Traction Control Questions
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Freshman User
Joined: Feb 2008
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Traction Control Questions
I used the search option but I still have a few questions about the Traction Control System (TCS) that Ford has on the F-150's. I have an 06 FX4 and I do not have the button for it. I have the back up sensor instead. I know what traction control is, I just don't know how Ford has set up this option to work. It seems like this would be a standard option on the FX4.
-On the trucks that do not have the TCS option, what is the default mode (traction control on or off)?
-Is there a plug behind the dash so that a TCS button could be added?
-For those that have the TCS option, do you notice a difference when you turn it on and off?
Thanks in advance.
-On the trucks that do not have the TCS option, what is the default mode (traction control on or off)?
-Is there a plug behind the dash so that a TCS button could be added?
-For those that have the TCS option, do you notice a difference when you turn it on and off?
Thanks in advance.
MMNC (SS)(Ret)
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 11,602
Likes: 148
From: SE Georgia
I have never seen it honestly. I know for the 2007-2008 models it was an option for the 2wd Lariat...and maybe a few others
But it seems to be very rare.
BTW, you DON'T WANT THE FORD TCS...it sucks horribly. I had it in my last 2 Mustangs, and now my 08 Expy. I hate it. It activates when you need the power and IMO makes the whole vehicle more dangerous.
Unless your truck has the option, it isn't enabled. You just have to depend on the Limited Slip (if equipped). My 2006 FX4 was Supercharged and I could lay down dual rubber marks on command...as it should be. Not hoping the TCS will allow me to play
In terms of noticing a difference, you won't see it in everyday driving. It only rears its UGLY head when you lose traction in dirt/gravel or when you spin a tire on the pavement...like when you turn out of the driveway and floor it
But it seems to be very rare.
BTW, you DON'T WANT THE FORD TCS...it sucks horribly. I had it in my last 2 Mustangs, and now my 08 Expy. I hate it. It activates when you need the power and IMO makes the whole vehicle more dangerous.
Unless your truck has the option, it isn't enabled. You just have to depend on the Limited Slip (if equipped). My 2006 FX4 was Supercharged and I could lay down dual rubber marks on command...as it should be. Not hoping the TCS will allow me to play
In terms of noticing a difference, you won't see it in everyday driving. It only rears its UGLY head when you lose traction in dirt/gravel or when you spin a tire on the pavement...like when you turn out of the driveway and floor it
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Freshman User
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So since my FX4 does not have the option, the computer is running in a "TCS off mode"? I was not sure what the default mode for the trucks was. Mine is completely stock and it is a pig. I was thinking the if it is always running in a "TCS on mode" it would account for its sluggishness. My brother has a stock 05 2WD and the throttle response and acceleration is much better. It is disappointing the parasitic loss the 4WD has.
Thanks for the replies.
Thanks for the replies.
Postmaster
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 2,565
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Your FX4 is a lot heavier than your brother's 2wd truck. My 06 XLT e/c 4X4 isn't exactly a muscle car, but it does run decent. Not as good as a diesel or V-10 in a SD, but decent. With 3.55 gears it pulls my enclosed car hauler the speed limit just fine. I know up long grades it'll be slow, but for no oftener than I tow under those conditions, it's fine for me. I purchased an SCT X3 programmer with an 87 octane economy tune, 87 octane tow tune, and a 91 ontane tow tune and it really woke the truck up. I gained 1 mpg towing with the tuner and the tranny shifts much better. That was with the 91 octane tune. I'll try the 87 octane tow tune next. But I must say that my 06 was very responsive bone stock. Not fast, but responsive. It's just better tuned.
Elder User
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 866
Likes: 1
From: Michigan
My 04 stock wasnt to bad. It was pretty quick but not that I have a SCT x3 in I think stock is slow. I got the 87 economy 91 performance and 91 tow tunes and the truck is really awake now. I took my buddy for a ride in my truck cause his dad has a 06 or 07 I forget what year but he said it moves but not like they want it. I was like well I will take you for a ride in mine but its on economy cause I dont have midgrade or premium in my truck to run the performance tune. I had both tires roasting and took off and he looked at me and said this is economy tune. I said ya and he couldnt believe it.
MMNC (SS)(Ret)
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 11,602
Likes: 148
From: SE Georgia
4x4 only loses about 15 HP more than a 4x2
the biggest difference is weight. Each bigger cab weighs about 500 lbs more than the smaller one before it. My Screw was 6,000 lbs
the biggest difference is weight. Each bigger cab weighs about 500 lbs more than the smaller one before it. My Screw was 6,000 lbs
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Elder User
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 866
Likes: 1
From: Michigan
My extended cab weighs about 6000 lbs too. Thats weird when I got it weighed it only had the 33's on it.
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