2012 FORD F150 traction control

When AdvanceTracwith RSCperforms a normal system self-check,
some drivers may notice a slight movement of the brake, and/or a
rumble, grunting, or grinding noise after startup and when driving off.
When an event occurs that activates AdvanceTracwith RSCyou may
experience the following:
•A slight deceleration of the vehicle
•The stability control light will flash.
•A vibration in the pedal when your foot is on the brake pedal
•If the driving condition is severe and your foot is not on the brake, the
brake pedal may move as the systems applies higher brake forces. You
may also hear a whoosh of air from under the instrument panel during
this severe condition.
•The brake pedal may feel stiffer than usual.
Traction control system (TCS)
Traction control is a driver aid feature that helps your vehicle maintain
traction of the wheels, typically when driving on slippery and/or hilly
road surfaces, by detecting and controlling wheel spin.
Excessive wheel spin is controlled in two ways, which may work
separately or in tandem: engine traction control and brake traction
control. Engine traction control works to limit drive-wheel spin by
momentarily reducing engine power. Brake traction control works to limit
single wheel spin by momentarily applying the brakes to the wheel that
is slipping. Traction control is most active at low speeds.
During either engine or brake TCS events, the stability control light in
the instrument cluster will flash.
If the TCS is activated excessively in a short period of time, the braking
portion of the system may become temporarily disabled to allow the
brakes to cool down. In this situation, TCS will use only engine power
reduction or transfer to help control the wheels from over-spinning.
When the brakes have cooled down, the system will regain all features.
Anti-lock braking, RSC, and ESC are not affected by this condition and
will continue to function during the cool-down period.
The engine traction control and brake traction control system may be
deactivated in certain situations. But single wheel spin brake traction
control is always on. See theSwitching off AdvanceTracwith RSC
section following.
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Switching off AdvanceTracwith RSC
If the vehicle is stuck in snow, mud or sand, and seems to lose engine
power, switching off certain features of the AdvanceTracwith RSC
system may be beneficial because the wheels are allowed to spin. This
will restore full engine power and will enhance momentum through the
obstacle.
To switch off certain features of the AdvanceTracwith RSCsystem,
press the stability control button. Full features of the AdvanceTracwith
RSCsystem can be restored by pressing the button again or by turning
off and restarting the engine.
If you switch off the AdvanceTracwith RSCsystem, the stability
control off light will illuminate steadily. Pressing the stability control
button again will turn off the stability control off light.
In R (Reverse), ABS and the engine traction control and brake traction
control features will continue to function; however, ESC and RSCare
disabled.
AdvanceTracwith RSCFeatures
Button
functionsStability
control OFF
lightRSCESC TCS
Default at
start-upIlluminated
during bulb
checkEnabled Enabled Enabled
Button pressed
momentarilyIlluminated
solidEnabled Enabled
1Disabled1
Button pressed
and held for
more than
5 seconds at
vehicle speed
under 35 mph
(56 km/h)Flashes then
illuminated
solid
2Disabled Disabled Disabled4
Vehicle speed
exceeds 35 mph
(56 km/h) after
button is
pressed and
held for more
than 5 secondsIlluminated
solidEnabled Enabled
1Disabled1
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AdvanceTracwith RSCFeatures
Button
functionsStability
control OFF
lightRSCESC TCS
Button pressed
again after
deactivationNot
illuminatedEnabled Enabled Enabled
Transfer case
switched to
4WD Low
Locked
3
Illuminated Disabled Disabled Disabled4
1
TCS could be enabled but with higher entry thresholds compared to full
system. ESC entry thresholds are higher compared to full system.
2Lamp light starts blinking for three seconds after entering press and
hold state.
3Control switch is not pressed. Stability control light turned on when
4WD low locked transfer case mode selected.
4Engine traction control and two-wheel spin brake traction control
functions are disabled. Single wheel spin traction control is always
enabled.
Trailer sway control
Your vehicle is equipped with trailer sway control. When properly
equipped, trailer sway control will use the vehicle’s AdvanceTracwith
RSCsystem to detect and help reduce trailer sway by applying brake
force at individual wheels and, if necessary, by reducing engine power.
WARNING:Trailer sway control does not prevent a trailer from
swaying, it mitigates the sway from increasing once it has
occurred. If you are experiencing trailer sway it is likely that the trailer
is improperly loaded for the correct tongue weight or the speed of the
vehicle and trailer is too high. Pull the vehicle-trailer over to a safe
location to check the trailer weight distribution and tongue load and
reduce speed to a safe level while towing. If trailer sway is
experienced, SLOW DOWN.Note:When trailer sway control is
activated, cruise control is disabled.
