2021 Ford Ranger Owners Manual - Driving Aids

Driving Aids

DRIVER ALERT (IF EQUIPPED)

Note: The system may not operate correctly if you modify the ride height.

Note: Keep the windshield free from obstructions. For example, bird droppings, insects, snow or ice.

Note: If the camera is blocked or if the windshield is damaged, the system may not function.

Note: If enabled in the menu, the system activates at speeds above 40 mph

(64 km/h). When below the activation speed, the information display informs the driver that the system is unavailable.

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The system automatically monitors your driving behavior using various inputs including the front camera sensor.

If the system detects that your driving alertness is reduced below a certain threshold, the system alerts you using a chime and a message in the information display.

Switch the system on or off using the information display. See General Information (page 96).

When active, the system monitors your alertness level based upon your driving behavior in relation to the lane markings and other factors.

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Note: The system does not issue warnings below approximately 40 mph (64 km/h).

The warning system has two stages. First, the system issues a temporary warning that you need to take a rest. This message only appears for a short time. If the system detects further reduction in driving alertness, it may issue another warning that remains in the information display for a longer time. You can press OK on the steering wheel control to clear the warning.

When active, the system runs automatically in the background and only issues a warning if required. You can view the status at any time using the information display. See General Information (page 96).

The alertness level is shown by six steps in a colored bar.

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The current assessment of your alertness is within a typical range.

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The current assessment of your alertness indicates that you should rest as soon as safely possible.

The status bar travels from left to right as the calculated alertness level decreases. As the meter approaches the rest icon, the color turns from green to yellow to red.

The yellow position indicates the first warning is active and the red position indicates the second warning is active.

Note: If you have recently received a warning, you should consider resting, even if the current assessment is within the typical range.

Note: If the camera sensor cannot track the road lane markings, or if your vehicle speed drops below approximately 40 mph

(64 km/h), the alertness level changes to grey for a short time and the information display informs you that the system is unavailable.

You can reset the system by either:

• Switching the ignition off and on.

Stopping the vehicle and then opening and closing the driver’s door.

LANE KEEPING SYSTEM (IF EQUIPPED)

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Note: The system works above 40 mph (64 km/h).

Note: The system works as long as the camera can detect one lane marking.

Note: When you select aid or alert and aid mode and the system detects no steering activity for a short period, the system alerts you to put your hands on the steering wheel. The system may detect a light grip or touch on the steering wheel as hands off driving.

Note: The system may not function with a blocked camera, or if the windshield is damaged or dirty.

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When you switch the system on and it detects an unintentional drift out of your lane is likely to occur, the system notifies or assists you to stay in your lane through the steering system and information display. In Alert mode, the system provides a warning by vibrating the steering wheel. In Aid mode, the system provides steering assistance by gently counter steering your vehicle back into the lane.

When the system is functioning in the combined Alert and Aid mode, the system first provides steering assistance by gently counter steering your vehicle back into the lane, followed by a warning that vibrates the steering wheel if the vehicle is still out of the lane markings.

Note: The system on or off setting is stored until it is manually changed, unless a MyKey is detected. If the system detects a MyKey, it defaults to on and the mode sets to alert.

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Press the button on the direction indicator stalk to switch the system on or off.

The system has optional setting menus available. The system stores the last known selection for each of these settings. You do not need to readjust your settings each time you switch the system on.

Mode: This setting allows you to select which of the system features you can enable.

Alert

Aid

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Alert only – Provides a steering wheel vibration when the system detects an unintended lane departure.

Alert + Aid – Provides steering assistance toward the lane center.

If your vehicle continues drifting out of the lane after the lane keeping aid corrects the vehicle, the system provides a steering wheel vibration.

Note: The alert and aid diagrams illustrate general zone coverage. They do not provide exact zone parameters.

Intensity: This setting affects the intensity of the steering wheel vibration used for the alert and alert + aid modes. This setting does not affect the aid mode.

Low.

Normal.

High.

