Stability Control Ford F150
PRINCIPLE OF OPERATION
WARNING: Vehicle modifications involving braking system, aftermarket roof racks, suspension, steering system, tire construction and wheel and tire size may change the handling characteristics of your vehicle and may adversely affect the performance of the electronic stability control system. In addition, installing any stereo loudspeakers may interfere with and adversely affect the electronic stability control system. Install any aftermarket stereo loudspeaker as far as possible from the front center console, the tunnel, and the front seats in order to minimize the risk of interfering with the electronic stability control sensors. Reducing the effectiveness of the electronic stability control system could lead to an increased risk of loss of vehicle control, vehicle rollover, personal injury and death.
WARNING: Remember that even advanced technology cannot defy the laws of physics. It’s always possible to lose control of a vehicle due to inappropriate driver input for the conditions. Aggressive driving on any road condition can cause you to lose control of your vehicle increasing the risk of personal injury or property damage. Activation of the electronic stability control system is an indication that at least some of the tires have exceeded their ability to grip the road; this could reduce the operator’s ability to control the vehicle potentially resulting in a loss of vehicle control, vehicle rollover, personal injury and death. If your electronic stability control system activates, SLOW DOWN.
The system automatically turns on each time you switch the ignition on.
If the stability control or traction control system detects a fault, the following may occur:
- The stability and traction control light illuminates steadily.
- The stability control and traction control systems do not enhance your vehicle’s ability to maintain traction of the wheels.
If the stability control or traction control system activates, the following may occur:
- The stability and traction control light flashes.
- Your vehicle slows down.
- Reduced engine power.
- A vibration in the brake pedal.
- The brake pedal is stiffer than usual.
- If the driving condition is severe and your foot is not on the brake pedal, the pedal may move as the system applies higher brake force.
The stability control system has several features built into it to help you maintain control of your vehicle.
Electronic Stability Control
The system helps to prevent your vehicle skidding or laterally sliding by individually applying the brakes to one or more wheels and, if necessary, reducing engine power.
Roll Stability Control
The system helps to prevent rollovers by detecting your vehicle’s roll motion, and individually applying the brakes
Side-Wind Stabilization
The system applies the brakes on one side of your vehicle to reduce the effect of a sudden side-wind gust on your vehicle’s path. When the system turns on, the stability and traction control light flashes, and a message may appear in the information display. You may notice a slight deceleration and may still need to make a steering correction to maintain the intended vehicle path. The system does not turn on for a continuous side-wind or during turns.
Traction Control
The system enhances your vehicle’s ability to maintain traction of the wheels by detecting and controlling wheel spin. See Using Traction Control .
A Vehicle without stability control skidding off its intended route.
B Vehicle with stability control maintaining control on a slippery surface.
USING STABILITY CONTROL
AdvanceTrac™ with Roll Stability Control™ (RSC™)
The system automatically turns on each time you switch the ignition on.
You can switch the electronic stability control systems off.
When you shift the transmission into reverse (R), the systems are disabled.
You can switch the traction control system off or on independently. See Using Traction Control .
AdvanceTrac with RSC Features
| Button functions | Stability control OFF light | Roll stability control | Electronic stability control | Traction control system |
| Default at startup | Illuminated during bulb check | Enabled | Enabled | Enabled |
| Button pressed momentarily | Illuminated | Enabled | Enabled | Disabled |
| Button pressed and held for more than 5 seconds | Illuminated | Enabled | Disabled | Disabled |
| Double press * Sport Mode |
Illuminated | Enabled | Enabled with higher threshold target | Enabled with higher thresholdtarget |
| Button pressed again after deactivation | Not illuminated | Enabled | Enabled | Enabled |
| Transfer case switched to 4WD Low | Illuminated | Disabled | Disabled | Disabled |
*On F-150 Raptor models, the double press function to put your vehicle into sport mode is not available. You can access sport mode through the terrain management system.