Hints, Tips and Tricks
#881
OK that took awhile but 88 pages later I got here....
I have done a word document on the side and tried to copy and paste any useful hints, tricks etc to keep it compiled. I just need to read through it and to clean it up and get rid of duplicates. I have no references to who wrote what but my plan was to post it all in one post. The first post could be edited to add all that in. Let me know if you think that would be useful or not....
Secondly -- there were discussions about bringing up the compass, set direction and then you see the speed limit on the dash. That made me look at it today and actually pay attention to my navigation screen.
Has everyone noticed that if you go to map mode (don't need to set where you are going) then on the screen it will show what the speed limit is. It is very small but it is there both in the highway exit information mode and normal mode
I have done a word document on the side and tried to copy and paste any useful hints, tricks etc to keep it compiled. I just need to read through it and to clean it up and get rid of duplicates. I have no references to who wrote what but my plan was to post it all in one post. The first post could be edited to add all that in. Let me know if you think that would be useful or not....
Secondly -- there were discussions about bringing up the compass, set direction and then you see the speed limit on the dash. That made me look at it today and actually pay attention to my navigation screen.
Has everyone noticed that if you go to map mode (don't need to set where you are going) then on the screen it will show what the speed limit is. It is very small but it is there both in the highway exit information mode and normal mode
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tak5 (12-06-2016)
#882
Summary Post
I didn't start taking notes until later then went back and tried to catch everything. I am sure I missed stuff so feel free to post things you think should be added / clarified and I can revise the post.
If you have the navigation screens displayedin the instrument cluster, the display will also show you the speed limit forthe road you are on. The Navigation system also shows speed limit in a verysmall icon
You can get compass and turn by turndirections in the instrument cluster 8" screen. Without a destinationselected on your Navigation, it just displays the compass; fixed or rotating.Once you put in a destination it will show the turn by turn.
How do you disable the seat belt ding? – page44
Abbreviated notes on how:
Look at the dash and you will see the seat belt symbol
Watch for the symbol to disappear... it takes a good minute
Once it disappears buckle and unbuckle the seat belt 3 times
You will notice the flashlight symbol flashing.
Buckle and unbuckle the seat belt one more time...
The area where the SD and USB ports are has arubber liner- lift up that liner and there is a perfect indentation for the FOBto fit in. The rubber liner fits smoothly over it.
At the front of the closure for the arm rest,there are notches cut so you can have a phone charge cable come out easily withthe console closed
If you have a flow through center console, a2-D Cell Maglight snaps perfectly into the narrow trays on the outside of theconsole (driver and passenger side)
You lock/unlock the doors using the keypad outside the vehicle.
When you get out, I press 7/8 9/0 at the same time and it locksit. To get in I use my code.
If you enter your code on door and push 3/4unlocks back doors(if you dont have all doors selected in settings) and then ifu push 5/6 it will pop your tailgate as well.
If you do select all doors in settings theywill all unlock when you use the above / hit unlock on your key
Bed LED cargo lights.
I'm sure you're all aware there is a switch in the cab to turn these on but Ijust learned today that there is a button in the bed as well.
When looking at the bed from the back, near the first LED light on the leftside there is a black square. This button turns the lights on and off.Difficult to see with a black bed liner.
Anyone use the ford sync app. I found ithandy several times on a family trip.
Went to a very large mall used it to find my truck in the parking lot, forgotwhere I parked. Also used it to send directions to a restaurant and severalother places from inside the mall.
I'm sure this tip can be found in the manualthat I have yet to read. When backing up, hit the magnifying glass in the upperleft hand corner with the "+" sign in the middle to enlarge thescreen for a much bigger and better viewing area.
You can get weather on the productivityscreen: Use the voice command "Five Day Forecast" or any of these: http://support.ford.com/sync-technol...ync-navigation
It's actually the Sirius Travelink Services.It's weather, forecast, radar map, gas prices, movie listings, and sportsscores I believe.
Anyone know how to disable the double honk ifyou leave the truck running but take the key out?
Leave the other fob in thevehicle, possibly under the front Sync mat to keep hidden.
In your tachometer screen under settings,advanced, vehicle, remote start you will find climate control and front seats.
The main (larger) back seat actually comesdown. First you have to raise the seat bottom, then tilt the head rest, thenreach behind and there is a metal lever that you push and the seat back willfold down. Could be another spot for storage or where people are puttingsubwoofers. Just thought I would add that here. NOTE: You get extra room foryour hand if you take up the bottom seat.
