traction control FORD WINDSTAR 2001 2.G User Guide

The Traction Controlysystem will assist you in making 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 Controlyoperation, TRACTION CONTROL OK is
displayed on the message center (if equipped). You may hear an electric
motor type of sound coming from the engine compartment and the
engine will not ªrev-upº when you push further on the accelerator. This
is normal system behavior.
If you should become stuck in snow
or on a very slippery road surface,
try switching the Traction Controly
system off with the traction control
switch located on the left hand side
of the radio. This may allow excess
wheel spin to ªdigº the vehicle out
or enable a successful ªrockingº
maneuver.
If the Traction Controlysystem is
cycled excessively, the brake portion of the system will shut down to
prevent the front brakes from overheating. A limited Traction Controly
function using only engine torque reduction will still control wheels from
over-spinning. When the front brakes have cooled down, the system will
again function normally. Anti-lock braking is not affected by this
condition and will function normally during the cool down period.
If a system fault is detected, CHECK TRACTION CONTROL is displayed
on the message center, the ªT/C OFFº warning indicator lamp is on and
your vehicle should be serviced.
AdvanceTracYStability Enhancement System (if equipped)
The AdvanceTracysystem helps the driver maintain the stability and
steer-ability of the vehicle. The system integrates anti-lock braking
system (ABS), Traction Controlyand a more advanced function to
further enhance the stability of the vehicle. The system shares many of
the electronic and mechanical elements already present in the Traction
Controlyand ABS systems.
AdvanceTracyconstantly monitors the vehicle motion relative to the
driver's intended course. This is done by using added sensors that
compare the steering inputs from the driver with the actual motion of
T/C
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170

the vehicle. When there is a discrepancy between the driver's inputs and
the vehicle motion, AdvanceTracychanges the force at each tire to help
control the vehicle. If the vehicle begins to rotate excessively left or
right, spin out, or slide sideways, the system will attempt to correct the
excessive motion. If the vehicle does not respond to steering inputs, the
system will attempt to increase the turning response of the vehicle.
AdvanceTracyenhances stability during maneuvers that require all
available tire traction to control the vehicle. The system uses ABS and
Traction Controly(including control of the engine) as well as its more
advanced controls to enhance vehicle stability. The benefits of the
AdvanceTracysystem are most noticeable when driving in wet/snowy/icy
road conditions and/or when performing emergency maneuvers. In an
emergency lane-change, the driver will experience better overall control
of the vehicle.
Driving conditions which may activate AdvanceTracyinclude:
²Taking a turn too fast
²Evasively maneuvering to avoid an accident, pedestrian or obstacle
²Hitting a patch of ice
²Changing lanes on a snow-rutted road
²Entering a snow-covered side street from a snow-free road
²Entering a gravel road from a paved road
²Driving on slick surfaces
The AdvanceTracysystem is always ON when the engine is running.
The system does not work when the vehicle is traveling backwards. In
reverse, ABS and Traction Controlywill continue to function.
If you are operating the speed control system and road conditions
change causing the AdvanceTracyto activate, the AdvanceTracywill
disengage speed control. When driving conditions permit you can return
to speed control by pressing ªRESUMEº, refer toªSpeed Controlº
section in theControls and featureschapter.
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171

The AdvanceTracyon/off control
button allows the driver to control
the availability of the Traction
Controlyand AdvanceTracy
system. This is independent of the
ABS function, which canNOTbe
switched off by the driver.
The AdvanceTracysystem status is
indicated by a ªTRAC ACTIVEº
indicator light in the instrument
cluster that will illuminate when the system is active. If a failure is
detected, the ªTRAC OFFº indicator light will stay ON, vehicles with a
message center (if equipped) will also display the warning ªCHECK
ADVANCETRACº, have the system serviced immediately.
The AdvanceTracysystem continually monitors and checks all sensors
used in improving the stability of the vehicle. Some drivers may notice a
slight movement of the brake pedal when the system checks itself.
During AdvanceTracyoperation you may experience the following:
²A rumble or clicking sound much like ABS or Traction Controly
²A slight deceleration or a reduction in the acceleration of the vehicle
²The ªTRAC ACTIVEº indicator light will illuminate
²If your foot is on the brake pedal, you will feel a vibration in the pedal
much like ABS. As with any vehicle equipped with four-wheel ABS, do
not pump the brakes, but instead, press firmly on the pedal.
²If your foot is not on the brake, the brake pedal will move to apply
higher brake forces. You may also hear a whoosh of air from under the
instrument panel during this kind of braking.
All these conditions are normal during AdvanceTracyoperation.
Aggressive driving in any road conditions can cause you to lose
control of your vehicle increasing the risk of severe personal
injury or property damage. The occurrence of an AdvanceTracyevent
is an indication that at least some of the tires have exceeded their
ability to grip the road and that you may lose control of the vehicle. If
you experience a severe road event, SLOW DOWN.
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172

