warning FORD F-550 2018 Owners Manual

The following menu warnings or difficulties
may occur during setup. Tips to resolve
them are listed below.
Measurement A has reached maximum or
minimum value:
•
The system is designed to work with
drawbars that have a license plate to
hitch ball center measurement of
9–16 in (229–406 mm) when installed.
Do not attempt to use drawbars that
have a length outside this range as
system performance degrades and
could cause improper system function.
• Make sure that the measurement being
made is the horizontal distance only
from license plate and the hitch ball
center. A straight line distance that
includes any vertical rise or drop
increases the measurement and makes
it inaccurate. Inaccurate
measurements degrade system
performance and could cause improper
system function. See step 4 of the
setup instruction to review the
measurement instructions.
Measurement B has reached maximum or
minimum value:
• Make sure you follow the sticker
placement instruction in step 3 of the
setup. Stickers placed outside the
allowed zone adversely affect the
system performance and could cause
improper feature function.
• Make sure that the measurement being
made is the horizontal distance only
from center of sticker to the hitch ball
center. A straight line distance that
includes any vertical rise or drop
increases the measurement and
causes an inaccurate value to be
entered into the system. See step 4 of
the setup for additional measurement
instructions. Measurement C has reached maximum or
minimum value:
•
Make sure you follow the sticker
placement instructions in step 3 of the
setup. Stickers placed outside the
allowed zone adversely affect the
system performance and could cause
improper feature function. If you have
met all the criteria for sticker
placement and you see this message,
the sticker is either too far below or too
close to the camera to properly
recognize the sticker. In order for the
system to correctly operate, the sticker
height must be lowered if you receive
the minimum warning or the sticker
height must be raised if you receive the
maximum warning.
•Only one sticker can be placed on
the trailer for correct system
function. The previous sticker must
be removed or covered so only one
sticker is visible to the camera.
• Measurement B and C must be
measured again if a new sticker is
placed on the trailer.
Measurement D has reached maximum or
minimum value:
• Make sure that the measurement being
made is the horizontal distance only
from tailgate to the center of the single
axle or the center of all the axles on the
trailer. See step 4 of the setup for
additional measurement instructions.
The system does not support trailer
lengths outside the range allowed by
the information display.
279
Super Duty (TFE) Canada/United States of America, enUSA, Edition date: 201709, Second Printing Towing

System is circling something beside the
sticker or system cannot find the sticker:
•
Make sure the rear camera is clean and
the sticker is clearly visible in the
camera image. Clean the camera and
sticker if necessary.
• The camera system uses the entered
measurements to help locate the
sticker. Inaccurate sticker
measurements degrade the system's
ability to locate the sticker. Verify the
measurements entered into the system
are accurate.
• Remove the incorrectly circled label or
decal if possible.
• If you cannot resolve the issue, a new
sticker location should be tried. The
new sticker location must meet the
requirements noted in step 3 of the
setup instructions. Only one sticker can
be placed on the trailer for correct
system function. The previous sticker
must be removed or covered so only
one sticker is visible to the camera.
Calibration
The system monitors various vehicle
parameters to ensure your vehicle is being
driven straight and the trailer straight
behind your vehicle. Any steering input or
trailer movement pauses the calibration.
For best results:
• Use a long, straight and smooth road
when attempting to calibrate.
• Drive straight forward.
• Drive between 4–24 mph
(6– 39 km/h).
System Operation
The following warnings or difficulties may
occur during feature operation. Tips to
resolve them are listed below. The system is not available:
•
The system relies on many
sub-systems in your vehicle to correctly
operate. If those sub-systems are not
correctly operating, the system may
not be available.
•Low battery voltage is one
condition which prevents the
system from operating. Please
make sure the battery is correctly
charged if the system is not
available.
• You may need to drive your vehicle
straight forward above
25 mph
(40 km/h) before the system is
available again.
• If the message still displays, take your
vehicle to an authorized dealer for
service.
Sticker lost:
• Check for the following if you receive
the lost sticker message when using
the system.
•Stop your vehicle as soon as the
message displays.
• Make sure the sticker is visible in
the rear view camera image.
• Clean the sticker and camera to
make sure they are unobstructed.
• Remove any items that may be
blocking the view of the sticker.
Depending on your trailer
configuration and any equipment
mounted to your trailer, it is
possible for the sticker to be
blocked from the view of the
camera as it rotates on the hitch
ball, but not be blocked during
setup. Remove the obstruction if
possible. It may be necessary to
280
Super Duty (TFE) Canada/United States of America, enUSA, Edition date: 201709, Second Printing Towing

