2015 Ford F 150 Owners Manual

tailgate. Manual Tailgate Opening Manual Tailgate Release

1. Unlock the tailgate. 2. Pull up on the manual tailgate handle

to release the tailgate.

Electronic Tailgate Opening (If Equipped)

WARNING

It is extremely dangerous to ride in a cargo area, inside or outside of a vehicle. In a crash, people riding in

these areas are more likely to be seriously injured or killed. Do not allow people to ride in any area of your vehicle that is not equipped with seats and safety belts. Make sure everyone in your vehicle is in a seat and properly using a safety belt. Failure to follow this warning could result in serious personal injury or death.

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E187692E191530E187693Load Carrying

Tailgate Removal

WARNING

Always properly secure cargo to prevent shifting cargo or cargo falling from vehicle, which could result in

compromised vehicle stability and serious personal injury to vehicle occupants or others.

You can remove the tailgate for more loading room. Note: Skip to Step 4 if your vehicle does not have a rearview camera.

1. Locate and disconnect the rearview camera in-line connector. It is under the pickup box on the right-hand side of the vehicle near the spare tire.

2. There is a protective cap in the glove box. Install it on the in-line connector that remains under the pickup box. 3. Partially lower the tailgate. Carefully feed the tailgate harness up through the gap between the pickup box and the bumper and place it out of the way under the pickup box.

4. Lower the tailgate.

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5. Use a screwdriver to gently pry the

spring clip on each connector past the head of the support screw. Disconnect the cable.

6. Disconnect the other cable. 7. Lift the tailgate to 45° from horizontal. 8. Lift the right side off its hinge. 9. Lift the tailgate to 80° from horizontal. 10. Remove the tailgate from the left side

hinge by sliding it to the right.

Reverse the steps to reinstall the tailgate. Tailgate Step (If Equipped) Use the step to make entering the truck bed easier. To reduce the risk of falling: • Only operate the step when your

vehicle is on a level surface.

• Only operate the step in areas with

sufficient lighting.

• Always open the step panel to widen

the step.

• Always use the grab handle when

climbing on the step.

• Do not use the step with bare feet. • Make sure the step is clean before use. Keep the step load, you plus the load, • below 350 lb (159 kg).

E189556E163092Load Carrying

Opening the Step Note: Make sure to close and fully latch the step before moving your vehicle. Never drive with the step or grab handle open. 1. Lower the tailgate. 2. Push the button in the center of the step molding. The step will pop out slightly.

3. Pull the step out fully. Lower the step

to its lowest position.

Replace the slip resistance tape or grab handle molding if it appears worn or damaged. Closing the Step 1. Press handle button 1 to lower the

telescoping handle extension, and then press button 2 to release the handle. Rotate the handle down from vertical to horizontal.

2. Push the handle back into the tailgate. 3. Rotate the step up until it is horizontal, then push it back into the tailgate, until the step is secure.

Box Side Step (If Equipped) Use the step for easier access to the truck bed. Note: Close the step before driving. Note: Do not exceed 500 lb (227 kg) on the step. This includes you plus cargo. Note: Do not use the step to lift the vehicle. Only use proper jacking points. Note: The step may operate more slowly in cool temperatures. Note: The step mechanism may trap debris such as mud, dirt, snow, ice and salt. This may prevent the step from deploying automatically when you press the button. If this happens, make sure that you press the button down and carefully pull out the step manually. Wash off the debris with a high-pressure car wash wand and stow the step.

4. Pull the yellow handle stop backward

out of the tailgate.

5. Rotate the handle up from horizontal to vertical until you hear a click. You have locked the handle in place.

Note: Do not tow with the step or grab the handle.

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E187718E189557Deploying the Step

Load Carrying

Note: Do not keep the bed extender in the tailgate mode when you are not using it for restraining cargo. Always keep the bed extender in the grocery mode or the stowed position with the tailgate closed. Tailgate Mode

Push down on the button with your foot. The step will automatically extend from the stowed position. Stowing the Step

1. Pull the locking pin toward the center

of your vehicle.

