ECU FORD F-150 2021 Owner's Manual
[x] Cancel search | Manufacturer: FORD, Model Year: 2021, Model line: F-150, Model: FORD F-150 2021Pages: 796, PDF Size: 13.89 MB
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Note:
The tailgate stops and reverses if it
detects an obstruction when closing.
Lift-to-Close
To close the tailgate automatically using
lift-to-close, lift the tailgate approximately
4 in (10 cm) and hold it for a few seconds.
Note: If the tailgate position is more than
halfway between open and close, it may not
close automatically.
Manual Close
You can close the tailgate manually when
you lift the tailgate in a continuous motion.
If you stop the tailgate motion, the
lift-to-close feature can engage and power
close the tailgate.
Putting the Tailgate in Manual Mode
You can put the tailgate in manual mode
through the vehicle settings in your
touchscreen.
Note: In manual mode, the tailgate only
functions by the tailgate release button and
messaging is reduced.
CLOSING THE TAILGATE USING
THE REMOTE CONTROL Press the remote control button
twice within three seconds.
REMOVING AND INSTALLING
THE TAILGATE WARNING: Always properly secure
cargo to prevent shifting cargo or cargo
falling from the vehicle. Failure to do so
could result in compromised vehicle
stability and serious personal injury to
vehicle occupants or others. 1. Put the tailgate into manual mode by
accessing the vehicle settings using the
touchscreen.
2. Open the tailgate.
3. Disconnect the power door locks in-line
connector. It is under the pickup box
on the right-hand side of the vehicle
near the spare tire.
4. Install a protective cap on the in-line connector portion that remains under
the pickup box.
Note: The protective cap is in the glove
compartment.
5. Partially raise the tailgate. Carefully feed the tailgate harness up through
the gap between the pickup box and
the bumper and place it out of the way
under the pickup box.
6. Fully lower the tailgate.
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4. Pull the yellow handle stop backward
out of the tailgate until it fully extends.
5. To lock the handle in place, rotate the handle up from the horizontal to the
vertical position until you hear a click.
Note: Do not tow with the step or grab
handle.
Replace the slip resistance tape or grab
handle molding if it appears as worn or
damaged.
To reduce the risk of falling:
• Only operate the step when your
vehicle is on a level surface.
• Only operate the step in areas with
sufficient lighting.
• Make sure you use the grab handle
when climbing on the step.
• Do not use the step with bare feet.
• Make sure the step is clean before use.
• Keep the step load below the total
maximum load of 350 lb (159 kg).
STOWING THE TAILGATE STEP
1. Press the yellow button on the handle to lower and then press the yellow
lever at the bottom of the handle to
unlock. Rotate the handle down from
the vertical to the horizontal position
and push it into the tailgate. 2.
Rotate the step up until it is horizontal,
then push it back into the tailgate until
the step is secure.
Note: Make sure to close and fully latch the
step before moving your vehicle. Do not
drive with the step or grab handle open.
Note: The power tailgate cannot close if
the step is opened. A warning message
appears and a chime sounds. After stowing
step the power close function is restored.
BED EXTENDER
(IF EQUIPPED)
BED EXTENDER PRECAUTIONS
Note: Do not use the bed extender when
driving off road.
Note: Make sure to engage the locking pins
and knobs fully before driving your vehicle.
Note: Make sure to secure all cargo.
Note: Do not exceed
150 lb (68 kg) on the
tailgate when your vehicle is moving.
Note: Do not keep the bed extender in the
tailgate mode when you are not using it for
restraining cargo. Always keep the bed
extender in the grocery mode or the stowed
position with the tailgate closed.
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4. Connect the two panels. Rotate both
knobs one-quarter turn clockwise to
secure the panels. 5. Insert the latch rod into the tailgate
hole.
6. Engage both sides of the locking pins into their holes in the pick-up box. Grocery Mode
1. Follow steps 1-4.
2.
Before engaging the locking pins, rotate
the panels away from the tailgate.
3. Engage both sides of the locking pins into their holes in the pick-up box.
4. Close the tailgate.
TAILGATE WORK SURFACE (IF
EQUIPPED)
The tailgate work surface is a durable and
functional surface on the inside portion of
your tailgate you can use to perform
various tasks.
To use the tailgate work surface, fold down
the tailgate.
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Tablet stand.
A
Tool inset.
B
Clamp pocket.
C
Standard and metric ruler.
D
Cup holder.
E
Tailgate anchors.
F The tailgate work surface contains clamp
pockets that allows you to secure work
material.
Note:
Damage could occur to the tailgate
if you overload the vertical clamp arm in any
direction.
Note: When you finish using the tailgate
work surface, make sure you remove all of
your belongings, then close the tailgate.
