Ford Explorer Quiz
Stability Control

Principle of Operation

In this manual: Stability Control
Introduction — 10At a Glance — 3Child Safety — 11Seat Belts — 10Personal Safety System™ — 1Supplemental Restraint System — 10Pedestrian Protection — 1911 Assist — 3Keys and Remote Controls — 10MyKey™ — 8Doors & Locks — 9Liftgate — 7Safety — 3Steering Wheel — 11Wipers and Washers — 5Lighting — 13Automatic High Beam Control — 3Windows and Mirrors — 6Instrument Cluster — 4Information Displays — 4Climate Control — 6Cabin Air Quality — 2Seats — 9Garage Door Opener — 2Auxiliary Power Points — 3Storage Compartments — 2Starting and Stopping the Engine — 5Unique Driving Characteristics — 4Fuel and Refueling — 8Engine Emission Control — 3High-Voltage Battery — 1Infection Transmission — 8All-Wheel Drive Vehicle — 1Brakes — 5Reverse Brake Assist — 4Traction Control — 1Stability Control — 3Hill Descent Control — 3Park Aid — 8Cruise Control — 4Adaptive Cruise Control — 19Driver Assistance — 12Drive Mode Control — 4Loading — 6Tow/Haul — 6Driving Tips — 5Roadside Emergencies — 8Customer Assistance — 9Fuses — 3Maintenance — 21Vehicle Care — 12Wheels and Tires — 8Capacities and Specifications — 16Connectivity — 3Wi-Fi Hotspot — 3Audio System — 6SYNC™ 3 — 14Accessories — 1Ford Protect — 1Scheduled Maintenance — 5Appendices — 4
~2min read

The system turns on automatically each time the ignition is switched on.

If driving conditions activate either the Stability Control or the Roll Stability Control system, you may experience the following conditions:

  • The Stability Control and Traction Control indicator flashes.
  • Your vehicle decelerates.
  • Engine power is reduced.
  • Vibration in the brake pedal.
  • The brake pedal is firmer than normal.
  • If driving conditions are severe and your foot is not on the brake pedal, the brake pedal may move as the system applies higher braking force.

Several functions are built into the Stability Control system to help maintain control of your vehicle:

Electronic Stability Control

The system improves your vehicle's ability to prevent skidding or sideslip by individually braking one or more wheels and, if necessary, reducing engine power.

Roll Stability Control

The system improves your vehicle's ability to prevent rollover by detecting the vehicle's roll motion and the rate at which it changes, and by braking one or more wheels individually.

Curve Control

The system improves your vehicle's ability to follow the road through curves, either by steering more precisely or by avoiding objects on the roadway. Curve Control works by reducing engine power and, if necessary, braking one or more wheels individually.

Traction Control

The system improves your vehicle's ability to maintain wheel traction with the road surface by detecting and controlling wheel spin. See Using Traction Control.

A - Vehicle without stability control leaves the intended path.

B - Vehicle with stability control maintains control on a slippery surface.

Test yourself

A quick Ford Explorer quiz: every answer comes with an explanation and a link to the manual page.