Hold down the unlock button and all thewindows roll down (personally I did NOT get this working)
You can push the round button for thewindshield washer fluid very quickly and the windshield wipers will only cycleone time without any fluid being dispensed.
Make sure you turn off the internal motionalarm or you're gonna wake everyone up when you move around in the cab. (Iyelled at my kids when I stopped at the gas station but guess they wereinnocent and then I turned off the internal alarm….)
Don't lock you doors with the remote wheninside and then open the door
You will get a surprise
How to set or turn on the easy entry / exitfor your seat Pages 116 and 117 of the owners manual 3rd edition
The sliding hidden drawer in the centerconsole is really cool, but light cannot be turned off while truck is drivingand drawer is open
Mirror spot lights – button on the left ofthe steering wheel. I thought they might be kind of a waste, holy cow, was Iwrong! Lights up like a freaking football field! I agree, it would be nice ifthey would work up to, say, 15 mph. If someone figures out how to bypass,please share!
Bypass:
https://www.f150forum.com/f118/run-mirror-spotlights-whenever-you-want-311291/?highlight=mirror+puddle+lights
NOTE: There was a wiring change but for somemodels
People who have the digital cluster (digitalfuel tank, engine temp etc) you can swap out the trans temp gauge for the turbogauge by simply pulling up either one on your 8in screen , hit ok and it willswap them. Kinda cool
If you have the 40-20-40 front seat, removethe headrest from the middle fold down seat, so you can actually use the cupholders with the seat back folded down!
Engineer test mode
With the vehicle off, hold down the ok buttonon the steering wheel and switch the ignition to the on position to activatetest mode. This Resets guages, light test givescores fuel readings etc.
The ambient lights for any passenger doorsthat are left ajar will change to red until the door is properly shut.
I found a little tip to make the base MFTstereo sound a whole lot better. In the sound setup in the settings screenthere is an option called "Occupancy Mode" and you can select eitherDriver or All Seats. Maybe not all sound systems
There may or may not be a 105mph-110mp speedlimiter
Change the wallpaper NON – sync 3 (no way tochange on Sync 3):
https://owner.ford.com/how-tos/video...=3569204006001
Hold the "Mic" button for 3 secsand use Siri instead of Sync
So if you're looking for a tonneau maybe lookat one for the older model year as they are probably the same just less money. Unlessyou have the auto open tailgate, then the cover sometimes stops the gate fromlowering
Found out that the factory ford tailgateshock that comes on the Lariats and up fits behind the tail light on the xlt's.Just need to order a pivot and the shock from ford. The other pivot ball isalready on the truck.
If you have the navigation screens displayedin the instrument cluster, the display will also show you the speed limit forthe road you are on. The Navigation system also shows speed limit in a verysmall icon
You can get compass and turn by turndirections in the instrument cluster 8" screen. Without a destinationselected on your Navigation, it just displays the compass; fixed or rotating.Once you put in a destination it will show the turn by turn.
How do you disable the seat belt ding? – page44
Abbreviated notes on how:
Look at the dash and you will see the seat belt symbol
Watch for the symbol to disappear... it takes a good minute
Once it disappears buckle and unbuckle the seat belt 3 times
You will notice the flashlight symbol flashing.
Buckle and unbuckle the seat belt one more time...
The area where the SD and USB ports are has arubber liner- lift up that liner and there is a perfect indentation for the FOBto fit in. The rubber liner fits smoothly over it.
At the front of the closure for the arm rest,there are notches cut so you can have a phone charge cable come out easily withthe console closed
If you have a flow through center console, a2-D Cell Maglight snaps perfectly into the narrow trays on the outside of theconsole (driver and passenger side)
You lock/unlock the doors using the keypad outside the vehicle.
When you get out, I press 7/8 9/0 at the same time and it locksit. To get in I use my code.
If you enter your code on door and push 3/4unlocks back doors(if you dont have all doors selected in settings) and then ifu push 5/6 it will pop your tailgate as well.
If you do select all doors in settings theywill all unlock when you use the above / hit unlock on your key
Bed LED cargo lights.
I'm sure you're all aware there is a switch in the cab to turn these on but Ijust learned today that there is a button in the bed as well.
When looking at the bed from the back, near the first LED light on the leftside there is a black square. This button turns the lights on and off.Difficult to see with a black bed liner.
Anyone use the ford sync app. I found ithandy several times on a family trip.
