trailer LINCOLN AVIATOR 2023 Owner's Manual

When the system detects a vehicle, an alert
indicator illuminates in the exterior mirror on
the side the approaching vehicle is coming
from. If you turn the direction indicator on for
that side of your vehicle, the alert indicator
flashes.
Note:The system may not alert you if a
vehicle quickly passes through the detection
zone.
Blocked Sensors
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The sensors are behind the rear bumper on
both sides of your vehicle.
Note:Keep the sensors free from snow, ice
and large accumulations of dirt.
Note:Do not cover the sensors with bumper
stickers, repair compound or other objects.Note:Blocked sensors could affect system
performance.
Note:Bike and cargo racks could cause
false alerts due to obstruction of the sensor.
We recommend switching the feature off
when using a bike or cargo rack.
If the sensors become blocked, a message
could appear in the information display. See
Information Messages (page 142). The alert
indicators remain illuminated but the system
does not alert you.
System Errors
If the system detects a fault, a warning lamp
illuminates and a message displays. See
Information Messages (page 142).
Switching the System On and Off
To switch the system on or off, adjust the
setting. Depending on your vehicle options,
the setting could be in the following:
• Information display. See General
Information (page 136).
• Touchscreen. See Settings (page 555).When you switch the system off, a warning
lamp illuminates and the alert indicators flash
twice.
Note:The system remembers the last setting
when you start your vehicle.
To permanently switch the system off,
contact an authorized dealer.
Blind Spot Information System with
Trailer Tow (If Equipped)
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327
Driving Aids

The design of the system is to aid you in
detecting vehicles that could have entered
the detection area zone (A). The detection
area is on both sides of your vehicle and
trailer, extending rearward from the exterior
mirrors to the end of your trailer. When you
attach and have setup a trailer, the blind spot
information system with trailer tow becomes
active when driving forward above 6 mph
(10 km/h).
You can switch the system off in the
information display. See General Information
(page 136). If you switch the blind spot
information system off, blind spot information
system with trailer tow turns off.
Setting up a Trailer
You can setup a trailer through the
information display. See General Information
(page 136).
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Trailer length. A
Trailer width. B
Trailer hitch ball. C
Note:Measure the width of the trailer at the
front of the trailer, not the widest point. The
maximum width that the system can support
is 8.2 ft (2.5 m)(B).
Note:The trailer length is the distance
between the trailer hitch ball and the rear of
the trailer. The maximum length that the
system can support is 33 ft (10 m)(A).
When setting up a trailer, a sequence of
screens appear asking for trailer information:
• Select trailer screen: None, Trailer A,
Trailer B or Trailer C.Note:You can select only one trailer on
small information displays.
Select one of the trailers and press OK. The
menu goes to the next screen.
• Width less than 8.2 ft (2.5 m) and length
less than 33 ft (10 m)?
Note:You do not need to enter an exact
trailer width measurement. You only need
to confirm that the width of the trailer is 8.2 ft
(2.5 m) or less.
If no, the system turns off.
If yes, the menu goes to the next screen.
• Enter length of trailer:
Toggling up or down using the menu buttons
increases or decreases the measurement by
3 ft (1 m). Select a length that is equal to or
within 3 ft (1 m) of the actual measured
length. For example, if the actual measured
length is 25 ft (7.6 m), toggle the length in
the menu to 8 m or 27 ft. When you enter the
length of the trailer, this saves the system
setup.
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Driving Aids

