How does traction control on the 08 SD work?
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Freshman User
Joined: Nov 2003
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From: Pacific Northwest
How does traction control on the 08 SD work?
Hi,
I am starting to configure a new SD 08 to replace my 2000 SD with V10. I found an option called "Traction control". Only explanation I can find is that it "reduces the power when it detects a slip on one of the wheels" . So does this mean in plain Englsih that an electronic feature "takes the foot off the accelerator?" If that's all it's doing I can do that myself for $130,
I am also ordering 4x4, so I don't think I need this unless I am missing something here. Anybody knows how this thing really works and what it does?
Thanks,
Myotis
I am starting to configure a new SD 08 to replace my 2000 SD with V10. I found an option called "Traction control". Only explanation I can find is that it "reduces the power when it detects a slip on one of the wheels" . So does this mean in plain Englsih that an electronic feature "takes the foot off the accelerator?" If that's all it's doing I can do that myself for $130,
I am also ordering 4x4, so I don't think I need this unless I am missing something here. Anybody knows how this thing really works and what it does?Thanks,
Myotis
Elder User
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 936
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The computer is actually a lot quicker than taking your foot off the gas. It uses ABS sensors to detect wheel spin. From what I've heard this traction control does not use the rear brakes to simulate a locking diff, it just cuts power.
Mountain Pass
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 185
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I asked this question about 3 months ago and never did find out for sure how it works. In it's simplest form it may just be controling engine power. Or it may be doing a combination of that and brakes. Most likely if it's doing brakes it's not doing the rears individually, but as a pair. Here's a link to that discussion.
https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/6...action+control
https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/6...action+control
More Turbo
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 561
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From: Indianapolis, IN
The traction control system uses sensors that allow the computer to limit power to various wheels if it detects abnormal spin.
It will be be required on all vehicles in either '09 or '10.
I have it and can attest that it worked nicely this am in the snow with a load on (not in 4WD);
It will be be required on all vehicles in either '09 or '10.
I have it and can attest that it worked nicely this am in the snow with a load on (not in 4WD);
Senior User
Joined: Oct 2007
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From: Poconos
The sensor measures the rear wheel speed at the differential, compares it with the front wheel speed, and electronically depowers the engine if it detects slippage. Hopefully it prevents you from fishtailing faster than you can react yourself. It is disabled when in 4 wheel drive, and has a button to disable it manually.
I think the confusion in the thread listed above results from the superduty traction control being different from the normal traction control Ford uses on it cars and SUVs.
I think the confusion in the thread listed above results from the superduty traction control being different from the normal traction control Ford uses on it cars and SUVs.
Last edited by ab257z; Jan 22, 2008 at 06:06 PM.
Mountain Pass
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 185
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Compared to the price of the pickup, it's a cheap option, so I ordered it along with limited slip (belt and suspenders). I haven't got my pickup yet, but pbeering and others have said that it works well.
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From: Lower Hudson Valley, N.Y.
Originally Posted by pbeering
...it worked nicely this am in the snow with a load on...
[Sorry, horrible pun but I couldn't resist!]
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From: Long Island USA
But can you turn it off?
My '97 Cougar has the traction control that limits engine power AND hits the brakes on the spinning wheel. I can turn it off with a push button in the console.
My '97 Cougar has the traction control that limits engine power AND hits the brakes on the spinning wheel. I can turn it off with a push button in the console.
Senior User
Joined: Jul 2006
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From: Deep South Louisiana
From what I understand the only function for cutting power is "removing foot from throttle" only in computer time which is faster. This is crudimentary IMO with systems out there that regulate brake pressure to each individual wheel and such.. My GF TrailBlazer has the same form of traction control and to be quite honest it annoys me because it will power itself down to easly and I don't like switching it off every time I get in pluss a light comes on on the dash and won't go off until traction control is switched back on. I'm with you for 130.00 I will take my foot off myself.
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From: Long Island USA
Originally Posted by 4wheelfurry
I'm with you for 130.00 I will take my foot off myself.
Maybe they just didn't want to put a full 4-channel ABS system in it ...
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 1,344
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From: Sioux Falls SD
my question is does it work under all speeds? If so I want it.
Las winter while driving home from Dallas TX to SD the weather turned bad at Kansas city and only got worse as I went north. I had my 99 Ranger two wheel drive supercab with four cyl. 5 speed trans. going past St. Joeeph MO. crossing a bridge, big gust of wind came up and I lost traction going 45mph. Trust me you cannot lift off the gas fast enough. Before I knew what hit I was in the ditch.
Las winter while driving home from Dallas TX to SD the weather turned bad at Kansas city and only got worse as I went north. I had my 99 Ranger two wheel drive supercab with four cyl. 5 speed trans. going past St. Joeeph MO. crossing a bridge, big gust of wind came up and I lost traction going 45mph. Trust me you cannot lift off the gas fast enough. Before I knew what hit I was in the ditch.
More Turbo
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 523
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From: Indiana
It is good to have when your wife drives your $50K truck on the snow/ice! Otherwise, when I get roadrage and feel like smoking the tires (and beating my chest), I look like I don't know how to drive because the damn engine cuts out. 
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Freshman User
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From: Pacific Northwest
This is what learned..
..at the Portland Auto Show where I asked yesterday one of the people at the Fordvehicles.com information booth. The gentleman explained that the traction control works like a "reverse ABS" system, if it detects a spinning wheel it applies the brake to the spinning wheel therefor slowing it down, using the same "pulsing system" ABS uses to prevent the wheel from locking up. Sounds reasonable to me especially since for $130 MSRP it cant be a very fancy mechanical system. Sounds like it wouldn't hurt to get it.
Thanks everybody fro helping to figure this out,
Myotis
Thanks everybody fro helping to figure this out,
Myotis