Pro Trailer Backup Assist™

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2021 Ford F-150. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

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 ethernet communication network is used for over the air updates.

An over the air update will be available that allows the rear camera system to track conventional trailers using the trailer and a target sticker.

For information on how to program trailers to the vehicle refer to the Owners Literature.

In order to utilize the PTBA system, each trailer must be set up once. Some trailer specifications have to be entered through the audio system display trailer towing tab. The trailer information is stored in the audio system display for easy recall and the system 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. 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 driver can adjust the curvature of the trailer path using the PTBA control knob. 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 audio system 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 audio system display displays a PTBA canceled message followed by a warning chime.

The PSCM uses the hitch angle to determine the correct steering angle. The hitch angle is received from the rear parking aid camera or a trailer yaw rate sensor through the RCM.

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 through the GWM to the PSCM. The rear parking aid camera captures the trailer and target sticker image on the trailer and sends the data to the IPMA over two video signal circuits. The IPMA reads the video signal from the rear parking aid camera and determines the tracking status and trailer angle. The trailer angle data is then sent from the IPMA to the PSCM. For trailers using a trailer yaw rate sensor, the RCM reads the trailer yaw rate sensor to determine the hitch angle and sends the information through the GWM to the PSCM. 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 audio system 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.
For trailers using targeting stickers - the rear parking aid camera, tailgate or tailgate handle is damaged.
The trailer frame or tongue is damaged.
The ground is irregular.
For trailers with the trailer yaw rate sensor - incorrect installation of trailer yaw rate sensor.

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 audio system 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.