traction control FORD F-150 2020 Owners Manual

Selective Catalytic Reductant System -
Diesel ...........................................................207
Diesel Particulate Filter ..............................
212
Transmission
Automatic Transmission ...........................
217
Four-Wheel Drive
Using Four-Wheel Drive ...........................
223
Rear Axle
Electronic Locking Differential ................
231
Brakes
General Information ..................................
233
Hints on Driving With Anti-Lock Brakes ........................................................................\
234
Electric Parking Brake ...............................
234
Hill Start Assist ............................................
235
Traction Control
Principle of Operation ...............................
237
Using Traction Control ..............................
237
Stability Control
Principle of Operation ...............................
238
Using Stability Control ..............................
239
Hill Descent Control
Principle of Operation ................................
241
Using Hill Descent Control .......................
241
Parking Aids
Principle of Operation ...............................
242
Rear Parking Aid ..........................................
242
Active Park Assist .......................................
243
Rear View Camera ......................................
247
360 Degree Camera ..................................
250Cruise Control
What Is Cruise Control
..............................
253
Switching Cruise Control On and Off ........................................................................\
253
Setting the Cruise Control Speed .........
253
Canceling the Set Speed .........................
254
Resuming the Set Speed .........................
254
Cruise Control Indicators .........................
254
Using Adaptive Cruise Control - Vehicles With: Adaptive Cruise Control ...........
254
Driving Aids
Driver Alert ......................................................
261
Lane Keeping System ...............................
262
Blind Spot Information System ............
266
Cross Traffic Alert .......................................
270
Steering ...........................................................
273
Pre-Collision Assist ....................................
274
Drive Control .................................................
278
Load Carrying
Load Retaining Fixtures .............................
281
Load Limit ......................................................
282
Bed Access ...................................................
286
Bed Ramps ....................................................
287
Towing
Towing a Trailer ...........................................
290
Trailer Reversing Aids ................................
292
Trailer Sway Control ..................................
302
Recommended Towing Weights ..........
302
Essential Towing Checks ..........................
314
Towing the Vehicle on Four Wheels ......
321
Driving Hints
Economical Driving ....................................
324
Off-Road Driving .........................................
324
Breaking-In ....................................................
326
Driving Through Water ..............................
326
4
F-150 (TFC) Canada/United States of America, enUSA, Edition date: 201907, Third-Printing- Table of Contents

Note:
Not every feature applies to every
vehicle in every market. When they are
available for your vehicle, then they appear
in your information display, providing
choices to switch them on or off, or to select
a more specific setting.
• Various vehicle speed limits so the
MyKey driver cannot exceed certain
speeds. The information display shows
warnings followed by an audible tone
when the MyKey driver reaches the set
speed. You cannot override the set
speed by fully depressing the
accelerator pedal. WARNING: Do not set MyKey
maximum speed limit to a limit that will
prevent the driver from maintaining a
safe speed considering posted speed
limits and prevailing road conditions. The
driver is always responsible to drive in
accordance with local laws and
prevailing conditions. Failure to do so
could result in accident or injury. •
Various vehicle speed reminders so
MyKey drivers know when their vehicle
speed approaches the limits. Warnings
appear in your information display and
a tone sounds when the MyKey drivers
exceed the set vehicle speed.
• The audio system's maximum volume
limits to 45% so MyKey drivers can
concentrate on the road. A message
appears in the information display
when MyKey drivers attempt to exceed
the limited volume. MyKey also
disables the automatic volume control.
Note:
If your vehicle includes an
AM/FM radio or a very basic audio
system, then the radio may not limit.
• Always on setting. This setting forces
certain features to remain on and
active for MyKey drivers. For example,
E911 or emergency assistance and the
do not disturb features stay on even if
a MyKey driver uses the feature's
control to switch it off. When selected,
you will not be able to turn off Advance
Trac or traction control (if your vehicle
has this feature).
CREATING A MYKEY
Use the information display to create a
MyKey:
1. Insert the key you want to program into
the ignition. If your vehicle is equipped
with a push-button start, place the
remote control into the backup slot.
See
Starting a Gasoline Engine
(page 181).
2. Switch the ignition on.
3. Access the main menu in the information display and then scroll
through the menus to change the
settings of your MyKey. From the
MyKey menu select the option Create
MyKey. See
Information Displays
(page 120).
68
F-150 (TFC) Canada/United States of America, enUSA, Edition date: 201907, Third-Printing- MyKey
™
(If Equipped)

