Setting up a Blind Spot Trailer
Trailer lengthA
Trailer widthB
Trailer hitch ballC
You can set-up a trailer to work with thesystem through the information display.See General Information (page 96).When setting up a trailer, a sequence ofscreens appear asking for trailerinformation.
•Select Trailer Screen: Trailer A, TrailerB or Trailer C.
Select one of the trailers and press OK.
The menu goes to the next screen.
•Is the width less than 8.2 ft (2.5 m) andlength less than 33 ft (10 m)?
If no, the system turns off.
If yes, the menu goes to the next screen.
•Trailer width measurement:
The width of the trailer is measured at thefront of the trailer. It is not measured at thewidest point of the trailer. The maximumwidth at the front of the trailer that thesystem can support is 8.2 ft (2.5 m).
Note:You do not need to enter an exacttrailer width measurement. You only needto confirm that the width of the trailer is8.2 ft (2.5 m) or less.
•Trailer length measurement:
The trailer length is the distance betweenthe trailer hitch ball and the rear of thetrailer. The maximum length that thesystem can support is 33 ft (10 m).
•Enter length of trailer:
Toggling up or down using the menubuttons increases or decreases themeasurement by 3 ft (1 m). Select a lengththat is equal to or within 3 ft (1 m) of theactual measured length. For example, ifthe actual measured length is 25 ft (7.6 m),toggle the length in the menu to 27 ft(8.2 m). When you enter the length of thetrailer, the system setup is saved.
Note:When you connect a trailer and donot set up a Blind Spot Trailer, the systemturns off and a warning appears in theinstrument display.
Note:If the trailer is actually a bike rack orcargo rack with electrical lighting, enter alength of 3 ft (1 m). Cross Traffic Alertremains on for trailers with a length of 3 ft(1 m) or less.
Note:Proper measurement andmeasurement entry is required for thesystem to function as designed.
System Operation
If you select a trailer in the informationdisplay prior to connecting a trailer, thesystem loads that configuration and theinformation display shows a messagewhen you connect the trailer. A secondmessage appears stating cross traffic alertis off. The blind spot information systemwith trailer tow still normally functionswhen driving forward.
If you connect a trailer prior to selecting atrailer in the information display, amessage appears asking you to select atrailer from the list of trailers or to add atrailer. In order for the blind spotinformation system with trailer tow tofunction, you must select an existing trailer
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or add a new trailer. If you ignore therequest or if you exit the screen, a messageappears stating the system has turned offdue to a trailer connect. This message maynot appear until your vehicle speed reaches22 mph (35 km/h).
The blind spot information system withtrailer tow activates when driving forwardfor that particular trailer set up. If you cyclethe ignition, the blind spot informationsystem with trailer tow continues tofunction using the last trailer you select.
Trailer Considerations
The system is designed to work with atrailer with a front width of 8.2 ft (2.5 m)or less, and a total length from the trailerhitch ball to the rear of the trailer of 33 ft(10 m) or less.
Some trailers may cause a slight changein system performance:
•Large box trailers may cause falsealerts to occur when driving next toinfrastructures or near parked cars. Afalse alert may also occur while makinga 90-degree turn.
•Trailers that have a width greater than8.2 ft (2.5 m) at the front and have atotal length greater than 20 ft (6 m)may cause delayed alerts when avehicle is passing at high speed.
•Box trailers that have a width greaterthan 8.2 ft (2.5 m) at the front maycause early alerts when you pass avehicle.
•Clam shell or V-Nose box trailers witha width greater than 8.2 ft (2.5 m) atthe front may cause delayed alertswhen a vehicle traveling the samespeed as your vehicle merges lanes.
System Errors
If the system detects a fault, a warninglamp illuminates and a message displays.See Information Messages (page 104).
Switching the System On and Off
You can switch the system off using theinformation display. See GeneralInformation (page 96). When you switchthe system off, you do not receive alertsand the information display shows asystem off message. The warning indicatorin the cluster also illuminates. When youswitch the system on or off, the alertindicators flash twice.
Note:The system remembers the lastsetting when you start your vehicle.
To permanently switch the system off,contact an authorized dealer.
CROSS TRAFFIC ALERT (IF
EQUIPPED)
WARNING: Do not use the crosstraffic alert system as a replacement forusing the interior and exterior mirrors orlooking over your shoulder beforereversing out of a parking space. Thecross traffic alert system is not areplacement for careful driving.
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.
The system alerts you of vehiclesapproaching from the sides behind yourvehicle when you shift into reverse (R).
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WARNING: The system may fail oroperate with reduced function duringcold and severe weather conditions.Snow, ice, rain, spray and fog canadversely affect the system. Keep thefront camera and radar free of snow andice. Failure to take care may result in theloss of control of your vehicle, seriouspersonal injury or death.
