ESP FORD F150 2023 Repair Manual
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conditions like deep sand, steep slopes, orpulling heavy objects. Additionally, thesystem is capable of recreational flattowing by putting the transfer case intoneutral (N). See Recreationally TowingYour Vehicle (page 485).
There is further information on driving inunique driving conditions. See Off-RoadDriving (page 466).
FOUR-WHEEL DRIVE
PRECAUTIONS
WARNING: Vehicles with a highercenter of gravity (utility and four-wheeldrive vehicles) handle differently thanvehicles with a lower center of gravity(passenger cars). Avoid sharp turns,excessive speed and abrupt steering inthese vehicles. Failure to drive cautiouslyincreases the risk of losing control of yourvehicle, vehicle rollover, personal injuryand death.
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.
Truck and utility vehicles can differ fromsome other vehicles. Your vehicle could behigher to allow it to travel over roughterrain without getting stuck or damagingunderbody components. The differencesthat make your vehicle so versatile alsomake it handle differently than an ordinarypassenger car. Always maintain steeringwheel control, especially in rough terrain.Since sudden changes in terrain can resultin abrupt steering wheel motion, make sureyou grip the steering wheel from the
outside. Do not grip the spokes. Drivecautiously to avoid vehicle damage fromconcealed objects such as rocks andstumps. Drive slower in strong crosswindswhich can affect the normal steeringcharacteristics of your vehicle. Beextremely careful when driving onpavement made slippery by loose sand,water, gravel, snow or ice.
Note:Do not use four-wheel drive high orfour-wheel drive low mode on dry, hardsurfaced roads. Doing so can produceexcessive noise, increase tire wear and candamage drive components.
FOUR-WHEEL DRIVE
LIMITATIONS
Operating Four-Wheel Drive witha Spare or Mismatched Tires (If
Equipped)
On four-wheel drive vehicles, the size ofthe spare tire can affect the four-wheeldrive system. If there is a significantdifference between the size of the sparetire and the remaining tires, you could havelimited four-wheel drive functionality.When driving with the full-size dissimilarspare wheel and tire assembly, werecommend that you do not:
•Exceed 50 mph (80 km/h) with afour-wheel drive mode turned on.
•Turn on a four-wheel drive modeunless the vehicle is stationary.
•Use a four-wheel drive mode on drypavement.
Driving with the full-size dissimilar sparewheel and tire assembly can limitfour-wheel drive functionality, especiallywhen driving in a mechanically lockedfour-wheel drive mode. You can experiencethe following:
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WHAT IS THE ELECTRONIC
LOCKING DIFFERENTIAL
The electronic locking differential is adevice housed in the rear axle, and canprovide additional traction when needed.
HOW DOES THE ELECTRONIC
LOCKING DIFFERENTIAL
WORK - EXCLUDING: RAPTOR
You can activate the differentialelectronically and shift it on the fly withinthe operating speed range. The electronicdifferential disengages when the vehiclespeed exceeds a set value, and reengageswhen the vehicle speed goes below a setvalue. See Switching the ElectronicLocking Differential On and Off (page285). It also engages based on certainselected drive modes. See Selecting aDrive Mode (page 363). The electroniclocking differential is for use in mud, rocks,sand, or any off-road condition where youneed maximum traction.
Note:The electronic locking differential canactivate or deactivate automatically basedon speed, four-wheel drive mode, and drivemode selection. See Switching theElectronic Locking Differential On andOff (page 285).
Note:The electronic locking differential isfor off-road use only and is not for use ondry pavement. Using the electronic lockingdifferential on dry pavement results inincreased tire wear, noise and vibration.
Note:Do not perform this operation whencruise control or trail control are selectedand active. The system may not engage asexpected.
