2023 FORD F150 Owners Manual

DescriptionMessage
Displays when the system does not detectthe trailer.If your trailer is setup with a sticker, makesure the rear camera is clean, and thesticker is clearly visible in the camera image.You can also move the trailer forward orbackward to change the trailer position andlighting conditions.If your trailer is setup with a sensor, checkthat the sensor is correctly installed andthe trailer length is within the allowedrange.If this message continues to display, visityour authorized dealer to have your vehiclechecked.
Trailer Reverse Guidance Trailer NotDetected. Refer to Owner's Manual. PressOK to Exit
Displays when your vehicle has not movedafter the trailer sensor is connected orextended operation below 1 mph (1 km/h).Drive forward above 2 mph (3 km/h) toinitialize the system.
Trailer Reverse Guidance Trailer NotDetected Pull Forward to Initialize PressOK to Exit
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2023 F-150 (TFD) Canada/United States of America, enUSA, Edition date: 202206, DOMTrailer Reverse Guidance (If Equipped)

TRAILER REVERSE GUIDANCE –FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What does it mean if the systemdoes not detect a trailer that issetup with a sticker?
•The system could be having troubleidentifying the sticker. The systemrequires a clear view of the stickerplaced on the trailer. You must keepthe camera lens and sticker clean forthe system to correctly operate. If thesystem cannot initially detect thetrailer, it could be necessary for you tochange the lighting conditions bymoving your vehicle and trailer orwaiting until the conditions change.See Applying the Trailer ReverseAid Sticker (page 456). Deleting thetrailer and repeating the setup andcalibration could improve performance,but some trailers are not compatiblewith the sticker and camera system. Ifthe system consistently does notdetect the trailer with the sticker setup,you may choose to setup the trailerwith a sensor.
Note:The system is designed to be usedwith the same trailer connection every timeyou choose the trailer from the touchscreen.When using a different drawbar or adifferent pin hole on drawbars with morethan one, connecting the drawbar to yourvehicle affects the trailer position and youmay need to repeat the trailer setup andcalibration process.
Why does the trailer not reversestraight?
•The road conditions, such as roadcamber and road slope, could affecthow straight the system can reverse.You can compensate for the trailerdrifting to the right or left by slowlyturning the knob until the trailer isfollowing your desired path and thenholding the knob in that position.
•Other factors, such as the hitchconnection or trailer suspension, couldaffect how straight the system canreverse the trailer. You cancompensate for the trailer drifting tothe right or left by slowly turning theknob until the trailer is following yourdesired path and then holding the knobin that position.
•The sensor could be incorrectlyinstalled. Make sure the sensor iscorrectly installed.
What does it mean if the systemremains on one message for anextended time during calibrationwhen setting up the system withthe sticker?
•The camera could require cleaning.
•You could have a blocked sticker. Verifythe sticker is in the proper location. SeeApplying the Trailer Reverse AidSticker (page 456).
•The drawbar could be outside of theallowed range of 4–19 in (10–48 cm).
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•The system could have difficultiesrecognizing the sticker based onenvironmental factors. You could needto move to a different area to changethe lighting and background or youcould need to change the direction youare driving. You could also try settingup the system at a different time ofday.
•Some trailers are not compatible withthe sticker and camera system. If theissue persists, set up the trailer with asensor purchased from your authorizeddealer. See Trailer SensorInstallation (page 456).
What does it mean if the systempauses during calibration?
•There could be steering input or trailermovement during the straight driveportion of the calibration process.
What does it mean if the systemdisplays hold steering steadyduring turn?
•Part of the calibration process for thesticker setup requires a steady turn. Ifyou are continually moving the steeringwheel during the turn, this delays thecalibration process. To enable thecalibration process, hold the steeringwheel at the same position whenturning.
What does it mean if the systemdisplays that it is not available?
•There could be a sub-system that thesystem uses that is not correctlyoperating. If the system continues todisplay it is not available, visit yourauthorized dealer to have your vehiclechecked.
•There could be a battery voltage issue.Make sure the battery is correctlycharged. If the system continues todisplay it is not available, visit yourauthorized dealer to have your vehiclechecked.
What does it mean if the systemdisplays that driving is required toinitialize steering?
•The steering system needs to learninternal parameters to fully turn on thefeature. Drive your vehicle straightforward above 25 mph (40 km/h) forapproximately 5 minutes.
•Your vehicle is new, there is a batteryvoltage issue or you have serviced thesteering system.
