2018 FORD F-150 towing

Drive (D)
Drive (D) is the normal driving position for
the best fuel economy, and allows
automatic upshifts and downshifts through
all available gears.
Manual (M) with Floor-shifter
With the gearshift lever in manual (M), the
driver can change gears up or down as
desired. By moving the gearshift lever from
drive position drive (D) to manual (M) you
now have control of selecting the gear you
desire using buttons on the shift lever. See
Understanding your SelectShift
Automatic
™ transmission later in this
section.
To return to normal drive (D) position,
move the gearshift lever back to drive (D).
The transmission operates in all available
gears.
Third (3) with Column-shifter - 6-speed
Transmission operates in third (3) gear
only. Use third (3) gear for improved
traction on slippery roads.
Second (2) - 6-speed
Transmission operates in second (2) gear
only. Use second (2) gear to start-up on
slippery roads.
First (1) - 6-speed
• Transmission operates in first (1) gear
only.
• Provides maximum engine braking.
• Allows upshifts by moving gearshift
lever.
• Does not downshift into first (1) gear
at high speeds; allows for first (1) gear
when vehicle reaches slower speeds. Tow Mode To activate tow mode, press the
button on the gearshift lever
until tow mode is selected. The
indicator light illuminates in the instrument
cluster when the system becomes active.
The tow mode feature:
• Moves upshifts to higher engine speeds
to reduce the frequency of
transmission shifting.
• Provides engine braking in all forward
gears, which slows your vehicle and
assists you in controlling your vehicle
when descending a grade.
• Depending on driving conditions and
load conditions, may downshift the
transmission, slow your vehicle and
control your vehicle speed when
descending a hill, without pressing the
accelerator pedal. The amount of
downshift braking provided varies
based upon the amount you press the
brake pedal.
The tow mode feature improves
transmission operation when towing a
trailer or a heavy load. All transmission
gear ranges are available when using tow
mode.
To deactivate the tow mode feature and
return to normal driving mode, press the
button on the gearshift lever twice. The
indicator light deactivates when the
system turns off. Tow mode also
deactivates when you power down your
vehicle.
Sport Mode To activate Sport Mode, press
the button on the gearshift lever
until sport mode is selected. The
SPORT or
S indicator light illuminates in
the instrument display when the system
becomes active.
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Push the switch downward.
The red warning lamp turns off.
If it remains illuminated or flashes, the
system has malfunctioned. Have your
vehicle checked as soon as possible.
Pulling Away on a Hill When Towing a
Trailer
Press and hold the brake pedal.
Pull the switch upward and hold
it.
Shift into gear.
Press the accelerator pedal until engine
has developed sufficient torque to prevent
your vehicle from rolling down the hill. Release the switch and pull
away in a normal manner.
Automatically Releasing the
Electric Parking Brake
Close the driver door.
Shift into gear.
Press the accelerator pedal and pull away
in a normal manner. The red warning lamp turns off.
If it remains illuminated or flashes, the
electric parking brake has not released.
Manually release the parking brake. Releasing the Electric Parking
Brake if the Vehicle Battery is
Running Out of Charge
Connect a booster battery to the vehicle
battery to release the electric parking brake
if the vehicle battery is running out of
charge. See Jump Starting the Vehicle
(page 323).
HILL START ASSIST WARNING:
The system does not
replace the parking brake. When you
leave your vehicle, always apply the
parking brake. WARNING:
You must remain in
your vehicle when the system turns on.
At all times, you are responsible for
controlling your vehicle, supervising the
system and intervening, if required.
Failure to take care may result in the loss
of control of your vehicle, serious
personal injury or death. WARNING:
The system will turn
off if a malfunction is apparent or if you
rev the engine excessively. Failure to take
care may result in the loss of control of
your vehicle, serious personal injury or
death.
The system makes it easier to pull away
when your vehicle is on a slope without the
need to use the parking brake.
When the system is active, your vehicle
remains stationary on the slope for two to
three seconds after you release the brake
pedal. This allows time to move your foot
from the brake to the accelerator pedal.
The system releases the brakes
automatically once the engine has
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WARNING: Use caution when the
rear cargo door is ajar. If the rear cargo
door is ajar, the camera will be out of
position and the video image may be
incorrect. All guidelines disappear when
the rear cargo door is ajar. Some vehicles
may not come equipped with guidelines. WARNING:
Use caution when
turning camera features on or off when
the transmission is not in park (P). Make
sure your vehicle is not moving.
The rear view camera system provides a
video image of the area behind your
vehicle.
During operation, lines appear in the
display which represent your vehicle ’s path
and proximity to objects behind your
vehicle. The rear view camera is located on the
tailgate.
Using the Rear View Camera
System
The rear view camera system displays
what is behind your vehicle when you place
the transmission in reverse (R). Note:
The reverse sensing system is not
effective at speeds above
3 mph (5 km/h)
and may not detect certain angular or
moving objects.
The system uses three types of guides to
help you see what is behind your vehicle:
• Active guidelines: Show the intended
path of your vehicle while reversing.
