2005 Ford Five Hundred Owner's Manual - Page 171

Driving TRACTION CONTROL (IF EQUIPPED) Your vehicle may be equipped with a Traction Control system. This system helps you maintain the stability and steerability of your vehicle. It is especially useful on slippery road surfaces. The system operates by detecting and controlling wheel spin. The system borrows many of the electronic elements already present in the anti-lock braking system (ABS). Wheel-speed sensors allow excess wheel spin to be detected by the Traction Control portion of the ABS computer. Excess wheel spin is controlled through engine torque reduction. This is realized via the fully electronic engine control system. This process is very sensitive to driving conditions and very fast acting. The 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 and ice covered roads. During Traction Control operation the engine will not "rev-up" when you push further on the accelerator. This is normal system behavior. If you should become stuck in deep snow 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 or enable a successful "rocking" maneuver. Aggressive driving in any road conditions can cause you to lose control of your vehicle increasing the risk of severe personal injury or property damage. The occurrence of a Traction Control event is an indication that at least some of the tires have exceeded their ability to grip the road; this may lead to an increased risk of loss of vehicle control, vehicle rollover, personal injury and death. If you experience a severe road event, SLOW DOWN. 171 2005 Five Hundred (500) Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt) USA (fus)