2018 FORD F-550 reverse

System Lights, Messages and
Audible Alerts
The Cross Traffic Alert illuminates an
amber alert indicator in the outside mirror
on the side of your vehicle the approaching
vehicle is coming from. Cross Traffic Alert
also sounds an audible alert and a
message appears in the display screen
indicating a vehicle is coming from the right
or left. Cross Traffic Alert works with the
reverse sensing system that sounds its own
series of tones. See Rear Parking Aid
(page 235). The system uses radar sensors that are
located in the tail lamp on each side of
your vehicle. Do not allow mud, snow or
bumper stickers to obstruct these areas,
this can cause degraded system
performance. See
Blind Spot
Information System (page 252). If the
Blind Spot Information System is blocked,
Cross Traffic Alert is also blocked. A Cross
Traffic Alert blocked message appears in
the display screen when the transmission
is shifted into reverse (R).
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System Limitations
Cross Traffic Alert has its limitations;
situations such as severe weather
conditions or debris build-up on the sensor
area may limit vehicle detection and cause
false alerts.
The following are other situations that may
limit the Cross Traffic Alert performance:
•
Adjacently parked vehicles or objects
obstructing the sensors.
• Approaching vehicles passing at
speeds 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 a
factory equipped trailer tow module and it
is towing a trailer, the sensors will
automatically turn the Cross Traffic Alert
off. If your vehicle has a tow bar but no
factory equipped trailer tow module, it is
recommended to turn the Cross Traffic Alert
off manually. Operating Cross Traffic Alert
with a trailer attached will cause poor Cross
Traffic Alert performance.
Note: The system may illuminate the amber
alert indicator and sound the audible alert
during heavy rain even though no vehicle is
approaching from left or right.
There may be certain instances when there
is a false alert by the Cross Traffic Alert
system that illuminates the alert indicator
with no vehicle in the coverage zone. Some
amount of false alerts are normal; they are
temporary and self-correct. System Errors
If Cross Traffic Alert senses a problem with
the left or right sensor a message appears
in the display screen. See
Information
Messages (page 129).
Switching the System Off and On
Note: The Cross Traffic Alert switches on
whenever the ignition is switched on and
ready to provide appropriate alerts when
the transmission is in reverse (R). Cross
Traffic Alert will not remember the last
selected on or off setting.
You can temporarily switch Cross Traffic
Alert off in the information display. See
General Information
(page 113). When
you switch Cross Traffic Alert off, you do
not receive alerts and the display screen
shows a system off message.
You can also have Cross Traffic Alert
switched off permanently at an authorized
dealer. Once switched off permanently,
the system can only be switched back on
at an authorized dealer.
STEERING
Power 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 three seconds when the
engine is running.
• Do not operate the vehicle with a low
power steering pump fluid level (below
the MIN mark on the reservoir).
• Some noise is normal during operation.
If excessive, check for low power
steering pump fluid level before
seeking service by your dealer.
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TRAILER REVERSING AIDS
Trailer Reverse Guidance
WARNING
Driving while distracted can result in
loss of vehicle control, crash and
injury. We strongly recommend that
you use extreme caution when using any
device that may take your focus off the
road. Your primary responsibility is the safe
operation of your vehicle. We recommend
against the use of any hand-held device
while driving and encourage the use of
voice-operated systems when possible.
Make sure you are aware of all applicable
local laws that may affect the use of
electronic devices while driving. Note:
You must always be aware of the
vehicle and trailer combination and the
surrounding environment.
Note: The system does not detect or
prevent the vehicle or trailer from making
contact with obstacles in the surrounding
environment.
Note: Keep in mind that the front end of
the vehicle swings out when changing the
direction of the trailer.
Note: The system relies on user
measurements to determine sticker
placement and system limits. It is critical to
take the key measurements correctly.
Incorrect measurements can result in the
improper function of the system up to and
including contact between the vehicle and
trailer.