Low Washer Fluid Level Warning
Lamp (If Equipped)
It illuminates when the washer
fluid is low.
Oil Pressure Warning Lamp It illuminates when you switch
the ignition on.
If it illuminates when the engine
is running this indicates a malfunction.
Stop your vehicle as soon as it is safe to
do so and switch the engine off. Check the
engine oil level. If the oil level is sufficient,
this indicates a system malfunction. Have
your vehicle checked as soon as possible.
See
Engine Oil Check (page 361).
Parking Lamps It illuminates when you switch
the parking lamps on.
Powertrain Malfunction/Reduced
Power/Electronic Throttle Control Illuminates when the system has
detected a powertrain or a
four-wheel drive fault. Contact
an authorized dealer as soon as possible.
Service Engine Soon If it illuminates when the engine
is running this indicates a
malfunction. The On Board
Diagnostics system has detected a
malfunction of the vehicle emission control
system. If it flashes, engine misfire may be
occurring. Increased exhaust gas
temperatures could damage the catalytic
converter or other vehicle components.
Avoid heavy acceleration and deceleration
and have your vehicle immediately
serviced.
It illuminates when you switch the ignition
on prior to engine start to check the bulb
and to indicate whether your vehicle is
ready for Inspection and Maintenance
(I/M) testing.
Normally, it illuminates until the engine is
cranked and automatically turns off if no
malfunctions are present. However, if after
15 seconds it flashes eight times, this
indicates that your vehicle is not ready for
Inspection and Maintenance (I/M) testing.
See Emission Law (page 204).
Sport Mode Illuminates when you switch the
sport mode on.
Stability Control and Traction
Control Indicator Flashes during operation.
If it does not illuminate when you
switch the ignition on, or remains
on when the engine is running, this
indicates a malfunction. Have your vehicle
checked as soon as possible.
See Using Stability Control (page 239).
Stability Control and Traction
Control Off Warning Lamp It illuminates when you switch
the system off.
117
F-150 (TFC) Canada/United States of America, enUSA, Edition date: 201907, Third-Printing- Instrument ClusterE132353 E176099 E138639 E130458

Action
Message
The adaptive cruise has reinstated controls to the driver.
Adaptive Cruise - Driver
Resume Control
Your vehicle speed is too slow to activate the adaptive cruise.
Adaptive Cruise Speed
Too Low to Activate
The adaptive cruise is automatically adjusting the gap
distance and you need to shift the transmission into a lower gear.
Adaptive Cruise Shift
Down
AdvanceTrac and Traction Control Action
Message
The system detects a condition that requires service. Contactan authorized dealer as soon as possible.
Service AdvanceTrac
The status of the AdvanceTrac system after you switched it off.
AdvanceTrac Off
The status of the AdvanceTrac system after you switched it on.
AdvanceTrac On
The status of the AdvanceTrac sport mode after you switched it on.
AdvanceTrac SPORT
MODE
The status of the traction control system after you switchedit off. See Using Traction Control (page 237).
Traction Control Off
The status of the traction control system after you switchedit on. See
Using Traction Control (page 237).
Traction Control On
Airbag Action
Message
Displays when the system detects a malfunction due to a blocked sensor.
Occupant Sensor
BLOCKED Remove
Objects Near Passenger Seat
134
F-150 (TFC) Canada/United States of America, enUSA, Edition date: 201907, Third-Printing- Information Displays