remove the sticker from its current
location if the obstruction cannot
be cleared. Place a new sticker that
is visible to the camera in all
positions of the trailer behind your
vehicle.
• You can change your sticker
location by going into the trailer
menu, selecting trailer options,
selecting change trailer settings
and then selecting the change
sticker option. The previous sticker
must be removed. ONLY ONE
STICKER SHOULD BE PLACED
ON THE TRAILER FOR CORRECT
SYSTEM FUNCTION.
• The camera system uses the
entered measurements to help
locate the sticker. Inaccurate
measurements reduce the system ’s
ability to locate the sticker. Check
the measurements entered into the
system are correct. Refer to the
step 4 of trailer reverse guidance
setup for instructions on
measurements.
• You can change your measurement
by going into the trailer menu,
selecting trailer options, selecting
change trailer setting and then
selecting the change sticker option.
Disregard the prompt to remove
this sticker and continue to the next
step if you only plan to update the
measurements for the current
sticker location.
System does not backup straight:
• Factors such as the drawbar
connection to the hitch receiver, road
camber, road grade and compliance in
the trailer suspension can influence
how straight the system is able to
reverse your trailer when the wheel is
not turned. You can compensate for
the trailer drifting to the right or left by slowly turning the wheel until the trailer
is following your desired path and then
holding the wheel in that position. If
you would like to recalibrate the
system for straight backing, you can do
so with the following procedure.
•
Go into the trailer menu, select
trailer options, select change trailer
setting and then select the change
sticker option. Your saved
measurements show. Do not
change them, but continue to
confirm measurements. Once you
confirm the measurements, the
system then prompts you to
perform the calibration procedure.
Note: The system is designed to be used
with the same trailer connection every time
the trailer is chosen from the selection
menu. Using a different drawbar or a
different pin hole, on drawbars with more
than one pin hole, when connecting the
drawbar to your vehicle affects the trailer
measurements. Take the measurements
again and update if required.
TRAILER SWAY CONTROL (If
Equipped) 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 does not prevent trailer
sway, but reduces it once it begins.
Note: This feature cannot stop all trailers
from swaying.
281
Super Duty (TFE) Canada/United States of America, enUSA, Edition date: 201709, Second Printing Towing

Note:
In some cases, if vehicle speed is too
high, the system may activate multiple
times, gradually reducing vehicle speed.
This feature applies your vehicle brakes at
individual wheels and, if necessary, reduces
engine power. If the trailer begins to sway,
the stability control light flashes and the
message TRAILER SWAY REDUCE
SPEED appears in the information display.
The first thing to do is slow your vehicle
down, then pull safely to the side of the
road and check for proper tongue load and
trailer load distribution. See
Load
Carrying (page 264).
RECOMMENDED TOWING
WEIGHTS WARNING
You must use the heavy-duty
drawbar pin supplied with
your vehicle when using the
heavy-duty hitch. Failure to follow
this instruction could result in the
loss of control of your vehicle,
personal injury or death. Note:
Vehicles with a heavy-duty
hitch must use the drawbar pin
stamped 21,000 LBS. You can
obtain a replacement drawbar pin
at your authorized dealer. Note:
Make sure to take into
consideration trailer frontal area.
Do not exceed 60 ft 2
(5.6 m 2
) trailer
frontal area for conventional
trailers. Do not exceed 75 ft 2
(6.9
m 2
) trailer frontal area for fifth
wheel and gooseneck trailers.
Note: Exceeding this limitation
may significantly reduce the
performance of your towing
vehicle. Selecting a trailer with a
low aerodynamic drag and rounded
front design helps optimize
performance and fuel economy.
Note: For high altitude operation,
reduce the gross combined weight
by 2% per
1,000 ft (300 m)
starting at the 1,000 ft (300 m)
elevation point.
Note: Certain states require
electric trailer brakes for trailers
over a specified weight. Be sure to
check state regulations for this
specified weight. The maximum
trailer weights listed may be limited
to this specified weight, as your
vehicle's electrical system may not
include the wiring connector
needed to use electric trailer
brakes.
Your vehicle may tow a trailer
provided the maximum trailer
weight is less than or equal to the
maximum trailer weight
calculated using the formula
following the chart.
282
Super Duty (TFE) Canada/United States of America, enUSA, Edition date: 201709, Second Printing Towing

