Steering, Driving – FORD 2009 F-150 v.3 User Manual

Page 279

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WARNING: Trailer sway control does not prevent a trailer from
swaying, it mitigates the sway from increasing once it has

occurred. If you are experiencing trailer sway it is likely that the trailer
is improperly loaded for the correct tongue weight or the speed of the
vehicle and trailer is too high. Pull the vehicle-trailer over to a safe
location to check the trailer weight distribution and tongue load and
reduce speed to a safe level while towing. If trailer sway is
experienced, SLOW DOWN.

During Trailer Sway Control events the

Љskidding carЉ

icon in the

instrument cluster will flash momentarily. The message center will also
display TRAILER SWAY REDUCE SPEED. In some cases when trailer
sway is detected, the vehicle speed is too high and may be above a
speed at which trailer sway will not grow continuously. This may cause
the system to activate multiple times, causing a gradual reduction in
speed.
Note: The trailer sway control will only activate at speeds greater than
40 mph (64 km/h).
Disabling Trailer Sway Control
Trailer sway control can be disabled during any key cycle. See Trailer
Sway Control under the Message center in the Driver Controls chapter.
Note that regardless of chosen enable state, Trailer Sway Control will be
re-enabled at each new key cycle.

WARNING: Turning off Trailer Sway Control increases the risk
of loss of vehicle control, serious injury, or death. Ford does not

recommend disabling this feature except in situations where speed
reduction may be detrimental (e.g., hill climbing), the driver has
significant trailer towing experience, and can control trailer sway and
maintain safe operation.

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 a few seconds when the engine is running.

• Do not operate the vehicle with a low power steering fluid level

(below the MIN mark on the reservoir).

• Some noise is normal during operation. If the noise is excessive, check

for a low power steering fluid level before seeking service by your
authorized dealer.

2009 F-150 (f12)
Owners Guide (own2002), 3rd Printing
USA
(fus)

Driving

279

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