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Aid only – Provides steering assistance toward the lane center when the system detects an unintended lane departure.

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If you switch the system on in alert mode, an overhead graphic of a vehicle with lane markings appears in the information display.

If you switch the system on in aid or alert and aid mode, a separate white icon also appears, or in some vehicles arrows display with the lane markings.

When you switch off the system, the lane marking graphics do not display.

While the system is on, the color of the lane markings change to indicate the system status.

Grey: Indicates that the system is temporarily unable to provide a warning or intervention on the indicated side. This may be because:

• Your vehicle is under the activation speed.

• Your vehicle is in a dynamic maneuver.

• The road has no or poor lane markings in the camera field-of-view.

• The camera is obscured or unable to detect the lane markings due to environmental, traffic or vehicle conditions. For example, significant sun angles, shadows, snow, heavy rain or fog, following a large vehicle that is blocking or shadowing the lane or poor headlamp illumination.

See Troubleshooting for additional information.

Green: Indicates that the system is available or ready to provide a warning or intervention on the indicated side.

Yellow: Indicates that the system is providing or has just provided a lane keeping aid intervention.

Red: Indicates that the system is providing or has just provided a lane keeping alert warning.

The system can be temporarily suppressed at any time by the following:

• Quick braking.

• Fast acceleration.

• Using the direction indicator.

• Evasive steering maneuver.

• Driving too close to the lane markings.

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BLIND SPOT INFORMATION SYSTEM (IF EQUIPPED)

Note: The system does not prevent contact with other vehicles. It is not designed to detect parked vehicles, pedestrians, animals or other infrastructures.

The system turns on when all of the following occur:

• You start your vehicle.

• You shift into drive (D).

• The vehicle speed is greater than 6 mph (10 km/h).

Note: The system does not operate in park

(P) or reverse (R).

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The system is designed to detect vehicles that may have entered the blind spot zone. The detection area is on both sides of your vehicle, extending rearward from the exterior mirrors to approximately 13 ft

(4 m) beyond the rear bumper. The detection area extends to approximately 59 ft (18 m) beyond the rear bumper when the vehicle speed is greater than 30 mph (48 km/h) to alert you of faster approaching vehicles.

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When the system detects a vehicle, an alert indicator illuminates in the exterior mirror on the side the approaching vehicle is coming from. If you turn the direction indicator on for that side of your vehicle, the alert indicator flashes.

Note: The system may not alert you if a vehicle quickly passes through the detection zone.

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The sensors are inside the tail lamp 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 become blocked, a message may appear in the information display. See Information Messages (page 104). The alert indicators remain illuminated but the system does not alert you.

The blind spot information system with trailer tow is designed to aid you in detecting vehicles that may have entered the detection area zone (A). The detection area is on both sides of your vehicle and trailer, extending rearward from the exterior mirrors to the end of your trailer. When you attach a trailer and have set up a blind spot trailer, the blind spot information system with trailer tow becomes active when driving forward above 6 mph (10 km/h).

You can switch the system off in the information display. See General Information (page 96). If you switch the blind spot information system off, blind spot information system with trailer tow automatically turns off.

Trailer length

Trailer width

Trailer hitch ball

You can set-up a trailer to work with the system through the information display. See General Information (page 96). When setting up a trailer, a sequence of screens appear asking for trailer information.

Select Trailer Screen: Trailer A, Trailer B or Trailer C.

Select one of the trailers and press OK. The menu goes to the next screen.

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• Is the width less than 8.2 ft (2.5 m) and length less than 33 ft (10 m)?

If no, the system turns off.

If yes, the menu goes to the next screen.

• Trailer width measurement:

The width of the trailer is measured at the front of the trailer. It is not measured at the widest point of the trailer. The maximum width at the front of the trailer that the system can support is 8.2 ft (2.5 m).

Note: You do not need to enter an exact trailer width measurement. You only need to confirm that the width of the trailer is

8.2 ft (2.5 m) or less.

