2009 FORD F150 towing

WARNING:Trailer sway control does not prevent a trailer from
swaying, it mitigates the sway from increasing once it has
occurred. If you are experiencing trailer sway it is likely that the trailer
is improperly loaded for the correct tongue weight or the speed of the
vehicle and trailer is too high. Pull the vehicle-trailer over to a safe
location to check the trailer weight distribution and tongue load and
reduce speed to a safe level while towing. If trailer sway is
experienced, SLOW DOWN.
During Trailer Sway Control events theskidding car
icon in the
instrument cluster will flash momentarily. The cluster message center
will also displayTRAILER SWAY REDUCE SPEED. In some cases
when trailer sway is detected, the vehicle speed is too high and may be
above a speed at which trailer sway will not grow continuously. This may
cause the system to activate multiple times, causing a gradual reduction
in speed.
Note:The trailer sway control will only activate at speeds greater than
40 mph (64 km/h).
Disabling Trailer Sway Control
Trailer sway control can be disabled during any key cycle. See Trailer
Sway Control under theMessage centerin theDriver Controlschapter.
Note that regardless of chosen enable state, Trailer Sway Control will be
re-enabled at each new key cycle.
WARNING:Turning off Trailer Sway Control increases the risk
of loss of vehicle control, serious injury, or death. Ford does not
recommend disabling this feature except in situations where speed
reduction may be detrimental (e.g., hill climbing), the driver has
significant trailer towing experience, and can control trailer sway and
maintain safe operation.
STEERING
To help prevent damage to the power steering system:
•Never hold the steering wheel at its furthest turning points (until it
stops) for more than a few seconds when the engine is running.
•Do not operate the vehicle with a low power steering fluid level
(below the MIN mark on the reservoir).
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•Floor-shift transmission
The transmission control indicator
(TCIL) will illuminate on the
instrument cluster.
Drive (not shown)
Drive is activated when the transmission control switch is pressed.
•This position allows for all forward gears except overdrive.
•O/D OFF lamp is illuminated.
•Provides engine braking.
•Use when driving conditions cause excessive shifting from O/D to
other gears. Examples: heavy city traffic where continuous shifting in
and out of overdrive occurs, hilly terrain, heavy loads, trailer towing
and when engine braking is required.
•To return to O/D (Overdrive), press the transmission control switch.
The O/D OFF lamp will not be illuminated.
•O/D (Overdrive) is automatically returned each time the key is turned
off.
2 (Second)
This position allows for second gear only.
•Provides engine braking.
•Use to start-up on slippery roads.
•To return to D (Overdrive), move the gearshift lever into the D
(Overdrive) position.
O/D
OFF
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•Move the gearshift lever into the desired gear. If your vehicle is
equipped with a floor-shift transmission, press the gearshift lever
release button (on the front of the lever) while shifting into the
desired gear.
To put your vehicle in P (Park):
•Come to a complete stop
•Move the gearshift lever and securely latch it in P (Park)
WARNING:Always set the parking brake fully and make sure
the gearshift is latched in P (Park). Turn the ignition to the off
position and remove the key whenever you leave your vehicle.
R (Reverse)
With the gearshift lever in R (Reverse), the vehicle will move backward.
Always come to a complete stop before shifting into and out of R
(Reverse).
N (Neutral)
With the gearshift lever in N (Neutral), the vehicle can be started and is
free to roll. Hold the brake pedal down while in this position.
D (Overdrive) with Tow/Haul Off
The normal driving position for the best fuel economy. Transmission
operates in gears one through six.
D (Overdrive) with Tow/Haul On
The Tow/Haul feature improves transmission operation when towing a
trailer or a heavy load. All transmission gear ranges are available when
using Tow/Haul.
Tow/Haul can be activated by pressing the transmission control switch on
the end of the gearshift lever (column-shift transmission) or on the side
of the gearshift lever (floor-shift transmission).