TAILGATE –
TROUBLESHOOTING
TAILGATE – WARNING LAMPS Illuminates when the tailgate is
not completely closed.
TAILGATE – INFORMATION MESSAGES Action
Message
The tailgate is not completely closed.
Tailgate Ajar
Reminder to check if tailgate is closed securely. If messagepersists contact an authorized dealer.
Power Tailgate System
Fault Service Now
You need to stow the tailgate step before the power tailgate can close.
Power Tailgate Stow
Step
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TAILGATE PRECAUTIONS
WARNING: It is extremely
dangerous to ride in a cargo area, inside
or outside of a vehicle. In a crash, people
riding in these areas are more likely to be
seriously injured or killed. Do not allow
people to ride in any area of your vehicle
that is not equipped with seats and
seatbelts. Make sure everyone in your
vehicle is in a seat and properly using a
seatbelt. Failure to follow this warning
could result in serious personal injury or
death.
OPENING THE TAILGATE
OPENING THE TAILGATE FROM
INSIDE YOUR VEHICLE
The vehicle must be in park (P) to operate
the power tailgate. Press the button on the
instrument panel.
Note: A tone sounds while the tailgate
opens.
OPENING THE TAILGATE FROM
OUTSIDE YOUR VEHICLE
1. Unlock the vehicle with the remote control or power door unlock control.
Note: If an intelligent access transmitter is
within
3 ft (1 m) of the tailgate, the tailgate
unlocks when you press the tailgate release
button. 2. Press the button in the top of the
tailgate handle.
OPENING THE TAILGATE USING
THE REMOTE CONTROL Press the remote control button
twice within three seconds.
REMOVING AND INSTALLING
THE TAILGATE WARNING: Always properly secure
cargo to prevent shifting cargo or cargo
falling from the vehicle. Failure to do so
could result in compromised vehicle
stability and serious personal injury to
vehicle occupants or others.
Note: Skip to Step 4 if your vehicle does
not have power door locks.
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4. Pull the yellow handle stop backward
out of the tailgate until it fully extends.
5. To lock the handle in place, rotate the handle up from the horizontal to the
vertical position until you hear a click.
Note: Do not tow with the step or grab
handle.
Replace the slip resistance tape or grab
handle molding if it appears as worn or
damaged.
To reduce the risk of falling:
• Only operate the step when your
vehicle is on a level surface.
• Only operate the step in areas with
sufficient lighting.
• Make sure you use the grab handle
when climbing on the step.
• Do not use the step with bare feet.
• Make sure the step is clean before use.
• Keep the step load below the total
maximum load of 350 lb (159 kg).
STOWING THE TAILGATE STEP
1. Press the yellow button on the handle to lower and then press the yellow
lever at the bottom of the handle to
unlock. Rotate the handle down from
the vertical to the horizontal position
and push it into the tailgate. 2.
Rotate the step up until it is horizontal,
then push it back into the tailgate until
the step is secure.
Note: Make sure to close and fully latch the
step before moving your vehicle. Do not
drive with the step or grab handle open.
Note: The power tailgate cannot close if
the step is opened. A warning message
appears and a chime sounds. After stowing
step the power close function is restored.
BED EXTENDER
(IF EQUIPPED)
BED EXTENDER PRECAUTIONS
Note: Do not use the bed extender when
driving off road.
Note: Make sure to engage the locking pins
and knobs fully before driving your vehicle.
Note: Make sure to secure all cargo.
Note: Do not exceed
150 lb (68 kg) on the
tailgate when your vehicle is moving.
Note: Do not keep the bed extender in the
tailgate mode when you are not using it for
restraining cargo. Always keep the bed
extender in the grocery mode or the stowed
position with the tailgate closed.
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4. Connect the two panels. Rotate both
knobs one-quarter turn clockwise to
secure the panels. 5. Insert the latch rod into the tailgate
hole.
6. Engage both sides of the locking pins into their holes in the pick-up box. Grocery Mode
1. Follow steps 1-4.
2.
Before engaging the locking pins, rotate
the panels away from the tailgate.
3. Engage both sides of the locking pins into their holes in the pick-up box.
4. Close the tailgate.
TAILGATE WORK SURFACE (IF
EQUIPPED)
The tailgate work surface is a durable and
functional surface on the inside portion of
your tailgate you can use to perform
various tasks.
To use the tailgate work surface, fold down
the tailgate.
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Tablet stand.
A
Tool inset.
B
Clamp pocket.
C
Standard and metric ruler.
D
Cup holder.
E
Tailgate anchors.
F The tailgate work surface contains clamp
pockets that allows you to secure work
material.
Note:
Damage could occur to the tailgate
if you overload the vertical clamp arm in any
direction.
