I was reading through some of the other threads and noticed that there seems to be some confusion and concern over whether or not the T/C can be disabled on the '09. And rightfully so, because after all, a truck with T/C that can't be disabled wouldn't be worth a hoot in deep snow or mud.

There is a button on the dash (in my truck, anyway) that looks like a vehicle with swerving tracks behind it. Pressing this button disables the T/C and causes a symbol identical to the one on the button to appear in the message center beneath the gauges, I assume to remind you that T/C is off. I don't know for certain if all models are equipped with this button, but mine is.

I have had my '09 Lariat SCrew 4x4 for a little over 2 weeks and in that period of time we have had quite a bit of snow and ice here in Kentucky (you may have heard about it on the news). Last week I decided to see what the difference was between T/C on and T/C off in an empty, snow&ice-covered parking lot. With the T/C off, it pretty much worked like you would expect in any vehicle without T/C and spun freely. The "T/C off" indicator in the message center would flash to indicate I was spinning, but it would not cut power. With T/C on, the engine would cut power somewhat, but not as much as in other vehicles I have driven. My parents have an '08 Expy, and the T/C in it will nearly bring you to a halt before letting the tires spin. The system on my F-150 is not nearly as intrusive.

Sorry for the long post, but I hope this clears up some confusion.

 

My friend has it on his '08 Jeep and it turns on automatically after each time the engine is turned off, then turned back on again. Is that how it is on your truck as well?

 

Yes. It returns to the default "on" position every time the truck is shut off.