sensor FORD F-150 2021 Repair Manual

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.
439
F-150 (TFD) Canada/United States of America, enUSA, Edition date: 202104, Second-Printing Trailer Hitching Assistance

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.
442
F-150 (TFD) Canada/United States of America, enUSA, Edition date: 202104, Second-Printing Smart HitchA
B
C
DE361328

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).
444
F-150 (TFD) Canada/United States of America, enUSA, Edition date: 202104, Second-Printing On-Board ScaleA
B
CE361332

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.
446
F-150 (TFD) Canada/United States of America, enUSA, Edition date: 202104, Second-Printing Trailer Backup Assistance

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.
447
F-150 (TFD) Canada/United States of America, enUSA, Edition date: 202104, Second-Printing Trailer Backup AssistanceE209766 E209759 E209760 E310335

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
F-150 (TFD) Canada/United States of America, enUSA, Edition date: 202104, Second-Printing Trailer Backup AssistanceE333148 E315959

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.
449
F-150 (TFD) Canada/United States of America, enUSA, Edition date: 202104, Second-Printing Trailer Backup AssistanceE335221 E352329

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
454
F-150 (TFD) Canada/United States of America, enUSA, Edition date: 202104, Second-Printing Trailer Backup Assistance

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
455
F-150 (TFD) Canada/United States of America, enUSA, Edition date: 202104, Second-Printing Trailer Backup Assistance

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.
456
F-150 (TFD) Canada/United States of America, enUSA, Edition date: 202104, Second-Printing Trailer Backup Assistance