Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) Operation

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2014 Ford Explorer. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

NOTE: For a complete illustration of the adaptive cruise control indicators and graphic displays refer to the Owner's Literature.

The adaptive cruise control system functions much like the standard cruise control system. The adaptive cruise control system automatically adjusts the vehicle speed to maintain a set gap distance from the front of the vehicle and the vehicle in the same path of travel. When the adaptive cruise control system is on and is following a vehicle ahead or a vehicle enters the same driving lane, a follow vehicle graphic is displayed in the message center.

The adaptive cruise control system does not function if the vehicle speed is below 29 kmh (18 mph). As the vehicle slows down during automatic braking, the adaptive cruise control system discontinues braking at 29 kmh (18 mph). At that speed, an audible alarm sounds and the automatic braking from the ABS module is released. The driver must take over the vehicle braking control.

The cruise control deactivator switch (which is integral to the stoplamp switch) is an additional safety feature. When the brake pedal is pressed, an electrical signal is sent from the stoplamp switch to the PCM deactivating the cruise control system. Under increased brake pedal effort, the cruise control deactivator switch opens and removes the ground signal from the PCM input circuit, releasing the throttle immediately deactivating the system.

The ABS module monitors the yaw rate signal from the RCM and compares it to the wheel speed and steering wheel angle signals. If the ABS module determines the yaw rate is invalid, the ABS module disables the adaptive cruise control. The message center displays the message COLLISION WARNING MALFUNCTION and/or ADAPTIVE CRUISE MALFUNCTION.

The ABS module estimates brake temperature by monitoring applied brake pressure over a period of time and sends a message to the C-CM when the estimated temperature is above a given threshold. An alarm sounds and the adaptive cruise control system is deactivated until the estimated brake temperature within the ABS module returns to cooler operating conditions. This condition can happen in a hilly or mountainous driving terrain.