Ford F150 has various gauges like transmission fluid temp, speedometer, tachometer, fuel, engine oil pressure & coolant temp. These gauges help to monitor different functions of the vehicle such as engine performance, fuel level, engine temperature, and more. If any of these gauges show abnormal readings, it could indicate a problem that requires immediate attention to prevent damage to the vehicle.
Let’s discover how to interpret the meaning of Ford F150 gauges meaning and improve your driving experience. Don’t miss out!
What Do “Check Gauges” Mean on Ford F-150?
The “Check Gauges” light appears when one or multiple gauges are displaying abnormal readings. Simply check all the gauges to pinpoint the issue, fix it and the light should turn off. Don’t forget to address the underlying problem!
Meaning of different gauges
| Ford F-150 Gauges | Meaning of The Gauges |
| Transmission Fluid Temperature gauge | Indicates overheat of a truck transmission fluid and average engine temperature |
| Speedometer | Indicates current speed |
| Tachometer | Indicates your revolution per minute of the engine’s crankshaft |
| Fuel gauge | Amount of fuel in your gas tank |
| Engine Oil Pressure Gauge | The pressure of oil in the engine which acts as an indicator of the overall engine health |
| Engine Coolant Temperature Gauge | indicates the coolant temperature of your engine |
| Information Display | Accessing the tire pressure monitor, towing, range of leftover fuel |
| Odometer | Measuring distance traveled by a vehicle |
| Turbo Boost Gauge | Measurement of manifold air pressure in the engine |
Ford F150 Gauge Locations
Every year the Ford F150 model gets changed and so does the instrument cluster. Till now we have found that instrumental cluster location got changed based on screen size. They are – 4.2 inches, 8 inches and 12.3 inches.
Ford F150 Gauge Locations on 4.2 Inch Instrument Cluster
Source: Ford F150 User Manual
A= Engine Oil Pressure Gauge
B=Engine Coolant Temperature gauge
C=Fuel Gauge
D=Transmission Fluid Temperature Gauge
E=Speedometer
F=Information Display
G=Tachometer
Ford F150 Gauge Locations on 8 Inch Instrument Cluster
Source: Ford F150 User Manual
A=Tachometer
B=Engine Coolant Temperature gauge
C=Configurable gauges. Oil pressure, transmission oil temperature, turbo boost or diesel exhaust fluid level gauges
D=Compass
E=Fuel Gauge
F=Ambiet Temperature
G=Speedometer
H=Distance to empty
I=Odometer
Ford F150 Gauge Locations on 12.3 Inch Instrument Cluster
Source: Ford F150 User Manual
A=Tachometer
B=Engine Coolant Temperature gauge
C=Configurable gauges. Oil pressure, transmission oil temperature, turbo boost, vacuum/boost, battery voltage, air change temperature, engine oil temperature or diesel exhaust fluid level gauges
D=Fuel Gauge
E=Speedometer
F=Odometer
G=Compass
H=Ambient Temperature
Ford F150 Gauges Meaning Explained
Every gauge has a different meaning and we have discussed all gauges here.
Transmission Fluid Temperature Gauge
Measuring the temperature of the transmission fluid in an automatic transmission system is its main focus. High temperatures can indicate a problem with the transmission or an overheating engine.
An engine operates best at temperatures between 180 and 200 degrees Fahrenheit. Major engine damage might result when it is above 220 degrees Fahrenheit.
If the temperature gauge is showing a high temperature level, stop the vehicle and let the transmission cool down before continuing to drive. High transmission temperatures might harm the transmission and other parts if you keep on driving.
Speedometer
This gauge displays the vehicle’s current speed in kilometers per hour (km/h) or miles per hour (mph). It is a crucial safety feature as it allows the driver to maintain safe speeds while driving.
If you notice that you are driving at an unsafe speed, slow down immediately and adjust your speed to comply with the posted speed limit and driving conditions.
Tachometer
Tachometer helps to measure the working speed of an engine. More specifically it deals with rotation of the crankshaft in the engine. It helps the driver to monitor the engine’s performance and shift gears at the right time.
Tachometer is important because it helps to indicate if there is any problem with the engine or transmission. Normally, engine RPM runs high if there is any problem with the fuel injector, spark plug or idle control valve.
For example, a bad spark plug can lead to improper air/fuel mixture ignition. This in turn impacts the overall engine RPM. So, tachometer results show a problem with the engine.
However, high engine RPM can also happen due to worn out clutch and transmission fluid problems. Which will directly impact the transmission system.
So, a tachometer helps to show problems in both the engine and transmission system.
Fuel Gauge
This gauge shows the remaining amount of fuel in the fuel tank; its arrow gives direction to “F,” which stands for “full,” when you have filled up your gas tank. But, if you run out of gas, the arrow will go in the direction of “E” meaning “empty.”
Your gas gauge will be close to the “E” if your “Check Gauges” light turns on. It helps the driver to plan refueling stops.
If the fuel gauge shows a low fuel level, find the nearest gas station and refuel as soon as possible.
Engine Oil Pressure Gauge
This gauge shows the pressure of oil in the engine. The reason could be lowering oil level, an oil leak, or a problem with the oil pump.
