FORD E-350 2023 Stability Control User Guide
Stability Control
PRINCIPLE OF OPERATION
WARNING: Vehicle modifications involving the braking system, aftermarket roof racks, suspension, steering system, tire construction, and wheel and tire size may change the handling characteristics of your vehicle and may adversely affect the performance of the electronic stability control system. In addition, installing any stereo loudspeakers may interfere with and adversely affect the electronic stability control system. Install any aftermarket stereo loudspeaker as far as possible from the front center console, the tunnel, and the front seats in order to minimize the risk of interfering with the electronic stability control sensors. Reducing the effectiveness of the electronic stability control system could lead to an increased risk of loss of vehicle control, vehicle rollover, personal injury, and death.
WARNING: Remember that even advanced technology cannot defy the laws of physics. It’s always possible to lose control of a vehicle due to inappropriate driver input for the conditions. Aggressive driving on any road condition can cause you to lose control of your vehicle increasing the risk of personal injury or property damage. Activation of the electronic stability control system is an indication that at least some of the tires have exceeded their ability to grip the road; this could reduce the operator’s ability to control the vehicle potentially resulting in a loss of vehicle control, vehicle rollover, personal injury, and death. If your electronic stability control system activates, SLOW DOWN.
The system automatically turns on each time you switch the ignition on. If a fault occurs in either the stability control or the traction control system, you may experience the following conditions:
- The stability and traction control light illuminate steadily.
- The stability control and traction control systems do not enhance your vehicle’s ability to maintain traction on the wheels.
If a driving condition activates either the stability control or the traction control system you may experience the following conditions:
- The stability and traction control light flashes.
- Your vehicle slows down.
- Reduced engine power.
- A vibration in the brake pedal.
- The brake pedal is stiffer than usual.
- If the driving condition is severe and your foot is not on the brake, the brake pedal may move as the system applies higher brake force.
The stability control system has several features built into it to help you maintain control of your vehicle:
Electronic Stability Control
The system enhances your vehicle’s ability to prevent skids or lateral slides by applying brakes to one or more of the wheels individually and, if necessary, reducing engine power.
Traction Control
The system enhances your vehicle’s ability to maintain traction of the wheels by detecting and controlling wheel spin. See Using Traction Control (page 103).
- A vehicle without stability control skidding off its intended route.
- B vehicle with stability control maintaining control on a slippery surface.
USING STABILITY CONTROL
The system automatically turns on each time you switch the ignition on.
You cannot switch the stability control system off, but when you shift into reverse (R), the system deactivates.
You can switch the traction control system off or on. See Using Traction Control (page 103).
Parking Aids
REARVIEW CAMERA
(IF EQUIPPED)
WARNING: The rearview camera system is a reverse aid supplement device that still requires the driver to use it in conjunction with the interior and exterior mirrors for maximum coverage.
WARNING: Objects that are close to either corner of the bumper or under the bumper, might not be seen on the screen due to the limited coverage of the camera system.
WARNING: Use caution when the rear cargo door is ajar. If the rear cargo door is ajar, the camera will be out of position and the video image could be incorrect. All guidelines disappear when the rear cargo door is ajar. Failure to follow this instruction could result in personal injury.
WARNING: Reverse your vehicle slowly. Failure to follow this instruction could result in the loss of control of your vehicle, personal injury or death.
WARNING: Use caution when turning camera features on or off when the transmission is not in park (P). Make sure your vehicle is not moving.
The rearview camera system provides a video image of the area behind your vehicle.
Example
The camera is located on the rear of your vehicle.
Note: Camera location may vary depending on the configuration of your vehicle.
Using the Rear View Camera System
The rearview camera system displays what is behind your vehicle when you place the transmission in reverse (R).
Note: When towing, the camera only sees what you are towing behind your vehicle. This might not provide adequate coverage as it usually provides in normal operation and you might not see some objects.
