2002 Mercury Grand Marquis Owner Guide 1st Printing - Page 146

Driving The Traction Control௢ system will allow your vehicle to make better use of available traction on slippery surfaces. The system is a driver aid which makes your vehicle easier to handle primarily on snow and ice covered roads. During Traction Control௢ operation 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. 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. The traction control indicator TRAC flashes during a Traction Control௢ CNTL system event. If the traction control indicator comes on and stays lit, either: • the Traction Control௢ system requires service, or • the customer has disabled the system using the traction control switch located on the left side of the instrument panel. The Traction Control௢ system will be on every time you turn the ignition key from OFF to ON until you deactivate the system using the traction control switch on the instrument panel left of the steering column. STEERING Your vehicle is equipped with power steering. Power steering uses energy from the engine to help steer 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 a low 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. 146