Note:When you connect a trailer, but do not
setup a trailer in the blind spot information
system, the system turns off and a warning
appears in the information display.
Note:If the trailer is a bike rack or cargo
rack with electrical lighting, enter a length
of 3 ft (1 m). Cross Traffic Alert remains on
for trailers with a length of 3 ft (1 m) or less.
Note:The system requires proper
measurement and measurement entry to
function as designed.
System Operation
If you select a trailer in the information
display prior to connecting a trailer, the
system loads that configuration and the
information display shows a message when
you connect the trailer. A second message
appears stating cross traffic alert is off, unless
a trailer is set up with a length of 3 ft (1 m).
The blind spot information system with trailer
tow still functions normally when driving
forward.If you connect a trailer, a message appears
indicating that you attached a trailer. If you
have not selected a trailer previously,
another message appears requesting you to
select one of the trailers in the list or add a
new trailer. The blind spot information system
with trailer tow does not function without a
trailer selected. If you do not select a trailer,
a message appears in the information display
stating it has turned off the system. This
message might not appear until your vehicle
speed reaches 22 mph (35 km/h).
The blind spot information system with trailer
tow activates when driving forward for that
particular trailer set up. If you cycle the
ignition, the blind spot information system
with trailer tow continues to function using
the last trailer you selected.
Trailer Considerations
The system works with a trailer with a front
width of 8.2 ft (2.5 m) or less, and a total
length from the trailer hitch ball to the rear
of the trailer of 33 ft (10 m) or less.Some trailers could cause a slight change in
system performance:
• Wide box trailers, especially those wider
than the towing vehicle, could cause false
alerts to occur when driving next to
infrastructure or near parked cars. A false
alert could also occur while making a
90-degree turn or driving through a
roundabout.
• Wide trailers that have a total length
greater than 20 ft (6 m) could cause
delayed alerts when a vehicle is passing
at high speeds.
• Box trailers that have a width greater than
8.2 ft (2.5 m) could cause early alerts
when you pass a vehicle.
• Clam shell or V-Nose box trailers with a
width greater than 8.2 ft (2.5 m) could
cause delayed alerts when a vehicle
traveling the same speed as your vehicle
merges lanes.
System Errors
If the system detects a fault, a warning lamp
illuminates and a message displays. See
Information Messages (page 142).
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Driving Aids

Switching the System On and Off
You can switch the blind spot information
system with trailer tow off by not selecting a
trailer in the information display. See General
Information (page 136). In this case, the
system turns off as long as a trailer is
attached to your vehicle. As soon as you
disconnect the trailer, the blind spot
information system becomes active.
When you switch the system off, a warning
lamp illuminates and the alert indicators flash
twice.
Note:The system remembers the last trailer
setting when you start your vehicle.
You cannot switch off the blind spot
information system with trailer tow when
using MyKey, but you can still change the
trailer settings. See MyKey™ (page 78).To permanently switch the system off,
contact an authorized dealer.
CROSS TRAFFIC ALERT
WARNING: Do not use the cross
traffic alert system as a replacement for
using the interior and exterior mirrors or
looking over your shoulder before
reversing out of a parking space. The cross
traffic alert system is not a replacement for
careful driving.
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.The system alerts you of vehicles
approaching from the sides behind your
vehicle when you shift into reverse (R).
Using Cross Traffic Alert
The system detects vehicles that approach
at a speed between 4 mph (6 km/h) and
37 mph (60 km/h). Coverage decreases when
the sensors are partially, mostly or fully
obstructed. Slowly reversing helps increase
the coverage area and effectiveness.
The system turns on when you start the
engine and you shift into reverse (R). The
system turns off when you shift out of reverse
(R).
330
Driving Aids

Cross Traffic Alert System Sensors
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The sensors are behind the rear bumper on
both sides of your vehicle.
Note:Keep the sensors free from snow, ice
and large accumulations of dirt.
Note:Do not cover the sensors with bumper
stickers, repair compound or other objects.
Note:Blocked sensors could affect system
performance.
Note:Bike and cargo racks could cause
false alerts due to obstruction of the sensor.
We recommend switching the feature off
when using a bike or cargo rack.
If the sensors are blocked, a message may
appear in the information display when you
shift into reverse (R).
Cross Traffic Alert System Limitations
The system may not correctly operate when
any of the following occur:
• The sensors are blocked.
• Adjacently parked vehicles or objects are
obstructing the sensors.
• Vehicles approach at speeds less than
4 mph (6 km/h) or greater than 37 mph
(60 km/h).
• The vehicle speed is greater than 7 mph
(12 km/h).
• You reverse out of an angled parking
space.
Cross Traffic Alert Behavior When
Trailer is Attached
Note:The system may not correctly operate
when towing a trailer. For vehicles with an
approved trailer tow module and tow bar,
the system turns off when you attach a
trailer. For vehicles with an aftermarket
trailer tow module or tow bar, we
recommend that you switch the system off
when you attach a trailer.Cross traffic alert remains on when you
attach a trailer in vehicles that come with
blind spot information system with trailer tow
under the following conditions:
• You connect a trailer.
• The trailer is a bike rack or cargo rack
with a maximum length of 3 ft (1 m).
• You set the trailer length to 3 ft (1 m) in
the information display.
See Blind Spot Information System (page
326).
Switching the System On and Off
To switch the system on or off, adjust the
setting. Depending on your vehicle options,
the setting could be in the following:
• Information display. See General
Information (page 136).
• Touchscreen. See Settings (page 555).
Note:The system turns on every time you
switch the ignition on. To permanently switch
the system off, contact an authorized dealer.
333
Driving Aids

