Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) and Stability Control - Overview: Overview

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2018 Ford Focus. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

The ABS and stability control systems are comprised of the following subsystems which assist the driver in maintaining control of the vehicle:

Anti-lock braking
EBD
ESC
Hill start assist
Launch control (RS vehicles only)
Selectable drive modes (RS vehicles only)
Supplemental braking assist
Supports adaptive cruise control
Supports collision avoidance
Torque vectoring control (ST and RS vehicles only)
Traction control

Anti-lock braking helps maintain steering control by preventing the wheels from locking up during hard braking.

The EBD system helps maintain vehicle control by keeping a balanced braking condition between the front and rear wheels.

The ESC system helps prevent skids or lateral slides by modulating brake fluid pressure to individual brake calipers and reducing engine torque.

The hill start assist system prevents vehicle roll back when pulling away while stopped on an incline without the use of the parking brake.

The launch control feature works in conjunction with the ABS and the PCM to maximize traction from a standing start acceleration in a straight line. Launch control enables a unique "drag start" traction control calibration designed for high grip surfaces.

The selectable drive mode system helps maintain vehicle traction by adapting the responses of the engine, transmission, EPAS and stability control system to the demands of the current selected driving mode; normal, sport, track and drift.

The supplemental braking assist feature uses the hydraulic pump motor and HCU to provide additional braking assist in the event of severe vacuum loss at the brake booster or during a severe braking event.

The ABS supports the adaptive cruise control system by applying the brakes as necessary to maintain the distance gap set by the driver.

The ABS supports the collision avoidance system by monitoring information and precharging the brake system allowing the vehicle to stop in the shortest distance possible.

Torque vectoring control uses the rear brakes to adjust the speed between the driven wheels while accelerating through a corner, forcing the front end to hug the inside of the curve and improve tire grip.

The traction control system helps prevent loss of traction by reducing drive-wheel spin during acceleration.

Some noise from the system and pulsations in the brake pedal are normal conditions during most ABS and stability control system activations. Also, longer than normal brake pedal travel may be experienced immediately following an ABS and stability control system activation.