FORD F-150 2021 Owners Manual

Positioning the Trailer
Hitch the trailer to your vehicle and
connect the electrical wiring harness.
Check to make sure that the wiring is
working. See Connecting a Trailer (page
424).
Park your vehicle and hitched trailer on a
level surface.
For best results, make sure that your trailer
rides level with the ground when you hitch
your vehicle. See
Connecting a Trailer
(page 424). Make sure that the trailer and your vehicle
are in line with each other. You can do this
by putting the transmission in drive (D) and
pulling straight forward.
Configuring the Trailer in the
Touchscreen
1. Press the button to switch the system
on.
2. Press
Add Trailer on the touchscreen.
3. Follow the directions on the touchscreen to enter the trailer name
and trailer type, then proceed to the
sticker or sensor setup.
Note: If you configure the trailer and install
a sensor, the trailer is saved with that sensor
information. If you want to use this trailer
with the sticker, you need to delete the
trailer from the system and repeat the setup
process.
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Note:
Your vehicle has two options for the
trailer reversing aid setup. If your vehicle
came with a trailer sensor kit or if a message
displays to install a sensor, follow the sensor
installation instructions. See Trailer Sensor
Installation (page 448). If your vehicle did
not come with a trailer sensor kit, follow the
sticker installation instructions. See
Applying the Trailer Reversing Aid Sticker
(page
448).
Note: If your vehicle came with a trailer
sensor kit, the vehicle will receive an update
that allows the system to operate with a
sensor or sticker. If your vehicle did not come
with a trailer sensor kit, your vehicle can be
setup using either method, but you need to
separately purchase the trailer sensor kit
from your authorized dealer.
APPLYING THE TRAILER
REVERSING AID STICKER
Place the sticker in an area visible by the
rear view camera. The entire sticker must
be within
4– 19 in (10–48 cm) from the
center of the hitch ball, as shown in the
following illustration. Use the supplied sticker placement card,
a tape measure and pen to carefully mark
the area to attach the sticker. The sticker
is in the back cover pocket of your quick
start guide. Make sure the entire sticker is
within the green zone between the two
arcs or distance markers on the diagram,
and is also visible in the rear view camera
display.
Once you have found the correct location,
place the sticker.
Note:
Make sure nothing can obstruct the
rear view camera's view of the sticker such
as a jack handle or wiring.
Note: Position the sticker on a flat, dry and
clean horizontal surface. For best results,
apply the sticker when temperatures are
above
32°F (0°C).
Note: Do not move stickers after placing
them. Do not re-use any stickers if removed.
Note: You can purchase additional stickers
through your authorized dealer.
Note: If you previously setup the trailer with
the trailer sensor, make sure it is not plugged
in before configuring the trailer and placing
the sticker.
TRAILER SENSOR INSTALLATION 448
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Refer to the instructions included with your
trailer sensor for detailed information
regarding installation.
Note:
Make sure the arrows on the sensor
housing are facing up. Mount the sensor to
a vertical part of the trailer that pivots when
you turn your vehicle. Do not mount to a
stationary surface such as the truck side of
the trailer hitch.
Note: If your vehicle came with a trailer
sensor kit, the vehicle will receive an update
that allows the system to operate with a
sensor or sticker. If your vehicle did not come
with a trailer sensor kit, your vehicle can be
setup using either method, but you need to
separately purchase the trailer sensor kit
from your authorized dealer. Once your
vehicle is enabled for sticker setup, the
default setup for new trailers requires
placement of the sticker. To setup a trailer
with a sensor, install the sensor on the trailer
and plug the connector into the connector
in your bumper prior to configuring the
trailer. Trailers that were set up with a
sensor still require the sensor to function.
To change a trailer to use the sticker, delete
the trailer in the system and repeat the
trailer setup with the sticker. CALIBRATING THE SYSTEM
Calibrating the system requires driving
forward and turning left or right. Follow the
instructions on the touchscreen to
complete the calibration process.
