2021 FORD F-150 steering

OFF-ROAD DRIVING
WHAT IS OFF-ROAD DRIVING
Off-road driving is driving your vehicle on
unsurfaced roads or trails, made from dirt,
rocks, sand and mud.
OFF-ROAD DRIVING
PRECAUTIONS - RAPTOR
WARNING: If you continue to drive
your vehicle when the engine is
overheating, the engine could stop
without warning. Failure to follow this
instruction could result in the loss of
control of your vehicle.
Before going off-road driving, consult with
all the appropriate government entities to
determine where you are legally allowed
to operate your vehicle and what permits
or registrations are required to do so.
Inspect your vehicle before and after any
off-road driving.
Familiarize yourself with the dimensions
of your vehicle including approach angles,
breakover angles, and ground clearance.
Also familiarize yourself with the features
of your vehicle. Some of these features
such as drive modes and cameras can
improve your off-road driving experience.
Secure loose objects inside your vehicle
and in the cargo area.
BASIC OFF-ROAD DRIVING
TECHNIQUES - RAPTOR
Grip the steering wheel with your thumbs
on the outside of the rim. This reduces the
risk of injury due to abrupt steering wheel
motions that occur when negotiating rough
terrain. If you are driving in a dusty area, be sure to
leave ample distance between your vehicle
and any other vehicles to allow for
adequate vision.
BASIC OFF-ROAD DRIVING
TECHNIQUES
Off-road Driving Hints
Before taking your vehicle off-roading, a
basic vehicle inspection should be done to
make sure that the vehicle is in top working
condition. It is always recommended that
at least two vehicles are used while
off-roading. The buddy system helps make
sure that help is close at hand should a
vehicle become stuck or damaged. It is also
wise to take supplies such as a first aid kit,
supply of water, tow strap, cell or satellite
phone with you any time an off-road
excursion is planned.
1. Grip the steering wheel with thumbs
on the outside of the rim. This will
reduce the risk of injury due to abrupt
steering wheel motions that occur
when negotiating rough terrain.
2. Throttle, brake and steering inputs should be made in a smooth and
controlled manner. Sudden inputs to
the controls can cause loss of traction
or upset the vehicle, especially while
on loose terrain or while crossing
obstacles such as rocks or logs.
3. Look ahead on your route noting upcoming obstacles, or any other
factors which may indicate a change
in available traction, and adjust the
vehicle speed and route accordingly.
4. When driving off-road, if the front or rear suspension is bottoming out
and/or excessive contact with the
skid-plates is encountered, reduce
vehicle speed to avoid potential
damage to the vehicle.
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5. When with other vehicles, it is
recommended that communication is
used, and the lead vehicle notify other
vehicles of obstacles that could cause
potential vehicle damage.
6. Always keep available ground clearance in mind and pick a route that
minimizes the risk of catching the
underside of the vehicle on an obstacle.
7. When negotiating low speed obstacles,
applying light brake pressure in
conjunction with the throttle will help
prevent the vehicle from jerking and
will allow you to negotiate the obstacle
in a more controlled manner. Using 4L
will also help with this.
8. Off-roading requires a high degree of concentration. Even if your local law
does not prohibit alcohol use while
driving off-road, Ford strongly
recommends against drinking if you
plan to off-road.
Crossing Obstacles
• Review the path ahead before
attempting to cross any obstacle. It is
best if the obstacle is reviewed from
outside the vehicle so that there is a
good understanding of terrain condition
both in front of and behind the
obstacle.
• Approach obstacles slowly.
• If a large obstacle such as a rock
cannot be avoided, choose a path that
places the rock directly under the tire
rather than the undercarriage of the
vehicle. This will help prevent damage
to the vehicle.
• Ditches and washouts should be
crossed at a 45° angle, allowing each
wheel to independently cross the
obstacle. Hill Climbing WARNING:
Extreme care should
be used when steering the vehicle in
reverse down a slope so as not to cause
the vehicle to swerve out of control.
• Always attempt to climb a steep hill
along the fall line of the slope and not
diagonally.
• If the vehicle is unable to make it up
the hill, DO NOT attempt to turn back
down the slope. Place the vehicle in
low range and slowly back down in
reverse.
• When descending a steep slope, select
low gear and engage hill descent
control. Use the throttle and brake
pedals to control your descent speed.
Note: Hill descent control is functional in
reverse and should be used in this situation.
