parking brake pedal down until the pedal stops.

BRAKE

H O O D

BRAKE

The BRAKE warning lamp will illuminate and will remain illuminated until the parking brake is released. To release, pull the lever (2).

Always set the parking brake fully and make sure that the gearshift is securely latched in P (Park) (automatic

transmission) or in 1 (First) (manual transmission).

STEERING To prevent damage to the power steering system: • Never hold the steering wheel at its furthest turning points (until it • Do not operate the vehicle with a low power steering pump fluid level

stops) for more than a few seconds when the engine is running.

(below the MIN mark on the reservoir).

142

2003 F150 (f12) Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt) USA English (fus)

Driving

If the power steering system breaks down (or if the engine is turned off), you can steer the vehicle manually, but it takes more effort. If the steering wanders or pulls, check for: • an improperly inflated tire • uneven tire wear • loose or worn suspension components • loose or worn steering components • improper steering alignment A high crown in the road or high crosswinds may also make the steering seem to wander/pull.

TRACTION-LOK AXLE (IF EQUIPPED) This axle provides added traction on slippery surfaces, particularly when one wheel is on a poor traction surface. Under normal conditions, the Traction-Lok axle functions like a standard rear axle.

PREPARING TO DRIVE YOUR VEHICLE

Utility vehicles have a significantly higher rollover rate than other types of vehicles.

In a rollover crash, an unbelted person is significantly more likely to die than a person wearing a safety belt.

Your vehicle has larger tires and increased ground clearance, giving the vehicle a higher center of gravity than a passenger car.

Vehicles with a higher center of gravity such as utility and four-wheel drive vehicles handle differently than vehicles with a

lower center of gravity. Utility and four-wheel drive vehicles are not designed for cornering at speeds as high as passenger cars any more than low-slung sports cars are designed to perform satisfactorily under off-road conditions. Avoid sharp turns, excessive speed and abrupt maneuvers in these vehicles. Failure to drive cautiously could result in an increased risk of loss of vehicle control, vehicle rollover, personal injury and death.

143

2003 F150 (f12) Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt) USA English (fus)

Driving

Loaded vehicles, with a higher center of gravity, may handle differently than unloaded vehicles. Extra precautions, such as

slower speeds and increased stopping distance, should be taken when driving a heavily loaded vehicle.

AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION OPERATION (IF EQUIPPED)

Brake-shift interlock This vehicle is equipped with a brake-shift interlock feature that prevents the gearshift lever from being moved from P (Park) when the ignition is in the ON position unless brake pedal is depressed. If you cannot move the gearshift lever out of P (Park) with ignition in the ON position and the brake pedal depressed: 1. Apply the parking brake, turn ignition key to LOCK, then remove the key. 2. Insert the key and turn it to OFF. Apply the brake pedal and shift to N (Neutral).

When the key is in the ignition OFF position, the automatic transmission shift lever can be moved from the P (Park) position

without the brake pedal depressed. To avoid unwanted vehicle movement, always set the parking brake.

3. Start the vehicle. If it is necessary to use the above procedure to move the gearshift lever, it is possible that a fuse has blown or the vehicle’s brakelamps are not operating properly. Refer to Fuses and relays in the Roadside emergencies chapter.

Do not drive your vehicle until you verify that the brakelamps are working.

Always set the parking brake fully and make sure the gearshift is latched in P (Park). Turn the ignition to the LOCK position and

remove the key whenever you leave your vehicle.

144

2003 F150 (f12) Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt) USA English (fus)

Driving

If the parking brake is fully released, but the brake warning lamp remains illuminated, the brakes may not be working properly.

See your dealer or a qualified service technician.

Understanding the gearshift positions of the 4–speed automatic transmission

P (Park) This position locks the transmission and prevents the rear wheels from turning. To put your vehicle in gear: • Start the engine • Depress the brake pedal • Move the gearshift lever into the desired gear To put your vehicle in P (Park): • Come to a complete stop • Move the gearshift lever and securely latch it in P (Park)

Always set the parking brake fully and make sure the gearshift is latched in P (Park). Turn the ignition to the LOCK position and

remove the key whenever you leave your vehicle.

