Pro Trailer Backup Assist™

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2020 Ford F-150. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

NOTE: For China vehicles, the PTBA system can only be used in daylight conditions because the trailer assist lamp only operates as part of the courtesy lamp system.

NOTE: The tailgate and doors must be fully closed for correct operation of the PTBA system.

NOTE: The trailer electrical connection status is irrelevant to the operation of the PTBA system.

NOTE: The rear audible parking aid system is disabled automatically while the PTBA system is active.

NOTE: The transmission needs to be in park (P) to input the needed measurements into the IPC message center.

In order to utilize the PTBA system, a compatible conventional trailer equipped with a correctly positioned trailer target sticker needs to be connected to the vehicle. Some measurements and trailer specifications have to be entered through the IPC message center trailer towing tab, using the LH upper steering wheel switch. The trailer information is stored in the IPC for easy recall and the IPC can store up to a maximum of 10 different conventional trailers. Refer to the Owner's Literature (Pro Trailer Backup Assist Quick Start Guide) to find the detailed steps and instructions required to properly position the vehicle and trailer in order to setup, calibrate and operate the PTBA system. For best results, it is not recommended to calibrate the system in low ambient light conditions. Refer to the Owner's Literature for tips to resolve warnings or difficulties that may occur during setup.

After the PTBA system is setup, the steering system receives a hitch angle from the camera and the driver can adjust the curvature of the trailer path using the PTBA control knob located on the instrument panel. The PTBA control knob includes a button to enable and disable the system and the user rotates the knob to control the direction of the trailer while reversing. When the PTBA control knob button is pressed and a stored trailer is selected, the IPC message center and the centerstack infotainment display prompts the driver to shift to REVERSE (R) to activate the system. When the system is in use, releasing the PTBA control knob allows the knob to return to center or zero curvature and the vehicle follows the trailer path. Pressing and releasing the PTBA control knob button or turning the steering wheel at any time the system is active, disables the PTBA system. If the system is disabled by the operator after the system starts to control the steering, the centerstack infotainment display displays a PTBA canceled message followed by a warning chime.

The PTBA system keeps the trailer angle and speed within reasonable operating limits enabling the driver to control the path of the trailer. Vehicle speed is always limited to below 10 km/h (6 mph) when the PTBA system is active and the feature deactivates if 10 km/h (6 mph) is exceeded. Vehicle brakes may be automatically applied and engine torque may be automatically reduced to limit speed. The target speed limit varies depending on operating conditions but can be as low as 3 km/h (2 mph).

Several modules communicate with each other to control the PTBA system functions. The TRM reads the PTBA control knob and button analog signals and sends them on the MS-CAN through the GWM to the PSCM on the HS-CAN2. The rear parking aid camera captures the trailer target sticker image on the trailer and sends the data to the IPMB over two video signal circuits. The IPMB reads the video signal from the rear parking aid camera and determines the tracking status and trailer angle based on the entered dimensions if the trailer target sticker is detected. The trailer target sticker data is then sent from the IPMB to the PSCM over the HS-CAN2. The PSCM uses all the data it receives from each interfacing module to control overall PTBA system operation. The following are outputs of the PTBA controller software in the PSCM:

Request for warning or instructions to the driver to be displayed in the IPC and centerstack infotainment display.
Steering wheel position to achieve the desired trailer curvature (indicated by the knob position).
Braking and powertrain speed limiting requests.
Activation and deactivation of the PTBA system.

Certain conditions can cause the PTBA to incorrectly align the vehicle and trailer (not backup straight):

PTBA control knob concern.
A spare tire installed on the vehicle or trailer.
One of the tires on the vehicle or trailer has significantly more or less treadwear than the other tires.
One of the tires on the vehicle or trailer is deflated or over inflated.
Different tire sizes are used on the vehicle or trailer.
The drawbar connection to the hitch receiver is inadequate.
Trailer suspension concern.
The rear parking aid camera, tailgate or tailgate handle is damaged.
The trailer frame or tongue is damaged.
The ground is irregular.

It is possible to compensate for the trailer drifting to the right or left by slowly turning the PTBA control knob until the trailer is following your desired path and then holding the knob in that position. Fixing the cause of the concern and as needed recalibrating the system is recommended for straight backing.

If an input module fault or other system malfunction is present, the PTBA system is disabled and a PTBA fault message is shown on the centerstack infotainment display and/or on the IPC message center display. In addition to possible vehicle faults, certain driver actions and vehicle operating conditions can cause the PTBA system to be temporarily disabled.