• Trailer length measurement:

The trailer length is the distance between the trailer hitch ball and the rear of the trailer. The maximum length that the system can support is 33 ft (10 m).

• Enter length of trailer:

Toggling up or down using the menu buttons increases or decreases the measurement by 3 ft (1 m). Select a length that is equal to or within 3 ft (1 m) of the actual measured length. For example, if the actual measured length is 25 ft (7.6 m), toggle the length in the menu to 27 ft

(8.2 m). When you enter the length of the trailer, the system setup is saved.

Note: When you connect a trailer and do not set up a Blind Spot Trailer, the system turns off and a warning appears in the instrument display.

Note: If the trailer is actually a bike rack or cargo rack with electrical lighting, enter a length of 3 ft (1 m). Cross Traffic Alert remains on for trailers with a length of 3 ft (1 m) or less.

Note: Proper measurement and measurement entry is required for the system to function as designed.

If you select a trailer in the information display prior to connecting a trailer, the system loads that configuration and the information display shows a message when you connect the trailer. A second message appears stating cross traffic alert is off. The blind spot information system with trailer tow still functions normally when driving forward.

If you connect a trailer prior to selecting a trailer in the information display, a message appears asking you to select a trailer from the list of trailers or to add a trailer. In order for the blind spot information system with trailer tow to function, you must select an existing trailer or add a new trailer. If you ignore the request or if you exit the screen, a message appears stating the system has turned off due to a trailer connect. This message may not appear until your vehicle speed reaches 22 mph (35 km/h).

The blind spot information system with trailer tow activates when driving forward for that particular trailer set up. If you cycle the ignition, the blind spot information system with trailer tow continues to function using the last trailer you select.

The system is designed to work with a trailer with a front width of 8.2 ft (2.5 m) or less, and a total length from the trailer hitch ball to the rear of the trailer of 33 ft (10 m) or less.

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Some trailers may cause a slight change in system performance:

• Large box trailers may cause false alerts to occur when driving next to infrastructures or near parked cars. A false alert may also occur while making a 90-degree turn.

• Trailers that have a width greater than

8.2 ft (2.5 m) at the front and have a total length greater than 20 ft (6 m) may cause delayed alerts when a vehicle is passing at high speed.

• Box trailers that have a width greater than 8.2 ft (2.5 m) at the front may cause early alerts when you pass a vehicle.

• Clam shell or V-Nose box trailers with a width greater than 8.2 ft (2.5 m) at the front may cause delayed alerts when a vehicle traveling the same speed as your vehicle merges lanes.

If the system detects a fault, a warning lamp illuminates and a message displays. See Information Messages (page 104).

You can switch the system off using the information display. See General Information (page 96). When you switch the system off, you do not receive alerts and the information display shows a system off message. The warning indicator in the cluster also illuminates. When you switch the system on or off, the alert indicators flash twice.

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

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

CROSS TRAFFIC ALERT (IF EQUIPPED)

The system alerts you of vehicles approaching from the sides behind your vehicle when you shift into reverse (R).

The system detects vehicles that approach at a speed between 4 mph (6 km/h) and 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.

The sensors are inside the tail lamp 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).

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 less than 4 mph (6 km/h) or 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.

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

Cross traffic alert remains on when you attach a trailer in vehicles that come with blind spot information system with trailer tow under the following conditions:

• You connect a trailer.

• The trailer is a bike rack or cargo rack with a maximum length of 3 ft (1 m).

• You set the trailer length to 3 ft (1 m) in the information display.

(page 204).

To switch the system on or off, adjust the setting. Depending on your vehicle options, the setting could be in the following:

• Information display. See General Information (page 96).

• Touchscreen. See Settings (page 393).

Note: The system turns on every time you switch the ignition on. To permanently switch the system off, contact an authorized dealer.

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When the system detects an approaching vehicle, a tone sounds, a warning lamp

illuminates in the relevant exterior mirror and arrows appear in the information display to show which side the approaching vehicle is coming from.

