TOWING A TRAILER – TROUBLESHOOTING
TOWING A TRAILER – INFORMATION MESSAGES
DetailsMessage
The left-hand trailer turn lamp requiresservice.Trailer Left Turn Lamps Fault Check Lamps
The right-hand trailer turn lamp requiresservice.Trailer Right Turn Lamps Fault CheckLamps
The trailer battery voltage is too low tocharge.Trailer Battery Not Charging See Manual
The system detects a short created by thetrailer lamps. Inspect and repair the trailerwiring, or have the system checked as soonas possible.
Trailer Lighting Module Fault See Manual
The trailer stoplamps require service.Trailer Stop Lamps Fault Check Lamps
Verify the trailer brake connections aresecure and that the aftermarket trailerbrake controller device is correctly installed.Perform a trailer brake and trailer lightcheck if possible. If the message persists,have your vehicle checked as soon aspossible.
Trailer brake system fault See manual
Perform a trailer brake and trailer lightcheck if possible. If the message persists,have your vehicle checked as soon aspossible.
Trailer brake module fault
The trailer sway control detects trailersway. Reduce the vehicle's speed.Trailer Sway Reduce Speed
Displays when one or more tires on thetrailer is above the recommended temper-ature.
Trailer Tire Over Temperature
One or more tires on your trailer is belowthe specified tire pressure.Trailer Tire Low Specified:
A trailer tire pressure sensor requiresservice. If the warning stays on or continuesto come on, have the system checked assoon as possible.
Trailer Tire Pressure Sensor Fault
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6.If the trailer wheels lock up, indicatedby squealing tires, reduce the gainsetting. If the trailer wheels turn freely,increase the gain setting. Repeat Steps5 and 6 until the gain setting is at apoint just below trailer wheel lock-up.If towing a heavier trailer, trailer wheellock-up may not be attainable evenwith the maximum gain setting of 10.
Note:Only perform this procedure atspeeds of approximately 20–25 mph(30–40 km/h).
Note:The trailer brake controller reducesoutput at vehicle speeds below 11 mph(18 km/h) so that trailer and vehicle brakingis not jerky or harsh. This feature is onlyavailable when applying the brakes usingyour vehicle's brake pedal, not thecontroller.
Note:Your vehicle's brake system and thetrailer brake system work independently ofeach other. Changing the gain setting on thecontroller does not affect the operation ofyour vehicle's brakes whether you attach atrailer or not.
Note:With the proper electrical connection,pressing your vehicle brake pedal or usingthe manual control lever illuminates bothtrailer and vehicle brake lamps.
Note:When you switch the engine off, thecontroller output is disabled and the displayand module shut down. The controllermodule and display turn on when you switchthe ignition on.
Note:Trailer braking is suspended duringstop/start events to minimize battery draw.
Adjusting the Trailer Brake Gain
Use the gain adjustment (+) and(-) buttons to increase ordecrease the gain setting to thedesired starting point. The trailerbrake controller allowsadjustment of brake gain from0% to 100% in 5% increments.
A
Trailer braking is directly appliedby the driver through this manualslider.
B
Note:Adjust gain setting before using thetrailer brake controller for the first time.
Note:The gain should be set to provide themaximum trailer braking assistance whilemaking sure the trailer wheels do not lockwhen using the brakes. Locked trailer wheelsmay lead to trailer instability.
Note:Setting adjustments are saved whena trailer profile is selected.
Note:If you have installed an aftermarkettrailer brake controller in addition to theintegrated trailer brake controller, set thegain on the integrated trailer brake controllerto zero.
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2023 F-150 (TFD) Canada/United States of America, enUSA, Edition date: 202206, DOMIntegrated Trailer Brake Controller (If Equipped)E333154
WHAT IS TRAILER HITCHING
ASSISTANCE
Trailer hitching assistance helps the driveralign the vehicle hitch ball to a trailercoupler.
HOW DOES TRAILER HITCHING
ASSISTANCE WORK
Trailer hitching assistance uses thefollowing to detect your trailer:
•Rear view camera.
•Radar.
•Parking aid sensors.
•External rear lighting.
This feature also controls the following toalign the hitch ball with the trailer coupler:
•Steering.
•Shifting.
•Braking and acceleration.
Note:Blocked sensors could affect systemperformance. Do not cover the sensors withbumper stickers, tape, repair compound orother objects.
