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Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) and Stability Control: Notes

Overview 

The vehicle dynamic system is comprised of the following subsystems which assist the driver in maintaining control of the vehicle:

The base ABS helps to maintain steering control by preventing the wheels from locking up during hard braking. The base ABS also includes a brake assist function that will provide maximum brake system pressure during a severe braking situation.

The EBD system helps to maintain vehicle control by keeping a balanced braking condition between the front and rear wheels.

The traction control system helps to prevent loss of traction by reducing drive-wheel spin during acceleration.

The ESC system helps to prevent skids or lateral slides by activating portions of the base ABS.

The RSC ® system helps to prevent excessive vehicle roll by activating portions of the base ABS.

The Curve Control system helps to maintain vehicle stability during adverse maneuvers such as cornering or avoiding objects in the roadway.

The Trailer Sway Control system helps maintain vehicle stability while towing a trailer by detecting and aiding in the reduction of conditions that cause trailer sway.

The Hill Start Assist system prevents vehicle roll back when pulling away while stopped on an incline without the use of the parking brake.

The Hill Descent Control™ system helps to maintain a low speed while descending steep inclines in various surface conditions.

The Terrain Management System helps to maintain vehicle traction by adapting the responses of the engine, transmission, 4WD system and the vehicle dynamic system to the demands of the terrain. For additional information on the terrain management system, REFER to Four Wheel Drive (4WD) Systems , AWD.

For information on the Adaptive Cruise Control system, REFER to Cruise Control Adaptive , Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) Operation.

For information on the Collision Avoidance system, REFER to Collision Avoidance , Collision Avoidance Operation.

Some noise from the system and pulsations in the brake pedal are normal conditions during most vehicle dynamic system activations. Also, longer than normal brake pedal travel may be experienced immediately following an ABS or stability control system activation.

System Operation 

System Diagram 

GFD33918Courtesy of FORD MOTOR COMPANY

Network Message Chart 

Broadcast Message Originating Module Message Purpose
ACC_brake deceleration request C-CM The adaptive cruise control system uses the ABS for braking. This message is used to alert the ABS that the adaptive cruise control system needs to decelerate and/or brake.
Accelerator pedal position PCM The ABS module uses accelerator pedal position information for correct operation of the traction control, ESC, RSC ® and hill descent control systems.
AWD lock status PCM The ABS module disables some vehicle dynamic systems and increases the minimum threshold for other vehicle dynamic systems when the AWD system is engaged.
AWD torque actual PCM The ABS module can request that the transfer case be disengaged in the event that ESC intervention is necessary. The ABS module needs to know the actual torque being applied to the AWD system before requesting the transfer case to be disengaged.
Brake pedal applied PCM This message informs the ABS module that the driver has pressed the brake pedal. This message is also used by the ABS module to check the brake pressure sensor located inside the HCU.
Car mode BCM The vehicle dynamic system reacts differently depending on the current car mode; normal, factory, transport or crash. This message informs the ABS module of the current car mode.
Cruise control override PCM This message informs the ABS module that the PCM has denied the driver requested cruise control activation.
Cruise control status PCM This message informs the ABS module of the current status of the cruise control system; off, denied, standby or active.
Drivers door ajar status BCM The ABS module resets the parameters used for the RSC ® function when the driver door is opened.
Drivers rear door ajar status BCM The ABS module resets the parameters used for the RSC ® function when the driver rear door is opened.
Engine off BCM This message informs the ABS module that the engine is no longer running.
EPAS failure PSCM The ABS uses steering angle information from the PSCM for ESC and RSC ®. This message informs the ABS module that there is an internal error in the PSCM.
Hood ajar status BCM The ABS module resets the parameters used for the RSC ® function when the hood is opened.
Ignition status BCM This message informs the ABS module of the current ignition status; off, accessory, run, start, invalid or unknown.
Liftgate ajar status BCM The ABS module resets the parameters used for the RSC ® function when the liftgate is opened.
Passenger door ajar status BCM The ABS module resets the parameters used for the RSC ® function when the passenger door is opened.
Passenger rear door ajar status BCM The ABS module resets the parameters used for the RSC ® function when the passenger rear door is opened.
RCM serial number RCM The ABS module stores the RCM serial number and verifies the serial number when the vehicle is started or the ignition is set to run or accessory. Over time, the ABS module learns the offset of the sensors inside the RCM. When a new serial number is found, the ABS module resets the offset number learned for RSC ®.
Selector lever (PRNDL) status PCM This message provides the ABS module with the current transaxle gear status. The ESC and RSC ® functions do not operate when the transaxle is in REVERSE.
Selector lever (PRNDL) status TCM (2.0L GTDI Only) This message provides the ABS module with the current transaxle gear status. The ESC and RSC ® functions do not operate when the transaxle is in REVERSE.
Steering angle PSCM (vehicles without active park assist) The PSCM calculates the steering angle based on input from the 2 internal steering sensors and from the wheel speed sensor message from the ABS module. The steering angle is then sent to the ABS module over the HS-CAN.
Steering angle SCCM (vehicles with active part assist) Vehicles equipped with active park assist require more precise steering information than vehicles without active park assist. This is accomplished by using a separate steering wheel angle sensor, the SCCM receives steering angle information from this separate steering wheel angle sensor and then sends the information to the ABS module over the HS-CAN. The ABS module also compares the information received from the SCCM and the PSCM.
Steering angle count PSCM (vehicles without active park assist) The PSCM calculates the steering angle count on input from the 2 internal steering sensors and from the wheel speed sensor message from the ABS module. The steering angle count is then sent to the ABS module over the HS-CAN. The ABS module uses this message to determine the validity of the steering angle sensor signal.
Steering angle count SCCM (vehicles with active part assist) Vehicles equipped with active park assist require more precise steering information than vehicles without active park assist. This is accomplished by using a separate steering wheel angle sensor, the SCCM receives steering angle count information from this separate steering wheel angle sensor and then sends the information to the ABS module over the HS-CAN. The ABS module also compares the information received from the SCCM and the PSCM.
Steering angle initialization PSCM (vehicles without active park assist) When a new PSCM is installed on a vehicle, the module must be properly initialized for the ABS to function correctly. If initialization has not taken place, the PSCM broadcasts a "not initialized" message on the HS-CAN.
Steering angle initialization SCCM (vehicles with active part assist) When a new steering wheel angle sensor is installed on a vehicle, the SCCM must be properly initialized for the ABS to function correctly. If initialization has not taken place, the SCCM broadcasts a "not initialized" message on the HS-CAN.
Traction control on/off IPC This message informs the ABS module that the driver has requested the traction control portion of the vehicle dynamic system be disabled or enabled.
Trailer sway configuration command IPC Informs the ABS module that the driver has turned the trailer sway control on or off.
Transmission shift in progress PCM This message is used by the ABS module for traction control performance.
Transmission shift in progress TCM (2.0L GTDI Only) This message is used by the ABS module for traction control performance.
Vehicle configuration data BCM This message provides the ABS module with the current optional and configured items such as tire size, axle ratio, engine type, transmission type, keyless entry and VIN.