WARNING: Some situations andobjects prevent hazard detection. Forexample low or direct sunlight, inclementweather, unconventional vehicle types,and pedestrians. Apply the brakes whennecessary. Failure to follow thisinstruction could result in the loss ofcontrol of your vehicle, personal injury ordeath.
WARNING: The system cannothelp prevent all crashes. Do not rely onthis system to replace driver judgmentand the need to maintain a safe distanceand speed.
Note:To achieve full system performance,you must break in the braking system. SeeGeneral Information (page 175).
Note:The warning indicator may flash fora short period of time when you start yourvehicle.
Using the Pre-Collision AssistSystem
The Pre-Collision Assist system is activeat speeds above approximately 3 mph(5 km/h) and pedestrian detection is activeat speeds up to 50 mph (80 km/h).
If your vehicle is rapidly approachinganother stationary vehicle, a vehicletraveling in the same direction as yours, ora pedestrian within your driving path thesystem provides three levels offunctionality:
1.Alert
2.Brake Support
3.Active Braking
Alert: When active, the system provides aflashing visual warning and an audiblewarning sound.
Brake Support: Assists the driver inreducing collision speed by preparing thebrake system for rapid braking. Brakesupport does not automatically activatethe brakes, but if the driver presses thebrake pedal even lightly, brake supportcould add additional braking up to fullforce.
Active Braking: Active braking mayactivate if the system determines that acollision is imminent. The system may helpthe driver reduce impact damage or avoidthe crash completely.
Note:If you perceive Pre-Collision Assistalerts as being too frequent or disturbing,then you can reduce the alert sensitivity,though the manufacturer recommendsusing the highest sensitivity setting wherepossible. Setting lower sensitivity wouldlead to fewer and later system warnings.
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•Reduce the stipulatedpermitted gross combinationmass by 3% for everyadditional 1,000 ft (300 m) inhigh altitude regions above1,000 ft (300 m).
•Use a low gear whendescending a steep downhillslope.
•Do not use four-wheel drivewhile towing for extendedperiods of time on dry surfaces.See Using Four-Wheel Drive(page 165).
The stability of your vehicle totrailer combination is dependenton the quality of the trailer.
TRAILER SWAY CONTROL (IF
EQUIPPED)
WARNING: Turning off trailer swaycontrol increases the risk of loss ofvehicle control, serious injury or death.Ford does not recommend disabling thisfeature except in situations where speedreduction may be detrimental (such ashill climbing), the driver has significanttrailer towing experience, and can controltrailer sway and maintain safe operation.
Note:This feature does not prevent trailersway, but reduces it once it begins.
Note:This feature cannot stop all trailersfrom swaying.
Note:In some cases, if vehicle speed is toohigh, the system may activate multipletimes, gradually reducing vehicle speed.
This feature applies your vehicle brakes atindividual wheels and, if necessary, reducesengine power. If the trailer begins to sway,the stability control light flashes and themessage TRAILER SWAY REDUCESPEED appears in the information display.The first thing to do is slow your vehicledown, then pull safely to the side of theroad and check for proper tongue load andtrailer load distribution. See LoadCarrying (page 218).
RECOMMENDED TOWING WEIGHTS
WebsiteMarket
https://www.fleet.ford.com/towing-guides/United States of America
https://www.fleet.ford.ca/towing-guides/Canada
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FunctionColor
Running lightsBrown
Reverse lightsGrey
1 Your vehicle must recognize the trailerbefore the trailer can receive power.
Safety Chains
Note:Do not attach safety chains to thebumper. Always connect the safety chainsto the frame or hook retainers of your trailerhitch.
Install trailer safety chains to the trailerhitch as recommended by themanufacturer. Cross the chains under thetrailer tongue and allow enough slack forturning tight corners. Do not allow thechains to drag on the ground.
If the trailer safety chain hook has a latch,make sure the latch is fully closed.
Trailer Brakes
WARNING: Do not connect atrailer's hydraulic brake system directlyto your vehicle's brake system. Yourvehicle may not have enough brakingpower and your chances of having acollision greatly increase.
Electric brakes and manual, automatic orsurge-type trailer brakes are safe if youinstall them properly and adjust them tothe manufacturer's specifications. Thetrailer brakes must meet local and federalregulations.
The rating for the tow vehicle's brakingsystem operation is at the gross vehicleweight rating, not the gross combinedweight rating.
Separate functioning brake systemsare required for safe control of towedvehicles and trailers weighing morethan 1500 lb (680 kg) when loaded.
Trailer Lamps
WARNING: Never connect anytrailer lamp wiring to the vehicle's taillamp wiring; this may damage theelectrical system resulting in fire. Contactyour authorized dealer as soon aspossible for assistance in proper trailertow wiring installation. Additionalelectrical equipment may be required.
Trailer lamps are required on most towedvehicles. Make sure all running lights, brakelights, turn signals and hazard lights areworking.
