2004 Mercury Sable Owner Guide 3rd Printing - Page 135

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 and should be no reason for concern. 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. The Traction Control௢ switch, located on the right-hand side of the instrument cluster, has an indicator O light that illuminates when the F T/C system is off. The Traction Control௢ F system will automatically turn on every time the ignition is turned off and on. The Traction Control௢ system should normally be left 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௢ button will not turn the system on or off and your vehicle should be serviced. STEERING To prevent damage to the power steering system, never hold the steering wheel at its furthest turning points (until it stops) for more than a few seconds when the engine is running. It is also important to maintain a proper power steering fluid level in the power steering fluid reservoir: • Do not operate the vehicle with a low power steering pump fluid level (below the MIN mark on the reservoir). 135 2004 Sable (sab) Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt) USA English (fus)