2023 FORD SUPER DUTY brake light

When attaching the trailer wiring connectorto your vehicle, only use a proper fittingconnector that works with the vehicle andtrailer functions.
Trailer Light Check
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.
Most towed vehicles require trailer lamps.Make sure all running lights, brake lights,turn signals and hazard lights are working.
Safety Chains
Install trailer safety chains to the trailerhitch as recommended by themanufacturer. Cross the chains under thetrailer coupler and allow enough slack forturning tight corners. Do not allow thechains to drag on the ground.
Note:Do not attach safety chains to thebumper. Always connect the safety chainsto the frame or hook retainers of your trailerhitch.
If the trailer safety chain hook has a latch,make sure to fully close the latch.
Use the smaller holes in the safety chainbracket for trailer breakaway cables andsmall 3/8" s-hooks.
TRAILER BATTERY CHARGE/TRAILER POWER FEED
This feature allows the trailer’s battery tocharge under the following situations:
•Your vehicle is in the accessory orengine run position
•If the vehicle’s battery voltage is inoptimum condition, above 12.5 volts,and the trailer’s battery can still hold acharge, or is not too old.
Note: The trailer battery charge statusappears in the instrument cluster display.See Instrument Cluster Display (page 143).
The trailer power feed feature allows fora 12 volt power output on a 7-pin connectorwhen the system detects a trailer.
Note:Trailer power feed can provide amaximum output rate of 15 amps.
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Certain states require functioning trailerbrakes for trailers over a specified weight.Be sure to check state regulations for thisspecified weight.
Ford Motor Company recommendsseparate functioning brake systems fortrailers weighing more than 1,500 lb(680 kg) when loaded.
TOWING A TRAILER
LIMITATIONS
The vehicle's load capacitydesignation is by weight, not byvolume, so you cannot necessarilyuse all available space whenloading a vehicle or trailer.
Note:Your vehicle could havereduced performance whenoperating at high altitudes andwhen heavily loaded or towing a
trailer. When driving at elevation,to match driving performance asperceived at sea level, reduce grossvehicle weight and grosscombination weight by 2% per1,000 ft (300 m) elevation.
LOADING YOUR TRAILER
To help minimize how trailermovement affects your vehiclewhen driving:
•Load the heaviest items closestto the trailer floor.
•Load the heaviest itemscentered between theleft-hand and right-hand sidetrailer tires.
•Load the heaviest items abovethe trailer axles or just slightlyforward toward the trailertongue. Do not allow the finaltrailer tongue weight to goabove or below 10-15% of theloaded trailer weight. Thetrailer tongue weight shouldnever exceed 10% of themaximum towing capacitywhen towing a conventionaltrailer, and should neverexceed 15% of the maximumtowing capacity when towinga fifth-wheel or goosenecktrailer.
•Select a ball mount with thecorrect rise or drop. When youconnect both the loadedvehicle and trailer, the trailerframe should be level, or
slightly angled down towardyour vehicle, when viewed fromthe side.
TRAILER TOWING HINTS
Towing a trailer places an extra load onyour vehicle's engine, transmission, axle,brakes, tires and suspension. Periodicallyinspect these components during and afterany towing operation.
When driving with a trailer or payload, aslight takeoff vibration or shudder may bepresent due to the increased payloadweight.
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DetailsMessage
Perform a trailer brake and trailer lightcheck if possible. If the message persists,have your vehicle checked as soon aspossible.
Trailer Brake Module Fault
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
TOWING A TRAILER VIDEOS
Towing Overview Video Link
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INTEGRATED TRAILER BRAKE CONTROLLER –
TROUBLESHOOTING
INTEGRATED TRAILER BRAKE CONTROLLER – INFORMATIONMESSAGES
DetailsMessage
The system detects a correct trailerconnection during a given ignition cycle.Trailer Connected
The system detects the trailer wiringconnection is disconnected during a givenignition cycle.
Trailer Disconnected
The system detects an electrical fault inthe trailer brake circuit. If this messageappears without a trailer attached, see yourauthorized dealer. If a trailer is attached,inspect and repair the trailer wiring.
Trailer Wiring Fault
Displays the current gain setting for thetrailer brake.Trailer Brake Gain: {trailer gain value:#0.0}
Displays the current gain setting for thetrailer brake when you do not have a trailerconnected.
Trailer Brake Gain: {trailer gain value:#0.0}No Trailer
The vehicle's battery voltage is low or thereis a fault with your trailer's battery. Yourtrailer's battery voltage is below 8 volts orit is connected in reverse polarity.
Trailer Battery Not Charging 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
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
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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.
•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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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.
BASIC OFF-ROAD DRIVINGTECHNIQUES
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.
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.
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•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.
DRIVING THROUGH WATERLIMITATIONS
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.
Determine the depth and speed of thecurrent before attempting a water crossing.As the water depth increases, reduce yourvehicle speed to avoid potential vehicledamage.
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.Be aware that obstacles and debris maybe beneath the water’s surface.
Note:Cross flowing water at an angleheading slightly upstream.
Note:Tread lightly and avoid damage tothe environment.
Drive slowly when crossing water. Startvery slowly when entering, then buildmomentum. Proceed with a constant slowspeed lightly pressing on the accelerator.Ease off the accelerator as you reach theother side to diminish the front wave. Applythe accelerator slowly and as necessaryto climb out of the other side.
Note:Do not try to accelerate through thewater crossing.
When driving too fast in water or throughdeep water, the engine, transmission,transfer case, axles, electrical componentsor vehicle interior could ingest water.Muddy waters can reduce the coolingsystem effectiveness by depositing debrisinto the radiator. Water can causepermanent damage that may not becovered by your vehicle warranty. Seebelow for your vehicle’s capabilities.
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Maximum WadingCapabilityModel
22 in (560 mm)1Vehicles withoutTremor or XL Off-Road Packages
30 in (762 mm)XL Off-RoadPackage
33 in (838 mm)Tremor Package
1 Bottom of the doors.
When you are driving through water do notexceed 4 mph (7 km/h).
Never stop or shut a vehicle off whencrossing deep water unless your vehicleingested water into the engine air intake.If the engine stalls, do not attempt torestart it. Keep the doors fully closed duringa water crossing.
Extra care must be taken crossing any typeof water. Do not drive into water unlessnecessary. Only drive through areas thatare designated and approved. Determineexit points that are downstream of yourentry point to allow for drifting. If there areother vehicles ahead, wait until they haveleft the water. Unsettled water can makea safe passage more challenging.
High currents even in shallow water canwash the dirt out from around your tires orpush your vehicle across slippery rocks orsurfaces. Never attempt to cross flowingwater that is deeper than your vehicle'sground clearance. Even in low currents yourvehicle's body surface area can be pusheddownstream and out of control. Do notcross any body of water that is fast flowingand rising, wait for the flow rate to reduce.
Vehicles used to traverse water regularlyshould be periodically inspected for signsof water ingestion in all of the vehicle'sfluids. If water is found inside your vehiclefluids, service your vehicle or see anauthorized dealer.
After driving through water and as soon asit is safe to do so, check the brakes, horn,lights, and steering wheel to make sureeverything is still in working order.
AFTER DRIVING YOUR VEHICLEOFF-ROAD
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 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.
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