2018 FORD F-150 tow

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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Note:
You do not need to enter an exact
trailer width measurement. You only need
to confirm that the width of the trailer is
8.5 ft (2.6 m) or less.
• Trailer length measurement:
The trailer length is the distance between
the trailer hitch ball and the rear of the
trailer. The maximum length that the
system can support is
33 ft (10.1 m).
• Enter length of trailer:
The default setting is
18 ft (5.5 m).
Toggling up or down using the menu
buttons increases or decreases the
measurement by
3 ft (1 m). Select a length
that is equal to or within 3 ft (1 m) of the
actual measured length. For example, if
the actual measured length is 25 ft (7.6 m),
toggle the length in the menu to
27 ft
(8.2 m). When you enter the length of the
trailer, the system setup is saved.
Note: If the trailer is actually a bike rack or
cargo rack with electrical lighting, enter a
length of
3 ft (1 m). Cross Traffic Alert
remains on for trailers with a length of 3 ft
(1 m) or less.
Note: Proper measurement and
measurement entry is required for the
system to function as designed.
System Operation
When you connect a trailer to your vehicle,
the trailer set up menu appears in the
information display. This menu allows you
to set up a new trailer or choose from a
previously set up trailer. A warning
message appears and the system turns off
if you do not choose or add a new trailer.
Note: The warning message may not
appear until your vehicle speed reaches
22 mph (35 km/h)
. If you select a trailer in the information
display before connecting a trailer to your
vehicle, the system loads the configuration
for the selected trailer. When you connect
a trailer, a warning message appears.
Note:
A second warning message may
appear stating that the Cross Traffic Alert
system has turned off. The Blind Spot
Information System with Trailer Tow
continues to function normally in this
situation.
Note: The system remembers the last
selected trailer set up when you start your
vehicle.
Trailer Considerations
The system is designed to work with a
trailer with a front width of
8.5 ft (2.6 m)
or less, and a total length from the trailer
hitch ball to the rear of the trailer of
33 ft
(10.1 m) or less.
Some trailers may cause a slight change
in system performance:
• Large box trailers may cause false
alerts to occur when driving next to
infrastructures or near parked cars. A
false alert may also occur while making
a 90-degree turn.
• Trailers that have a width greater than
8.5 ft (2.6 m)
at the front and have a
total length greater than 20 ft (6 m)
may cause delayed alerts when a
vehicle is passing at high speed.
• Box trailers that have a width greater
than
8.5 ft (2.6 m) at the front may
cause early alerts when you pass a
vehicle.
• Clam shell or V-Nose box trailers with
a width greater than
8.5 ft (2.6 m) at
the front may cause delayed alerts
when a vehicle traveling the same
speed as your vehicle merges lanes.
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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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DRIVE CONTROL
Selectable Drive Modes
The system delivers a driving experience
through a suite of sophisticated electronic
vehicle systems. These systems optimize
steering, handling and powertrain
response. This provides a single location
to control multiple systems performance
settings.
Changing the drive mode automatically
changes the functionality of the following
systems:
•
Electronic stability control and traction
control maintains your vehicle control
in adverse conditions or high
performance driving. See Stability
Control (page 228).
• Electronic throttle control enhances
the powertrain response to your inputs.
• Transmission controls are optimized
with shift schedules tuned to each
terrain.
Using the System
The system automatically tailors your
vehicle configuration for each mode you
select.
Column Shifter Console Shifter
To change the drive mode setting, press
the drive mode button. The drive mode
selection menu appears in the instrument
cluster and allows you to select through
the available drive modes.
Note:
Mode changes are not available when
the vehicle ignition is off. In drive (D), only
some modes may be available. Normal – Delivers a balanced
combination of comfort and
handling. This mode provides an
engaging drive experience and a direct
connection to the road without sacrificing
any of the composure demanded from
your vehicle. Tow Haul – Improves
transmission operation when
towing a trailer or a heavy load.
Snow/Wet – For use during
inclement weather conditions.
Vehicle response becomes
tuned for optimum traction at lower
speeds and confidence inspiring stability
at higher speeds. EcoSelect – Offers the best
possible fuel economy with
tradeoffs in vehicle performance
and comfort.
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is the maximum payload for your
vehicle as built by the assembly
plant. If you install any additional
equipment on your vehicle, you
must determine the new payload.
Subtract the weight of the
equipment from the payload listed
on the Tire and Loading label.
When towing, trailer tongue
weight or king pin weight is also
part of payload.
WARNING: The
appropriate loading capacity of
your vehicle can be limited either
by volume capacity (how much
space is available) or by payload
capacity (how much weight the
vehicle should carry). Once you
have reached the maximum
payload of your vehicle, do not
add more cargo, even if there is
space available. Overloading or
improperly loading your vehicle
can contribute to loss of vehicle
control and vehicle rollover.