2. Open the latches to release the panels.

Push the step under the truck with your foot until it fully latches. Do not push on the button while stowing the step. Bed Extender (If Equipped) Note: Do not use the bed extender when driving off road. Note: Make sure to engage the locking pins and knobs fully before driving your vehicle. Note: Make sure to secure all cargo. Note: Do not exceed 150 lb (68 kg) on the tailgate when your vehicle is moving.

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E167268E167269E163095E163096Load Carrying

5. Make sure to insert the latch rod into the tailgate hole. Make sure to engage both sides of the locking pins into their holes in the pick-up box.

Reverse the steps to store the bed extender. Grocery Mode

3. Rotate the panels toward the tailgate. Repeat Steps 1-3 on the other side of your vehicle.

4. Connect the two panels. Rotate both knobs one-quarter turn clockwise to secure the panels.

Follow Steps 1-4 of the tailgate mode instructions by rotating the panels away from the tailgate. Close the tailgate. BoxLink™ Cleats (If Equipped) These cleats attach to the inner box walls to help you to tie down cargo. The cleats can be locked to prevent removal or unlocked for removal. BoxLink Cleats Note: Leave the key in the lock when removing or installing the cleats. The key cannot be removed from the lock unless it is in the locked position.

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E163097E163098E163099E163100Load Carrying

Installing Locking BoxLink Cleats

A. 275 lb (1,223 N) maximum force between directly opposed cleats. B. 600 lb (2,669 N) maximum force between diagonally opposed cleats. Secure cargo with up to 275 lb (1,223 N) force applied between opposing box link cleats, or up to 600 lb (2,669 N) force applied between diagonal box link cleats. Removing Locking BoxLink Cleats Insert the key into the lock and turn 1. clockwise to unlock.

2. Pull bottom of the cleat outward while

pushing top of cleat down.

3. Hold on to the cleat as it clears the

mounting slot.

1.

2.

Insert the key into lock and turn clockwise to unlock. Insert the cleat into the mounting slot and push upward. Make sure the cleat is fully engaged.

3. Turn the key counterclockwise to lock. 4. Remove the key. Bed Ramp (If Equipped)

WARNINGS

The slide action of the ramp is a pinch point. Do not place fingers or hands in the pinch point. Extend and retract the ramp only when connected to the tailgate plate.

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E184885E189558Load Carrying

WARNINGS

Be sure the ramp is installed correctly when loading and unloading equipment on and off the

ramp.

Note: A smooth surface tool can be used to rotate the stops. 4. Rotate the stops at the underside of

the ramp to the open position.

5. Slide the ramp claw onto the tailgate

plate.

Do not step or sit on the ramp when it is in the stowed position. Install the ramp only within the prescribed ramp angles.

Note: The ramp maximum capacity is 800 lb (363 kg). Note: Verify the ramp is on stable ground before usage. Note: For loading and unloading equipment, your ramp should be set between 10° upward and 26° downward to avoid damage to the ramp claw and tailgate plate. Using the Bed Ramp 1. Remove the front and rear cables.

2. Open the cam lever arms and unscrew

the cam bolts.

3. Remove the ramp from the ramp

holder.

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E194380E211150E194382Load Carrying

5. Place the ramp into the ramp holder. 6. Install the cam bolts and close the cam lever arms.

7. Attach the front and rear cables. Installing the Ramp Holder

1. Hook the top of the ramp holder over

the mounting plate and rotate the ramp holder into position.

6. Pull the location pin outward and

extend the ramp until the pin is seated in the usage position, then set the ramp on even ground.

Stowing the Bed Ramp 1. Pick up the ramp. Pull the location pin

outward.

2. Slide the ramp into the storage position

until the location pin locks.

Note: Make sure the proper pin location has been applied for your bed size. 3. Slide the ramp claw off of the tailgate

plate.

4. Rotate the stops at the underside of

the ramp to the closed position.

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E194383E194391E194387Load Carrying

2. Slide the ramp holder studs upwards

into the installed position.

3. Tighten the ramp holder nut. Note: The nut should be on the upper stud.

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E194388Towing

Load Placement To help minimize how trailer movement affects your vehicle when driving: • Load the heaviest items closest

to the trailer floor.

• Load the heaviest items

centered between the left and right side trailer tires.

