2006 Mercury Montego Owner Guide 2nd Printing - Page 173

Driving The BRAKE warning lamp in the instrument cluster illuminates and remains illuminated (when the ignition is turned ON) until the parking brake is released. P ! BRAKE Always set the parking brake fully and make sure that the gearshift is securely latched in P (Park). The parking brake is not recommended to stop a moving vehicle. However, if the normal brakes fail, the parking brake can be used to stop your vehicle in an emergency. Since the parking brake applies only the rear brakes, the vehicle's stopping distance will increase greatly and the handling of your vehicle will be adversely affected. Push the pedal downward again to release the parking brake. Driving with the parking brake on will cause the brakes to wear out quickly and reduce fuel economy. Note: If the vehicle is driven with the parking brake applied, a chime will sound. TRACTION CONTROLி (IF EQUIPPED) Your vehicle may be equipped with a Traction Control௢ system. This system helps you maintain the stability and steerability of your vehicle. It is especially useful on slippery road surfaces. The system operates by detecting and controlling wheel spin. The system borrows many of the electronic elements already present in the anti-lock braking system (ABS). Wheel-speed sensors allow excess wheel spin to be detected by the Traction Control௢ portion of the ABS computer. Excess wheel spin is controlled through engine torque reduction. This is realized via the fully electronic engine control system. This process is very sensitive to driving conditions and very fast acting. The wheels "search" for optimum traction several times a second and adjustments are made accordingly. 173 2006 Montego (mgo) Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt) USA (fus)