How do you use adaptive cruise control on a f150?
Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) on the Ford F-150 helps you maintain a chosen speed while automatically adjusting to traffic ahead. This guide walks you through how to activate ACC, set a speed and following distance, and use it safely on highways and in traffic.
Getting ACC up and running
Here's the quickest path to turn on ACC, lock in a speed, and pick a safe following distance. The exact buttons can vary by model year and trim, but the general process is consistent across recent F-150s with Ford Co-Pilot360.
- Start the engine and reach highway speeds appropriate for ACC use.
- On the steering wheel, press the Cruise Control On/Off control to activate ACC. Some trims use a stalk on the left side of the steering column.
- Accelerate to your desired cruising speed, then press SET (or SET+/SET−) to lock in that speed.
- Use the Distance control (often shown as a car icon with distance bars) to choose how closely you follow the vehicle ahead. The dash display will show the current following distance setting.
- If the traffic ahead slows, ACC will automatically reduce your speed to maintain the selected distance; when the road clears, ACC will return to your set speed.
- To cancel, tap the brake pedal or press the Cancel button. You can also switch off ACC with the On/Off control.
- On models with Stop-and-Go capability, ACC can bring the vehicle to a complete stop and resume when traffic moves; in other configurations, press RES to resume after a halt.
Using ACC can reduce fatigue on long highway drives, but you should stay attentive and ready to take control at any moment.
Controls and indicators to know
Beyond turning ACC on and setting a speed, familiarizing yourself with the controls and the dashboard indicators helps you monitor the system effectively.
- The Cruise Control On/Off control is typically on the steering wheel; some trucks use a stalk near the left side of the wheel.
- SET and +/- adjust the current target speed. Use RES to resume a previously set speed after braking or cancelling.
- The Distance control cycles through following distances shown on the instrument cluster. Shorter distances mean closer following; longer distances increase the gap.
- The instrument cluster or heads-up display shows when ACC is active, the current speed, and the selected following distance.
- Lane-keeping assist or other driver-assistance features may operate independently of ACC; check your model’s configuration, as some features are optional or require different controls.
Familiarity with these controls helps you use ACC more confidently on long highway drives or in moderate traffic.
Safety considerations and limitations
Adaptive Cruise Control reduces driver workload but does not replace attention. It relies on sensors that can be affected by weather, road conditions, and vehicle loading.
Important caveats
- Stay attentive and keep your hands on the wheel. ACC may not detect stationary objects or pedestrians in all situations.
- Heavy rain, snow, or ice can impair radar and camera sensors, causing the system to disengage or behave unpredictably.
- Road construction, sharp curves, or winding highways can influence ACC performance. Be prepared to take control manually.
- ACC and lane-keeping features are separate systems; do not rely on one to steer or brake for you—these are assistive technologies.
For model-specific details, including whether your trim offers Stop-and-Go or lane-centering, consult the owner's manual or dealer documentation.
Summary
Adaptive Cruise Control on the Ford F-150 offers a practical way to maintain speed and a safe following distance on highways, reducing fatigue during long trips. Activate ACC, set a speed, choose a following distance, and monitor the road—it's a helpful aid when used responsibly. Always stay attentive and be ready to take control in changing conditions.
