Explorer Safety System ?'s

[locust43]

I just got my Explorer, it's an 06" XLT with leather seats and the Advancetrac RSC system and I have already had to use both.


On the interstate someone wrecked right in front of me and spun sideways and I couldnt come to a complete 70-0 stop in 3 feet so I looked to make sure nobody was in the next 2 lanes over and I did a major swerve and then back into the lane I was in and as this was happening I could feel a hard grinding in the car. How does this system work and can it help you from sliding off the road in rain like normal Electronic Stability Control does? I have VDIM which is enhannced stability control in my other car a Toyota Highlander Hybrid.

Also does the Explorer have brake assist?

And for the ABS I had to slam on the brakes the other day and I could hear the front tires locking up, i think the proper term is chirping probaly and the pedal was violently grinding is this normal? And also does it have 3 or 4 channel ABS?

Sorry for all the questions, i just like to know a bit about the car I am driving.

 

[shaker1]

The way I understand, the Explorer has Electronic Stability Control and Roll Stability Control as well as ABS and traction control. Technically, all of these systems overlap through the use of gyros, inertial sensors & ABS sensors to apply wheel braking &, engine management to prevent skids & rollover events.

"Roll stability control works very much like an antiskid (ESC) system, but uses additional sensors to detect an impending rollover. It then activates the antiskid system in a manner to prevent a rollover. Roll stability control systems work on flat pavement; they can't prevent rollovers caused by hitting a curb or sliding into a ditch."

"As with typical active stability enhancement systems, AdvanceTrac® integrates three major components, including the anti-lock brake system, traction control, and yaw control. However, while typical systems are designed to control yaw or spinout only, Ford's AdvanceTrac ® with Roll Stability Control goes one important step further.

The exclusive vehicle-roll-motion sensor performs its duties approximately 150 times per second. If it detects a significant roll angle, it automatically engages AdvanceTrac ® with Roll Stability Control to help keep all four wheels safely on the ground."

As to the ABS question, I would not describe the activation of ABS as "violently grinding", but it should pulse and feels somewhat mechanical. And the wheels may lock up intermittently, causing some chirping. I believe it is a 4-channel system. I think that is a prerequisite for ESC/RSC.

 

[cwescapexlt4x4]

All of the systems on the Explorer and most others use the ABS and other pieces to maintain control...

Are the peddle "grinding/pulsing" normal? ABSOLUTELY!!

Will you hear a chirping from the tires coming to a rapid stop, yes you should as the ABS will hold the braking until the skid threshold and then momentarily lets go and then clamps back down to prevent skid...

I can tell you the RSC works, messin' around on a drivable beach swerving back and forth (think Slalom) and after several turns and increased speed the RSC stepped in and along with the flashing dash light for "lost traction" helped to bring "it under control".

You will also get some chirping from the rears under hard right/left turn as the Traction control steps in...

All in all think the systems work very well (maybe too well when you are having fun and forgot to disable them via the traction control dash button)

 

[jeeden]

All of the systems on the Explorer and most others use the ABS and other pieces to maintain control...

Are the peddle "grinding/pulsing" normal? ABSOLUTELY!!

Will you hear a chirping from the tires coming to a rapid stop, yes you should as the ABS will hold the braking until the skid threshold and then momentarily lets go and then clamps back down to prevent skid...

I can tell you the RSC works, messin' around on a drivable beach swerving back and forth (think Slalom) and after several turns and increased speed the RSC stepped in and along with the flashing dash light for "lost traction" helped to bring "it under control".

You will also get some chirping from the rears under hard right/left turn as the Traction control steps in...

All in all think the systems work very well (maybe too well when you are having fun and forgot to disable them via the traction control dash button)

Yup, this is how I first recognized my RSC on mine. I was cutting the wheel on the beach, trying to do a little fish tail here and there and all the sudden the thing would straighten out on me and the throttle would die. Took me 2 or 3 times before I realized I didn't turn off the RSC (I was in 4H so it didn't get automatically turned off)

 

[CHiNO_PeLoNCiTo]

yep!!!! thank you little Traction control button in the center of the dash!!! lol. but its cool sometimes when its raining and i hydroplain the car corrects itself because of AdvanceTrac so i can go 70+ on the highway in the rain mated with Bosch Icon windshield wipers!

 

[4WDriver]

yep!!!! thank you little Traction control button in the center of the dash!!! lol. but its cool sometimes when its raining and i hydroplain the car corrects itself because of AdvanceTrac so i can go 70+ on the highway in the rain mated with Bosch Icon windshield wipers!