TRAILER HITCHING
ASSISTANCE PRECAUTIONS
WARNING: You are responsible forcontrolling your vehicle at all times. Thesystem is designed to be an aid and doesnot relieve you of your responsibility todrive with due care and attention. Failureto follow this instruction could result inthe loss of control of your vehicle,personal injury or death.
WARNING: The system is notdesigned to detect cyclists,motorcyclists, pedestrians or animals.Apply the brakes when necessary. Failureto follow this instruction could resultpersonal injury or death.
WARNING: The system may notoperate properly during severe weatherconditions, for example snow, ice, heavyrain and spray. Always drive with duecare and attention. Failure to take caremay result in a crash.
Note:Fifth wheel and gooseneck trailersare not supported.
Note:Trailer hitching assistance only workswith conventional trailers, couplers andhitch balls.
Note:The hitch ball must be properlyinstalled on the vehicle for the system tofunction as intended. An improperlyinstalled hitch ball could result in damageto your vehicle or trailer.
Note:Certain aftermarket modificationssuch as oversized tires or lift kits could maketrailer hitching assistance fail or not workas intended.
Note:Keep the sensors and camera freefrom snow, ice and dirt.
Note:Clean the camera lens with a soft,lint-free cloth and non-abrasive cleaner.
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2023 F-150 (TFD) Canada/United States of America, enUSA, Edition date: 202206, DOMTrailer Hitching Assistance (If Equipped) E383821
Driving In Sand
When driving over sand, try to keep all fourwheels on the most solid area of the trail.
Driving In Mud
Be cautious of sudden changes in vehiclespeed or direction when you are driving inmud.
After driving through mud, clean yourvehicle. Excess mud stuck on the wheelsand tires and rotating components cancause an imbalance and result in damage.
Note:The vehicle brakes are less effectivewhen wet or muddy.
Driving Over Rocks and Gravel
Never attempt to straddle a rock that islarge enough to strike your axles orundercarriage.
Leave a generous gap between yourvehicle and other vehicles to minimize therisk of damage. Avoid dust clouds as theyreduce visibility.
Climbing A Hill
WARNING: Extreme care shouldbe used when steering the vehicle inreverse down a slope so as not to causethe vehicle to swerve out of control.
Do not drive over the crest of a hill withoutseeing what conditions are on the otherside. Do not drive in reverse over a hillwithout the aid of an observer.
Note:Avoid turning on steep slopes or hills.A danger lies in losing traction, slippingsideways and possible vehicle roll over.
Note:Too much acceleration can causethe tires to slip, spin or lose traction,resulting in loss of vehicle control.
Driving Through Water
WARNING: Do not attempt tocross a deep, fast flowing body of water.Failure to follow this instruction couldresult in the loss of control of yourvehicle, personal injury or death.
The key to a safe crossing is the waterdepth, current and bottom of the water'scondition. On soft bottoms, the vehiclesinks in, effectively increasing the waterlevel on the vehicle. Make sure to considerthis when determining the depth of water.
Determine the depth and speed of thecurrent before attempting a water crossing.
Be aware that obstacles and debris couldbe beneath the water’s surface.
Note:Cross flowing water at an angleheading slightly upstream.
Note:Tread lightly and avoid damage tothe environment.
Water can cause permanent damage thatmay not be covered by your vehiclewarranty. See Driving Through WaterLimitations (page 470).
Note:Failure to follow the recommendedspeeds can result in vehicle damage.
Muddy waters can reduce the coolingsystem effectiveness by depositing debrisinto the radiator.
High currents even in shallow water canwash the dirt out from around your tires orpush your vehicle across slippery rocks orsurfaces.
Do not cross any body of water that is fastflowing and rising.
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2023 F-150 (TFD) Canada/United States of America, enUSA, Edition date: 202206, DOMDriving Hints
Vehicles used to traverse water should beperiodically inspected for signs of wateringestion in all of the vehicle's fluids. Ifwater is found inside your vehicle fluids,service your vehicle or see an authorizeddealer.
Avoid Getting High-Centered
Always keep available ground clearancein mind and pick a route that minimizes therisk of catching the underside of the vehicleon an obstacle and getting high-centered.
Freeing A Stuck Vehicle
WARNING: Do not spin the wheelsat over 34 mph (55 km/h). The tires mayfail and injure a passenger or bystander.
