Traction Control System

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2011 Mercury Milan, 2011 Lincoln MKZ, and 2011 Ford Fusion. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

The traction control system uses the ABS and the PCM to limit wheel spin. When the ABS module detects a wheel spinning excessively, brake pressure to the appropriate brake caliper is modulated. This is accomplished by opening and closing the appropriate solenoid valves inside the HCU while the hydraulic pump motor is activated. At the same time, the ABS module sends a message over the HS-CAN bus that a traction control event is taking place. When the IPC receives this message, it flashes the sliding-car icon (twice per second). If the event is severe enough, the ABS module also sends a message to the PCM over the HS-CAN bus to assist with traction control. When the PCM receives this message, it adjusts engine timing and decrease fuel injector pulses. Once the affected wheel returns to normal speed, the ABS module returns the solenoid valves in the HCU to their normal position, deactivates the hydraulic pump motor and sends another message over the HS-CAN bus indicating that the traction event has ended. The PCM returns engine timing and fuel injectors to normal operation and the IPC extinguishes the sliding-car icon.

Once vehicle speed reaches or exceeds 100 km/h (62 mph), traction control is accomplished only through PCM intervention.

Certain DTCs in the ABS module disables the traction control system. Depending on the DTCs present, the yellow ABS warning indicator and/or the sliding-car icon is illuminated.