Cross Traffic Alert Indicator
E268294When the system detects an
approaching vehicle, a tone
sounds, a warning lamp illuminates
in the relevant exterior mirror and arrows
appear in the information display to show
which side the approaching vehicle is coming
from.Note:If arrows do not display, a message
appears in the information display.
If the system malfunctions, a warning lamp
illuminates in the instrument cluster and a
message appears in the information display.
Have your vehicle checked as soon as
possible.Note:In exceptional conditions, the system
could alert you, even when there is nothing
in the detection zone, for example a vehicle
passing further away from your vehicle.
Cross Traffic Alert Information Messages
Action Message
Displays instead of indication arrows when the system detects a vehicle. Check for approaching
traffic. Cross Traffic Alert
Indicates blocked cross traffic alert system sensors. Clean the sensors. If the message continues
to appear, have your vehicle checked as soon as possible. Cross Traffic Not Available Sensor
Blocked See Manual
The system has malfunctioned. Have your vehicle checked as soon as possible. Cross Traffic System Fault
Displays if you attach a trailer to your vehicle. Cross Traffic Alert Deactivated Trailer
Attached
334
Driving Aids

LOAD LIMIT
Vehicle Loading - with and without a
Trailer
This section guides you in the proper
loading of your vehicle, trailer, or both.
Keep your loaded vehicle weight within
its design rating capability, with or
without a trailer. Properly loading your
vehicle provides maximum return of
vehicle design performance. Before you
load your vehicle, become familiar with
the following terms for determining your
vehicle’s weight rating, with or without
a trailer, from the vehicle’s Tire and
Loading Information label or Safety
Compliance Certification label.
Tire and Loading Label Information
Example:
E198719E198719
Payload
Payload is the combined weight of cargo
and passengers that your vehicle is
carrying. The maximum payload for your
vehicle appears on the Tire and Loading
label. The label is either on the B-pillar
or the edge of the driver door. Vehicles
exported outside the US and Canada
may not have a tire and loading label.
Look for “The combined weight of
occupants and cargo should never
exceed XXX kg OR XXX lb” for
maximum payload. The payload listed
on the Tire and Loading Information
label is the maximum payload for your
vehicle as built by the assembly plant. If
you install any additional equipment on
your vehicle, you must determine the
new payload. Subtract the weight of the
equipment from the payload listed on
the Tire and Loading label. When towing,
trailer tongue weight or king pin weight
is also part of payload.
348
Load Carrying

WARNING: The appropriate
loading capacity of your vehicle can
be limited either by volume capacity
(how much space is available) or by
payload capacity (how much weight
the vehicle should carry). Once you
have reached the maximum payload
of your vehicle, do not add more
cargo, even if there is space available.
Overloading or improperly loading
your vehicle can contribute to loss of
vehicle control and vehicle rollover.
GAWR (Gross Axle Weight Rating)
GAWR is the maximum allowable weight
that a single axle (front or rear) can carry.
These numbers are on the Safety
Compliance Certification label. The label
is located on the door hinge pillar,
door-latch post, or the door edge that
meets the door-latch post, next to the
driver seating position.
The total load on each axle must never
exceed its Gross Axle Weight Rating.GVWR (Gross Vehicle Weight Rating)
GVWR is the maximum allowable weight
of the fully loaded vehicle. This includes
all options, equipment, passengers and
cargo. It appears on the Safety
Compliance Certification label. The label
is located on the door hinge pillar,
door-latch post, or the door edge that
meets the door-latch post, next to the
driver seating position.
The gross vehicle weight must never
exceed the Gross Vehicle Weight Rating.
Safety Compliance Certification Label
Example:
E198828
WARNING: Exceeding the Safety
Compliance Certification label vehicle
weight limits can adversely affect the
performance and handling of your
vehicle, cause vehicle damage and
can result in the loss of control of your
vehicle, serious personal injury or
death.
Maximum Loaded Trailer Weight
Maximum loaded trailer weight is the
highest possible weight of a fully loaded
trailer the vehicle can tow. Consult an
authorized dealer (or the RV and Trailer
Towing Guide available at an authorized
dealer) for more detailed information.
GCWR (Gross Combined Weight
Rating)
GCWR is the maximum allowable weight
of the vehicle and the loaded trailer,
including all cargo and passengers, that
the vehicle can handle without risking
damage. (Important: The towing
vehicle’s braking system is rated for
349
Load Carrying

