2020 Ford F-150 Owners Manual - Starting and Stopping the Engine

Starting and Stopping the Engine

If you disconnect the battery, your vehicle may exhibit some unusual driving characteristics for approximately 5 mi

(8 km) after you reconnect it. This is because the engine management system must realign itself with the engine. You can disregard any unusual driving characteristics during this period.

The powertrain control system meets all Canadian interference-causing equipment standard requirements regulating the impulse electrical field or radio noise.

When you start the engine, avoid pressing the accelerator pedal before and during operation. Only use the accelerator pedal when you have difficulty starting the engine.

0 (off) - The ignition is off.

Note: When you switch the ignition off and leave your vehicle, do not leave your key in the ignition. This could cause your vehicle battery to lose charge.

(accessory) - Allows the electrical accessories, such as the radio, to operate while the engine is not running.

Note: Do not leave the ignition key in this position for too long. This could cause your vehicle battery to lose charge.

(on) - All electrical circuits are operational and the warning lamps and indicators illuminate.

(start) - Cranks the engine.

Note: The keyless starting system may not function if the key is close to metal objects or electronic devices such as cellular phones.

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Note: A valid key must be located inside your vehicle to switch the ignition on and start the engine.

The keyless starting system has three modes:

Off: Turns the ignition off.

Without applying the brake pedal, press and release the button once when the ignition is in the on mode, or when the engine is running but the vehicle is not moving.

On: All electrical circuits are operational and the warning lamps and indicators illuminate.

Without applying the brake pedal, press and release the button once.

Start: Starts the vehicle. The engine may not start when the vehicle starts.

Press the brake pedal, and then press the button for any length of time. An indicator light on the button illuminates when then ignition is on and when the engine starts.

To lock the steering wheel:

Remove the key from the ignition.

Rotate the steering wheel 180° from the straight ahead position to engage the lock.

To unlock the steering wheel:

Insert the key in the ignition.

Turn the key to the on position.

Note: You may need to rotate the steering wheel slightly to assist unlocking if there is a steering wheel load applied.

Your vehicle has an electronically controlled steering wheel lock that automatically operates.

The steering wheel will lock shortly after you have parked your vehicle and the passive key is outside it or when you lock your vehicle.

Note: The steering wheel will not lock when the ignition is on or when your vehicle is moving.

The steering wheel unlocks when the system detects a valid passive key inside your vehicle. If the steering wheel relocks, switch the ignition on to unlock it.

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Note: You may have to slightly rotate the steering wheel to assist unlocking it.

STARTING A GASOLINE ENGINE (IF EQUIPPED)

When you start the engine, the idle speed increases. This helps to warm up the engine. If the engine idle speed does not slow down automatically, have your vehicle checked by an authorized dealer.

Note: You can crank the engine for a total of 60 seconds (without the engine starting) before the starting system temporarily disables. The 60 seconds does not have to be all at once. For example, if you crank the engine three times for 20 seconds each time, without the engine starting, you reached the 60-second time limit. A message appears in the information display alerting you that you exceeded the cranking time. You cannot attempt to start the engine for at least 15 minutes. After 15 minutes, you are limited to a 15-second engine cranking time. You need to wait 60 minutes before you can crank the engine for 60 seconds again.

Before starting the engine, check the following:

Make sure all occupants have fastened their seatbelts.

Make sure the headlamps and electrical accessories are off.

Make sure the parking brake is on.

Move the transmission selector lever to position P.

Turn the ignition key to on. If your vehicle is equipped with a keyless ignition, see the following instructions.

Note: Do not touch the accelerator pedal.

Fully depress the brake pedal.

Turn the key to start the engine. Release the key when the engine starts.

Note: The engine may continue cranking for up to 15 seconds or until it starts.

Note: If you cannot start the engine on the first try, wait for a short period and try again.

Note: Do not touch the accelerator pedal.

Note: You must have your intelligent access key in the vehicle in order to shift the transmission out of position P.

Fully depress the brake pedal.

Press the button.

The system does not function if:

The key frequencies are jammed.

The key battery has no charge.

If you are unable to start the engine, locate the backup slot (A) in one of two positions:

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Note: If your vehicle is equipped with Type One, make sure to place the key properly into the backup slot.

Note: If your vehicle is equipped with Type Two, make sure the buttons are facing the rear of the vehicle and the key ring up. Place the key into the backup slot.

Note: With the key in this position, press the brake pedal, and then the button to switch on the engine.

The fast restart feature allows you to restart the engine within 20 seconds of switching it off, even if a valid key is not present.

