Ford F150 2003 Owners Manual

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...

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.
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...

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,...

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...

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...

(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.
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...

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...

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...

4.2L V6 engine
Upshifts when accelerating (recommended for best fuel
economy)
Shift from: Transfer case position (if equipped)
2H or 4H 4L
1 - 2 24 km/h (15 mph) 14 km/h (9 mph)
2 - 3 40 km/h (25 mph) 19 km/h (12 mph)
3 - 4 60 km/h (37 mph) 24 km/h (15 mph)
4
-
D(Overdrive)72 km/h (45 mph) 29 km/h (18 mph)
Upshifts when cruising (recommended for best fuel economy)
Shift from: Transfer case position (if equipped)
2H or 4H 4L
1 - 2 18 km/h (11 mph) 8 km/h (5 mph)
2 - 3 34 km/h (21 mph) 18 km/h (11 mph)
3 -...

Upshifts when cruising (recommended for best fuel economy)
Shift from: Transfer case position (if equipped)
2H or 4H 4L
1 - 2 16 km/h (10 mph) 6 km/h (4 mph)
2 - 3 34 km/h (21 mph) 16 km/h (10 mph)
3 - 4 51 km/h (32 mph) 21 km/h (13 mph)
4
-
D(Overdrive)72 km/h (45 mph) 27 km/h (17 mph)
4.6L V8 engine (4x2 with optional rear axle ratio)
Upshifts when accelerating (recommended for best fuel
economy)
Shift from: Transfer case position (if equipped)
2H or 4H 4L
1 - 2 14 km/h (9 mph) 5 km/h (3 mph)
2 - 3 32...