DRIVING OFF-ROAD - RAPTOR
Driving In Snow and Ice WARNING:
Do not become
overconfident in the ability of four-wheel
drive vehicles. Although a four-wheel
drive vehicle may accelerate better than
a two-wheel drive vehicle in low traction
situations, it won't stop any faster than
two-wheel drive vehicles. Always drive
at a safe speed.
Make sure you allow sufficient distance
between your vehicle and other vehicles
for stopping.
Driving In Sand
When driving over sand, try to keep all four
wheels on the most solid area of the trail.
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Driving In Mud
Be cautious of sudden changes in vehicle
speed or direction when you are driving in
mud.
After driving through mud, clean your
vehicle. Excess mud stuck on the wheels
and tires and rotating components can
cause an imbalance and result in damage.
Note:
The vehicle brakes are less effective
when wet or muddy.
Driving Over Rocks and Gravel
Never attempt to straddle a rock that is
large enough to strike your axles or
undercarriage.
Leave a generous gap between your
vehicle and other vehicles to minimize the
risk of damage. Avoid dust clouds as they
reduce visibility.
Climbing A Hill WARNING: Extreme care should
be used when steering the vehicle in
reverse down a slope so as not to cause
the vehicle to swerve out of control.
Do not drive over the crest of a hill without
seeing what conditions are on the other
side. Do not drive in reverse over a hill
without the aid of an observer.
Note: Avoid turning on steep slopes or hills.
A danger lies in losing traction, slipping
sideways and possible vehicle roll over.
Note: Too much acceleration can cause
the tires to slip, spin or lose traction,
resulting in loss of vehicle control. Driving Through Water WARNING:
Do not attempt to
cross a deep, fast flowing body of water.
Failure to follow this instruction could
result in the loss of control of your
vehicle, personal injury or death.
The key to a safe crossing is the water
depth, current and bottom of the water's
condition. On soft bottoms, the vehicle
sinks in, effectively increasing the water
level on the vehicle. Make sure to consider
this when determining the depth of water.
Determine the depth and speed of the
current before attempting a water crossing.
Be aware that obstacles and debris could
be beneath the water ’s surface.
Note: Cross flowing water at an angle
heading slightly upstream.
Note: Tread lightly and avoid damage to
the environment.
Water can cause permanent damage that
may not be covered by your vehicle
warranty. See
Driving Through Water
Limitations (page 474).
Note: Failure to follow the recommended
speeds can result in vehicle damage.
Muddy waters can reduce the cooling
system effectiveness by depositing debris
into the radiator.
High currents even in shallow water can
wash the dirt out from around your tires or
push your vehicle across slippery rocks or
surfaces.
Do not cross any body of water that is fast
flowing and rising.
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DRIVING THROUGH WATER
LIMITATIONS - RAPTOR
Maximum Wading
Depth
Model
32 in (810 mm)
All.
When you are driving though water do not
exceed 4 mph (7 km/h).
WATER WADING WARNING:
Do not attempt to
cross a deep, fast flowing body of water.
Failure to follow this instruction could
result in the loss of control of your
vehicle, personal injury or death.
As the water depth increases, you must
reduce your vehicle speed to avoid
potential vehicle damage. •
Always determine the depth before
attempting a water crossing. Never
drive through water that is higher than
the bottom of the wheel hubs.
• Slowly proceed and avoid splashing
water any more than is necessary. •
Be aware that obstacles and debris
may be beneath the water ’s surface.
• Keep the doors fully closed during the
water crossing.
• After driving through water and as soon
as it is safe to do so check the brakes,
horn, lights, and steering wheel to
confirm those systems are functioning
properly.
Note: Engine damage can occur if water
enters the air filter.
OFF-ROAD DRIVING AIDS -
RAPTOR
Selecting an Off-Road Drive Mode
Using the appropriate drive mode increases
your vehicle's control. See
Drive Mode
Control (page 371).
Using Four-Wheel Drive
Your vehicle has a four-wheel drive system
that offers various modes to help you
optimize traction on any off-road surface.
See
Four-Wheel Drive (page 291).
Using the Cameras Off-Road
Use the 360 degree camera to enhance
your off-road experience. See 360 Degree
Camera
(page 342).
Using the Rear Differential Lock
When engaged, the rear differential lock
provides additional traction to your vehicle
by forcing the two rear wheels to turn at
the same speed.
Note: Rear differential lock is only available
when the vehicle is in 4H or 4L. See
Electronic Locking Differential (page 301).
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Using Trail Control
Trail Control provides you the ability to
maneuver the vehicle without using the
throttle and brake pedals.
