2020 FORD F-250 warning

The system uses radar sensors that are
located inside the tail lamp on each side
of your vehicle. Any dirt, mud and snow in
front of the sensors or driving in heavy rain
can cause system degradation. Also, other
types of obstructions in front of the sensor
can cause system degradation. This is
referred to as a
‘blocked ’ condition.
Note: Do not apply bumper stickers and/or
repair compound to these areas, this can
cause degraded system performance.
If the system detects a degraded
performance condition, a message warning
appears in the display screen. The alert
indicators remain ON and the system no
longer provides any warnings. You can
clear the warning but the alert indicators
remain illuminated.
A "blocked" condition can be cleared in
two ways:
• After the blockage in front of the
sensors is removed or the
rainfall/snowfall rate decreases or
stops, drive for a few minutes in traffic
to allow the sensors to detect passing
vehicles.
• By cycling the ignition from ON to OFF
and then back ON.
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 Blind Spot
Information System off. If your vehicle has
a tow bar but no factory equipped trailer
tow module, it is recommended to turn the
Blind Spot Information System off
manually. Operating the Blind Spot
Information System without the Blind Spot
Trailer Tow package and a trailer attached
will cause poor system performance. Blind Spot Information System
with Trailer Tow (If Equipped)
The Blind Spot Information System with
Trailer Tow is designed to aid you in
detecting vehicles that may have entered
the detection area 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.
When a trailer is attached and the
customer has set up a Blind Spot Trailer,
the Blind Spot Information System with
Trailer Tow becomes active when driving
forward above
6 mph (10 km/h). See
Trailer Reversing Aids (page 274).
The Blind Spot Information System with
Trailer Tow can be turned off in the
instrument cluster. If the Blind Spot
Information System is turned off, then the
Blind Spot Information System with Trailer
Tow automatically turns off.
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Setting up a Blind Spot Trailer
Trailer length
A
Trailer width
B
Trailer hitch ball
C
You can set-up any trailer to work with the
Blind Spot Information System with Trailer
Tow through the instrument cluster menu.
See General Information (page 109).
While setting up a trailer, a sequence of
screens appear asking for trailer
information. The Blind Spot Information
System with Trailer Tow specific screens
are described below:
• Select type of trailer screen -
Conventional, fifth wheel or gooseneck.
The Blind Spot Information System with
Trailer Tow only supports conventional
trailers. If fifth wheel or gooseneck is
selected, the system automatically turns
off.
• Do you want to set up BLIS with trailer
screen?
If no, the Blind Spot Information 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 Blind Spot Information 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
Blind Spot Information System with Trailer
Tow can support is
8.5 ft (2.6 m).
Note: You do not need to enter an exact
trailer width measurement; just measure
that it 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 Blind
Spot Information System with Trailer Tow
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 will increase/decrease the
measurement by
3 ft (1 m). Select the
length so that the value 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), then toggle the
length in the menu to 27 ft (8.2 m). When
the length has been entered, the Blind Spot
Information System with Trailer Tow setup
is saved.
If you do not set up a Blind Spot Trailer, a
warning appears in the instrument cluster
when a trailer is connected stating that the
system has been turned off due to a trailer
connect.
Note: If the trailer is actually a bike rack or
cargo rack with electrical lighting, then the
length will be
3 ft (1 m). Cross Traffic Alert
will remain on for trailers 3 ft (1 m) or less.
Note: Proper measurement and
measurement entry is required for Blind
Spot Information System with Trailer Tow
to function as designed.
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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 alerts you of vehicles
approaching from the sides behind your
vehicle when you shift into reverse (R).
Using Cross Traffic Alert
The system detects vehicles that approach
at a speed between
4 mph (6 km/h) and
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). The sensor on the left-hand side is only
partially obstructed and zone coverage on
the right-hand side is maximized.
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Cross Traffic Alert Behavior When
Trailer is Attached
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.
Cross traffic alert remains on when you
attach a trailer in vehicles that come with
blind spot information system with trailer
tow under the following conditions:
• You connect a trailer.
• The trailer is a bike rack or cargo rack
with a maximum length of 3 ft (1 m).
• You set the trailer length to
3 ft (1 m)
in the information display.
See
Blind Spot Information System
(page 248).