•Column-shift transmission
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Objects in the red zone are closest to your vehicle and objects in the
green zone are further away. Objects are getting closer to your vehicle as
they move from the green zone to the yellow or red zones.
Use the side mirrors and rear view mirror to get better coverage on both
sides and rear of the vehicle.
When shifting out of R (Reverse) and into any other gear, the image will
remain on for a few seconds before it shuts off to assist in parking or
trailer hookup.
If equipped with the Navigation system, after shifting out of R (Reverse)
and into any gear other than P (Park), the image will remain until the
vehicle speed reaches 5 mph (8 km/h), only if the rear camera delay
feature is on, or until any navigation radio button is depressed.
Note:The default setting for the rear camera delay is off. Push the
“Settings” button found on the navigation screen (if equipped) to set the
rear camera delay feature to on or off.
When towing, the reverse camera system will only see what is being
towed behind the vehicle; this might not provide adequate coverage as it
usually provides in normal operation and some objects might not be
seen.
The camera lens for the reverse camera system is located on the tailgate,
under the Ford Oval. Keep the lens clean so the video image remains
clear and undistorted. Clean the lens with a soft, lint-free cloth and
non-abrasive cleaner.
Note:If the reverse camera system image is not clear or seems
distorted, it may be covered with water droplets, snow, mud or any other
substance. If this occurs, clean the camera lens before using the reverse
camera system.
WARNING:The reverse camera system is a reverse aid
supplement device that still requires the driver to use it in
conjunction with the rear view mirror and the side mirrors for
maximum coverage.
WARNING:Objects that are close to either corner of the
bumper or under the bumper, might not be seen on the screen
due to the limited coverage of the reverse camera system.
WARNING:Backup as slow as possible since higher speeds
might limit your reaction time to stop the vehicle.
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4L (4WD Low)– Uses extra gearing to provide maximum power to all
four wheels at reduced speeds. Intended only for off-road applications
such as deep sand, steep grades or pulling heavy objects. The shift lever
will not engage 4L (4X4 LOW) until the transmission is in N (neutral)
and the vehicle is moving below 3 mph (5 km/h); this is normal and
should be no reason for concern. Refer toShifting to/from 4L (4WD
Low)for proper operation.
Shifting between 2H (2WD high) and 4H (4WD high)
•Move the transfer case lever between 2H (2WD High) and 4H (4WD
High) at a stop or any forward speed.
Note:Do not perform this operation if the rear wheels are slipping.
Note:Some noise may be heard as the system shifts or engages; this is
normal.
Shifting to/from 4L (4WD Low)
1. Bring the vehicle to a speed of 3 mph (5 km/h) or less.
2. Place the transmission in N (Neutral).
3. Move the transfer case lever through N (Neutral) directly to the
desired position.
•If the transfer casewill notengage into 4L (4WD Low)do not force
the lever.Allow the vehicle to coast at a speed below 3 mph
(5 km/h), then repeat Steps 2 and 3.
Note:Some noise may be heard as the system shifts or engages; this is
normal.
Note:For proper operation in 4WD Low, ensure the transfer case shift
lever is moved entirely rearward in to the 4L (4WD Low) position and
that the 4x4 Low light is displayed in the message center.
Note:Ideal 4L (4WD Low) shift conditions occur when the vehicle is
rolling at a speed below 3 mph (5 km/h) and the transmission is in N
(Neutral).
Using the N (Neutral) position
The transfer case N (Neutral) position overrides the transmission
and puts the vehicle in neutral regardless of transmission
gearshift lever position. The vehicle can move forward or
backward.
This position should only be used when towing the vehicle.
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ROADSIDE ASSISTANCE
Getting roadside assistance
To fully assist you should you have a vehicle concern, Ford Motor
Company offers a complimentary roadside assistance program. This
program is separate from the New Vehicle Limited Warranty. The service
is available:
•24–hours, seven days a week
•for the coverage period listed on the Roadside Assistance Card
included in your Owner Guide portfolio.
