'Ford Doesn't Tell You': Truck Expert Says There’s a Secret 'Engineering Test Mode.' Then He Shows What It’s For

• Ford

A truck expert is going viral after revealing what he calls a “secret menu” hidden inside most Ford models.

TikTok user @whitefaceford posted the clip back in April, telling viewers he wanted to share “a little secret here that not many people know about.”

The feature, called “engineering test mode,” gives drivers access to the gauge cluster’s background settings. Once inside, @whitefaceford showed off what it can do—like running a full gauge sweep, checking digital transmission temperature readings, and even adjusting miles-per-gallon bias.

“Ford doesn’t tell you about this secret menu,” he wrote in the caption. “There’s a hidden feature buried inside your dashboard that unlocks some surprising tools—if you know where to look.” As of this writing, the video had nearly 30,000 likes.

How Do You Access This—And What Does It Do?

Getting into the hidden mode is simple. @whitefaceford says drivers need to hold down the “OK” button on the steering wheel, switch the car to ignition-only mode, and wait about five seconds.

“Don’t start the engine,” he warned. “Wait five seconds, and then it will pop up on your dashboard.”

He believes the feature works on any Ford model with an “OK” button on the wheel.

Once inside, he says you can do everything from a full illumination test—helpful if you’re buying a used truck and want to make sure no one tampered with the dash lights—to running a gauge sweep and checking transmission temps. You can even fine-tune your fuel economy readings.

To exit, cycle the key again, and your dashboard resets.

“Little secret of the trade right there,” he said.

Benefits Of ‘Engineering Test Mode’

The real magic of Ford’s engineering test mode is what it lets you see once you’re in. It’s essentially a built-in diagnostic tool that pulls back the curtain on your truck’s data and systems. You can run a full gauge sweep to make sure everything is working, light up every warning indicator to check for missing or tampered bulbs, and even spot diagnostic trouble codes that haven’t triggered a check engine light yet—giving you an early warning before a problem gets serious.

Drivers also get access to a ton of real-time information you’d never see otherwise: exact transmission and coolant temperatures, battery voltage, fuel rate, vehicle speed, and even a more precise “distance to empty.” Some models let you adjust the average fuel economy bias, so your truck’s MPG readout actually matches what you’re getting at the pump.

Does My Car Have ‘Engineering Test Mode’?

It depends. Not every car comes with an engineering test mode, and it’s mostly a hidden feature in certain Ford, Lincoln, and even some older Chrysler models—and what you see depends on the make, model, and year.

Because it’s not universal, drivers should check their manual or look up whether their specific vehicle supports it. For those who do, it’s an easy way to get peace of mind without making a trip to the shop.

Viewers Express Skepticism Toward Supposed Hack

TikTok users had mixed reactions to @whitefaceford’s video. Some were grateful for the tip, but plenty said they couldn’t get their Fords into engineering test mode using his instructions.

“Didn’t work on my 1995 F250 Powerstroke,” one man wrote.

“Doesn’t work on my 2010 F 250,” added another.

“Did not work on my 2019 F150,” said a third.

“Does not work on 2016 F250,” echoed a fourth.

Others, though, were excited to try it—and reported success.

“I’m trying this tomorrow, thanks,” one user said.

“It does work on a 2016 Ford F-150 with push to start,” another shared.“First, hold the OK button, then press STARTbutton to accessory/ON. Do not start engine, foot off brake, of course. Tried it on my lunch! Good luck!”

“Excellent, thank you,” wrote a third.

“Did not know, thank you,” said a fourth.

Motor1 has reached out to @whitefaceford via TikTok direct message. We'll update this article if he responds.