Base ABS Function 

The ABS module continuously monitors brake pedal input, lateral vehicle motion and the rotational speed of each wheel. The PCM sends the brake pedal switch information to the ABS module over the HS-CAN while the RCM sends lateral acceleration sensor information to the ABS module over a private HS-CAN. Wheel speed information is retrieved by the ABS module using 4 active wheel speed sensors, one for each wheel. When the ABS module detects an impending wheel lock during a braking event, the ABS 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. Once the affected wheel(s) return to the desired speed, the ABS module returns the solenoid valves in the HCU to their normal position.

The ABS module has 2 self-test options, one is carried out using a scan tool and the other is carried out when the ABS is initialized (ignition ON). During either self test the ABS module carries out a preliminary electrical check of the system sensors and activates the hydraulic pump motor for approximately one-half second. During this time, a buzzing or humming noise may be heard and a vibration may be felt in the brake pedal and is a normal condition. During the module initialized self test, the pump motor check is carried out at approximately 10 km/h (6.2 mph). Any malfunction detected in the system causes the module to set a DTC, disable the ABS function and send a message over the HS-CAN to the IPC to illuminate the ABS warning indicator. However, the base hydraulic power-assist braking system will function normally.

Electronic Brake Distribution (EBD) 

On initial application of the brake pedal, full pressure is applied to the rear brakes. The ABS module then uses wheel speed sensor inputs to calculate an estimated rate of deceleration. Once vehicle deceleration exceeds a predetermined threshold, the ABS module commands the HCU to close the appropriate isolation valves to hold the rear brake pressure constant while allowing the front brake pressure to build. This creates a balanced braking condition between the front and rear wheels. As the vehicle decelerates, the valves are opened to increase the rear brake pressure in proportion to the front brake pressure. A slight bump sensation may be felt in the brake pedal when EBD is active. If the ABS is disabled due to DTCs being present in the ABS module, EBD continues to function unless the DTCs are for wheel speed sensors or the HCU solenoid valves. When EBD is disabled, the ABS warning indicator, the red brake warning indicator and traction control indicator illuminate.