Note:
To calibrate the system, you need an
area where you can safely drive forward and
turn left or right. An open parking lot is an
ideal place to perform the calibration.
Note: Keep the steering wheel straight
when instructed to by the touchscreen. If
the steering wheel is in a turned position
during this instruction, the calibration
pauses.
Note: During calibration, the system
determines the trailer length. The system
supports trailer lengths of 6– 33 ft
(1.85– 10.05 m) distance from the hitch
point to the center of the axle or axles. The
system is designed to work with drawbars
that have a license plate to hitch ball center
measurement of 9– 18 in (23–46 cm) when
installed. Do not attempt to use drawbars
or trailers that have a length outside of this
range as the system performance degrades
and could cause improper system function.
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Note:
The touchscreen shows if you are
going too slow or fast. Calibration pauses if
the speed is outside the required range of
2 –9 mph (4– 15 km/h).
Note: You need to complete at least a 90°
turn, and longer trailers could require a 180°
turn. Camera trailer tracking requires the
system to locate the hitch ball as well as
determine the trailer length. Some trailers
could require you to drive straight then turn
multiple times before calibration completes.
The touchscreen provides instructions and
notifies you when calibration completes.
Note: For best results, do not calibrate the
system at night when calibrating the system
with the sticker.
SWITCHING TRAILER BACKUP
ASSISTANCE ON AND OFF Press the button and use the touchscreen
to select the connected trailer. Note:
A trailer must be configured to use
trailer backup assistance. See Configuring
the Trailer (page 446).
Note: If you use the steering wheel when
using trailer backup assistance, the system
turns off and a message displays in the
touchscreen.
Note: If the trailer was connected just prior
to turning the system on, you may need to
drive forward to initialize the system. Follow
the instructions on the touchscreen to
activate the system.
USING THE TRAILER BACKUP
ASSISTANCE CONTROLLER
Use the control knob to steer the trailer.
Take your hands off the steering wheel and
turn the control knob instead. The control
knob acts as the steering control for the
trailer. Turn and hold counterclockwise to make
the trailer go left.
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Turn and hold clockwise to make the trailer
go right.
Release the knob when the trailer is
moving in the direction you want.
Note:
The more you turn the knob, the
sharper the trailer turns.
Note: Quickly turning and releasing the
knob results in a jerky movement of the
vehicle.
Note: You may have to use the knob to
correct the trailer direction when attempting
to move the trailer straight back under some
conditions. USING THE TRAILER BACKUP
ASSISTANCE VIEWS
Up to seven camera views could be
available when using trailer backup
assistance. Use the view that helps you the
most when reversing your vehicle and
trailer. 360° camera view. Shows a
360° view on the right-hand side
of the touchscreen with a rear
camera view on the left-hand side of the
touchscreen. Rear view camera view. Shows
your trailer hitch or what is
directly behind your vehicle.
Rear split view camera view.
Shows a
180° degree view of
what is behind your vehicle. Bed camera view. Shows the
truck bed.
Note: This view also provides a
picture-in-picture view. Trailer AUX camera view. Shows
a rear view camera image of
what is behind your trailer. You
need to separately purchase this camera
and have it installed.
Note: This view also provides a
picture-in-picture view. Trailer reverse guidance view.
Shows you a view of the sides of
your truck and the trailer. In auto
mode, this view moves as the trailer moves
so that you do not have to adjust the
camera as you turn. Left and right arrows
let you see other camera views. Picture-in-picture view. Shows
a main view and a secondary
view when in bed camera view
or trailer AUX camera view.
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Note:
If you have a 8 in (20 cm)
touchscreen, picture-in-picture is off by
default. Press the picture-in-picture icon on
the touchscreen to switch picture-in-picture
view on and off.
Note: If you have a
12 in (30 cm)
touchscreen, picture-in-picture is on by
default and cannot be switched off. Swap. Press to swap between
picture-in-picture views.
Auto. Press to return to auto
view.
Note: Auto mode is the default setting.
