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2021 Ford F-150 Owners Manual - Scheduled Maintenance



Scheduled Maintenance

Carefully following the maintenance schedule helps protect against major repair expenses resulting from neglect or inadequate maintenance and may help to increase the value of your vehicle when you sell or trade it. Keep all receipts for completed maintenance with your vehicle.

It is important that you have your vehicle serviced at the proper times. These intervals serve two purposes: first is to maintain the reliability of your vehicle and the second is to keep the cost of owning your vehicle down.

It is your responsibility to have all scheduled maintenance performed and to make sure that the materials used meet the specifications identified in this owner's manual. See Capacities and Specifications (page 528).

Failure to perform scheduled maintenance and regularly inspect your vehicle may result in vehicle damage not covered by the vehicle Warranty.

Dealerships stock our parts and our authorized branded re-manufactured replacement parts. These parts meet or exceed our specifications. Parts installed at your dealership carry a nationwide

24-month or unlimited mile (kilometer) parts and labor limited warranty.

If you do not use our authorized parts they may not meet our specifications and could affect emissions compliance.

Maintenance is an investment that pays dividends in the form of improved reliability, durability and resale value. To maintain the proper performance of your vehicle and its emission control systems, make sure you have scheduled maintenance performed at the designated intervals.

Your vehicle comes with the Intelligent Oil-Life Monitor system, a message appears in the information display at the proper oil change interval. This interval may be up to one year or 10,000 mi (16,000 km), hybrid vehicles could exceed 10,000 mi (16,000 km).

When the oil change message appears in the information display, it is time for an oil change. Make sure you perform the oil change within two weeks or 500 mi

(800 km) of the message appearing. Make sure to reset the Intelligent Oil-Life Monitor after each oil change. See Resetting the Engine Oil Change Reminder (page 463).

If your information display resets prematurely or becomes inoperative, you should perform the oil change interval at six months or 5,000 mi (8,000 km) from your last oil change. Never exceed one year or 10,000 mi (16,000 km) between oil change intervals.

You can drive high performance vehicles in such a way that may lead to higher oil consumption including extended time at high engine speeds, high loads, engine braking, hard cornering maneuvers, track and off-road usage. Under these conditions, oil consumption of approximately 1 quart per 500 miles (1 liter per 800 km) is possible. Check the engine oil level at every refueling and adjust to maintain proper levels to avoid engine damage.

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It is important to rely upon your dealership to properly diagnose and repair your vehicle.

We strongly recommend only using our genuine or our authorized re-manufactured replacement parts engineered for your vehicle.

We do not recommend using chemicals or additives not approved by us as part of your vehicle’s normal maintenance. Please consult your warranty information.

In many cases, fluid discoloration is a normal operating characteristic and, by itself, does not necessarily indicate a concern or that the fluid needs to be changed. Have discolored fluids that also show signs of overheating or foreign material contamination checked immediately.

Make sure to change the vehicle’s oils and fluids at the specified intervals or in conjunction with a repair. Flushing is a viable way to change fluid for many vehicle sub-systems during scheduled maintenance. It is critical that systems are flushed only with new fluid that is the same as that required to fill and operate the system or using our approved flushing chemical.

Make sure you perform the following basic maintenance checks and inspections.

Check Every Month

The air filter restriction gauge.1

The engine oil level.

Function of all interior and the exterior lights.

The tires including the spare for wear and proper pressure.

The windshield washer fluid level.

The fuel and water separator. Drain if necessary or if indicated by the information display.1

The holes and slots in the tail pipe to make sure they are functional and clear of debris.1

1 Diesel vehicles only.

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Check Every Six Months

The battery connections. Clean if necessary.

The body and door drain holes for obstructions. Clean if necessary.

The cooling system fluid level and the coolant system strength.

The door weatherstrips for wear. Lubricate if necessary.

The hinges, latches and outside locks for proper operation. Lubricate if necessary.

The parking brake for proper operation.

The seatbelts and seat latches for wear and function.

Safety warning lamps, brake, ABS, airbag and seatbelt for operation.

The washer spray and wiper operation. Clean or replace blades as necessary.

