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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2023 F-150 (TFD) Canada/United States of America, enUSA, Edition date: 202206, DOMTowing a Trailer
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
WHAT IS SMART HITCH
Smart hitch shows how balanced theweight is from the trailer onto the vehicle'shitch and front axle.
HOW DOES SMART HITCH
WORK
Smart hitch uses sensors mounted to thesuspension to calculate the tongue weightof the connected trailer.
SMART HITCH LIMITATIONS
You cannot use the system if any of thefollowing occur:
•The wheels are not pointed straightahead.
•Your vehicle is not in park (P).
•Your vehicle is not on a level surface.
•The tire pressures are below therecommended levels.
•Your vehicle is off.
USING SMART HITCH
1.Press Features on the touchscreen.
2.Press Smart Hitch.
Note:You can also access smart hitchusing the FordPass app.
Settings menu.A
Quick setup.B
Connection checklist.C
Hitch type selection.D
Hitch Type Selection
Press to select the hitch type.
Quick Setup
Press to skip the trailer setup guide andadjust the load in the trailer to a balancedrange.
Reset Hitch Weight
Press to reset the weight on the hitch tozero.
Loaded Trailer Weight
Press to set the total weight of the loadedtrailer.
Note:The vehicle's tongue weight is notavailable until you attach a trailer.
Note:Make sure you include both the trailerweight and the trailer cargo in yourcalculation for total weight of the loadedtrailer.
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2023 F-150 (TFD) Canada/United States of America, enUSA, Edition date: 202206, DOMSmart Hitch (If Equipped)ABCDE361328
WHAT IS ONBOARD SCALES
Onboard scales provides the estimatedpayload of your vehicle and warns whenyour vehicle is overloaded.
HOW DOES ONBOARD SCALES
WORK
Onboard scales uses sensors mounted tothe suspension to calculate the vehicle'spayload.
ONBOARD SCALES
LIMITATIONS
You cannot use the system if any of thefollowing occur:
•The wheels are not pointed straightahead.
•Your vehicle is not in park (P).
•Your vehicle is not on a level surface.
•The tire pressures are below therecommended levels.
•Your vehicle is off.
USING ONBOARD SCALES
1.Press Features on the touchscreen.
2.Press Onboard Scales.
Note:You can also access on-board scaleusing the FordPass app.
Settings menu.A
Estimated payload.B
Taillights on and off.C
Taillights
Press to see the vehicle's estimatedpayload on the vehicle's tail lamp.
On-Board Scale Settings
Vehicle Mode
Press to return to the on-board scalescreen.
Scale Mode
Press to see a representation of the weightadded to the vehicle's current payload andto reset the scale to zero.
Note:The scale settings remain betweenkey cycles.
Passenger and Cargo Load Reminder
Press to switch the load reminder on or off.
Set Passenger and Cargo Load Reminder
Press to set the estimated payload that isnot in the vehicle when you use on-boardscale.
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2023 F-150 (TFD) Canada/United States of America, enUSA, Edition date: 202206, DOMOnboard Scales (If Equipped)E375676
WHAT IS TRAILER BACKUP
ASSISTANCE
Trailer backup assistance utilizes thecontrol knob on the instrument panel tohelp you steer a trailer. Turn the controlknob in the direction you want the trailerto go and the system steers the vehicle.
HOW DOES TRAILER BACKUP
ASSISTANCE WORK
Trailer backup assistance uses a sticker orsensor attached to the trailer to detect thetrailer angle relative to the towing vehicleand provides instructions, graphics andcamera views on the touchscreen.
TRAILER BACKUP
ASSISTANCE PRECAUTIONS
WARNING: Driving while distractedcan result in loss of vehicle control, crashand injury. We strongly recommend thatyou use extreme caution when using anydevice that may take your focus off theroad. Your primary responsibility is thesafe operation of your vehicle. Werecommend against the use of anyhand-held device while driving andencourage the use of voice-operatedsystems when possible. Make sure youare aware of all applicable local lawsthat may affect the use of electronicdevices while driving.
WARNING: This system is an extradriving aid. It does not replace yourattention and judgment, or the need toapply the brakes. This system does NOTautomatically brake your vehicle. If youfail to press the brake pedal whennecessary, you may collide with anothervehicle.
Note:The system is not a substitute forsafe driving practices. Always be aware ofyour vehicle and trailer combination, andthe surrounding environment.
Note:The system does not detect orprevent your vehicle or trailer from makingcontact with obstacles in the surroundingenvironment.
Note:The front end of your vehicle swingsout when changing the direction of thetrailer.
Note:In certain conditions, the trailer couldturn faster or the trailer angle could increasemore than anticipated. Always monitor theclearance between the trailer and vehicleand the surroundings.
