2002 Ford Mustang Owner Guide 3rd Printing - Page 143
2002 Ford Mustang Manual
Page 143 highlights
Driving 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 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 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 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 on/off switch, located below the radio, illuminates when the system is OFF. The Traction Control 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 system off. This may allow excess wheel spin to "dig" the vehicle out and enable a successful "rocking" maneuver. 143