Adaptive cruise control, tracking stopped traffic and in curves - scary sometimes.
 

I am always ready to intervene and "drive" the vehicle at all times, rather than "ride". Just wondering if this is how it's supposed to work.

Seems like it should detect traffic stopped ahead, and slow well ahead of time. I've never let see if it would actually work, because it hasn't even started slowing down, and I intervene before it gets to where it would be "iffy".

Also, in stop an go traffic, it will be accelerating, even though there is plenty of traffic clearly at a standstill at the light ahead. I'm not talking way ahead, I'm talking about ahead enough, that if you continue accelerating another second or three, you're going to be exercising the ABS.

Then, going around curves while ACC is on, it will lose track of the vehicle in front of you around the curve, and jump on the acceleration pedal, causing the need to intervene by stepping on the brake to turn it off.

Then there is the thing when a vehicle in front of you turns left or right onto a street, it slams on the brakes and sets off the collision alert, complete with the flashing red lights, even though the turning vehicle is well out of the way headed in the other direction. Someone behind me texting or not paying attention is going to eat it one day. I don't need the hassle, even if it is their fault.

And the last thing, which is annoying, is coming down to about 10-15 MPH, it just shuts off ACC, along with the braking that it was doing. I could see someone who relies too much on their tech (not me) instead of their driving, they could roll right into a stopped car. Shouldn't it automatically come to a complete stop if needed, then resume when the traffic in front resumes?

I don't have any other experience with ACC, my other cars just stay where they're set, and can't be set below 20 MPH.

The ACC in the super duties is definitely not as advanced as what's out there in some of the other vehicles. I only use mine on the interstate in medium to light traffic for all of the reasons you stated. It works well when you catch up to a slower moving vehicle and there's not an opportunity to pass yet. Once you turn on your signal to change lanes and pass it will start accelerating. Although we don't get much stop and go traffic in Idaho i do wish I would work in heavy traffic.

The Joys of ACC
 

I found the same problem in my 2018 Platinum Diesel - have had many instances where my backside was in my throat before I intervened. The cutout at around 15 is also annoying but at least mine beeps before it happens. When it works and applies the brakes, it's usually far later than when I do it manually adding to the drama.
When in ACC and going around roundabouts also can present problems if you just slow down without braking , it then accelerates when the ACC doesn't see a vehicle in front usually in 3rd gear until it hits 100kph (60mph). 3rd gear seems to have attention deficit and hangs on until I reach the set cruising speed then changes to 5th , then 6th depending on the road condition. The auto has been checked and set to factory specs so I guess its part of the ownership joy. My Jeep has ACC and it works far better and even when stopped it allows about 5 seconds before it cuts out It's far better on the nerves to only use ACC in speed camera areas and keep one foot ready for the brake

What distance setting do you guys have it on? I love mine and works great! I did notice that it can loose the traffic on REALLY windy roads, so I don't use it in those circumstances.

Mine is Always set on MAx distance still keeps my poopa valve working well with its last minute braking

What are you guys doing? Read your owners manuals!!!




Always pay close attention to changing road conditions when using adaptive cruise control. The system does not replace attentive driving. Failing to pay attention to the road may result in a crash, serious injury or death.
Do not use the adaptive cruise control when entering or leaving a highway, on roads with intersections or roundabouts or non-vehicular traffic or roads that are winding, slippery, unpaved, or steep slopes.
Do not use the system in poor visibility, for example fog, heavy rain, spray or snow.
Do not use the system when towing a trailer with aftermarket trailer brake controls. Aftermarket trailer brakes will not function properly when you switch the system on because the brakes are electronically controlled. Failing to do so may result in loss of vehicle control, which could result in serious injury.
Do not use tire sizes other than those recommended because this can affect the normal operation of the system. Failure to do so may result in a loss of vehicle control, which could result in serious injury.
Adaptive cruise control may not detect stationary or slow moving vehicles below 6 mph (10 km/h).
Adaptive cruise control does not detect pedestrians or objects in the road.
Adaptive cruise control does not detect oncoming vehicles in the same lane.
Adaptive cruise control is not a crash warning or avoidance system.
Do not use adaptive cruise control with a snow plow blade installed.
Note: It is your responsibility to stay alert, drive safely and be in control of the vehicle at all times.
The system adjusts your vehicle speed to maintain the set gap between you and the vehicle in front of you in the same lane. You can select four gap settings.
The system uses a radar sensor that projects a beam directly in front of your vehicle.
http://www.fordservicecontent.com/im...3737_EUR&t=JPG
The adaptive cruise controls are on the steering wheel.
Switching Adaptive Cruise Control On
Press ON.
http://www.fordservicecontent.com/im...4529_EUR&t=JPG The indicator, current gap setting and set speed appear in the information display.
http://www.fordservicecontent.com/im...3874_EUR&t=JPG
Setting the Adaptive Cruise Speed
Note: When adaptive cruise control is active, the speedometer may vary slightly from the set speed displayed in the information display.