The camera may not operate correctly under the following conditions:
- Mud, water or debris obstructs the camera’s view. Clean the lens with a soft, lint-free cloth and non-abrasive cleaner.
- The camera is misaligned due to damage to the rear of your vehicle.
Cruise Control
(If Equipped)
WHAT IS CRUISE CONTROL
Cruise control lets you maintain a set speed without keeping your foot on the accelerator pedal.
Requirements Use cruise control when the vehicle speed is greater than 20 mph (30 km/h).
SWITCHING CRUISE CONTROL ON AND OFF
WARNING: Do not use cruise control on winding roads, in heavy traffic or when the road surface is slippery. This could result in loss of vehicle control, serious injury or death.
The cruise controls are on the steering wheel. See Cruise Control (page 49).
Switching Cruise Control On
Press the button.
Switching Cruise Control Off
Press the button when the system is in standby mode.
The system also turns off when you switch the ignition off.
Note: The set speed erases when you switch the system off.
SETTING THE CRUISE CONTROL SPEED
WARNING: When you are going downhill, your vehicle speed could increase above the set speed. The system does not apply the brakes.
Drive to the speed you prefer.
Press either button to set the current speed.
Take your foot off the accelerator pedal.
Note: The indicator changes color in the information display.
Changing the Set Speed
Press and release the button to increase the set speed in small increments.
Press and hold the button to accelerate. Release the button when you reach your preferred speed.
Press and release the button to decrease the set speed in small increments.
Press and hold the button to decelerate. Release the button when you reach your preferred speed.
Note: If you accelerate by pressing the accelerator pedal, the set speed does not change. When you release the accelerator pedal, your vehicle returns to the speed that you previously set.
CANCELING THE SET SPEED
Press the button, or tap the brake pedal to cancel the set speed.
Note: The system remembers the set speed.
Note: The system cancels if the vehicle speed drops below 10 mph (16 km/h) under the set speed when driving uphill.
RESUMING THE SET SPEED
Press the button.
CRUISE CONTROL INDICATORS
Illuminates when you switch the system on.
USING ADAPTIVE CRUISE CONTROL
WARNING: You are responsible for controlling your vehicle at all times. The system is designed to be an aid and does not relieve you of your responsibility to drive with due care and attention. Failure to follow this instruction could result in the loss of control of your vehicle, personal injury or death.
WARNING: Do not use adaptive cruise control on winding roads, in heavy traffic or when the road surface is slippery. This could result in loss of vehicle control, serious injury or death.
WARNING: Pay close attention to changing road conditions such as entering or leaving a highway, on roads with intersections or roundabouts, roads without visible lanes of travel, roads that are unpaved, or on steep slopes. Failure to follow this instruction could result in the loss of control of your vehicle, personal injury or death.
WARNING: Do not use the system in poor visibility, for example, fog, heavy rain, spray or snow.
WARNING: Do not use the system when towing a trailer that has aftermarket electronic trailer brake controls. Failure to follow this instruction could result in the loss of control of your vehicle, personal injury or death.
WARNING: Do not use tire sizes other than those recommended because this can affect the normal operation of the system. Failure to do so may result in a loss of vehicle control, which could result in serious injury.
WARNING: The system may not detect stationary or slow-moving vehicles below 6 mph (10 km/h).
WARNING: The system does not detect pedestrians or objects in the road.
WARNING: The system does not detect oncoming vehicles in the same lane.
WARNING: The system is not a crash warning or avoidance system.
WARNING: Do not use the system with a snow plow blade installed.
The system adjusts your vehicle speed to maintain the set gap between you and the vehicle in front of you in the same lane. You can select four gap settings.
The system uses a radar sensor that projects a beam directly in front of your vehicle. 
The adaptive cruise controls are on the steering wheel.
Switching Adaptive Cruise Control On
Press and release the button.
The indicator, current gap setting and set speed to appear in the information display. 
