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 rear wheel spin to
be detected by the Traction Control
y
portion 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 “search” for
optimum traction several times a second and
adjustments are made accordingly.
The Traction Control
y
system 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, ice covered and gravel roads.
During Traction
Control
y
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 will not “rev-up” when you push further on
the accelerator. This is normal system behavior.
The Traction Control
y
on/off switch, located
below the radio,
illuminates when the
system is OFF. The
Traction Control
y
system will revert to the ON
position every time the ignition is turned OFF and
ON.
If you should become stuck in snow or ice or on a
very slippery road surface, try switching the Traction
Control
y
system off. This may allow excess wheel
spin to “dig” the vehicle out and enable a successful
“rocking” maneuver.
Driving
143
Summary of Contents for 2002 Mustang
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