How do I turn off the auto brake on my Ford F150?

In most Ford F-150 models you can disable Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB) or Pre-Collision Assist from the vehicle’s driver-assist settings, though the exact steps and whether a full disable is allowed vary by year and trim. If you can’t completely turn it off, you may be able to reduce its sensitivity or leave warnings active.

What Automatic Emergency Braking does and why you might adjust it

Automatic Emergency Braking uses radar and camera data to detect potential collisions and autonomously apply the brakes to reduce or prevent impact. Some drivers may want to adjust or disable it in specific situations (such as certain towing setups or off-road conditions), but keep in mind that turning it off reduces an important safety safeguard. The availability of a full disable varies by model year and trim.

How to turn off Automatic Emergency Braking on newer Ford F-150 models

On most newer F-150s with SYNC 3/4, you disable Pre-Collision Assist from the Settings menu. The exact path can vary by year, so if you can't locate it, consult the owner’s manual or contact Ford support.

1. Park the vehicle, keep the engine running, and ensure you are on a flat, safe surface. Some models require the transmission to be in Park.


2. From the center touchscreen, select Settings.


3. Navigate to Vehicle or Driver Assist settings, then select Pre-Collision or Automatic Emergency Braking.


4. Toggle the feature Off (disable). Confirm any prompts to save the change.


5. Exit the menu and perform a cautious test in a safe environment to ensure the system is not engaging unexpectedly.

Disabling AEB removes an active safety intervention. Re-enable it if you’ll be driving in regular traffic or unpredictable conditions.

Alternative method: using hardware controls on some models

Some F-150 trims provide a dedicated Pre-Collision Assist button—often near the center console or on the steering wheel cluster—that cycles through modes or turns the feature off. Availability varies by year and trim. Use the button as the quick toggle if your truck supports it, but refer to your manual for exact operation and any required confirmations.

1. With the ignition on and the vehicle in Park (or as required by your model), press the Pre-Collision Assist button to cycle to Off, if available.


2. If the vehicle requires a confirmation, follow the prompts on the instrument cluster or touchscreen to finalize the change.


3. Test cautiously in a controlled environment to ensure the feature remains disabled.

Note that some configurations may re-enable AEB after certain events (like a battery disconnect or after an ignition cycle). Always verify the setting after any service or reset.

Safety considerations and limitations

Automatic Emergency Braking is a core safety system designed to reduce collision risk. Disabling it can increase the chance of damage or injury in traffic. If you rely on towed loads or drive in challenging conditions, talk with a Ford dealer to understand the recommended practice and ensure compliance with local laws. Some settings may reset after certain maintenance or power events, so always verify the status after work on the vehicle.

Summary

Turning off Automatic Emergency Braking on an Ford F-150 is possible on many model years via the Settings menu or a physical Pre-Collision Assist button. The exact steps and whether a full disable is possible depend on the year and trim. Always consult your owner's manual or a Ford dealer for precise instructions and consider safety implications before disabling this feature. When in doubt, keep AEB enabled for everyday driving in traffic.

How do I turn off auto brake hold?

To turn off the brake hold, simply press the accelerator pedal to release it or press the "Brake Hold" button again. You can also turn it off by firmly depressing the brake pedal and pressing the button simultaneously. 
This video demonstrates how to turn on and off the automatic brake hold feature: 58sHondaYouTube · Apr 24, 2023
Method 1: Use the accelerator pedal 

• While the brake hold is engaged, press the accelerator pedal. 
• The brakes will release, and the hold function will turn off. 
• The system will then reset and wait for the next stop. 

Method 2: Press the "Brake Hold" button again 

• With your foot on the brake pedal, press the "Brake Hold" button a second time.
• An indicator light on the dashboard will turn off, showing the feature is disabled. 

This video shows how to turn off the brake hold feature by pressing the brake hold button: 15sHondaYouTube · Aug 7, 2023
Method 3: Firmly press the brake pedal and the button 

• While the brake hold is engaged, firmly press the brake pedal. 
• While still pressing the brake pedal, press the "Brake Hold" button again. 

