Trailer Sway Control System

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2012 Ford Pickup. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

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, it takes action similar to the action taken for ESC and RSC®. At the same time, the ABS module sends a message over the HS-CAN that a trailer sway event is taking place. When the IPC receives this message, it flashes the stability traction control indicator (sliding car icon) and displays TRAILER SWAY REDUCE SPEED in the message center. If necessary, the PCM reduces engine torque as it does for ESC and RSC®. Once the trailer sway has been corrected, the ABS module 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 IPC turns off the stability traction control indicator (sliding car icon).

If the vehicle is also equipped with a Trailer Brake Control (TBC) system, it receives the trailer sway message from the ABS module and takes appropriate action to assist in reducing the trailer sway. REFER to AUXILIARY BRAKE SYSTEM -- F-150 for information on the TBC system.

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 through 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.