R (Reverse) With the gearshift lever in R (Reverse), the vehicle will move backward. Always come to a complete stop before shifting into and out of R (Reverse). N (Neutral) With the gearshift lever in N (Neutral), the vehicle can be started and is free to roll. Hold the brake pedal down while in this position.

145

2003 F150 (f12) Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt) USA English (fus)

Driving

(Overdrive)

The normal driving position for the best fuel economy. Transmission operates in gears one through four.

Overdrive can be deactivated by pressing the transmission control switch on the end of the gearshift lever. This transmission control indicator light (TCIL) will illuminate on the end of the gearshift.

OVERDRIVE OFF

OVERDRIVE

Drive (not shown) Drive is activated when the transmission control switch is pressed. • This position allows for all forward gears except overdrive. • O/D OFF lamp is illuminated. • Provides engine braking. • Use when driving conditions cause excessive shifting from O/D to other gears. Examples: city traffic, hilly terrain, heavy loads, trailer towing and when engine braking is required. • To return to O/D (Overdrive), press the transmission control switch. • O/D (Overdrive) is automatically returned each time the key is turned

The O/D OFF lamp will not be illuminated.

off.

2 (Second) This position allows for second gear only. • Provides engine braking. • Use to start-up on slippery roads. • To return to • Selecting 2 (Second) at higher speeds will cause the transmission to

(Overdrive), move the gearshift lever into the

(Overdrive) position.

downshift to second gear at the appropriate vehicle speed.

146

2003 F150 (f12) Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt) USA English (fus)

Driving

1 (First) • Provides maximum engine braking. • Allows upshifts by moving gearshift lever. • Will not downshift into 1 (First) at high speeds; allows for 1 (First)

when vehicle reaches slower speeds.

Forced downshifts • Allowed in (Overdrive) or Drive. • Depress the accelerator to the floor. • Allows transmission to select an appropriate gear. Shift strategy (4R100 automatic transmission) To account for customer driving habits and conditions, your 4R100
automatic transmission electronically controls the shift quality by using an adaptive learning strategy. The adaptive learning strategy is maintained by power from the battery. When the battery is disconnected or a new battery is installed, the transmission must relearn its adaptive strategy. Optimal shifting will resume within a few hundred kilometers (miles) of operation. If the shift quality does not improve within a few hundred kilometers (miles) of operation, or if the downshifts and other throttle conditions do not function normally, see your dealer or a qualified service technician as soon as possible. If your vehicle gets stuck in mud or snow If your vehicle gets stuck in mud or snow, it may be rocked out by shifting from forward and reverse gears, stopping between shifts in a steady pattern. Press lightly on the accelerator in each gear. Do not rock the vehicle if the engine is not at normal operating temperature or damage to the transmission may occur. Do not rock the vehicle for more than a minute or damage to the transmission and tires may occur, or the engine may overheat.

147

2003 F150 (f12) Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt) USA English (fus)

Driving

MANUAL TRANSMISSION OPERATION (IF EQUIPPED)

Using the clutch The manual transmission has a starter interlock that prevents cranking the engine unless the clutch pedal is fully depressed. To start the vehicle: 1. Make sure the parking brake is fully set. 2. Press the clutch pedal to the floor, then put the gearshift lever in the neutral position. 3. Start the engine, then press the brake pedal and release the parking brake. 4. Move the gearshift lever to the desired gear, then slowly release the clutch pedal while slowly pressing on the accelerator. During each shift, the clutch pedal must be fully depressed to the floor. Failure to fully depress the clutch pedal to the floor may cause increased shift efforts and prematurely wear components in the transmission. Make sure the floor mat is properly positioned so it doesn’t interfere with the full extension of the clutch pedal. Do not drive with your foot resting on the clutch pedal or use the clutch pedal to hold your vehicle at a standstill while waiting on a hill. These actions will reduce the life of the clutch.

