2019 HD Trailer Backup System Failures

[Eyecando]

When I received my 2019 Expedition Max Platinum the trailer backup system worked perfectly. Now it constantly fails. The typical message is "Sticker Not Found Shift to Park". This appears after the sticker has been found. The sticker is in good shape and is fully visible from the rear camera. The system will initially work correctly and then it will fail with the Sticker Not Found message. I have verified that all settings for the trailer are entered correctly.

Anyone else have this issue?

 

[wakeboarder]

When I received my 2019 Expedition Max Platinum the trailer backup system worked perfectly. Now it constantly fails. The typical message is "Sticker Not Found Shift to Park". This appears after the sticker has been found. The sticker is in good shape and is fully visible from the rear camera. The system will initially work correctly and then it will fail with the Sticker Not Found message. I have verified that all settings for the trailer are entered correctly.

Anyone else have this issue?

Have you cleaned the backup camera lens, all 3 clear covers near the camera, and the sticker?

I have not had the issue, but I also don’t use the system.

 

[Deadman]

Driving lessons might be easier! lol

Just kidding, but I refuse to let some BS computer crap do my driving, so if I can't do it, its not happening....... Thats just me tho, so hopefully you get yours figured out.

 

[Wayne Decker]

I've been backing up trailers for over 40 years. I never tried the trailer assist until the other day, just for laughs, on my little kayak trailer that is really hard to backup. It's pretty amazing and works very well.

I'd say clean the cameras as others have said and if that doesn't work try deleting the set up and do it over again.

 

[Eyecando]

I cleaned everything once before and that didn't help. I checked again and everything appeared to be clean, but I cleaned them again and will check to see if that helps.

I agree you should not need the backup system, but it really does make it much easier to backup, especially when limited by the small Expedition mirrors. When the system works correctly it really makes it easy to back up long distances.

 

[Brent Wahl]

Our 2020 Max Platinum has the same and other issues.

- It will not find the label and gives an error.

- Now after the last attempt to using the pro back up system / label the dash board display when you shut off the car and restart the car returns back to the tow display.

I see the 2021 no longer uses the label and now has a module and cable you plug into the car and place the module on the trailer

 

[Brent Wahl]

I called Corp Ford Customer Service and they offered no technical help and were not in the know of the new 2021 cable / module system. They told me to call the Local Ford Dealer Service group

I called the local Ford Dealer and they suggested put the trailer with label on it back on the SUV and make an appointment to have them look at the label install and rear camera calibration.

The local Dealer also did not know why the pro back up label system had been changed to the cable / module.

 

[Brent Wahl]

 

[Wayne Decker]

I don't know what trailer you are using, but I do know that some Airstream owners have had problems with the backup system. Apparently all the shiny aluminum of an Airstream confuses the camera as it tries to locate the sticker.

 

[Brent Wahl]

I don't know what trailer you are using, but I do know that some Airstream owners have had problems with the backup system. Apparently all the shiny aluminum of an Airstream confuses the camera as it tries to locate the sticker.

I do have some Al reflection will look at

 

[Brent Wahl]

After masking off most of the bright aluminum reflection points I again tried to calibrate my Pro Back Up Towing system. (2020 Max with Kendon Motorcycle tow rack). It did not work well.

So now trying to reinstall a new sticker on a temporary larger mount (Wood) and try again. If that does not work will bring Max with trailer to the dealer to check re camera calibration / function.

 

[Brent Wahl]

Did more testing and got decent results by doing some quick and DYI mounting of the label. Used some plywood, claps and some painter tape. I placed the sticker in the mid point of the 7" to 22" range. Before the sticker was at the minimum range of 7". Trailer is a Kendon motorcycle ride on trailer and the car a 2020 MAX.

Plan is to fab up some metal plate to mount the sticker permanently.

Some photos to show what I did.

 

[Wayne Decker]

Is the entire sticker within the 7"-22" distant from the center of the ball?

 

[Brent Wahl]

Is the entire sticker within the 7"-22" distant from the center of the ball?

Yes. Dead center between the min and max limits FORD lists. My first attempt that did not work had the sticker at the edge of the minimum 7 ".

 

[Wayne Decker]

Hmmm... Maybe double check your measurements?

 

[Wayne Decker]

I meant double check the other measurements, from the ball, the bumper, and the camera.

 

[Brent Wahl]

Will try again with new mounting of sticker and some dark tape to lessen the Florida sunlight.

 

[Brent Wahl]

Well tried a few more times and the Red Circle of Death never found the new sticker .... SEE Photos

 

[NukeLife]

Brent, looks like you lost a fight with a roll of blue painters tape?

 

[NukeLife]

But seriously, I’ve got three different trailers programmed into mine, and the only time mine has problems finding the sticker is when the camera lens is dirty.