In this gauge “H” represents “high” on one side of the gauge and “L” represents “low” on the other. The “Check Gauges” light may illuminate if your oil pressure gauge is near to the “L” or the “H,” which indicates an issue with your oil pressure.
Old oil must be replaced since it can lower oil pressure and block oil chambers. Keep the oil filter clean because it might have become clogged. Your oil pressure will often return to normal after changing your oil and oil filter, which should turn off the “Check Gauges” sign.
Engine Coolant Temperature Gauge
The gauge helps the driver to monitor the engine’s temperature and prevent overheating because it displays the temperature of the engine coolant. .
At one end of the coolant temperature gauge on the F-150 features the conventional “C” for “cold” and “H” for “hot” at the other. Your thermometer should typically read somewhere close to the center of the range. But, it is not a problem, and your automobile will manage to correct itself if it’s pointed toward the letter “C.”
However, your car is in danger of being damaged when the arrow approaches the “H,” and the “Check Gauges” light will probably come on.
IIf the coolant temperature gauge indicates a high temperature, stop your Ford and wait until the engine has cooled before moving on. Also, check your coolant levels and add some coolant if necessary.
Information Display
This display provides information on various vehicle functions, such as trip odometer, outside temperature, and tire pressure. It is located on the center console or dashboard.
This basically occupies almost the full instrument display and also depends on the release year of the truck on the year model and trim you have.
On more recent versions, there is a larger display that includes the gearbox fluid display, fuel gauge, engine oil gauge, and engine coolant gauge. 8-inch and 12.3-inch information displays have got more gauges than 4.2-inch which have already been shown in Ford F150 gauge location segment.
Odometer
This gauge shows the total distance traveled by the vehicle. It helps the driver to keep track of vehicle maintenance and plan maintenance schedules.
Turbo Boost Gauge
This gauge shows the pressure of the turbocharger. It helps the driver to monitor the engine’s performance and turbocharger efficiency.
If the turbo boost gauge is showing an abnormally high or low level, it may indicate a problem with the turbocharger or engine. Lower your speed, and as soon as you can, have a mechanic look over your car.
In a Ford F-150, how can you solve the “Check Gauges” light?
You can do the following depending on the situation you are in to get rid of Check Gauges light on Ford F150:
- Pull over safely to the side of the road as soon as possible.
- Turn the engine off to let it cool down.
- Consulting the owner’s manual to take guidance based on the gauge reading.
- If the problem is severe then stop your vehicle and call for help.
- If the problem is minor, such as low fuel or tire pressure, take the necessary action to remedy the situation.
- If you are unsure of what to do or if the problem persists, seek help from a qualified mechanic or dealership.
Common Ford F-150 Instrument Cluster Indicators
The gauges were already covered above. Some other indicators are listed below.
| Cluster Indicator | Meaning |
| Transmission Gear Display | Says which gear you are in |
| Lights Indicators | While turning left or right indicator activates |
| ABS | Indicator for your Anti-lock Braking System |
| Parking Brake | Every time activated while parking |
| Low Tire Pressure Warning | If it finds low air in one of your tires |
| Battery Warning Light | Face any charging problem. |
| Oil Warning Light | When your engine’s oil levels fall. |
| Fasten Seat Belt Light | Safety precaution. |
| Diesel Exhaust Fluid | Low DEF fluid in your tank |
| Door Ajar | In running engine time if your door remains open |
| Hood Ajar | If your hood have not properly emerged or closed |
| Low Fuel | Used for the fuel gaugeIf it lights up – your fuel level is low and will become dry soon. |
| Low Washer Fluid | Falling of your washer fluid |
| Powertrain Malfunction | Transmission is losing power |
| Stop Safely | Vehicle sensor specify that a key factor is not working properly which is limited operating mode |
| Water In Fuel Tank | If there is any presence of water or other substances in the tank |
| Auto Hold | Indicator will be on when the auto feature is running |
| Auto Start-Stop | This feature’s indicator will show on if you have activated it |
| Wait To Start | Before starting the engine wait for the light to turn on |
FAQs
Which Ford F150 gauges are most important?
This will truly rely on your Ford car’s models, engines, and mechanical condition. But a display of transmission fluid, speedmotor, tachometer, fuel gauge, oil gauge, engine coolant temperature and display setup for information is often the most crucial Ford F150 instruments. For example, if your Ford vehicle is an Ecoboost F150 truck, the turbo-boost indicator is also a crucial gauge.
Is my car overheating?
Observing the temperature gauge on the dashboard you would see an abnormally high reading. You may also notice steam coming from the hood, a sweet smell coming from the engine, or hear strange noises. Additionally, your car may start to lose power or stall.
What is a diesel gauge?
A diesel gauge, also known as a diesel fuel gauge, is a gauge on a vehicle that indicates the level of diesel fuel in the fuel tank. It works in a similar way to a gasoline fuel gauge, but is specifically designed to measure diesel fuel levels. The gauge usually has values, typically “F” for full and “E” for empty, and helps the driver to monitor fuel levels and plan refueling stops.
Conclusion
To conclude, when one of your gauges faces any critical problem then the check gauge will light on in your Ford F150 truck. I am sure this article providing details of Ford F150 Gauges Meaning has helped you to fix your problem.