• Load the heaviest items above the trailer axles or just slightly forward toward the trailer tongue. Do not allow the final trailer tongue weight to go above or below 10-15% of the loaded trailer weight.

• Select a tow bar with the

correct rise or drop. When both the loaded vehicle and trailer are connected, the trailer frame should be level, or slightly angled down toward your vehicle, when viewed from the side.

When driving with a trailer or payload, a slight takeoff vibration or shudder may be present due to the increased payload weight. Additional information regarding proper trailer loading and setting your vehicle up for towing is located in another chapter of this manual. See Load Limit (page 232). You can also find information in the RV & Trailer Towing Guide available at your authorized dealer, or online.

TOWING A TRAILER WARNINGS

Do not exceed the GVWR or the GAWR specified on the

certification label.

Towing trailers beyond the maximum recommended gross trailer weight exceeds the limit of the vehicle and could result in engine damage, transmission damage, structural damage, loss of vehicle control, vehicle rollover and personal injury.

Your vehicle may have electrical items, such as fuses or relays, related to towing. See the Fuses chapter. Your vehicle's load capacity designation is by weight, not by volume, so you cannot necessarily use all available space when loading a vehicle or trailer. Towing a trailer places an extra load on your vehicle's engine, transmission, axle, brakes, tires and suspension. Inspect these components periodically during, and after, any towing operation.

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Towing

RV & Trailer Towing Guide Online http://www.fleet.ford.com/towing-guides/

Website

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. 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 232).

RECOMMENDED TOWING WEIGHTS Note: Do not exceed a trailer weight of 5,100 lb (2,313 kg) when towing with, or by, bumper only. Note: Do not exceed a trailer weight of 5,100 lb (2,313 kg) if your vehicle is not equipped with a Heavy Duty Trailer Towing Package. Note: Make sure to take into consideration trailer frontal area. Vehicles not equipped with the Trailer Tow Package or the Heavy Duty Payload Package should not exceed 36.6 feet2 (3.4 meters2) trailer frontal area. Vehicles equipped with the Trailer Tow Package or the Heavy Duty Payload Package should not exceed 60
feet2 (5.6 meters2) trailer frontal area. 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.

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Towing

Your vehicle may tow a trailer provided the maximum trailer weight is less than or equal to the maximum trailer weight listed for your vehicle configuration on the following charts.

Note: For high altitude operation, reduce the gross combined weight by 2% per 1,000 ft (305 m) starting at the 1,000 ft (305 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.

Cab – wheel- base (inches)

Driveline – 4x21

Engine

Axle ratio

3.55

3.73

3.31

3.73

3.31

3.55

3.55

3.5L TiVCT

Regular cab –

122

2.7L GTDI

5.0L TiVCT

Regular cab –

141

3.5L TiVCT

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Maximum GCWR2, 3

9500 lb (4309

kg)4

12000 lb (5443

kg)

12200 lb (5533

kg)

13100 lb (5942

kg)

13000 lb (5897

kg)

13800 lb (6260

kg)

9600 lb (4354

kg)4

Cab – wheel- base (inches)

Super Cab – 145

Towing

Driveline – 4x21

Engine

Axle ratio

3.73

3.31

3.73

3.73

3.31

3.55

3.73

3.15

3.55

3.73

3.55

3.73

3.31

2.7L GTDI

5.0L TiVCT

3.5L GTDI

3.5L TiVCT

2.7L GTDI

Maximum GCWR2, 3

12100 lb (5488

kg)

12300 lb (5579

kg)

13100 lb (5942

kg)

13300 lb (6032

kg)5

13900 lb (6305

kg)

14900 lb (6758

kg)

16000 lb (7257

kg)6

15500 lb (7030

kg)

17000 lb (7711

kg)7

17100 lb (7756

kg)6, 7

9900 lb (4491

kg)4

12200 lb (5534

kg)

12500 lb (5670

kg)

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Cab – wheel- base (inches)

Super Cab – 163

Towing

Driveline – 4x21

Engine

Axle ratio

3.73

3.73

3.31

3.55

3.15

3.55

3.31

3.73

3.73

3.31

3.55

3.73

3.15

5.0L TiVCT

3.5L GTDI

2.7L GTDI

5.0L TiVCT

3.5L GTDI

Maximum GCWR2, 3

13100 lb (5942

kg)