HOW DOES THE ELECTRONIC
LOCKING DIFFERENTIAL
WORK - RAPTOR
You can activate the differentialelectronically and shift it on the fly withinthe operating speed range. The electronicdifferential disengages when the vehiclespeed exceeds a set value and it reengageswhen the vehicle speed goes below a setvalue depending on drive mode. SeeSwitching the Electronic LockingDifferential On and Off (page 285). Theelectronic locking differential is for use inmud, rocks, sand, or any off-road conditionwhere you need maximum traction.
Note:The electronic locking differential canactivate or deactivate automatically basedon speed, four-wheel drive mode, and drivemode selection. See Switching theElectronic Locking Differential On andOff (page 285).
Note:The electronic locking differential isfor off-road use only and is not for use ondry pavement. Using the electronic lockingdifferential on dry pavement results inincreased tire wear, noise and vibration.
Note:The electronic locking differential isnot available in 2H.
Note:Do not perform this operation whencruise control or trail control are selectedand active. The system may not engage asexpected.
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WHAT IS REVERSE BRAKING
ASSIST
Reverse braking assist is designed toreduce impact damage or assist in avoidinga collision while in reverse (R). Usingsensors on the rear of the vehicle, it candetect a possible collision and apply thebrakes. If full braking occurs, the systemattempts to stop the vehicle a safedistance from the obstacle.
HOW DOES REVERSE
BRAKING ASSIST WORK
Reverse braking assist functions when inreverse (R) and traveling at a speed of1–7 mph (2–12 km/h).
If the system detects an obstacle behindyour vehicle, it provides a warning throughthe rear parking aid or cross traffic alertsystem.
REVERSE BRAKING ASSIST
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: To help avoid personalinjury, always use caution when inreverse (R) and when using the sensingsystem.
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.
WARNING: Traffic control systems,fluorescent lamps, inclement weather,air brakes, external motors and fans mayaffect the correct operation of thesensing system. This may cause reducedperformance or false alerts.
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: Do not use the systemwith accessories that extend beyond thefront or rear of your vehicle, for examplea trailer hitch or bike rack. The system isnot able to make corrections for theadditional length of the accessories.
The system only applies the brakes for ashort period of time when an event occurs.Act as soon as you notice the brakes applyto remain in control of the vehicle. If youdo not intervene the vehicle may start tomove again.
Note:Certain add-on devices around thebumper or fascia may create false alerts.For example, large trailer hitches, bicycle orsurfboard racks, license plate brackets,bumper covers or any other device that mayblock the normal detection zone of thesystem. Remove the add-on device toprevent false alerts.
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WHAT IS CROSS TRAFFIC
BRAKING
The system is designed to reduce impactdamage or assist in avoiding a collision byusing the sensors on the rear of yourvehicle to detect a possible collision andapplying the brakes.
HOW DOES CROSS TRAFFIC
BRAKING WORK
The system only reacts for vehiclesapproaching from the sides when you shiftinto reverse (R).
If the system detects a vehicle approachingyour vehicle, it provides a warning throughthe cross traffic alert system. See What IsCross Traffic Alert (page 387).
The system only applies the brakes for ashort period of time when an event occurs.Take action as soon as you notice thesystem applying the brakes in order toremain in control of your vehicle, thesystem does not do this for you.
Note:You need to enable cross traffic alertfor the system to function.
CROSS TRAFFIC BRAKING
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: To help avoid personalinjury, always use caution when inreverse (R) and when using the sensingsystem.
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.
WARNING: Some situations andobjects prevent hazard detection, forexample, inclement weather,unconventional vehicle types andpedestrians. Apply the brakes whennecessary. Failure to follow thisinstruction could result in the loss ofcontrol of your vehicle, personal injury ordeath.
WARNING: Do not use the systemwith accessories that extend beyond thefront or rear of your vehicle, for examplea trailer hitch or bike rack. The system isnot able to make corrections for theadditional length of the accessories.
Note:Certain add-on devices around thebumper or fascia may create false alerts.For example, large trailer hitches, bicycle orsurfboard racks, license plate brackets,bumper covers or any other device that mayblock the normal detection zone of thesystem. Remove the add-on device toprevent false alerts.
