Electronic Stability Control (ESC)

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2016 Ford Transit-350 HD, 2016 Ford Transit-350, 2016 Ford Transit-250, and 2016 Ford Transit-150. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

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 the actual vehicle motion. The SASM sends the steering wheel angle information to the ABS module over the HS-CAN. The RCM sends yaw rate sensor and lateral accelerometer information to the ABS module over a private HS-CAN. If the ABS module determines from the inputs the vehicle is unable to travel in the intended direction, it modulates brake pressure to the appropriate brake calipers 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 calculates how much engine torque reduction is required to help stabilize the vehicle and sends this torque reduction message to the PCM over the HS-CAN. The ABS module also sends a vehicle stability event message to the BCM over the HS-CAN, the BCM relays this message to the IPC over the MS-CAN. When the PCM receives the torque reduction message, it adjusts engine timing and decreases fuel injector pulses to reduce the engine torque to the requested level. When the IPC receives the vehicle stability event 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 stops sending the traction event and torque reduction messages. The PCM returns engine timing and fuel injectors to normal operation and the IPC extinguishes the stability-traction control indicator (sliding car icon).

Electronic Stability Control (ESC) does not operate with the transmission in REVERSE. The ABS module disables Electronic Stability Control (ESC) if there are any wheel speed sensor, stability sensor or steering angle sensor Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs) present in the ABS module. If there is a communication error between the ABS module and the SASM or the ABS module and the RCM, Electronic Stability Control (ESC) also is disabled. When Electronic Stability Control (ESC) is disabled, the ABS module sends a message to the BCM over the HS-CAN. The BCM relays this message to the IPC over the MS-CAN to illuminate the stability-traction control disabled indicator (sliding car OFF icon).