Switching the System On and Off
To switch the system on or off, adjust the
setting. Depending on your vehicle options,
the setting could be in the following: •
Information display.
See General
Information (page 109).
• Touchscreen. See Settings (page 531).
Note: The system turns on every time you
switch the ignition on. To permanently
switch the system off, contact an authorized
dealer.
Cross Traffic Alert Indicator When the system detects an
approaching vehicle, a tone
sounds, a warning lamp
illuminates in the relevant exterior mirror
and arrows appear in the information
display to show which side the
approaching vehicle is coming from.
Note: If arrows do not display, a message
appears in the information display.
If the system malfunctions, a warning lamp
illuminates in the instrument cluster and
a message appears in the information
display. Have your vehicle checked as soon
as possible.
Note: In exceptional conditions, the system
could alert you, even when there is nothing
in the detection zone, for example a vehicle
passing further away from your vehicle.
Cross Traffic Alert Information Messages Action
Message
Displays instead of indication arrows when the system
detects a vehicle. Check for approaching traffic.
Cross Traffic Alert
Indicates blocked cross traffic alert system sensors. Clean
the sensors. If the message continues to appear, have your
vehicle checked as soon as possible.
Cross Traffic Not Avail-
able Sensor Blocked See
Manual
The system has malfunctioned. Have your vehicle checked
as soon as possible.
Cross Traffic System
Fault
Displays if you attach a trailer to your vehicle.
Cross Traffic Alert Deac-
tivated Trailer Attached
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STEERING
Hydraulic Power Steering
To help prevent damage to the power
steering system:
•
Do not hold the steering wheel at its
furthest turning points for more than
three to five seconds when the engine
is running.
• Avoid continuously steering back and
forth with elevated engine RPM as this
may overheat the system. If trying to
free a stuck vehicle, pause between
attempts to allow the power steering
system to cool or seek assistance.
Typical steering and driving maneuvers
allow the system to cool.
• Do not operate the vehicle if the power
steering pump fluid level is 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.
• Heavy or uneven efforts may be caused
by low power steering fluid. Check for
low power steering pump fluid level
before seeking service by your dealer.
• Do not fill the power steering pump
reservoir above the MAX mark on the
reservoir, as this may result in leaks
from the reservoir.
If the power steering system breaks down
or if you switch the engine off, you can
steer the vehicle manually, but it takes
more effort.
If you have any steering components
serviced or replaced, install new fasteners.
Many fasteners have coatings with thread
adhesive, or have prevailing torque
features you cannot reuse. Do not reuse a
bolt or nut. Torque fasteners to
specifications. Steering Tips
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.
Note: A high crown in the road or high
crosswinds may also make the steering
seem to wander or pull.
Electronic Torque Overlay Steering
(If Equipped) 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 as
soon as possible. WARNING:
If the system detects
an error, you may not feel a difference in
the steering, however a serious condition
may exist. Have your vehicle checked as
soon as possible. Failure to do so may
result in loss of steering control.
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The electronic torque overlay steering
system adds supplemental steering assist
to the hydraulic gear when needed,
dependent on vehicle conditions such as
vehicle speed, steering wheel angle, and
steering wheel torque. The hydraulic
steering system provides the majority of
steering assistance. The electronic torque
overlay enables features such as pro trailer
backup assistance and lane departure
warning.
If your vehicle loses electrical power while
you are driving, your vehicle loses electric
power steering assistance. The steering
system still operates, and you can steer
your vehicle with hydraulic assist. Steering
your vehicle with only hydraulic assist
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.
Adaptive Learning (If Equipped)
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. 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. Adaptive Steering
(If Equipped)
Note: The adaptive steering system has
diagnostic checks that continuously monitor
the system. If the system detects a fault, a
message displays in the information display.
If a red warning message displays, stop your
vehicle as soon as it is safe to do so. The
message may clear if the fault is no longer
present. If an adaptive steering system
warning message appears each time you
start your vehicle, have the system checked
as soon as possible.
The adaptive steering system continually
changes the steering ratio with changes to
vehicle speed, optimizing the steering
response in all conditions. The system also
changes when you switch on the
transmission tow/haul feature. When you
select the tow/haul button, the adaptive
steering system reduces vehicle sensitivity
to steering inputs at higher vehicle speeds,
while maintaining the ease of parking and
maneuverability at low speeds.
