PRINCIPLES OF OPERATION
The traction control system helps avoid drive wheel spin and loss of traction.
If your vehicle begins to slide, the system applies the brakes to individual wheels and, when needed, reduces engine power at the same time. If the wheels spin when accelerating on slippery or loose surfaces, the system reduces engine power in order to increase traction.
USING TRACTION CONTROL
Note: If your vehicle is equipped with MyKey®, it is possible to prevent turning the traction control system off. See the MyKey chapter.
In certain situations (for example, stuck in snow or mud), turning the traction control off may be beneficial as this allows the wheels to spin with full engine power. Turn the traction control system off by pressing the stability control button located in the access door under the climate controls on Taurus SHO models, or through the information display on other models.
System indicator lights and messages
WARNING:
If a failure has been detected within the AdvanceTrac® system, the stability control light will illuminate steadily. Verify that the AdvanceTrac® system was not manually disabled through using the information display control. If the stability control light still illuminates steadily, have the system serviced by an authorized dealer immediately. Operating your vehicle with AdvanceTrac® disabled could lead to an increased risk of loss of vehicle control, vehicle rollover, personal injury and death.
The stability control
light temporarily illuminates on engine
start-up and flashes when a driving condition activates the
stability system.
The stability control off light
temporarily illuminates on engine
start-up and stays on when the system is in sport mode, the
traction control system is turned off.
When the traction control system is turned off or on, a message appears in the information display showing system status.
Parking brake
WARNING: If the parking brake is fully released, but the brake
warning lamp remains illuminated, then driving your vehicle
could result in reduced braking ability, increased stopping distances and
...
Stability Control
PRINCIPLES OF OPERATION
WARNING: Vehicle modifications involving braking system,
aftermarket roof racks, suspension, steering system, tire
construction and wheel or tire size may change the handlin ...
Other materials:
Sitting in the correct position
WARNING: Sitting improperly out of position or with the seat
back reclined too far can take off weight from the seat cushion
and affect the decision of the passenger sensing system, resulting in
serious injury or death in a crash. Always sit upright against your seat
back, with your feet on the ...
Engine coolant check
Checking the Engine Coolant
The concentration and level of engine coolant should be checked at the
intervals listed in Scheduled Maintenance Information.
Note: Make sure that the level is at the FULL COLD level or within the
COLD FILL RANGE in the coolant reservoir.
Note: Coolant expands wh ...
Fuel quality
Note: Use of any fuel other than those recommended may cause
powertrain damage and a loss of vehicle performance; repairs may not be
covered under warranty.
Choosing the Right Fuel (Gasoline Engines)
Use only UNLEADED gasoline or UNLEADED gasoline blended with a
maximum of 15% ethanol in your g ...
