2000 Mercury Mystique Owner's Manual - Page 120

Driving Switching off traction control If you become stuck in snow or on a slippery road surface, try switching off the traction control system by pressing the switch. This may allow the excess wheel spin to "dig" the vehicle out or enable a successful "rocking" maneuver. Do not rock the vehicle for more than a few minutes, because it could damage the vehicle. The light in the control illuminates continuously when the system has been switched off. To reactivate the system, depress the switch again or restart the engine. STEERING YOUR VEHICLE Your vehicle comes with power steering. Power steering uses energy from the engine to help steer your vehicle. If the amount of effort needed to steer your vehicle changes at a constant vehicle speed, have the power steering system checked. 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. Never hold the steering wheel to the extreme right or left for more than five seconds if the engine is running. This can damage the power steering pump. 120