13300 lb (6032

kg)5

14200 lb (6441

kg)

15200 lb (6895

kg)

15800 lb (7167

kg)

17100 lb (7756

kg)7

12600 lb (5715

kg)

13100 lb (5942

kg)

13300 lb (6032

kg)5

14300 lb (6486

kg)

15300 lb (6940

kg)

16200 lb (7348

kg)

15900 lb (7212

kg)

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Towing

Driveline – 4x21

Engine

Axle ratio

3.55

3.73

3.73

3.31

3.73

3.73

3.31

3.55

3.15

3.55

3.31

3.73

3.73

Maximum GCWR2, 3

17100 lb (7756

kg)7

17100 lb (7756

kg)6, 7

12200 lb (5534

kg)

12600 lb (5715

kg)

13100 lb (5942

kg)

13100 lb (5942

kg)5

14200 lb (6441

kg)

15200 lb (6895

kg)

15800 lb (7167

kg)

17000 lb (7711

kg)7

12600 lb (5715

kg)

13100 lb (5942

kg)

13300 lb (6032

kg)5

Cab – wheel- base (inches)

Crew cab – 145

3.5L TiVCT

2.7L GTDI

5.0L TiVCT

3.5L GTDI

Crew cab – 157

2.7L GTDI

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Towing

Cab – wheel- base (inches)

Driveline – 4x21

Engine

Axle ratio

5.0L TiVCT

3.5L GTDI

3.31

3.55

3.73

3.15

3.55

3.73

Maximum GCWR2, 3

14200 lb (6441

kg)

15200 lb (6895

kg)

16200 lb (7348

kg)6

15900 lb (7212

kg)

17100 lb (7756

kg)7

17100 lb (7756

kg)6, 7

1Do not exceed a trailer weight of 5100 pounds (2313 kilograms) unless the vehicle is equipped with the Heavy Duty Trailer Tow package or the MAX Trailer Tow package. 2Calculated with SAE J2807 method. 3Heavy Duty Trailer Tow Payload Package (unless stated otherwise). 4Medium Duty Trailer Tow package – 5100 pound (2313 kilogram) maximum trailer weight. 52.7L EcoBoost Payload Package. 6Heavy Duty Payload Package. 7MAX Trailer Tow Payload Package.

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Cab – wheel- base (inches)

Regular cab –

122

Regular cab –

141

Towing

Driveline – 4x41

Engine

Axle ratio

3.5L TiVCT

2.7L GTDI

5.0L TiVCT

3.5L TiVCT

2.7L GTDI

5.0L TiVCT

3.5L GTDI

3.73

3.55

3.73

3.31, 3.55

3.73

3.73

3.55

3.73

3.73

3.31, 3.55

3.73

3.73

3.31

Maximum GCWR2, 3

12200 lb (5534

kg)

12500 lb (5670

kg)

13300 lb (6032

kg)

13200 lb (5987

kg)

14600 lb (6622

kg)

12200 lb (5534

kg)

12500 lb (5670

kg)

13300 lb (6032

kg)

13300 lb (6032

kg)4

14100 lb (6396

kg)

16200 lb (7348

kg)

16200 lb (7348

kg)5

15800 lb (7167

kg)

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Towing

Cab – wheel- base (inches)

Driveline – 4x41

Engine

Axle ratio

3.55

3.55

3.73

3.73

3.55

3.73

3.73

3.31

3.55

3.73

3.31

3.55

3.55

3.5L TiVCT

2.7L GTDI

Super Cab – 145

5.0L TiVCT

3.5L GTDI

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Maximum GCWR2, 3

15800 lb (7167

kg)

17100 lb (7756

kg)6

17000 lb (7711

kg)5, 6

12200 lb (5534

kg)

12700 lb (5761

kg)

13300 lb (6032

kg)

13300 lb (6032

kg)4

14300 lb (6486

kg)

14400 lb (6532

kg)

16200 lb (7348

kg)

16000 lb (7167

kg)

16000 lb (7167

kg)

16900 lb (7665

kg)6

Towing

Driveline – 4x41

Engine

Axle ratio

Maximum GCWR2, 3

14300 lb (6486

kg)