Within 20 seconds of switching the engine off, press the brake pedal and press the button. After 20 seconds have expired, you can no longer restart the engine without the key present inside your vehicle.

Once the engine has started, it remains running until you press the button, even if the system does not detect a valid key. If you open and close a door while the engine is running, the system searches for a valid key. You cannot restart the engine if the system does not detect a valid key within 20 seconds.

If you cannot start the engine after three attempts, wait 10 seconds and follow this procedure:

Fully press the brake pedal.

Move the transmission selector lever to position P.

Fully press the accelerator pedal and hold it there.

Start the engine.

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If your vehicle is equipped with a keyless ignition, it has a feature that automatically shuts down the engine if it has been idling for an extended period. The ignition also turns off in order to save battery power.

Before the engine shuts down, a message appears in the information display showing a timer counting down from 30 seconds. If you do not intervene within 30 seconds, the engine shuts down. Another message appears in the information display to inform you that the engine has shut down in order to save fuel. Start your vehicle as you normally do.

Note: You cannot permanently switch off the automatic engine shutdown feature. When you switch it off temporarily, it turns on at the next ignition cycle.

You can stop the engine shutdown, or reset the timer, at any point before the

30-second countdown has expired by doing any of the following:

You can reset the timer by interacting with your vehicle (such as pressing the brake pedal or accelerator pedal).

You can temporarily switch off the shutdown feature any time the ignition is on (for the current ignition cycle only). Use the information display to do so. See Information Displays (page 120).

During the countdown before engine shutdown, you are prompted to press OK or RESET (depending on your type of information display) to temporarily switch the feature off (for the current ignition cycle only).

Move the transmission selector lever to position P.

Turn the key to off.

Apply the parking brake.

Move the transmission selector lever to position P.

Press the button once.

Apply the parking brake.

Note: This switches off the ignition, all electrical circuits, warning lamps and indicators.

Note: If the engine is idling for 30 minutes, the ignition and engine automatically shut down.

1. Move the transmission selector lever to position N and use the brakes to bring your vehicle to a safe stop.

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When your vehicle has stopped, move the transmission selector lever to position P and turn the key to off.

Apply the parking brake.

Move the transmission selector lever to position N and use the brakes to bring your vehicle to a safe stop.

When your vehicle has stopped, move the transmission selector lever to position P.

Press and hold the button for one second, or press it three times within two seconds.

Apply the parking brake.

Important Ventilating Information

If you stop your vehicle and leave the engine idling for long periods, we recommend that you do one of the following:

Open the windows at least 1 in (2.5 cm).

Set your climate control to outside air.

STARTING A DIESEL ENGINE(IF EQUIPPED)

Read all starting instructions carefully before you start your vehicle.

For temperatures below 32°F (0°C), the use of the correct grade engine oil is essential for proper operation. Refer to Engine oil specifications for more information. See Capacities and Specifications (page 433).

Your vehicle may be equipped with a cold weather starting strategy that prevents severe engine damage by assisting in engine lubrication warm-up. In extremely cold ambient temperatures, this strategy activates and prevents the accelerator pedal from being used for 30 seconds after starting your vehicle. A message will appear in the information display as your vehicle warms up. By not allowing the accelerator pedal to be used, the engine oil is allowed to properly lubricate the bearings preventing engine damage due to lack of proper lubrication. After the 30 second warm-up period, the accelerator pedal will be operational again and a message will appear informing you the vehicle is ok to drive.

When starting the engine in extremely cold temperatures -15°F (-26°C), it is recommended to allow the engine to idle for several minutes before driving the vehicle.

Before starting the engine check the following:

Make sure all occupants have fastened their seatbelts.

Make sure the headlamps and electrical accessories are off.

Make sure the parking brake is on.

Make sure the transmission is in park (P).

Note: Do not press the accelerator during starting.

Note: Do not touch the accelerator pedal.

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Note: If the push button ignition switch is pressed again prior to the engine starting, the ignition switches to accessory mode and does not start.

Note: If the brake pedal is released before the engine has started, follow the engine start sequence again.

Fully depress the brake pedal.

Press the center of the push button ignition switch.

Note: A message displays Engine Start Pending, Please Wait.

When the engine starts, release the brake pedal.