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To deactivate the tow/haul feature and return to normal driving mode,
press the button on the end of the gearshift lever. The TOW HAUL light
will no longer be illuminated. Tow/haul will also deactivate when the
vehicle is powered down.
WARNING:Do not use the tow/haul feature when driving in icy
or slippery conditions as the increased engine braking can cause
the rear wheels to slide and the vehicle to swing around with the
possible loss of vehicle control.
3 (Third) (column-shift only) (For vehicles without SST)
Transmission operates in third gear only.
Used for improved traction on slippery roads.
2 (Second)
Transmission operates in 2nd gear only.
Use 2 (Second) to start-up on slippery roads.
1 (First)
•Transmission operates in 1st gear only.
•Provides maximum engine braking.
•Allows upshifts by moving gearshift lever.
•Will not downshift into 1 (First) at high speeds; allows for 1 (First)
when vehicle reaches slower speeds.
Forced downshifts
•Allowed in D (Drive) only.
•Press the accelerator to the floor.
•Allows transmission to select an appropriate gear.
Understanding your SelectShift Automatic™ transmission (SST)
gearshift lever (if equipped)
This vehicle may be equipped with a SelectShift Automatic™
transmission (SST) gearshift lever. The SST is an automatic transmission
with the ability for the driver to change gears up or down (without a
clutch) as desired. The SST feature has two modes: PRS and M mode.
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Note:Momentarily releasing the accelerator pedal while performing a
shift will improve engagement/disengagement times.
Note:Do not perform this operation if the rear wheels are slipping.
Note:Some noise may be heard as the system shifts or engages; this is
normal.
Note:4X4 high mode is not intended for use on dry pavement.
Shifting to/from 4L (4X4 low)
1. Bring the vehicle to a speed of 3 mph (5 km/h) or less.
2. Place the transmission in N (Neutral).
3. Move the 4WD control to the desired position.
The message center will display4X4 SHIFT IN PROGRESSduring the
shift. The message center will then display the system mode selected. If
any of the above shift conditions are not met, the shift will not occur and
the message center will display information guiding the driver through
the proper shifting procedures.
IfSHIFT DELAYED PULL FORWARDis displayed in the message
center, transfer case gear tooth blockage is present. To alleviate this
condition, place the transmission in a forward gear, move the vehicle
forward approximately 5 feet (1.5 m), and shift the transmission back to
neutral to allow the transfer case to complete the range shift.
Note:Some noise may be heard as the system shifts or engages; this is
normal.
Note:4x4 low mode is not intended for use on dry pavement.
Using the ControlTrac 4WD system (if equipped)
This system includes an
electronically controlled transfer
case with a high capacity clutch.
The system is interactive with the
road, continually monitoring and
adjusting torque delivery to the
front and rear wheels to optimize
traction.
•2H (4X2)- delivers power to the
rear wheels only. This mode is
appropriate for normal on-road
driving on dry pavement and provides best fuel economy and
smoothness.
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•4A (Two-speed automatic 4WD)- provides electronic control
four-wheel drive with power delivered to the front and rear wheels, as
required, for increased traction. This is appropriate for all on-road
driving conditions, including as dry road surfaces, but is especially
useful on wet pavement, snow, dirt, or gravel.
•4H (4X4 HIGH)- provides electronically locked four-wheel drive
power to front and rear wheels. This position is not recommended for
use on dry pavement. This position is only intended for severe winter
or off-road conditions, such as deep snow, ice or shallow sand.Note:
Do not use 4H (4X4 HIGH) on dry, hard surfaced roads. Doing so can
produce excessive noise and increased tire wear. 4H (4X4 HIGH) is
only intended for consistently slippery or loose surfaces. Use of 4H
(4X4 HIGH) on these surfaces may produce some noise (such as
occasional clunks), but will not damage drive components.
•
4L (4X4 LOW)- provides electronically locked four-wheel drive when
extra power at reduced speeds is required. This position is not
recommended for use on dry pavement. Use this position for off-road
low-speed operation or when extra power is required, such as climbing
steep grades, going through deep sand or pulling a boat out of the water.
