Ford Escape: Stability Control

How Does Stability Control Work

WARNING: Vehicle modifications involving braking system, aftermarket roof racks, suspension, steering system, tire construction and wheel and tire size may change the handling characteristics of your vehicle and may adversely affect the performance of the electronic stability control system. In addition, installing any stereo loudspeakers may interfere with and adversely affect the electronic stability control system. Install any aftermarket stereo loudspeaker as far as possible from the front center console, the tunnel, and the front seats in order to minimize the risk of interfering with the electronic stability control sensors. Reducing the effectiveness of the electronic stability control system could lead to an increased risk of loss of vehicle control, vehicle rollover, personal injury and death.

WARNING: Remember that even advanced technology cannot defy the laws of physics. It's always possible to lose control of a vehicle due to inappropriate driver input for the conditions. Aggressive driving on any road condition can cause you to lose control of your vehicle increasing the risk of personal injury or property damage. Activation of the electronic stability control system is an indication that at least some of the tires have exceeded their ability to grip the road; this could reduce the operator's ability to control the vehicle potentially resulting in a loss of vehicle control, vehicle rollover, personal injury and death. If your electronic stability control system activates, SLOW DOWN.

If a driving condition activates either the stability control or the traction control system you may experience the following conditions:

• The stability and traction control light flashes.
• Your vehicle slows down.
• Reduced engine power.

The stability control system has several features built into it to help you maintain control of your vehicle:

Electronic Stability Control

Electronic stability control enhances your vehicle’s ability to prevent skids or lateral slides by applying brakes to one or more of the wheels individually and, if necessary, reducing engine power.

Roll Stability Control

Roll stability control enhances your vehicle’s ability to prevent rollovers by detecting your vehicle’s roll motion and the rate at which it changes by applying the brakes to one or more wheels individually.

Curve Control

Curve control enhances your vehicle’s ability to follow the road when cornering severely or avoiding objects in the roadway. Curve control operates by reducing engine power and, if necessary, applying brakes to one or more of the wheels individually.

Traction Control

Traction control enhances your vehicle’s ability to maintain traction of the wheels by detecting and controlling wheel spin.

1. Vehicle without stability control skidding off its intended route.
2. Vehicle with stability control maintaining control on a slippery surface.

Switching Stability Control On and Off

The system turns on each time you switch the ignition on.

When you shift the transmission into reverse (R), the systems are disabled. You can switch the traction control system off or on independently.

Stability Control Indicator

The system turns on each time you switch the ignition on. You can switch off the traction control portion of the system independently.

Stability Control – Troubleshooting

Stability Control – Warning Lamps

Stability Control

It flashes when the system is active. If it remains illuminated or does not illuminate when you switch the ignition on, this indicates a system error. During a system error the system switches off. Have the system checked by an authorized dealer immediately.

Stability Control Off

Illuminates when you switch the system off. It goes out when you switch the system back on or when you switch the ignition off.