2008 Ford F150 Owner Guide 1st Printing - Page 261

Driving Starting the engine 1. Turn the key to 3 (ON) without turning the key to 4 (START). If there is difficulty in turning the key, rotate the steering wheel until the key turns freely. 2. Turn the key to 4 (START), then release the key as soon as the engine starts. Note: If the engine does not start on the first try, turn the key to OFF, wait 10 seconds and try again. If the engine still fails to start, press and hold the accelerator to the floor and try again; this will allow the engine to crank with the fuel shut off in case the engine is flooded with fuel. If your vehicle has an automatic transmission, it will have a computer assisted cranking system. This feature assists in starting the engine. If the ignition key is turned to 4 (START) and then released when the engine begins cranking, the engine may continue cranking for up to 10 seconds or until the vehicle starts. Cold weather starting (flexible fuel vehicles only) As the outside temperature approaches freezing, ethanol fuel distributors should supply winter grade ethanol (same as with unleaded gasoline). If summer grade ethanol is used in cold weather conditions, 0°F to 32°F (-18°C to 0°C), you may experience increased cranking times, rough idle or hesitation until the engine has warmed up. The starting characteristics of all grades of E85 ethanol make it unsuitable for use when ambient temperatures fall below 0°F (-18°C). Consult your fuel distributor for the availability of winter grade ethanol. You may experience a decrease in peak performance when the engine is cold when operating on E85 ethanol. Do not crank the engine for more than 30 seconds at a time as starter damage may occur. If the engine fails to start, turn the key to OFF and wait 30 seconds before trying again. Do not use starting fluid such as ether in the air intake system. Such fluid could cause immediate explosive damage to the engine and possible personal injury. If you should experience cold weather starting problems on E85 ethanol, and neither an alternative brand of E85 ethanol nor an engine block 261 2008 F-150 (f12) Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt) USA (fus)