operation at Gross Vehicle Weight
Rating, not at Gross Combined Weight
Rating.) Separate functional brakes
should be used for safe control of towed
vehicles and for trailers where the Gross
Combined Weight of the towing vehicle
plus the trailer exceed the Gross Vehicle
Weight Rating of the towing vehicle.
The gross combined weight must never
exceed the Gross Combined Weight
Rating.
Note: For trailer towing information
refer to the RV and Trailer Towing Guide
available at an authorized dealer.
WARNING: Do not exceed the
GVWR or the GAWR specified on the
certification label.
WARNING: Do not use
replacement tires with lower load
carrying capacities than the original
tires because they may lower your
vehicle's GVWR and GAWR limitations.
Replacement tires with a higher limit
than the original tires do not increase
the GVWR and GAWR limitations.
WARNING: Exceeding any
vehicle weight rating can adversely
affect the performance and handling
of your vehicle, cause vehicle damage
and can result in the loss of control of
your vehicle, serious personal injury
or death.
Steps for determining the correct load
limit:
1. Locate the statement "The combined
weight of occupants and cargo
should never exceed XXX kg or XXX
lb." on your vehicle’s placard.2. Determine the combined weight of
the driver and passengers that will
be riding in your vehicle.
3. Subtract the combined weight of the
driver and passengers from XXX kg
or XXX lb.
4. The resulting figure equals the
available amount of cargo and
luggage load capacity. For example,
if the “XXX” amount equals 1,400 lb.
and there will be five 150 lb.
passengers in your vehicle, the
amount of available cargo and
luggage load capacity is 650 lb.
(1400-750 (5 x 150) = 650 lb.)
5. Determine the combined weight of
luggage and cargo being loaded on
the vehicle. That weight may not
safely exceed the available cargo
and luggage load capacity calculated
in Step 4.
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Load Carrying

6. If your vehicle will be towing a trailer,
load from your trailer will be
transferred to your vehicle. Consult
this manual to determine how this
reduces the available cargo and
luggage load capacity of your
vehicle.
Helpful examples for calculating the
available amount of cargo and
luggage load capacity
Suppose your vehicle has a 1400-pound
(635-kilogram) cargo and luggage
capacity. You decide to go golfing. Is
there enough load capacity to carry you,
four of your friends and all the golf bags?
You and four friends average 220
pounds (99 kilograms) each and the golf
bags weigh approximately 30 pounds
(13.5 kilograms) each. The calculation
would be: 1400 - (5 x 220) - (5 x 30) =
1400 - 1100 - 150 = 150 pounds. Yes, youhave enough load capacity in your
vehicle to transport four friends and your
golf bags. In metric units, the calculation
would be: 635 kilograms - (5 x 99
kilograms) - (5 x 13.5 kilograms) = 635 -
495 - 67.5 = 72.5 kilograms.
Suppose your vehicle has a 1400-pound
(635-kilogram) cargo and luggage
capacity. You and one of your friends
decide to pick up cement from the local
home improvement store to finish that
patio you have been planning for the
past two years. Measuring the inside of
the vehicle with the rear seat folded
down, you have room for twelve
100-pound (45-kilogram) bags of
cement. Do you have enough load
capacity to transport the cement to your
home? If you and your friend each weigh
220 pounds (99 kilograms), the
calculation would be: 1400 - (2 x 220) -
(12 x 100) = 1400 - 440 - 1200 = - 240
pounds. No, you do not have enough
cargo capacity to carry that much
weight. In metric units, the calculation
would be: 635 kilograms - (2 x 99
kilograms) - (12 x 45 kilograms) = 635 -198 - 540 = -103 kilograms. You will need
to reduce the load weight by at least
240 pounds (104 kilograms). If you
remove three 100-pound (45-kilogram)
cement bags, then the load calculation
would be:1400 - (2 x 220) - (9 x 100) =
1400 - 440 - 900 = 60 pounds. Now you
have the load capacity to transport the
cement and your friend home. In metric
units, the calculation would be: 635
kilograms - (2 x 99 kilograms) - (9 x 45
kilograms) = 635 - 198 - 405 = 32
kilograms.
The above calculations also assume that
the loads are positioned in your vehicle
in a manner that does not overload the
front or the rear gross axle weight rating
specified for your vehicle on the Safety
Compliance Certification label.
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Load Carrying