Note: The system limits vehicle speed when
backing up. The system is not a replacement
for proper use of the throttle and brake
pedals.
Note: Some features associated with this
system do not work until you set it up. Principle of Operation
Trailer reverse guidance is a driver
assistance feature that helps take the
guesswork out of getting your trailer
positioned where you want it, quickly and
easily, when driving in reverse (R).
Each trailer you use with your vehicle has
to be setup once. Sticker placement is
extremely important and there are specific
placement rules.
Setting Up Trailer Reverse
Guidance
Note:
Your vehicle saves the trailer
information when you enter it into the
system. A maximum of 10 trailers can be
added to the system.
Step 1: Position your Vehicle and Trailer
Hitch your trailer to the truck and connect
the electrical wiring harness. Check to
make sure that the wiring is working. See
Essential Towing Checks (page 286).
Park your vehicle and hitched trailer on a
level surface. Make sure that the trailer and truck are in
line with each other. You can do this by
putting the truck in drive (D) and pulling
straight forward.
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Step 2: Follow the Information Display
Prompts
1. Use the steering wheel controls to
navigate to the towing menu.
2. Select Trailer Setup from the available
options.
3. Select Add a Trailer and press OK to confirm.
4. The system asks you to name the trailer. Use the steering wheel controls
to choose from the alphanumeric
characters. Press the right arrow to
advance to the next character. When
you finish naming the trailer, press OK
to confirm.
5. Select the type of brake system for your trailer. Select DEFAULT if your
trailer has electric, surge or no brakes.
Press OK to select and advance to the
next screen
Note: The default option is low. This is
recommended for most trailers. If the
trailer's brakes require more initial voltage,
or if you prefer more aggressive braking, then
select the other options as required.
6. The system asks you to select your trailer type. You can use the system
with conventional, fifth wheel and
goose neck trailers. For fifth wheel and
goose neck trailers, set up and sticker
placement are not required, however
some of the features do not operate
automatically with these trailer types.
Use the steering wheel controls to
select your trailer type.
Note: You can still manually control the
camera views on the touchscreen to help
you reverse goose neck and fifth wheel
trailers.
7. If your vehicle includes a blind spot information system, the system
prompts you to setup the trailer blind
spot feature. See Blind Spot
Information System (page 252). 8. A message appears in the information
display asking if you want to add trailer
reverse guidance. Select Yes to
continue.
9. Straighten out the trailer, if necessary.
10. The information display directs you to the quick start guide for how to
proceed. The steps are also shown
here.
Step 3: Placing the Target
Place the entire sticker in the gray zone on
the trailer outlined in the diagram. The
sticker is in the back cover pocket of the
quick start guide.
Note: An assistant can help to carry out the
following procedure.
Note: Make sure nothing obstructs the rear
view cameras view of the sticker. For
example, items such as a jack handle or
wiring.
Note: Position the sticker on a flat, dry and
clean horizontal surface. For best results
apply the sticker when temperatures are
above
32°F (0°C).
Note: Do not move stickers after they are
placed. Do not re-use any stickers if
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Step 5: Enter Measurements Using the
Information Display
Using the measurements you recorded,
enter the required data into the system.
Follow the on screen prompts to enter
each of the measurements taken in step
4. Use the up and down arrows to increase
or decrease the numbers as necessary.
Press OK to confirm each measurement.
Once you add the last measurement, the
information display shows all of the
entered measurements. You can choose
to confirm or change the measurements.
Step 6: Confirming the Sticker Location
Check the rear view camera display to see
if the system identifies the sticker. The
system marks the sticker with a red circle.
Confirm that the red circle shows over the
sticker image in the rear view camera
display.
Note:
If the system cannot locate the
sticker, try cleaning the camera lens. Make
sure the sticker is within the zone as
indicated in step 3.
The information display shows a
confirmation message when you
successfully confirm the target.
