warning FORD F-150 2021 Owners Manual

CONNECTING A TRAILER
PRECAUTIONS
Do not tow a trailer until you drive your
vehicle at least 1,000 mi (1,600 km).
Consult your local motor vehicle laws for
towing a trailer.
See the instructions included with towing
accessories for the proper installation and
adjustment specifications.
Service your vehicle more frequently if you
tow a trailer. See
Normal Scheduled
Maintenance (page 667).
If you use a rental trailer, follow the
instructions the rental agency gives you.
When attaching the trailer wiring connector
to your vehicle, only use a proper fitting
connector that works with the vehicle and
trailer functions.
Account for the trailer coupler weight as
part of your vehicle load when calculating
the total vehicle weight.
Do not exceed the load limits. See
Calculating the Load Limit
(page 415).
HITCHES
HOOKING UP A TRAILER USING A
WEIGHT-DISTRIBUTING HITCH WARNING: Do not adjust the spring
bars so that your vehicle's rear bumper
is higher than before attaching the trailer.
Doing so will defeat the function of the
weight-distributing hitch, which may
cause unpredictable handling, and could
result in serious personal injury.
A weight-distributing hitch helps distribute
tongue load to all towing vehicle and trailer
wheels. For more information, visit the links
in the following table. Website
Market
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www .fl e e t.f or d . c om/
t o wing-g uide s/United States of
America
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CONNECTING A TRAILER
Recognizing a Trailer
1. Attach the trailer and wiring connector
to your vehicle.
2. Switch on your vehicle.
3. Set up a profile for the trailer using the
touchscreen.
Note: If your vehicle does not recognize the
trailer, press and hold the brake pedal for a
few seconds.
Note: Trailer profiles store trailer types,
dimensions, preferences, trailer specific
mileage and fuel economy.
Note: Disabling the trailer detection
notification makes the default trailer profile
active when the system detects a
connection.
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When the trailer disconnects in this state,
the vehicle alarm sounds, and the system
sends an alert to your FordPass app.
Note:
For reliable trailer detection, the
trailer ’s lamps must be SAE certified for
each intended purpose.
Note: If the trailer is not compatible with
the feature, the turn signals flash twice.
Switching the Trailer Connection
Alarm On and Off
1. Press Features on the touchscreen.
2. Press
Towing.
3. Press
Manage trailers.
4. Press the currently active trailer's name.
5. Switch
Trailer Connection
Notification on or off.
Note: The alarm disables by default and if
the system detects a trailer it can be
configurable.
Note: Settings are applicable only for the
selected trailer profile. TRAILER LIGHTING CHECK WARNING:
Never connect any
trailer lamp wiring to the vehicle's tail
lamp wiring; this may damage the
electrical system resulting in fire. Contact
your authorized dealer as soon as
possible for assistance in proper trailer
tow wiring installation. Additional
electrical equipment may be required.
Perform a trailer light illumination
sequence to confirm that all lights are
functioning by using the FordPass app or
the vehicle's touchscreen.
Performing the Trailer Lighting
Check Using the Touchscreen
1. Press
Features on the touchscreen.
2. Press
Towing.
3. Press
Trailer Light Check.
4. Press
Start.
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CONNECTING A TRAILER – TROUBLESHOOTING
CONNECTING A TRAILER – INFORMATION MESSAGES
Description
Message
The system senses a trailer connection
becomes disconnected, either intentionally or unintentionally, during a given ignition cycle.
Trailer Disconnected
There are certain faults in your vehicle
wiring and trailer wiring or brake system.
Trailer Wiring Fault
There is a fault with your trailer battery, oryour trailer battery voltage is very low.
Trailer Battery Not Charging See Manual
One or more tires on your trailer is belowthe specified tire pressure.
Trailer Tire Low Specified:
Displays when one or more tires on the
trailer is above the recommended temper- ature.
Trailer Tire Over Temperature
A trailer tire pressure sensor is malfunc-
tioning. 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 systemis malfunctioning. If the warning stays on
or continues to come on, have the system checked.
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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TOWING A TRAILER
PRECAUTIONS
WARNING: Do not exceed
the GVWR or the GAWR
specified on the certification
label. WARNING:
Towing trailers
beyond the maximum
recommended gross trailer
weight exceeds the limit of your
vehicle and could result in engine
damage, transmission damage,
structural damage, loss of
vehicle control, vehicle rollover
and personal injury. WARNING:
Do not exceed
the lowest rating capacity for
your vehicle or trailer hitch.
Overloading your vehicle or
trailer hitch can impair your
vehicle stability and handling.