Note: When you finish using the tailgate
work surface, make sure you remove all of
your belongings, then close the tailgate.
TAILGATE – TROUBLESHOOTING
TAILGATE – INFORMATION MESSAGES Action
Message
Reminder to check the tailgate due to it recently being opened
from the remote control or the button on the instrument panel
while the vehicle is on and the transmission is not in Park (P).
Check Tailgate Ajar
You must clear the message using the steering wheel controls.Repeatedly closing the tailgate will not clear the message.
Reminder to check if tailgate is closed securely. If message persists contact an authorized dealer.
Power Tailgate System
Fault Service Now
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PASSIVE ANTI-THEFT
SYSTEM
WHAT IS THE PASSIVE ANTI-
THEFT SYSTEM
The passive anti-theft system prevents
someone from starting the vehicle with an
incorrectly coded key.
Note:
Do not leave a duplicate coded key
in your vehicle. Always take the keys and
lock all the doors when leaving your vehicle.
HOW DOES THE PASSIVE ANTI-
THEFT SYSTEM WORK
The passive anti-theft system arms when
you switch the ignition off.
It disarms when the ignition is switched on
with a correctly coded key.
Note: The system is not compatible with
non-Ford aftermarket remote start systems.
Note: Do not leave a duplicate coded key
in your vehicle. Always take the keys and
lock all doors when leaving your vehicle.
ANTI-THEFT ALARM SYSTEM
(IF EQUIPPED)
WHAT IS THE ANTI-THEFT ALARM
SYSTEM
The Anti-Theft Alarm System warns you
of an unauthorized entry to your vehicle. HOW DOES THE ANTI-THEFT
ALARM SYSTEM WORK
When armed, the anti-theft alarm is
triggered in any of the following ways:
•
If someone opens a door, the tailgate
or the hood without a correctly coded
key or remote control.
• If you turn the power on without a
correctly coded key.
• If the interior sensors detect movement
inside your vehicle.
• If the inclination sensors detect an
attempt to raise your vehicle.
• If someone disconnects the vehicle
battery or the battery backup alarm.
• If someone disconnects the trailer. See
Connecting a Trailer (page 424).
Any further attempts to carry out one of
the above, sounds the alarm again.
If the anti-theft alarm is triggered, the
alarm horn sounds for 30 seconds and the
turn signals flash for five minutes.
WHAT IS THE PERIMETER ALARM
The perimeter alarm is designed to detect
unauthorized access to your vehicle.
WHAT ARE THE INTERIOR
SENSORS
(If Equipped)
The interior sensors are designed to detect
any movement inside your vehicle.
The interior sensors are in the overhead
console.
Note: Do not cover the interior sensors.
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WHAT ARE THE INCLINATION
SENSORS (If Equipped)
The inclination sensor is designed to detect
an attempt to raise your vehicle, for
example to remove a wheel or to tow it
away.
WHAT IS THE BATTERY BACKUP
ALARM
The battery backup alarm is an additional
alarm sounder that has its own battery. It
can detect if the vehicle battery is
disconnected to overcome the alarm
system.
ARMING THE ANTI-THEFT ALARM
SYSTEM
The alarm is ready to arm when your
vehicle is switched off.
Lock your vehicle with your remote control
to arm the alarm.
DISARMING THE ANTI-THEFT
ALARM SYSTEM
Disarm the alarm by performing any of the
following actions:
• Unlock the doors or luggage
compartment with the remote control.
• Switch your vehicle on or start your
vehicle.
ANTI-THEFT ALARM SYSTEM
SETTINGS
(IF EQUIPPED)
WHAT ARE THE ALARM SECURITY
LEVELS
You can select two levels of alarm security,
all sensors and perimeter sensing. All Sensors
All sensors is the standard setting.
In all sensors, all equipped sensors are on
when you arm the alarm.
Note:
Do not arm the alarm with all sensors
if passengers, animals or other moving
objects are inside your vehicle.
Perimeter Sensing
In perimeter sensing, the interior sensors
are off when you arm the alarm.
All the other equipped sensors activate
when you arm the alarm in this mode.
SETTING THE ALARM SECURITY
LEVEL
1. Press
Settings on the touchscreen.
2. Press
Vehicle Settings.
3. Press
Alarm System.
4. Press
Motion Sensors.
5. Press a setting.
WHAT IS ASK ON EXIT
You can choose which level of security you
require after you switch the ignition off.
Note: If you do not choose a setting, the
system defaults to all sensors.
SWITCHING ASK ON EXIT ON AND
OFF
1. Press
Settings on the touchscreen.
2. Press
Vehicle Settings.
3. Press
Alarm System.
4. Switch
Ask on Exit on or off.
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