Note: If arrows do not display, a message appears in the information display.

If the system malfunctions, a warning lamp illuminates in the instrument cluster and a message appears in the information display. Have your vehicle checked as soon as possible.

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

STEERING

Electric Power Steering

Your vehicle is equipped with an electric power-assisted steering system. There is no fluid reservoir to check or fill.

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If your vehicle loses electrical power while you are driving (or if the ignition is turned off), you can steer the vehicle manually, but it takes more effort. You must adapt your speed and driving behavior to reduced steering assist. Extreme continuous steering may increase the effort it takes for you to steer. This occurs to prevent internal overheating and permanent damage to your steering system. If this should occur, you will neither lose the ability to steer the vehicle manually nor will it cause permanent damage. Typical steering and driving maneuvers will allow the system to cool down and steering assist will return to normal.

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.

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

PRE-COLLISION ASSIST (IF EQUIPPED)

Note: To achieve full system performance, you must break in the braking system. See General Information (page 173).

Note: The warning indicator may flash for a short period of time when you start your vehicle.

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The Pre-Collision Assist system is active at speeds above approximately 3 mph

(5 km/h) and pedestrian detection is active at speeds up to 50 mph (80 km/h).

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If your vehicle is rapidly approaching another stationary vehicle, a vehicle traveling in the same direction as yours, or a pedestrian within your driving path the system provides three levels of functionality:

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Alert

Brake Support

Active Braking

Alert: When active, the system provides a flashing visual warning and an audible warning sound.

Brake Support: Assists the driver in reducing collision speed by preparing the brake system for rapid braking. Brake support does not automatically activate the brakes, but if the driver presses the brake pedal even lightly, brake support could add additional braking up to full force.

Active Braking: Active braking may activate if the system determines that a collision is imminent. The system may help the driver reduce impact damage or avoid the crash completely.

Note: If you perceive Pre-Collision Assist alerts as being too frequent or disturbing, then you can reduce the alert sensitivity, though the manufacturer recommends using the highest sensitivity setting where possible. Setting lower sensitivity would lead to fewer and later system warnings.

This function provides a graphical indication of the time gap to other preceding vehicles traveling in the same direction. The distance indication and alert screen in the information display shows a graphic similar to the one that follows.

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If the time gap to a preceding vehicle is small, a red visual indication displays to the driver.

Note: Distance indication and alert deactivates and the graphics do not display when adaptive cruise control is active.

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You can adjust alert and distance alert sensitivity to one of three possible settings by using the information display control. See General Information (page 96).

You can switch the distance alert and indication function off using the information display controls. See General Information (page 96).

If required, you can switch active braking off using the information display controls. See General Information (page 96).

Note: We recommend that you turn the Pre-Collision Assist system off if you install a snow plow or similar object in such a way that it may block the radar sensor. Your vehicle remembers the last selected setting when you switch it off and then back on.

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If a message regarding a blocked sensor or camera appears in the information display, the radar signals or camera images are obstructed. The radar sensor is located behind a fascia cover near the driver side of the lower grille. With an obstructed radar, the Pre-Collision Assist system does not function and cannot detect a vehicle ahead. With the front camera obstructed,

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the Pre-Collision Assist system does not respond to pedestrians or stationary vehicles and the system performance on

moving vehicles reduces. The following table lists possible causes and actions for when this message displays.

Note: Proper system operation requires a clear view of the road by the camera. Have any windshield damage in the area of the camera's field of view repaired.

Note: If something hits the front end of your vehicle or damage occurs, the radar sensing zone may change. This could cause missed or false vehicle detections. Contact an authorized dealer to have the radar checked for proper coverage and operation.

Note: If your vehicle detects excessive heat at the camera or a potential misalignment condition, a message may display in the information display indicating temporary sensor unavailability. When operational conditions are correct, the message deactivates. For example, when the ambient temperature around the sensor decreases or the sensor automatically recalibrates successfully.

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