TRACTION CONTROLY
Your vehicle is equipped with the Traction Controlysystem. This system
helps maintain the stability and steerability of your vehicle. It is
especially useful on slippery and/or hilly road surfaces. The system
operates at all speeds by detecting and controlling wheel spin. The
system borrows many of the electronic and mechanical elements already
present in the anti-lock braking system (ABS).
Wheel-speed sensors allow excess rear wheel spin to be detected by the
Traction Controlyportion of the ABS computer. Any excessive wheel
spin is controlled by automatically applying and releasing the rear brakes
in conjunction with engine torque reductions. Engine torque reduction is
realized via the fully electronic spark and fuel injection systems. This
process is very sensitive to driving conditions and very fast acting. The
rear wheels ªsearchº for optimum traction several times a second and
adjustments are made accordingly.
The Traction Controlysystem will allow your vehicle to make better use
of available traction on slippery surfaces. The system is a driver aid
which makes your vehicle easier to handle primarily on snow and ice
covered roads. This is especially evident if wheel spin-up should occur
while turning.
During Traction Controlyoperation you may hear an electric motor type
of sound coming from the engine compartment and the engine will not
ªrev-upº when you push further on the accelerator. This is normal
system behavior.
If you should become stuck in snow or on a very slippery road surface,
try switching the Traction Controlysystem off. This may allow excess
wheel spin to ªdigº the vehicle out or enable a successful ªrockingº
maneuver. Refer toMessage centerin theInstrumentationchapter.
If the Traction Controlysystem is cycled excessively, the brake portion
of the system will shut down to prevent the rear brakes from
overheating. A limited Traction Controlyfunction using only engine
torque reduction will still control wheels from over-spinning. When the
rear brakes have cooled down, the system will again function normally.
Anti-lock braking is not affected by this condition and will function
normally during the cool down period.
If the engine coolant temperature is below þ23ÉC (þ10ÉF) the engine
torque reduction portion of the Traction Controlysystem isNOTactive.
The system will operate normally when the engine coolant warms up.
Driving
96
Heating ........................................34
High beams
indicator light .............................8
Hood
release lever ............................124
Ignition
positions of the ignition ...........40
Instrument panel
lighting up panel
and interior ...............................33
Jump-starting
your vehicle ........................119,120
attaching cables ......................120
disconnecting cables ..............121
Keyless entry system
autolock .....................................63
keypad .......................................60
programming entry code ....61,62
Keys
key in ignition chime ...............12
Lamps
headlamps ........................146,151
interior lamps ...........................52
map lamps .................................52
Lights, warning and indicator
air bag ........................................10
anti-lock brakes (ABS) ..............6
anti-theft ...................................11
brake ............................................6
charging system ..........................7
check engine ..........................9,10
cruise indicator ...........................8
oil pressure .................................7
overdrive off ..............................11
safety belt ...................................9
turn signal indicator ...................8
Lubricant specifications ...........163
Message center ...........................14
reset button ..............................20
Mirrors
cleaning ...................................160
side view mirrors (power) .......54Moon roof ....................................51
Panic alarm feature, remote
entry system ................................60
Parking brake ..............................94
Parts (see Motorcraft parts) ....161
Power door locks ........................54
Power steering
fluid, checking and adding ....132
Refill capacities for fluids ........162
Relays ........................................108
Remote entry system .................58
locking/unlocking doors ......58,59
Reporting safety defects ..........167
Safety restraints
automatic locking mode
(retractor) ............................73,74
extension assembly ..................75
for children ...............................81
lap and shoulder belts .............72
maintenance ..............................76
proper use .................................71
warning light and chime .....11,76
Safety seats for children
attaching with tether straps ....86
automatic locking mode
(retractor) .................................83
in rear seat ................................86
tether anchorage hardware .....87
Seats ............................................66
adjusting the seat, power ........66
auto-glide ..................................69
heated seats ..............................67
lumbar support .........................68
rear seat access ........................70
Servicing your vehicle ..............123
precautions when servicing ...123
Speed control ..............................43
canceling a set speed ...............46
indicator light ...........................47
resuming a set speed ...............47
tap up/tap down .......................45
turning off .................................43
Index
169
