2006 E350 Advanctrac with RSC trouble

[Navy Chief]

My 2006 E350 XLT Super Duty with Advanctrac/RSC is driving me insane. The advanctrac chime will come on, as well as the indicator in the dash lighting, and the RSC button light will illuminate. I've read how this system is supposed to work, and I'm not doing anything to induce it to come on. There is never a pulsing of the brake from the ABS associated with it as I've read elsewhere there should be, and the engine never retards. Sometimes it will come on as I'm starting from a dead stop on a flat surface, chime for a minute, then stop. The stopping of the chime does not appear to be due to speed (supposed to cut off at 20 MPH). Usually if I'm slowing down when it comes on, then coming to a complete stop for about 10 seconds will get it to stop. Other times, I can just be driving at speed (60-65) and it will start chiming for a minute or two. Holding the button in on the dash doesn't make it stop.

 

Is there anything a shadetree mechanic such as myself can check short of taking it to the dealer? It's the 15-passenger, not a cargo. I'm active duty Navy with 8 kids, so really trying to avoid the dealer.

 

Any suggestions are appreciated. Thanks!

[theoldwizard]

A shot in the dark. Clean the front wheel speed sensors. You might even have to use some fine sand paper. Also clean any fine metal shavings from behind the rotors.

 

If they look bad, replace them. Shop around on the 'net. Prices are all over the place for genuine Motorcraft sensors.

[Navy Chief]

Thanks, Old Wizard. I forgot to mention that while the chime is going off the odometer changes to the message "service RSC now". I will clean/check the wheel speed sensors. I appreciate it.