The all-new Ford Super Duty is available with a 4.2-inch LCD screen that offers important information related to fuel economy and towing performance. The menu is navigated through a five-way button on the steering wheel.

“Our research told us that Super Duty customers use their vehicle as a mobile office every day to get the job done, and they want technology that will help them be more productive,” said Dante Williams, applications engineer.

“Our new LCD productivity screen helps them manage their trucks and their work for the benefit of their customers through more visual data, text data and displays,” Williams said. “The information is more complete and more detailed, but presented in an engaging, easy-to-use manner.”

The new LCD is positioned between the tachometer and speedometer, and the familiar Built Ford Tough “slam” greets the driver at key-on. Here are the six base menu options, each of which can be customized by the truck owner:


1. Gauge mode

Graphical compass display can be configured to rotate directions

Actual temperature of the oil and transmission (gas engine); turbo boost gauge for diesels


2. Trip computer

Information on two trips available

Trip time and mileage

Gallons of fuel used and miles per gallon

 
3. Fuel economy

Fuel history can be broken down to three time periods

Five resets are available to track fuel history

Fuel economy displays miles to empty, as well as average and instantaneous mpg


4. Truck applications

Engaging off-road mode; towing functionality

Off-road screen allows customers to see the lateral, vertical and turning radius of their maneuvers

Customers can access information about various features, depending on the model, such as Electronic Locking Differential, Hill Descent Control™, 4x4 system and traction control to help make informed decisions on what technologies might be of use in a given situation

Trailer tow customers can:

-Name and change a trailer, allowing customers to track mileage and store gain settings via the Trailer Brake Controller on the instrument panel

-Delete trailers

-Access information on features such as Trailer Brake Controller or Tow Haul

-Choose the type of trailer connected and go through a connection checklist – conventional, fifth wheel and gooseneck options are supported.

-Three distinct checklists can be accessed, and include:

Ball coupler connected and locked?
Tongue jack raised?
Mirrors adjusted?
Electrical wiring connected?
Lights functioning correctly (running lights, left/right turn and brake lights)?
TBC (Trailer Brake Controller) gain setting adjusted?
Wheel chocks removed?
Safety chains connected?

“The checklist can be especially helpful to a novice tower,” says Williams. “The screen takes customers through the process, so no matter what sort of connection they are using, they can tow with greater confidence.”


5. Settings

Turn features on or off

Change duration of lamps

Change compass zone

Change operating condition for maintenance schedules

Set oil life percentage


6. Information

The MyKey feature allows the owner to set driver preferences

The System Check screen displays information such as oil life, engine hours, engine idle hours and open doors

Warnings, such as “left rear door ajar,” can be displayed graphically

All-new messages and warnings include Trailer Sway Control, Hill Descent Control, tire pressure monitoring system and diesel-specific messages