Failure to follow this instruction
could result in the loss of control
of your vehicle, personal injury or
death. WARNING: Make sure that
the vertical load on the tow ball
is between the minimum and
maximum recommended weight
at all times. Failure to follow this
instruction could result in the
loss of control of your vehicle,
personal injury or death. WARNING:
Do not cut,
drill, weld or modify the trailer
hitch. Modifying the trailer hitch
could reduce the hitch rating. WARNING:
The anti-lock
brake system does not control
the trailer brakes.
TRAILER BRAKE
PRECAUTIONS WARNING:
Do not connect a
trailer's hydraulic brake system directly
to your vehicle's brake system. Your
vehicle may not have enough braking
power and your chances of having a
collision greatly increase. WARNING:
Do not tow a trailer
fitted with electric trailer brakes unless
your vehicle is fitted with a compatible
aftermarket electronic trailer brake
controller. Failure to follow this
instruction could result in the loss of
control of your vehicle, personal injury or
death. For additional information and
assistance, we recommend that you
contact an authorized dealer.
Electric brakes and manual, automatic or
surge-type trailer brakes are safe if you
install them properly and adjust them to
the manufacturer's specifications. The
trailer brakes must meet local and federal
regulations.
The rating for the tow vehicle's braking
system operation is at the gross vehicle
weight rating, not the gross combined
weight rating.
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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 THE INTEGRATED
TRAILER BRAKE CONTROLLER
The trailer brake controller assists in
smooth and effective trailer braking based
on the towing vehicle
’s brake pressure.
INTEGRATED TRAILER BRAKE
CONTROLLER PRECAUTIONS WARNING: Use the integrated
trailer brake controller to properly adjust
the trailer brakes and check all
connections before towing a trailer.
Failure to follow this instruction could
result in the loss of control of your
vehicle, personal injury or death.
• Only use the manual control lever for
proper adjustment of the gain during
trailer setup. Misuse, such as
application during trailer sway, could
cause instability of trailer or tow
vehicle.
• Avoid towing in adverse weather
conditions. The trailer brake controller
does not provide anti-lock control of
the trailer wheels. Trailer wheels can
lock up on slippery surfaces, resulting
in reduced stability of trailer and tow
vehicle.
• The trailer brake controller is only a
factory-installed or dealer-installed
item. Ford is not responsible for
warranty or performance of the
controller due to misuse or customer
installation.
Note: Do not attempt removal of the trailer
brake controller without consulting the
Workshop Manual. Damage to the unit may
result. USING THE INTEGRATED
TRAILER BRAKE CONTROLLER
1.
Make sure the trailer brakes are in good
working condition, functioning normally
and properly adjusted. See your trailer
dealer if necessary.
Note: An authorized dealer can diagnose
the trailer brake controller to determine
exactly which trailer fault has occurred. Your
vehicle warranty does not cover issues with
your trailer.
2. Hook up the trailer and make the electrical connections according to the
trailer manufacturer's instructions.
Note: Select default mode if the trailer has
surge brakes, or no brakes at all. The system
has no effect on the braking performance
of the trailer in either of these cases.
Note: If a trailer is connected by a four-pin
connector, the trailer braking function will
not be supported.
3. When you plug in a trailer with electric or electric-over-hydraulic brakes, a
message confirming connection
appears in the information display.
4. Use the gain adjustment to find the desired starting point. A gain setting of
6.0 is a good starting point for heavier
loads.
Note: Use the following steps to adjust the
gain setting whenever road, weather and
trailer, or vehicle loading conditions, change
from when you initially set the gain.
5. In a traffic-free environment, tow the trailer on a dry, level surface and
squeeze the manual control lever
completely.
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(If Equipped)

HOW DOES TRAILER SWAY
CONTROL WORK
The system applies the brakes to the
individual wheels and reduces engine
torque to aid vehicle stability.
If the trailer begins to sway, the stability
control lamp flashes and the message
Trailer Sway Reduce Speed appears in
the information display.
Stop your vehicle as soon as it is safe to
do so. Check the vertical weight on the
tow ball and trailer load distribution.
TRAILER SWAY CONTROL
PRECAUTIONS WARNING: Turning off trailer sway
control increases the risk of loss of
vehicle control, serious injury or death.
Ford does not recommend disabling this
feature except in situations where speed
reduction may be detrimental (such as
hill climbing), the driver has significant
trailer towing experience, and can control
trailer sway and maintain safe operation.
Note: This feature only activates when
significant trailer sway occurs.
Note: This feature does not prevent trailer
sway, but reduces it once it begins.
Note: This feature cannot stop all trailers
from swaying.
Note: In some cases, if vehicle speed is too
high, the system may activate multiple
times, gradually reducing vehicle speed.