It is important to have the systems on your vehicle regularly checked. This can help identify potential issues and prevent major problems. We recommend having the following multi-point inspection performed at every scheduled maintenance interval to help make sure your vehicle keeps running great.

Multi-Point Inspection

Accessory drive belt or belts

Hazard warning system operation

Battery performance

Horn operation

Engine air filter

Radiator, cooler, heater and air conditioning hoses

Exhaust system

Suspension components for leaks or damage

Exterior lamps operation

Steering and linkage

Fluid levels1; fill if necessary

Tires including the spare for wear and proper pressure2

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Multi-Point Inspection

For oil and fluid leaks

Windshield for cracks, chips or pits

Half-shaft dust boots

Washer spray and wiper operation

1 Brake, coolant recovery reservoir, automatic transmission and window washer.

2If your vehicle has a temporary mobility kit, check the tire sealant expiration Use By date on the canister. Replace as needed.

Be sure to ask your dealership service advisor or technician about the multi-point vehicle inspection. It is a comprehensive way to perform a thorough inspection of your vehicle. Your checklist gives you immediate feedback on the overall condition of your vehicle.

Your vehicle comes with an oil change reminder that determines when you should change the engine oil based on how you use your vehicle.

Your vehicle lets you know when an oil change is due by displaying a message in the information display.

The following table provides examples of vehicle use and its impact on oil change intervals. It is a guideline only. Actual oil change intervals depend on several factors and generally decrease with severity of use.

When to Expect the OIL CHANGE REQUIRED Message

Interval1

Vehicle Use and Example

Normal

7,500–10,000 mi

(12,000–16,000 km)

Normal commuting with highway driving. No, or moderate, load or towing.

Flat to moderately hilly roads.

No extended idling.

Severe

5,000–7,500 mi

(8,000–12,000 km)

Moderate to heavy load or towing. Mountainous or off-road conditions. Extended idling.

Extended hot or cold operation.

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When to Expect the OIL CHANGE REQUIRED Message

Interval1

Vehicle Use and Example

3,000–5,000 mi

(5,000–8,000 km)

Extreme

Maximum load or towing. Extreme hot or cold operation.

1 Hybrid vehicles may achieve longer distances between oil changes, but do not exceed the 1 year max oil change interval. Remaining oil life can be accessed through the information display.

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At Every Oil Change Interval as Indicated by the Information Display 1

Change the engine oil and filter. 2

Rotate the tires, inspect tire wear and measure the tread depth.

Perform a multi-point inspection, recommended.

Inspect the automatic transmission fluid level, if applicable with dipstick. Consult your dealer for requirements.

Inspect the brake pads, shoes, rotors, drums, brake linings, hoses and the parking brake.

Inspect the engine coolant system strength and hoses.

Inspect the exhaust system and heat shields.

Inspect the front axle and U-joints. Lubricate grease fittings if applicable.3

Inspect the half-shaft boots.

Inspect the steering linkage, ball joints, suspension, tire-rod ends, driveshaft and the U- joints. Lubricate any areas with grease fittings.

Inspect the wheels and related components for abnormal noise, wear, looseness or drag.

Fuel and water separator. Drain if necessary or if indicated by the information display.4

Refill the diesel exhaust fluid tank.4

Inspect the air filter restriction gauge. Replace the filter if necessary.4

1 Do not exceed one year or 10,000 mi (16,000 km) between service intervals.

2 Reset the oil change reminder after engine oil and filter changes. See Resetting the Engine Oil Change Reminder (page 463).

3 Four-wheel drive vehicles only.

4 Diesel vehicles only.

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Brake Fluid Maintenance1

Every 3 Years

Change the brake fluid.2

1 Perform this maintenance item every 3 years. Do not exceed the designated time for the interval.

2 Brake fluid servicing requires special equipment available at your authorized dealer.

Other Maintenance Items 1

Every 20,000 mi

(32,000 km)

Replace the cabin air filter.

Every 30,000 mi

(48,000 km)

Replace the engine air filter.

