LEMON Manuals: Even more car manuals for everyone: 1960-2025
Home >> Ford >> 2021 >> Bronco Base, 2D Utility, 2.3L Eng VIN H, Part Time T/Case Control, Automatic Trans >> Repair and Diagnosis (Single Page) >> Brakes >> Traction Control >> Anti-Lock Brake System (Abs) And Stability Control >> Description And Operation >> Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) and Stability Control - System Operation and Component Description >> System Operation >> Driving and Trail Features
April 5, 2026: LEMON Manuals is launched! Read the announcement.

Driving and Trail Features

Hill Descent Control 

When the hill descent control switch on the AWDMSS is pressed, the ATCM sends a hill descent message to the ABS module over the FD-CAN. Once vehicle speed is between 5 km/h (3 mph) and 32 km/h (20 mph) and the transmission is in REVERSE or any forward gear, the ABS module uses the hydraulic pump motor and the solenoid valves to maintain the speed set by the driver. If the 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 feature 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 a cool down period is needed, the module sends a message to the GWM over the FD-CAN. The GWM relays the message to the IPC over the HS-CAN3 to display HILL DESCENT CONTROL OFF SYSTEM COOLING in the message center.

Hill descent control has 3 modes of operation:

Selectable Drive Modes 

The selectable drive mode system optimizes driveability and comfort as well as maximizing traction while operating on different types of terrain. Drive modes are selected using the AWDMSS and the ATCM controls the drive mode selection. When a drive mode is selected, the ATCM sends the drive mode message to the ABS module over the FD-CAN. When the ABS module receives the message, it alters the intervention thresholds for the stability and traction control features based on the selected mode. The ABS module also sends the drive mode message out to several other modules. The following modules receive the message and respond by altering their operation as follows:

The following drive modes are available:

Drive mode changes are not available when the ignition is off. If a mode is unavailable, the system defaults to Normal mode.

Trail Control 

When the trail control switch is pressed, the ATCM sends a message to the ABS module over the FD-CAN. The trail control is now engaged and the indicator is illuminated gray until the system is activated.

To activate, the trail control feature requires the following conditions to be met:

Once activated, the trail control indicator turns green and vehicle speed is maintained at the set speed. The set speed can be increased or decreased using the plus and minus buttons on the steering wheel. Set speed may also be decreased using the brake pedal. When the brake pedal is pressed and released, the set speed matches the vehicle speed when the pedal is released. If the accelerator pedal is pressed, the vehicle accelerates normally and, once the pedal is released, the vehicle returns to the previously set speed.

The trail control feature transitions from active to enabled when any of the following occur:

The trail control feature transitions from active to braking only when any of the following conditions are met:

When any one of the above conditions are met, the trail control feature disables the driving torque and will only use brakes to control to the last known set speed. If the driving torque is disabled while descending or ascending an incline the trail control feature uses the ABS to apply to brakes and allow the vehicle to descend the incline.

Trail One Pedal Drive 

When the trail one pedal drive button on the ATCM is pressed, the module sends a message to the ABS module over the FD-CAN. The trail one pedal drive is now engaged and the indicator is illuminated gray until the system is activated.

When trail one pedal drive is active, the indicator displays green in the instrument cluster. When the system is on but is unavailable or in standby mode, it displays grey.

To activate, the trail one pedal drive feature requires the following conditions to be met:

Once activated, the trail one pedal drive indicator turns green and the driver is able to accelerate and brake using only the accelerator pedal. The system assists when driving through difficult off-road terrain. Pressing the accelerator pedal down accelerates the vehicle and releasing pressure on the accelerator pedal, while still maintaining contact with the pedal, slows the vehicle down. Releasing the accelerator pedal completely allows the vehicle to come to a complete stop.

The following vehicle conditions exist while trail one pedal drive is active:

The trail one pedal drive feature transitions from active to OFF when any of the following conditions are met:

Pressing either the SET+ or SET- buttons while trail one pedal drive is active places the feature into standby mode and activates the trail control feature.

Trail Turn Assist 

Trail turn assist can reduce the turning radius of your vehicle by applying the brakes to the inside rear wheel in low-speed, high steering-angle maneuvers.

While in 4WD HIGH or 4WD LOW, press the trail turn assist button to activate the feature. When the trail turn assist switch is pressed, the driveline chassis switch module sends a trail turn assist switch signal message to the ABS module over the FD-CAN. Trail turn assist is on at this time but is not activated until:

Once the activation conditions are met, the ABS module applies brake pressure to the inside rear brake caliper until the activation conditions no longer apply.