I recently bought a 2011 xf. I cannot disable the dsc. I can enable trac dsc, but not turn it off. The owners manual says that depressing the dsc switch for more than 10 seconds will turn dsc off. Depressing the dsc for 10 seconds or more does nothing that pressing it for 2 seconds does. Does anyone have any insight?

 

How do you know it isn't off? On my 09 the TRAC switches to DSC OFF after 11 seconds exactly. 10 seconds isn't long enough.

With DSC OFF you won't notice much difference on dry pavement except in tight turns with heavy throttle which will spin up the inside wheel a bit. The best time to try the DSC OFF is on a wet road. You should get plenty of wheelspin.

I don't think DSC OFF disables the traction control completely, it still operates as an electronic LSD as far as I recall from last winter.

 

Thanks for your response. I believe the dsc is still engaged as the dsc off message never appears, and the interruption of power/application of brakes is very noticeable when picking up the throttle from mid corner to exit.

 

Hmmm. Unless there has been a spec change then your car seems to have a software defect. The switch must be working because you can reach TRAC setting.

On my '09 not only does the "dsc off" message appear the hazard warning triangle also appears in the instrument panel area!

I still think the limited slip traction control function remains operational even when DSC off is selected but I am thinking back to last winter. My 4.2 engine will not normally break the tires loose on dry road.

 

OK, I checked today on my '09.

Selecting DSC for 11 seconds switches DSC to DSC OFF. The orange DSC light remains illuminated in the instrument panel. DSC OFF appears in the warning section between the dials. The red hazard/warning triangle illuminates on the center LCD panel. Selecting that allows one to switch off the DSC OFF message. The DSC light remains illuminated.

With DSC fully off, left foot braking and mild rpm to stall the torque converter, SPORT selected and 1st manually selected elicits a mild and smooth squeal from one rear tire on take off on dry pavement.

 

Thanks for your input. Need a visit to the service department.