ESSENTIAL TOWING CHECKS
WARNING
Do not exceed the maximum vertical
load on the tow ball. Failure to follow
this instruction could result in the
loss of control of your vehicle, personal
injury or death. Follow these guidelines for safe towing:
•
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 your scheduled
maintenance information.
See
Scheduled Maintenance (page 581).
• If you use a rental trailer, follow the
instructions the rental agency gives
you.
See
Load Limits in the Load Carrying
chapter for load specification terms found
on the tire label and Safety Compliance
label and instructions on calculating your
vehicle's load.
Vehicles with a diesel engine have an
engine braking feature.
See General
Information (page 225).
Remember to account for the trailer
tongue weight as part of your vehicle load
when calculating the total vehicle weight.
Some vehicles will have the ability to
modify trailer towing features. See
General Information
(page 113). Trailer Towing Connector
When attaching the trailer wiring connector
to your vehicle, only use a proper fitting
connector that works with the vehicle and
trailer functions. Some seven-position
connectors may have the SAE J2863 logo,
which confirms that it is the proper wiring
connector and works correctly with your
vehicle.
Function
Color
Left turn signal and stop lamp
Yellow
Ground (-)
White
Electric brakes
Blue
Right turn signal and stop
lamp
Green
Battery (+)
Orange
Running lights
Brown
Reverse lights
Grey
286
Super Duty (TFE) Canada/United States of America, enUSA, Edition date: 201709, Second Printing TowingE163167

Put the 5/8 inch hitch pin through pin hole.
Place the cotter pin around the neck of
hitch pin.
Weight-distributing Hitches
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. When hooking-up a trailer using a
weight-distributing hitch, always use the
following procedure:
1. Park the loaded vehicle, without the
trailer, on a level surface.
2. Measure the height to the top of your vehicle's front wheel opening on the
fender. This is H1. 3.
Attach the loaded trailer to your vehicle
without the weight-distributing bars
connected.
4. Measure the height to the top of your vehicle's front wheel opening on the
fender a second time. This is H2.
5. Install and adjust the tension in the weight-distributing bars so that the
height of your vehicle's front wheel
opening on the fender is approximately
halfway between H1 and H2.
6. Check that the trailer is level or slightly
nose down toward your vehicle. If not,
adjust the ball height accordingly and
repeat Steps 2-6.
Once the trailer is level or slightly nose
down toward the vehicle:
• Lock the bar tension adjuster in place.
• Check that the trailer tongue securely
attaches and locks onto the hitch.
• Install safety chains, lighting, and trailer
brake controls as required by law or the
trailer manufacturer.
Fifth-wheel Trailer Hitch (If Equipped)
Note: The mounting pads in the bed are
specifically designed for certain fifth-wheel
trailer hitches and gooseneck ball hitches.
Do not use these mounting pads for other
purposes.
Note: Contact an authorized dealer to
purchase gooseneck and fifth-wheel hitches
that are compatible with your vehicle.
Your vehicle may be equipped with a
fifth-wheel prep package. This package
enables your vehicle to accept certain
fifth-wheel trailer hitches and gooseneck
ball hitches. The fifth-wheel trailer hitch
attaches to the four mounting pads in the
pick-up bed. An optional 7-pin trailer wiring
connector may be in the bed as well. The
gooseneck ball hitch is a separate
mounting pad from the fifth-wheel hitch,
located in the center of the bed.
289
Super Duty (TFE) Canada/United States of America, enUSA, Edition date: 201709, Second Printing TowingE247909

