Wheel-speed sensors allow excess front 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 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 “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 and ice
covered roads.
During Traction Control
y
operation, TRACTION CONTROL ACTIVE is
displayed on the message center. 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.
If you should become stuck in snow 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 or enable a successful “rocking”
maneuver. Refer to
Message center
in the
Instrumentation
chapter.
If the Traction Control
y
system is cycled excessively, the brake portion
of the system will shut down to prevent the front brakes from
overheating. A limited Traction Control
y
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 and your vehicle should be serviced.
STEERING
Your vehicle is equipped with power steering. Power steering uses energy
from the engine to help steer the vehicle.
To prevent damage to the power steering pump:
•
Never hold the steering wheel to the extreme right or the extreme left
for more than a few seconds when the engine is running.
Driving
119
