Segment:
Full-size Pickup Truck
Positioning:
Market leader in the light-duty truck segment, known for its robust capability, versatility, and wide range of configurations.
Key Competitors:
Chevrolet Silverado, GMC Sierra, Dodge Ram, Toyota Tundra
Design Philosophy:
Rugged, functional, and increasingly comfortable; evolution towards more car-like interior amenities while retaining heavy-duty capabilities.
Innovations:
Introduction of the Powerstroke diesel engine in some configurations, advanced suspension designs for improved ride quality, electronic shift-on-the-fly 4WD systems.
Engine Options:
4.6L V8, 5.4L V8 Triton, 4.2L V6 (early models), 4.0L V6 (later models)
Transmission Types:
4-speed Automatic (4R70W, 4R75E), 6-speed Automatic (4R75W)
Drivetrain:
2WD (Rear-Wheel Drive), 4WD (Four-Wheel Drive)
Body Styles:
Regular Cab, SuperCab, SuperCrew
Chassis Types:
Standard Frame, Long Bed Variants
Manual Type:
Factory Service Manual (FSM) / Workshop Manual
Engine:
Internal components, cooling, lubrication, fuel delivery, ignition, exhaust, emissions, engine mechanical, engine performance diagnostics
Transmission:
Automatic transmission overhaul, torque converter, valve body, electronic controls, fluid service, diagnosis
Brakes:
Front and rear brake systems, ABS, parking brake, hydraulic components, bleeding procedures, diagnostics
Suspension Steering:
Front and rear suspension components, steering gear, power steering system, wheel alignment specifications
Electrical:
Charging system, starting system, lighting, instrument cluster, body control modules (BCM), power windows/locks, power seats, exterior/interior electronics, wiring diagrams
HVAC:
Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning system service, refrigerant handling, component testing, diagnosis
Body And Frame:
Exterior body panels, interior trim, glass replacement, chassis components, welding procedures, corrosion protection
Diagnostics:
Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs), scan tool usage, troubleshooting flowcharts, component testing
Maintenance:
Oil change intervals, filter replacements, fluid checks and top-offs, tire rotation, spark plug replacement
Repair:
Engine rebuilds, transmission repair, brake component replacement, suspension overhaul, electrical component replacement, body panel repair
Troubleshooting:
System-specific fault finding using symptom-based diagnostic trees and DTCs
Specifications:
Torque specifications for all fasteners, fluid capacities, clearances, diagnostic parameters
Wiring Diagrams:
Comprehensive, color-coded electrical schematics for all systems
Depth:
Comprehensive: Covers everything from basic routine maintenance and adjustments to complete component overhaul and diagnostic procedures. Suitable for professional technicians and advanced DIY enthusiasts.
Engine 1 Displacement:
4606 cc (281 cu in)
Engine 1 Configuration:
V8
Engine 1 Horsepower:
232-248 hp (depending on variant)
Engine 1 Torque:
290-300 lb-ft (depending on variant)
Engine 2:
5.4L Triton V8 (3-Valve)
Engine 2 Displacement:
5408 cc (330 cu in)
Engine 2 Configuration:
V8 (3-Valve SOHC)
Engine 2 Horsepower:
300 hp
Engine 2 Torque:
365 lb-ft
Engine 3:
4.2L Triton V6 (Early Models)
Engine 3 Displacement:
4186 cc (255 cu in)
Engine 3 Configuration:
V6 (OHV)
Engine 3 Horsepower:
202 hp
Engine 3 Torque:
260 lb-ft
Fuel Type:
Unleaded Gasoline (typically 87 octane recommended)
Fuel Delivery:
Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI)
Throttle Body:
Drive-by-Wire (DBW) throttle control
Transmission 1:
4R70W 4-Speed Automatic (with Overdrive)
Transmission 2:
4R75E/W 4-Speed Automatic (with Overdrive)
Transmission 3:
6R80 6-Speed Automatic (introduced later in generation)
Shift Modes:
Selectable Tow/Haul mode
Fluid Type:
Mercon V Automatic Transmission Fluid (ATF)
Fluid Capacity Approx:
11.5 US quarts (10.9 Liters) for 4R70W/4R75W (dry fill)
Wheelbase Std:
133.0 inches (3378 mm)
Wheelbase Long:
145.1 inches (3686 mm)
Overall Length Std:
220.0 inches (5588 mm)
Overall Length Long:
235.1 inches (5972 mm)
Bed Lengths:
5.5 ft, 6.5 ft, 8.0 ft
Curb Weight Approx:
4,800 - 5,800 lbs (2177 - 2630 kg) depending on configuration
Max Payload Approx:
Up to 3,000 lbs (1361 kg)
Max Towing Capacity Approx:
Up to 11,000 lbs (4990 kg) with proper configuration and towing package
NHTSA Front Impact:
5-Star Driver, 5-Star Passenger (2004 models)
IIHS Front Offset:
Good (2004-2008 models)
ABS:
Standard Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)
Traction Control:
Optional Electronic Locking Rear Differential (ELR), Traction Control System (TCS)
Airbags:
Front airbags, optional side curtain airbags
Seatbelts:
Front seat pretensioners, height-adjustable shoulder belts
Audio Systems:
Optional AM/FM stereo with CD player, SiriusXM satellite radio, and premium sound systems.
Navigation:
Optional factory-installed navigation system
Cruise Control:
Standard cruise control
Parking Assist:
Optional rear parking assist sensors
Voice Control:
Optional SYNC voice-activated communications and entertainment system (introduced during this generation)
Oil Change Interval:
Every 5,000 miles (8,000 km) or 6 months, whichever comes first. (Consult manual for specific oil type and filter)
Air Filter Replacement:
Inspect every 15,000 miles (24,000 km), replace as needed or every 30,000 miles (48,000 km)
Spark Plug Replacement:
Refer to specific engine: 4.6L V8 (approx. 100,000 miles), 5.4L V8 3V (approx. 100,000 miles - requires specific procedure)
Transmission Fluid Change:
Every 30,000 - 60,000 miles (48,000 - 96,000 km) depending on usage (e.g., towing)
Engine Oil Spec:
SAE 5W-20 (preferred for most Triton V8s), SAE 5W-30 for 4.2L V6. Always check owner's manual for exact specification.
Coolant Spec:
Ford Premium Engine Coolant (Gold Color) or equivalent ethylene glycol-based coolant with Ford specification WSS-M97B51-A1.
Brake Fluid Spec:
DOT 3 or DOT 4 Motor Vehicle Brake Fluid
Spark Plug Issue:
On 5.4L 3V Triton engines, spark plugs can seize and break during removal. The manual details specific procedures to mitigate this. (e.g., penetrating oil, specialized extraction tools)
Cam Phaser Timing Issue:
5.4L 3V Triton engines can experience cam phaser and timing chain issues, leading to knocking or rattling sounds. The manual provides diagnostic steps.
Exhaust Manifold Leaks:
Some models may develop exhaust manifold leaks due to broken studs or gasket failure, particularly on V8 engines.
Ford Trucks:
Ford has a long and storied history in truck manufacturing, dating back to the Model TT in 1917. The F-Series has been a dominant force in the pickup truck market for decades.
Previous Generation:
11th Generation (2004) - significant redesign, introducing new engines and chassis.
Generation Launch:
The 12th Generation (2004-2008) marked a substantial redesign for the F-150, featuring a bolder exterior design, a more refined interior, and updated powertrains, solidifying its position as a segment leader.
Manufacturing Locations:
Ford's North American assembly plants, including Dearborn Truck Plant (Michigan) and Kansas City Assembly Plant (Missouri).
