Brakes Ford F150
Hints on Driving With Anti-Lock Brakes
Electric Parking Brake
Hill Start Assist
GENERAL INFORMATION
Note: 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. Have the system checked by an authorized dealer. If your vehicle has continuous vibration or shudder in the steering wheel while braking, have it checked by an authorized dealer.
Note: Brake dust may accumulate on the wheels, even under normal driving conditions. Some dust is inevitable as the brakes wear and does not contribute to brake noise. See Cleaning the Wheels .
Note: Depending on applicable laws and regulations in the country for which your vehicle was originally built, your brake lamps may flash during heavy braking. Following this, your hazard lights may also flash when your vehicle comes to a stop.
See Warning Lamps and Indicators .
Wet brakes result in reduced braking efficiency. Gently press the brake pedal a few times when driving from a car wash or standing water to dry the brakes.
Brake Over Accelerator
In the event the accelerator pedal becomes stuck or entrapped, apply steady and firm pressure to the brake pedal to slow the vehicle and reduce engine power. If you experience this condition, apply the brakes and bring your vehicle to a safe stop. Move the transmission to park (P), switch the engine off and apply the parking brake. Inspect the accelerator pedal for any interference. If none are found and the condition persists, have your vehicle towed to the nearest authorized dealer.
Brake Assist
Brake assist detects when you rapidly brake by measuring the rate at which you press the brake pedal. It provides maximum braking efficiency as long as you press the pedal. It can also reduce stopping distances in critical situations.
Anti-lock Brake System
This system helps you maintain steering control during emergency stops by keeping the brakes from locking.
If it illuminates when you are driving, this indicates a malfunction. Your vehicle continues to have normal braking without the anti-lock brake system function. Have your vehicle checked as soon as possible.
It also momentarily illuminates when you switch the ignition on to confirm the lamp is functional. If it does not illuminate when you switch the ignition on, or begins to flash at any time, have the system checked by an authorized dealer.
It illuminates when you engage the parking brake and the ignition is on.
If it illuminates when your vehicle is moving, make sure the parking brake is disengaged. If the parking brake is disengaged, this indicates low brake fluid level or a brake system fault. Have your vehicle checked as soon as possible.
It also momentarily illuminates when you switch the ignition on to confirm the lamp is functional. If it does not illuminate when you switch the ignition on, or begins to flash at any time, have the system checked by an authorized dealer.
HINTS ON DRIVING WITH ANTI-LOCK BRAKES
The anti-lock braking system does not eliminate the risks when:
- You drive too closely to the vehicle in front of you.
- Your vehicle is hydroplaning.
- You take corners too fast.
- The road surface is poor.
Note: If the system activates, the brake pedal may pulse and may travel further. Maintain pressure on the brake pedal. You may also hear a noise from the system. This is normal.
ELECTRIC PARKING BRAKE
WARNING: Always fully apply the parking brake and make sure you shift into park (P). Failure to follow this instruction could result in personal injury or death.
WARNING: If you drive extended distances with the parking brake applied, you could cause damage to the brake system.
WARNING: The electric parking brake does not operate if the vehicle battery is running out of charge.
Your vehicle has an electric parking brake. You operate it with a switch instead of a lever. The switch is on the center console or to the left-hand side of the steering wheel, on the lower part of the instrument panel.
Note: The electric parking brake makes
Applying the Electric Parking Brake
Pull the switch upward.
The red warning lamp flashes during operation and illuminates when the parking brake is applied.
Note: It remains illuminated for a short period of time after you switch the ignition off.
If it continues to flash or does not illuminate, the system has malfunctioned. Have your vehicle checked as soon as possible.
Note: You can apply the electric parking brake when the ignition is off.
Note: The electric parking brake could automatically apply when you shift into park (P). See Transmission .
Applying the Electric Parking Brake in an Emergency
Note: Do not apply the electric parking brake when your vehicle is moving, except in an emergency. If you repeatedly use the electric parking brake to slow or stop your vehicle, you could cause damage to the brake system.
You can use the electric parking brake to slow or stop your vehicle in an emergency.
Pull the switch upward and hold it.
The red warning lamp illuminates, a tone sounds and the stoplamps turn on.
The electric parking brake continues to slow your vehicle down unless you release the switch.
Manually Releasing the Electric Parking Brake
Switch the ignition on.
Press and hold the brake pedal.
Push the switch downward.
The red warning lamp turns off.
If it remains illuminated or flashes, the system has malfunctioned. Have your vehicle checked as soon as possible.
Pulling Away on a Hill When Towing a Trailer
Press and hold the brake pedal.
Pull the switch upward and hold it.
Shift into gear.
Press the accelerator pedal until engine has developed sufficient torque to prevent your vehicle from rolling down the hill.
Release the switch and pull away in a normal manner.
Automatically Releasing the Electric Parking Brake
Close the driver door.
Shift into gear.
Press the accelerator pedal and pull away in a normal manner.
The red warning lamp turns off.
If it remains illuminated or flashes, the electric parking brake has not released. Manually release the parking brake.
Releasing the Electric Parking Brake if the Vehicle Battery is Running Out of Charge
Connect a booster battery to the vehicle battery to release the electric parking brake if the vehicle battery is running out of charge. See Jump Starting the Vehicle .
HILL START ASSIST
WARNING: The system does not replace the parking brake. When you leave your vehicle, always apply the parking brake.
WARNING: You must remain in your vehicle when the system turns on. At all times, you are responsible for controlling your vehicle, supervising the system and intervening, if required. Failure to take care may result in the loss of control of your vehicle, serious personal injury or death.
WARNING: The system will turn off if a malfunction is apparent or if you rev the engine excessively. Failure to take care may result in the loss of control of your vehicle, serious personal injury or death.
The system makes it easier to pull away when your vehicle is on a slope without the need to use the parking brake.
When the system is active, your vehicle remains stationary on the slope for two to three seconds after you release the brake pedal. This allows time to move your foot from the brake to the accelerator pedal. The system releases the brakes automatically once the engine has developed sufficient torque to prevent your vehicle from rolling down the slope. This is an advantage when pulling away on a slope, for example from a car park ramp, traffic lights or when reversing uphill into a parking space.
The system activates on any slope that causes your vehicle to roll.
Note: There is no warning light to indicate the system is either on or off.
Using Hill Start Assist
- Press the brake pedal to bring your vehicle to a complete standstill. Keep the brake pedal pressed and shift into first gear when facing uphill or reverse (R) when facing downhill.
- If the sensors detect that your vehicle is on a slope, the system activates automatically.
- When you remove your foot from the brake pedal, your vehicle remains on the slope without rolling away for about two to three seconds. This hold time automatically extends if you are in the process of driving off.
- Drive off in the normal manner. The system releases the brakes automatically.
Note: When you remove your foot from the brake pedal and press the pedal again when the system is active, you will experience significantly reduced brake pedal travel. This is normal.
Switching the System On and Off Vehicles with Manual Transmission
You can switch this feature on or off in the information display. The system remembers the last setting when you start your vehicle.
Vehicles with Automatic Transmission
You cannot turn the system on or off. When you switch the ignition on, the system automatically turns on.