light FORD F-150 2021 Owners Manual

Certain states require functioning trailer
brakes for trailers over a specified weight.
Be sure to check state regulations for this
specified weight.
Ford Motor Company recommends
separate functioning brake systems for
trailers weighing more than 1,500 lb
(680 kg) when loaded.
TOWING A TRAILER
LIMITATIONS
The vehicle's load capacity
designation is by weight, not by
volume, so you cannot necessarily
use all available space when
loading a vehicle or trailer.
Note: Your vehicle could have
reduced performance when
operating at high altitudes and
when heavily loaded or towing a
trailer. When driving at elevation,
to match driving performance as
perceived at sea level, reduce gross
vehicle weight and gross
combination weight by 2% per
1,000 ft (300 m)
elevation.
LOADING YOUR TRAILER
To help minimize how trailer
movement affects your vehicle
when driving:
• Load the heaviest items closest
to the trailer floor.
• Load the heaviest items
centered between the left and
right side trailer tires. •
Load the heaviest items above
the trailer axles or just slightly
forward toward the trailer
tongue. Do not allow the final
trailer tongue weight to go
above or below 10-15% of the
loaded trailer weight. The
trailer tongue weight should
never exceed 10% of the
maximum towing capacity.
• Select a ball mount with the
correct rise or drop. When both
the loaded vehicle and trailer
are connected, the trailer frame
should be level, or slightly
angled down toward your
vehicle, when viewed from the
side.
TRAILER TOWING HINTS
Towing a trailer places an extra load on
your vehicle's engine, transmission, axle,
brakes, tires and suspension. Periodically
inspect these components during and after
any towing operation.
When driving with a trailer or payload, a
slight takeoff vibration or shudder may be
present due to the increased payload
weight.
Your vehicle may have a temporary or
conventional spare tire. A temporary spare
tire is different in diameter or width,
tread-type, or is from a different
manufacturer than the road tires on your
vehicle. Consult information on the tire
label or Safety Compliance label for
limitations when using.
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TOWING A TRAILER – TROUBLESHOOTING
TOWING A TRAILER – INFORMATION MESSAGES
Details
Message
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 Check
Lamps
The trailer battery voltage is too low to
charge. If there is no trailer attached, the vehicle battery voltage is low.
Trailer Battery Not Charging See Manual
The system detects a short created by thetrailer lamps. Inspect and repair the trailer
wiring, or have the system checked as soon as possible.
Trailer Lighting Module Fault See Manual
The trailer stoplamps require service.
Trailer Stop Lamps Fault Check Lamps
The trailer sway control detects trailersway. Reduce the vehicle's speed.
Trailer Sway Reduce Speed
Displays when one or more tires on the
trailer 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 requires
service. If the warning stays on or continues to come on, have the system checked as soon as possible.
Trailer Tire Pressure Sensor Fault
The trailer tire pressure monitoring systemrequires service. If the warning stays on or continues to come on, have the system checked as soon as possible.
Trailer Tire Pressure Monitor Fault
The system cannot detect the trailer tirepressure monitoring system.
Trailer Tire Pressure Monitor Capability Not
Detected
The trailer tire pressure monitoring systemis not setup.
Trailer Tire Pressure Indication Not Setup
See Manual
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WHAT IS TRAILER HITCHING
ASSISTANCE
Trailer hitching assistance helps the driver
align the vehicle hitch ball to a trailer
coupler.
HOW DOES TRAILER HITCHING
ASSISTANCE WORK
Trailer hitching assistance uses the
following to detect your trailer:
•
Rear view camera.
• Radar.
• Parking aid sensors.
• External rear lighting.
This feature also controls the following to
align the hitch ball with the trailer coupler:
• Steering.
• Shifting.
• Braking and acceleration.
Note: Blocked sensors could affect system
performance. Do not cover the sensors with
bumper stickers, tape, repair compound or
other objects.
TRAILER HITCHING
ASSISTANCE PRECAUTIONS WARNING: You are responsible for
controlling your vehicle at all times. The
system is designed to be an aid and does
not relieve you of your responsibility to
drive with due care and attention. Failure
to follow this instruction could result in
the loss of control of your vehicle,
personal injury or death. WARNING: The system is not
designed to detect cyclists,
motorcyclists, pedestrians or animals.
Apply the brakes when necessary. Failure
to follow this instruction could result
personal injury or death. WARNING:
The system may not
operate properly during severe weather
conditions, for example snow, ice, heavy
rain and spray. Always drive with due
care and attention. Failure to take care
may result in a crash.
Note: Trailer hitching assistance only works
with conventional trailers, couplers and
hitch balls.
Note: The hitch ball must be properly
installed on the vehicle for the system to
function as intended. An improperly
installed hitch ball could result in damage
to your vehicle or trailer.
Note: Certain aftermarket modifications
such as oversized tires or lift kits could make
trailer hitching assistance fail or not work
as intended.