• Fixed guidelines: Show the actual path
your vehicle is moving in while reversing
in a straight line. This can be helpful
when backing into a parking space or
aligning your vehicle with another
object behind you.
• Centerline: Helps align the center of
your vehicle with an object (for
example, a trailer).
Note: If the image comes on while the
transmission is not in reverse (R), have the
system inspected by your authorized dealer.
Note: When towing, the camera only sees
what you are towing behind your vehicle.
This might not provide adequate coverage
as it usually provides in normal operation
and you might not see some objects. In
some vehicles, the guidelines may disappear
once you engage the trailer tow connector.
Note: If your vehicle is equipped with Pro
Trailer Backup Assist you can set-up the
trailer to work with the Rear View Camera
system. See
Trailer Reversing Aids (page
282).
The camera may not operate correctly
under the following conditions:
• Nighttime or dark areas if the reverse
lamps are not operating.
• Mud, water or debris obstructs the
camera's view. Clean the lens with a
soft, lint-free cloth and non-abrasive
cleaner.
• The rear of your vehicle is hit or
damaged, causing the camera to
become misaligned.
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USING ADAPTIVE CRUISE
CONTROL (IF EQUIPPED)
WARNING:
Always pay close
attention to changing road conditions
when using adaptive cruise control. The
system does not replace attentive
driving. Failing to pay attention to the
road may result in a crash, serious injury
or death. WARNING:
Do not use the
adaptive cruise control when entering or
leaving a highway, on roads with
intersections or roundabouts or
non-vehicular traffic or roads that are
winding, slippery, unpaved, or steep
slopes. WARNING:
Do not use the system
in poor visibility, for example fog, heavy
rain, spray or snow. WARNING:
Do not use the system
when towing a trailer that has
aftermarket electronic trailer brake
controls. Failure to follow this instruction
could result in the loss of control of your
vehicle, personal injury or death. WARNING:
Do not use tire sizes
other than those recommended because
this can affect the normal operation of
the system. Failure to do so may result
in a loss of vehicle control, which could
result in serious injury. WARNING: Adaptive cruise control
may not detect stationary or slow
moving vehicles below 6 mph (10 km/h). WARNING: Adaptive cruise control
does not detect pedestrians or objects
in the road. WARNING: Adaptive cruise control
does not detect oncoming vehicles in the
same lane. WARNING: Adaptive cruise control
is not a crash warning or avoidance
system. WARNING:
Do not use adaptive
cruise control with a snow plow blade
installed.
The system adjusts your vehicle speed to
maintain the set gap between you and the
vehicle in front of you in the same lane.
You can select four gap settings.
The system uses a radar sensor that
projects a beam directly in front of your
vehicle. The adaptive cruise controls are on the
steering wheel.
Switching Adaptive Cruise Control
On
Press
ON.
The indicator, current gap setting
and set speed appear in the
information display.
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Hilly Condition and Trailer Tow
Usage
Note:
An audible alarm sounds and the
system shuts down if it applies brakes for
an extended period of time. This allows the
brakes to cool. The system functions
normally again after the brakes cool.
Note: When towing with adaptive cruise
control, switch on Tow/Haul Mode.
Select a lower gear when the system is
active in situations such as prolonged
downhill driving on steep grades, for
example in mountainous areas. The
system needs additional engine braking in
these situations to reduce the load on the
vehicle ’s regular brake system to prevent
it from overheating.
Switching Adaptive Cruise Control
Off
Note: You erase the set speed and gap
setting when you switch the system off.
Press OFF when the system is in standby
mode, or switch the ignition off.
Detection Issues WARNING:
On rare occasions,
detection issues can occur due to the
road infrastructures, for example bridges,
tunnels and safety barriers. In these
cases, the system may brake late or
unexpectedly. At all times, you are
responsible for controlling your vehicle,
supervising the system and intervening,
if required. WARNING:
If the system
malfunctions, have your vehicle checked
as soon as possible. The radar sensor has a limited field of view.
It may not detect vehicles at all or detect
a vehicle later than expected in some
situations. The lead vehicle graphic does
not illuminate if the system does not
detect a vehicle in front of you.
Detection issues can occur:
When driving on a different line
than the vehicle in front.
A
With vehicles that edge into your
lane. The system can only detect
these vehicles once they move
fully into your lane.
B
There may be issues with the
detection of vehicles in front
when driving into and coming out
of a bend or curve in the road.
C
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The system is designed to detect vehicles
that may have entered the blind spot zone
(A). The detection area is on both sides of
your vehicle and trailer, extending rearward
from the exterior mirrors to the end of your
trailer.
The system turns on when all of the
following occur:
•
You attach a trailer to your vehicle.
• You have set up the trailer to work with
the system through the information
display.
• You start your vehicle.
• You shift into drive (D).
• The vehicle speed is greater than
6 mph (10 km/h).
Note: If you switch the Blind Spot
Information System off, the Blind Spot
Information System with Trailer Tow
automatically turns off.