SETTING UP THE TRAILER
BACKUP ASSISTANCE FOR A
CONVENTIONAL TRAILER
CONFIGURING THE TRAILER
You must configure a trailer in the systemto use trailer backup assistance. This is aone-time setup process and the systemsaves the trailer information for the nexttime you use that trailer.
The system only works with conventionaltrailers. It does not work with other typesincluding fifth-wheel and gooseneck. Thefollowing illustration shows examples ofconventional trailers on the left-hand side.
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2023 F-150 (TFD) Canada/United States of America, enUSA, Edition date: 202206, DOMTrailer Backup Assistance (If Equipped)
Positioning the Trailer
Hitch the trailer to your vehicle andconnect the electrical wiring harness.Check to make sure that the wiring isworking. See Connecting a Trailer (page414).
Park your vehicle and hitched trailer on alevel surface.
For best results, make sure that your trailerrides level with the ground when you hitchyour vehicle. See Connecting a Trailer(page 414).
Make sure that the trailer and your vehicleare in line with each other. You can do thisby putting the transmission in drive (D) andpulling straight forward.
Configuring the Trailer in theTouchscreen
1.Press the button to switch the systemon.
2.Press Add Trailer on the touchscreen.
3.Follow the directions on thetouchscreen to enter the trailer nameand trailer type, then proceed to thesticker or sensor setup.
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2023 F-150 (TFD) Canada/United States of America, enUSA, Edition date: 202206, DOMTrailer Backup Assistance (If Equipped)E209766 E209759 E209760 E310335
Note:Your vehicle has two options fortrailer backup assistance set up. The systemdefaults to the camera based system. SeeApplying the Trailer Reversing Aid Sticker(page 441). You can also set up the systemwith the trailer sensor that you can purchasefrom your authorized dealer. You mustconnect the sensor to your vehicle to set upthe system. See Trailer SensorInstallation (page 441).
Note:If you configure the trailer and installa sensor, the system saves the trailer withthat sensor information. If you want to usethis trailer with the sticker, you need todelete the trailer from the system andrepeat the setup process.
APPLYING THE TRAILERREVERSING AID STICKER
Place the sticker in an area visible by therear view camera. The entire sticker mustbe within 4–19 in (10–48 cm) from thecenter of the hitch ball, as shown in thefollowing illustration.
Use the supplied sticker placement card,a tape measure and pen to carefully markthe area to attach the sticker. The stickeris in the back cover pocket of your quickstart guide. Make sure the entire sticker iswithin the green zone between the twoarcs or distance markers on the diagram,and is also visible in the rear view cameradisplay.
Once you have found the correct location,place the sticker.
Note:Make sure nothing can obstruct therear view camera's view of the sticker suchas a jack handle or wiring.
Note:Position the sticker on a flat, dry andclean horizontal surface. For best results,apply the sticker when temperatures areabove 32°F (0°C).
Note:Do not move stickers after placingthem. Do not re-use any stickers if removed.
Note:You can purchase additional stickersthrough your authorized dealer.
Note:If you previously setup the trailer withthe trailer sensor, make sure it is not pluggedin before configuring the trailer and placingthe sticker.
TRAILER SENSOR INSTALLATION
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2023 F-150 (TFD) Canada/United States of America, enUSA, Edition date: 202206, DOMTrailer Backup Assistance (If Equipped)E333148 E315959
You need to purchase a sensor kit and 7/12way connector to replace the 7/4 wayconnector on your vehicle to setup thesystem with a sensor. See your authorizeddealer.
Refer to the instructions included with yourtrailer sensor for detailed informationregarding installation.
Note:Make sure the arrows on the sensorhousing are facing up. Mount the sensor toa vertical part of the trailer that pivots whenyou turn your vehicle. Do not mount to astationary surface such as the truck side ofthe trailer hitch.
Note:To setup a trailer with a sensor, installthe sensor on the trailer and plug theconnector into the connector in your bumperprior to configuring the trailer. Trailers thatwere set up with a sensor still require thesensor to function. To change a trailer touse the sticker, delete the trailer in thesystem and repeat the trailer setup with thesticker.
CALIBRATING THE SYSTEM
Calibrating the system requires drivingforward and turning left or right. Follow theinstructions on the touchscreen tocomplete the calibration process.
Note:To calibrate the system, you need anarea where you can safely drive forward andturn left or right. An open parking lot is anideal place to perform the calibration.
Note:Keep the steering wheel straightwhen instructed to by the touchscreen. Ifthe steering wheel is in a turned positionduring this instruction, the calibrationpauses.
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2023 F-150 (TFD) Canada/United States of America, enUSA, Edition date: 202206, DOMTrailer Backup Assistance (If Equipped)E359954 E352329