You can also watch this video to learn how to turn off the brake hold feature by pressing the brake pedal and the button simultaneously: 54sHondaYouTube · Jun 28, 2022

How to permanently turn off auto stop on F150?

You can permanently disable the auto start/stop feature on a Ford F-150 by installing an "auto stop eliminator" module, which plugs in behind the dashboard button, or by using diagnostic tools like FORScan to change the vehicle's programming. Less permanent or more DIY methods include unplugging the sensor from the negative battery terminal or the connector under the dash, though these can cause other issues or are less secure. 
Method 1: Install an auto stop eliminator 
This is a popular and recommended method that requires no programming. 
This video demonstrates how to install an auto stop eliminator: 56s4D TechYouTube · Jan 14, 2025

1. Access the button: Use a trim removal tool to pry off the dashboard trim panel to access the auto start/stop button connector. For some models, you may need to open the glove box and push in the tabs to swing it down and access the connector, as shown in this YouTube video. 
2. Disconnect the factory connector: Push the release tabs on the connector and pull it off the back of the button. 
3. Connect the eliminator: Plug the auto stop eliminator into the factory connector and then plug the factory connector into the eliminator. 
4. Reassemble: Tuck the wires and the new module behind the trim panel, then push the trim panel back into place until it clicks. The truck will now start with the auto start/stop feature automatically disabled. 

Method 2: Use FORScan
This method involves changing the vehicle's computer settings and requires a laptop, an OBD-II adapter, and the FORScan software. 
This video shows how to disable auto start/stop using FORScan: 59sSmackey's GarageYouTube · Sep 15, 2023

1. Connect to the vehicle: Connect the OBD-II adapter to your truck and your laptop. 
2. Access the BCM: Open the FORScan software and access the Body Control Module (BCM). 
3. Change the setting: Modify the appropriate settings to disable the auto start/stop feature. The exact steps and module can vary by model year, so refer to specific FORScan guides for your truck, such as the one on f150gen14.com. 

Method 3: Disconnect a sensor 
This is a quick, free option but may affect other systems. 

• Battery sensor: Locate the sensor on the negative battery terminal and unplug it. This will prevent the system from activating but may disable intelligent charging and voltage monitoring. 
• Under-dash connector: Unplug the bottom connector from the white box located under the dash, near the brake pedal. This will disable the system, but the auto start/stop disabled symbol will appear on the dash. This method may interfere with trailer light functions. 

Other options

• Trailer tester: Plug a trailer tester into the trailer socket. This tricks the truck into thinking a trailer is attached, which disables auto start/stop but can affect other functions like the backup camera and blinkers, notes this YouTube video. 
• DIY circuit: For those with electrical experience, you can construct a custom disable circuit using a resistor, capacitor, and relay, but this is a more advanced project, as detailed in this Instructables article. 

Can you turn off the automatic braking system?

You also have the option to turn off other systems like Autonomous Emergency Braking and Evasive Steering Assist – though it's not recommended.

How to turn off auto brake on Ford F150?

To turn off the brake assist on an F-150, go to the "Settings" or "Home" icon on your SYNC screen, select "Driving Assistance," and then toggle "Reverse Brake Assist" or another relevant feature like "Pre-Collision Assist" off. For some newer models, there might also be a physical button near the infotainment screen with a "P" and a graphic, which can be used to turn off features like parking aids.
 
This video demonstrates how to turn off the reverse brake assist feature on a Ford F-150 using the touchscreen: 46sSchicker Ford of St. Louis YouTube · Aug 1, 2023
On-screen controls (SYNC screen) 

• For Reverse Brake Assist: Tap the Settings or Home icon on your SYNC screen.
• Select Driving Assistance.
• Find Reverse Brake Assist and toggle the switch to the off position. 

Physical button

• Look for a button on the dashboard, often near the infotainment screen or hazard lights.
• It may have a "P" with a graphic of a parking lot or backup lines.
• Pressing this button can disable parking aids and related braking assists. 

Other braking features

• If your truck has Auto Hold, you can usually find and disable it in the "Driving Assistance" or "Features" menu on the SYNC screen. 
• For Pre-Collision Assist, navigate to Settings > Driving Assistance > Pre-Collision and adjust the settings or turn the feature off.