Note: Keep the sensors and camera free
from snow, ice and dirt.
Note: Clean the camera lens with a soft,
lint-free cloth and non-abrasive cleaner.
TRAILER HITCHING
ASSISTANCE LIMITATIONS
The system could not function or could
function with reduced performance during
the following:
• When using trailer hitching assistance
in tall grass and weeds.
• When safety chains, cables or wiring
are dangling near the coupler.
• When using trailer hitching assistance
on slippery surfaces.
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•
When using hitches that raise the hitch
ball more than 4 in (10 cm), lower the
hitch ball by more than 6 in (16 cm) or
extend the hitch ball away from the
vehicle more than
12 in (30 cm).
• When using objects taller than
8 in
(20 cm), such as large blocks, under
the jack stand.
• When you park the trailer on surfaces
that are similar in color to the trailer
coupler and hitch ball.
•A black coupler or hitch ball over a
dark asphalt surface.
• A light color coupler or hitch ball
over a light concrete surface.
• When there are low or no light sources,
such as at night.
SWITCHING TRAILER
HITCHING ASSISTANCE ON
AND OFF Press the button to switch the system on
and off. You can also switch the system
on and off through the touchscreen.
USING TRAILER HITCHING
ASSISTANCE
Before switching on the system, make sure
that your vehicle is:
•
In front of the trailer facing the same
direction.
• Within
20 ft (6 m) of the trailer and no
closer than 7 ft (2 m).
• Less than a
15° approach angle to the
trailer.
• Within
3 ft (1 m) of straight in-line with
the trailer.
• Clear of obstacles or other vehicles
within
6 ft (1.8 m) to the side of your
vehicle or the trailer. 1. Press the button.
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Taillights
Press to see the hitch load balance on the
vehicle
’s tail lamp.
Connection Checklist
Press to go through the trailer setup guide
and adjust the load in the trailer to a
balanced range.
Reset Hitch Weight
Press to reset the weight on the hitch to
zero.
Loaded Trailer Weight
Press to set the total weight of the loaded
trailer.
Note: The vehicle's tongue weight is not
available until you attach a trailer.
Note: Make sure you include both the trailer
weight and the trailer cargo in your
calculation for total weight of the loaded
trailer.
Taillights
Press to see the hitch load balance on the
vehicle ’s tail lamp.
Smart Hitch Settings
Measurement Units
Press to change measurement units
between pounds and kilograms.
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WHAT IS ON-BOARD SCALE
On-board scale provides the estimated
payload of your vehicle and warns when
your vehicle is overloaded.
HOW DOES ON-BOARD SCALE
WORK
On-board scale uses sensors mounted to
the suspension to calculate the vehicle's
payload.
ON-BOARD SCALE
LIMITATIONS
You cannot use the system if any of the
following occur:
•
The wheels are not pointed straight
ahead.
• Your vehicle is not in park (P).
• Your vehicle is not on a level surface.
• The tire pressures are below the
recommended levels.
• Your vehicle is off.
USING ON-BOARD SCALE
1. Press Features on the touchscreen.
2. Press
Onboard Scales.
Note: You can also access on-board scale
using the FordPass app. Settings menu.
A
Estimated payload.
B
Taillights on and off.
C
Taillights
Press to see the vehicle's estimated
payload on the vehicle's tail lamp.
On-Board Scale Settings
Vehicle Mode
Press to return to the on-board scale
screen.
Scale Mode
Press to see a representation of the weight
added to the vehicle's current payload and
to reset the scale to zero.
Note: The scale settings remain between
key 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 is
not in the vehicle when you use on-board
scale.
The default and minimum value is
200 lb
(100 kg).
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B
CE361332

Description
Message
Displays when the system does not detect
the sensor. Check the sensor connection,
check that there is no damaged wiring
between the connector and sensor and
check that there is only one sensor
connected.
If you do not want to use the sensor for this
trailer, delete the trailer in the touchscreen
then repeat the setup process with the
sticker.
Pro Trailer Backup Assist™ Sensor Not
Detected Refer to Owner's Manual Press
Knob to Exit
These messages display when the system
does not detect the trailer.
If your trailer is setup with a sticker, make
sure the rear camera is clean, and the
sticker is clearly visible in the camera image.
You can also move the trailer forward or
backward to change the trailer position and
lighting conditions.
If your trailer is setup with a sensor, check
that the sensor is correctly installed and
the trailer length is within the allowed
range.
If these messages continue to display, visit
your authorized dealer to have your vehicle
checked.
Pro Trailer Backup Assist™ Trailer Not
Detected. Shift to Park Press Knob to Exit
Pro Trailer Backup Assist™ Trailer Not
Detected. Refer to Owner's Manual. Press
Knob to Exit
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TRAILER BACKUP ASSISTANCE
– FREQUENTLY ASKED
QUESTIONS
Why does the trailer not reverse
straight?