Replace the engine-mounted and frame-mounted fuel filters.2

Every 55,000 mi

(88,500 km)

Replace the spark plugs.3

Every 60,000 mi

(96,600 km)

Inspect the accessory drive belt(s). 3

Every 100,000 mi

(160,000 km)

Replace the accessory drive belt(s).3

Every 100,000 mi

(160,000 km)

Replace the spark plugs.

Inspect the accessory drive belt(s). 4

Every 150,000 mi

(240,000 km)

Change the automatic transmission fluid and filter.5

Change the front axle fluid.6

Change the rear axle fluid.

Change the transfer case fluid.6

Replace the accessory drive belt(s).

Replace the fuel pump drive belt.2

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Other Maintenance Items 1

Replace the timing belt.2

At 200,000 mi

(322,000 km)

Change the engine coolant. 7

1 Perform these maintenance items within 3,000 mi (4,800 km) of the last engine oil and filter change. Do not exceed the designated distance for the interval.

2 Diesel vehicles only.

3 Only for vehicles with pickup bed power outlet.

4 After initial inspection, inspect every other oil change until replaced.

5 Non-hybrid vehicles only.

6 Four-wheel drive vehicles only.

7 Initial replacement at 10 years or 200,000 mi (322,000 km), then every five years or 100,000 mi (160,000 km).

If you operate your vehicle primarily in any of the following conditions, you need to perform extra maintenance, as indicated. If you operate your vehicle occasionally under any of these conditions, it is not necessary to perform the extra maintenance. For specific recommendations, see your dealership service advisor or technician.

Perform the services shown in the following tables when specified or within 3,000 mi (4,800 km) of the oil change required message appearing in the information display.

    Example 1: The message comes on at 28,751 mi (46,270 km). Perform the 30,000 mi (48,000 km) automatic transmission fluid replacement.
    Example 2: The message has not come on, but the odometer reads 30,000 mi (48,000 km), for example, the oil change reminder was reset at

25,000 mi (40,000 km). Perform the engine air filter replacement.

Towing a Trailer or Using a Car-Top Carrier

As required

Change the engine oil and filter as indicated by the information display, and perform the services listed in the scheduled maintenance chart.

See the axle maintenance items under Exceptions.

Inspect frequently, service as required

Inspect and lubricate the U-joints.

See the axle maintenance items under Exceptions.

Replace the engine-mounted and frame-mounted fuel filters.

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Note: After the initial coolant flush and fill at 60,000 mi (96,000 km) or 2400 engine hours, flush and fill every 45,000 mi (72,000 km) or 1800 engine hours thereafter.

Frequent or Extended Idling - Over 10 Minutes Per Hour of Normal Driving or Frequent Low-Speed Operation if you use your Vehicle for Stationary Operation

As required

Change the engine oil and filter as indicated by the information display, and perform the services listed in the scheduled maintenance chart.

Inspect frequently, service as required

Inspect the air filter restriction gauge. Replace the filter if necessary

Every 30,000 mi

(48,000 km), six months or 600 engine hours

Replace the engine-mounted and frame-mounted fuel filters.

Every 30,000 mi

(48,000 km) or 1200 engine hours

Inspect the engine and cooling system coolant concentra- tion and freeze-point protection.

Every 60,000 mi

(96,000 km) or 2400

engine hours

Flush and refill the coolant. Do not add coolant additive.

Note: After the initial coolant flush and fill at 60,000 mi (96,000 km) or 2400 engine hours, flush and fill every 45,000 mi (72,000 km) or 1800 engine hours thereafter.

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Note: After the initial coolant flush and fill at 60,000 mi (96,000 km) or 2400 engine hours, flush and fill every 45,000 mi (72,000 km) or 1800 engine hours thereafter.

Sustained High-Speed Driving at Gross Vehicle Weight Rating - Maximum Loaded Weight for Vehicle Operation

As required

Change the engine oil and filter as indicated by the information display, and perform the services listed in the scheduled maintenance chart.

Every 30,000 mi

(48,000 km), six months or 600 engine hours

Replace the engine-mounted and frame-mounted fuel filters.