SWITCHING TRAILER SWAY
CONTROL ON AND OFF
1. Press
Features on the touchscreen. 2. Press
Towing.
3. Switch
Trailer Sway Control on or off.
The system turns on each time you start
your vehicle.
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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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WHAT IS TRAILER BACKUP
ASSISTANCE
Trailer backup assistance utilizes the
control knob on the instrument panel to
help you steer a trailer. Turn the control
knob in the direction you want the trailer
to go and the system steers the vehicle.
HOW DOES TRAILER BACKUP
ASSISTANCE WORK
Trailer backup assistance uses a sticker or
sensor attached to the trailer to detect the
trailer angle relative to the towing vehicle
and provides instructions, graphics and
camera views on the touchscreen.
TRAILER BACKUP
ASSISTANCE PRECAUTIONS
WARNING: Driving while distracted
can result in loss of vehicle control, crash
and injury. We strongly recommend that
you use extreme caution when using any
device that may take your focus off the
road. Your primary responsibility is the
safe operation of your vehicle. We
recommend against the use of any
hand-held device while driving and
encourage the use of voice-operated
systems when possible. Make sure you
are aware of all applicable local laws
that may affect the use of electronic
devices while driving. WARNING: This system is an extra
driving aid. It does not replace your
attention and judgment, or the need to
apply the brakes. This system does NOT
automatically brake your vehicle. If you
fail to press the brake pedal when
necessary, you may collide with another
vehicle.
Note: The system is not a substitute for
safe driving practices. Always be aware of
your vehicle and trailer combination, and
the surrounding environment.
Note: The system does not detect or
prevent your vehicle or trailer from making
contact with obstacles in the surrounding
environment.
Note: The front end of your vehicle swings
out when changing the direction of the
trailer.
Note: In certain conditions, the trailer could
turn faster or the trailer angle could increase
more than anticipated. Always monitor the
clearance between the trailer and vehicle
and the surroundings.
SETTING UP THE TRAILER
BACKUP ASSISTANCE FOR A
CONVENTIONAL TRAILER
CONFIGURING THE TRAILER
You must configure a trailer in the system
to use trailer backup assistance. This is a
one-time setup process and the trailer
information is saved in the system for the
next time you use that trailer.
The system only works with conventional
trailers. It does not work with other types
including fifth-wheel and gooseneck. The
following illustration shows examples of
conventional trailers on the left-hand side.
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WHAT IS TRAILER REVERSE
GUIDANCE
Trailer reverse guidance provides views
and graphics on the touchscreen to help
you steer your vehicle when you backup a
trailer.
HOW DOES TRAILER REVERSE
GUIDANCE WORK
Trailer reverse guidance uses a sticker or
sensor attached to the trailer to detect the
trailer angle relative to the towing vehicle
and provides instructions, graphics and
camera views on the touchscreen.
TRAILER REVERSE GUIDANCE
PRECAUTIONS
WARNING: Driving while distracted
can result in loss of vehicle control, crash
and injury. We strongly recommend that
you use extreme caution when using any
device that may take your focus off the
road. Your primary responsibility is the
safe operation of your vehicle. We
recommend against the use of any
hand-held device while driving and
encourage the use of voice-operated
systems when possible. Make sure you
are aware of all applicable local laws
that may affect the use of electronic
devices while driving. WARNING: This system is an extra
driving aid. It does not replace your
attention and judgment, or the need to
apply the brakes. This system does NOT
automatically brake your vehicle. If you
fail to press the brake pedal when
necessary, you may collide with another
vehicle. Note:
The system is not a substitute for
safe driving practices. Always be aware of
your vehicle and trailer combination, and
the surrounding environment.
Note: The system does not detect or
prevent your vehicle or trailer from making
contact with obstacles in the surrounding
environment.
Note: The front end of your vehicle swings
out when changing the direction of the
trailer.
Note: In certain conditions, the trailer could
turn faster or the trailer angle could increase
more than anticipated. Always monitor the
clearance between the trailer and vehicle
and the surroundings.
SETTING UP TRAILER
REVERSE GUIDANCE FOR A
CONVENTIONAL TRAILER
CONFIGURING THE TRAILER
You must configure a trailer in the system
to use trailer reverse guidance. This is a
one-time setup process and the trailer
information is saved in the system for the
next time you use that trailer.
The system only works with conventional
trailers. It does not work with other types
including fifth-wheel and gooseneck. The
following illustration shows examples of
conventional trailers on the left-hand side.
Note: Trailer reverse guidance camera
views are available with no trailer setup.
However, complete functionality including
graphics and automatic view switching is
enabled by setup. Setup is required to
enable trailer backup assistance.
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