MyKey
Action
Message
You cannot program a MyKey.
MyKey not Created
MyKey is active.
MyKey Active Drive
Safely
When switching on your vehicle and MyKey is in use, displaysthat the MyKey speed limit is on.
Speed Limited to XX
MPH/km/h
MyKey is in use and the MyKey speed limit is on and the vehiclespeed is approaching 81 mph (130 km/h).
Near Vehicle Top Speed
You have reached the speed limit set for your MyKey.
Vehicle at Top Speed of
MyKey Setting
You have an active MyKey with a programmed set speed limit.
Check Speed Drive
Safely
Belt-Minder turns on with a MyKey in use.
Buckle Up to Unmute
Audio
With a MyKey in use, AdvanceTrac turns on.
AdvanceTrac On -
MyKey Setting
With a MyKey in use, traction control turns on.
Traction Control On -
MyKey Setting
With a MyKey in use, park aid is always on.
MyKey Park Aid Cannot
be Deactivated
With a MyKey in use, lane keeping alert turns on.
Lane Keeping Alert On
MyKey Setting
Off Road Action
Message
Hill descent control mode is active.
Hill Descent Control Active
Hill descent control mode is inactive.
Hill Descent Control OFF
Your vehicle speed requirement for off-road modeentry has not been met.
For Hill Descent Reduce Speed
XX MPH/km/h or Less
You need to select a transmission gear for hill descentmode.
For Hill Descent Select Gear
143
F-150 (TFC) Canada/United States of America, enUSA, Edition date: 201907, Third-Printing- Information Displays

Third (3) with Column-shifter - 6-speed
Note:
When pressing the button on the
gearshift lever, you can cycle through the
available drive modes.
Transmission operates in third (3) gear
only. Use third (3) gear for improved
traction on slippery roads.
Second (2) - 6-speed
Transmission operates in second (2) gear
only. Use second (2) gear to start-up on
slippery roads.
First (1) - 6-speed
• Transmission operates in first (1) gear
only.
• Provides maximum engine braking.
• Allows upshifts by moving gearshift
lever.
• Does not downshift into first (1) gear
at high speeds; allows for first (1) gear
when vehicle reaches slower speeds. Tow Mode To activate tow mode, press the
button on the gearshift lever
until tow mode is selected. The
indicator light illuminates in the instrument
cluster when the system becomes active.
The tow mode feature:
• Moves upshifts to higher engine speeds
to reduce the frequency of
transmission shifting.
• Provides engine braking in all forward
gears, which slows your vehicle and
assists you in controlling your vehicle
when descending a grade.
• Depending on driving conditions and
load conditions, may downshift the
transmission, slow your vehicle and
control your vehicle speed when
descending a hill, without pressing the
accelerator pedal. The amount of
downshift braking provided varies
based upon the amount you press the
brake pedal.
The tow mode feature improves
transmission operation when towing a
trailer or a heavy load. All transmission
gear ranges are available when using tow
mode.
218
F-150 (TFC) Canada/United States of America, enUSA, Edition date: 201907, Third-Printing- TransmissionE249567 E184456 E271981

4H (4X4 HIGH)
Provides mechanically locked four-wheel
drive power to both the front and rear
wheels for use in off-road or winter
conditions such as deep snow, sand or
mud. This mode is not for use on dry
pavement.
4L (4X4 LOW)
Provides mechanically locked four-wheel
drive power to both the front and rear
wheels for use on low traction surfaces,
but does so with additional gearing for
increased torque multiplication. Intended
only for off-road applications such as deep
sand, steep grades, or pulling heavy
objects. 4L (4X4 low) should not engage
while your vehicle is moving above 3 mph
(5 km/h); this is normal and should be no
reason for concern. Refer to Shifting to or
from 4L (4X4 low) for proper operation.
Shifting between system modes
Note: Momentarily releasing the accelerator
pedal while a shift in progress message
displays can improve
engagement/disengagement performance.
Note: Do not perform this operation if the
rear wheels are slipping or while applying
the accelerator pedal.
Note: You may hear some noise as the
system shifts or engages; this is normal.
You can move the control from 2H or 4H
at a stop or while driving. The information
display may display a message indicating
a 4X4 shift is in progress. Once the shift is
complete the message center can then
display the system mode selected.
Shifting to or from 4L (4X4 low)
Note: You may hear some noise as the
system shifts or engages; this is normal.
1. Bring your vehicle to a speed of
3 mph
(5 km/h) or less. 2. Place the transmission in neutral (N).
3. Move the 4WD control to the desired
position.
The information display can display a
message indicating a 4X4 shift is in
progress. The information display can then
display the system mode selected. If any
of the above shift conditions are not
present, the shift should not occur and the
information display can display
information guiding the driver through the
proper shifting procedures.
If
Shift Delayed Pull Forward displays in
the information display, a transfer case
gear tooth blockage is present. To alleviate
this condition, place the transmission in a
forward gear, move your vehicle forward
approximately
5 ft (1.5 m), and shift the
transmission back to neutral (N) to allow
the transfer case to complete the range
shift.
Using the 2-Speed Automatic 4WD
System
(If Equipped)
This system includes an electronically
controlled transfer case with a high
capacity clutch. The system is interactive
with the road, continually monitoring and
adjusting power delivery to the front and
rear wheels to optimize traction.
Note: The AdvanceTrac system has the
ability to take over control of the transfer
case clutch in 4A mode and disable it during
driving maneuvers when necessary.
Note: The information display may show
messages during 4WD operation. See
Information Messages
(page 132).
224
F-150 (TFC) Canada/United States of America, enUSA, Edition date: 201907, Third-Printing- Four-Wheel Drive
(If Equipped)

