2002 Mercury Sable Owner Guide 4th Printing - Page 143

Driving 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 on the right side of the instrument cluster, illuminates O OFF when the system is turned F T/C OFF. The Traction Control௢ system F 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. If a system fault is detected the traction control active light will illuminate, the Traction Control௢ on/off switch will not toggle on and off, and your vehicle should be serviced as soon as possible. STEERING Your vehicle is equipped with power steering. Power steering uses energy from the engine to decrease the driver's effort in steering the vehicle. To prevent damage to the power steering pump: • Never hold the steering wheel to the extreme right or the extreme left for more than a few seconds when the engine is running. • Do not operate the vehicle with the power steering pump fluid level below the MIN mark on the reservoir. If the power steering system breaks down (or if the engine is turned off), you can steer the vehicle manually, but it takes more effort. If the steering wanders or pulls, check for: • Underinflated tire(s) on any wheel(s) • Uneven vehicle loading • High crown in center of road • High crosswinds 143