Note: The adaptive steering system is
designed with a locking device. With the
lock engaged, the adaptive steering system
remains mechanically locked at a fixed
steering ratio. You may also notice a click
when you switch the vehicle on or after you
switch it off, as the lock disengages or
engages.
Note: If your vehicle loses electrical power
or detects a fault when you are driving, the
system automatically shuts down and you
retain normal steering function with a fixed
steering ratio. During this time it is possible
that the steering wheel may not be straight
when the vehicle is driving straight ahead.
In addition, the driver may notice that the
steering wheel angle required to steer the
vehicle may be different.
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Note:
During parking maneuvers, the
adaptive steering system balances the driver
work load for various steering wheel inputs
and vehicle loading conditions. Under
extreme operating conditions the system
locking device may engage. This strategy
prevents overheating and permanent
damage to the adaptive steering system.
Typical steering and driving maneuvers
allow the system to cool and return to
normal operation.
PRE-COLLISION ASSIST (IF
EQUIPPED) WARNING: You are responsible for
controlling your vehicle at all times. The
system is designed to be an aid and does
not relieve you of your responsibility to
drive with due care and attention. Failure
to follow this instruction could result in
the loss of control of your vehicle,
personal injury or death. WARNING:
The system does not
detect vehicles that are driving in a
different direction, cyclists or animals.
Apply the brakes when necessary. Failure
to follow this instruction could result in
the loss of control of your vehicle,
personal injury or death. WARNING:
The system does not
operate during hard acceleration or
steering. Failure to take care may lead
to a crash or personal injury. WARNING: The system may fail or
operate with reduced function during
cold and severe weather conditions.
Snow, ice, rain, spray and fog can
adversely affect the system. Keep the
front camera and radar free of snow and
ice. Failure to take care may result in the
loss of control of your vehicle, serious
personal injury or death. WARNING:
Some situations and
objects prevent hazard detection. For
example low or direct sunlight, inclement
weather, unconventional vehicle types,
and pedestrians. Apply the brakes when
necessary. Failure to follow this
instruction could result in the loss of
control of your vehicle, personal injury or
death. WARNING:
Take additional care if
your vehicle is heavily loaded or you are
towing a trailer. These conditions could
result in reduced performance of this
system. Failure to follow this instruction
could result in the loss of control of your
vehicle, personal injury or death. WARNING:
The system cannot
help prevent all crashes. Do not rely on
this system to replace driver judgment
and the need to maintain a safe distance
and speed.
Using the Pre-Collision Assist
System
The Pre-Collision Assist system is active
at speeds above approximately
3 mph
(5 km/h) and pedestrian detection is active
at speeds up to
50 mph (80 km/h). 258
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If your vehicle is rapidly approaching
another stationary vehicle, a vehicle
traveling in the same direction as yours, or
a pedestrian within your driving path, the
system provides three levels of
functionality:
1. Alert
2. Brake Support
3. Active Braking
Alert: When active, a flashing visual
warning appears and an audible warning
tone sounds.
Brake Support
: The system helps reduce
the impact speed by preparing the brakes
for rapid braking. The system does not
apply the brakes. If you press the brake
pedal, the system could apply additional
braking up to maximum braking force, even
if you lightly press the brake pedal. Active Braking
: Active braking may
activate if the system determines that a
collision is imminent. The system may help
the driver reduce impact damage or avoid
the crash completely.
Note: Brake Support and Active Braking are
active at speeds up to
75 mph (120 km/h).
If the vehicle has a radar sensor or Adaptive
Cruise Control, then Brake Support and
Active Braking are active up to the maximum
speed of the vehicle.
Note: If you perceive Pre-Collision Assist
alerts as being too frequent or disturbing,
then you can reduce the alert sensitivity,
though the manufacturer recommends
using the highest sensitivity setting where
possible. Setting lower sensitivity would
lead to fewer and later system warnings.
Note: The Pre-Collision Assist system
disables when you select
4X4 LOW, Deep
Snow/Sand mode, Rock Crawl mode, or
when you manually disable AdvanceTrac ™.
Distance Indication and Alert
(If
Equipped)
Distance Indication and Alert is a function
that provides the driver with a graphical
indication of the time gap to other
preceding vehicles traveling in the same
direction. The Distance Indication and Alert
screen in the display screen shows one of
the graphics that follow.
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