Note:If your vehicle sustains damage tothe bumper or fascia leaving it misalignedor bent, it could alter the sensing zonecausing inaccurate measurement ofobstacles or false alerts.
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WHAT IS HILL START ASSIST
Hill Start Assist
This feature applies the brakes to hold yourvehicle after you bring the vehicle to a stopon a slope.
HOW DOES HILL START
ASSIST WORK
When the system activates, your vehicleremains stationary for a few seconds afteryou release the brake pedal. This gives youtime to move your foot from the brakepedal to the accelerator pedal. The brakesrelease when you apply the acceleratorpedal and the vehicle begins to moveforward, or the vehicle is stationary beyondhill start assist hold time.
The system activates when your vehicle isin any forward gear and facing uphill, orwhen your vehicle is in reverse (R) andfacing downhill.
HILL START ASSIST
PRECAUTIONS
WARNING: The system does notreplace the parking brake. When youleave your vehicle, always apply theparking brake.
WARNING: You must remain inyour vehicle when the system turns on.At all times you are responsible forcontrolling your vehicle, supervising thesystem, and intervening if required.Failure to follow this instruction couldresult in the loss of control of yourvehicle, personal injury or death.
HILL START ASSIST –
TROUBLESHOOTING
HILL START ASSIST –INFORMATION MESSAGES
ActionMessage
Displays whensystem is not avail-able. Have yourvehicle checked assoon as possible.
Hill Start Assist NotAvailable
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HOW DOES AUTO HOLD WORK
Auto hold applies the brakes to hold yourvehicle after you bring the vehicle to a stop.This can help when waiting on a hill or intraffic.
SWITCHING AUTO HOLD ON
AND OFF
WARNING: The system does notreplace the parking brake. When youleave your vehicle, always apply theparking brake.
WARNING: You must remain inyour vehicle when the system turns on.At all times you are responsible forcontrolling your vehicle, supervising thesystem, and intervening if required.Failure to follow this instruction couldresult in the loss of control of yourvehicle, personal injury or death.
You can switch the system on or off byaccessing the menu in the SYNC displayscreen.
1.Press Features on the touchscreen.
2.Press Driver Assistance.
Note:You can only switch the system onafter you close the driver door.
Note:The system remembers the lastsetting when you start your vehicle.
Note:When using an automatic car wash,make sure to switch auto hold off or shift toneutral (N) with the brake pedal applied toensure auto hold is not active.
USING AUTO HOLD
1.Bring your vehicle to a complete stop.The auto hold active indicatorilluminates in the information display.
2.Release the brake pedal. The systemholds your vehicle at a standstill. Theauto hold active indicator remainsilluminated in the information display.
3.Apply the accelerator and drive off ina normal manner. The system releasesthe brakes and the auto hold activeindicator switches off.
Note:The system only activates if youapply enough brake pressure on the brakepedal to bring the vehicle to a standstill.
Note:Under certain conditions, the systemcould apply the electric parking brake. Thebrake system warning lamp illuminates. Theelectric parking brake releases when youpress the accelerator pedal. SeeAutomatically Releasing the ElectricParking Brake (page 295).
Note:Auto hold cancels if you shift intoreverse (R), or neutral (N), and press thebrake pedal.
There could be actions that can cause theauto hold system not to work when thefollowing occur:
•When you use active park assist.
•The driver door is open.
•You shift into reverse (R), or neutral(N) before the system is active.
•Your vehicle is in temporary neutralmode.
AUTO HOLD INDICATORS
Illuminates when the system isactive.