Recommended shift speeds Upshift and downshift according to the following charts for your specific engine/drivetrain combination:

148

2003 F150 (f12) Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt) USA English (fus)

Driving

4.2L V6 engine

Upshifts when accelerating (recommended for best fuel

Shift from:

1 - 2
2 - 3
3 - 4

- D (Overdrive)

economy)

Transfer case position (if equipped) 4L

2H or 4H

24 km/h (15 mph) 40 km/h (25 mph) 60 km/h (37 mph) 72 km/h (45 mph)

14 km/h (9 mph) 19 km/h (12 mph) 24 km/h (15 mph) 29 km/h (18 mph)

Upshifts when cruising (recommended for best fuel economy)

Shift from:

1 - 2
2 - 3
3 - 4

- D (Overdrive)

Transfer case position (if equipped) 4L

2H or 4H

18 km/h (11 mph) 34 km/h (21 mph) 50 km/h (31 mph) 69 km/h (43 mph)

8 km/h (5 mph) 18 km/h (11 mph) 23 km/h (14 mph) 27 km/h (17 mph)

4.6L V8 engine (4x2 and 4x4 with 3.08:1 rear axle ratio)

Upshifts when accelerating (recommended for best fuel

Shift from:

1 - 2
2 - 3
3 - 4

- D (Overdrive)

economy)

Transfer case position (if equipped) 4L

2H or 4H

24 km/h (15 mph) 40 km/h (25 mph) 58 km/h (36 mph) 72 km/h (45 mph)

14 km/h (9 mph) 19 km/h (12 mph) 23 km/h (14 mph) 27 km/h (17 mph)

149

2003 F150 (f12) Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt) USA English (fus)

Driving

Upshifts when cruising (recommended for best fuel economy)

Shift from:

1 - 2
2 - 3
3 - 4

- D (Overdrive)

Transfer case position (if equipped) 4L

2H or 4H

16 km/h (10 mph) 34 km/h (21 mph) 51 km/h (32 mph) 72 km/h (45 mph)

6 km/h (4 mph) 16 km/h (10 mph) 21 km/h (13 mph) 27 km/h (17 mph)

4.6L V8 engine (4x2 with optional rear axle ratio)

Upshifts when accelerating (recommended for best fuel

Shift from:

1 - 2
2 - 3
3 - 4

- D (Overdrive)

economy)

Transfer case position (if equipped) 4L

2H or 4H

14 km/h (9 mph) 32 km/h (20 mph) 50 km/h (31 mph) 71 km/h (44 mph)

5 km/h (3 mph) 11 km/h (7 mph) 19 km/h (12 mph) 27 km/h (17 mph)

Upshifts when cruising (recommended for best fuel economy)

Shift from:

1 - 2
2 - 3
3 - 4

- D (Overdrive)

Transfer case position (if equipped) 4L

2H or 4H

16 km/h (10 mph) 26 km/h (16 mph) 43 km/h (27 mph) 68 km/h (42 mph)

6 km/h (4 mph) 10 km/h (6 mph) 16 km/h (10 mph) 26 km/h (16 mph)

150

2003 F150 (f12) Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt) USA English (fus)

Driving

All applications

Shift from:

Maximum downshift speeds1

Transfer case position (if equipped) 4L

2H or 4H

D (Overdrive) -

89 km/h (55 mph)

34 km/h (21 mph)

4 - 3
3 - 2
2 - 1

72 km/h (45 mph) 56 km/h (35 mph) 32 km/h (20 mph)

27 km/h (17 mph) 21 km/h (13 mph) 11 km/h (7 mph)

1Downshift at lower speeds when driving on slippery surfaces.

Reverse 1. Make sure that your vehicle is at a complete stop before you shift into R (Reverse). Failure to do so may damage the transmission. 2. Move the gearshift lever into the neutral position and wait at least three seconds before shifting into R (Reverse). • The gearshift lever can only be moved into R (Reverse) by moving it from left of 3 (Third) and 4 (Fourth) before shifting into R (Reverse). This is a lockout feature that protects the transmission from accidentally being shifted into R (Reverse) from 5 (Overdrive).