Before Towing a Trailer
Practice turning, stopping and backing upto get the feel of your vehicle-trailercombination before starting on a trip.When turning, make wider turns so thetrailer wheels clear curbs and otherobstacles.
When Towing a Trailer
•Do not drive faster than 70 mph(113 km/h) during the first 500 mi(800 km).
•Do not make full-throttle starts.
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•Transmissions give their best fueleconomy when operated in the topcruise gear and with steady pressureon the gas pedal.
•Four-wheel-drive operation (ifequipped) is less fuel efficient thantwo-wheel-drive operation.
COLD WEATHER
PRECAUTIONS
The functional operation of somecomponents and systems can be affectedat temperatures below approximately-13°F (-25°C).
OFF-ROAD DRIVING
Before going off-roading, consult with yourlocal governmental agencies to determinedesignated off-road trails and recreationareas. Also, be sure to understand anyoff-road vehicle registration requirementsfor the area in which you plan on driving.
Before taking your vehicle off-roading, abasic vehicle inspection should be done tomake sure that the vehicle is in top workingcondition.
Basic Off-road Driving Techniques
•Grip the steering wheel with thumbson the outside of the rim. This reducesthe risk of injury due to abrupt steeringwheel motions that occur whennegotiating rough terrain. Do not gripthe steering wheel with thumbs insidethe rim.
•Look ahead on your route notingupcoming obstacles, surface textureor color changes or any other factorswhich may indicate a change inavailable traction, and adjust thevehicle speed and route accordingly.
•Always keep available groundclearance in mind and pick a route thatminimizes the risk of catching theunderside of the vehicle on an obstacle.
•When negotiating low speed obstacles,applying light brake pressure inconjunction with the throttle helpsprevent the vehicle from jerking andallows you to negotiate the obstaclein a more controlled manner. Using 4Lalso helps with this.
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.
•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 helps prevent damage toyour vehicle.
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.
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•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 activate hill descentcontrol. Use the throttle and brakepedals to control your descent speedas described earlier in this section usinghill descent control. Hill descent controlis functional in reverse (R) and shouldbe used in this situation.
After Off-Road Driving
It is important to complete a full vehicleinspection after off-road driving. Someitems to check include:
•Check the wheels and undercarriagefor a buildup of mud or debris, whichcan cause vehicle vibration.
•Make sure that the grille and radiatorare clear of any obstructions that mayaffect cooling.
•Make sure that the brakes are in properworking order and free of any mud,stones and debris, which can becometrapped around the brake rotor,backing plate and caliper.
•Check that the air filter is clean and dry.
•Inspect for torn or punctured boots onball joints, half shafts, steering gears.
•Inspect exhaust system for damage orlooseness.
•Inspect undercarriage fasteners. If anyare loose or damaged, tighten orreplace and make sure that you use theproper torque specification.
•Inspect the wheels for dents, cracks,or other damage.
•Clear any debris from the exhaustcomponents. For example, grass or hay.
DRIVING THROUGH WATER
WARNING: Do not drive throughflowing or deep water as you may losecontrol of your vehicle.
Note:Driving through standing water cancause vehicle damage.
Note:Engine damage can occur if waterenters the air filter.
Before driving through standing water,check the depth. Never drive through waterthat is higher than the bottom of the wheelhubs.
When driving through standing water, drivevery slowly and do not stop your vehicle.Your brake performance and traction maybe limited. After driving through water andas soon as it is safe to do so:
•Lightly press the brake pedal to dry thebrakes and to check that they work.
•Check that the horn works.
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•Check that the exterior lights work.
•Turn the steering wheel to check thatthe steering power assist works.
FLOOR MATS
WARNING: Use a floor matdesigned to fit the footwell of yourvehicle that does not obstruct the pedalarea. Failure to follow this instructioncould result in the loss of control of yourvehicle, personal injury or death.
WARNING: Pedals that cannotmove freely can cause loss of vehiclecontrol and increase the risk of seriouspersonal injury.
WARNING: Secure the floor matto both retention devices so that itcannot slip out of position and interferewith the pedals. Failure to follow thisinstruction could result in the loss ofcontrol of your vehicle, personal injury ordeath.
WARNING: Do not place additionalfloor mats or any other covering on topof the original floor mats. This couldresult in the floor mat interfering with theoperation of the pedals. Failure to followthis instruction could result in the loss ofcontrol of your vehicle, personal injury ordeath.
WARNING: Always make sure thatobjects cannot fall into the driver footwell while your vehicle is moving. Objectsthat are loose can become trappedunder the pedals causing a loss ofvehicle control.
To install floor mats that have eyelets,position the floor mat eyelet over theretention post and press down to lock inposition. Repeat for all eyelets on the floormat.
To remove the floor mats, reverse theinstallation procedure.
Note:Regularly check the floor mats tomake sure they are secure.
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