Note: If you connect a trailer to your vehicle
and do not set up the trailer through the
information display, the system turns off
and a warning message appears.
See
Information Messages (page 125).
Note: When towing a trailer, the extended
blind spot zone range decreases to a short
fixed or non-variable distance behind the
trailer. The extended blind spot zone range
returns to 59 ft (18 m) when you disconnect
the trailer. Setting up a Trailer Trailer length
A
Trailer width
B
Trailer hitch ball
C
You can set-up a trailer to work with the
system through the information display.
See
General Information (page 113).
When setting up a trailer, a sequence of
screens appear asking for trailer
information.
• Select type of trailer screen -
Conventional, fifth wheel or gooseneck.
The system only supports conventional
trailers. If you select fifth wheel or
gooseneck, the system automatically turns
off.
• Do you want to set up BLIS with trailer
screen?
If no, the system turns off.
If yes, the menu goes to the next screen.
• Is the width less than
9 ft (2.7 m) and
length less than 33 ft (10.1 m)?
If no, the system turns off.
If yes, the menu goes to the next screen.
• Trailer width measurement:
The width of the trailer is measured at the
front of the trailer. It is not measured at the
widest point of the trailer. The maximum
width at the front of the trailer that the
system can support is
8.5 ft (2.6 m).
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System Errors
If the system detects a fault, a warning
lamp illuminates and a message displays.
See Information Messages (page 125).
Switching the System On and Off
You can switch the system off using the
information display.
See General
Information (page 113). When you switch
the system off, a warning lamp illuminates
and a message displays. When you switch
the system on or off, the alert indicators
flash twice.
Note: The system remembers the last
setting when you start your vehicle.
Note: The system may not correctly operate
when towing a trailer. For vehicles with an
approved trailer tow module and tow bar,
the system turns off when you attach a
trailer. For vehicles with an aftermarket
trailer tow module or tow bar, we
recommend that you switch the system off
when you attach a trailer.
To permanently switch the system off,
contact an authorized dealer. CROSS TRAFFIC ALERT
(IF
EQUIPPED) WARNING:
Do not use the cross
traffic alert system as a replacement for
using the interior and exterior mirrors or
looking over your shoulder before
reversing out of a parking space. The
cross traffic alert system is not a
replacement for careful driving. WARNING:
The system may not
operate properly during severe weather
conditions, for example snow, ice, heavy
rain and spray. Always drive with due
care and attention. Failure to take care
may result in a crash.
The system is designed to alert you of
vehicles approaching from the sides when
you shift into reverse (R).
Using the Cross Traffic Alert
System
The system is designed to detect vehicles
that approach with a speed up to
37 mph
(60 km/h). Coverage decreases when the
sensors are partially, mostly or fully
obstructed. Slowly reversing helps increase
the coverage area and effectiveness.
The system turns on when you start the
engine and you shift into reverse (R). The
system turns off when you shift out of
reverse (R).
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Note:
The system may not correctly operate
when towing a trailer. For vehicles with an
approved trailer tow module and tow bar,
the system turns off when you attach a
trailer. For vehicles with an aftermarket
trailer tow module or tow bar, we
recommend that you switch the system off
when you attach a trailer.
To permanently switch the system off,
contact an authorized dealer.
STEERING
Electric Power Steering WARNING: The electric power
steering system has diagnostic checks
that continuously monitor the system. If
a fault is detected, a message displays
in the information display. Stop your
vehicle as soon as it is safe to do so.
Switch the ignition off. After at least 10
seconds, switch the ignition on and
watch the information display for a
steering system warning message. If a
steering system warning message
returns, have the system checked by an
authorized dealer. WARNING:
If the system detects
an error, you may not feel a difference in
the steering, however a serious condition
may exist. Obtain immediate service
from an authorized dealer, failure to do
so may result in loss of steering control.
Your vehicle has an electric power steering
system. There is no fluid reservoir. No
maintenance is required.
If your vehicle loses electrical power while
you are driving, electric power steering
assistance is lost. The steering system still
operates and you can steer your vehicle
manually. Manually steering your vehicle
requires more effort. Extreme continuous steering may increase
the effort required for you to steer your
vehicle. This increased effort prevents
overheating and permanent damage to
the steering system. You do not lose the
ability to steer your vehicle manually.
Typical steering and driving maneuvers
allow the system to cool and return to
normal operation.
Steering Tips
If the steering wanders or pulls, check for:
•
Correct tire pressures.
• Uneven tire wear.
• Loose or worn suspension
components.
• Loose or worn steering components.
• Improper vehicle alignment.
Note: A high crown in the road or high
crosswinds may also make the steering
seem to wander or pull.
Adaptive Learning
The electronic power steering system
adaptive learning helps correct road
irregularities and improves overall handling
and steering feel. It communicates with
the brake system to help operate
advanced stability control and accident
avoidance systems. Additionally, whenever
the battery is disconnected or a new
battery installed, you must drive your
vehicle a short distance before the system
relearns the strategy and reactivates all
systems.
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