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HOW DOES STABILITY
CONTROL WORK
WARNING: Vehicle modificationsinvolving braking system, aftermarketroof racks, suspension, steering system,tire construction and wheel and tire sizemay change the handling characteristicsof your vehicle and may adversely affectthe performance of the electronicstability control system. In addition,installing any stereo speakers mayinterfere with and adversely affect theelectronic stability control system.Reducing the effectiveness of theelectronic stability control system couldlead to an increased risk of loss of vehiclecontrol, vehicle rollover, personal injuryand death.
WARNING: Remember that evenadvanced technology cannot defy thelaws of physics. It's always possible tolose control of a vehicle due toinappropriate driver input for theconditions. Aggressive driving on anyroad condition can cause you to losecontrol of your vehicle increasing the riskof personal injury or property damage.Activation of the electronic stabilitycontrol system is an indication that atleast some of the tires have exceededtheir ability to grip the road; this couldreduce the operator's ability to controlthe vehicle potentially resulting in a lossof vehicle control, vehicle rollover,personal injury and death.
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.
If a driving condition activates either thestability control or traction control you mayexperience the following conditions:
•The stability and traction control lightflashes.
•Your vehicle slows down.
•Reduced engine power.
The stability control system has severalfeatures built into it to help you maintaincontrol of your vehicle:
Electronic Stability Control
Electronic stability control enhances yourvehicle’s ability to prevent skids or lateralslides by applying brakes to one or moreof the wheels individually and, if necessary,reducing engine power.
Roll Stability Control
Roll stability control enhances yourvehicle’s ability to prevent rollovers bydetecting your vehicle’s roll motion andthe rate at which it changes by applyingthe brakes to one or more wheelsindividually.
Curve Control
Curve control enhances your vehicle’sability to follow the road when corneringseverely or avoiding objects in the roadway.Curve control operates by reducing enginepower and, if necessary, applying brakesto one or more of the wheels individually.
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WHAT IS TRAIL CONTROL
WARNING: The system does notcontrol speed in low traction conditionsor extremely steep slopes. The systemis designed to be an aid and does notrelieve you of your responsibility to drivewith due care and attention. Failure tofollow this instruction could result inpersonal injury.
Trail control lets you focus on steeringduring low-speed and off-road use bycontrolling your vehicle's acceleration andbraking to maintain the speed that you set.
You may hear a noise from the anti-lockbrake system pump motor when you usethe system. This is normal.
TRAIL CONTROL LIMITATIONS
Trail control is unavailable when any of thefollowing occur:
•Your vehicle speed is greater than20 mph (32 km/h) in two-wheel drivehigh (2H) or four-wheel drive high (4H)modes.
•Your vehicle speed is greater than9 mph (15 km/h) in four-wheel drivelow (4L) mode.
•Your vehicle speed is greater than5 mph (8 km/h) in reverse (R).
•The transmission is in park (P).
•The driver side door is open or yourseatbelt is off when the driver side dooris removed.
•Cruise control is on.
•Pro trailer backup assist is on.
SWITCHING TRAIL CONTROL
ON AND OFF
Press the button.
The system switches off if you press thebutton again or exceed 40 mph (64 km/h).
SETTING THE TRAIL CONTROL
SPEED
Note:The buttons are located on thesteering wheel.
Drive to your preferred speed.
Press button to increase the setcurrent speed.
Press button to decrease the setcurrent speed.
Note:The indicator changes color.
You can adjust the set speed in small orlarge increments. Press the toggle buttonupward or downward once to adjust theset speed in small increments. Press andhold the toggle button upward ordownward to adjust the set speed in largeincrements.
You can also adjust the set speed bybraking.
Note:Pressing the brake pedal does notswitch off the system.
CANCELING THE SET SPEED
Press the button.
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WHAT IS HILL DESCENT
CONTROL
Hill descent control allows the driver to setand maintain vehicle speed whiledescending steep slopes in various surfaceconditions.
HOW DOES HILL DESCENT
CONTROL WORK
Hill descent control can maintain vehiclespeeds on downhill slopes between2–20 mph (3–32 km/h). Above 20 mph(32 km/h), the system remains on but thedescent speed cannot be set ormaintained.
