Ford F150 2003 Owners Manual

							Introduction 4
Instrument Cluster 12
Warning and control lights 12
Gauges 16
Entertainment Systems 20
AM/FM stereo cassette 20
AM/FM stereo with CD 22
AM/FM stereo cassette with CD 32
Rear seat controls 35
Climate Controls 38
Manual heating and air conditioning 38
Electronic automatic temperature control 40
Rear window defroster 43
Lights 44
Headlamps 44
Turn signal control 46
Bulb replacement 48
Driver Controls 54
Windshield wiper/washer control 54
Steering wheel adjustment 55
Power windows 60
Mirrors 61
Speed control 63
Locks and Security 77
Keys 77
Locks 77
Anti-theft system 80
2003 F150(f12)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA English(fus)
Table of Contents
Table of Contents
1 
						

							Seating and Safety Restraints 90
Seating 90
Safety restraints 98
Air bags 111
Child restraints 119
Driving 136
Starting 136
Brakes 141
Transmission operation 144
Trailer towing 165
Roadside Emergencies 176
Getting roadside assistance 176
Hazard flasher switch 177
Fuel pump shut-off switch 177
Fuses and relays 178
Changing tires 186
Jump starting 193
Wrecker towing 198
Customer Assistance 199
Reporting safety defects (U.S. only) 207
Cleaning 208
Maintenance and Specifications 216
Engine compartment 218
Engine oil 221
Battery 225
Fuel information 233
Air filter(s) 250
Part numbers 255
Refill capacities 256
Lubricant specifications 259
2003 F150(f12)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA English(fus)
Table of Contents
2 
						

							Accessories 268
Index 272
All rights reserved. Reproduction by any means, electronic or mechanical
including photocopying, recording or by any information storage and retrieval
system or translation in whole or part is not permitted without written
authorization from Ford Motor Company. Ford may change the contents without
notice and without incurring obligation.
Copyright © 2003 Ford Motor Company
2003 F150(f12)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA English(fus)
Table of Contents
3 
						

							CALIFORNIA Proposition 65 Warning
WARNING:Engine exhaust, some of its constituents, and
certain vehicle components contain or emit chemicals known to
the State of California to cause cancer and birth defects or other
reproductive harm. In addition, certain fluids contained in vehicles and
certain products of component wear contain or emit chemicals known
to the State of California to cause cancer and birth defects or other
reproductive harm.
CONGRATULATIONS
Congratulations on acquiring your new Ford. Please take the time to get
well acquainted with your vehicle by reading this handbook. The more
you know and understand about your vehicle the greater the safety and
pleasure you will derive from driving it.
For more information on Ford Motor Company and its products visit the
following website:
•In the United States: www.ford.com
•In Canada: www.ford.ca
•In Australia: www.ford.com.au
•In Mexico: www.ford.com.mx
Additional owner information is given in separate publications.
This Owner’s Guide describes every option and model variant available
and therefore some of the items covered may not apply to your
particular vehicle. Furthermore, due to printing cycles it may describe
options before they are generally available.
Remember to pass on the Owner’s Guide when reselling the vehicle. It is
an integral part of the vehicle.
Fuel pump shut-off switchIn the event of an accident the
safety switch will automatically cut off the fuel supply to the
engine. The switch can also be activated through sudden vibration (e.g.
collision when parking). To reset the switch, refer to theFuel pump
shut-off switchin theRoadside emergencieschapter.
2003 F150(f12)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA English(fus)
Introduction
Introduction
4 
						

							SAFETY AND ENVIRONMENT PROTECTION
Warning symbols in this guide
How can you reduce the risk of personal injury and prevent possible
damage to others, your vehicle and its equipment? In this guide, answers
to such questions are contained in comments highlighted by the warning
triangle symbol. These comments should be read and observed.
Warning symbols on your vehicle
When you see this symbol, it is
imperative that you consult the
relevant section of this guide before
touching or attempting adjustment
of any kind.
Protecting the environment
We must all play our part in
protecting the environment. Correct
vehicle usage and the authorized
disposal of waste cleaning and
lubrication materials are significant
steps towards this aim. Information in this respect is highlighted in this
guide with the tree symbol.
BREAKING-IN YOUR VEHICLE
Your vehicle does not need an extensive break-in. Try not to drive
continuously at the same speed for the first 1,600 km (1,000 miles) of
new vehicle operation. Vary your speed to allow parts to adjust
themselves to other parts.
Drive your new vehicle at least 800 km (500 miles) before towing a
trailer.
Do not add friction modifier compounds or special break-in oils during
the first few thousand kilometers (miles) of operation, since these
additives may prevent piston ring seating. SeeEngine oilin the
Maintenance and specificationschapter for more information on oil
usage.
2003 F150(f12)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA English(fus)
Introduction
5 
						