Parking your vehicle 1. Apply the brake and shift into the neutral position. 2. Fully apply the parking brake, then shift into 1 (First). 3. Turn the ignition off.

Do not park your vehicle in Neutral, it may move unexpectedly and injure someone. Use 1 (First) gear and set the parking brake

fully.

Removing the key Turn the ignition off, push the release lever (located above the ignition), then turn the key toward you and remove the key.

151

2003 F150 (f12) Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt) USA English (fus)

Driving

FOUR-WHEEL DRIVE (4WD) OPERATION (IF EQUIPPED)

For important information regarding safe operation of this type of vehicle, see Preparing to drive your vehicle in this chapter.

Four–wheel drive (4WD) supplies power to all four wheels. 4WD should not be operated on dry pavement; driveline damage may occur. If equipped with the Electronic Shift 4WD System, and 4WD Low is selected while the vehicle is moving, the 4WD system will not engage. This is normal and should be no reason for concern. Refer to Shifting to/from 4WD Low for proper operation.

4x4

4WD system indicator lights • 4X4 - Momentarily illuminates when the vehicle is started. Illuminates when 4WD Low or 4WD High is selected. • LOW RANGE - Momentarily illuminates when the vehicle is started. Illuminates when 4WD Low is selected.

Using a manual 4WD system (if equipped)

2H 4H

4L

2H (2WD High) – Power to the rear wheels only; used for street and highway driving. Provides optimal smoothness and fuel economy at high speeds. 4H (4WD High) – Used for extra traction such as in snow or icy roads or in off-road situations. Not intended for use on dry pavement. N (Neutral) – No power to either front or rear wheels.

152

2003 F150 (f12) Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt) USA English (fus)

Driving

4L (4WD Low)– Uses extra gearing to provide maximum power to all four wheels at reduced speeds. Intended only for off-road applications such as deep sand, steep grades or pulling heavy objects. 4L (4WD Low) will not engage while the vehicle is moving; this is normal and should be no reason for concern. Refer to Shifting to/from 4L (4WD Low) for proper operation. Shifting between 2H (2WD high) and 4H (4WD high) • Move the transfer case lever between 2H (2WD High) and 4H (4WD

High) at a stop or any forward speed up to 88 km/h (55 mph).

Note: Do not perform this operation at speeds above 72 km/h (45 mph) if the outside temperature is below 0°C (32°F). Note: Do not perform this operation if the rear wheels are slipping. Note: Some noise may be heard as the system shifts or engages; this is normal. Shifting to/from 4L (4WD Low) 1. Bring the vehicle to a complete stop. 2. Depress the brake. 3. On vehicles equipped with an automatic transmission, place the transmission in N (Neutral); on vehicles equipped with a manual transmission, depress the clutch. 4. Move the transfer case lever through N (Neutral) directly to the desired position. The LOW RANGE indicator will illuminate once the transfer case has engaged. • If the transfer case does not engage, repeat steps 1 through 4. Note: Some noise may be heard as the system shifts or engages; this is normal. Using the N (Neutral) position The transfer case N (Neutral) position overrides the transmission and puts the vehicle in neutral regardless of transmission gearshift lever position. The vehicle can move forward or backward. This position should only be used when towing the vehicle.

Do not leave the vehicle unattended with the transfer case in the N (Neutral) position. Always set the parking brake fully and turn

off the ignition when leaving the vehicle.

153

2003 F150 (f12) Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt) USA English (fus)

Driving

Using the electronic shift 4WD system (if equipped)

4H

2H

4L

2H (2WD High) - Power to the rear wheels only; used for street and highway driving. Provides optimal smoothness and fuel economy at high speeds. 4H (4WD High) - Used for extra traction such as in snow or icy roads or in off-road situations. Not intended for use on dry pavement. 4L (4WD Low) - Uses extra gearing to provide maximum power to all four wheels at reduced speeds. Intended only for off-road applications such as deep sand, steep grades or pulling heavy objects. 4L (4WD Low) will not engage while the vehicle is moving; this is normal and should be no reason for concern. Refer to Shifting to/from 4L (4WD Low) for proper operation. Shifting between 2H (2WD High) and 4H (4WD High) • Move the 4WD control between 2H and 4H at any forward speed up to

88 km/h (55 mph).

