FORD F-150 2021 Owners Manual

INTEGRATED TRAILER BRAKE
CONTROLLER – FREQUENTLY
ASKED QUESTIONS
How do I determine if there is an issue
with the wiring on my vehicle?
A message displays accompanied by
a single tone, when no trailer is
connected. This indicates that the
issue is between the trailer brake
controller and the 7-pin connector at
the bumper.
How do I determine if there is an issue
with the wiring on my trailer? A message only displays with a trailer
connected. Consult your trailer dealer
for assistance.
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F-150 (TFD) Canada/United States of America, enUSA, Edition date: 202104, Second-Printing Integrated Trailer Brake Controller (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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F-150 (TFD) Canada/United States of America, enUSA, Edition date: 202104, Second-Printing Trailer Sway Control

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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F-150 (TFD) Canada/United States of America, enUSA, Edition date: 202104, Second-Printing Trailer Hitching Assistance

•
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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Note:
Press the button to switch the system
on and off. 2. Follow the instructions on the
touchscreen.
TRAILER HITCHING
ASSISTANCE INDICATORS The white indicator represents
the system searching for the
trailer. Continue moving the
vehicle until the trailer coupler is inside this
indicator. The indicator turns to green once
the trailer coupler is in the correct position. The bracket shows you the
estimated location of your trailer
coupler.
The yellow indicator represents
that you have positioned your
vehicle too close to the trailer
and you need to pull away from the trailer
until the indicator turns green.
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F-150 (TFD) Canada/United States of America, enUSA, Edition date: 202104, Second-Printing Trailer Hitching AssistanceE310335 E317892 E317891 E317893

WHAT IS SMART HITCH
Smart hitch shows how balanced the
weight is from the trailer onto the vehicle's
hitch and front axle.
HOW DOES SMART HITCH
WORK
Smart hitch uses sensors mounted to the
suspension to calculate the tongue weight
of the connected trailer.
SMART HITCH 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 SMART HITCH
1. Press Features on the touchscreen.
2. Press
Smart Hitch.
Note: You can also access smart hitch
using the FordPass app. Settings menu.
A
Quick setup.
B
Connection checklist.
C
Hitch type selection.
D
Hitch Type Selection
Press to select the hitch type.
Quick Setup
Press to skip 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.
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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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F-150 (TFD) Canada/United States of America, enUSA, Edition date: 202104, Second-Printing Smart Hitch

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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The maximum value is 1,400 lb (650 kg).
Press
Set Current Load as Estimate to
store the current payload of the vehicle.
Measurement Units
Press to change measurement units
between pounds and kilograms.
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F-150 (TFD) Canada/United States of America, enUSA, Edition date: 202104, Second-Printing On-Board Scale

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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F-150 (TFD) Canada/United States of America, enUSA, Edition date: 202104, Second-Printing Trailer Backup Assistance