Recovery hooks are mounted to thevehicle's structure and are used to pull outthe vehicle from a surface or location whenstuck. Recover your vehicle using varioustowing apparatus attached to yourrecovery hook such as winch, open hook,or strap.
Note:Do not use recovery hooks torecreationally tow your vehicle. SeeRecreationally Towing Your Vehicle (page485).
Note: Do not rock your vehicle if the engineis not at normal operating temperature asdamage to the transmission could occur.
Note:Do not rock your vehicle for morethan a minute as damage to thetransmission and tires could occur or theengine could overheat.
If you are unable to free your vehicle callroadside assistance. See RoadsideAssistance (page 478).
Crossing A Ravine, Gully, Ditch,Washout Or Rut
Review the path ahead before attemptingto cross any obstacle.
Driving Over Logs
Review the path ahead before attemptingto cross any obstacle.
DRIVING YOUR VEHICLE AT HIGHSPEEDS - RAPTOR
If you plan on using your vehicle for severe,high speed off-road use, we recommendthe following:
•Equipping your vehicle with the safetyequipment appropriate for off-roadrecovery.
•Using personal safety equipment,including a certified helmet andapproved neck restraint device.
•Doing a low speed reconnaissance runin unfamiliar areas to become awareof any obstacles that you couldencounter.
Your vehicle can incur damage if drivenbeyond its capabilities. Skid plates, shockguards and running boards are designedto help limit damage to vital componentsand exterior finishes, but cannot preventall damage if driven in extreme off-roadconditions. Damage to skid plates, shockguards, running boards and exteriorfinishes as well as bent, cracked or brokenbody, frame and chassis components maynot be covered by warranty.
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•Be aware that obstacles and debrismay be beneath the water’s surface.
•Keep the doors fully closed during thewater crossing.
•After driving through water and as soonas it is safe to do so check the brakes,horn, lights, and steering wheel toconfirm those systems are functioningproperly.
Note:Engine damage can occur if waterenters the air filter.
OFF-ROAD DRIVING AIDS -RAPTOR
Selecting an Off-Road Drive Mode
Using the appropriate drive mode increasesyour vehicle's control. See Drive ModeControl (page 362).
Using Four-Wheel Drive
Your vehicle has a four-wheel drive systemthat offers various modes to help youoptimize traction on any off-road surface.See Four-Wheel Drive (page 274).
Using the Cameras Off-Road
Use the 360 degree camera to enhanceyour off-road experience. See 360 DegreeCamera (page 332).
Using the Rear Differential Lock
When engaged, the rear differential lockprovides additional traction to your vehicleby forcing the two rear wheels to turn atthe same speed.
Note:Rear differential lock is only availablewhen the vehicle is in 4H or 4L. SeeElectronic Locking Differential (page 284).
Using Trail Control
Trail Control provides you the ability tomaneuver the vehicle without using thethrottle and brake pedals.
The system controls acceleration andbraking in difficult off-road environments,which allows you to focus on steering. SeeTrail Control (page 312).
Trail Control Performance:
•Manages wheel slip to maximizetraction.
•Provides braking to maximize tractionin descents.
Using Trail One Pedal Drive (If
Equipped)
Trail one pedal drive allows you toaccelerate and brake using only theaccelerator pedal.
Use this when driving over large obstacles,such as rocks or logs, to help maintain aconstant vehicle speed.
In 4H, the system offers lift pedal brakingand auto hill hold functionality. See WhatIs Trail One Pedal Drive (page 313).
Note:Trail one pedal drive is only availablewhen the vehicle is in 4H or 4L.
AFTER DRIVING YOUR VEHICLEOFF-ROAD - EXCLUDING: RAPTOR
WARNING: After off-road use,before returning to the road, check thewheels and tires for damage. Off-roaduse may cause damage to your wheelsand tires that can lead to tire failure, lossof vehicle control, serious injury or death.
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WARNING: Always re-inflate tiresto recommended tire pressures beforethe vehicle is operated on-road. Therecommended pressure is located on thetire label or safety certification label,located on the B-pillar, inside the driver'sdoor.
Driving off-road places more stress on yourvehicle than most on-road driving. Afterdriving off-road check for damage to yourvehicle and, if necessary, have your vehiclefixed as soon as possible.
