
PRINCIPLE OF OPERATION
WARNINGS
Vehicle modifications involvingbraking system, aftermarket roofracks, suspension, steering system,tire construction and wheel and tire sizemay change the handling characteristicsof your vehicle and may adversely affectthe performance of the electronic stabilitycontrol system. In addition, installing anystereo loudspeakers may interfere withand adversely affect the electronic stabilitycontrol system. Install any aftermarketstereo loudspeaker as far as possible fromthe front center console, the tunnel, andthe front seats in order to minimize the riskof interfering with the electronic stabilitycontrol sensors. Reducing theeffectiveness of the electronic stabilitycontrol system could lead to an increasedrisk of loss of vehicle control, vehiclerollover, personal injury and death.
Remember that even advancedtechnology cannot defy the laws ofphysics. It’s always possible to losecontrol of a vehicle due to inappropriatedriver input for the conditions. Aggressivedriving on any road condition can causeyou to lose control of your vehicleincreasing the risk of personal injury orproperty damage. Activation of theelectronic stability control system is anindication that at least some of the tireshave exceeded their ability to grip the road;this could reduce the operator’s ability tocontrol the vehicle potentially resulting ina loss of vehicle control, vehicle rollover,personal injury and death. If your electronicstability control system activates, SLOWDOWN.
The system automatically turns on eachtime you switch the ignition on.
If a fault occurs in either the stabilitycontrol or the traction control system, youmay experience the following conditions:
•The stability and traction control lightilluminates steadily.
•The stability control and tractioncontrol systems do not enhance yourvehicle's ability to maintain traction ofthe wheels.
•The Adaptive Steering system (ifequipped) automatically changes thesteering function to a fixed steeringratio. See Steering (page 256).
If a driving condition activates either thestability control or the traction controlsystem you may experience the followingconditions:
•The stability and traction control lightflashes.
•Your vehicle slows down.
•Reduced engine power.
•A vibration in the brake pedal.
•The brake pedal is stiffer than usual.
•If the driving condition is severe andyour foot is not on the brake, the brakepedal may move as the system applieshigher brake force.
The stability control system has severalfeatures built into it to help you maintaincontrol of your vehicle:
Electronic Stability Control
The system enhances your vehicle’s abilityto prevent skids or lateral slides byapplying brakes to one or more of thewheels individually and, if necessary,reducing engine power.
226
Super Duty (TFE) Canada/United States of America, enUSA, Edition date: 201710, Second Printing
Stability Control

Low Speed AutomaticCancellation
The system does not function at vehiclespeeds below 12.4 mph (20 km/h). Anaudible alarm sounds and the automaticbraking releases if the vehicle drops belowthis speed.
Hilly Condition and Trailer TowUsage
Note:An audible alarm sounds and thesystem shuts down if it applies brakes foran extended period of time. This allows thebrakes to cool. The system functionsnormally again when the brakes havecooled.
Note:When towing with adaptive cruisecontrol, turn on Tow/Haul Mode and DieselEngine Brake.
Select a lower gear when the system isactive in situations such as prolongeddownhill driving on steep grades, forexample in mountainous areas. Thesystem needs additional engine braking inthese situations to reduce the load on thevehicle’s regular brake system to preventit from overheating.
Switching the System Off
Note:The set speed memory erases whenyou switch off the system.
Press and release OFF or switch off theignition.
Detection Issues
WARNING
On rare occasions, detection issuescan occur due to the roadinfrastructures, for example bridges,tunnels and safety barriers. In these cases,the system may brake late orunexpectedly. At all times, you areresponsible for controlling your vehicle,supervising the system and intervening, ifrequired.
The radar sensor has a limited field ofvision. It may not detect vehicles at all ordetect a vehicle later than expected insome situations. The lead vehicle graphicdoes not illuminate if the system does notdetect a vehicle in front of you.
244
Super Duty (TFE) Canada/United States of America, enUSA, Edition date: 201710, Second Printing
Cruise Control (If Equipped)E71621

The Blind Spot Information System isdesigned to aid you in detecting vehiclesthat may have entered the blind spot zone(A). The detection area is on both sides ofyour vehicle, extending rearward from theexterior mirrors to approximately 13 ft(4 m) beyond the bumper. The system isdesigned to alert you if certain vehiclesenter the blind spot zone while driving.
Using the System
The Blind Spot Information System turnson when you start the engine and you driveyour vehicle forward above 5 mph(8 km/h).
For automatic transmissions, the BlindSpot Information System remains on whilethe transmission is in drive (D). If shiftedinto reverse (R) or park (P) the Blind SpotInformation System turns off. Once shiftedback into drive (D), the Blind SpotInformation System turns back on whenyou drive your vehicle above 5 mph(8 km/h).
Note:For automatic transmissions, theBlind Spot Information System does notfunction in reverse (R) or park (P).
For manual transmissions, the Blind SpotInformation System is on for all gearsexcept reverse (R).
System Lights and Messages
The Blind Spot Information Systemilluminates an amber alert indicator in theoutside mirror on the side of your vehiclethe approaching vehicle is coming from.The alert indicator dims when the systemdetects nighttime darkness.
Note:If you activate the direction indicatoron the same side the system detects avehicle, the alert indicator flashes at anincreased level.
System Sensor Blockage
250
Super Duty (TFE) Canada/United States of America, enUSA, Edition date: 201710, Second Printing
Driving AidsE227388 E142442 E231384

