Trailer Sway Control System

Trailer sway control is a unique function of the RSC® system that uses information from the steering wheel rotation sensor and the yaw information from the RCM to determine if a trailer sway event is taking place. Trailer sway is the undesirable yaw force a trailer can apply to the towing vehicle. If the ABS module determines that a trailer sway event is taking place, the module modulates brake pressure to the appropriate brake caliper(s) 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 that a trailer sway event is taking place. When the IC receives this message, it flashes the sliding-car icon and displays TRAILER SWAY, REDUCE SPEED in the message center. If the event is severe enough, the ABS module also sends a message to the PCM over the HS-CAN to assist with vehicle stability. When the PCM receives this message, it adjusts engine timing and decreases fuel injector pulses. Once the trailer sway has been corrected, 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 indicating that the event has ended. The PCM returns engine timing and fuel injectors to normal operation and the IC extinguishes the sliding-car icon.

Trailer sway control only activates with vehicle speed greater than 64 km/h (40 mph). Any malfunction that disables the RSC® system also disables trailer sway control. Trailer sway control can also be disabled by entering the setup menu in the message center. Refer to the Owner's Literature for the disabling/enabling procedure. Regardless of the chosen state (enabled or disabled), trailer sway control is re-enabled at each ignition key cycle.