Ford E-150 (2011 year). Manual — part 3

WARNING LIGHTS AND CHIMES

Warning lights and gauges can alert you to a vehicle condition that may
become serious enough to cause expensive repairs. A warning light may
illuminate when a problem exists with one of your vehicle’s functions.
Many lights will illuminate when you start your vehicle to make sure the
bulb works. If any light remains on after starting the vehicle, refer to the
respective system warning light for additional information.

Vehicles with optional message
center: Warning lights called out as
RTT are reconfigurable telltale
(RTT) indicator lights will illuminate
in the optional message center.
These lights function the same as
the other warning lights. If your
vehicle is not equipped with a
message center, the lights will appear on the cluster.

Service engine soon: The service
engine soon indicator light
illuminates when the ignition is first
turned to the on position to check
the bulb and to indicate whether the vehicle is ready for
Inspection/Maintenance (I/M) testing. Normally, the

⬙Service engine soon⬙

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14

light will stay on until the engine is cranked, then turn itself off if no
malfunctions are present. However, if after 15 seconds the service engine
soon light blinks eight times, it means that the vehicle is not ready for
I/M testing. See the Readiness for Inspection/Maintenance (I/M)
testing in the Maintenance and Specifications chapter.

Solid illumination after the engine is started indicates the on-board
diagnostics system (OBD-II) has detected a malfunction. Refer to
On-board diagnostics (OBD-II) in the Maintenance and Specifications
chapter. If the light is blinking, engine misfire is occurring which could
damage your catalytic converter. Drive in a moderate fashion (avoid
heavy acceleration and deceleration) and have your vehicle serviced
immediately by your authorized dealer.

WARNING: Under engine misfire conditions, excessive exhaust
temperatures could damage the catalytic converter, the fuel

system, interior floor coverings or other vehicle components, possibly
causing a fire.

Electronic throttle control
(RTT): Displays when the engine
has defaulted to a “limp-home”
operation. Report the fault to a
dealer at the earliest opportunity.

Check fuel cap (RTT): Displays
when the fuel cap may not be
properly installed. Continued driving
with this light on may cause the
Service Engine Soon warning light
to come on, refer to Fuel filler cap
in the Maintenance and Specification chapter.

Brake system warning light: To
confirm the brake system warning
light is functional, it will
momentarily illuminate when the
ignition is turned to the on position
when the engine is not running, or in a position between on and start, or
by applying the parking brake when the ignition is turned to the on
position. If the brake system warning light does not illuminate at this
time, seek service immediately from your authorized dealer. Illumination
after releasing the parking brake indicates low brake fluid level and the
brake system should be inspected immediately by your authorized dealer.

P

!

BRAKE

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WARNING: Driving a vehicle with the brake system warning
light on is dangerous. A significant decrease in braking

performance may occur. It will take you longer to stop the vehicle.
Have the vehicle checked by your authorized dealer. Driving extended
distances with the parking brake engaged can cause brake failure and
the risk of personal injury.

Anti-lock brake system: If the
ABS light stays illuminated or
continues to flash, a malfunction has
been detected, have the system
serviced immediately by your
authorized dealer. Normal braking is still functional unless the brake
warning light also is illuminated.

Airbag readiness: If this light fails
to illuminate when the ignition is
turned to on, continues to flash or
remains on, have the system
serviced immediately by your authorized dealer. A chime will sound
when there is a malfunction in the indicator light.

Safety belt: Reminds you to fasten
your safety belt. A Belt-Minder

威

chime will also sound to remind you
to fasten your safety belt. Refer to
the Seating and Safety Restraints
chapter to activate/deactivate the Belt-Minder

威 chime feature.

Engine oil pressure (RTT):
Displays when the oil pressure falls
below the normal range, refer to
Engine oil in the Maintenance
and Specifications chapter.

Engine coolant temperature
(RTT): Displays when the engine
coolant temperature is high. Stop
the vehicle as soon as possible, switch off the engine and let cool. Refer
to Engine coolant in the Maintenance and Specifications chapter.

WARNING: Never remove the coolant reservoir cap while the
engine is running or hot.

ABS

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16

Low tire pressure warning (if
equipped): Illuminates when your
tire pressure is low. If the light
remains on at start up or while
driving, the tire pressure should be
checked. Refer to Inflating your tires in the Tires, Wheels and
Loading chapter. When the ignition is first turned to on, the light will
illuminate for three seconds to ensure the bulb is working. If the light
does not turn on or begins to flash, have the system inspected by your
authorized dealer. For more information on this system, refer to Tire
pressure monitoring system (TPMS) in the Tires, Wheels and
Loading chapter.

Traction control / AdvanceTrac

威

(if equipped): Illuminates when
the traction control system or the
AdvanceTrac

威 with RSC威 system is

active. If the light remains on, have
the system serviced immediately by
your authorized dealer. For further information, refer to Traction
control or AdvanceTrac

威 with roll stability control™ (RSC威) stability

enhancement system in the Driving chapter.

WARNING: If your vehicle is equipped with the AdvanceTrac

威

with RSC

威 system, then it was designed to be operated with

RSC

威. Reduce speed and proceed to an authorized dealer to have the

system serviced immediately.

Traction control off (if
equipped): Illuminates when the
traction control system has been
disabled by the driver. For further
information, refer to Traction control in the Driving chapter.

Transmission Tow/Haul Feature
(if equipped): Illuminates when
the Tow/Haul feature has been
activated. Refer to the Driving
chapter for transmission function and operation. If the light flashes
steadily, have the system serviced immediately, damage to the
transmission could occur.

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