Get Off-Road Features Guide for Ford F 150 Light Truck 2023

Traction Control

TRACTION CONTROL – TROUBLESHOOTING

TRACTION CONTROL – INFORMATION MESSAGES

Message

Action

Service AdvanceTrac

The system detects a condition that requires service. Contact

an authorized dealer as soon as possible.

AdvanceTrac Off

AdvanceTrac On

The status of the AdvanceTrac system after you switched it

off.

The status of the AdvanceTrac system after you switched it

on.

Traction Control Off

Traction Control On

The status of the traction control system after you switched

it off.

The status of the traction control system after you switched

it on.

308

2023 F-150 (TFD) Canada/United States of America, enUSA, Edition date: 202206, DOM

OwnersManuals2.com

Stability Control

HOW DOES STABILITY

CONTROL WORK

WARNING: You are responsible for

controlling your vehicle at all times. The

system is designed to be an aid and does

not relieve you of your responsibility to

drive with due care and attention. Failure

to follow this instruction could result in

the loss of control of your vehicle,

personal injury or death.

WARNING: Vehicle modifications

involving braking system, aftermarket

roof racks, suspension, steering system,

tire construction and wheel and tire size

may change the handling characteristics

of your vehicle and may adversely affect

the performance of the electronic

stability control system. In addition,

installing any stereo speakers may

interfere with and adversely affect the

electronic stability control system.

Reducing the effectiveness of the

electronic stability control system could

lead to an increased risk of loss of vehicle

control, vehicle rollover, personal injury

and death.

If a driving condition activates either the

stability control or traction control you may

experience the following conditions:

•

The stability and traction control light

flashes.

•

Your vehicle slows down.

Reduced engine power.

The stability control system has several

features built into it to help you maintain

control of your vehicle:

WARNING: Remember that even

advanced technology cannot defy the

laws of physics. It's always possible to

lose control of a vehicle due to

Electronic Stability Control

Electronic stability control enhances your

vehicle’s ability to prevent skids or lateral

slides by applying brakes to one or more

of the wheels individually and, if necessary,

reducing engine power.

inappropriate driver input for the

conditions. Aggressive driving on any

road condition can cause you to lose

control of your vehicle increasing the risk

of personal injury or property damage.

Activation of the electronic stability

control system is an indication that at

least some of the tires have exceeded

their ability to grip the road; this could

reduce the operator's ability to control

the vehicle potentially resulting in a loss

of vehicle control, vehicle rollover,

personal injury and death.

Roll Stability Control

Roll stability control enhances your

vehicle’s ability to prevent rollovers by

detecting your vehicle’s roll motion and

the rate at which it changes by applying

the brakes to one or more wheels

individually.

Curve Control

Curve control enhances your vehicle’s

ability to follow the road when cornering

severely or avoiding objects in the roadway.

Curve control operates by reducing engine

power and, if necessary, applying brakes

to one or more of the wheels individually.

309

2023 F-150 (TFD) Canada/United States of America, enUSA, Edition date: 202206, DOM

OwnersManuals2.com

Stability Control

Side Wind Stabilization

Side wind stabilization is an advanced

feature that works by carefully applying

the brakes on one side of the vehicle to

reduce the effect of a side wind gust on

the vehicle's path.

Torque Vectoring by Brakes

Torque vectoring control applies brake

torque on the inner driven wheel in a curve

for better traction to avoid an understeer,

or oversteer situation. Unlike electronic

stability control, enhanced torque

vectoring control does not slow the

vehicle. It helps control excessive wheel

slip and gives the vehicle improved

cornering agility.

E72903

Traction Control

Traction control enhances your vehicle’s

ability to maintain traction of the wheels

by detecting and controlling wheel spin.

See What Is Traction Control (page 307).

A

Vehicle without stability control

skidding off its intended route.

Vehicle with stability control

maintaining control on a slippery

surface.

B

SWITCHING STABILITY

CONTROL ON AND OFF

Stability Control turns on each time you

switch the ignition on.

