Ford’s newest “On Target” newsletter continues the series focusing on Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS), with the most recent edition devoting attention to the company’s BlueCruise technology. The hands-free highway driver-assist technology has approximately 67,000 customers and Ford wants to ensure repairers know the considerations of which they should be mindful when performing work on such vehicles.
A Ford F-150 is shown. Photo courtesy of Ford.
According to Ford, BlueCruise allows motorists to operate vehicles hands-free on highways thanks to the utilization of a driver-facing camera aimed at ensuring drivers keep their eyes on the road. The Ford F-150 and Mustang Mach-E SUV incorporate the BlueCruise system. Ford uses the latter to detail proper procedures with respect to repairers and the new technology in the “On Target” publication released in October 2022.
First off, repairers need to know that while customers know the technology as BlueCruise, Ford’s workshop manual identifies the system as Active Drive Assist with Intelligent Adaptive Cruise Control. Associated information can be found in Section 419-03A: Cruise Control, Description and Operation.
With respect to speed sign recognition, the system modifies the set speed based on the observed speed limit. When selected, the feature sees a bracket appear around the set speed and the detected speed limit sign via the information display.
“The system is designed to set the vehicle speed to the speed limit detected by the traffic sign recognition system before the vehicle passes the speed limit sign,” Ford notes. “If the vehicle is equipped with navigation, stored speed sign data may influence the indicated speed limit value. Refer to the owner’s literature for additional information.”
The technology incorporates acceleration and deceleration control, with the vehicle manufacturer again directing repairers to owner literature for more information. The same is true with respect to the system’s lane-centering capabilities. Lane Centering assists the driver through steering to keep the vehicle centered in the lane, according to Ford.
The Highway Assist system, selected through the Information and Entertainment Display Unit, also receives special mention in “On Target.”
“Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) must be selected along with Lane Centering in the “ON” position for Highway Assist engagement,” Ford says. “This system also continuously monitors the driver’s awareness based on an inward-facing camera, and if the system determines the driver is being inattentive, it warns and attempts to re-engage the driver.”
Repairers can also keep the Ford Certified Glass Network (FCGN) in mind. The initiative is designed to ensure that glass installation and calibration on Ford and Lincoln vehicles are performed to the highest quality standards. The program requires that all companies installing glass be accredited members of the Auto Glass Safety Council.
Through a collaboration with I-CAR, the network has created an ADAS learning and certification path for those enrolled in the effort. It includes a two-day ADAS hands-on skills development (HOSD) course at I-CAR’s Chicago Technical Center.
Follow the link for more information on Ford’s BlueCruise technology. More information on FCGN is available here.
