Useless or broken button?

[Vincent]

At the end of the directional signal stick is a push button and I can’t figure out what it is supposed to do.
I thought it was to turn lane centering on and off, but it doesn’t do that and there’s actually another button does that.
When I press it there is no indication anywhere that something went on or off.
It’s an Aviator GT BL.
Any help is appreciated.

 

[bbf2530]

At the end of the directional signal stick is a push button and I can’t figure out what it is supposed to do.
I thought it was to turn lane centering on and off, but it doesn’t do that and there’s actually another button does that.
When I press it there is no indication anywhere that something went on or off.
It’s an Aviator GT BL.
Any help is appreciated.

Hi Vincent. The button on the end of the the turn signal stalk is the on/off button for the Lane Keep Assist system.
If it is not working correctly, you may need to adjust the system settings in your Driver Information Center. If that does not help, have it checked for issues on your next service visit.

It would probably be helpful to check the instructions in your copy of the Owners Manual. You can find the correct pages if you look in the Index under "Lane Keeping System". I find it easier to look things up in the PDF version of the Owners Manual, which you can download here: https://www.fleet.ford.com/parts-service/resources/owner-manuals/
The instructions/explanations for LKA begin on page 320 of the PDF version.
Taking a quick look at the Owners Manual may also show you quite a few other features your new Aviator has which you may not be aware of.

Let us know how you make out and good luck.

 

[Vincent]

Hi Vincent. The button on the end of the the turn signal stalk is the on/off button for the Lane Keep Assist system.
If it is not working correctly, you may need to adjust the system settings in your Driver Information Center. If that does not help, have it checked for issues on your next service visit.

It would probably be helpful to check the instructions in your copy of the Owners Manual. You can find the correct pages if you look in the Index under "Lane Keeping System". I find it easier to look things up in the PDF version of the Owners Manual, which you can download here: https://www.fleet.ford.com/parts-service/resources/owner-manuals/
The instructions/explanations for LKA begin on page 320 of the PDF version.
Taking a quick look at the Owners Manual may also show you quite a few other features your new Aviator has which you may not be aware of.

Let us know how you make out and good luck.

Thank you for your quick reply. I looked in the manual and couldn’t find anything about it. I couldn’t even find a picture of that stick. I’ll check again but I think it may be malfunctioning. Like you said I’ll have them look at it on my first visit.

 

[bbf2530]

Thank you for your quick reply. I looked in the manual and couldn’t find anything about it. I couldn’t even find a picture of that stick. I’ll check again but I think it may be malfunctioning. Like you said I’ll have them look at it on my first visit.

Hi Vincent. Although there can be different print versions and therefore slightly different page numbers, the PDF version of the Owners Manual is the same as the printed copy version. It is in there and does include a pictogram of the stalk. Check the page number I listed above. If not there, check the Index for "Lane Keeping System", in case you have a different print version.

Keep us updated and good luck.

______________________________

 

[peterk9]

Peter

 

[Vincent]

I did find this but it didn’t really help.

 

[peterk9]

I'm not sure how that didn't help. When activated, you should get a display on the dash similar to this.


If you don't get anything at all then the system is inoperative.

Peter

 

[bbf2530]

Hi Vincent. You and Peter found the pictogram.

It can be complicated to enable all the correct settings. If you read and follow all the instructions for enabling LKA and Land Centering and the system (not only that one page) and the system will still not operate properly, then a service visit will be your best bet.

Keep us updated and good luck.

______________________________

 

[Vincent]

Lane centering does work, but I turn it on using the controls on the steering wheel ( same controls as cruise control). I can then turn it on and off using the controls on the other side of the steering wheel. So I can use cruise control and lane centering together or independently using those buttons.
It’s just that the push button on the signal stalk doesn’t seem to do anything. I see that it should also turn lane centering on and off, but it doesn’t.

 

[Vincent]

I made this short video hoping it will clarify what I am seeing. Thank you again for your ideas and help.

 

[Vincent]

We’ll is does do something but I’m not sure what.

 

[bbf2530]

I made this short video hoping it will clarify what I am seeing. Thank you again for your ideas and help.

We’ll is does do something but I’m not sure what.

Hi Vincent. My opinion: With the information provided, and after watching your videos and reading the LKA/Lane Centering sections of your Owners Manual, it seems the system is working correctly/as designed. Including the on/off button on the end of the turn signal stalk.

There are limitations to how/when the system will engage, including speed etc. Have you read the LKA/Lane Centering section of the Owners Manual to learn how to operate the system properly?