You can switch the stability control off by

pressing and holding the stability and

traction control button off for 5-15

seconds, or you can press the button again

to switch the system on.

Shifting the transmission into reverse (R)

will disable the system.

You can switch the traction control system

off or on independently. See Switching

Traction Control On and Off (page 307).

310

2023 F-150 (TFD) Canada/United States of America, enUSA, Edition date: 202206, DOM

OwnersManuals2.com

Stability Control

Stability Control and Traction Control with Roll Stability Control

StabilityControl

OFF Light

Roll Stability

Control³

Electronic

Stability

Traction Control

System³

Control³

Enabled³

Default at start-

up

Illuminated

during bulb

check

Enabled

Enabled³

Disabled²

Disabled¹

Button pressed

momentarily

Illuminated

Enabled

Button pressed

and held for 5 -

15 seconds

Illuminated

Disabled¹

Button not

pressed and

transfer case is

switched to 4x4

Low or put into

Rock Crawl

Illuminated

Disabled

Mode

¹The Traction Control system can still be enabled but with tighter or looser thresholds.

²When you press and hold the button, a progress bar will display to show the button hold

time progress.

³Functions can vary depending on what selectable drive mode the vehicle is currently in.

STABILITY CONTROL

INDICATOR

Stability and Traction Control

Indicator

If the indicator does not

illuminate when you switch the

E138639

power on, or remains on, this

indicates a malfunction. Have your vehicle

checked by an authorized dealer as soon

as possible.

311

2023 F-150 (TFD) Canada/United States of America, enUSA, Edition date: 202206, DOM

OwnersManuals2.com

Trail Control - Raptor/Tremor (If Equipped)

WHAT IS TRAIL CONTROL

SWITCHING TRAIL CONTROL

ON AND OFF

Press the button.

WARNING: The system does not

control speed in low traction conditions

or extremely steep slopes. The system

is designed to be an aid and does not

relieve you of your responsibility to drive

with due care and attention. Failure to

follow this instruction could result in

personal injury.

E332910

The system switches off if you press the

button again or exceed 40 mph (64 km/h).

SETTINGTHETRAILCONTROL

SPEED

Trail control lets you focus on steering

during low-speed and off-road use by

controlling your vehicle's acceleration and

braking to maintain the speed that you set.

You may hear a noise from the anti-lock

brake system pump motor when you use

the system. This is normal.

Note: The buttons are located on the

steering wheel.

Drive to your preferred speed.

Press button to increase the set

E246884

current speed.

Press button to decrease the set

E246885

TRAILCONTROLLIMITATIONS

current speed.

Note: The indicator changes color.

Trail control is unavailable when any of the

following occur:

You can adjust the set speed in small or

large increments. Press the toggle button

upward or downward once to adjust the

set speed in small increments. Press and

hold the toggle button upward or

downward to adjust the set speed in large

increments.

•

Your vehicle speed is greater than

20 mph (32 km/h) in two-wheel drive

high (2H) or four-wheel drive high (4H)

modes.

•

Your vehicle speed is greater than

9 mph (15 km/h) in four-wheel drive

low (4L) mode.

You can also adjust the set speed by

braking.

Your vehicle speed is greater than

5 mph (8 km/h) in reverse (R).

Note: Pressing the brake pedal does not

switch off the system.

•

The transmission is in park (P).

The driver side door is open or your

seatbelt is off when the driver side door

is removed.

CANCELING THE SET SPEED

Press the button.

•

Cruise control is on.

Pro trailer backup assist is on.

E350925

312

2023 F-150 (TFD) Canada/United States of America, enUSA, Edition date: 202206, DOM

OwnersManuals2.com

Trail Control - Raptor/Tremor (If Equipped)

Note: Always check the transmission

TRAIL CONTROL INDICATORS

selection before accelerating.

Note: Only use trail one pedal drive on

slippery or loose surfaces. Using trail one

pedal drive on dry, hard surfaces could

produce some vibration, driveline bind up

and potential excessive tire and vehicle

wear.