Shorter pick-up boxes, such as the 6½-foot
box on the F-250 and F-350, provide less
clearance between the cab and the
fifth-wheel and gooseneck trailer
compared to longer box pick-ups, such as
an 8-foot box on the F-250 or F-350. When
selecting a trailer and tow vehicle, it is
critical to check that this combination
provides clearance between the front of
the trailer and tow vehicle for turns up to
90 degrees. Failure to follow this
recommendation could result in the trailer
contacting the cab of the tow vehicle
during tight turns that are typical during
low-speed parking and turning maneuvers.
This contact could result in damage to the
trailer and tow vehicle.
Safety Chains
Note:
Do not attach safety chains to the
bumper. Always connect the safety chains
to the frame or hook retainers of your trailer
hitch.
Install trailer safety chains to the trailer
hitch as recommended by the
manufacturer. Cross the chains under the
trailer tongue and allow enough slack for
turning tight corners. Do not allow the
chains to drag on the ground. If the trailer safety chain hook has a latch,
make sure the latch is fully closed. Note:
If you install the hook with the latch
facing toward the rear of your vehicle, you
may not be able to fully close the safety
chain hook latch. If this occurs, install the
hook with the latch facing toward the front
of your vehicle.
Trailer Brakes 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. 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.
Separate functioning brake systems
are required for safe control of towed
vehicles and trailers weighing more
than 1500 lb (680 kg) when loaded.
Integrated Trailer Brake Controller
(If Equipped)
WARNINGS
The anti-lock brake system does not
control the trailer brakes.
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. 290
Super Duty (TFE) Canada/United States of America, enUSA, Edition date: 201709, Second Printing TowingE265060

Trailer Brake Effort Setting
The trailer brake controller allows the user
to customize how aggressively the trailer
brakes engage. The default value is the low
setting and is the recommended setting
for most trailers. If your trailer's brakes
require more initial voltage, or if you prefer
more aggressive trailer braking, then select
either the medium or the high setting.
Procedure for Setting Trailer Brake
Controller Mode
Choose the low, medium or high setting
for the required initial trailer brake output.
Procedure for Adjusting Gain
Note:
Only perform this procedure in a
traffic-free environment at speeds of
approximately 20– 25 mph (30–40 km/h).
The gain setting adjusts the trailer brake
controller for the specific towing condition.
You should change the setting as towing
conditions change. Changes to towing
conditions include trailer load, vehicle load,
road conditions and weather.
The gain should be set to provide the
maximum trailer braking assistance while
making sure the trailer wheels do not lock
when using the brakes. Locked trailer
wheels may lead to trailer instability.
1. Make sure the trailer brakes are in good
working condition, functioning normally
and properly adjusted. See your trailer
dealer if necessary.
2. Hook up the trailer and make the electrical connections according to the
trailer manufacturer's instructions.
3. When you plug in a trailer with electric or electric-over-hydraulic brakes, a
confirmation message appears in the
information display. 4. Use the gain adjustment (+ and -)
buttons to increase or decrease the
gain setting to the desired starting
point. A gain setting of 6.0 is a good
starting point for heavier loads.
5. In a traffic-free environment, tow the trailer on a dry, level surface at a speed
of
20– 25 mph (30–40 km/h) and
squeeze the manual control lever
completely.
6. If the trailer wheels lock up, indicated by squealing tires, reduce the gain
setting. If the trailer wheels turn freely,
increase the gain setting. Repeat Steps
5 and 6 until the gain setting is at a
point just below trailer wheel lock-up.
If towing a heavier trailer, trailer wheel
lock-up may not be attainable even
with the maximum gain setting of 10.
Information Display Warning Messages
Note: An authorized dealer can diagnose
the trailer brake controller to determine
exactly which trailer fault has occurred.
However, your Ford warranty does not cover
this diagnosis if the fault is with the trailer.
TRAILER BRAKE MODULE FAULT
Displays in response to faults sensed by
the trailer brake controller, accompanied
by a single tone. If this message appears,
contact an authorized dealer as soon as
possible for diagnosis and repair. The
controller may still function, but with
degraded performance.
WIRING FAULT ON TRAILER
Displays when there is a short circuit on
the electric brake output wire.
If this message displays, with no trailer
connected, the problem is with your vehicle
wiring or trailer brake controller. Contact
an authorized dealer.
292
Super Duty (TFE) Canada/United States of America, enUSA, Edition date: 201709, Second Printing Towing