The system controls acceleration and
braking in difficult off-road environments,
which allows you to focus on steering. See
Trail Control (page 324).
Trail Control Performance:
• Manages wheel slip to maximize
traction.
• Provides braking to maximize traction
in descents.
Using Trail One Pedal Drive
(If
Equipped)
Trail one pedal drive allows you to
accelerate and brake using only the
accelerator pedal.
Use this when driving over large obstacles,
such as rocks or logs, to help maintain a
constant vehicle speed.
In 4H, the system offers lift pedal braking
and auto hill hold functionality. See
What
Is Trail One Pedal Drive (page 325).
Note: Trail one pedal drive is only available
when the vehicle is in 4H or 4L.
AFTER DRIVING YOUR VEHICLE
OFF-ROAD - RAPTOR WARNING:
After off-road use,
before returning to the road, check the
wheels and tires for damage. Off-road
use may cause damage to your wheels
and tires that can lead to tire failure, loss
of vehicle control, serious injury or death. WARNING:
Always re-inflate tires
to recommended tire pressures before
the vehicle is operated on-road. The
recommended pressure is located on the
tire label or safety certification label,
located on the B-pillar, inside the driver's
door.
Driving off-road places more stress on your
vehicle than most on-road driving. After
driving off-road, check for damage and, if
necessary, have your vehicle repaired by
an authorized dealer.
Inspect the underbody of your vehicle by
checking tires, body structure, steering,
suspension, and exhaust system for
damage.
Check the radiator for mud and debris and
clean as needed.
Remove accumulations of plants or brush.
These things could be a fire hazard or hide
damage to the fuel lines, brake hoses, and
propeller shafts.
After operation in mud, sand, water, or
similar dirty conditions, inspect the
underbody and clean your vehicle.
AFTER DRIVING YOUR VEHICLE
OFF-ROAD WARNING:
After off-road use,
before returning to the road, check the
wheels and tires for damage. Off-road
use may cause damage to your wheels
and tires that can lead to tire failure, loss
of vehicle control, serious injury or death.
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WARNING: Always re-inflate tires
to recommended tire pressures before
the vehicle is operated on-road. The
recommended pressure is located on the
tire label or safety certification label,
located on the B-pillar, inside the driver's
door.
Driving off-road places more stress on your
vehicle than most on-road driving. After
driving off-road check for damage to your
vehicle and, if necessary, have your vehicle
fixed as soon as possible.
Inspect the underbody of your vehicle by
checking tires, body structure, steering,
suspension, and exhaust system for
damage.
Check the radiator for mud and debris and
clean as needed.
Remove accumulations of plants or brush.
These things could be a fire hazard or hide
damage to the fuel lines, brake hoses, and
propeller shafts.
After extended operation in mud, sand,
water, or similar dirty conditions, inspect
the underbody and clean your vehicle as
soon as possible.
If you experience unusual vibration after
driving in mud, slush or similar conditions,
check the wheels for impacted material.
Impacted material can cause vibrations
while driving and wheel imbalance.
Remove the material to resolve the
problem.
COLD WEATHER
PRECAUTIONS
The functional operation of some
components and systems can be affected
at temperatures below approximately
-13°F (-25°C)
. DRIVING ON SNOW AND ICE WARNING:
If you are driving in
slippery conditions that require tire
chains or cables, then it is critical that
you drive cautiously. Keep speeds down,
allow for longer stopping distances and
avoid aggressive steering to reduce the
chances of a loss of vehicle control
which can lead to serious injury or death.
If the rear end of your vehicle slides while
cornering, steer in the direction of the
slide until you regain control of your
vehicle.
On ice and snow, you should drive more
slowly than usual. Your vehicle has a four
wheel anti-lock brake system, do not pump
the brake pedal.
See Anti-Lock Braking
System Limitations (page 308).
BREAKING-IN
Your vehicle requires a break-in period. For
the first 1,000 mi (1,600 km), avoid driving
at high speeds, heavy braking, aggressive
shifting or using your vehicle to tow. During
this time, your vehicle may exhibit some
unusual driving characteristics.
DRIVING ECONOMICALLY
The following helps to improve fuel
consumption:
• There is no need to wait for your engine
to warm up. The vehicle is ready to
drive immediately after starting.
• Your fuel consumption should improve
throughout your hybrid's break-in
period.
• Accelerate and slow down in a smooth,
moderate fashion.
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•
Moderate braking is particularly
important since it allows you to
maximize the energy captured by the
regenerative braking system.
• Drive at steady speeds without
stopping.