However, it may be best for you to stop by your Dealership and have your Salesperson, or anyone available, walk you through how to operate the system properly. If it does not work properly at that time, you can set up a service appointment.

Keep us updated and good luck.

______________________________

 

[Vincent]

Hi Vincent. My opinion: With the information provided, and after watching your videos and reading the LKA/Lane Centering sections of your Owners Manual, it seems the system is working correctly/as designed. Including the on/off button on the end of the turn signal stalk.

There are limitations to how/when the system will engage, including speed etc. Have you read the LKA/Lane Centering section of the Owners Manual to learn how to operate the system properly?

However, it may be best for you to stop by your Dealership and have your Salesperson, or anyone available, walk you through how to operate the system properly. If it does not work properly at that time, you can set up a service appointment.

Keep us updated and good luck.

We’ll I did read the manual and tested the various functions and settings. That’s how I figured it out. It’s very different than my Natilus which also had those features but worked differently.

 

[rjabend]

I'm not sure how that didn't help. When activated, you should get a display on the dash similar to this.
View attachment 15244

If you don't get anything at all then the system is inoperative.

Peter

Peter - I may be misinterpreting your post, but the symbology I get when centering is enabled are green lines at the edges. I get the vertical green sections when centering is disabled. I think lane departure is still enabled when the vertical green sections are in place.

 

[bbf2530]

We’ll I did read the manual and tested the various functions and settings. That’s how I figured it out. It’s very different than my Natilus which also had those features but worked differently.

Hi Vincent. I am trying to help, not bust your chops. And you didn't/don't mention what model year your Nautilus is/was or what features it was equipped with. Either way, systems and capabilities obviously change, advance and improve with newer model years.

However, with the information and videos you provided, I believe your LKA system, Lane Centering system, turn signal stalk button etc. are operating correctly. That is why I recommended getting some hands-on assistance with this at your Lincoln Dealership.

I'm sure other will jump in to help.

Let us know how you make out and good luck.

 

[peterk9]

What you see or don't see, may depend upon which display you have set up. Mine is set up to display the speedometer on the right and the tachometer on the left with the instant mileage in the center (Calm Screen). With the vehicle in accessory mode, when I press the button on the left stalk, I get the lane-centering markings displayed. The CANCEL button on the lower right portion of the steering wheel, which you said does nothing, is actually the one you use to cancel your Adaptive Cruise Control speed without having to turn the ACC OFF entirely using the ACC button on the left of the steering wheel. Also, when I turn the ACC ON, it does not turn ON Lane Assist as well. I use the ACC practically every time I drive.

Peter

______________________________

 

[tgara]

We’ll I did read the manual and tested the various functions and settings. That’s how I figured it out. It’s very different than my Natilus which also had those features but worked differently.

It appears that you (and most of the folks above) have the same confusion that I had when I got my Nautilus, which has the same systems as in your Aviator. There are TWO systems here that do different things yet work together:

1. The Lane KEEPING system. This system is switched on by the button on the end of the turn signal stalk and will provide vibrating feedback and aid if you drive outside the lane markers in the event of an unintended lane departure. In your second video, you set this feedback to Alert + Aid and sensitivity to High. When it is active, you will see green rails on the display.

2. The Lane CENTERING system. This system is switched on by the button on the right side of the steering wheel with the little steering wheel on it. You mistakenly called it “Steering Assist“ at the 1 minute mark in your first video, understandable since its icon when active is a small steering wheel. This system is designed to keep you driving in the center of the lane, and will make small corrections in the steering to keep you there once the system is engaged (Shown by the small steering wheel icon in the instrument panel display). Fun fact: the reason the Lane Centering System has a button on the steering wheel and the Lane Keeping System does not is because one requirement for activation of the Lane Centering System is having both hands on the steering wheel.

Now that I hope you have a better understanding of these two systems, I suggest you go back and review the sections in the Owners Manual that describe each of the the Lane KEEPING system and the Lane CENTERING system. Pay attention to the specific requirements for each system to be functional. I say that because your videos were taken with the car in your garage, but the systems need to see road markings to activate. That‘s why things were not responding the way you might have expected.

You might want to bookmark the online version of your manual, which is searchable.

https://www.fordservicecontent.com/Ford_Content/vdirsnet/OwnerManual/Home/Index?Variantid=9002&languageCode=EN&countryCode=USA&VIN=&userMarket=USA&div=l&buildtype=web

Search for KEEPING or CENTERING and you will find all the relevant information for each system.

Hope this helps. P.s. I like your cat.