What does it mean if the systemrequires you to pull forward toinitialize?
•This occurs when the vehicle has notmoved during the current key cycleafter you connect and select the trailerin the touchscreen, or you operate thesystem at speeds below 1 mph(1 km/h) for an extended period oftime. Drive forward above 2 mph(3 km/h) and the system indicateswhen it initializes.
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2023 F-150 (TFD) Canada/United States of America, enUSA, Edition date: 202206, DOMTrailer Reverse Guidance (If Equipped)

What does it mean if the trailer isat its maximum angle or thesystem deactivated by trailerangle?
•You are at the maximum controllabletrailer angle for the system. Place yourvehicle in drive (D) and pull forward toget the truck and trailer back to anin-line position.
•The trailer could need to berecalibrated. Check that the correcttrailer is selected in the touchscreen.Verify the sensor is installed accordingto the instructions included in thesensor kit and check that the drawbarand the trailer dimensions are withinthe allowed range. Then, delete thetrailer from the system and repeat thesetup process to calibrate the trailer.
•The drawbar or the trailer dimensionsare outside of the supported range. Thesystem is designed to work withdrawbars that have a license plate tohitch ball center measurement of9–18 in (23–46 cm) when installed.The system is designed to work withtrailers that have a hitch point to centerof the axle or axles measurement of6–33 ft (1.85–10.05 m). Do notattempt to use drawbars or trailers thathave a length outside of this range asthe system performance degrades andcould cause improper system function.
•The sensor could be incorrectlyinstalled. Make sure the sensor iscorrectly installed.
What does it mean when thesystem tells you to take control ofthe steering wheel?
•You have touched the steering wheelwhen the system is steering. Avoidtouching the wheel during systemoperation.
•You have exceeded the maximumspeed for the feature. The system is nolonger steering the vehicle and youmust take over steering.
•The system does not detect the trailer.The system is no longer steering thevehicle and you must take oversteering.
•An internal condition for systemoperation is not met that requires yourvehicle to return to manual control ofthe steering.
How do I use a sticker if I havepreviously setup a trailer with thesensor?
•Disconnect the sensor wiring and adda new trailer to the system and followthe instructions for setup with a sticker.See Applying the Trailer ReverseAid Sticker (page 456). If your vehicledoes not support the sticker option, thetouchscreen instructs you to install thesensor again.
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Why does the system not detect asensor?
•There could be an issue with theconnection. Make sure that the 12-wayconnector is fully inserted into the12-way socket, that the red rubber sealis not visible when the connector is fullyinserted and that the wiring harnesssensor connection is fully inserted atthe trailer sensor.
•The wiring harness could be damaged.Check for damaged wiring between the12-way connector and the trailersensor.
•There could be multiple sensorsconnected to your vehicle. Make sureonly one sensor is connected at a time.
•The sensor could be incorrectlyinstalled. Make sure the sensor isinstalled on a vertical surface with thearrows pointing straight up.
What does it mean if the systemremains on one message for anextended time during calibrationwhen setting up the system withthe sensor?
•The trailer length could be outside theallowed range. The system is designedto work with trailers that have a hitchpoint to center of the axle or axlesmeasurement of 6–33 ft(1.85–10.05 m).
•The road surface could be too rough orbumpy. Try calibrating the system ona smoother road surface, such as anopen parking lot.
•The sensor could be incorrectlyinstalled. Make sure the sensor isinstalled on a vertical surface with thearrows pointing straight up.
What does it mean if the systemdoes not detect a trailer whenconfigured with a sensor?
•Verify that you properly connected thesensor. See Trailer SensorInstallation (page 456). Repeatcalibration on a different route if youhave verified sensor installation.
What if I want to use a sensor forthe trailer instead of a sticker?
•Install the sensor and connect thesensor wiring before adding the newtrailer to the system. You must connectthe sensor before you add the trailer.If your vehicle did not come with asensor, you can purchase one from yourauthorized dealer.
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2023 F-150 (TFD) Canada/United States of America, enUSA, Edition date: 202206, DOMTrailer Reverse Guidance (If Equipped)

OFF-ROAD DRIVING
WHAT IS OFF-ROAD DRIVING
Off-road driving is driving your vehicle onunsurfaced roads or trails, made from dirt,rocks, sand and mud.
OFF-ROAD DRIVINGPRECAUTIONS - RAPTOR
WARNING: If you continue to driveyour vehicle when the engine isoverheating, the engine could stopwithout warning. Failure to follow thisinstruction could result in the loss ofcontrol of your vehicle.
