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Fulltimer50's avatar
Fulltimer50
Explorer
Nov 29, 2020

Traction Control Fault

Anyone know if a traction control fault will affect the trailer brake function?
2011 F350 4x4 DRW.
  • As was stated, it shouldn't affect basic braking, but losing a wheel speed sensor would disable not only traction control, but ABS and any kind of automatic trailer sway control.
  • That wouldn't make sense, as it is a safety issue.

    Traction system has a fault at the worst possible time, in traffic when you unexpectedly need to stop quick. Oh sorry, you don't have any trailer brakes anymore! BAM!

    I can name at least three lawyers that would be all over that in a heartbeat.
  • It "feels" like the trailer braking has been reduced since the fault lite came on. There is not an ABS lite fault shown. If I spin the wheels on a gravel road the fault lite will flash. I have driven for a long time before this feature came out so I am not in a hurry to get it fixed, but if the fault causes reduced trailer braking, thats not good. I will have to get it scanned I guess.
  • Probably KO your ABS. Should not affect the base brakes.
  • I don’t believe traction control will affect trailer brake function. However, 2011 Fords with factory brake control will have Built In Sway Control.
    Read here.
  • Not 100% sure for all brands, but my sons ford would apply trailer brakes when things were getting squirrely on snow covered slippery roads, now whether or not they applied the trailer brakes too, I'll have to ask him.