2002 Mercury Cougar Owner's Manual - Page 119

Driving Always set the parking brake fully and make sure that the gearshift is securely latched in P (Park) (automatic transaxle) or in 1 (First) (manual transaxle). Push the button on the end of the parking brake and push the handle down as far as possible to release the brake. Driving with the parking brake on will cause the brakes to wear out quickly and reduce fuel economy. TRACTION CONTROL Your vehicle is 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 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. 119