2001 FORD WINDSTAR traction control

If the vehicle sustains damage to the rear bumper/fascia, leaving
it misaligned or bent, the sensing zone may be altered causing
inaccurate measurement of obstacles or false alarms.
POWER ADJUSTABLE FOOT PEDALS (IF EQUIPPED)
The accelerator and brake pedal
should only be adjusted when the
vehicle is stopped and the gearshift
lever is in the P(Park) position.
Press and hold the rocker control to
adjust accelerator and brake pedal.
²press the bottom of the control to
adjust the pedals toward you
²press the top of the control to adjust the pedals away from you
The adjustment allows for approximately 76mm (3 inches) of maximum
travel.
Never adjust the accelerator and brake pedal with feet on pedals
or while the vehicle is moving.
TRACTION CONTROLY(IF EQUIPPED)
This control can be used to turn the
Traction Controlyon or off. Refer
to theTraction Controlysection of
theDrivingchapter for more
information.
T/C
Controls and features
78

The BRAKE warning lamp in the
instrument cluster illuminates and
remains illuminated (when the
ignition is turned ON) until the
parking brake is released.
The parking brake is not recommended to stop a moving vehicle.
However, if the normal brakes fail, the parking brake can be used to stop
your vehicle in an emergency. Since the parking brake applies only the
rear brakes, the vehicle's stopping distance will increase greatly and the
handling of your vehicle will be adversely affected.
Always set the parking brake fully and make sure that the
gearshift is securely latched in P (Park) (automatic transaxle).
Push the button on the end of the
parking brake and push the handle
down as far as possible to release
the brake. Driving with the parking
brake on will cause the brakes to
wear out quickly and reduce fuel
economy.
TRACTION CONTROLY(IF EQUIPPED)
Traction Controlyhelps the driver maintain the stability and steerability
of the vehicle. It is especially useful on slippery and/or hilly road
surfaces. The system operates 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 front wheel spin to be detected by the
Traction Controlyportion of the ABS computer. The system limits front
wheel spin by automatically applying and releasing the front 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
front wheels ªsearchº for optimum traction several times a second and
adjustments are made accordingly.
!
BRAKE
Driving
169

The Traction Controlysystem will assist you in making 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.
During Traction Controlyoperation, TRACTION CONTROL OK is
displayed on the message center (if equipped). 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 Controly
system off with the traction control
switch located on the left hand side
of the radio. This may allow excess
wheel spin to ªdigº the vehicle out
or enable a successful ªrockingº
maneuver.
If the Traction Controlysystem is
cycled excessively, the brake portion of the system will shut down to
prevent the front brakes from overheating. A limited Traction Controly
function using only engine torque reduction will still control wheels from
over-spinning. When the front 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 a system fault is detected, CHECK TRACTION CONTROL is displayed
on the message center, the ªT/C OFFº warning indicator lamp is on and
your vehicle should be serviced.
AdvanceTracYStability Enhancement System (if equipped)
The AdvanceTracysystem helps the driver maintain the stability and
steer-ability of the vehicle. The system integrates anti-lock braking
system (ABS), Traction Controlyand a more advanced function to
further enhance the stability of the vehicle. The system shares many of
the electronic and mechanical elements already present in the Traction
Controlyand ABS systems.
AdvanceTracyconstantly monitors the vehicle motion relative to the
driver's intended course. This is done by using added sensors that
compare the steering inputs from the driver with the actual motion of
T/C
Driving
170

the vehicle. When there is a discrepancy between the driver's inputs and
the vehicle motion, AdvanceTracychanges the force at each tire to help
control the vehicle. If the vehicle begins to rotate excessively left or
right, spin out, or slide sideways, the system will attempt to correct the
excessive motion. If the vehicle does not respond to steering inputs, the
system will attempt to increase the turning response of the vehicle.
AdvanceTracyenhances stability during maneuvers that require all
available tire traction to control the vehicle. The system uses ABS and
Traction Controly(including control of the engine) as well as its more
advanced controls to enhance vehicle stability. The benefits of the
AdvanceTracysystem are most noticeable when driving in wet/snowy/icy
road conditions and/or when performing emergency maneuvers. In an
emergency lane-change, the driver will experience better overall control
of the vehicle.
Driving conditions which may activate AdvanceTracyinclude:
²Taking a turn too fast
²Evasively maneuvering to avoid an accident, pedestrian or obstacle
²Hitting a patch of ice
²Changing lanes on a snow-rutted road
²Entering a snow-covered side street from a snow-free road
²Entering a gravel road from a paved road
²Driving on slick surfaces
The AdvanceTracysystem is always ON when the engine is running.
The system does not work when the vehicle is traveling backwards. In
reverse, ABS and Traction Controlywill continue to function.
If you are operating the speed control system and road conditions
change causing the AdvanceTracyto activate, the AdvanceTracywill
disengage speed control. When driving conditions permit you can return
to speed control by pressing ªRESUMEº, refer toªSpeed Controlº
section in theControls and featureschapter.
Driving
171