CROSS TRAFFIC ALERT (If
Equipped)
WARNING
Never use the Cross Traffic Alertsystem as a replacement for usingthe interior and exterior mirrors andlooking over your shoulder before backingout of a parking space. Cross Traffic Alertis not a replacement for careful driving.
Note:When a trailer is detected, CrossTraffic Alert automatically turns off.
Cross Traffic Alert is designed to warn youof vehicles approaching from the sideswhen the transmission is in reverse (R).
Using the System
Cross Traffic Alert turns on when you startthe engine and you shift into reverse (R).Once shifted out of reverse (R), CrossTraffic Alert turns off.
Cross Traffic Alert is designed to detectvehicles that approach the rear of yourvehicle with a speed up to 37 mph(60 km/h). Coverage decreases when thesensors are partially, mostly or fullyobstructed. Reversing slowly helpsincrease the coverage area andeffectiveness.
In this first example, the left sensor is onlypartially obstructed; zone coverage to theright is nearly maximized.
Zone coverage also decreases whenparking at shallow angles. Here, the leftsensor is mostly obstructed; zone coverageon that side is severely limited.
254
Super Duty (TFE) Canada/United States of America, enUSA, Edition date: 201710, Second Printing
Driving AidsE142440

System Limitations
Cross Traffic Alert has its limitations;situations such as severe weatherconditions or debris build-up on the sensorarea may limit vehicle detection.
The following are other situations that maylimit the Cross Traffic Alert performance:
•Adjacently parked vehicles or objectsobstructing the sensors.
•Approaching vehicles passing atspeeds greater than 37 mph(60 km/h).
•Driving in reverse faster than 7 mph(12 km/h).
•Backing out of an angled parking spot.
False Alerts
Note:If your vehicle has a tow bar with afactory equipped trailer tow module and itis towing a trailer, the sensors willautomatically turn the Cross Traffic Alertoff. If your vehicle has a tow bar but nofactory equipped trailer tow module, it isrecommended to turn the Cross Traffic Alertoff manually. Operating Cross Traffic Alertwith a trailer attached will cause poor CrossTraffic Alert performance.
There may be certain instances when thereis a false alert by the Cross Traffic Alertsystem that illuminates the alert indicatorwith no vehicle in the coverage zone. Someamount of false alerts are normal; they aretemporary and self-correct.
System Errors
If Cross Traffic Alert senses a problem withthe left or right sensor a message appearsin the display screen. See InformationMessages (page 128).
Switching the System Off and On
Note:The Cross Traffic Alert switches onwhenever the ignition is switched on andready to provide appropriate alerts whenthe transmission is in reverse (R). CrossTraffic Alert will not remember the lastselected on or off setting.
You can temporarily switch Cross TrafficAlert off in the information display. SeeGeneral Information (page 111). Whenyou switch Cross Traffic Alert off, you donot receive alerts and the display screenshows a system off message.
You can also have Cross Traffic Alertswitched off permanently at an authorizeddealer. Once switched off permanently,the system can only be switched back onat an authorized dealer.
STEERING
Power Steering
To help prevent damage to the powersteering system:
•Never hold the steering wheel at itsfurthest turning points (until it stops)for more than three seconds when theengine is running.
•Do not operate the vehicle with a lowpower steering pump fluid level (belowthe MIN mark on the reservoir).
•Some noise is normal during operation.If excessive, check for low powersteering pump fluid level beforeseeking service by your dealer.
•Heavy or uneven efforts may be causedby low power steering fluid. Check forlow power steering pump fluid levelbefore seeking service by your dealer.
•Do not fill the power steering pumpreservoir above the MAX mark on thereservoir, as this may result in leaksfrom the reservoir.
256
Super Duty (TFE) Canada/United States of America, enUSA, Edition date: 201710, Second Printing
Driving Aids

