Mercury 2000 Grand Marquis, Owner'S Manual

Page: 121 / 224

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 and ice
covered roads.
During Traction Control
y
operation 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 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.
If the Traction Control
y
system is cycled excessively, the brake portion
of the system will shut down to prevent the rear brakes from
overheating. A limited Traction Control
y
function using only engine
torque reduction will still control wheels from over-spinning. When the
rear 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.
The traction control indicator
flashes during a Traction Control
y
system event.
If the traction control indicator
comes on and stays lit, either:
•
the Traction Control
y
system requires service, or
•
the customer has disabled the system using the traction control switch
located on the left side of the glove compartment.
TRAC
CNTL
Driving
121