2H (4X2)
For general on-road driving, this mode
provides optimal smoothness and fuel
economy at high speeds. Sends power to
the rear wheels only.
4A (4X4 AUTO)
Provides electronic controlled four-wheel
drive with power delivered to the front and
rear wheels, as required, for increased
traction. 4A tuning varies based on
selected Drive Mode See Drive Control
(page 278). . 4A in Normal and Sport is
appropriate for all on-road driving
conditions, including, dry road surfaces. 4A
in Snow/Wet is appropriate for slippery
on-road conditions such as snow and ice
covered roads.
4H (4X4 HIGH)
Provides electronically or mechanically
locked four-wheel drive power to both the
front and rear wheels for use in off-road or
winter conditions such as deep snow, sand
or mud. This mode is not for use on dry
pavement. 4L (4X4 LOW)
Provides electronically or mechanically
locked four-wheel drive power to both the
front and rear wheels for use on low
traction surfaces, but does so with
additional gearing for increased torque
multiplication. Intended only for off-road
applications such as deep sand, steep
grades, or pulling heavy objects. 4L (4X4
low) should not engage while your vehicle
is moving above
3 mph (5 km/h); this is
normal and should be no reason for
concern. Refer to Shifting to or from 4L
(4X4 low) for proper operation.
Shifting between system modes
Note: Momentarily releasing the accelerator
pedal while a shift in progress message
displays can improve
engagement/disengagement performance.
Note: Do not perform this operation if the
rear wheels are slipping or while applying
the accelerator pedal.
Note: You may hear some noise as the
system shifts or engages; this is normal.
You can move the control from 2H to 4A
or 4H at a stop or while driving. The
information display may display a message
indicating a 4X4 shift is in progress. Once
the shift is complete the message center
can then display the system mode
selected.
Shifting to or from 4L (4X4 low)
Note: You may hear some noise as the
system shifts or engages; this is normal.
1. Bring your vehicle to a speed of
3 mph
(5 km/h) or less.
2. Place the transmission in neutral (N).
3. Move the 4WD control to the desired position.
225
F-150 (TFC) Canada/United States of America, enUSA, Edition date: 201907, Third-Printing- Four-Wheel Drive
(If Equipped)E225302

