Ford F-650/750 (2018 year). Manual — part 32

PRINCIPLE OF OPERATION

The traction control system helps avoid
drive wheel spin and loss of traction.

If your vehicle begins to slide, the system
applies the brakes to individual wheels
and, when needed, reduces engine power
at the same time. If the wheels spin when
accelerating on slippery or loose surfaces,
the system reduces engine power in order
to increase traction.

Note: The system does not apply the brakes
when vehicle speed is above 25 mph
(40 km/h).

USING TRACTION CONTROL -
VEHICLES WITH: AIR BRAKES

WARNING

The stability and traction control
light illuminates steadily if the
system detects a failure. Make sure

you did not manually disable the traction
control system using the information
display controls or the switch. If the
stability control and traction control light
is still illuminating steadily, have the
system serviced by an authorized dealer
immediately. Operating your vehicle with
the traction control disabled could lead to
an increased risk of loss of vehicle control,
vehicle rollover, personal injury and death.

Use the traction control switch on the
instrument panel to select Mud/Snow
traction mode.

This is beneficial when your vehicle is stuck
in snow or on a slippery road surface. This
mode allows wheel spin to dig your vehicle
out and allows you to rock your vehicle.

Press the switch again to select standard
traction control. The system automatically
selects standard traction control at the
next ignition cycle.

System Indicator Light

Note: If the traction control light does not
flash during a traction control event or stays
illuminated, the system is not functioning
properly. Take your vehicle to an authorized
dealer for service.

During traction control operation, the
traction control light flashes rapidly and
the engine does not rev-up when you press
further on the accelerator. This is normal
and is no reason for concern.

In Mud/Snow mode, the traction control
light illuminates and flashes slowly. If a
traction event occurs in either mode, the
light flashes rapidly.

USING TRACTION CONTROL -
VEHICLES WITH: HYDRAULIC
BRAKES

WARNING

Aggressive driving in any road
conditions can cause you to lose
control of your vehicle increasing the

risk of severe personal injury or property
damage. The occurrence of a traction
control event is an indication that at least
some of the tires have exceeded their
ability to grip the road; this may lead to an
increased risk of loss of vehicle control,
vehicle rollover, personal injury and death.
If you experience a severe road event,
SLOW DOWN.

The system automatically turns on each
time you switch the ignition on.

Use the traction control switch on the
instrument panel to switch the system off
or on.

If your vehicle is stuck in mud or snow,
switching traction control off may be
beneficial as this allows the wheels to spin.

(If Equipped)

Press the switch again to enable the
traction control system.

System Indicator Light

Note: If the traction control light does not
flash during a traction control event or stays
illuminated, the system is not functioning
properly. Take your vehicle to an authorized
dealer for service.

During traction control operation, the
traction control light flashes rapidly and
the engine does not rev-up when you press
further on the accelerator. This is normal
and is no reason for concern.

When traction control is disabled, the
traction control light illuminates and
flashes slowly.

(If Equipped)

PRINCIPLE OF OPERATION

WARNINGS

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.

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 a fault occurs in either the stability
control or the traction control system, you
may experience the following conditions:

•

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.

Vehicles With: Hydraulic Brakes

If a driving condition activates either the
stability control or the traction control
system you may experience the following
conditions:

•

The stability and traction control light
flashes rapidly.

•

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, the brake
pedal may move as the system applies
higher brake force.

Vehicles With: Air Brakes

If a driving condition activates either the
stability control or the traction control
system you may experience the following
conditions:

•

The stability and traction control light
flashes rapidly.

•

Your vehicle slows down.

•

Reduced engine power.

The stability control system has several
features built into it to help you maintain
control of your vehicle:

(If Equipped)

Electronic Stability Control

The system enhances your vehicle’s ability
to prevent skids or lateral slides by
applying brakes to one or more of the
wheels individually and, if necessary,
reducing engine power.

Roll Stability Control

The system enhances your vehicle’s ability
to prevent rollovers by detecting your
vehicle’s motion and the rate at which it
changes by applying the brakes to one or
more wheels individually.

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 (page 132).

E72903

A

A

A

B

B

B

B

Vehicle without stability control
skidding off its intended route.

A

Vehicle with stability control
maintaining control on a slippery
surface.

B

USING STABILITY CONTROL

The system automatically turns on each
time you switch the ignition on.

You cannot switch the stability control and
roll stability control systems off, but when
you shift into reverse (R), the systems
deactivate.

You can switch the traction control system
off or on. See Traction Control (page 132).

Limitations of the Stability System

Stability Control effectiveness may be
greatly reduced if:

•

Your load shifts due to improper
retention, accident damage or the
inherently mobile nature of some loads,
for example, hanging meat, live
animals or partially laden tankers.

•

Your vehicle or load has an unusually
high or off-set center of gravity (CG).

•

Your brakes are not properly adjusted
or maintained.

•

One side of your vehicle drops off the
pavement at an angle that is too great
to be counteracted by a reduction in
speed.

To Maximize the Effectiveness Of
Stability Control

•

Make sure that the weight of your load
is evenly distributed, from front to back,
side to side and you secure it properly
at all times.

•

Exercise extreme caution at all times
while driving and avoid sharp turns,
sudden steering inputs or abrupt lane
changes at high speeds, particularly if:
•

Hauling loads that can shift.

•

Your vehicle or load has a high or
off-set center of gravity when
loaded.

•

You are towing doubles or triples.

(If Equipped)