Verify the sensor is correctly installed.
Other factors such as the hitch
connection, road camber, road slope
and trailer suspension could influence
how straight the system can reverse
the trailer when the control knob is not
turned. You can compensate for the
trailer drifting to the right or left by
slowly turning the knob until the trailer
is following your desired path and then
holding the knob in that position.
Why does the system not detect a
sensor? There could be an issue with the
connection, the wiring harness could
be damaged, you could have multiple
sensors connected or the sensor could
be incorrectly installed. Check that the
12-way connector is fully inserted into
the 12-way socket. The red rubber seal
is not visible when the connector is
fully inserted. Also check that the
wiring harness sensor connection is
fully inserted at the trailer sensor, and
check for damaged wiring between
the 12-way connector and the trailer
sensor. Also, check that the sensor is
installed on a vertical surface with the
arrows pointing straight up. What does it mean if the system
remains on one message for an
extended time during calibration when
setting up the system with the sticker?
The camera could need to be cleaned,
the sticker could be blocked, the
drawbar could be outside the allowed
range of 4–19 in (10–48 cm) or you
could need to move to a different area
to change the lighting and background.
Verify the sticker is in the proper
location. See
Applying the Trailer
Reversing Aid Sticker (page 448).
You can move to a different area or
change the direction you are driving or
setup the system at a different time
of day. Some trailers are not
compatible with the sticker and
camera system. If the issue persists
with the sticker setup, you may choose
to setup the trailer with a sensor.
What does it mean if the system pauses
during calibration? There could be steering input or trailer
movement during the straight drive
portion of the calibration process.
What does it mean if the system
remains on one message for an
extended time during calibration when
setting up the system with the sensor? The sensor could be incorrectly
installed, the trailer length could be
outside the allowed range or the road
surface could be too rough or bumpy.
What does it mean if the system
displays hold steering steady during
turn? Part of the calibration process for the
sticker setup requires a steady turn. If
you are continually moving the
steering wheel during the turn, this
delays the calibration process. To
enable the calibration process, hold
the steering wheel at the same
position when turning.
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What does it mean when the system
tells you to take control of the steering
wheel?
The system is no longer steering the
vehicle and you must take over
steering. There are four reasons the
system could display this message.
The first reason the system could
display this message is that you have
touched the steering wheel when the
system is steering. The second reason
the system could display this message
is that you have exceeded the
maximum speed for the feature. The
third reason the system could display
this message is that the trailer is not
detected. The final reason the system
could display this message is that an
internal condition for system operation
is not met that requires your vehicle to
return to manual control of the
steering.
How do I use a sticker if I have
previously setup a trailer with the
sensor? Disconnect the sensor wiring and add
a new trailer to the system and follow
the instructions for setup with a
sticker. See Applying the Trailer
Reversing Aid Sticker (page 448). If
your vehicle does not support the
sticker option, the touchscreen
instructs you to install the sensor
again.
What if I want to use a sensor for the
trailer instead of a sticker? Install the sensor and connect the
sensor wiring before adding the new
trailer to the system. You must
connect the sensor before you add the
trailer. If your vehicle did not come with
a sensor, you can purchase one from
your authorized dealer. What does it mean if the system does
not detect a trailer that is setup with a
sticker?
The system requires a clear view of the
sticker placed on the trailer. You must
keep the camera lens and sticker clean
for the system to correctly operate. If
the system cannot initially detect the
trailer, it could be necessary for you to
change the lighting conditions by
moving your vehicle and trailer or
waiting until the conditions change.
See
Applying the Trailer Reversing
Aid Sticker (page 448). Some trailers
are not compatible with the sticker
and camera system. If the system
consistently does not detect the trailer
with the sticker setup, you may choose
to setup the trailer with a sensor.
Note: The system is designed to be used
with the same trailer connection every time
you choose the trailer from the touchscreen.
When using a different drawbar or a
different pin hole on drawbars with more
than one, connecting the drawbar to your
vehicle affects the trailer position and you
may need to repeat the trailer setup and
calibration process.
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Description
Message
Displays when the system does not detect
the trailer.
If your trailer is setup with a sticker, make
sure the rear camera is clean, and the
sticker is clearly visible in the camera image.
You can also move the trailer forward or
backward to change the trailer position and
lighting conditions.
If your trailer is setup with a sensor, check
that the sensor is correctly installed and
the trailer length is within the allowed
range.
If this message continues to display, visit
your authorized dealer to have your vehicle
checked.
Trailer Reverse Guidance Trailer Not
Detected. Refer to Owner's Manual. Press
OK to Exit
Displays when your vehicle has not moved
after the trailer sensor is connected or
extended operation below 1 mph (1 km/h).
Drive forward above 2 mph (3 km/h) to
initialize the system.
Trailer Reverse Guidance Trailer Not
Detected Pull Forward to Initialize Press
OK to Exit
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