Note:The system does not function below2 mph (3 km/h).
The system requires a cool down intervalafter a period of sustained use. Hill descentcontrol provides a warning in the messagecenter and a tone sounds when the systemis about to disengage for cooling. At thistime, manually apply the brakes as neededto maintain descent speed.
Note:The amount of time that the systemcan remain active before cooling varies withconditions.
HILL DESCENT CONTROL
PRECAUTIONS
WARNING: The system does notcontrol speed in low traction conditionsor extremely steep slopes. The systemis designed to be an aid and does notrelieve you of your responsibility to drivewith due care and attention. Failure tofollow this instruction could result inpersonal injury.
WARNING: Hill descent controlcannot control descent in all surfaceconditions and circumstances, such asice or extremely steep grades. Hilldescent control is a driver assist systemand cannot substitute for good judgmentby the driver. Failure to do so may resultin loss of vehicle control, crash or seriousinjury.
WARNING: The system does notreplace the parking brake. When youleave your vehicle, always apply theparking brake and shift the transmissioninto park (P) for automatic transmissionor first gear for manual transmission.
SWITCHING HILL DESCENT
CONTROL ON AND OFF
Press the button on theinstrument panel. A lightilluminates and a tone soundswhen the system is active.
SETTING THE HILL DESCENT
SPEED
To increase or decrease the descent speed,press the accelerator or brake pedal, or usethe SET + and SET - buttons on thesteering wheel. Once you reach thepreferred speed remove your feet from thepedals.
HILL DESCENT CONTROL
INDICATOR
Illuminates when you switch hilldescent control on.
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ELECTRIC POWER STEERING
HOW DOES ELECTRIC POWERSTEERING WORK
Adaptive Learning
Adaptive learning helps correct roadirregularities and improves overall handlingand steering. It communicates with thebrake system to help operate advancedstability control and crash avoidancesystems.
Note:When the battery is disconnected ora new battery is installed, you must driveyour vehicle a short distance before thesystem relearns the strategy and reactivatesall systems.
Steering Tips
If the steering wanders or pulls, check for:
•An improperly inflated tire.
•Uneven tire wear.
•Loose or worn suspensioncomponents.
•Improper vehicle alignment.
Note:A high crown in the road or highcrosswinds could also make the steeringwander or pull.
ELECTRIC POWER STEERINGPRECAUTIONS
WARNING: The electric powersteering system has diagnostic checksthat continuously monitor the system. Ifa fault is detected, a message displaysin the information display. Stop yourvehicle as soon as it is safe to do so.Switch the vehicle off. After at least 10
seconds, switch the vehicle on andwatch the information display for asteering system warning message. If asteering system warning messagereturns, have the system checked assoon as possible.
WARNING: If the system detectsan error, you may not feel a difference inthe steering, however a serious conditionmay exist. Have your vehicle checked assoon as possible. Failure to do so mayresult in loss of steering control.
Adapt your speed and driving behavioraccording to reduced steering assist.
Extreme continuous steering may increasethe effort to steer. This occurs to preventinternal overheating and damage to thesteering system. If this occurs, you will notlose the ability to steer your vehiclemanually nor will it cause damage to thesystem. Normal steering and driving allowsthe system to cool down and steeringassist returns to normal.
Note:There is no fluid reservoir to check orfill.
ELECTRIC POWER STEERINGADAPTIVE STEERING - VEHICLESWITH: ACTIVE STEERING
Electric Power-Assisted Steering (EPAS)
The adaptive steering system changes thesteering ratio with changes to vehiclespeed, optimizing the steering response inall conditions. The system also changeswhen you switch on the transmissiontow/haul feature. When you select thetow/haul button, the adaptive steeringsystem reduces vehicle sensitivity tosteering inputs at higher vehicle speeds,while maintaining the ease of parking andmaneuverability at low speeds.
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