Setting the Adaptive Cruise Speed
Drive to your preferred speed.
Press and release either button.
Take your foot off the accelerator pedal.
The indicator, current gap setting and set speed to appear in the information display.
A vehicle graphic illuminates if there is a vehicle detected in front of you.
Note: When adaptive cruise control is active, the speedometer may vary slightly from the set speed displayed in the information display.
Following a Vehicle
WARNING: When following a vehicle that is braking, your vehicle does not always decelerate quickly enough to avoid a crash without driver intervention. Apply the brakes when necessary. Failure to follow this instruction could result in personal injury or death.
WARNING: The system only warns of vehicles detected by the radar sensor. In some cases, there may be no warning or a delayed warning. Apply the brakes when necessary. Failure to follow this instruction could result in personal injury or death.
Note: When you are following a vehicle and you switch on a direction indicator, adaptive cruise control may provide a small temporary acceleration to help you pass.
Note: The brakes may emit noise when applied by the system.
When a vehicle ahead of you enters the same lane or a slower vehicle is ahead in the same lane, the vehicle speed adjusts to maintain a preset gap distance. A vehicle graphic illuminates the instrument cluster.
Your vehicle maintains a consistent gap from the vehicle ahead until any of the following occurs:
- The vehicle in front of you accelerates to a speed above the set speed.
- The vehicle in front of you moves out of the lane you are in.
- Your vehicle speed falls below 12 mph (20 km/h).
- You set a new gap distance.
The system applies the brakes to slow your vehicle to maintain a safe gap distance from the vehicle in front. The system only applies limited braking. You can override the system by applying the brakes.
If the system determines that its maximum braking level is not sufficient, an audible warning sounds, a message appears in the information display and an indicator flashes when the system continues to brake. Take immediate action.
Setting the Gap Distance
You can decrease or increase the distance between your vehicle and the vehicle in front by pressing the gap control.
Press and release to decrease the gap distance.
Press and release to increase the gap distance.
The selected gap appears in the information display as shown by the bars in the image.
Note: The gap setting is time-dependent and therefore the distance adjusts with your vehicle speed.
Note: It is your responsibility to select a gap appropriate to the driving conditions.
Adaptive Cruise Control Gap Settings
| Graphic Display, Bars Indic- | Distance Gap | Dynamic Behavior |
| ated | ||
| Between | ||
| Vehicles | ||
| 1 | Closest. | Sport. |
| 2 | Close. | Normal. |
| 3 | Medium. | Normal. |
| 4 | Far. | Comfort. |
Each time you switch the system on, it selects the last chosen gap setting.
Overriding the Set Speed
WARNING: If you override the system by pressing the accelerator pedal, it does not automatically apply the brakes to maintain a gap from any vehicle ahead.
When you press the accelerator pedal, you override the set speed and gap distance. Use the accelerator pedal normally to intentionally exceed the set speed limit.
When you override the system, the green indicator light illuminates and the vehicle image does not appear in the information display.
The system tunes the engine, transmission controls and stability, and traction control modes to normal mode. The vehicle speed decreases to the set speed, or a lower speed if following a slower vehicle.
Changing the Set Speed
- Press and release to increase the set speed in small increments.
- Press and release to decrease the set speed in small increments.
Press and hold either button to change the set speed in large increments. Release the button when the set speed has reached the desired speed.
The system may apply the brakes to slow the vehicle to the new set speed. The set speed displays continuously in the information display when the system is active.
Canceling the Set Speed
Press and release the button or tap the brake pedal.
The set speed does not erase.
Resuming the Set Speed
Press and release the button.
Your vehicle speed returns to the previously set speed and gap setting. The set speed displays continuously in the information display when the system is active.
Note: Only use a resume if you are aware of the set speed and intend to return to it.
Automatic Cancellation
The system is not functional at vehicle speeds below 12 mph (20 km/h). An audible alarm sounds and the automatic braking releases if the vehicle drops below this speed.