E272858

TRAIL ONE PEDAL DRIVE

WHATISTRAILONEPEDALDRIVE

TRAIL ONE PEDAL DRIVE

LIMITATIONS

Trail one pedal drive allows you to

accelerate and brake using only the

accelerator pedal. The system assists

when driving through difficult off-road

terrain. Pressing the accelerator pedal

down accelerates your vehicle and

releasing pressure on the accelerator

pedal, with your foot still on the pedal,

slows your vehicle down. Releasing the

accelerator pedal may allow your vehicle

to come to a complete stop, some

situations may require you to press the

brake pedal to come to a complete stop.

Trail one pedal drive is unavailable when

any of the following occur:

•

Your vehicle is not in four-wheel drive

high (4H) or four-wheel drive low (4L)

modes.

•

Using cruise control.

Using trail control.

You exceed 30 mph (48 km/h).

Releasing the accelerator pedal may allow

your vehicle to come to a complete stop,

some situations may require you to press

the brake pedal to come to a complete

stop.

TRAIL ONE PEDAL DRIVE

PRECAUTIONS

SWITCHING TRAIL ONE PEDAL

DRIVE ON AND OFF

Switching Trail One Pedal Drive On

WARNING: 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.

Press the trail features button

when in four-wheel drive high or

E332910

four-wheel drive low to activate

trail one pedal drive.

Switching Trail One Pedal Drive

Off

Shifting into drive (D) or reverse (R) does

not cause the vehicle to move.

You can press the brake pedal to increase

Press the trail features button again to

braking. This does not turn the system off.

switch trail one pedal drive off.

Trail one pedal drive could apply the

parking brake when your vehicle is not

moving and not in park (P).

Selecting a driveline mode other than

four-wheel drive high or four-wheel drive

low switches trail one pedal drive off.

313

2023 F-150 (TFD) Canada/United States of America, enUSA, Edition date: 202206, DOM

OwnersManuals2.com

Trail Control - Raptor/Tremor (If Equipped)

If you exceed 40 mph (65 km/h) trail one

pedal drive switches off.

TRAIL ONE PEDAL DRIVE

INDICATORS

Pressing either button when trail

When trail one pedal drive is

E246884

one pedal drive is active turns

trail control on and places trail

one pedal drive into standby

mode.

1

active, the indicator displays

green in the instrument cluster.

E328584

When the system is switched on but is

unavailable or in standby mode, it displays

grey.

E246885

Switching from Trail Control to

Trail One Pedal Drive

When using trail control in

four-wheel drive high or

E308130

four-wheel drive low modes, you

can switch to trail one pedal drive by

pressing the button on the steering wheel.

TRAIL ONE PEDAL DRIVE – TROUBLESHOOTING

TRAIL ONE PEDAL DRIVE – INFORMATION MESSAGES

Message

Action

Trail 1-Pedal Drive Active Use SET Button Displays when trail one pedal drive is active,

for Trail Control

use the SET+ or SET- to switch to trail

control.

Trail Control with Trail 1- Pedal Drive Off

Displays when you switch trail one pedal

drive off.

Trail Control Enabled Use SET button to

Set Speed Trail 1-Pedal Drive Available in

4H or 4L

Trail control is in a driveline state not

supported for trail one pedal drive. Set a

speed to activate trail control or change the

driveline state to four-wheel drive high (4H)

or four-wheel drive low (4L) modes to

active trail one pedal drive.

Trail Control Active Use CANCEL button to Displays when trail control is active and

resume Trail 1-Pedal Drive

allows you to resume using trail one pedal

drive when you press the CANCEL button.

314

2023 F-150 (TFD) Canada/United States of America, enUSA, Edition date: 202206, DOM

OwnersManuals2.com

Trail Control - Raptor/Tremor (If Equipped)

TRAIL CONTROL – TROUBLESHOOTING

TRAIL CONTROL –INFORMATION MESSAGES - VEHICLES BUILT FROM:

10/2022

Message

Details

Reduce Speed To Enter Trail

Control

Displays when you must reduce your vehicle speed to

use trail control.

