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 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.
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 ice or on a very slippery road
surface, try switching the Traction
Controlysystem off. This may allow
excess wheel spin to ªdigº the
vehicle out and enable a successful
ªrockingº maneuver.
The traction control indicator
flashes during a Traction Controly
system event.
If the traction control indicator
comes on and stays lit, either:
²the Traction Controlysystem requires service, or
²the customer has disabled the system using the traction control switch
located on the left side of the instrument panel.
The Traction Controlysystem will be on every time you turn the ignition
key from OFF to ON until you deactivate the system using the traction
control switch on the instrument panel left of the steering column.
TRAC
CNTL
Driving
137
engine compartment ..............213
exterior ............................211±212
exterior lamps .........................212
instrument cluster lens ..........215
instrument panel ....................214
interior .....................................215
mirrors .....................................212
plastic parts ............................212
safety belts ..............................215
washing ....................................211
waxing .....................................211
wheels ......................................212
windows ..................................215
wiper blades ............................213
woodtone trim ........................215
Climate control (see Air
conditioning or Heating) ............29
Clock ............................................64
Compass, electronic ....................78
calibration .................................79
set zone adjustment .................79
Console ........................................83
Controls
power seat .......................100±101
steering column ........................73
Coolant
checking and adding ..............175
coolant temperature light ........11
refill capacities ................179, 216
specifications ..................218±219
Cruise control (see Speed
control) ........................................69
Customer Assistance ................149
Ford accessories for your
vehicle .....................................229
Ford Extended
Service Plan ............................222
Getting assistance outside the
U.S. and Canada .....................228Getting roadside assistance ...149
Getting the service
you need .................................222
Ordering additional owner's
literature .................................231
The Dispute Settlement
Board .......................................224
Utilizing the
Mediation/Arbitration
Program ...................................227
D
Daytime running lamps
(see Lamps) ................................27
Defrost
rear window ..............................38
Dipstick
automatic transmission
fluid ..........................................183
engine oil .................................171
Doors
lubricant specifications ..........218
Driving under special conditions
through water .........................148
E
Electronic message center .........22
Emergencies, roadside
jump-starting ..........................162
Emission control system ..........203
Engine ................................219±220
check engine/service engine
soon light ....................................9
cleaning ...................................213
coolant .....................................175
fail-safe coolant ......................180
idle speed control ...................186
Index
235