 

[rjabend]

It appears that you (and most of the folks above) have the same confusion that I had when I got my Nautilus, which has the same systems as in your Aviator. There are TWO systems here that do different things yet work together:

1. The Lane KEEPING system. This system is switched on by the button on the end of the turn signal stalk and will provide vibrating feedback and aid if you drive outside the lane markers in the event of an unintended lane departure. In your second video, you set this feedback to Alert + Aid and sensitivity to High. When it is active, you will see green rails on the display.

2. The Lane CENTERING system. This system is switched on by the button on the right side of the steering wheel with the little steering wheel on it. You mistakenly called it “Steering Assist“ at the 1 minute mark in your first video, understandable since its icon when active is a small steering wheel. This system is designed to keep you driving in the center of the lane, and will make small corrections in the steering to keep you there once the system is engaged (Shown by the small steering wheel icon in the instrument panel display). Fun fact: the reason the Lane Centering System has a button on the steering wheel and the Lane Keeping System does not is because one requirement for activation of the Lane Centering System is having both hands on the steering wheel.

Now that I hope you have a better understanding of these two systems, I suggest you go back and review the sections in the Owners Manual that describe each of the the Lane KEEPING system and the Lane CENTERING system. Pay attention to the specific requirements for each system to be functional. I say that because your videos were taken with the car in your garage, but the systems need to see road markings to activate. That‘s why things were not responding the way you might have expected.

You might want to bookmark the online version of your manual, which is searchable.

https://www.fordservicecontent.com/Ford_Content/vdirsnet/OwnerManual/Home/Index?Variantid=9002&languageCode=EN&countryCode=USA&VIN=&userMarket=USA&div=l&buildtype=web

Search for KEEPING or CENTERING and you will find all the relevant information for each system.

Hope this helps. P.s. I like your cat.

Nice job! You eliminated all the confusion! I agree, the cat is quite impressive. I am wondering if Bengals are more easily trained.

 

[Vincent]

It appears that you (and most of the folks above) have the same confusion that I had when I got my Nautilus, which has the same systems as in your Aviator. There are TWO systems here that do different things yet work together:

1. The Lane KEEPING system. This system is switched on by the button on the end of the turn signal stalk and will provide vibrating feedback and aid if you drive outside the lane markers in the event of an unintended lane departure. In your second video, you set this feedback to Alert + Aid and sensitivity to High. When it is active, you will see green rails on the display.

2. The Lane CENTERING system. This system is switched on by the button on the right side of the steering wheel with the little steering wheel on it. You mistakenly called it “Steering Assist“ at the 1 minute mark in your first video, understandable since its icon when active is a small steering wheel. This system is designed to keep you driving in the center of the lane, and will make small corrections in the steering to keep you there once the system is engaged (Shown by the small steering wheel icon in the instrument panel display). Fun fact: the reason the Lane Centering System has a button on the steering wheel and the Lane Keeping System does not is because one requirement for activation of the Lane Centering System is having both hands on the steering wheel.

Now that I hope you have a better understanding of these two systems, I suggest you go back and review the sections in the Owners Manual that describe each of the the Lane KEEPING system and the Lane CENTERING system. Pay attention to the specific requirements for each system to be functional. I say that because your videos were taken with the car in your garage, but the systems need to see road markings to activate. That‘s why things were not responding the way you might have expected.

You might want to bookmark the online version of your manual, which is searchable.

https://www.fordservicecontent.com/Ford_Content/vdirsnet/OwnerManual/Home/Index?Variantid=9002&languageCode=EN&countryCode=USA&VIN=&userMarket=USA&div=l&buildtype=web

Search for KEEPING or CENTERING and you will find all the relevant information for each system.

Hope this helps. P.s. I like your cat.

Ahhh! Thank you for specifically pointing that out. You are correct, I did not know that lane centering and lane keeping were two different features. What you outlined makes sense and I’ll check out the manual for the two different features as you suggested.

The cat is Jagger. He’s a bengal and can be lovable or a PITA depending on his mood.
Very smart and can be trained but actually does a better job of training us.

 

[inmanlanier]

Ahhh! Thank you for specifically pointing that out. You are correct, I did not know that lane centering and lane keeping were two different features. What you outlined makes sense and I’ll check out the manual for the two different features as you suggested.

A little more detail here - see post number 39 in this thread... Has anyone notice lane centering not centered? If you read that post, please note that my return trip home did NOT exhibit the more rapid centering to where it annoyed me at very high speeds. It was better (see page 4 of the post, #74). There may be some learning in the system.

And I agree - without the nudge from others, it is challenging to conclude that the systems are different but interrelated. In my humble opinion they should have been grouped in the same section of the manual and clearly discussed as we've discussed.