Went to a very large mall used it to find my truck in the parking lot, forgotwhere I parked. Also used it to send directions to a restaurant and severalother places from inside the mall.
I'm sure this tip can be found in the manualthat I have yet to read. When backing up, hit the magnifying glass in the upperleft hand corner with the "+" sign in the middle to enlarge thescreen for a much bigger and better viewing area.
You can get weather on the productivityscreen: Use the voice command "Five Day Forecast" or any of these: http://support.ford.com/sync-technol...ync-navigation
It's actually the Sirius Travelink Services.It's weather, forecast, radar map, gas prices, movie listings, and sportsscores I believe.
Anyone know how to disable the double honk ifyou leave the truck running but take the key out?
Leave the other fob in thevehicle, possibly under the front Sync mat to keep hidden.
- I opened the door with the trannyin drive and then shifted to park and only one door ding
- Get out, hold the key on the car,above the door (curved area) and the system thinks the key is inside then closeyour door
In your tachometer screen under settings,advanced, vehicle, remote start you will find climate control and front seats.
The main (larger) back seat actually comesdown. First you have to raise the seat bottom, then tilt the head rest, thenreach behind and there is a metal lever that you push and the seat back willfold down. Could be another spot for storage or where people are puttingsubwoofers. Just thought I would add that here. NOTE: You get extra room foryour hand if you take up the bottom seat.
Hold down the unlock button and all thewindows roll down (personally I did NOT get this working)
You can push the round button for thewindshield washer fluid very quickly and the windshield wipers will only cycleone time without any fluid being dispensed.
Make sure you turn off the internal motionalarm or you're gonna wake everyone up when you move around in the cab. (Iyelled at my kids when I stopped at the gas station but guess they wereinnocent and then I turned off the internal alarm….)
Don't lock you doors with the remote wheninside and then open the door
You will get a surprise
How to set or turn on the easy entry / exitfor your seat Pages 116 and 117 of the owners manual 3rd edition
The sliding hidden drawer in the centerconsole is really cool, but light cannot be turned off while truck is drivingand drawer is open
Mirror spot lights – button on the left ofthe steering wheel. I thought they might be kind of a waste, holy cow, was Iwrong! Lights up like a freaking football field! I agree, it would be nice ifthey would work up to, say, 15 mph. If someone figures out how to bypass,please share!
Bypass:
https://www.f150forum.com/f118/run-mirror-spotlights-whenever-you-want-311291/?highlight=mirror+puddle+lights
NOTE: There was a wiring change but for somemodels
People who have the digital cluster (digitalfuel tank, engine temp etc) you can swap out the trans temp gauge for the turbogauge by simply pulling up either one on your 8in screen , hit ok and it willswap them. Kinda cool
If you have the 40-20-40 front seat, removethe headrest from the middle fold down seat, so you can actually use the cupholders with the seat back folded down!
Engineer test mode
With the vehicle off, hold down the ok buttonon the steering wheel and switch the ignition to the on position to activatetest mode. This Resets guages, light test givescores fuel readings etc.
The ambient lights for any passenger doorsthat are left ajar will change to red until the door is properly shut.
I found a little tip to make the base MFTstereo sound a whole lot better. In the sound setup in the settings screenthere is an option called "Occupancy Mode" and you can select eitherDriver or All Seats. Maybe not all sound systems
There may or may not be a 105mph-110mp speedlimiter
Change the wallpaper NON – sync 3 (no way tochange on Sync 3):
https://owner.ford.com/how-tos/video...=3569204006001
Hold the "Mic" button for 3 secsand use Siri instead of Sync
So if you're looking for a tonneau maybe lookat one for the older model year as they are probably the same just less money. Unlessyou have the auto open tailgate, then the cover sometimes stops the gate fromlowering
Found out that the factory ford tailgateshock that comes on the Lariats and up fits behind the tail light on the xlt's.Just need to order a pivot and the shock from ford. The other pivot ball isalready on the truck.
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#883
Part 2
If you have one of the trucks with manualclimate control, you don't have a software button for the climatecontrol screen showing temperatures, airflow, etc on the big center dash LCDscreen. But if you turn on Max AC, and then press the Recirc and AC buttonssimultaneously, a "hidden" climate control screen comes up!
Back up camera remains on when going from Rto N – disengages at D
Rear Camera Delay: Defaults to OFF. The RCDcontrols when the backup camera turns off. The backup camera defaults toshutting off when you switch from reverse into any gear except PARK.