Traction Control Function 

The ABS module continuously monitors and compares the rotational speed of the drive wheels in relation to the non-driven wheels. When the drive wheels begin to spin faster than the non-driven wheels, the ABS 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 traction event is taking place. When the PCM receives this message, it assists with traction control by adjusting engine timing and decreasing fuel injector pulses. When the IPC receives this message, it flashes the stability/traction control indicator (sliding car icon). Once the driven wheel speed returns to the desired speed, 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 bus indicating that the event has ended. The PCM returns engine timing and fuel injectors to normal operation and the IPC extinguishes the sliding car icon. After the vehicle speed exceeds 100 km/h (62.1 mph), traction control is accomplished only through the PCM torque control.

The traction control system can be disabled by the driver through the menu in the message center by changing the TRACTION CNTRL setting in the message center from ON to OFF. This is independent of the ABS, ESC and RSC ® functions, which cannot be disabled by the driver. When the driver disables the traction control function through the message center, the IPC communicates traction control system status to the ABS module via the HS-CAN. The ABS module takes no further action in regards to traction control until the driver activates the function or until the ignition is cycled from OFF to ON.

The ABS module disables the traction control function if there are any wheel speed sensor or solenoid valve DTCs present in the ABS module. The traction control function is also disabled if there is a communication error between the ABS module and the PCM. When the traction control function is disabled, the ABS module sends a message to the IPC to illuminate the stability/traction control disabled indicator (sliding car OFF icon).

Electronic Stability Control (ESC) 

The ABS module continuously monitors the vehicle motion relative to the intended course. This is done by using sensors to compare the steering wheel input and the yaw rate sensor input with that of the actual vehicle motion. On vehicles without active park assist, steering wheel angle information is calculated by the PSCM and is sent to the ABS module over the HS-CAN. On vehicles with active park assist, steering wheel angle information is sent to the SCCM from the steering wheel angle sensor, this information is sent to the ABS module over the HS-CAN. On vehicles with active park assist, the ABS module also receives steering angle information from the PSCM. The ABS module compares the steering angle information received from both modules against one another. Regardless of active park assist capabilities, vehicle yaw rate information is sent to the ABS module from the RCM over a private HS-CAN. If the ABS module determines from the inputs that the vehicle is unable to travel in the intended direction, the ABS 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 vehicle stability event is taking place. When the PCM receives this message, it assists with vehicle control by adjusting engine timing and decreasing fuel injector pulses. When the IPC receives this message, it flashes the stability/traction control indicator (sliding car icon). Once the vehicle instability 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 bus indicating that the event has ended. The PCM returns engine timing and fuel injectors to normal operation and the IPC extinguishes the sliding car icon.

The ESC function does not operate with the transmission in REVERSE. The ABS module disables the ESC function if there are any wheel speed sensor, stability sensor or steering angle sensor DTCs present in the ABS module. Also, if there is a communication error between the ABS module and the PSCM, the SCCM or the RCM, the ESC function is disabled. When the ESC function is disabled, the ABS module sends a message over the HS-CAN to the IPC to illuminate both the sliding car icon and the stability/traction control disabled indicator (sliding car OFF icon).

Roll Stability Control™ 

The ABS module continuously monitors the vehicle motion relative to the intended course. This is done by using sensors to compare the wheel speed sensor input, throttle position input, steering wheel input and the roll rate sensor input with that of the actual vehicle motion. On vehicles without active park assist, steering wheel angle information is calculated by the PSCM and is sent to the ABS module over the HS-CAN. On vehicles with active park assist, steering wheel angle information is sent to the SCCM from the steering wheel angle sensor, this information is sent to the ABS module over the HS-CAN. On vehicles with active park assist, the ABS module also receives steering angle information from the PSCM. The ABS module compares the steering angle information received from both modules against one another. Regardless of active park assist capabilities, vehicle roll rate information is sent to the ABS module from the RCM over a private HS-CAN. The PCM sends the throttle position sensor information to the ABS module over the HS-CAN. The wheel speed sensor information comes directly from the ABS wheel speed sensors.

If the ABS module determines from the inputs that the vehicle is becoming unstable, the ABS 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 vehicle stability event is taking place. When the PCM receives this message, it assists with vehicle stability control by adjusting engine timing and decreasing fuel injector pulses. When the IPC receives this message, it flashes the stability/traction control indicator (sliding car icon). By adjusting brake and engine torque the system can reduce the cornering forces and, therefore, the total roll movement acting on the vehicle. Once the vehicle instability 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 bus indicating that the event has ended. The PCM returns engine timing and fuel injectors to normal operation and the IPC extinguishes the sliding car icon.

