Cross traffic alert system is a safety feature on Ford F-150 that alerts you of vehicles approaching from the sides behind your vehicle when you shift into reverse (R).
How does Cross Traffic Alert work?
Cross Traffic Alert on F-150 detects vehicles that approach at a speed between 4–37 mph (6–60 km/h) from the sides behind your vehicle. If enabled in the settings menu, the alert system automatically turns on when you shift your vehicle into reverse.
Coverage decreases when the sensors are partially, mostly or fully obstructed.
The sensor on the left-hand side is only partially obstructed and zone coverage on the right-hand side is maximized.
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.
Note: Slowly reversing helps increase the coverage area and effectiveness.
Switching Cross Traffic Alert on and off
You can enable or disable cross traffic alert system on Ford F-150 via SYNC 4 infotainment system.
- Go to Features on center touchscreen.
- Select Driver Assistance.
- Switch Cross Traffic Alert on or off.
The system automatically switches back on every time you switch the ignition on.
Which Ford F-150 vehicles have Cross Traffic Alert?
Cross Traffic Alert is part of Ford Co-Pilot360 2.0 package which is standard on XLT, Lariat, King Ranch, Platinum and Limited. Its an optional feature on base XL trim.
Sensor location
The cross traffic alert sensors are inside the brake light on both sides of Ford F-150.
You should keep the sensors free from snow, ice and large accumulations of dirt, as this an hinder normal operation of the system. Do not cover the sensors with bumper stickers, repair compound or other objects.
Blocked sensors may affect system accuracy. If something is blocking the sensors, a message may appear in the information display when you shift into reverse (R).
Cross Traffic Alert indicators
When the cross traffic alert system on F-150 detects an approaching vehicle, a tone sounds, a warning light illuminates in the relevant exterior mirror and arrows appear in the instrument cluster display to show which side the vehicle is approaching from.
In some 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.
System limitations
Cross Traffic Alert may not correctly operate when any of the following occur:
- Something is blocking the sensors.
- 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).
- Your vehicle speed is greater than 7 mph (12 km/h).
- You reverse out of an angled parking space.
Cross Traffic Alert with trailer coverage
Cross traffic alert with trailer coverage allows the system to continue operating with a trailer or trailer hitch attachment.
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.
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.
Troubleshooting
Cross Traffic Alert
This message displays instead of indication arrows when the system detects a vehicle. Check for approaching traffic.
Cross Traffic Not Available Sensor Blocked See Manual
This message indicates blocked cross traffic alert system sensors. Clean the sensors. If the message continues to appear, have your vehicle checked as soon as possible.
Cross Traffic System Fault
This message displays when the system has malfunctioned. Have your vehicle checked as soon as possible.
Cross Traffic Alert Deactivated Trailer Attached
This message displays if you attach a trailer to your vehicle.