14500 lb (6577

kg)

16200 lb (7348

kg)

16200 lb (7348

kg)5

16200 lb (7348

kg)

16200 lb (7348

kg)

17100 lb (7756

kg)6

17100 lb (7756

kg)5, 6

12200 lb (5534

kg)

12800 lb (5806

kg)

13300 lb (6033

kg)

13300 lb (6033

kg)4

14300 lb (6486

kg)

3.31

3.55

3.73

3.73

3.31

3.55

3.55

3.73

3.73

3.55

3.73

3.73

3.31

Cab – wheel- base (inches)

Super Cab – 163

5.0L TiVCT

3.5L GTDI

3.5L TiVCT

Crew cab – 145

2.7L GTDI

5.0L TiVCT

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Cab – wheel- base (inches)

Crew cab – 157

Towing

Driveline – 4x41

Engine

Axle ratio

3.55

3.73

3.31

3.55

3.55

3.31

3.55

3.73

3.73

3.31

3.55

3.5L GTDI

5.0L TiVCT

3.5L GTDI

Maximum GCWR2, 3

14400 lb (6532

kg)

16200 lb (7348

kg)

16100 lb (7303

kg)

16100 lb (7303

kg)

16900 lb (7666

kg)

14300 lb (6486

kg)

14500 lb (6577

kg)

16200 lb (7348

kg)

16200 lb (7348

kg)5

16100 lb (7303

kg)

16100 lb (7303

kg)

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Towing

Cab – wheel- base (inches)

Driveline – 4x41

Engine

Axle ratio

3.55

3.73

Maximum GCWR2, 3

17100 lb (7756

kg)6

17000 lb (7711

kg)5, 6

1Do not exceed a trailer weight of 5100 pounds (2313 kilograms) unless the vehicle is equipped with the Heavy Duty Trailer Tow package or the MAX Trailer Tow package. 2Calculated with SAE J2807 method. 3Heavy Duty Trailer Tow Payload Package (unless stated otherwise). 42.7L EcoBoost Payload Package. 5Heavy Duty Payload Package. 6MAX Trailer Tow Payload Package.

• Passenger(s) weight. • Payload, cargo and luggage

weight.

• Aftermarket equipment weight. This equals the maximum loaded trailer weight for this combination. Note: The trailer tongue load is considered part of the payload for your vehicle. Reduce the total payload by the final trailer tongue weight. Note: Consult an authorized dealer to determine the maximum trailer weight allowed for your vehicle if you are not sure.

Calculating the Maximum Loaded Trailer Weight for Your Vehicle 1. Start with the gross combined weight rating for your vehicle model and axle ratio. See the previous charts.

2. Subtract all of the following

that apply to your vehicle:

• Vehicle curb weight. • Hitch hardware weight, such as a draw bar, ball, locks or weight distributing hardware.

• Driver weight.

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Towing

ESSENTIAL TOWING CHECKS Follow these guidelines for safe towing: • Do not tow a trailer until you drive your

vehicle at least 1000 miles (1600
kilometers).

Trailer Towing Connector

• 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. 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. Remember to account for the trailer tongue weight as part of your vehicle load when calculating the total vehicle weight.

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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.

Color Yellow White Blue Green

Function

Left turn signal and stop lamp Ground (-) Electric brakes Right turn signal and stop lamp

E193232Towing

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 a quarter the way down from H2, toward H1.

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.

Safety Chains Note: Do not attach safety chains to the bumper. Always connect the safety chains to the frame or hook retainers of your vehicle hitch. To connect the safety chains, 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. 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.

Function

Battery (+) Running lights Reverse lights

Color Orange Brown Grey Hitches Do not use a hitch that either clamps onto the bumper or attaches to the axle. You must distribute the load in your trailer so that 10-15% of the total weight of the trailer is on the tongue. Weight-distributing Hitches

WARNING

•

Do not adjust a weight-distributing hitch to any position where the rear bumper of the vehicle is higher than

it was 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.