If the message only displays with a trailer
connected, the problem is with the trailer
wiring. Consult your trailer dealer for
assistance. This can be a short to ground
(such as a chaffed wire), short to voltage
(such as a pulled pin on trailer emergency
breakaway battery) or the trailer brakes
may be drawing too much current.
Points to Remember
Note:
Do not attempt removal of the trailer
brake controller without consulting the
Workshop Manual. Damage to the unit may
result.
• Adjust gain setting before using the
trailer brake controller.
• Adjust gain setting, using the procedure
above, whenever road, weather, trailer
or vehicle loading conditions change
from when the gain was initially set.
• 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 equipped
with a feature that reduces output at
vehicle speeds below 11 mph (18 km/h)
so trailer and vehicle braking is not jerky
or harsh. This feature is only active
when applying the brakes using your
vehicle's brake pedal, not the
controller. •
The controller interacts with the brake
control system and powertrain control
system of your vehicle to provide the
best performance on different road
conditions.
• Your vehicle's brake system and the
trailer brake system work
independently of each other. Changing
the gain setting on the controller does
not affect the operation of your
vehicle's brakes.
• When you switch the engine off, the
controller output is disabled and the
display and module shut down.
Trailer Lamps 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. Trailer lamps are required on most towed
vehicles. Make sure all running lights, brake
lights, turn signals and hazard lights are
working.
Before Towing a Trailer
Practice turning, stopping and backing up
to get the feel of your vehicle-trailer
combination before starting on a trip.
When turning, make wider turns so the
trailer wheels clear curbs and other
obstacles.
293
Super Duty (TFE) Canada/United States of America, enUSA, Edition date: 201709, Second Printing Towing

When backing down a ramp during boat
launching or retrieval:
•
Do not allow the static water level to
rise above the bottom edge of the rear
bumper.
• Do not allow waves to break higher
than 6 in (15 cm) above the bottom
edge of the rear bumper.
Exceeding these limits may allow water to
enter vehicle components:
• Causing internal damage to the
components.
• Affecting driveability, emissions, and
reliability.
Replace the rear axle lubricant anytime
the rear axle has been submerged in water.
Water may have contaminated the rear
axle lubricant, which is not normally
checked or changed unless a leak is
suspected or other axle repair is required.
TOWING THE VEHICLE ON
FOUR WHEELS WARNING
If your vehicle has a steering wheel
lock make sure the ignition is in the
accessory or on position when being
towed. Emergency Towing
If your vehicle becomes inoperable
(without access to wheel dollies,
car-hauling trailer, or flatbed transport
vehicle), it can be flat-towed (all wheels
on the ground, regardless of the powertrain
and transmission configuration) under the
following conditions:
•
Your vehicle is facing forward for
towing in a forward direction.
• Place the transmission in neutral (N).
If you cannot move the transmission
into neutral (N), you may need to
override it. See
Transmission (page
208).
• Maximum speed is 35 mph (56 km/h).
• Maximum distance is
50 mi (80 km). WARNING
If your vehicle has a steering wheel
lock make sure the ignition is in the
accessory or on position when being
towed. Recreational Towing
Note:
Put your climate control system in
recirculated air mode to prevent exhaust
fumes from entering your vehicle. See
Climate Control
(page 146).
Follow these guidelines if you have a need
for recreational towing, such as towing
your vehicle behind a motorhome. We have
designed these guidelines to prevent
damage to your transmission.
Two-wheel Drive Vehicles
Do not tow your vehicle with any wheels
on the ground, as vehicle or transmission
damage may occur. It is recommended to
tow your vehicle with all four (4) wheels
off the ground, such as when using a
car-hauling trailer. Otherwise, you cannot
tow your vehicle.
295
Super Duty (TFE) Canada/United States of America, enUSA, Edition date: 201709, Second Printing Towing