							SPECIAL NOTICES
Emission warranty
The New Vehicle Limited Warranty includes Bumper-to-Bumper
Coverage, Safety Restraint Coverage, Corrosion Coverage, and 7.3L
Power Stroke Diesel Engine Coverage. In addition, your vehicle is eligible
for Emissions Defect and Emissions Performance Warranties. For a
detailed description of what is covered and what is not covered, refer to
theWarranty Guidethat is provided to you along with your Owner’s
Guide.
Data Recording
Computers in your vehicle are capable of recording detailed data
potentially including but not limited to information such as:
•the use of restraint systems including seat belts by the driver and
passengers,
•information about the performance of various systems and modules in
the vehicle, and
•information related to engine, throttle, steering, brake or other system
status.
Any of this information could potentially include information regarding
how the driver operates the vehicle, potentially including but not limited
to information regarding vehicle speed, brake or accelerator application,
or steering input. This information may be stored during regular
operation or in a crash or near crash event.
This stored information may be read out and used by:
•Ford Motor Company.
•service and repair facilities.
•law enforcement or government agencies.
•others who may assert a right or obtain your consent to know such
information.
2003 F150(f12)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA English(fus)
Introduction
6 
						

							Special instructions
For your added safety, your vehicle is fitted with sophisticated electronic
controls.
Please read the sectionSupplemental Restraint System (SRS)
in theSeating and safety restraintschapter. Failure to follow
the specific warnings and instructions could result in personal injury.
Front seat mounted rear facing child or infant seats should
NEVERbe used in front of a passenger side air bag unless the
air bag can be and is turned OFF.
Snowplowing
Ford recommends the following specifications for low speed, personal
use snow removal:
•F-150 4x4 (except F-150 Supercrew, Lightning and Harley-Davidson
models)
•5.4L engine
•Heavy-duty service package
•Super engine cooling
•Heavy-duty front suspension package
•Automatic transmission with auxiliary automatic transmission fluid
cooling
•All-terrain tires
•Limited slip and optional axle ratio.
Do not install a snowplow and plow with your vehicle until it has been
driven at least 800 km (500 miles).
F150 SuperCrew, F150 5.4L Supercharged “Lightning” and
Harley-Davidson F-150 Owners: Snowplowing
Your vehicle is not recommended for snowplowing. Ford makes no
representation as to the suitability of your vehicle for snowplowing, in
particular regarding the potential for exceeding vehicle weight limits,
airbag (SRS) deployment sensitivity, vehicle crash integrity, or
powertrain durability. The Snowplow Package Option is not available.
2003 F150(f12)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA English(fus)
Introduction
7 
						

							Using your vehicle as an ambulance
Do not use this vehicle as an ambulance.
Your vehicle is not equipped with the Ford Ambulance Preparation
Package.
Notice to owners of pickup trucks and utility type vehicles
Utility vehicles have a significantly higher rollover rate than
other types of vehicles.
Before you drive your vehicle, please read this Owner’s Guide carefully.
Your vehicle is not a passenger car. As with other vehicles of this type,
failure to operate this vehicle correctly may result in loss of vehicle
control, vehicle rollover, personal injury or death.
Be sure to readDriving off roadin theDrivingchapter.
Notice to owners of natural gas fueled vehicles
Before you drive your vehicle, be sure to read theDedicated Natural
Gas Vehiclesupplement. This book contains important operation and
maintenance information.
Notice to owners of F150 5.4L Supercharged “Lightning” vehicles
Before you drive your vehicle, be sure to read the “SVT Lightning Truck
Owner’s Guide Supplement.” This book contains important operation and
maintenance information.
Notice to owners of the Harley-Davidson F-150
Note:Your vehicle is not designed to be operated off-road.
The undercab chrome bars are for decorative purposes only. Do not step
on these bars to enter or exit the vehicle.
Harley-Davidson F-150 vehicles are equipped with high performance
tires. When first driving the vehicle after is has been parked, you may
experience a temporary ride disturbance. This is a characteristic of the
tires used on the Harley-Davidson vehicles and should be no reason for
concern. The condition should correct itself within 10–15 miles of
driving.
2003 F150(f12)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA English(fus)
Introduction
8 
						

							MIDDLE EAST/NORTH AFRICA VEHICLE SPECIFIC INFORMATION
For your particular global region, your vehicle may be equipped with
features and options that are different from the ones that are described
in this Owner Guide; therefore, a supplement has been supplied that
complements this book. By referring to the pages in the provided
supplement, you can properly identify those features, recommendations
and specifications that are unique to your vehicle.Refer to this Owner
Guide for all other required information and warnings.
2003 F150(f12)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA English(fus)
Introduction
9 
						

							These are some of the symbols you may see on your vehicle.
Vehicle Symbol Glossary
Safety Alert
See Owner’s Guide
Fasten Safety BeltAir Bag-Front
Air Bag-SideChild Seat
Child Seat Installation
WarningChild Seat Lower
Anchor
Child Seat Tether
AnchorBrake System
Anti-Lock Brake SystemBrake Fluid -
Non-Petroleum Based
Traction ControlAdvanceTrac

Master Lighting SwitchHazard Warning Flasher
Fog Lamps-FrontFuse Compartment
Fuel Pump ResetWindshield Wash/Wipe
Windshield
Defrost/DemistRear Window
Defrost/Demist
2003 F150(f12)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA English(fus)
Introduction
10