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Towing

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 pounds (680 kilograms) when loaded. Integrated Trailer Brake Controller (If Equipped)

WARNING

The Ford trailer brake controller has been verified to be compatible with trailers having electric-actuated

drum brakes (one to four axles) and electric-over-hydraulic brakes. It will not activate hydraulic surge-style trailer brakes. It is the responsibility of the customer to ensure that the trailer brakes are adjusted appropriately, functioning normally and all electric connections are properly made. Failure to do so may result in loss of vehicle control, crash or serious injury.

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When used properly, the trailer brake controller assists in smooth and effective trailer braking by powering the trailer’s electric or electric-over-hydraulic brakes with a proportional output based on the towing vehicle’s brake pressure. The controller user interface consists of the following: A: + and - (Gain adjustment buttons): Pressing these buttons adjusts the controller's power output to the trailer brakes in 0.5 increments. You can increase the gain setting to 10.0 (maximum trailer braking) or decrease it to 0 (no trailer braking). The gain setting displays in the message center. The controller shows gain setting, output bar graph, and trailer connectivity status in the information display. They appear in the information display as follows: •

Trailer Brake Controller Gain (without trailer connected): Shows the current gain setting during a given ignition cycle and when adjusting the gain. This also displays if you use the manual control lever or make gain adjustments with no trailer connected. Trailer Brake Controller Gain Output: Displays when you push your vehicle's brake pedal, or upon use of the manual control. Bar indicators illuminate in the information display to indicate the amount of power going to the trailer brakes relative to the brake pedal or manual control input. One bar indicates the least amount of output; six bars indicate maximum output.

•

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E183395Towing

The gain setting sets 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.

5.

3. When you plug in a trailer with electric

or electric-over-hydraulic brakes, a message confirming connection 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. 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. 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.

6.

•

•

Trailer Connected: Displays when the system senses a correct trailer wiring connection (a trailer with electric trailer brakes) during a given ignition cycle. Trailer Disconnected: Displays, accompanied by a single audible time, when the system senses a trailer connection and then a disconnection, either intentional or unintentional, during a given ignition cycle. It also displays if a truck or trailer-wiring fault occurs causing the trailer to appear disconnected. This message can also display if you use the manual control lever without a trailer connected. After disconnecting the trailer connector, press the brake pedal for approximately five seconds to allow the system to detect and update the trailer status.

B: Manual control lever: Slide the control lever to the left to turn on the trailer's electric brakes independent of the tow vehicle's. See the following Procedure for adjusting gain section for instructions on proper use of this feature. If you use the manual control while the brake is also applied, the greater of the two inputs determines the power sent to the trailer brakes. • Stop lamps: Using the manual control lever illuminates both the trailer brake lamps and your vehicle brake lamps except the center high-mount stop lamp, if you make the proper electrical connection to the trailer. Pressing your vehicle brake pedal also illuminates both trailer and vehicle brake lamps.

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).

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• 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 available 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 whether you attach a trailer or not.

• When you switch the engine off, the controller output is disabled and the display and module shut down. The controller module and display turn on when you switch the ignition on. The trailer brake controller is only a factory-installed or dealer-installed item. Ford is not responsible for warranty or performance of the controller due to misuse or customer installation.

•

•

•

•

Explanation of 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. A message indicating a trailer brake module fault may display 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 performance may be degraded. A message indicating a trailer wiring fault may display when there is a short circuit on the electric brake output wire. If this message displays, accompanied by a single tone, with no trailer connected, the problem is with your vehicle wiring between the trailer brake controller and the 7-pin connector at the bumper. 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 for the first time. • Adjust gain setting, using the procedure

above, whenever road, weather and trailer or vehicle loading conditions change from when the gain was initially set.

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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. Using a Step Bumper (If Equipped) The rear bumper is equipped with an integral hitch and only requires a ball with a one-inch (25.4 millimeter) shank diameter. The bumper has a 5000-pound (2268 kilogram) trailer weight and a 500-pound (227 kilogram) tongue weight capacity. If it is necessary to relocate the hitch ball position, you must install a frame-mounted trailer hitch. 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. When Towing a Trailer • Do not drive faster than 70 mph (113

km/h) during the first 500 miles (800
kilometers).

• Do not make full-throttle starts.

F-150 (TFC), enUSA, Third Printing

• Check your hitch, electrical connections

and trailer wheel lug nuts thoroughly after you have traveled 50 miles (80
kilometers).