If the power steering system breaks down(or if the engine is turned off), you cansteer the vehicle manually, but it takesmore effort.
If the steering wanders or pulls, check for:
•an improperly inflated tire
•uneven tire wear
•loose or worn suspension components
•loose or worn steering components
•improper vehicle alignment
If any steering components are serviced orreplaced, install new fasteners (many arecoated with thread adhesive or haveprevailing torque features which may notbe re-used). Never re-use a bolt or nut.Torque fasteners to specifications.
A high crown in the road or high crosswindsmay also make the steering seem towander or pull.
Adaptive Steering (If Equipped)
WARNING
The adaptive steering system hasdiagnostic checks that continuouslymonitor the system. If a fault isdetected a message displays in theinformation display. Stop your vehicle assoon as it is safe to do so. This warningmessage may clear if the fault is no longerpresent. If an adaptive steering systemwarning message appears each time youstart your vehicle, have the systemchecked as soon as possible.
The adaptive steering system continuallychanges the steering ratio with changes tovehicle speed, optimizing the steeringresponse in all conditions. The system alsochanges when you switch on thetransmission tow/haul feature. When youselect the tow/haul button, the adaptivesteering system reduces vehicle sensitivityto steering inputs at higher vehicle speeds,while maintaining the ease of parking andmaneuverability at low speeds.
Note:The adaptive steering system isdesigned with a locking device. With thelock engaged, the adaptive steering systemremains mechanically locked at a fixedsteering ratio. You may also notice a clickwhen you switch the vehicle on or after youswitch it off, as the lock disengages orengages.
Note:If your vehicle loses electrical poweror detects a fault when you are driving, thesystem automatically shuts down and youretain normal steering function with a fixedsteering ratio. During this time it is possiblethat the steering wheel may not be straightwhen the vehicle is driving straight ahead.In addition, the driver may notice that thesteering wheel angle required to steer thevehicle may be different.
Note:During parking maneuvers, theadaptive steering system balances the driverwork load for various steering wheel inputsand vehicle loading conditions. Underextreme operating conditions the systemlocking device may engage. This strategyprevents overheating and permanentdamage to the adaptive steering system.Typical steering and driving maneuversallow the system to cool and return tonormal operation.
257
Super Duty (TFE) Canada/United States of America, enUSA, Edition date: 201710, Second Printing
Driving Aids

Safety Compliance Certification LabelExample:
WARNING
Exceeding the SafetyCompliance Certificationlabel vehicle weight rating limitscould result in substandardvehicle handling or performance,engine, transmission and/orstructural damage, seriousdamage to the vehicle, loss ofcontrol and personal injury.
Maximum Loaded TrailerWeight
Maximum loaded trailer weight isthe highest possible weight of afully loaded trailer the vehicle cantow. Consult an authorized dealer(or the RV and Trailer TowingGuide available at an authorizeddealer) for more detailedinformation.
GCWR (Gross CombinedWeight Rating)
GCWR is the maximum allowableweight of the vehicle and theloaded trailer, including all cargoand passengers, that the vehiclecan handle without riskingdamage. (Important: The towing
vehicle’s braking system is ratedfor operation at Gross VehicleWeight Rating, not at GrossCombined Weight Rating.)Separate functional brakes shouldbe used for safe control of towedvehicles and for trailers where theGross Combined Weight of thetowing vehicle plus the trailerexceed the Gross Vehicle WeightRating of the towing vehicle.
The gross combined weight mustnever exceed the Gross CombinedWeight Rating.
Note: For trailer towinginformation refer to the RV andTrailer Towing Guide available atan authorized dealer.
WARNINGS
Do not exceed the GVWR orthe GAWR specified on theSafety Compliance Certificationlabel.
Do not use replacement tireswith lower load carryingcapacities than the original tiresbecause they may lower yourvehicle’s GVWR and GAWRlimitations. Replacement tireswith a higher limit than the originaltires do not increase the GVWRand GAWR limitations.
Exceeding any vehicle weightrating limitation could resultin serious damage to your vehicle,personal injury or both.
263
Super Duty (TFE) Canada/United States of America, enUSA, Edition date: 201710, Second Printing
Load CarryingE198828

TOWING A TRAILER
WARNINGS
Towing trailers beyond themaximum recommendedgross trailer weight exceeds thelimit of your vehicle and couldresult in engine damage,transmission damage, structuraldamage, loss of vehicle control,vehicle rollover and personalinjury.
Do not exceed the GVWR orthe GAWR specified on thecertification label.
Note: See RecommendedTowing Weights (page 277).
Your vehicle may have electricalitems, such as fuses or relays,related to towing. See Fuses(page 312).
Your vehicle's load capacitydesignation is by weight, not byvolume, so you cannot necessarilyuse all available space whenloading a vehicle or trailer.
Towing a trailer places an extraload on your vehicle's engine,transmission, axle, brakes, tiresand suspension. Inspect thesecomponents periodically during,and after, any towing operation.
Load Placement
To help minimize how trailermovement affects your vehiclewhen driving:
•Load the heaviest items closestto the trailer floor.
•Load the heaviest itemscentered between the left andright side trailer tires.
•Load the heaviest items abovethe trailer axles or just slightlyforward toward the trailertongue. Do not allow the finaltrailer tongue weight to goabove or below 10-15% of theloaded trailer weight.
•Select a ball mount with thecorrect rise or drop and loadcapacity. When both theloaded vehicle and trailer areconnected, the trailer frameshould be level, or slightlyangled down toward yourvehicle, when viewed from theside.
When driving with a trailer orpayload, a slight takeoff vibrationor shudder may be present due tothe increased payload weight.Additional information regardingproper trailer loading and settingyour vehicle up for towing islocated in another chapter of thismanual. See Load Limit (page261).
You can also find information inthe RV & Trailer Towing Guideavailable at your authorizeddealer, or online.
268
Super Duty (TFE) Canada/United States of America, enUSA, Edition date: 201710, Second Printing
Towing