4L (4X4 LOW) will not engage while the vehicle is moving above 3 mph
(5 km/h); this is normal and should be no reason for concern. Refer to
Shifting to/from 4L (4X4 LOW)for proper operation.Note:Do not use
4L (4X4 LOW) on dry, hard surfaced roads. Doing so can produce
excessive noise and increased tire wear. 4L (4X4 LOW) is only intended
for consistently slippery or loose surfaces. Use of 4L (4X4 LOW) on
these surfaces may produce some noise (such as occasional clunks), but
will not damage drive components.
Note:The AdvanceTrac system has the ability to take over control of the
transfer case clutch and disable it during driving maneuvers when necessary.
Shifting between 2H (4X2) and 4A (Two-speed automatic 4WD) or
4H (4X4 HIGH )
Move the control from 2H to 4A or 4H at a stop or while driving at any
forward speed. The message center may display4X4 SHIFT IN
PROGRESSduring the system shift. The message center will then display
4X4 AUTOif 4A has been selected or4X4 HIGHif 4H is selected. The
message center will momentarily display4X2if 2H has been selected.
Note:Do not perform this operation if the rear wheels are slipping.
Note:Some noise may be heard as the system shifts or engages; this is
normal.
Note:4X4 high mode is not intended for use on dry pavement.
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Shifting between 4A (Two-speed automatic 4WD) and 4H (4X4 HIGH)
Move the control from 4A to 4H at a stop or while driving at any speed.
The message center will display4X4 AUTOif 4A has been selected and
4X4 HIGHif 4H has been selected.
Note:4x4 High mode is not intended for use on dry pavement.
Shifting to/from 4L (4X4 LOW)
1. Bring the vehicle to a rolling speed of 3 mph (5 km/h) or less.
2. Place the gearshift in N (Neutral).
3. Move the 4WD control to the desired position.
The message center will display4X4 SHIFT IN PROGRESSduring the
shift. The message center will then display the system mode selected.
If any of the above shift conditions are not met, the shift will not occur
and the message center will display information guiding the driver
through the proper range of shifting procedures.
IfSHIFT DELAYED PULL FORWARDis displayed in the message
center, transfer case gear tooth blockage is present. To alleviate this
condition, place the transmission in a forward gear, move the vehicle
forward approximately 5 feet (2 meters), and shift the transmission back
to neutral to allow the transfer case to complete the range shift.
Note:Some noise may be heard as the system shifts or engages; this is
normal.
Note:4x4 low mode is not intended for use on dry pavement
Electronic locking differential (ELD) (if equipped)
The electronic locking differential (ELD) is a device housed in the rear
axle which allows both rear wheels to turn at the same speed. The ELD
can provide additional traction should the vehicle become stuck. The
ELD is electronically activated by the driver and can be shifted on the fly
within the ELD operating speed range. It is intended for use in mud,
rocks, sand, or any off-road condition where maximum traction is
needed. It is not intended for use on dry pavement.
The ELD is affected by the following conditions:
•The ELD will not engage if the vehicle speed is above 20 mph
(30 km/h) in 4x2, 4x4 Auto, or 4x4 High modes.
•The ELD will not engage if the vehicle speed is above or 56 mph
(90 km/h) in 4X4 Low.
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Activating the electronic locking differential (ELD)
The ELD can be turned on by
pulling the 4WD control knob
toward you (4x4 vehicles) or by
turning the ELD control knob from
OFF to ON (4x2 vehicles).
Once the indicator light is displayed
in the message center, both rear
wheel axle shafts will be locked
together providing added traction.
If the indicator does not come on, or the indicator turns off while
driving, one of the following has occurred:
•The vehicle speed is too high.
•The left and right rear wheel speed difference is too high during an
engagement attempt.
•The system has malfunctioned and will be accompanied by aCHECK
LOCKING DIFFERENTIALmessage in the message center.
Note:If the ELD has difficulty disengaging, release the accelerator pedal
and turn the steering wheel in the opposite direction while rolling.
Basic operating principles
Do not use 4WD on dry, hard surfaced roads. Doing so will produce
excessive noise and vibration and increase tire wear. 4WD modes are
only intended for consistently slippery or loose surfaces.
Parking
On 4WD vehicles, when the transfer case is in the N (Neutral) position
for recreational towing purposes, the engine and transmission are
disconnected from the rest of the driveline. Therefore, the vehicle is free
to roll even if the automatic transmission is in P (Park) or the manual
transmission is in gear. Do not leave the vehicle unattended with the
transfer case in the N (Neutral) position. Always set the parking brake
fully and turn off the ignition when leaving the vehicle. Refer to
Recreational towingfor more information.
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