Trailer Sway Control System: Notes

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2013 Ford F-550 Super Duty, 2013 Ford F-450 Super Duty, 2013 Ford F-350 Super Duty, and 2013 Ford F-250 Super Duty. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

Trailer sway control is a unique function 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 Electronic Stability Control (ESC), 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 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 discontinues the event message over the HS-CAN. The PCM returns engine timing and fuel injectors to normal operation and the IPC extinguishes the sliding-car icon.

Certain DTCs being present in the ABS module may disable the system. Depending on the DTCs present, the yellow ABS warning indicator and/or the sliding-car icon illuminates.

If the vehicle is equipped with a Trailer Brake Control (TBC) system, it also 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 for information on the TBC system.

Trailer sway control only activates with vehicle speed greater than 64 km/h (40 mph). 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.