Roadside assistance will cover:
•a flat tire change with a good spare (except vehicles that have been
supplied with a tire inflation kit)
•battery jump start
•lock-out assistance (key replacement cost is the customer’s
responsibility)
•fuel delivery – Independent Service Contractors, if not prohibited by
state, local or municipal law shall deliver up to 2.0 gallons (7.5L) of
gasoline or 5 gallons (18.9L) of diesel fuel to a disabled vehicle. Fuel
delivery service is limited to two no-charge occurrences within a
12-month period.
•winch out – available within 100 feet (30.5 meters) of a paved or
county maintained road, no recoveries.
•towing – Ford/Mercury/Lincoln eligible vehicle towed to an authorized
dealer within 35 miles (56.3 km) of the disablement location or to the
nearest authorized dealer. If a member requests to be towed to an
authorized dealer more than 35 miles (56.3 km) from the disablement
location, the member shall be responsible for any mileage costs in
excess of 35 miles (56.3 km).
Trailers shall be covered up to $200 if the disabled eligible vehicle
requires service at the nearest authorized dealer. If the trailer is disabled,
but the towing vehicle is operational, the trailer does not qualify for any
roadside services.
Canadian customers refer to your Customer Information Guide
for information on:
•coverage period
•exact fuel amounts
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•towing of your disabled vehicle
•emergency travel expense reimbursement
•travel planning benefits
In Canada, for uninterrupted Roadside Assistance coverage, you may
purchase extended coverage prior to your Basic Warranty’s Roadside
Assistance expiring. For more information and enrollment, contact
1–877–294–2582 or visit our website at www.ford.ca.
Using roadside assistance
Complete the roadside assistance identification card and place it in your
wallet for quick reference. In the United States, this card is found in the
Owner Guide portfolio in the glove compartment. In Canada, the card is
found in theCustomer Information Guidein the glove compartment.
U.S. Ford, Mercury and Lincoln vehicle customers who require Roadside
Assistance, call 1-800-241-3673.
Canadian customers who require roadside assistance, call 1-800-665-2006.
If you need to arrange roadside assistance for yourself, Ford Motor
Company will reimburse a reasonable amount for towing to the nearest
dealership within 35 miles. To obtain reimbursement information, U.S.
Ford, Mercury and Lincoln vehicle customers call 1-800-241-3673.
Customers will be asked to submit their original receipts.
Canadian customers who need to obtain reimbursement information, call
1–800–665–2006.
HAZARD FLASHER CONTROL
The hazard flasher is located on the
instrument panel by the radio. The
hazard flashers will operate when
the ignition is in any position or if
the key is not in the ignition.
Push in the flasher control and all front and rear direction signals will
flash. Press the flasher control again to turn them off. Use it when your
vehicle is disabled and is creating a safety hazard for other motorists.
Note:With extended use, the flasher may run down your battery.
FUEL PUMP SHUT-OFF
In the event of a moderate to severe collision, this vehicle is equipped
with a fuel pump shut-off feature that stops the flow of fuel to the
engine. Not every impact will cause a shut-off.
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When driving with the full-size dissimilar spare tire/wheel additional
caution should be given to:
•Towing a trailer
•Driving vehicles equipped with a camper body
•Driving vehicles with a load on the cargo rack
Drive cautiously when using a full-size dissimilar spare tire/wheel and
seek service as soon as possible.
Stopping and securing the vehicle
1. Park on a level surface, activate
the hazard flashers and set the
parking brake.
2. Place the gearshift in P (Park)
and turn the engine off.
Location of the spare tire and tools
The spare tire and tools for your vehicle are stowed in the following
locations:
Tool Location
Spare tire Under the vehicle, just forward of
the rear bumper
Jack, jack handle and lug nut
wrenchRegular Cab: Behind the interior
trim on the passenger side of the
cab
SuperCrew and SuperCab: Under
the rear seat on the driver’s side
The wing nut must be removed and the jack screw turned
counterclockwise to release pressure before the jack can be removed
from the holder.
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