Ford F-150 Heritage (2004 year). Manual — part 39

14. Unblock the wheels.

Stowing the flat/spare tire

Note: Failure to follow spare tire stowage instructions may result in
failure of cable or loss of spare tire.

1. Lay the tire on the ground with the valve stem facing in the direction
specified on the Tire Changing Instructions located with the jack
hardware.

2. Slide the wheel partially under the vehicle and install the retainer
through the wheel center. Pull on the cable to align the components at
the end of the cable.

3. Turn the jack handle clockwise until the tire is raised to its stowed
position underneath the vehicle. The effort to turn the jack handle
increases significantly and the spare tire carrier ratchets or slips when
the tire is raised to the maximum tightness. Tighten to the best of your
ability, to the point where the ratchet/slip occurs, if possible. The spare
tire carrier will not allow you to overtighten. If the spare tire carrier
ratchets or slips with little effort, take the vehicle to your dealer for
assistance at your earliest convenience.

4. Check that the tire lies flat against the frame and is properly
tightened. Try to push or pull, then turn the tire to be sure it will not
move. Loosen and retighten, if necessary. Failure to properly stow the
spare tire may result in failure of the winch cable and loss of the tire.

5. Repeat this tightness check procedure when servicing the spare tire
pressure (every six months, per Scheduled Maintenance Guide), or at
any time that the spare tire is disturbed through service of other
components.

6. If removed, install the spare tire lock (if equipped) into the bumper
drive tube with the spare tire lock key (if equipped) and jack handle.

Wheel lug nut torque specifications

Retighten the lug nuts to the specified torque at 500 miles (800 km)
after any wheel disturbance (rotation, flat tire, wheel removal, etc.).

Roadside Emergencies

158

Bolt size

Wheel lug nut torque*

lb.ft.

N

•m

F-150 (five lug nut
wheel): M14 x 2.0

150

200

F-150 with Heavy
Payload Package
(seven lug nut wheel):
M12 x 1.75

100

135

* Torque specifications are for nut and bolt threads free of dirt and
rust. Use only Ford recommended replacement fasteners.

When a wheel is installed, always remove any corrosion, dirt or
foreign materials present on the mounting surfaces of the wheel

or the surface of the front disc brake hub and rotor that contacts the
wheel. Installing wheels without correct metal-to-metal contact at the
wheel mounting surfaces can cause the wheel nuts to loosen and the
wheel to come off while the vehicle is in motion, resulting in loss of
control.

JUMP STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

The gases around the battery can explode if exposed to flames,
sparks, or lit cigarettes. An explosion could result in injury or

vehicle damage.

Batteries contain sulfuric acid which can burn skin, eyes and
clothing, if contacted.

Do not attempt to push-start your vehicle. Automatic
transmissions do not have push-start capability; doing so may
damage the catalytic converter.

Roadside Emergencies

159

Preparing your vehicle

When the battery is disconnected or a new battery is installed, the
transmission must relearn its shift strategy. As a result, the transmission
may have firm and/or soft shifts. This operation is considered normal and
will not affect function or durability of the transmission. Over time, the
adaptive learning process will fully update transmission operation.

1. Use only a 12–volt supply to start your vehicle.

2. Do not disconnect the battery of the disabled vehicle as this could
damage the vehicle’s electrical system.

3. Park the booster vehicle close to the hood of the disabled vehicle
making sure the two vehicles do not touch. Set the parking brake on
both vehicles and stay clear of the engine cooling fan and other moving
parts.

4. Check all battery terminals and remove any excessive corrosion before
you attach the battery cables. Ensure that vent caps are tight and level.

5. Turn the heater fan on in both vehicles to protect any electrical
surges. Turn all other accessories off.

Connecting the jumper cables

1. Connect the positive (+) jumper cable to the positive (+) terminal of
the discharged battery.

Note: In the illustrations, lightning bolts are used to designate the
assisting (boosting) battery.

+

–

+

–

Roadside Emergencies

160

2. Connect the other end of the positive (+) cable to the positive (+)
terminal of the assisting battery.

3. Connect the negative (-) cable to the negative (-) terminal of the
assisting battery.

+

–

+

–

+

–

+

–

Roadside Emergencies

161