Calibrating the System
To complete setup, drive your vehicle
straight forward between 4– 24 mph
(6– 39 km/h), as directed by the
information display.
Note: Keep the steering wheel straight
during the calibration process. If the steering
wheel is in a turned position, the calibration
pauses. The information display prompts
you to drive straight forward to complete
the calibration.
The information display shows a message
during calibration and after calibration is
complete Note:
For best results, do not calibrate the
system at night.
Using Trailer Reverse Guidance
1. Shift into reverse (R). Press the rear camera button to expand the menu.
2. Press the trailer icon.
3. Select the applicable trailer in the information display.
4. When in trailer reverse guidance mode,
you can see the camera view on the
side your trailer is moving, or both sides
when the trailer is straight behind you.
When the views change with the trailer
direction, it is called auto mode. For
example, if you turn the trailer to the
right, you see the right side of your
vehicle and trailer. You can switch this
view manually at any time by using the
arrow keys. To return to auto mode,
press the auto button.
Note: Auto mode is the default setting.
Use the view that helps you the most when
reversing your vehicle and trailer. Normal rear view camera view.
Use this feature when you want
to see your trailer hitch or what
is directly behind your vehicle. Straight back-up mode. Use this
feature when you want to keep
your trailer completely in line
with your truck. In this mode, a steering
wheel graphic shows you which way to turn
your steering wheel to keep your trailer
straight.
Note: It may be helpful to shift your vehicle
into drive (D), pull forward and straighten
out the vehicle and trailer before engaging
straight back-up mode.
Left and right arrows let you see other
views regardless of your trailer angle. Use
them to switch views manually.
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Note:
If you're using a fifth wheel or goose
neck trailer, or if you have not set up the
trailer reverse guidance system, auto view
is not available.
To change your view, use the arrows. You
can see the following views:
• Full driver.
• Partial driver.
• 50/50.
• Partial passenger.
• Full passenger. Zoom. Use this feature to zoom
in the camera view.
Return. Ths feature takes you
back to the 360-degree camera
system and out of the trailer
reverse guidance feature. Auto. Ths feature returns you to
auto view.
In addition to multiple view options, your
touchscreen adds some features to give
you more information. For example, after
setting up a conventional trailer, the
display shows a small top-view
representation of your truck and trailer.
This representation shows two,
different-colored lines: A black line shows
you where your trailer is in relation to your
vehicle. A white line gives you a projection
of where your trailer may go based on your
current steering wheel position
Note: When you move the steering wheel,
the white line indicates where the trailer
may go based on your steering wheel input.
When you turn your steering wheel to the
left, the trailer moves to the right. When you
turn your steering wheel to the right, the
trailer moves to the left. When you turn the steering wheel, a small
representation shows you two zones to
warn you of a possible jackknife condition.
The view shows your truck and trailer
position and provides visual feedback to
help avoid a jackknife condition entirely.
The yellow zone warns you of a potential
jackknife position. When you enter into this
zone, it is recommended to put your vehicle
back into drive (D) and pull forward.
Moving forward helps put the truck and
trailer back into an in-line position.
The red zone indicates that you need to
put the truck into drive (D) and pull
forward immediately.
Troubleshooting
Note:
The system requires a clear view of
the sticker placed on the trailer. You must
keep the camera lens and sticker clean for
the system to operate correctly.
Setup
The system is designed to be used with a
wide variety of trailers. However, there are
some trailers that do not have a proper
surface and location to mount the sticker.
These trailers are not supported. Attempts
to place the sticker on a surface that does
not meet the sticker placement
requirement listed in Step 3 of the setup
instruction, or entering inaccurate
measurements to proceed through setup
can result in improper system function.
Accurate measurements are critical to
correct system function. If you need to
check measurements or change them, you
can access them through the trailer menus
in the information display. Choose the
option to change the sticker from the
change trailer settings menu. It is not
necessary to remove the sticker if you are
just reviewing or changing measurements.