Trail Control Not Available with Displays when you must release the park brake to use

Park Brake Applied

trail control.

Trail Control Not Available

While Pro Trailer Backup

Assist™ Active

Displays when you must switch off the trailer backup

assist to use trail control.

Trail Control Off Driver Resume Displays when a system fault has occurred when trail

Control control was active and the driver must resume control.

Trail Control Fault See Manual Displays when a system fault is present. See the trail

control section in your Owner's Manual. See your

authorized dealer for diagnosis.

Trail Control To Activate Select Displays when you must be in drive (D), neutral (N) or

Gear

reverse (R) to use trail control.

Trail Control Not Available with Displays when you must switch the cruise control off

Cruise Control Active to use trail control.

Trail Control Not Available with Displays when you must close the driver door to use

Driver Door Open trail control.

Set Trail Control to 1 MPH to Aid Displays when the system detects you may be stuck

in Getting Unstuck in Sand

in sand and recommends using trail control on to the

lowest set speed. Doing this could slowly pull sand

under the tires to free the vehicle.

Set Trail Control to 2 km/h to

Aid in Getting Unstuck in Sand

Descent Control Now Active

Press Trail Control Switch To

Exit

You switched off trail control propulsion; however, the

system still applies the brakes if descending a hill.

Press the trail control button to switch this feature off,

you can then switch it back on.

Trail Control Not Available with The system requires you to put your seatbelt on before

Seatbelt Off

you can use the trail control feature.

Trail Control Active Use

CANCEL button to resume Trail

1-Pedal Drive

Displays when only trail control is active and allows

you to resume using trail one pedal drive.

315

2023 F-150 (TFD) Canada/United States of America, enUSA, Edition date: 202206, DOM

OwnersManuals2.com

Trail Turn Assist(If Equipped)

3. Switch Trail Turn Assist on or off.

WHAT IS TRAIL TURN ASSIST

Once switched on, trail turn assist

Trail turn assist can reduce the turning

radius of your vehicle by applying the

brakes to the inside rear wheel in

activates when the:

•

Vehicle speed is less than 12 mph

(19.3 km/h).

low-speed, high steering-angle maneuvers.

Vehicle is in four-wheel drive high (4H)

or four-wheel drive low (4L).

TRAIL TURN ASSIST

PRECAUTIONS

Note: Do not use trail turn assist on dry,

hard surfaced roads. Doing so can produce

excessive noise, increase tire wear and may

damage drive line, or braking components.

Trail turn assist is only intended for slippery,

or loose surfaces.

•

Rear differential is fully unlocked.

Steering wheel is almost fully turned

to the left or right.

You can deactivate trail turn assist by

performing any of the following:

•

Selecting two-wheel drive high (2H) or

four-wheel drive auto (4A).

•

Switch on the rear locking differential.

Reducing the steering wheel input.

You may hear noise from the anti-lock

brake system while trail turn assist is

active. This is normal operation.

Trail turn assist remains on, even if

deactivated, until you switch it off in the

touchscreen. You can switch off trail turn

assist through the touchscreen at any time.

TRAIL TURN ASSIST

LIMITATIONS

TRAIL TURN ASSIST

INDICATORS

Trail turn assist can only be used when the

vehicle’s four-wheel drive system is in the

four-wheel drive high (4H), or four-wheel

drive low (4L) modes.

Trail Turn Assist cannot be used when the

vehicle’s rear differential is locked. If the

rear differential has recently been locked

prior to Trail Turn Assist being turned on,

Trail Turn Assist may not activate until it

can confirm that the rear differential is

unlocked.

When trail turn assist is on, one

of these two indicators will be

E338899

displayed, depending on the

direction of the vehicle’s last

turn. When the feature is on but

E338900

not in use, the indicator light will

be gray. When the feature is active the

indicator light will be green.

SWITCHING TRAIL TURN

ASSIST ON AND OFF

You can switch the trail turn assist on or

off from the features section of the vehicle

on screen display.