Saw this when I was looking up info about the AdvanceTrac and couldn't believe my eyes! No stability control system, regardless of how advanced, can make up for wreckless driving and a lack of common sense behind the wheel. They are there to correct for the mistakes the average person would make should they lose control of the vehicle by not being sensitive to it's limitations in regards to traction and the vehicle's center of gravity. They are not there to allow you to drive faster in inclement conditions than you should. Stopping distances increase dramatically with wet roads and high speeds. This system cannot see that upcoming curve that you are carrying too much speed to stay on the road through. It cannot see that vehicle driving slower than you due to the inclement conditions and most likely limited visisbilty that often comes along with it. Even with your fancy Bosh Icon wipers you won't be able to see far enough ahead through the road mist from motorists ahead of you, to stop before slamming into them when your going 80 mph in the rain and wind. If you notice the system is engaging, that should tell you that you need to calm your driving because you're not driving properly for the conditions. Most of the functions that stability control systems do only make up for the short-comings of the skills of the person behind the wheel. Please remember at all times that these systems are only a backup should you get caught off-gaurd and be driving a LITTLE to fast for a curve or not see that patch of black-ice. They can only do so much. It can't drop 20+ mph off your speed in a fraction of a second like magic. You are not the only one out on the roads, we all have to share them with you; so please don't put mine, my family's and everyone else's life at risk to hopefully get somewhere a little sooner.
There are a few benefits to these systems, however, even if you are as accomplished a driver as you should be. ABS is definitely a benefit, being that it can control the brake pressure to each wheel, something you can't do with only one brake pedal to push. Trailer sway control is another. Again, with the ability to control braking to each wheel, it can accomplish things not possible without it.

 

[willied]

Saw this when I was looking up info about the AdvanceTrac and couldn't believe my eyes! No stability control system, regardless of how advanced, can make up for wreckless driving and a lack of common sense behind the wheel. They are there to correct for the mistakes the average person would make should they lose control of the vehicle by not being sensitive to it's limitations in regards to traction and the vehicle's center of gravity. They are not there to allow you to drive faster in inclement conditions than you should. Stopping distances increase dramatically with wet roads and high speeds. This system cannot see that upcoming curve that you are carrying too much speed to stay on the road through. It cannot see that vehicle driving slower than you due to the inclement conditions and most likely limited visisbilty that often comes along with it. Even with your fancy Bosh Icon wipers you won't be able to see far enough ahead through the road mist from motorists ahead of you, to stop before slamming into them when your going 80 mph in the rain and wind. If you notice the system is engaging, that should tell you that you need to calm your driving because you're not driving properly for the conditions. Most of the functions that stability control systems do only make up for the short-comings of the skills of the person behind the wheel. Please remember at all times that these systems are only a backup should you get caught off-gaurd and be driving a LITTLE to fast for a curve or not see that patch of black-ice. They can only do so much. It can't drop 20+ mph off your speed in a fraction of a second like magic. You are not the only one out on the roads, we all have to share them with you; so please don't put mine, my family's and everyone else's life at risk to hopefully get somewhere a little sooner.
There are a few benefits to these systems, however, even if you are as accomplished a driver as you should be. ABS is definitely a benefit, being that it can control the brake pressure to each wheel, something you can't do with only one brake pedal to push. Trailer sway control is another. Again, with the ability to control braking to each wheel, it can accomplish things not possible without it.

You're just 4 years late to the party.

 

[4WDriver]

Better late than never

LoL yeah, I saw the date, but, figured it was a perfect example of the driving behavior I witness on a daily basis. I'm constantly on the road for work with the local government, and it seems everyone is out to try and wreck the city truck! I guess they think they'll be able to sue, but, no dice if it's your fault, buddy! I realize my efforts are probably mostly futile, but, "you got stand for something or you'll fall for anything." Figured posting to this thread would bring it back to the front for all to see again, and hopefully this guy was no longer an active member so as not to start a "flame war". haha eh well, hopefully this makes some ppl be mindful about their driving. and, please, for the love of god, watch out for the dually comming down the main road when you're pulling off the side street! I don't wanna hurt you/your family, or your awesome Explorers And you better be a fast runner if you wreck me in my Explorer, I am a gun owner after all!

 

[willied]

I agree about the lack of skill drivers possess today. It makes me sick.