TRACTION ASSIST (IF EQUIPPED)
The Traction Assist system helps you maintain the stability and
steerability of your vehicle, especially on slippery road surfaces such as
snow- or ice-covered roads and gravel roads. The system will allow your
vehicle to make better use of available traction in these conditions.
During Traction Assist operation,
the traction control active light will
illuminate, you may hear an electric
motor type of sound coming from
the engine compartment, and the
engine may not “rev-up” when you
push further on the accelerator. This is normal system behavior and
should be no reason for concern.
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 a Traction Assist event is
an indication that at least some of the tires have exceeded their ability
to grip the road; this may lead to an increased risk of loss of vehicle
control, vehicle rollover, personal injury and death. If you experience a
severe road event, SLOW DOWN.
The Traction Assist switch is located
on the instrument panel. The
Traction Assist system will
automatically turn on every time the
ignition is turned off and on. The
Traction Assist system should
normally be left on.
If you should become stuck in snow
or ice or on a very slippery road surface, try switching the Traction
Assist system off by pressing the switch on the instrument panel.
Switching the Traction Assist system off may allow excess wheel spin to
“dig” the vehicle out and enable a successful “rocking” maneuver. When
the Traction Assist system is off, an indicator light will illuminate and will
remain on until the system is turned back on or the ignition is turned off
and on.
If a system fault is detected, the traction control active light will
illuminate, the Traction Assist button will not turn the system on or off
and your vehicle should be serviced by an authorized dealer.
2006 Fusion(fsn)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Driving
162
CHANGING THE TIRES
If you get a flat tire while driving:
•do not brake heavily.
•gradually decrease the vehicle’s speed.
•hold the steering wheel firmly.
•slowly move to a safe place on the side of the road.
Your vehicle may be equipped with a conventional spare tire that is
different in one or more of the following: type, brand, size, speed rating
and tread design. If this is the case, this dissimilar spare tire is still rated
for your vehicle loads (GAWR and GVWR).
The use of tire sealants may damage your tires.
Dissimilar spare tire/wheel information
Failure to follow these guidelines could result in an increased
risk of loss of vehicle control, injury or death.
If you have a dissimilar spare tire/wheel, then it is intended for
temporary use only. This means that if you need to use it, you should
replace it as soon as possible with a road tire/wheel that is the same size
and type as the road tires and wheels that were originally provided by
Ford. If the dissimilar spare tire or wheel is damaged, it should be
replaced rather than repaired.
A dissimilar spare tire/wheel is defined as a spare tire and/or wheel that
is different in brand, size or appearance from the road tires and wheels
and can be one of three types:
1.T-type mini-spare:This spare tire begins with the letter “T” for tire
size and may have “Temporary Use Only” molded in the sidewall
2.Full-size dissimilar spare with label on wheel:This spare tire has
a label on the wheel that states: “THIS TIRE AND WHEEL FOR
TEMPORARY USE ONLY”
When driving with one of the dissimilar spare tires listed above,do not:
•Exceed 50 mph (80 km/h)
•Load the vehicle beyond maximum vehicle load rating listed on the
Safety Compliance Label
2006 Fusion(fsn)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Roadside Emergencies
179
