2003 Mercury Marauder Owner's Manual - Page 129

Driving Wheel-speed sensors allow excess rear wheel spin to be detected by the Traction Control portion of the ABS computer. Any excessive wheel spin is controlled by automatically applying and releasing the rear brakes in conjunction with engine torque reductions. Engine torque reduction is realized via the fully electronic spark and fuel injection systems. This process is very sensitive to driving conditions and very fast acting. The rear wheels "search" for optimum traction several times a second and adjustments are made accordingly. 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 flashes during a Traction Control 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 decrease the driver's effort in steering the vehicle. 129