1. Press Features on the touchscreen.

2. Press Trail Turn Assist.

316

2023 F-150 (TFD) Canada/United States of America, enUSA, Edition date: 202206, DOM

OwnersManuals2.com

Trail Turn Assist(If Equipped)

TRAIL TURN ASSIST –

TROUBLESHOOTING

TRAIL TURN ASSIST –

INFORMATION MESSAGES

Message

Details

Trail Turn

Switch to four-wheel

drive low (4L) or four-

Assist Avail-

able in 4L or wheel drive high (4H) to

4H

activate trail turn assist.

See Selecting a Four-

Wheel Drive Mode

(page 277).

Trail Turn

Trail turn assist system

malfunction could be

Assist Not

Available See present. If this condition

Manual

persists, have your

vehicle serviced.

Trail Turn

Assist ON

You have activated trail

turn assist.

Trail Turn

You have switched trail

turn assist off.

Assist OFF

TRAIL TURN ASSIST –

FREQUENTLYASKEDQUESTIONS

Why does Trail Turn Assist not activate

after unlocking the rear differential?

The rear differential may not be fully

disengaged. When possible, turn off

the rear axle locker while driving

straight before using trail turn assist.

If you are already in a tight turn when

you encounter this situation, driving

the vehicle for a short distance in

reverse could allow the differential to

fully disengage.

317

2023 F-150 (TFD) Canada/United States of America, enUSA, Edition date: 202206, DOM

OwnersManuals2.com

Hill Descent Control(If Equipped)

WHAT IS HILL DESCENT

WARNING: Hill descent control

cannot control descent in all surface

conditions and circumstances, such as

ice or extremely steep grades. Hill

descent control is a driver assist system

and cannot substitute for good judgment

by the driver. Failure to do so may result

in loss of vehicle control, crash or serious

injury.

CONTROL

Hill descent control allows the driver to set

and maintain vehicle speed while

descending steep slopes in various surface

conditions.

HOW DOES HILL DESCENT

CONTROL WORK

Hill descent control can maintain vehicle

speeds on downhill slopes between

2–20 mph (3–32 km/h). Above 20 mph

(32 km/h), the system remains on but the

descent speed cannot be set or

maintained.

WARNING: The system does not

replace the parking brake. When you

leave your vehicle, always apply the

parking brake and shift the transmission

into park (P) for automatic transmission

or first gear for manual transmission.

Note: The system does not function below

SWITCHING HILL DESCENT

CONTROL ON AND OFF

2 mph (3 km/h).

The system requires a cool down interval

after a period of sustained use. Hill descent

control provides a warning in the message

center and a tone sounds when the system

is about to disengage for cooling. At this

time, manually apply the brakes as needed

to maintain descent speed.

Press the button on the

instrument panel. A light

E163171

illuminates and a tone sounds

when the system is active.

SETTING THE HILL DESCENT

SPEED

Note: The amount of time that the system

can remain active before cooling varies with

conditions.

To increase or decrease the descent speed,

press the accelerator or brake pedal, or use

the SET + and SET - buttons on the

steering wheel. Once you reach the

preferred speed remove your feet from the

pedals.

HILL DESCENT CONTROL

PRECAUTIONS

WARNING: The system does not

control speed in low traction conditions

or extremely steep slopes. The system

is designed to be an aid and does not

relieve you of your responsibility to drive

with due care and attention. Failure to

follow this instruction could result in

personal injury.

HILL DESCENT CONTROL

INDICATOR

Illuminates when you switch hill

descent control on.

E163171

318

2023 F-150 (TFD) Canada/United States of America, enUSA, Edition date: 202206, DOM

OwnersManuals2.com

Hill Descent Control(If Equipped)

HILL DESCENT CONTROL – TROUBLESHOOTING

HILL DESCENT CONTROL – INFORMATION MESSAGES

Message

Action

For Hill Descent Reduce Speed

XX MPH/km/h or Less

Your vehicle speed requirement for off-road mode

entry has not been met.

For Hill Descent Select Gear

You need to select a transmission gear for hill descent

mode.

Hill Descent Driver Resume

Control

Hill descent control mode is deactivated and you must

resume control.

