FORD 2009 Taurus v.3 - Manual (Page 211)

AdvanceTrac
௡ system to operate. If the “sliding car” icon
illuminates
steadily, verify that the AdvanceTrac
௡ system is not manually disabled by
pressing the AdvanceTrac
௡ ЉOffЉ button located on the center stack of
the instrument panel. If the “sliding car” icon remains steadily
illuminated, have the system serviced by an authorized dealer
immediately. If equipped with a message center, the vehicle will also
indicate a failure with the AdvanceTrac
௡ system.
When AdvanceTrac
௡ performs a normal system self-check, some drivers
may notice a slight movement of the brake, and/or a rumble, grunting, or
grinding noise after startup and when driving off.
When an event occurs that activates AdvanceTrac
௡ you may experience
the following:
• A slight deceleration of the vehicle
• The “sliding car”
indicator light will flash.
• A vibration in the pedal when your foot is on the brake pedal
• If the driving condition is severe and your foot is not on the brake, the
brake pedal may move as the systems applies higher brake forces. You
may also hear a whoosh of air from under the instrument panel during
this severe condition.
• The brake pedal may feel stiffer than usual.
Traction Control (TCS)
Traction Control is a driver aid feature that helps your vehicle maintain
traction of the wheels, typically when driving on slippery and/or hilly
road surfaces, by detecting and controlling wheel spin.
Excessive wheel spin is controlled in two ways, which may work
separately or in tandem, Engine Traction Control and Brake Traction
Control. Engine Traction Control works to limit drive-wheel spin by
momentarily reducing engine power. Brake Traction Control works to
limit wheel spin by momentarily applying the brakes to the wheel that is
slipping. Traction Control is most active at low speeds.
During Traction Control events the “sliding car” icon in the
instrument cluster will flash.
If the Traction Control system is activated excessively in a short period
of time, the braking portion of the system may become temporarily
disabled to allow the brakes to cool down. In this situation, Traction
Control will use only engine power reduction or transfer to help control
the wheels from over-spinning. When the brakes have cooled down, the
Driving
211
2009 Taurus (500)
Owners Guide (own2002), 3rd Printing
USA (fus)