Note: Do not perform this operation at speeds above 72 km/h (45 mph) if the outside temperature is below 0°C (32°F). Note: Do not perform this operation if the rear wheels are slipping. Note: Some noise may be heard as the system shifts or engages; this is normal. Shifting to/from 4L (4WD Low) 1. Bring the vehicle to a complete stop. 2. Depress the brake. 3. On vehicles equipped with an automatic transmission, place the transmission in N (Neutral); on vehicles equipped with a manual transmission, depress the clutch. 4. Move the 4WD control to the desired position.

154

2003 F150 (f12) Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt) USA English (fus)

Driving • If shifting into 4L (4WD Low), wait for the LOW RANGE light in the • If shifting out of 4L (4WD Low), wait for the LOW RANGE light in the

instrument cluster to turn on indicating the shift is complete.

instrument cluster turn off indicating the shift is complete.

Note: Some noise may be heard as the system shifts or engages; this is normal.

Driving off-road with truck and utility vehicles 4WD vehicles are specially equipped for driving on sand, snow, mud and rough terrain and have operating characteristics that are somewhat different from conventional vehicles, both on and off the road. How your vehicle differs from other vehicles Truck and utility vehicles can differ from some other vehicles. Your vehicle may be higher to allow it to travel over rough terrain without getting hung up or damaging underbody components. The differences that make your vehicle so versatile also make it handle differently than an ordinary passenger car. Maintain steering wheel control at all times, especially in rough terrain. Since sudden changes in terrain can result in abrupt steering wheel motion, make sure you grip the steering wheel from the outside. Do not grip the spokes. Drive cautiously to avoid vehicle damage from concealed objects such as rocks and stumps. You should either know the terrain or examine maps of the area before driving. Map out your route before driving in the area. To maintain steering and braking control of your vehicle, you must have all four wheels on the ground and they must be rolling, not sliding or spinning. Basic operating principles • Do not use 4WD on dry, hard surfaced roads. Doing so will produce

excessive noise, increase tire wear and may damage drive components. 4WD modes are only intended for consistently slippery or loose surfaces.

• Drive slower in strong crosswinds which can affect the normal steering • Be extremely careful when driving on pavement made slippery by

characteristics of your vehicle.

loose sand, water, gravel, snow or ice.

If your vehicle goes off the edge of the pavement • If your vehicle goes off the edge of the pavement, slow down, but

avoid severe brake application, ease the vehicle back onto the

155

2003 F150 (f12) Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt) USA English (fus)

Driving

pavement only after reducing your speed. Do not turn the steering wheel too sharply while returning to the road surface.

• It may be safer to stay on the apron or shoulder of the road and slow down gradually before returning to the pavement. You may lose control if you do not slow down or if you turn the steering wheel too sharply or abruptly.

• It often may be less risky to strike small objects, such as highway

reflectors, with minor damage to your vehicle rather than attempt a sudden return to the pavement which could cause the vehicle to slide sideways out of control or roll over. Remember, your safety and the safety of others should be your primary concern.

Vehicles with a higher center of gravity such as utility and four-wheel drive vehicles handle differently than vehicles with a

lower center of gravity. Utility and four-wheel drive vehicles are not designed for cornering at speeds as high as passenger cars any more than low-slung sports cars are designed to perform satisfactorily under off-road conditions. Avoid sharp turns, excessive speed and abrupt maneuvers in these vehicles. Failure to drive cautiously could result in an increased risk of loss of vehicle control, vehicle rollover, personal injury and death.

