Brake Over Accelerator

NOTE: On some vehicles, for off road use the brake over accelerator feature can be disabled along with the electronic stability control system by pressing and holding the traction control OFF button for 5 seconds. (Mustang and Raptor)

The brake over accelerator feature was initially launched on the Fiesta. The F-Series Super Duty with the 6.7L diesel engine will have this feature enabled on late build vehicles or with any calibration update on early build vehicles. All other vehicles with electronic throttle control will get this feature as a running change.

The F-Series Super Duty with the 6.7L diesel engine and the Fiesta do not have PIDs associated with the brake over accelerator feature. All other vehicles will have PIDs that will be viewable with the vehicle communication module (VCM) and integrated diagnostic system (IDS) software with appropriate hardware or an equivalent scan tool. This feature is controlled by the PCM. All system and diagnostic information will be located in the manual.

The brake over accelerator feature may not be active during low speed operating conditions. This enables unique drive maneuvers such as trailer tow, boat launch and retrieval or operation in hilly environments where the operator may require the application of both the accelerator pedal and the brake pedal during low speed maneuvering. The brake over accelerator feature will be active at speeds greater than 16 km/h (10 mph).

In the event the accelerator pedal becomes entrapped, such as by an object lodging the pedal, the brake over accelerator feature will reduce engine power when the brake pedal is applied.

The hybrid vehicles achieve a result similar to the brake over accelerator feature by reducing power if the brakes are applied while the accelerator pedal is pressed.

Operators that rest a foot on the brake pedal when also applying the accelerator pedal may activate the brake over accelerator feature. The brake activation is detected by the PCM from the electrical brake switch. In addition to brake over accelerator comments, the customer may bring the vehicle in for repair to address concerns such as a hesitation/stumble or a lack/loss of power. In the event of a hesitation/stumble or a lack/loss of power concern, carry out normal vehicle diagnostics for the appropriate symptom code. On applicable vehicles, if the brake over accelerator feature is suspect, the BRKOVR_ACTION, BRKOVRD_POSS and DIST_BRKOVRD PIDs will display a brake over accelerator event occurred.

In the event the brake over accelerator feature is suspected as the cause of the customer concern, explain to the customer the details of the override system as described above. Additionally, make sure the customer is aware that resting a foot on the brake pedal while driving may cause the activation of this feature. This also results in activation of the brake lights on the vehicle while driving. For additional information refer to the Owner's Literature.