Every 30,000 mi

(48,000 km) or 1200 engine hours

Inspect the engine and cooling system coolant concentra- tion and freeze-point protection.

Every 60,000 mi

(96,000 km) or 2400

engine hours

Flush and refill the coolant. Do not add coolant additive.

Note: After the initial coolant flush and fill at 60,000 mi (96,000 km) or 2400 engine hours, flush and fill every 45,000 mi (72,000 km) or 1800 engine hours thereafter.

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Operating in Sustained Ambient Temperatures Below -9°F (-23°C) or Above 100°F (38°C)

As required

Change the engine oil and filter as indicated by the information display, and perform the services listed in the scheduled maintenance chart.

Every 30,000 mi

(48,000 km), six months or 600 engine hours

Replace the engine-mounted and frame-mounted fuel filters.

Operating in Dusty or Sandy Conditions - Such as Unpaved or Dusty Roads

Every 5,000 mi (8,000 km)

Inspect the wheels and related components for abnormal noise, wear, looseness or drag.

Every 7,500 mi (12,000 km)

Rotate the tires, inspect the tires for wear and measure the tread depth.

Inspect the brake system pads and rotors.

Inspect the air filter restriction gauge. Replace the filter if necessary.

Inspect the steering and suspension ball joints and tie rods. Lubricate any grease fittings.

Every 7,500 mi (12,000 km), six months or 300 engine hours

Change the engine oil and filter. 1

Inspect and lubricate the U-joints.

Every 30,000 mi

(48,000 km), 6 months or

600 engine hours

Replace the engine-mounted and frame-mounted fuel filters.

Every 30,000 mi

(48,000 km)

Replace the air inlet foam filter.

1 Reset the oil change reminder after engine oil and filter changes. See Resetting the Engine Oil Change Reminder (page 463).

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Off-Road Operation

Every 5,000 mi (8,000 km)

Inspect the wheels and related components for abnormal noise, wear, looseness or drag.

As required

Inspect functional holes in exhaust tip to make sure they are clean and clear of debris or foreign materials. See Vehicle Care (page 486). .

Inspect the steering and suspension ball joints and tie rods. Lubricate any grease fittings.

Every 7,000 mi (12,000 km), six months or 300 engine hours

Rotate the tires, inspect the tires for wear and measure tread depth.

Inspect the brake system pads and rotors.

Inspect the air filter restriction gauge. Replace the filter if necessary.

Every 7,000 mi (12,000 km) or 300 engine hours

Change the engine oil and filter. 1

Every 30,000 mi

(48,000 km), six months or 600 engine hours

Replace the engine-mounted and frame-mounted fuel filters.

Every 30,000 mi

(48,000 km)

Replace the air inlet foam filter.

1 Reset the oil change reminder after engine oil and filter changes. See Resetting the Engine Oil Change Reminder (page 463).

Using Biodiesel, Up to and Including 20% Biodiesel (B20)

As required

Change the engine oil and filter as indicated by the information display, and perform the services listed in the scheduled maintenance chart.

Every 30,000 mi

(48,000 km), six months or 300 engine hours

Replace the engine-mounted and frame-mounted fuel filters.

There are several exceptions to the Normal Schedule.

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Axle(s) and transfer case, four-wheel drive vehicles, fluid changes or level checks are not required unless a leak is suspected, or the assembly has been submerged in water. Contact an authorized dealer for service.

If you register your vehicle in California, the California Air Resources Board has determined that the failure to perform this maintenance item does not nullify the emission warranty or limit recall liability before the completion of your vehicle's useful life. Ford Motor Company, however, urges you to have all recommended maintenance services performed at the specified intervals and to record all vehicle service.

For vehicles operating in the Middle East, North Africa, Sub-Saharan Africa or locations with similar climates using an oil that meets our specification or has an American Petroleum Institute (API) Certified for Gasoline Engines (Certification mark) oil, the normal oil change interval is 3,000 mi (4,800 km).

The life of the engine air filter is dependent on exposure to dusty and dirty conditions. Vehicles operated in these conditions require frequent inspection and replacement of the engine air filter.