GAWR (Gross Axle Weight
Rating)
GAWR is the maximum allowable
weight that a single axle (front or
rear) can carry. These numbers
are on the Safety Compliance
Certification label. The label is
located on the door hinge pillar,
door-latch post, or the door edge
that meets the door-latch post,
next to the driver seating position. The total load on each axle must
never exceed its Gross Axle
Weight Rating.
GVWR (Gross Vehicle Weight
Rating)
GVWR is the maximum allowable
weight of the fully loaded vehicle.
This includes all options,
equipment, passengers and cargo.
It appears on the Safety
Compliance Certification label.
The label is located on the door
hinge pillar, door-latch post, or the
door edge that meets the
door-latch post, next to the driver
seating position.
The gross vehicle weight must
never exceed the Gross Vehicle
Weight Rating.
Safety Compliance Certification Label
Example:
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WARNING: Exceeding the
Safety Compliance Certification
label vehicle weight limits can
adversely affect the
performance and handling of
your vehicle, cause vehicle
damage and can result in the
loss of control of your vehicle,
serious personal injury or death.
Maximum Loaded Trailer
Weight
Maximum loaded trailer weight is
the highest possible weight of a
fully loaded trailer the vehicle can
tow. Consult an authorized dealer
(or the RV and Trailer Towing
Guide available at an authorized
dealer) for more detailed
information.
GCWR (Gross Combined
Weight Rating)
GCWR is the maximum allowable
weight of the vehicle and the
loaded trailer, including all cargo
and passengers, that the vehicle
can handle without risking
damage. (Important: The towing
vehicle ’s braking system is rated
for operation at Gross Vehicle
Weight Rating, not at Gross
Combined Weight Rating.)
Separate functional brakes should be used for safe control of towed
vehicles and for trailers where the
Gross Combined Weight of the
towing vehicle plus the trailer
exceed the Gross Vehicle Weight
Rating of the towing vehicle.
The gross combined weight must
never exceed the Gross Combined
Weight Rating.
Note:
For trailer towing
information refer to the RV and
Trailer Towing Guide available at
an authorized dealer. WARNING:
Do not exceed
the GVWR or the GAWR
specified on the certification
label. WARNING:
Do not use
replacement tires with lower
load carrying capacities than the
original tires because they may
lower your vehicle's GVWR and
GAWR limitations. Replacement
tires with a higher limit than the
original tires do not increase the
GVWR and GAWR limitations. WARNING:
Exceeding any
vehicle weight rating can
adversely affect the
performance and handling of
your vehicle, cause vehicle
damage and can result in the
loss of control of your vehicle,
serious personal injury or death.
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Steps for determining the
correct load limit:
1. Locate the statement "The
combined weight of occupants
and cargo should never exceed
XXX kg or XXX lb." on your
vehicle ’s placard.
2. Determine the combined
weight of the driver and
passengers that will be riding
in your vehicle.
3. Subtract the combined weight
of the driver and passengers
from XXX kg or XXX lb.
4. The resulting figure equals the
available amount of cargo and
luggage load capacity. For
example, if the “XXX” amount
equals 1,400 lb. and there will
be five 150 lb. passengers in
your vehicle, the amount of
available cargo and luggage
load capacity is 650 lb.
(1400-750 (5 x 150) = 650 lb.)
5. Determine the combined
weight of luggage and cargo
being loaded on the vehicle.
That weight may not safely
exceed the available cargo and
luggage load capacity
calculated in Step 4.
6. If your vehicle will be towing a
trailer, load from your trailer
will be transferred to your
vehicle. Consult this manual to
determine how this reduces the
available cargo and luggage
load capacity of your vehicle. Helpful examples for calculating
the available amount of cargo
and luggage load capacity
Suppose your vehicle has a
1400-pound (635-kilogram) cargo
and luggage capacity. You decide
to go golfing. Is there enough load
capacity to carry you, four of your
friends and all the golf bags? You
and four friends average 220
pounds (99 kilograms) each and
the golf bags weigh approximately
30 pounds (13.5 kilograms) each.
The calculation would be: 1400 -
(5 x 220) - (5 x 30) = 1400 - 1100
- 150 = 150 pounds. Yes, you have
enough load capacity in your
vehicle to transport four friends
and your golf bags. In metric units,
the calculation would be: 635
kilograms - (5 x 99 kilograms) -
(5 x 13.5 kilograms) = 635 - 495 -
67.5 = 72.5 kilograms.
Suppose your vehicle has a
1400-pound (635-kilogram) cargo
and luggage capacity. You and
one of your friends decide to pick
up cement from the local home
improvement store to finish that
patio you have been planning for
the past two years. Measuring the
inside of the vehicle with the rear
seat folded down, you have room
for twelve 100-pound
(45-kilogram) bags of cement. Do
you have enough load capacity to
transport the cement to your
home? If you and your friend each
weigh 220 pounds (99 kilograms),
the calculation would be: 1400 -
(2 x 220) - (12 x 100) = 1400 - 440
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