If your vehicle gets stuck If your vehicle gets stuck in mud or snow it may be rocked out by shifting between forward and reverse gears, stopping between shifts, in a steady pattern. Press lightly on the accelerator in each gear. Do not rock the vehicle if the engine is not at normal operating temperature or damage to the transmission may occur. Do not rock the vehicle for more than a few minutes or damage to the transmission and tires may occur or the engine may overheat.

Always set the parking brake fully and make sure the gearshift is latched in P (Park). Turn the ignition to the LOCK position and

remove the key whenever you leave your vehicle.

If the parking brake is fully released, but the brake warning lamp remains illuminated, the brakes may not be working properly.

See your dealer or a qualified service technician.

156

2003 F150 (f12) Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt) USA English (fus)

Do not spin the wheels at over 56 km/h (35 mph). The tires may fail and injure a passenger or bystander.

Driving

Emergency maneuvers • In an unavoidable emergency situation where a sudden sharp turn must be made, remember to avoid “over-driving” your vehicle, i.e., turn the steering wheel only as rapidly and as far as required to avoid the emergency. Excessive steering will result in less vehicle control, not more. Additionally, smooth variations of the accelerator and/or brake pedal pressure should be utilized if changes in vehicle speed are called for. Avoid abrupt steering, acceleration or braking which could result in an increased risk of loss of vehicle control, vehicle rollover and/or personal injury. Use all available road surface to return the vehicle to a safe direction of travel.

• In the event of an emergency stop, avoid skidding the tires and do not

attempt any sharp steering wheel movements.

Vehicles with a higher center of gravity such as utility and four-wheel drive vehicles handle differently than vehicles with a

lower center of gravity. Utility and four-wheel drive vehicles are not designed for cornering at speeds as high as passenger cars any more than low-slung sports cars are designed to perform satisfactorily under off-road conditions. Avoid sharp turns, excessive speed and abrupt maneuvers in these vehicles. Failure to drive cautiously could result in an increased risk of loss of vehicle control, vehicle rollover, personal injury and death. • If the vehicle goes from one type of surface to another (i.e., from concrete to gravel) there will be a change in the way the vehicle responds to a maneuver (steering, acceleration or braking). Again, avoid these abrupt inputs.

Parking On some 4WD vehicles, when the transfer case is in the N (Neutral) position, the engine and transmission are disconnected from the rest of the driveline. Therefore, the vehicle is free to roll even if the automatic transmission is in P (Park) or the manual transmission is in gear. Do not leave the vehicle unattended with the transfer case in the N (Neutral) position. Always set the parking brake fully and turn off the ignition when leaving the vehicle.

157

2003 F150 (f12) Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt) USA English (fus)

Driving

4WD Systems 4WD (when you select a 4WD mode) uses all four wheels to power the vehicle. This increases traction, enabling you to drive over terrain and road conditions that a conventional two-wheel drive vehicle cannot. Power is supplied to all four wheels through a transfer case. On 4WD vehicles, the transfer case allows you to select 4WD when necessary. Information on transfer case operation and shifting procedures can be found in the Driving chapter. Information on transfer case maintenance can be found in the Maintenance and specifications chapter. You should become thoroughly familiar with this information before you operate your vehicle. Normal characteristics On some 4WD models, the initial shift from two-wheel drive to 4x4 while the vehicle is moving can cause some momentary clunk and ratcheting sounds. This is the front drivetrain coming up to speed and the automatic locking hubs engaging and is not cause for concern. Sand When driving over sand, try to keep all four wheels on the most solid area of the trail. Avoid reducing the tire pressures but shift to a lower gear and drive steadily through the terrain. Apply the accelerator slowly and avoid spinning the wheels. If you must reduce the tire pressure for whatever reason in sand, make sure you re-inflate the tires as soon as possible. Avoid excessive speed because vehicle momentum can work against you and cause the vehicle to become stuck to the point that assistance may be required from another vehicle. Remember, you may be able to back out the way you came if you proceed with caution.

158

2003 F150 (f12) Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt) USA English (fus)