1. Drive to desired speed.

1. Press SET+ or SET-.

1. A green indicator light, the current gap setting and your set speed appear in the information display.

1. Take your foot off the accelerator pedal.

http://www.fordservicecontent.com/im...3874_EUR&t=JPG

1. A vehicle image illuminates if the system detects a vehicle in front of you.

Following a Vehicle
WARNING

When following a vehicle, your vehicle does not decelerate automatically to a stop, nor does your vehicle always decelerate quickly enough to avoid a crash without driver intervention. Always apply the brakes when necessary. Failing to do so may result in a crash, serious injury or death.
Adaptive cruise control only warns of vehicles detected by the radar sensor. In some cases there may be no warning or a delayed warning. You should always apply the brakes when necessary. Failure to do so may result in a crash, serious injury or death.
Note: When you are following a vehicle and you switch on a direction indicator, adaptive cruise control may provide a small temporary acceleration to help you pass.
Note: The brakes may emit noise when applied by the system.
When a vehicle ahead of you enters the same lane or a slower vehicle is ahead in the same lane, the vehicle speed adjusts to maintain a preset gap distance. A vehicle graphic illuminates in the instrument cluster. A vehicle graphic illuminates in the instrument cluster.
Your vehicle maintains a consistent gap from the vehicle ahead until:

• The vehicle in front of you accelerates to a speed above the set speed.
• The vehicle in front of you moves out of the lane you are in.
• You set a new gap distance.

The system applies the brakes to slow your vehicle to maintain a safe gap distance from the vehicle in front. The system only applies limited braking. You can override the system by applying the brakes.
If the system determines that its maximum braking level will not be sufficient, an audible warning sounds when the system continues to brake. A red warning bar displays on the windshield and you must take immediate action.
Setting the Gap Distance
Note: The gap setting is time dependent and therefore the distance adjusts with your vehicle speed.
Note: It is your responsibility to select a gap appropriate to the driving conditions.
You can decrease or increase the distance between your vehicle and the vehicle in front by pressing the gap control.
http://www.fordservicecontent.com/im...3739_EUR&t=JPG
Ahttp://www.fordservicecontent.com/Fo...ages/empty.gifGap decrease.
Bhttp://www.fordservicecontent.com/Fo...ages/empty.gifGap increase.


http://www.fordservicecontent.com/im...3874_EUR&t=JPG
The selected gap appears in the information display as shown by the bars in the image.
Adaptive Cruise Control Gap Settings

Graphic display, bars indicated between vehicles Dynamic behavior

1 Sport.

2 Normal.

3 Normal.

4 Comfort.


Each time you switch the system on, it selects the last chosen gap setting.
Overriding the Set Speed
WARNING

If you override the system by pressing the accelerator pedal, it does not automatically apply the brakes to maintain a gap from any vehicle ahead.
When you press the accelerator pedal, you override the set speed and gap distance.
http://www.fordservicecontent.com/im...4529_EUR&t=JPG When you override the system, the green indicator light illuminates and the vehicle image does not appear in the information display.The system resumes operation when you release the accelerator pedal. The vehicle speed decreases to the set speed, or a lower speed if following a slower vehicle.

Changing the Set Speed

• Press SET+ or SET- to change the set speed in small increments.
• Press the accelerator or brake pedal until you reach the desired speed. Press SET+ or SET-.
• Press and hold SET+ or SET- to change the set speed in large increments. Release the control when you reach the desired speed.

The system may apply the brakes to slow the vehicle to the new set speed. The set speed displays continuously in the information display when the system is active.
Canceling the Set Speed
Press CNCL or tap the brake pedal. The set speed does not erase.
Resuming the Set Speed
Note: Only use resume if you are aware of the set speed and intend to return to it.
Press RES. Your vehicle speed returns to the previously set speed and gap setting. The set speed displays continuously in the information display when the system is active.
Automatic Cancellation
Note: If the engine speed drops too low, an audible warning sounds and a message appears in the information display. Automatic braking releases.
Hilly Condition and Trailer Tow Usage
Note: An audible alarm sounds and the system shuts down if it applies brakes for an extended period of time. This allows the brakes to cool. The system functions normally again after the brakes cool.
Note: When towing with adaptive cruise control, switch on Tow/Haul Mode and Diesel Engine Brake.
Note: Tow/Haul mode increases the time gaps and allows more distance for braking.
Select a lower gear when the system is active in situations such as prolonged downhill driving on steep grades, for example in mountainous areas. The system needs additional engine braking in these situations to reduce the load on the vehicle’s regular brake system to prevent it from overheating.
Switching Adaptive Cruise Control Off
Note: You erase the set speed and gap setting when you switch the system off.
Press OFF when the system is in standby mode, or switch the ignition off.
Detection Issues
WARNING

