2013 Ford Escape Warranty Supplement Printing 1 - Page 158

Traction Control PRINCIPLE OF OPERATION The traction control system helps avoid drive wheel spin and loss of traction. If your vehicle begins to slide, the system applies the brakes to individual wheels and, when needed, reduces engine power at the same time. If the wheels spin when accelerating on slippery or loose surfaces, the system reduces engine power in order to increase traction. The stability control off light temporarily illuminates on engine start-up and stays on when the traction control system is turned off. When the traction control system is turned off or on, a message appears in the information display showing system status. USING TRACTION CONTROL In certain situations (e.g. stuck in snow or mud), turning the traction control off may be beneficial as this allows the wheels to spin with full engine power. Turn off the traction control system using the information display control. See General Information (page 84). System Indicator Lights and Messages WARNING If a failure has been detected within the AdvanceTrac system, the stability control light will illuminate steadily. Verify that the AdvanceTrac system was not manually disabled using the information display control. If the stability control light still illuminates steadily, have the system serviced by an authorized dealer immediately. Operating your vehicle with AdvanceTrac disabled could lead to an increased risk of loss of vehicle control, vehicle rollover, personal injury and death. The stability control light temporarily illuminates on E138639 engine start-up and flashes when a driving condition activates the stability system. 158