Inspect the underbody of your vehicle bychecking tires, body structure, steering,suspension, and exhaust system fordamage.
Check the radiator for mud and debris andclean as needed.
Remove accumulations of plants or brush.These things could be a fire hazard or hidedamage to the fuel lines, brake hoses, andpropeller shafts.
After extended operation in mud, sand,water, or similar dirty conditions, inspectthe underbody and clean your vehicle assoon as possible.
If you experience unusual vibration afterdriving in mud, slush or similar conditions,check the wheels for impacted material.Impacted material can cause vibrationswhile driving and wheel imbalance.Remove the material to resolve theproblem.
AFTER DRIVING YOUR VEHICLEOFF-ROAD - RAPTOR
WARNING: After off-road use,before returning to the road, check thewheels and tires for damage. Off-roaduse may cause damage to your wheelsand tires that can lead to tire failure, lossof vehicle control, serious injury or death.
WARNING: Always re-inflate tiresto recommended tire pressures beforethe vehicle is operated on-road. Therecommended pressure is located on thetire label or safety certification label,located on the B-pillar, inside the driver'sdoor.
Driving off-road places more stress on yourvehicle than most on-road driving. Afterdriving off-road, check for damage and, ifnecessary, have your vehicle repaired byan authorized dealer.
Inspect the underbody of your vehicle bychecking tires, body structure, steering,suspension, and exhaust system fordamage.
Check the radiator for mud and debris andclean as needed.
Remove accumulations of plants or brush.These things could be a fire hazard or hidedamage to the fuel lines, brake hoses, andpropeller shafts.
After operation in mud, sand, water, orsimilar dirty conditions, inspect theunderbody and clean your vehicle.
COLD WEATHER
PRECAUTIONS
The functional operation of somecomponents and systems can be affectedat temperatures below approximately-13°F (-25°C).
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SNOW PLOWING
PRECAUTIONS
WARNING: Modifying or addingequipment to the front of your vehiclecould affect the performance of theairbag system, increasing the risk ofinjury. This includes the hood, bumpersystem, frame, front body structure, towhooks, hood pins, push bar andsnowplows.
WARNING: Do not attempt toservice, repair, or modify thesupplementary restraint system orassociated components. Failure tofollow this instruction could result inpersonal injury or death.
WARNING: All occupants of yourvehicle, including the driver, shouldalways properly wear their seatbelts,even when an airbag supplementalrestraint system is provided. Failure toproperly wear your seatbelt couldseriously increase the risk of injury ordeath.
WARNING: Do not spin the wheelsat over 34 mph (55 km/h). The tires mayfail and injure a passenger or bystander.
Note:Look for an alterer’s label on yourvehicle from the snowplow installercertifying that the installation meets allapplicable Federal Motor Vehicle SafetyStandards (FMVSS).
Note:Federal and some local regulationsrequire additional exterior lamps forsnowplow-equipped vehicles. Contact anauthorized dealer for additional information.
Note:Do not remove or defeat the trippingmechanisms designed into the snowremoval equipment by its manufacturer.Doing so could cause damage to yourvehicle and the snow removal equipmentas well as possible airbag deployment.
OPERATING YOUR VEHICLE
WITH A SNOWPLOW
Weight limits and guidelines for selectingand installing the snowplow are in the FordTruck Body Builders Layout Book. Foradditional information, visitwww.fordbbas.com/home.
A typical snowplow installation affects thefollowing:
•Front gross axle weight rating. SeeWhat Is the Gross Axle WeightRating (page 405).
•Gross vehicle weight rating. See WhatIs the Gross Vehicle Weight Rating(page 405).
•Braking and steering.
•Front wheel toe. See the FordWorkshop Manual.
•Headlight aim. See Adjusting theHeadlamps (page 515).
•Tire air pressure. See Information onthe Tire Sidewall (page 538).
Note:Do not exceed the front gross axleweight rating or gross vehicle weight rating.
Note:Your vehicle may require rear ballastweight for proper braking and steering.
Your vehicle has a driver and passengerairbag supplemental restraint system. Thesupplemental restraint system activatesin certain frontal and offset frontalcollisions when the vehicle sustainssufficient longitudinal deceleration.
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2023 F-150 (TFD) Canada/United States of America, enUSA, Edition date: 202206, DOMSnow Plowing - Vehicles With: Snow Plow Mode