Ford F-450 (2017 year). Manual — part 63

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.

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.

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 128).

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 111). 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)

WARNING

The adaptive steering system has
diagnostic checks that continuously
monitor the system. If a fault is

detected a message displays in the
information display. Stop your vehicle as
soon as it is safe to do so. This warning
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.

COLLISION WARNING SYSTEM

(If Equipped)

Principle Of Operation

(If Equipped)

WARNINGS

This system is an extra driving aid. It
does not replace your attention and
judgment, or the need to apply the

brakes. This system does NOT
automatically brake your vehicle. If you fail
to press the brake pedal when necessary,
you may collide with another vehicle.

The collision warning system with
brake support cannot help prevent
all collisions. Do not rely on this

system to replace your judgment and the
need to maintain correct distance and
speed.

Note: The system does not detect, warn or
respond to potential collisions with vehicles
to the rear or sides of your vehicle.

Note: The collision warning system is active
at speeds above approximately 5 mph
(8 km/h).

Note: The collision warning system will be
unavailable if you disable the electronic
stability control. See Using Stability
Control (page 227).

E156130

The system alerts you of certain collision
risks. The system's sensor detects your
vehicle's rapid approach to other vehicles
traveling in the same direction as your
vehicle.

E156131

When your vehicle rapidly approaches
another vehicle, a red warning light flashes
and a tone sounds.

The brake support system assists you in
reducing any collision speed by
pre-charging the brakes. If the risk of
collision continues to increases after the
audio-visual warning, the brake support
prepares the brake system for rapid
braking. The system does not
automatically activate the brakes, but if
the brake pedal is pressed even lightly, the
brakes apply full stopping power.

Using the Collision Warning System

WARNING

The collision warning system’s brake
support reduces collision speed only
if you brake your vehicle before any

collision. As in any typical braking situation,
you must press your brake pedal.

You can use your information display
control to adjust the collision warning
system's sensitivity or to turn the system
On or Off. Your vehicle will remember
these settings across key cycles. You may
change the collision warning system
sensitivity to any one of three possible
settings. See General Information (page
111).

Note: It is recommended that you turn the
collision warning system off if a snow plow
or similar object is installed in such a way
that it may block the radar sensor. Your
vehicle will remember the selected setting
across key cycles.

Note: When possible, the manufacturer
recommends using the highest sensitivity
setting. If warnings are too frequent, you can
reduce your system's sensitivity. Reduced
sensitivity causes fewer and later system
warnings. See General Information (page
111).

Blocked Sensors

E183741

If a blocked sensor message appears in the
information display, dirt, water, or an object
is blocking the sensor. The sensor is
located behind a cover near the driver side
of the lower grille. If anything blocks the
sensor, your vehicle cannot see through
the sensor, and the collision warning
system will not work. Possible causes for
the blocked sensor message and corrective
actions are listed below.

Action

Cause

Clean the radar sensor cover or remove the

obstruction

The radar sensor cover in the grille is dirty

or obstructed

Wait a short time. The radar may take

several minutes to reset after you remove

the obstruction

The surface of the radar sensor cover is

clean but the message remains in the

display

The collision warning system is temporarily

disabled. Shortly after weather conditions

improve, the collision warning system

automatically reactivates

Heavy rain, spray, snow or fog in the air

interferes with the radar signals

The collision warning system is temporarily

disabled. Shortly after weather conditions

improve, the collision warning system

automatically reactivates

Swirling water, snow or ice on the road

surface interferes with the radar signals