You can change that by setting the "Rear Camera Delay" to ON.
The camera will remain on in forward gears until your speed reaches 6mph.Helpful in tight garages
If you have one of the trucks with manualclimate control, you don't have a software button for the climatecontrol screen showing temperatures, airflow, etc on the big center dash LCDscreen. But if you turn on Max AC, and then press the Recirc and AC buttonssimultaneously, a "hidden" climate control screen comes up!
Back up camera remains on when going from Rto N – disengages at D
Rear Camera Delay: Defaults to OFF. The RCDcontrols when the backup camera turns off. The backup camera defaults toshutting off when you switch from reverse into any gear except PARK.
You can change that by setting the "Rear Camera Delay" to ON.
The camera will remain on in forward gears until your speed reaches 6mph.Helpful in tight garages
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and 2 others liked this post.
#884
Old Fart
Someone other than me, maybe in this thread, mentioned hiding your spare fob in the vehicle.
If you are on the road and traveling alone and lose your main fob the way I plan on recovering from that potential issue is this:
I have removed the batteries from the fob, placed them in a soft plastic food bag. Folded the bag up without the batteries making contact with each other and hidden that someplace away from where I have hidden the fob inside the vehicle. If someone breaks in the likelihood of them finding these items are small as they are not where someone who is doing a quick ****** will spend the time searching.
If I need to access the hidden fob then I just use the entry code on the drivers side to get in the vehicle and put everything back together and off I go.
If you are on the road and traveling alone and lose your main fob the way I plan on recovering from that potential issue is this:
I have removed the batteries from the fob, placed them in a soft plastic food bag. Folded the bag up without the batteries making contact with each other and hidden that someplace away from where I have hidden the fob inside the vehicle. If someone breaks in the likelihood of them finding these items are small as they are not where someone who is doing a quick ****** will spend the time searching.
If I need to access the hidden fob then I just use the entry code on the drivers side to get in the vehicle and put everything back together and off I go.
The following users liked this post:
Lee358 (07-04-2016)
#885
Great summary, mikeak! I didn't take full notes, but I did put together a list of things I was considering buying and a few hints/tricks from the thread. Here are mine:
Tips
Make mirror spotlights always work: https://www.f150forum.com/f118/run-m...u-want-311291/
Keypay lock tip: 3/4 unlocks the back doors; 5/6 it will pop your tailgate as well; 7/8 and 9/0 at the same time locks the doors
Link to Ford manual: https://owner.ford.com/servlet/Conte...OwnerVideoPage
Disable the double honk: http://www.f150online.com/forums/201...ning-keys.html
Camera Tip: Go to camera settings in touchscreen and press "On" for Rear Camera Delay. It will not immediately turn off the 360 camera and back up camera
Thread about the 360 camera: https://www.f150forum.com/f118/360-c...estion-296835/
How to fold down the back seat: Raise the seat bottom, tilt the head rest, reach behind. There is a metal lever that you push and the seat back will fold down.
Disable auto play on Bluetooth devices: https://www.f150forum.com/f118/annoy...-radio-311604/
Change the digital cluster: Digital cluster (digital fuel tank, engine temp etc). Swap out the trans temp gauge for the turbo gauge by simply pulling up either one on your 8in screen , hit ok and it will swap them
Linking FOB to Memory Position
Linking a Preset Position to your Remote Control or Intelligent Access Key Fob
1. With the ignition on, move the memory features to the desired positions.
2. Press and hold the desired preset button for about five seconds. You hear a tone in about two seconds. Continue to hold until you hear a second tone.
3. Within three seconds, press the lock button on the remote control you are linking.
Repeat this procedure for another memory button and transmitter if desired.
To unlink a remote control, follow the same procedure, but with step three, press the unlock button on the remote.
Link Remote Access Code to Memory Position
Recalling Memory Positions (If Equipped) The programmed entry codes will recall driver memory positions as follows:
