1997 Lincoln Town Car Owner's Manual - Page 173

Traction AssistTM (If equipped) Your vehicle may be equipped with the optional Traction AssistTM system. This system helps prevent wheel spin in order to improve tire traction and is an especially useful feature when you drive in hilly areas or on slippery, icy or snowy roads. Traction AssistTM works automatically by rapidly applying and releasing the brakes to prevent one or both of the rear drive wheels from spinning during acceleration. During the Traction AssistTM function, which most often occurs during low speed acceleration on slippery surfaces, a noise may be heard coming from the engine compartment. This is normal and may last for a few seconds during the acceleration of the vehicle. In general, this system improves your vehicle's stability and acceleration performance when road TM conditions warrant. Traction Assist is fully effective up to approximately 25 mph (40 km/h). At 25 mph (40 km/h) the function begins to taper off until it no longer operates above 34 mph (55 km/h). If the Traction Assis;TM system is cycled excessively, the system will shut down to prevent the rear brakes from overheating. A cooling down period is required to prevent damage to the brakes. This time period varies and depends on brake usage during the cooling down period. Anti-Lock braking is not affected and will function normally during the cool down period. After the cool down period, the Traction Assist function is restored.% TM Rear Air Suspension System Your vehicle is equipped with an automatic load leveling rear air suspension system. This system maintains the rear vehicle height at a constant level by automatically adding air or releasing air from the rear air springs to offset changes in vehicle loads. 170