•

•

•

• When stopped in congested or heavy traffic during hot weather, place the gearshift in position P to aid engine and transmission cooling and to help A/C performance. Turn off the speed control with heavy loads or in hilly terrain. The speed control may turn off automatically when you are towing on long, steep grades. Shift to a lower gear when driving down a long or steep hill. Do not apply the brakes continuously, as they may overheat and become less effective. If your transmission is equipped with a Grade Assist or Tow/Haul feature, use this feature when towing. This provides engine braking and helps eliminate excessive transmission shifting for optimum fuel economy and transmission cooling. If your vehicle is equipped with AdvanceTrac with RSC, this system may turn on during typical cornering maneuvers with a heavily loaded trailer. This is normal. Turning the corner at a slower speed while towing may reduce this tendency. If you are towing a trailer frequently in hot weather, hilly conditions, at the gross combined weight rating (or any combination of these factors), consider refilling your rear axle with synthetic gear lubricant (if the axle is not already filled with it). See Capacities and Specifications (page 358).

•

•

• Allow more distance for stopping with a trailer attached. Anticipate stops and brake gradually.

• Avoid parking on a grade. However, if

you must park on a grade:

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1. Turn the steering wheel to point your

vehicle tires away from traffic flow.

2. Set your vehicle parking brake. 3. Place the automatic transmission in

position P.

4. Place wheel chocks in front and back

of the trailer wheels. (Chocks not included with vehicle.)

Your vehicle may be equipped with a temporary or conventional spare tire. A "temporary" spare tire is different in size (diameter or width), tread-type (All-Season or All Terrain) or is from a different manufacturer than the road tires on your vehicle. Consult information on the tire label or Safety Compliance label for limitations when using. Launching or Retrieving a Boat or Personal Watercraft (PWC) Note: Disconnect the wiring to the trailer before backing the trailer into the water. Note: Reconnect the wiring to the trailer after removing the trailer from the water. 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 inches (15 centimeters) 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 POINTS

WARNINGS

Using recovery hooks is dangerous and should only be done by a person familiar with proper vehicle recovery safety practices. Improper use of recovery hooks may cause hook failure or separation from the vehicle and could result in serious injury or death.

Always slowly remove the slack from the recovery strap prior to pulling. Failure to do so can introduce

significantly higher loads which can cause the recovery hooks to break off, or the recovery strap to fail which can cause serious injury or death.

Never link two straps together with a clevis pin. These heavy metal objects could become projectiles if

the strap breaks and can cause serious injury or death.

Your vehicle comes equipped with frame-mounted front recovery hooks. These hooks should never have a load applied to them greater than the gross vehicle weight rating of your vehicle. Before using recovery hooks: • Make sure all attaching points are

secure and capable of withstanding the applied load.

• Never use chains, cables or tow straps

with metal hook ends.

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TRANSPORTING THE VEHICLE

• Only use recovery straps that have a minimum breaking strength two to three times the gross vehicle weight of the stuck vehicle.

• Make sure the recovery strap is in good condition and free of visible cuts, tears or damage.

• Use a damper device such as a tarp,

heavy blanket or piece of carpet draped over the recovery strap to help absorb the energy in the event the strap breaks.

• Make sure the stuck vehicle is not

loaded heavier than its gross vehicle weight rating specified on the certification label.

•

• Always align the tow vehicle and stuck

vehicle in a straight line (within 10
degrees). Keep bystanders to the sides of the vehicle, at a distance of at least twice the length of the recovery strap. This helps avoid injury from the hazard of a recovery hook or strap breaking, or a vehicle lurching into their path.

If you need to have your vehicle towed, contact a professional towing service or, if you are a member of a roadside assistance program, your roadside assistance service provider. We recommend the use of a wheel lift and dollies or flatbed equipment to tow your vehicle. Do not tow with a slingbelt. Ford Motor Company has not approved a slingbelt towing procedure. Vehicle damage may occur if towed incorrectly, or by any other means. Ford Motor Company produces a towing manual for all authorized tow truck operators. Have your tow truck operator refer to this manual for proper hook-up and towing procedures for your vehicle.

