Ford Super Duty (2018 year). Manual — part 64

CROSS TRAFFIC ALERT

(If

Equipped)

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.

Note: When a trailer is detected, Cross
Traffic Alert automatically turns off.

Cross Traffic Alert is designed to warn you
of vehicles approaching from the sides
when the transmission is in reverse (R).

Using the System

Cross Traffic Alert turns on when you start
the engine and you shift into reverse (R).
Once shifted out of reverse (R), Cross
Traffic Alert turns off.

Cross Traffic Alert is designed to detect
vehicles that approach the rear of your
vehicle with a speed up to 37 mph
(60 km/h). Coverage decreases when the
sensors are partially, mostly or fully
obstructed. Reversing slowly helps
increase the coverage area and
effectiveness.

In this first example, the left sensor is only
partially obstructed; zone coverage to the
right is nearly maximized.

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Zone coverage also decreases when
parking at shallow angles. Here, the left
sensor is mostly obstructed; zone coverage
on that side is severely limited.

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System Lights, Messages and
Audible Alerts

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The Cross Traffic Alert illuminates an
amber alert indicator in the outside mirror
on the side of your vehicle the approaching
vehicle is coming from. Cross Traffic Alert
also sounds an audible alert and a
message appears in the display screen
indicating a vehicle is coming from the right
or left. Cross Traffic Alert works with the
reverse sensing system that sounds its own
series of tones. See Rear Parking Aid
(page 237).

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The system uses radar sensors that are
located in the tail lamp on each side of
your vehicle. Do not allow mud, snow or
bumper stickers to obstruct these areas,
this can cause degraded system
performance. See Blind Spot
Information System (page 254). If the
Blind Spot Information System is blocked,
Cross Traffic Alert is also blocked. A Cross
Traffic Alert blocked message appears in
the display screen when the transmission
is shifted into reverse (R).

System Limitations

Cross Traffic Alert has its limitations;
situations such as severe weather
conditions or debris build-up on the sensor
area may limit vehicle detection and cause
false alerts.

The following are other situations that may
limit the Cross Traffic Alert performance:
•

Adjacently parked vehicles or objects
obstructing the sensors.

•

Approaching vehicles passing at
speeds greater than 37 mph
(60 km/h).

•

Driving in reverse faster than 7 mph
(12 km/h).

•

Backing out of an angled parking spot.

False Alerts

Note: If your vehicle has a tow bar with a
factory equipped trailer tow module and it
is towing a trailer, the sensors will
automatically turn the Cross Traffic Alert
off. If your vehicle has a tow bar but no
factory equipped trailer tow module, it is
recommended to turn the Cross Traffic Alert
off manually. Operating Cross Traffic Alert
with a trailer attached will cause poor Cross
Traffic Alert performance.

Note: The system may illuminate the amber
alert indicator and sound the audible alert
during heavy rain even though no vehicle is
approaching from left or right.

There may be certain instances when there
is a false alert by the Cross Traffic Alert
system that illuminates the alert indicator
with no vehicle in the coverage zone. Some
amount of false alerts are normal; they are
temporary and self-correct.

System Errors

If Cross Traffic Alert senses a problem with
the left or right sensor a message appears
in the display screen. See Information
Messages (page 131).

Switching the System Off and On

Note: The Cross Traffic Alert switches on
whenever the ignition is switched on and
ready to provide appropriate alerts when
the transmission is in reverse (R). Cross
Traffic Alert will not remember the last
selected on or off setting.

You can temporarily switch Cross Traffic
Alert off in the information display. See
General Information (page 114). When
you switch Cross Traffic Alert off, you do
not receive alerts and the display screen
shows a system off message.

You can also have Cross Traffic Alert
switched off permanently at an authorized
dealer. Once switched off permanently,
the system can only be switched back on
at an authorized dealer.

STEERING

Power Steering

To help prevent damage to the power
steering system:
•

Never hold the steering wheel at its
furthest turning points (until it stops)
for more than three seconds when the
engine is running.

•

Do not operate the vehicle with a low
power steering pump fluid level (below
the MIN mark on the reservoir).

•

Some noise is normal during operation.
If excessive, check for low power
steering pump fluid level before
seeking service by your dealer.

•

Heavy or uneven efforts may be caused
by low power steering fluid. Check for
low power steering pump fluid level
before seeking service by your dealer.

•

Do not fill the power steering pump
reservoir above the MAX mark on the
reservoir, as this may result in leaks
from the reservoir.

If the power steering system breaks down
(or if the engine is turned off), you can
steer the vehicle manually, but it takes
more effort.

If the steering wanders or pulls, check for:
•

an improperly inflated tire

•

uneven tire wear

•

loose or worn suspension components

•

loose or worn steering components

•

improper vehicle alignment

If any steering components are serviced or
replaced, install new fasteners (many are
coated with thread adhesive or have
prevailing torque features which may not
be re-used). Never re-use a bolt or nut.
Torque fasteners to specifications.

A high crown in the road or high crosswinds
may also make the steering seem to
wander or pull.

Adaptive Steering

(If Equipped)

Note: The adaptive steering system has
diagnostic checks that continuously monitor
the system. If a fault is detected a message
displays in the information display. If a red
warning message displays, stop your vehicle
as soon as it is safe to do so. The message
may clear if the fault is no longer present. If
an adaptive steering system warning
message appears each time you start your
vehicle, have the system checked as soon
as possible.

The adaptive steering system continually
changes the steering ratio with changes to
vehicle speed, optimizing the steering
response in all conditions. The system also
changes when you switch on the
transmission tow/haul feature. When you
select the tow/haul button, the adaptive
steering system reduces vehicle sensitivity
to steering inputs at higher vehicle speeds,
while maintaining the ease of parking and
maneuverability at low speeds.

Note: The adaptive steering system is
designed with a locking device. With the
lock engaged, the adaptive steering system
remains mechanically locked at a fixed
steering ratio. You may also notice a click
when you switch the vehicle on or after you
switch it off, as the lock disengages or
engages.

Note: If your vehicle loses electrical power
or detects a fault when you are driving, the
system automatically shuts down and you
retain normal steering function with a fixed
steering ratio. During this time it is possible
that the steering wheel may not be straight
when the vehicle is driving straight ahead.
In addition, the driver may notice that the
steering wheel angle required to steer the
vehicle may be different.

Note: During parking maneuvers, the
adaptive steering system balances the driver
work load for various steering wheel inputs
and vehicle loading conditions. Under
extreme operating conditions the system
locking device may engage. This strategy
prevents overheating and permanent
damage to the adaptive steering system.
Typical steering and driving maneuvers
allow the system to cool and return to
normal operation.