Hill Descent Control Fault

A hill descent system fault is present.

Hill Descent Control Off System

Cooling

The hill descent system is cooling due to overuse.

Hill Descent Control not avail- The hill descent system cannot activate while Cruise

able with Cruise Control Active

Control is actively controlling speed.

319

2023 F-150 (TFD) Canada/United States of America, enUSA, Edition date: 202206, DOM

OwnersManuals2.com

Steering

ELECTRIC POWER STEERING

seconds, switch the vehicle on and

watch the information display for a

steering system warning message. If a

steering system warning message

returns, have the system checked as

soon as possible.

HOW DOES ELECTRIC POWER

STEERING WORK

Adaptive Learning

Adaptive learning helps correct road

irregularities and improves overall handling

and steering. It communicates with the

brake system to help operate advanced

stability control and crash avoidance

systems.

WARNING: If the system detects

an error, you may not feel a difference in

the steering, however a serious condition

may exist. Have your vehicle checked as

soon as possible. Failure to do so may

result in loss of steering control.

Note: When the battery is disconnected or

a new battery is installed, you must drive

your vehicle a short distance before the

system relearns the strategy and reactivates

all systems.

Adapt your speed and driving behavior

according to reduced steering assist.

Extreme continuous steering may increase

the effort to steer. This occurs to prevent

internal overheating and damage to the

steering system. If this occurs, you will not

lose the ability to steer your vehicle

manually nor will it cause damage to the

system. Normal steering and driving allows

the system to cool down and steering

assist returns to normal.

Steering Tips

If the steering wanders or pulls, check for:

•

An improperly inflated tire.

Uneven tire wear.

Loose or worn suspension

components.

Note: There is no fluid reservoir to check or

fill.

•

Improper vehicle alignment.

Note: A high crown in the road or high

crosswinds could also make the steering

wander or pull.

ELECTRIC POWER STEERING

ADAPTIVE STEERING - VEHICLES

WITH: ACTIVE STEERING

ELECTRIC POWER STEERING

PRECAUTIONS

Electric Power-Assisted Steering (EPAS)

The adaptive steering system 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.

WARNING: 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 vehicle off. After at least 10

320

2023 F-150 (TFD) Canada/United States of America, enUSA, Edition date: 202206, DOM

OwnersManuals2.com

Steering

Note: The adaptive steering system

continuously monitors for faults. If the

system detects a fault, a message appears

in the information display. If a red warning

message displays, stop your vehicle as soon

as it is safe to do so. The message could

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.

Note: The system has a locking device. It

remains mechanically locked at a fixed

steering ratio with the lock engaged. You

may notice a click when you turn your

vehicle on or off.

Adaptive Learning

Adaptive learning helps correct road

irregularities and improves overall handling

and steering. It communicates with the

brake system to help operate advanced

stability control and crash avoidance

systems. Additionally, whenever you

disconnect the battery or install a new

battery, you must drive your vehicle a short

distance before the system relearns the

strategy and reactivates all systems.

STEERING –

TROUBLESHOOTING

Note: If your vehicle loses electrical power

or detects a fault when you are driving, the

system shuts down and you retain a normal

steering function with a fixed steering ratio.

During this time, it is possible that the

steering wheel could not be straight when

the vehicle is driving straight ahead. In

addition, you could notice that the steering

wheel angle required to steer your vehicle

could be different.

STEERING – WARNING

INDICATORS

The electric power steering

system indicator illuminates if

E223375

the system detects a fault during

the continuous diagnostic checks.

Note: If a red warning message displays,

stop your vehicle as soon as it is safe to do

so.

Note: During parking maneuvers, the

adaptive steering system balances the driver

workload for various steering wheel inputs

and vehicle loading conditions. Under

extreme operating conditions the system

locking device could 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.

321

2023 F-150 (TFD) Canada/United States of America, enUSA, Edition date: 202206, DOM

OwnersManuals2.com

Off-Road Features for Your Ford F 150 Light Truck 2023

Popular Manuals