• Anticipate stops; slowing down may
eliminate the need to stop.
• Driving on flat terrain.
• Drive at reasonable speeds and
observe posted speed limits.
• Shut all windows when driving at high
speeds.
• Combine errands and minimize
stop-and-go driving.
• Drive with the tonneau cover installed
if your vehicle comes with one.
• Keep the tires properly inflated and use
only the recommended size.
• Use the recommended engine oil.
• Follow the recommended maintenance
schedule and carry out the
recommended checks.
• Perform all scheduled maintenance.
Note: Having your engine running is not
always an indication of inefficiency. In some
cases, it is actually more efficient than
driving in electric mode.
Avoid these actions; they reduce your fuel
consumption:
• Revving the engine.
• Aggressive driving increases the
amount of energy required to move
your vehicle.
• Driving in lower temperatures during
the first 5–10 mi (12 –16 km) of driving.
• Idle for periods longer than one minute.
• Use the air conditioner or front
defroster. •
Adding certain accessories to your
vehicle like bug deflectors, rollbars,
light bars, running boards, ski racks or
luggage racks.
• Use the speed control in hilly terrain.
• Using fuel blended with alcohol.
• Drive a heavily loaded vehicle or tow a
trailer.
• Driving with the wheels out of
alignment.
DRIVING IN SPECIAL
CONDITIONS
EMERGENCY MANEUVERS
In an unavoidable emergency where you
must make a sudden sharp maneuver, turn
the steering wheel only as rapidly and as
far as required to avoid the emergency.
Apply smooth pressure to the accelerator
pedal or brake pedal as needed. Avoid
abrupt steering, acceleration and braking
changes. Abrupt changes could increase
the risk of vehicle roll over, loss of vehicle
control and personal injury. If possible, use
any available road surfaces to bring your
vehicle under control.
FLOOR MATS WARNING:
Use a floor mat
designed to fit the footwell of your
vehicle that does not obstruct the pedal
area. Failure to follow this instruction
could result in the loss of control of your
vehicle, personal injury or death. WARNING:
Pedals that cannot
move freely can cause loss of vehicle
control and increase the risk of serious
personal injury.
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SNOW PLOWING
PRECAUTIONS
WARNING: Modifying or adding
equipment to the front of your vehicle
could affect the performance of the
airbag system, increasing the risk of
injury. This includes the hood, bumper
system, frame, front body structure, tow
hooks, hood pins, push bar and
snowplows. WARNING:
Do not attempt to
service, repair, or modify the
supplementary restraint system or
associated components. Failure to
follow this instruction could result in
personal injury or death. WARNING:
All occupants of your
vehicle, including the driver, should
always properly wear their seatbelts,
even when an airbag supplemental
restraint system is provided. Failure to
properly wear your seatbelt could
seriously increase the risk of injury or
death. WARNING:
Do not spin the wheels
at over 34 mph (55 km/h). The tires may
fail and injure a passenger or bystander.
Note: Look for an alterer ’s label on your
vehicle from the snowplow installer
certifying that the installation meets all
applicable Federal Motor Vehicle Safety
Standards (FMVSS).
Note: Federal and some local regulations
require additional exterior lamps for
snowplow-equipped vehicles. Contact an
authorized dealer for additional information. Note:
Do not remove or defeat the tripping
mechanisms designed into the snow
removal equipment by its manufacturer.
Doing so could cause damage to your
vehicle and the snow removal equipment
as well as possible airbag deployment.
OPERATING YOUR VEHICLE
WITH A SNOWPLOW
Weight limits and guidelines for selecting
and installing the snowplow are in the Ford
Truck Body Builders Layout Book. For
additional information, visit
www .f or dbb a s. c om .
A typical snowplow installation affects the
following:
• Front gross axle weight rating. See
What Is the Gross Axle Weight
Rating
(page 413).
• Gross vehicle weight rating. See
What
Is the Gross Vehicle Weight Rating
(page
413).
• Braking and steering.
• Front wheel toe. See the
Ford
Workshop Manual.
• Headlight aim. See
Adjusting the
Headlamps (page 521).
• Tire air pressure. See Information on
the Tire Sidewall
(page 543).
Note: Do not exceed the front gross axle
weight rating or gross vehicle weight rating.
Note: Your vehicle may require rear ballast
weight for proper braking and steering.
Your vehicle has a driver and passenger
airbag supplemental restraint system. The
supplemental restraint system activates
in certain frontal and offset frontal
collisions when the vehicle sustains
sufficient longitudinal deceleration.
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