2013 Ford F150 questions

[huntnfish]

I'm new to Fords having bought my first one in August. My previous/other pickup is a 2003 GMC Sierra and I've only ever owned GM products so I'm new to some of the functions.

First, is there any way to turn off the interior lights? I haul kids around and quite often have them fall asleep in the back seat on the way home from Grandmas and it would make life much easier if the lights didn't come on when I open the doors to get them out.

I finally figured out that I can turn on my cargo light to light up the box by holding the switch for the dash lights. Is there any other way?

This is my first brand new pickup. I normally change my own oil and use Mobil 1. Can I change my own oil still on this pickup or am I required to have it changed somewhere?

[JOHNBIGDOG]

Not sure about the interior lights.

I know for a fact that you can change your own oil. Make sure to keep records and receipts just in case for warranty.

[Capt. H (Ret.)]

Have you read the "owners manual"??? It usuually has some pretty good direction in it.

[Jeremy airjer W]

Have you read the "owners manual"??? It usuually has some pretty good direction in it.

Yuuuuuup!

[delcecchi]

Upon searching apparently the answer for the front dome light is said to be no way, except.....

There is reportedly a "police/dark mode" that disables it permanently. It is done by the dealer .. They have to flash something and set " BCM police dark car" or so it is said.

Maybe a switch in the wire or pull the bulb would be easier?

[fish_eat_sleep]

Most fords have a dimmer switch for the interior lights (dash, cluster, and dome). turn that down before you open door, or up to turn on the cargo light.

Honda had a dealer software flash that could change the default settings.. I bet if you swing by ford they could help you out in more detail than I can.

[huntnfish]

Have you read the "owners manual"??? It usuually has some pretty good direction in it.

If only I had thought of that. Its a wonder that I even got my shoes tied this morning.

I've been through the manual numerous times and couldn't find anything which is why I asked the question here. That is where I found the info to get the cargo light on. I have heard about people going to the dealership to have certain things turned off such as the seat belt alarm but was hoping for something simple that I was missing in the manual.

I was hoping I could do my own oil. I didn't want to have to pay an arm and a leg to have synthetic put into it. Thanks for the info.

[brian6715]

huntnfish what are you thinking asking a question in a forum titled "Automotive Information Sharing"?!?!?!

Shame on you!

[Jeremy airjer W]

Does it have the optional rear dome lights? Are those the ones your trying to turn off or do you want the fronts to turn off.

If you have the optional rear dome light what happens when you turn the switch on? Do the cargo lights come on as well?

Will they come on when you press the unlock button on the fob with the keys in the ignition and the engine running?

Or maybe the better question is when do you want them to come on?

[Black_Bay]

In my '08 FX4 Screw there is a rear dome light with a 3 position off/on/always on switch. I don't remember how, but I can turn on the cargo light. You could always open a door if you had to.

[JOHNBIGDOG]

Fine, You twisted my arm, I fired up Vista on my mac and got you this:

Dark Car Feature

The dark car configuration disables the activation of the illuminated entry and illuminated exit features when active. The courtesy lamps can still be activated by the instrument panel dimmer switch.

This is a programmable function that any dealership will be able to help you with for.

BTW the dealership uses a semi-synthetic oil standard, unless you request a full synthetic.

[huntnfish]

Fine, You twisted my arm, I fired up Vista on my mac and got you this:

Dark Car Feature

The dark car configuration disables the activation of the illuminated entry and illuminated exit features when active. The courtesy lamps can still be activated by the instrument panel dimmer switch.

This is a programmable function that any dealership will be able to help you with for.

BTW the dealership uses a semi-synthetic oil standard, unless you request a full synthetic.

Thank you John and others. You are a wizard of the internet search. I tried all things when searching and couldn't find anything. You made my life easier and will help keep my kids sleeping. I will swing by the dealership the next chance I get. Thanks again!

[JOHNBIGDOG]

I got my info strait from the horses mouth.

No Google involved, perks of working a dealership.

[delcecchi]

The trouble is that "dark car" is permanent, until reprogrammed at dealer.

(found it via google on a ford truck HSOforum.)