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Follow these guidelines if you have a need for recreational towing, such as towing your vehicle behind a motorhome. We designed these guidelines to prevent damage to your transmission. Two-wheel Drive Vehicles You cannot tow a two-wheel drive vehicle with any wheels on the ground as vehicle or transmission damage may occur. You must tow your vehicle with all four wheels off the ground, such as when using a car-hauling trailer. Four-wheel Drive Vehicles You can only tow a four-wheel drive vehicle with all wheels on the ground by placing the transfer case in its neutral position and engaging the four-wheel-down towing feature. Perform the steps outlined in the following section after positioning your vehicle behind the tow vehicle and properly securing them together. Note: Make sure you properly secure your vehicle to the tow vehicle. Four-wheel-down Towing 1. Put the ignition in the on position, but do not start the engine. If your vehicle has an ignition key, turn the key to on. If your vehicle has intelligent access, press the engine START/STOP button once without pressing the brake pedal.

2. Press and hold the brake pedal. 3. Rotate the four-wheel drive switch to

2H.

4. Shift the transmission to position N. 5. Rotate the four-wheel drive switch from 2H to 4L and back to 2H five times within seven seconds.

It is acceptable to have your two-wheel drive vehicle towed with the front wheels on the ground (without dollies) and the rear wheels off the ground. We recommend towing a four-wheel drive vehicle with all wheels off the ground, such as using a wheel lift and dollies or flatbed equipment. 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 position N. If you cannot move the transmission into N, you may need to override it. See Transmission (page 174).

• Maximum speed is 35 mph (56 km/h). • Maximum distance is 50 mi (80 km). Recreational Towing Note: Put your climate control system in recirculated air mode to prevent exhaust fumes from entering your vehicle. See Climate Control (page 131).

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WARNINGS

Failing to put the transfer case in its neutral position will damage vehicle components.

Note: You can check four-wheel-down towing status at any time by opening the driver's door or turning the ignition to the accessory or on position and verifying the NEUTRAL TOW ENABLED message displays in the cluster. To exit four-wheel-down towing and return the transfer case to its 2H position: 1. With your vehicle still properly secured

to the tow vehicle, put the ignition in the on position, but do not start the engine. If your vehicle has an ignition key, turn the key to on. If your vehicle has intelligent access, press the engine START/STOP button once without pressing the brake pedal.

2. Press and hold the brake pedal. 3. Shift the transmission out of N and into

any gear.

4. Release the brake pedal. Note: If completed successfully, the instrument cluster displays 4X2, and NEUTRAL TOW DISABLED. Note: If the indicator light and message do not display, you must perform the procedure again from the beginning. Note: You may hear an audible noise as the transfer case shifts out of its neutral position. This is normal. Note: If SHIFT DELAY PULL FORWARD displays in the instrument cluster, transfer case gear tooth blockage is present. See the instructions after this section. 5. Apply the parking brake, and then

disconnect the vehicle from the tow vehicle.

Note: If completed successfully, the information display shows NEUTRAL TOW LEAVE IN N or NEUTRAL TOW ENABLED LEAVE TRANSMISSION IN NEUTRAL. This indicates that your vehicle is safe to tow with all wheels on the ground. Note: If you do not see the message in the display, you must perform the procedure again from the beginning. Note: You may hear an audible noise as the transfer case shifts into its neutral position. This is normal. 6. Leave the transmission in position N and turn the ignition as far as it will go toward the off position (it will not turn fully off when the transmission is in position N). If your vehicle has an ignition key, you must leave the key in the ignition while towing. To lock and unlock your vehicle, use the keyless entry keypad or extra set of keys. If your vehicle has intelligent access, press the engine START/STOP button once without pressing the brake pedal. You do not need to leave your keys in the vehicle. You can lock and unlock your vehicle as you normally do.

7. Release the brake pedal. WARNINGS

Do not disconnect the battery during recreational towing. Doing so will prevent the transfer case from

shifting properly and may cause the vehicle to roll even if the transmission is in P (Park).

Shifting the transfer case to its neutral position for recreational towing may cause the vehicle to be able to roll even if the transmission is in P (Park). The driver or others could be injured. Make sure the foot brake is depressed and the vehicle is in a secure