The RSC ® function does not operate with the transmission in REVERSE. The ABS module disables the RSC ® function if there are any wheel speed sensor, stability sensor or steering angle sensor DTCs present in the ABS module. Also, if there is a communication error between the ABS module and the PSCM, SCCM, PCM or the RCM, the RSC ® function is disabled. When the RSC ® function is disabled, the ABS module sends a message over the HS-CAN to the IPC to illuminate both the sliding car icon and the stability/traction control disabled indicator (sliding car OFF icon).

Hill Start Assist 

When the vehicle is stopped on an incline greater than 1.5 degrees (approximately a 3% grade), the ABS module holds the brake pressure for approximately 1.5 seconds while the driver transitions from the brake pedal to the accelerator pedal. This is accomplished by monitoring several HS-CAN messages and several sensors to determine if the vehicle is stopped and not parked, and if the vehicle is on an appropriate incline. The brake pedal message sent from the PCM over the HS-CAN and the wheel speed sensor inputs allow the ABS module to determine the vehicle has come to a complete stop. The transmission selector lever messages sent by the PCM informs the ABS module the vehicle is not parked. The stability sensor messages sent by the RCM over the private HS-CAN enable the ABS module to determine if the vehicle is on an incline greater than 1.5 degrees (approximately a 3% grade). Once the above conditions have been met, the hill start assist function automatically engages. As the driver releases the brake pedal, the ABS module commands the HCU to close the isolation valves to maintain the current brake system pressure and prevent the vehicle from rolling down the incline. Once the driver presses the accelerator pedal and the engine RPM increases, the ABS module gradually releases the brake pressure to make sure the vehicle is neither rolling back nor driving off until there is sufficient driving torque to accelerate the vehicle forward (or backward if reversing up the incline).

MyKey ® Interaction 

Through the MyKey ® feature, the traction control function of the vehicle dynamic system can be configured to be always on or to allow the driver to select the traction control function on or off.

When the traction control function is configured to be always on and a MyKey ® restricted key is in use, the IPC will ignore any requests made by the driver to disable the traction control function and will not send any traction control disable messages to the ABS module. Refer to the Owner's Literature.

Terrain Management 

The ABS module adjusts the vehicle dynamic system operational parameters when the terrain mode request message is received from the ATCM, depending on the terrain mode requested.

For additional information on the terrain management system, REFER to Four Wheel Drive (4WD) Systems , AWD.

Hill Descent Control™ 

When the Hill Descent Control™ switch is pressed, the ATCM sends a message to the ABS module requesting hill descent braking assist. Once the vehicle speed is between 5 km/h (3.1 mph) and 32 km/h (19.9 mph) and the transmission is in REVERSE or any forward gear, the ABS module uses the hydraulic pump motor and the HCU solenoid valves to maintain the vehicle speed set by the driver. If the vehicle speed is increased or decreased outside of the operational window, the system remains active but descent speed cannot be set or maintained.

The Hill Descent Control™ system requires a cool down period after sustained use. The ABS module continually monitors the descent speed, angle of descent, pump motor run time and solenoid valve use. Once the ABS module determines that a cool down period is needed, the ABS module sends a message to the BCM and the IPC over the HS-CAN to alert the driver via a message center message that the system requires a cool down period.

Trailer Sway Control 

Trailer sway control is a unique function of the vehicle dynamic system that uses steering wheel angle information from the SCCM (vehicles with active park assist) or from the PSCM (vehicles without active park assist) 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 it is determined that an event is taking place, the ABS 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 PCM receives this message, it assists with trailer sway control by adjusting engine timing and decreasing fuel injector pulses. 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. 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 bus indicating that the event has ended. The PCM returns engine timing and fuel injectors to normal operation and the IPC extinguishes the sliding car icon.

Trailer sway control only activates when vehicle speed is greater than 65 km/h (40.4 mph). Any malfunction that disables the RSC ® function of the vehicle dynamic system also disables trailer sway control. Trailer sway control can also be disabled by the driver through the menu in the message center. Regardless of the chosen state (enabled or disabled) set by the driver, trailer sway control is enabled at each ignition key cycle.

Stability-Traction Control Indicator (Sliding Car Icon) 

REFER to Instrumentation, Message Center, and Warning Chimes , Stability-Traction Control Indicator (Sliding Car Icon).

Stability-Traction Control Disabled Indicator (Sliding Car OFF Icon) 

REFER to Instrumentation, Message Center, and Warning Chimes , Stability-Traction Control Disabled Indicator (Sliding Car OFF Icon).