The AdvanceTracyon/off control
button allows the driver to control
the availability of the Traction
Controlyand AdvanceTracy
system. This is independent of the
ABS function, which canNOTbe
switched off by the driver.
The AdvanceTracysystem status is
indicated by a ªTRAC ACTIVEº
indicator light in the instrument
cluster that will illuminate when the system is active. If a failure is
detected, the ªTRAC OFFº indicator light will stay ON, vehicles with a
message center (if equipped) will also display the warning ªCHECK
ADVANCETRACº, have the system serviced immediately.
The AdvanceTracysystem continually monitors and checks all sensors
used in improving the stability of the vehicle. Some drivers may notice a
slight movement of the brake pedal when the system checks itself.
During AdvanceTracyoperation you may experience the following:
²A rumble or clicking sound much like ABS or Traction Controly
²A slight deceleration or a reduction in the acceleration of the vehicle
²The ªTRAC ACTIVEº indicator light will illuminate
²If your foot is on the brake pedal, you will feel a vibration in the pedal
much like ABS. As with any vehicle equipped with four-wheel ABS, do
not pump the brakes, but instead, press firmly on the pedal.
²If your foot is not on the brake, the brake pedal will move to apply
higher brake forces. You may also hear a whoosh of air from under the
instrument panel during this kind of braking.
All these conditions are normal during AdvanceTracyoperation.
Aggressive driving in any road conditions can cause you to lose
control of your vehicle increasing the risk of severe personal
injury or property damage. The occurrence of an AdvanceTracyevent
is an indication that at least some of the tires have exceeded their
ability to grip the road and that you may lose control of the vehicle. If
you experience a severe road event, SLOW DOWN.
Driving
172

These Tire Quality Grades are determined by standards that the United
States Department of Transportation has set.
Tire Quality Grades apply to new pneumatic tires for use on passenger
cars. They do not apply to deep tread, winter-type snow tires,
space-saver or temporary use spare tires, tires with nominal rim
diameters of 10 to 12 inches or limited production tires as defined in
Title 49 Code of Federal Regulations Part 575.104(c)(2).
U.S. Department of Transportation-Tire quality grades:The U.S.
Department of Transportation requires Ford to give you the following
information about tire grades exactly as the government has written it.
Treadwear
The treadwear grade is a comparative rating based on the wear rate of
the tire when tested under controlled conditions on a specified
government test course. For example, a tire graded 150 would wear one
and one-half (1 1/2) times as well on the government course as a tire
graded 100. The relative performance of tires depends upon the actual
conditions of their use, however, and may depart significantly from the
norm due to variations in driving habits, service practices, and
differences in road characteristics and climate.
Traction AA A B C
The traction grades, from highest to lowest are AA, A, B, and C. Those
grades represent the tire's ability to stop on wet pavement as measured
under controlled conditions on specified government test surfaces of
asphalt and concrete. A tire marked C may have poor traction
performance.
The traction grade assigned to this tire is based on
straight-ahead braking traction tests, and does not include
acceleration, cornering, hydroplaning or peak traction characteristics.
Temperature A B C
The temperature grades are A (the highest), B, and C, representing the
tire's resistance to the generation of heat and its ability to dissipate heat
when tested under controlled conditions on a specified indoor laboratory
test wheel. Sustained high temperature can cause the material of the tire
to degenerate and reduce tire life, and excessive temperature can lead to
sudden tire failure. The grade C corresponds to a level of performance
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231

initial adjustment is completed after driving over 65 km/h (40 mph) for
15 to 20 minutes.
This system may not function properly under the following conditions:
²Uneven tread wear.
²Driving on loose or low traction surfaces such as gravel, snow or slush.
²Using tire chains
²Initial tire pressures out of specified range.
²Two or more under inflated tires.
²Sudden loss of tire pressure.
²Vehicle speeds less than 30 km/h (20 mph), greater than 120 km/h (70
mph) or driving duration less than 10 miles.
²Transporting a heavy load or towing a trailer.
The low tire warning feature can be turned off by your dealer.
Checking the tire pressure
²Use an accurate tire pressure gauge.
²Check the tire pressure when tires are cold, after the vehicle has been
parked for at least one hour or has been driven less than 5 km (3
miles).
²Adjust tire pressure to recommended specifications found on the
Certification Label.
Improperly inflated tires can affect vehicle handling and can fail
suddenly, possibly resulting in loss of vehicle control.
Tire rotation
Because your vehicle's tires perform different jobs, they often wear
differently. To make sure your tires wear evenly and last longer, rotate
them as indicated in the scheduled maintenance guide. If you notice that
the tires wear unevenly, have them checked.
Maintenance and care
233

Failure to follow these precautions may adversely affect the
handling of the vehicle and make it easier for the driver to lose
control and roll over.
Tires that are larger or smaller than your vehicle's original tires may also
affect the accuracy of your speedometer.
SNOW TIRES AND CHAINS
Driving too fast for conditions creates the possibility of loss of
vehicle control. Driving at very high speeds for extended periods
of time may result in damage to vehicle components.
Snow tires must be the same size and grade as the tires you
currently have on your vehicle.
The tires on your vehicle have all weather treads to provide traction in
rain and snow. However, in some climates, you may need to use snow
tires and chains. If you need to use chains, it is recommended that steel
wheels (of the same size and specifications) be used as chains may chip
aluminum wheels.
Follow these guidelines when using snow tires and chains:
²Do not use tire chains with 215/65R16 and P225/60R16 size tires.
²Use only SAE Class S chains.
²Install chains securely, verifying that the chains do not touch any
wiring, brake lines or fuel lines.
²Drive cautiously. If you hear the chains rub or bang against your
vehicle, stop and re-tighten the chains. If this does not work, remove
the chains to prevent damage to your vehicle.
²If possible, avoid fully loading your vehicle.
²Remove the tire chains when they are no longer needed. Do not use
tire chains on dry roads.
²The suspension insulation and bumpers will help prevent vehicle
damage. Do not remove these components from your vehicle when
using snow tires and chains.
Maintenance and care
235