1. Entry code one will recall driver 1 memory positions.
2. Entry code two will recall driver 2 memory positions.
3. Entry code three will recall driver 3 memory positions.
Note: Personal entry codes four and five will not recall memory positions
Possible Purchases
Try to get Ford discount: https://www.f150forum.com/f118/priva...309817/index4/
Update to LED vanity lights: https://www.f150forum.com/f118/leds-...lights-340603/
Update to brigter cargo lights: https://www.f150forum.com/f37/ford-f...nstall-324035/
Switch to stubby antenna: https://www.f150forum.com/f118/any-s...eption-342052/
Add a screen protector: https://www.f150forum.com/f118/screen-protector-339111/
Add WeatherTech mats (two discount links I looked at):
https://www.f150forum.com/f37/rdp-st...r-tech-330365/
https://www.f150forum.com/f37/4x4tru...y-sale-339979/
Add tonneau cover (two discount links I looked at):
https://www.f150forum.com/f37/bed-co...-forum-182988/
https://www.f150forum.com/f37/tonnea...licity-255117/
Considering adding a dashcam (two popular choices)
FalconZero.com
Tips
Make mirror spotlights always work: https://www.f150forum.com/f118/run-m...u-want-311291/
Keypay lock tip: 3/4 unlocks the back doors; 5/6 it will pop your tailgate as well; 7/8 and 9/0 at the same time locks the doors
Link to Ford manual: https://owner.ford.com/servlet/Conte...OwnerVideoPage
Disable the double honk: http://www.f150online.com/forums/201...ning-keys.html
Camera Tip: Go to camera settings in touchscreen and press "On" for Rear Camera Delay. It will not immediately turn off the 360 camera and back up camera
Thread about the 360 camera: https://www.f150forum.com/f118/360-c...estion-296835/
How to fold down the back seat: Raise the seat bottom, tilt the head rest, reach behind. There is a metal lever that you push and the seat back will fold down.
Disable auto play on Bluetooth devices: https://www.f150forum.com/f118/annoy...-radio-311604/
Change the digital cluster: Digital cluster (digital fuel tank, engine temp etc). Swap out the trans temp gauge for the turbo gauge by simply pulling up either one on your 8in screen , hit ok and it will swap them
Linking FOB to Memory Position
Linking a Preset Position to your Remote Control or Intelligent Access Key Fob
1. With the ignition on, move the memory features to the desired positions.
2. Press and hold the desired preset button for about five seconds. You hear a tone in about two seconds. Continue to hold until you hear a second tone.
3. Within three seconds, press the lock button on the remote control you are linking.
Repeat this procedure for another memory button and transmitter if desired.
To unlink a remote control, follow the same procedure, but with step three, press the unlock button on the remote.
Link Remote Access Code to Memory Position
Recalling Memory Positions (If Equipped) The programmed entry codes will recall driver memory positions as follows:
1. Entry code one will recall driver 1 memory positions.
2. Entry code two will recall driver 2 memory positions.
3. Entry code three will recall driver 3 memory positions.
Note: Personal entry codes four and five will not recall memory positions
Possible Purchases
Try to get Ford discount: https://www.f150forum.com/f118/priva...309817/index4/
Update to LED vanity lights: https://www.f150forum.com/f118/leds-...lights-340603/
Update to brigter cargo lights: https://www.f150forum.com/f37/ford-f...nstall-324035/
Switch to stubby antenna: https://www.f150forum.com/f118/any-s...eption-342052/
Add a screen protector: https://www.f150forum.com/f118/screen-protector-339111/
Add WeatherTech mats (two discount links I looked at):
https://www.f150forum.com/f37/rdp-st...r-tech-330365/
https://www.f150forum.com/f37/4x4tru...y-sale-339979/
Add tonneau cover (two discount links I looked at):
https://www.f150forum.com/f37/bed-co...-forum-182988/
https://www.f150forum.com/f37/tonnea...licity-255117/
Considering adding a dashcam (two popular choices)
FalconZero.com
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#886
2015 F150 Guy
All Good stuff, Thanks gents!
How to set "My Temp" in the climate screen.
First, toggle to the temp you like with the + and - buttons.
Second, Hold down the My Temp button for 10 sec.
TomJV
How to set "My Temp" in the climate screen.
First, toggle to the temp you like with the + and - buttons.
Second, Hold down the My Temp button for 10 sec.
TomJV
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#888
Senior Member
Here's a tip about something unpleasant. If you have the Ford bed-side steps and they don't extend when you kick them (very common if it's cold out or not perfectly clean or whenever they feel like it), don't think they won't extend once you start driving. Mine always extend after a few minutes of driving which of course is when you don't want them extended. You can't cancel this action so be aware you'll probably have one or both steps extended while driving/parking which could contact something unexpectedly.
#890
You can push the round button for thewindshield washer fluid very quickly and the windshield wipers will only cycleone time without any fluid being dispensed.
Fantastic list guys and gals.
Windows rolling down from FOB doesn't seem to work for me either. Lariat 502A package.
Thanks