Ford Police Interceptor Utility (2018 year). Manual — part 34

The system illuminates an alert indicator
in the outside mirror on the side of your
vehicle the approaching vehicle is coming
from. When the system is alerting on a
vehicle and the corresponding turn signal
is on, the alert indicator flashes at an
increased level.

The alert indicator dims when the system
detects nighttime darkness.

Blocked Sensors

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The system uses radar sensors that are
located near the rear bumper on each side
of your vehicle. Any dirt, mud or snow in
front of the sensors or driving in heavy rain
can cause system degradation and false
alerts. Also, other types of obstructions in
front of the sensor can cause system
degradation. This is referred to as a
‘blocked’ condition.

Note: Do not apply bumper stickers and/or
repair compound to these areas, this can
cause degraded system performance.

Note: The alert indicator may turn on during
heavy rain even though no vehicle has
entered the blind zone.

If the system detects a degraded
performance condition, a message warning
of a blocked sensor appears in the
information display. The alert indicators
remain on and the system no longer
provides any vehicle warnings. You can
clear the information display warning but
the alert indicators remain illuminated.

A "blocked" condition can be cleared in
two ways:
•

After the blockage in front of the
sensors is removed or the
rainfall/snowfall rate decreases or
stops, drive for a few minutes in traffic
to allow the sensors to detect passing
vehicles.

•

By cycling the ignition from on to off,
and then back on.

Note: If your vehicle has a tow bar with a
factory equipped trailer tow module and it
is towing a trailer, the sensors automatically
turn the system off. If your vehicle has a tow
bar but no factory equipped trailer tow
module, it is recommended that you turn
the system off manually. Operating the
system with a trailer attached causes poor
system performance.

System Errors

If the system senses a problem with the
left or right sensor, the warning indicator
illuminates and a message appears in the
information display. See Information
Messages (page 82).

Switching the System On and Off

Note: The system remembers the last
setting when you start your vehicle.

You can temporarily switch the system off
in the information display. See General
Information (page 79). When you switch
the system off, the information display
shows a system off message, the indicator
illuminates and you no longer receive
alerts. When you switch the system on or
off, the alert indicators flash twice.

You can also have the system switched off
permanently at an authorized dealer. Once
the system is switched off permanently at
an authorized dealer, only an authorized
dealer can turn the system back on.

CROSS TRAFFIC ALERT

(If

Equipped)

WARNINGS

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.

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 is designed to alert you of
vehicles approaching from the sides when
you shift into reverse (R).

Using the Cross Traffic Alert
System

The system is designed to detect vehicles
that approach with a speed up to 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).

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The sensor on the left-hand side is only
partially obstructed and zone coverage on
the right-hand side is maximized.

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Zone coverage also decreases when
parking at narrow angles. The sensor on
the left-hand side is mostly obstructed and
zone coverage on that side is severely
reduced.

System Lights, Messages and
Audible Alerts

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When the system detects a vehicle, an
indicator illuminates in the exterior mirror
on the side the approaching vehicle is
coming from. A tone sounds and a
message appears in the information
display.

Note: In exceptional conditions, the system
could alert you even when there is nothing
in the detection zone, for example a vehicle
passing in the distance.

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.

If the sensors are blocked, a message may
appear in the information display when
you shift into reverse (R). See
Information Messages (page 82).

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 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.

System Errors

If the system detects a fault a message
displays. See Information Messages
(page 82).

Switching the System Off and On

You can temporarily switch the system off
using the information display. See
Information Messages (page 82). When
you switch system off, a message displays.
See Information Messages (page 82).

Note: The system turns on each time you
switch the ignition on and you shift into
reverse (R). If you temporarily switch the
system off, it turns on the next time you
switch the ignition on.

Note: The system may not correctly operate
when towing a trailer. For vehicles with a
trailer tow module and tow bar approved
by us, 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.

To permanently switch the system off,
contact an authorized dealer.

STEERING

Electric Power Steering

WARNINGS

The electric power 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. Switch the
ignition off. After at least 10 seconds,
switch the ignition on and watch the
information display for a steering system
warning message. If a steering system
warning message returns, have the system
checked by an authorized dealer.

If the system detects an error, you
may not feel a difference in the
steering, however a serious condition

may exist. Obtain immediate service from
an authorized dealer, failure to do so may
result in loss of steering control.

Your vehicle has an electric power steering
system. There is no fluid reservoir. No
maintenance is required.

If your vehicle loses electrical power while
you are driving, electric power steering
assistance is lost. The steering system still
operates and you can steer your vehicle
manually. Manually steering your vehicle
requires more effort.

Extreme continuous steering may increase
the effort required for you to steer your
vehicle. This increased effort prevents
overheating and permanent damage to
the steering system. You do not lose the
ability to steer your vehicle manually.
Typical steering and driving maneuvers
allow the system to cool and return to
normal operation.