The diesel engine glow system consists of:

Six or eight glow plugs (one per cylinder)

Glow Plug Control Module

Engine Coolant Temperature sensor

Barometric pressure sensor

Environmental temperature sensor

The powertrain and glow plug control modules electronically control the glow plug system. After you switch the ignition on the glow plug control module immediately energizes the glow plugs. The glow plug control module using the engine coolant temperature, barometric pressure sensor and environmental temperature sensor will determine how long the glow plugs stay energized. The required time for the glow plugs to be energized decreases as the coolant temperature, barometric pressure and environmental temperature increase.

If your vehicle is equipped with a keyless ignition, it has a feature that automatically shuts down the engine if it has been idling for an extended period. The ignition also turns off in order to save battery power.

Before the engine shuts down, a message appears in the information display showing a timer counting down from 30 seconds. If you do not intervene within 30 seconds, the engine shuts down. Another message appears in the information display to inform you that the engine has shut down in order to save fuel. Start your vehicle as you normally do.

It is recommended that the engine block heater be used for starting when the temperature is -9°F (-23°C) or colder. See Engine Block Heater (page 188).

When operating in cold weather,

Motorcraft® cetane improvers or

non-alcohol-based cetane improvers from a reputable manufacturer may be used as needed.

Do not crank the engine for more than 10 seconds as starter damage may occur. If the engine fails to start, switch the ignition off and wait 30 seconds before trying again.

Switch the ignition on. Do not start the engine until the glow-plug indicator turns off.

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When the glow plug pre-heat indicator turns off, turn the key to start and release the key as soon as the engine starts. After starting the engine, the glow plugs may remain on for a period. If you do not start the engine before the glow plug activation time ends, you will need to reset the glow plugs by switching the ignition off. After the engine starts, allow it to idle for about 15 seconds. This is to protect the engine. Do not increase engine speed until the oil pressure gauge indicates normal pressure.

For vehicles with keyless start:

Fully depress brake pedal and hold to allow time for glow-plugs to heat.

Press and release the start button.

Note: A message "Engine Start Pending, Please Wait", along with the glow plug indicator displays on the instrument cluster.

When the engine starts, release the brake pedal.

Note: Idling in cold weather does not heat the engine to its normal operating temperature. Long periods of idling, especially in cold weather, can cause a buildup of deposits which can cause engine damage.

Changing to a lighter grade engine oil also makes starting easier under these conditions. Refer to Engine oil specifications. See Capacities and Specifications (page 433).

Diesel fuel is adjusted seasonally for cold temperatures. Diesel fuel which has not been properly formulated for the ambient conditions may gel which can clog the fuel filters. One indication that the fuel filter(s) may be clogged is if the engine starts, stalls after a short time, and then does not restart. If you have been using biodiesel, you may need to use a fuel with lower biodiesel content, try another brand, or

discontinue using biodiesel. Do not use alcohol based additives to correct fuel gelling. This may result in damage to the fuel injectors and system. Use the proper anti-gel and performance improvement product. See Capacities and Specifications (page 433).

Your vehicle is equipped with a fuel and water separator that recirculates fuel from the engine to help prevent fuel filter clogging. To avoid engine fuel starvation during cold weather operation of 32°F (0°C) or below, we recommended that the fuel level in your tank should not drop below 1⁄4 full. This helps prevent air from entering the fuel system and stalling the engine.

In cold weather below 32°F (0°C), the engine may slowly increase to a higher idle speed if left idling in park (P). As the engine warms-up, the engine sound level decreases due to the activation of

PCM-controlled sound reduction features.

If you operate your vehicle in a heavy snowstorm or blowing snow conditions, snow and ice can clog the engine air induction. If this occurs, the engine may experience a significant reduction in power output. At the earliest opportunity, clear all the snow and/or ice away from inside the air filter assembly. Remove the air cleaner cover and the pleated paper filter, leaving the foam filter in and remove any snow or ice. Make sure you install the foam filter correctly in place. Remove any debris, snow or ice on the foam filter by brushing the surface with soft brush. Once you have cleared all of the debris, reinstall the air filter and assembly.

Do not use water, solvents, or a hard brush for cleaning the foam filter.

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In order to operate the engine in temperatures of 32°F (0°C) or lower, read the following instructions:

Make sure that the batteries are of sufficient size and are fully charged. Check other electrical components to make sure they are in optimum condition.

Use the proper coolant solution at the concentration recommended protecting the engine against damage from freezing.

Try to keep the fuel tank full as much as possible at the end of operation to prevent condensation in the fuel system.

Make sure you use proper cold weather engine oil and that it is at its proper level. Also, if necessary, make sure to follow the engine oil and filter change schedule found under the Special operating conditions section listed in the scheduled maintenance information.