One or both of the stability-traction control indicators may illuminate as a result of momentary sensor disturbances due to environmental or driving conditions (including severe vehicle maneuvers or extreme off road usage). Once Illuminated, the indicator remains illuminated until the environmental or driving condition is no longer present and the ignition is cycled from ON to OFF and then back to ON again. If there are no other customer concerns, symptoms, indicators or DTCs, the stability-traction control indicator may have been illuminated due to these environmental or driving conditions.

Curve Control 

The ABS module continuously monitors the vehicle motion relative to the intended course. This is done by using sensors to compare the steering wheel input, the yaw rate sensor input, the lateral acceleration sensor input and the longitudinal acceleration sensor input with that of the actual vehicle motion. On vehicles without active park assist, steering wheel angle information is calculated by the PSCM and is sent to the ABS module over the HS-CAN. On vehicles with active park assist, steering wheel angle information is sent to the SCCM from the steering wheel angle sensor, this information is sent to the ABS module over the HS-CAN. On vehicles with active park assist, the ABS module also receives steering angle information from the PSCM. The ABS module compares the steering angle information received from both modules against one another. Regardless of active park assist capabilities, vehicle roll rate, yaw rate, lateral acceleration and longitudinal acceleration information is sent to the ABS module from the RCM over a private HS-CAN. If the ABS module determines from the inputs that the vehicle is experiencing over-steer or under-steer, the module sends a message over the HS-CAN that a curve control event is taking place. When the PCM receives this message, it assists with curve control by adjusting engine timing and decreasing fuel injector pulses. When the IPC receives this message, it flashes the stability/traction control indicator (sliding car icon). The ABS module continues to monitor the sensor inputs while the PCM assists with curve control. If the ABS module determines that PCM intervention is insufficient to control the stability event, the ABS 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. Once the vehicle instability 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 bus indicating that the event has ended. The PCM returns engine timing and fuel injectors to normal operation and the IPC extinguishes the sliding car icon.

The Curve Control function does not operate with the transmission in REVERSE. The ABS module disables the Curve Control function if there are any wheel speed sensor, stability sensor or steering angle sensor DTCs present in the ABS module. Also, if there is a communication error between the ABS module and the PSCM, the SCCM or the RCM, the Curve Control function is disabled. When the Curve Control function is disabled, the ABS module sends a message over the HS-CAN to the IPC to illuminate both the sliding car icon and the stability/traction control disabled indicator (sliding car OFF icon).

Supplemental Braking Assist 

In addition to preventing wheel lock up during braking events, the ABS module is also able to provide supplemental hydraulic brake assist through the use of the hydraulic pump motor and the HCU. This is done in the event of a severe vacuum loss at the brake booster, to maintain the distance gap set by the adaptive cruise control system or to aid in the avoidance of forward collisions.

The ABS module utilizes the HCU and hydraulic pump motor to aid in bringing the vehicle to a safe, controlled stop in the event of severe vacuum loss at the brake booster. The ABS module continually monitors the vacuum in the brake booster through the use of a vacuum sensor. When the vacuum sensor indicates vacuum is below a predetermined level, a DTC is set in the ABS module. If this occurs during a braking event or if the driver attempts to stop the vehicle with a low vacuum condition in the brake booster, the ABS module activates the hydraulic pump motor in the HCU to assist with vehicle braking.

On vehicles equipped with adaptive cruise control, the C-CM monitors the area forward of the vehicle. When an object enters this area and closes the distance gap set by the driver, the C-CM sends a deceleration request to the ABS module over the HS-CAN (either an adaptive cruise control deceleration request or a collision avoidance deceleration request). When the deceleration request message is received, the ABS module activates the hydraulic pump motor and solenoid valves in the HCU to slow the vehicle down to maintain the distance gap set by the driver. Once the distance gap set by the driver is achieved, the C-CM stops sending the deceleration request message and the ABS module deactivates the hydraulic pump motor and solenoid valves in the HCU. If the C-CM determines that the amount of braking provided by the ABS module is insufficient, the C-CM sends a forward collision avoidance braking request message to the ABS module and warns the driver, both audibly and visually, through the use of the HUD. After receiving the braking request message, the ABS module waits for brake pedal input and at that time applies maximum braking assist using the hydraulic pump motor and the HCU. For additional information on the adaptive cruise control system, REFER to Cruise Control Adaptive , Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) Operation. For additional information on the collision avoidance system, REFER to Collision Avoidance , Collision Avoidance Operation.