Hitch Angle Graphic
The hitch angle graphic shows a small
representation of your truck and trailer with
visual feedback to help you monitor the
trailer. The graphic shows two different
colored lines for the trailer hitch angle. A
black line shows you where your trailer is
in relation to your vehicle. The white line
represents the amount the trailer can turn
based on knob input.
The graphic shows a yellow and red zone
for the hitch angle to warn you of a high
angle condition that could require you to
pull forward to reduce the hitch angle. The
angle limits for each zone vary based on
the trailer length. The yellow zone indicates you are
approaching the maximum controllable
trailer angle for the system. When the
trailer enters this zone, it is more difficult
to reduce the trailer turn when backing up.
It may be necessary to put your vehicle
back into drive (D) and pull forward to get
the truck and trailer back to an in-line
position.
The red zone indicates you have exceeded
the maximum controllable trailer angle for
the system. Immediately stop reversing.
Put your vehicle into drive (D) and pull
forward until the trailer is no longer in the
red zone.
Setting the
Trailer Angle Limit
1. Press
Features on the touchscreen.
2. Press
Towing.
3. Press
Manage trailers.
4. Press
Pro Trailer Backup Assist.
5. Press
Trailer Angle Limit.
6. Press a setting.
Normal Control Angle
Default setting. This provides a balanced
limit that returns from a turn to straight
backing with minimal change to the trailer
direction.
Max Control Angle
Increases the trailer angle limit close to the
maximum controllable angle to allow
sharper turns but also causes more change
in the trailer direction when straightening
out from a turn.
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TRAILER BACKUP ASSISTANCE – TROUBLESHOOTING
TRAILER BACKUP ASSISTANCE – INFORMATION MESSAGES
Description
Message
Displays when the system turns on and is
initializing.
Detecting Trailer Please Wait…
A condition exists that prevents the system
from turning on. If the message continues
to display, visit your authorized dealer to
have your vehicle checked.
Pro Trailer Backup Assist™ System is Not
Available
The steering system needs to learn internal
parameters to fully enable the feature.
Drive your vehicle straight forward above
25 mph (40 km/h) for approximately 5
minutes.
Pro Trailer Backup Assist™ Driving Required
to Initialize Steering Press Knob to Exit
Displays when you reach the maximum
controllable trailer angle for the system.
Place your vehicle in drive (D) and pull
forward to get the truck and trailer back to
an in-line position.
Pro Trailer Backup Assist™ Stop now
Maximum trailer angle Press Knob to Exit
If this message consistently displays, you
may need to repeat the trailer calibration.
Delete the trailer from the system and
repeat the setup and calibration process.
Displays when you exceed the maximum
controllable trailer angle for the system.
Place your vehicle in drive (D) and pull
forward to get your vehicle and trailer back
to an in-line position, then activate the
system by selecting the connected trailer
and following the instructions on the
touchscreen.
Stop now. Deactivated by trailer angle.
If this message consistently displays, you
may need to repeat the trailer setup and
calibration. Delete the trailer from the
system and repeat the setup and calibra-
tion process.
Displays when the system can no longer
steer the vehicle and you must take over
steering.
Pro Trailer Backup Assist™ Stop Now Take
Control of Steering Wheel
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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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Description
Message
If your trailer is setup with a sticker, this
message displays when the camera system
cannot detect the trailer and requires trailer
movement to enable trailer detection. Drive
forward above 2 mph (3 km/h) to initialize
the system.
If your trailer is setup with a sensor, this
message 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.
Pro Trailer Backup Assist™ Trailer Not
Detected Pull Forward to Initialize Press
Knob to Exit
Displays when your vehicle is backing up
but the system is not activated. Select the
connected trailer on the touchscreen and
follow the instructions to activate the
system.
This message also displays when you back
up during the calibration process.
Pro Trailer Backup Assist™ Stop Now
System Not Active Press Knob to Exit
Displays when the system turns on and is
available to use.
Pro Trailer Backup Assist™ Backup Slowly
Turn Knob to Steer 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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