On rare occasions, detection issues can occur due to the road infrastructures, for example bridges, tunnels and safety barriers. In these cases, the system may brake late or unexpectedly. At all times, you are responsible for controlling your vehicle, supervising the system and intervening, if required.
If the system malfunctions, have your vehicle checked as soon as possible.
The radar sensor has a limited field of view. It may not detect vehicles at all or detect a vehicle later than expected in some situations. The lead vehicle graphic does not illuminate if the system does not detect a vehicle in front of you.
http://www.fordservicecontent.com/im...1621_EUR&t=JPG
Detection issues can occur:
Ahttp://www.fordservicecontent.com/Fo...ages/empty.gifWhen driving on a different line than the vehicle in front.
Bhttp://www.fordservicecontent.com/Fo...ages/empty.gifWith vehicles that edge into your lane. The system can only detect these vehicles once they move fully into your lane.
Chttp://www.fordservicecontent.com/Fo...ages/empty.gifThere may be issues with the detection of vehicles in front when driving into and coming out of a bend or curve in the road.


In these cases, the system may brake late or unexpectedly. You should stay alert and take action when necessary.
If something hits the front end of your vehicle or damage occurs, the radar-sensing zone may change. This could cause missed or false vehicle detection.
System Not Available
Note: If you disable electronic stability control, adaptive cruise control is not available.
The system may not turn on if there is:

• A blocked sensor.
• High brake temperature.
• A failure in the system or a related system.

Blocked Sensor
http://www.fordservicecontent.com/im...3741_EUR&t=JPG
Note: You cannot see the sensor. It is behind a fascia panel.
A message displays if something obstructs the radar signals from the sensor. The sensor is in the lower grille. The system cannot detect a vehicle ahead and does not function when something blocks the sensor.
Possible Causes and Actions for This Message Displaying:

Cause Action

The surface of the radar is dirty or obstructed. Clean the grille surface in front of the radar or remove the object causing the obstruction.

The surface of the radar is clean but the message remains in the display. Wait a short time. It may take several minutes for the radar to detect that it is free from obstruction.

Heavy rain or snow is interfering with the radar signals. Do not use the system in these conditions because it may not detect any vehicles ahead.

Water, snow or ice on the surface of the road may interfere with the radar signals. Do not use the system in these conditions because it may not detect any vehicles ahead.

You are in a desert or remote area with no other vehicles and no roadside objects. Wait a short time or switch to normal cruise control.


Due to the nature of radar technology, it is possible to get a blockage warning with no actual block. This happens, for example, when driving in sparse rural or desert environments. A false blocked condition either self clears, or clears after you restart your vehicle.

Agree. It works great as designed. The ACC can't see around corners, over hills, or even the adjacent lane. Once a driver learns how it works and does not test the limits of the ACC, then they will appreciate that option.

For me, it is a great asset during long days pulling my camper on the interstate, but am always alert to instances when the ACC is tested beyond it’s boundaries.

From the quote above:

Do not use the system when towing a trailer with aftermarket trailer brake controls. Aftermarket trailer brakes will not function properly when you switch the system on because the brakes are electronically controlled. Failing to do so may result in loss of vehicle control, which could result in serious injury.

Understood. I use the OEM brake controller. It works well with that.

Haha. I have no idea why I assumed you had an after market controller. Lol. My bad 👍 I use ACC with my camper with OEM controller and it works well.

It's just cruise control, not self driving! I only use mine on the interstate at interstate speeds when theres not alot of traffic. It works perfect. Why on earth would you want cruise control on a windy road full of traffic and roundabouts?? Put down your cheeseburger & go buy a Tesla. These are TRUCKS. To be quite honest, they shouldn't even HAVE cruise comtrol.

The Joys of ACC
 

BTW have read the manual and understand all of what you pasted and the "assistance" has more ifs and buts than advantages it appears.


Seems as though it is a fairly useless add on and would give the idiots who set their cruise control on their RV and go and make a coffee a false sense of added driving security.

As I said before its useful where there are speed cameras and having a constant legal speed is essential to avoiding speed fines. As always vehicles are only part of the accident equation the driver is the main reason accidents occur

The Ford system is fairly basic compared to many others.

Hate ACC. Always found myself tailing a car/truck that had slowed down and didnt realize it. Glad I found a way to turn it off in my Civic.

I think TeddyD hit it out of the park with the above instructional post. Most people have no idea what the system was and was Not designed to do. I love mine works perfectly and will never buy another vehicle without it!

Outside of stopping all the way down to 0mph, I found this system to be comparable in operation with some luxury brand cars.