As of the last stealth up date done by Ford, (approximately April Fools day 2024 ) I now no longer have the ability to turn OFF my backup alarm as I used to be able to. The latest update makes the radio (audio ) shut off if your seat belt isn't fastened. That up date stopped the dashboard setting that used to allow clicking the down arrow and the ok buttons on the steering wheel. I went to a dealer and he spent a half hour after assuring me he could find the setting. I had already gone through every menu there is. I then called Ford Tech support and then Ford customer service , both to no avail. I have literally spent hours trying to solve this issue. Imagine backing your trailer down a boat ramp or some other backing situation with a trailer, and having to listen to that load alarm. It is disconcerting, uncomfortable, and distracting. If you haven't yet experienced the latest update that shuts off the radio, you probably do not have this issue. 2016 F250 Lariet Diesel 6.7

 

I found in a different thread that the cause of the backup alarm no longer having a shut off, is caused by "MyKey" If you are having the issue of the alarm being on while you back your trailer, and you have no way to shut it off,, as you used to be able to.. Clear the MyKey in the steering wheel apps. ! I fought with this for a month. No one was able to help. I am so glad I found this solution. I do not know if this solved the Radio or audio issue as I solved that by simply buying seat belt extenders so the truck always has a seat belt plugged in .

 

Something else you might consider,

First it is not always a good idea to disable a safety feature built into a vehicle.

As a last resort, if the wire feeding the alarm, right at the alarm is interrupted with a switch, control is now possible.

 

hanky; I am baffled by your comment. What safety feature, exactly is being shut off and by whom? Are you suggesting that having the back up alarm on constantly while backing a trailer is a good (safety) thing? Why would I want to put in a switch when I can just hit two buttons on the steering wheel and shut off the alarm? Did you read the threads original post.? This is a case of Ford providing something called "My KEY" that, when turned on, eliminates the ability to shut off the alarm when backing a trailer. On a 2016 Ford F250, I see NO advantage for "My Key" and have no idea what the intent was I now know that I don't want it! Deactivate My Key and every thing goes back to the way it should be. In my opinion, Ford should have deactivated the back up alarm when I place the vehicle in tow mode.

 

Could you be overlooking someone backing out of a congested parking lot and possibly backing over a person that did not see them , but could hear them?

That is one reason anytime anyone can park in a spot , try to park in the spot where you can drive forward when leaving , then no nneed for back-up alarm.

 

You obviously have not read the original problem!!