Over time, a slight amount of ash builds up in the diesel particulate filter, which is not removed during the regeneration process. The filter may need to be replaced with a new or remanufactured part at approximately 250,000 mi (400,000 km). Actual mileage varies depending on engine and vehicle operating conditions.

In this case, the engine control system sets a service light, a wrench icon, to inform you to bring your vehicle to the dealer for service. If there are any issues with the oxidation catalyst or particulate filter system, the engine control system sets a service light, a wrench or engine icon, to inform you to bring your vehicle to the dealer for service.

If you operate your vehicle primarily in any of the following conditions, you need to perform extra maintenance, as indicated. If you operate your vehicle occasionally under any of these conditions, it is not necessary to perform the extra maintenance. For specific recommendations, see your dealership service advisor or technician.

Perform the services shown in the following tables when specified or within 3,000 mi (4,800 km) of the oil change required message appearing in the information display.

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    Example 1: The message comes on at 28,751 mi (46,270 km). Perform the 30,000 mi (48,000 km) automatic transmission fluid replacement.
    Example 2: The message has not come on, but the odometer reads 30,000 mi (48,000 km), for example, the oil change reminder was reset at

25,000 mi (40,000 km). Perform the engine air filter replacement.

Towing a Trailer or Using a Car-top Carrier

As required

Change the engine oil and filter as indicated by the information display and perform services listed in the Normal Scheduled Maintenance chart.

Inspect frequently, service as required

Inspect and lubricate the U-joints.

See the axle maintenance items under Exceptions.

Every 60,000 mi

(96,000 km)

Replace the spark plugs.

Extensive Idling or Low-speed Driving for Long Distances, as in Heavy Commercial Use, such as Delivery, Taxi, Patrol Car or Livery

As required

Change the engine oil and filter as indicated by the information display and perform services listed in the Normal Scheduled Maintenance chart.

Inspect frequently, service as required

Replace the engine air filter.

Every 60,000 mi

(96,000 km)

Replace the spark plugs.

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Operating in Dusty or Sandy Conditions, such as Unpaved or Dusty Roads

Inspect frequently, service as required

Replace the engine air filter.

Every 5,000 mi (8,000 km)

Inspect the wheels and related components for abnormal noise, wear, looseness or drag.

Rotate the tires, inspect tires for wear and measure the tread depth.

Every 5,000 mi (8,000 km) or six months

Change the engine oil and filter.1

1Reset your oil change reminder after each engine oil and filter change. See Resetting the Engine Oil Change Reminder (page 463).

Off-road Operation

Inspect frequently, service as required

Inspect the steering linkage, ball joints and the U-joints. Lubricate grease fittings, if applicable.

Replace the engine air filter.

Every 5,000 mi (8,000 km) or six months

Change the engine oil and filter.1

Inspect the wheels and related components for abnormal noise, wear, looseness or drag.

Rotate the tires, inspect tires for wear and the measure the tread depth.

1Reset your oil change reminder after each engine oil and filter change. See Resetting the Engine Oil Change Reminder (page 463).

Exclusive Use of E85 - Flex Fuel Vehicles Only

Every oil change interval

If ran exclusively on E85, fill the fuel tank full with regular unleaded fuel.

There are several exceptions to the Normal Schedule.

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Axle(s) and transfer case, four-wheel drive vehicles, fluid changes or level checks are not required unless a leak is suspected or the assembly has been submerged in water. Contact an authorized dealer for service.

If you register your vehicle in California, the California Air Resources Board has determined that the failure to perform this maintenance item does not nullify the emission warranty or limit recall liability before the completion of your vehicle's useful life. Ford Motor Company, however, urges you to have all recommended maintenance services performed at the specified intervals and to record all vehicle service.

Vehicles operating in the Middle East, North Africa, Sub-Saharan Africa or locations with similar climates using an oil that meets our specification or has an American Petroleum Institute (API) Certified for Gasoline Engines (Certification mark) oil, the normal oil change interval is 3,000 mi (4,800 km).

The life of the engine air filter is dependent on exposure to dusty and dirty conditions. Vehicles operated in these conditions require frequent inspection and replacement of the engine air filter.

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