Before going off-road driving, consult withall the appropriate government entities todetermine where you are legally allowedto operate your vehicle and what permitsor registrations are required to do so.
Inspect your vehicle before and after anyoff-road driving.
Familiarize yourself with the dimensionsof your vehicle including approach angles,breakover angles, and ground clearance.
Also familiarize yourself with the featuresof your vehicle. Some of these featuressuch as drive modes and cameras canimprove your off-road driving experience.
Secure loose objects inside your vehicleand in the cargo area.
BASIC OFF-ROAD DRIVINGTECHNIQUES - EXCLUDING:RAPTOR
Off-road Driving Hints
Before taking your vehicle off-roading, abasic vehicle inspection should be done tomake sure that the vehicle is in top workingcondition. It is always recommended thatat least two vehicles are used whileoff-roading. The buddy system helps makesure that help is close at hand should avehicle become stuck or damaged. It is alsowise to take supplies such as a first aid kit,supply of water, tow strap, cell or satellitephone with you any time an off-roadexcursion is planned.
1.Grip the steering wheel with thumbson the outside of the rim. This willreduce the risk of injury due to abruptsteering wheel motions that occurwhen negotiating rough terrain.
2.Throttle, brake and steering inputsshould be made in a smooth andcontrolled manner. Sudden inputs tothe controls can cause loss of tractionor upset the vehicle, especially whileon loose terrain or while crossingobstacles such as rocks or logs.
3.Look ahead on your route notingupcoming obstacles, or any otherfactors which may indicate a changein available traction, and adjust thevehicle speed and route accordingly.
4.When driving off-road, if the front orrear suspension is bottoming outand/or excessive contact with theskid-plates is encountered, reducevehicle speed to avoid potentialdamage to the vehicle.
5.When with other vehicles, it isrecommended that communication isused, and the lead vehicle notify othervehicles of obstacles that could causepotential vehicle damage.
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6.Always keep available groundclearance in mind and pick a route thatminimizes the risk of catching theunderside of the vehicle on an obstacle.
7.When negotiating low speed obstacles,applying light brake pressure inconjunction with the throttle will helpprevent the vehicle from jerking andwill allow you to negotiate the obstaclein a more controlled manner. Using 4Lwill also help with this.
8.Off-roading requires a high degree ofconcentration. Even if your local lawdoes not prohibit alcohol use whiledriving off-road, Ford stronglyrecommends against drinking if youplan to off-road.
Crossing Obstacles
•Review the path ahead beforeattempting to cross any obstacle. It isbest if the obstacle is reviewed fromoutside the vehicle so that there is agood understanding of terrain conditionboth in front of and behind theobstacle.
•Approach obstacles slowly.
•If a large obstacle such as a rockcannot be avoided, choose a path thatplaces the rock directly under the tirerather than the undercarriage of thevehicle. This will help prevent damageto the vehicle.
•Ditches and washouts should becrossed at a 45° angle, allowing eachwheel to independently cross theobstacle.
Hill Climbing
WARNING: Extreme care shouldbe used when steering the vehicle inreverse down a slope so as not to causethe vehicle to swerve out of control.
•Always attempt to climb a steep hillalong the fall line of the slope and notdiagonally.
•If the vehicle is unable to make it upthe hill, DO NOT attempt to turn backdown the slope. Place the vehicle inlow range and slowly back down inreverse.
•When descending a steep slope, selectlow gear and engage hill descentcontrol. Use the throttle and brakepedals to control your descent speed.
Note:Hill descent control is functional inreverse and should be used in this situation.
BASIC OFF-ROAD DRIVINGTECHNIQUES - RAPTOR
Grip the steering wheel with your thumbson the outside of the rim. This reduces therisk of injury due to abrupt steering wheelmotions that occur when negotiating roughterrain.
If you are driving in a dusty area, be sure toleave ample distance between your vehicleand any other vehicles to allow foradequate vision.
DRIVING OFF-ROAD - RAPTOR
Driving In Snow and Ice
WARNING: Do not becomeoverconfident in the ability of four-wheeldrive vehicles. Although a four-wheeldrive vehicle may accelerate better thana two-wheel drive vehicle in low tractionsituations, it won't stop any faster thantwo-wheel drive vehicles. Always driveat a safe speed.
Make sure you allow sufficient distancebetween your vehicle and other vehiclesfor stopping.
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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