You should either know the terrain or
examine maps of the area before driving.
Map out your route before driving in the
area. To maintain steering and braking
control of your vehicle, you must have all
four wheels on the ground and they must
be rolling, not sliding or spinning.
Driving Off-Road With Truck and
Utility Vehicles
Note:
On some models, the initial shift from
two-wheel drive to four-wheel drive while
your vehicle is moving can cause some
momentary clunk and ratcheting sounds.
This is the front drivetrain coming up to
speed and the automatic locking hubs
engaging and is not cause for concern.
Note: Your vehicle may have a front air
dam. Due to low ground clearance, you can
damage it when taking your vehicle off-road.
You can take the air dam off by removing
the bolts that secure it.
Note: Your vehicle may have an underbody
transmission shield and brackets. Due to
low ground clearance, you can damage
them when taking your vehicle off-road.
Remove the shield by disengaging the
fasteners at each corner of the shield. Then,
remove the shield's rear brackets by
removing the bracket to frame bolts.
Four-wheel drive vehicles are specially
equipped for driving on sand, snow, mud
and rough terrain and have operating
characteristics that are somewhat
different from conventional vehicles, both
on and off the road. The transfer case supplies power to all four
wheels. On four-wheel drive vehicles, the
transfer case allows you to select different
4WD modes when necessary. You can find
information on transfer case operation and
shifting procedures in this chapter. You can
find information on transfer case
maintenance in the Maintenance chapter.
You should become thoroughly familiar
with this information before you operate
your vehicle.
Four-wheel drive (when you select a 4WD
mode) uses all four wheels to power your
vehicle. This increases traction, enabling
you to drive over terrain and road
conditions that a conventional two-wheel
drive vehicle cannot.
Basic Operating Principles
•
Drive slower in strong crosswinds which
can affect the normal steering
characteristics of your vehicle.
• When driving your vehicle on surfaces
made slippery by loose sand, water,
gravel, snow or ice proceed with care.
• Do not use 4H or 4L on dry, hard
surfaced roads. Doing so can produce
excessive noise, increase tire wear and
may damage drive components. 4H or
4L modes are only for consistently
slippery or loose surfaces.
If Your Vehicle leaves the Road
If your vehicle leaves the road, reduce your
vehicle speed and avoid severe braking.
When your vehicle speed decreases, ease
your vehicle back onto the road. Do not
turn the steering wheel sharply while
returning your vehicle to the road.
It may be safer to stay on the shoulder of
the road and slow down gradually before
returning to the road. You may lose control
if you do not slow down or if you turn the
steering wheel too sharply or abruptly.
227
F-150 (TFC) Canada/United States of America, enUSA, Edition date: 201907, Third-Printing- Four-Wheel Drive (If Equipped)

It may be less risky to strike small objects,
such as freeway reflectors, with minor
damage to your vehicle rather than
attempt a sudden return to the road which
could cause your vehicle to slide sideways
out of control or roll over. Remember, your
safety and the safety of others should be
your primary concern.
Emergency Maneuvers
In an unavoidable emergency situation
where a sudden sharp turn must be made,
remember to avoid over-driving your
vehicle (i.e. turn the steering wheel only as
rapidly and as far as required to avoid the
emergency). Excessive steering can result
in loss of vehicle control. Apply smooth
pressure to the accelerator pedal or brake
pedal when changes in vehicle speed are
required. Avoid abrupt steering,
acceleration and braking. This could result
in an increased risk of vehicle roll over, loss
of vehicle control and personal injury. Use
all available road surface to bring your
vehicle to a safe direction of travel.
In the event of an emergency stop, avoid
skidding the tires and do not attempt any
sharp steering wheel movements.
If your vehicle goes from one type of
surface to another (i.e. from concrete to
gravel) there can be a change in the way
your vehicle responds to a maneuver (i.e.
steering, acceleration or braking).
Sand
When driving over sand, try to keep all four
wheels on the most solid area of the trail.
Avoid reducing the tire pressures but shift
to a lower gear and drive steadily through
the terrain. Apply the accelerator slowly
and avoid excessive wheel slip.
When driving at slow speeds in deep sand
under high outside temperatures, use a low
gear when possible. Low gear operation
can maximize the engine and transmission
cooling capability.
Avoid driving at excessive speeds, this
causes vehicle momentum to work against
you and your vehicle could become stuck
to the point that assistance may be
required from another vehicle. Remember,
you may be able to back out the way you
came if you proceed with caution.
Mud and Water
Mud
Be cautious of sudden changes in vehicle
speed or direction when you are driving in
mud. Even four-wheel drive vehicles can
lose traction in slick mud. If your vehicle
does slide, steer in the direction of the slide
until you regain control of your vehicle.
After driving through mud, clean off residue
stuck to rotating driveshafts and tires.
Excess mud stuck on tires and rotating
driveshafts can cause an imbalance that
could damage drive components.
Water
If you must drive through high water, drive
slowly. Traction or brake capability may
be limited.
When driving through water, determine the
depth and avoid water higher than the
bottom of the hubs. If the ignition system
gets wet, your vehicle may stall.
Once through water, try the brakes. Wet
brakes do not stop your vehicle as
effectively as dry brakes. Drying improves
by applying light pressure to the brake
pedal while moving slowly.
Note:
Driving through deep water may
damage the transmission. If the front or rear
axle is submerged in water, the axle
lubricant and power transfer unit lubricant
should be checked and changed if
necessary.
228
F-150 (TFC) Canada/United States of America, enUSA, Edition date: 201907, Third-Printing- Four-Wheel Drive (If Equipped)