At temperatures of -9°F (-23°C) or below, it is recommended that you use an engine block heater to improve cold engine starting.

If operating in arctic temperatures of

-20°F (-29°C) or lower, consult your truck dealer for information about special cold weather equipment and precautions.

The following cold weather idling guidelines are recommended:

You can use Motorcraft® cetane improvers or non-alcohol-based cetane improvers from a reputable manufacturer as needed.

Maintain the engine cooling system properly.

Avoid shutting the engine down after an extensive idling period. Drive your vehicle for several miles with the engine at normal operating temperatures under a moderate load.

Consider using an engine block heater.

For extended idle times use an approved idle speed increase device.

The following information is a guideline only and is not to be the only source of possible solutions in resolving extreme cold temperature issues.

The use of the factory engine block heater assists in engine starting in extreme cold ambient temperatures See Engine Block Heater (page 188).

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Your vehicle may have a factory option for a stationary elevated idle control through dash-mounted upfitter switches that allows the operator to elevate the idle rpm for extended idle periods, as well as aftermarket equipment such as PTO operation. You must configure this feature even if ordered from the factory. See your authorized dealer for required upfitting.

Vehicle operation in heavy snowfall or extreme rain conditions may feed excessive amounts of snow or water into the air intake system. This could plug the air filter with snow and may cause the engine to lose power and possibly shut down.

We recommend the following actions after operating your vehicle up to 200 mi

(320 km) in snowfall or extreme rain:

Snow: At the earliest opportunity, open the hood and clear all the snow and ice from the air filter housing inlet (do not remove the foam filter) and reset the air filter restriction gauge.

Note: Removal of the foam filter degrades your vehicle performance during snow and hot weather conditions.

Extreme rain: The air filter dries after about 15–30 minutes at highway speeds. At the earliest opportunity, open the hood and reset the air filter restriction gauge.

Refer to Air filter and restriction gauge in the Maintenance chapter for more information. See Changing the Engine Air Filter (page 364).

Ingestion of water into the diesel engine can result in immediate and severe damage to the engine. If driving through water, slow down to avoid splashing water into the intake. If the engine stalls, and you suspect ingestion of water into the engine, do not try to restart the engine. Consult your dealer for service immediately.

Your fuel tank vents to the atmosphere by valves on top of the tank and through the fuel cap. If water reaches the top of the tank, the valves may pull water into the fuel tank. Water in the fuel can cause performance issues and damage the fuel injection system.

Allow the engine to idle for three to five minutes before shutting it down. The larger the engine, the greater the need is for this idling period.

Note: Try to limit engine idle to 10 minutes. Excessive idling reduces fuel economy.

ENGINE BLOCK HEATER (IF EQUIPPED)

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Note: The heater is most effective when outdoor temperatures are below 0°F

(-18°C).

The heater acts as a starting aid by warming the engine coolant. This allows the climate control system to respond quickly. The equipment includes a heater element, installed in the engine block and a wire harness. You can connect the system to a grounded 120-volt AC electrical source.

We recommend that you do the following for a safe and correct operation:

Use a 16-gauge outdoor extension cord that is product certified by Underwriter’s Laboratory (UL) or Canadian Standards Association (CSA). This extension cord must be suitable for use outdoors, in cold temperatures, and be clearly marked Suitable for Use with Outdoor Appliances. Do not use an indoor extension cord outdoors. This could result in an electric shock or become a fire hazard.

Use as short an extension cord as possible.

Do not use multiple extension cords.

Make sure that when in operation, the extension cord plug and heater cord plug connections are free and clear of water. This could cause an electric shock or fire.

If the block heater cord is under the hood, Do Not remove the wiring from its original location. Do Not close the hood on the extension wiring.

Make sure your vehicle is parked in a clean area, clear of combustibles.

Make sure the heater, heater cord and extension cord are firmly connected.

Check for heat anywhere in the electrical hookup once the system has been operating for approximately 30 minutes.

Make sure the system is unplugged and properly stowed before starting and driving your vehicle. Make sure the protective cover seals the prongs of the block heater cord plug when not in use.

Make sure the heater system is checked for proper operation before winter.

Make sure the receptacle terminals are clean and dry prior to use. Clean them with a dry cloth if necessary.

The heater uses 0.4 to 1.0 kilowatt-hours of energy per hour of use. The system does not have a thermostat. It achieves maximum temperature after approximately three hours of operation. Using the heater longer than three hours does not improve system performance and unnecessarily uses electricity.

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