Automatic cancellation can occur when the tires lose traction or you apply the parking brake.
Hilly Condition and Trailer Tow Usage
You should select a lower gear when the system is active in situations such as prolonged downhill driving on steep grades, for example in mountainous areas. The system needs additional engine braking in these situations to reduce the load on the vehicle’s regular brake system to prevent it from overheating.
Note: An audible alarm sounds and the system shuts down if it applies the brakes for an extended period of time. This allows the brakes to cool. The system functions normally again after the brakes cool.
Note: When towing with adaptive cruise control, switch on Tow/Haul Mode.
Switching Adaptive Cruise Control Off
Press and release the button when the system is in standby mode, or switch the ignition off.
Note: The set speed and gap setting is erased when you switch the system off.
Detection Issues
WARNING: On rare occasions, detection issues can occur due to the road infrastructures, for example, bridges, tunnels and safety barriers. In these cases, the system may brake late or unexpectedly. At all times, you are responsible for controlling your vehicle, supervising the system and intervening, if required.
WARNING: If the system malfunctions, have your vehicle checked as soon as possible.
The radar sensor has a limited field of view. It may not detect vehicles at all or detect a vehicle later than expected in some situations. The lead vehicle graphic does not illuminate if the system does not detect a vehicle in front of you. 
Detection issues can occur:
- When driving on a different line than the vehicle in front.
- B With vehicles that edge into your lane. The system can only detect these vehicles once they move fully into your lane.
- C There may be issues with the detection of vehicles in front when driving into and coming out of a bend or curve in the road.
In these cases, the system may brake late or unexpectedly. You should stay alert and take action when necessary.
If something hits the front end of your vehicle or damage occurs, the
radar-sensing zone may change. This could cause missed or false vehicle detection.
Optimal system performance requires a clear view of the road by the windshield-mounted camera.
Optimal performance may not occur if:
- The camera is blocked.
- There are poor visibility or lighting conditions.
- There are bad weather conditions.
System Not Available
Conditions that can cause the system to deactivate or prevent the system from activating when requested include:
- A blocked sensor.
- High brake temperature.
- A failure in the system or a related system.
Blocked Sensor
The camera is mounted on the windshield behind the interior mirror.
A message displays if something obstructs the radar signals from the sensor. The sensor is in the lower grille. The system cannot detect a vehicle ahead and does not function when something blocks the sensor.
Note: You cannot see the sensor. It is behind a fascia panel.
Keep the front of your vehicle free of dirt, metal badges or objects. Vehicle front protectors and aftermarket lights may also block the sensor.
Possible causes and actions for the blocked sensor message displaying:
| Cause | Action |
| The surface of the radar is dirty or obstructed | Clean the grille surface in front of the radar or remove the object causing the obstruction. |
| The surface of the radar is clean but the message remains in the display. | Wait a short time. It may take several minutes for the radar to detect that it is free from obstruction. |
| Heavy rain or snow is interfering with the radar signals | Do not use the system in these conditions because it may not detect any vehicles ahead. |
| Water, snow or ice on the surface of the road may interfere with the radar signals. | Do not use the system in these conditions because it may not detect any vehicles ahead. |
| You are in a desert or remote area with no other vehicles and no roadside objects. | Wait a short time or switch to normal cruise control. |
Switching to Normal Cruise Control
WARNING: Normal cruise control will not brake when your vehicle is approaching slower vehicles. Always be aware of which mode you have selected and apply the brakes when necessary.
The cruise control indicator light replaces the adaptive cruise control indicator light if you select normal cruise control. The gap setting does not display, and the system does not respond to lead vehicles. Automatic braking remains active to maintain the set speed. You can change from adaptive cruise control to normal cruise control through the information display.
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Reference Links
FORD E-350 2023 User Guide
https://www.ford.com/support/owner-manuals/owner-manuals-sitemap/