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remove the sticker from its current
location if the obstruction cannot
be cleared. Place a new sticker that
is visible to the camera in all
positions of the trailer behind your
vehicle.
• You can change your sticker
location by going into the trailer
menu, selecting trailer options,
selecting change trailer settings
and then selecting the change
sticker option. The previous sticker
must be removed. ONLY ONE
STICKER SHOULD BE PLACED
ON THE TRAILER FOR CORRECT
SYSTEM FUNCTION.
• The camera system uses the
entered measurements to help
locate the sticker. Inaccurate
measurements reduce the system ’s
ability to locate the sticker. Check
the measurements entered into the
system are correct. Refer to the
step 4 of trailer reverse guidance
setup for instructions on
measurements.
• You can change your measurement
by going into the trailer menu,
selecting trailer options, selecting
change trailer setting and then
selecting the change sticker option.
Disregard the prompt to remove
this sticker and continue to the next
step if you only plan to update the
measurements for the current
sticker location.
System does not backup straight:
• Factors such as the drawbar
connection to the hitch receiver, road
camber, road grade and compliance in
the trailer suspension can influence
how straight the system is able to
reverse your trailer when the wheel is
not turned. You can compensate for
the trailer drifting to the right or left by slowly turning the wheel until the trailer
is following your desired path and then
holding the wheel in that position. If
you would like to recalibrate the
system for straight backing, you can do
so with the following procedure.
•
Go into the trailer menu, select
trailer options, select change trailer
setting and then select the change
sticker option. Your saved
measurements show. Do not
change them, but continue to
confirm measurements. Once you
confirm the measurements, the
system then prompts you to
perform the calibration procedure.
Note: The system is designed to be used
with the same trailer connection every time
the trailer is chosen from the selection
menu. Using a different drawbar or a
different pin hole, on drawbars with more
than one pin hole, when connecting the
drawbar to your vehicle affects the trailer
measurements. Take the measurements
again and update if required.
TRAILER SWAY CONTROL (If
Equipped) 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 (such as hill climbing),
the driver has significant trailer towing
experience, and can control trailer sway
and maintain safe operation. Note:
This feature does not prevent trailer
sway, but reduces it once it begins.
Note: This feature cannot stop all trailers
from swaying.
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ESSENTIAL TOWING CHECKS
WARNING
Do not exceed the maximum vertical
load on the tow ball. Failure to follow
this instruction could result in the
loss of control of your vehicle, personal
injury or death. Follow these guidelines for safe towing:
•
Do not tow a trailer until you drive your
vehicle at least 1,000 mi (1,600 km).
• Consult your local motor vehicle laws
for towing a trailer.
• See the instructions included with
towing accessories for the proper
installation and adjustment
specifications.
• Service your vehicle more frequently if
you tow a trailer. See your scheduled
maintenance information.
See
Scheduled Maintenance (page 581).
• If you use a rental trailer, follow the
instructions the rental agency gives
you.
See
Load Limits in the Load Carrying
chapter for load specification terms found
on the tire label and Safety Compliance
label and instructions on calculating your
vehicle's load.
Vehicles with a diesel engine have an
engine braking feature.
See General
Information (page 225).
Remember to account for the trailer
tongue weight as part of your vehicle load
when calculating the total vehicle weight.
Some vehicles will have the ability to
modify trailer towing features. See
General Information
(page 113). Trailer Towing Connector
When attaching the trailer wiring connector
to your vehicle, only use a proper fitting
connector that works with the vehicle and
trailer functions. Some seven-position
connectors may have the SAE J2863 logo,
which confirms that it is the proper wiring
connector and works correctly with your
vehicle.
Function
Color
Left turn signal and stop lamp
Yellow
Ground (-)
White
Electric brakes
Blue
Right turn signal and stop
lamp
Green
Battery (+)
Orange
Running lights
Brown
Reverse lights
Grey
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