These Tire Quality Grades are determined by standards that the United
States Department of Transportation has set.
Tire Quality Grades apply to new pneumatic tires for use on passenger
cars. They do not apply to deep tread, winter-type snow tires,
space-saver or temporary use spare tires, tires with nominal rim
diameters of 10 to 12 inches or limited production tires as defined in
Title 49 Code of Federal Regulations Part 575.104(c)(2).
U.S. Department of Transportation-Tire quality grades:The U.S.
Department of Transportation requires Ford to give you the following
information about tire grades exactly as the government has written it.
Treadwear
The treadwear grade is a comparative rating based on the wear rate of
the tire when tested under controlled conditions on a specified
government test course. For example, a tire graded 150 would wear one
and one-half (1 1/2) times as well on the government course as a tire
graded 100. The relative performance of tires depends upon the actual
conditions of their use, however, and may depart significantly from the
norm due to variations in driving habits, service practices, and
differences in road characteristics and climate.
Traction AA A B C
The traction grades, from highest to lowest are AA, A, B, and C. Those
grades represent the tire's ability to stop on wet pavement as measured
under controlled conditions on specified government test surfaces of
asphalt and concrete. A tire marked C may have poor traction
performance.
The traction grade assigned to this tire is based on
straight-ahead braking traction tests, and does not include
acceleration, cornering, hydroplaning or peak traction characteristics.
Temperature A B C
The temperature grades are A (the highest), B, and C, representing the
tire's resistance to the generation of heat and its ability to dissipate heat
when tested under controlled conditions on a specified indoor laboratory
test wheel. Sustained high temperature can cause the material of the tire
to degenerate and reduce tire life, and excessive temperature can lead to
sudden tire failure. The grade C corresponds to a level of performance
Maintenance and care
231

initial adjustment is completed after driving over 65 km/h (40 mph) for
15 to 20 minutes.
This system may not function properly under the following conditions:
²Uneven tread wear.
²Driving on loose or low traction surfaces such as gravel, snow or slush.
²Using tire chains
²Initial tire pressures out of specified range.
²Two or more under inflated tires.
²Sudden loss of tire pressure.
²Vehicle speeds less than 30 km/h (20 mph), greater than 120 km/h (70
mph) or driving duration less than 10 miles.
²Transporting a heavy load or towing a trailer.
The low tire warning feature can be turned off by your dealer.
Checking the tire pressure
²Use an accurate tire pressure gauge.
²Check the tire pressure when tires are cold, after the vehicle has been
parked for at least one hour or has been driven less than 5 km (3
miles).
²Adjust tire pressure to recommended specifications found on the
Certification Label.
Improperly inflated tires can affect vehicle handling and can fail
suddenly, possibly resulting in loss of vehicle control.
Tire rotation
Because your vehicle's tires perform different jobs, they often wear
differently. To make sure your tires wear evenly and last longer, rotate
them as indicated in the scheduled maintenance guide. If you notice that
the tires wear unevenly, have them checked.
Maintenance and care
233

Failure to follow these precautions may adversely affect the
handling of the vehicle and make it easier for the driver to lose
control and roll over.
Tires that are larger or smaller than your vehicle's original tires may also
affect the accuracy of your speedometer.
SNOW TIRES AND CHAINS
Driving too fast for conditions creates the possibility of loss of
vehicle control. Driving at very high speeds for extended periods
of time may result in damage to vehicle components.
Snow tires must be the same size and grade as the tires you
currently have on your vehicle.
The tires on your vehicle have all weather treads to provide traction in
rain and snow. However, in some climates, you may need to use snow
tires and chains. If you need to use chains, it is recommended that steel
wheels (of the same size and specifications) be used as chains may chip
aluminum wheels.
Follow these guidelines when using snow tires and chains:
²Do not use tire chains with 215/65R16 and P225/60R16 size tires.
²Use only SAE Class S chains.
²Install chains securely, verifying that the chains do not touch any
wiring, brake lines or fuel lines.
²Drive cautiously. If you hear the chains rub or bang against your
vehicle, stop and re-tighten the chains. If this does not work, remove
the chains to prevent damage to your vehicle.
²If possible, avoid fully loading your vehicle.
²Remove the tire chains when they are no longer needed. Do not use
tire chains on dry roads.
²The suspension insulation and bumpers will help prevent vehicle
damage. Do not remove these components from your vehicle when
using snow tires and chains.
Maintenance and care
235

daytime running lights .............27
flash to pass ..............................28
high beam ...........................10, 27
replacing bulbs .......................246
turning on and off ....................27
warning chime ..........................14
Heating ........................................29
heater only system ...................29
rear seat controls .....................37
HomeLink universal
transceiver (see
Garage door opener) ......90, 92±94
Hood ..........................................209
I
Ignition .................................79, 261
Infant seats
(see Safety seats) .....................153
Inspection/maintenance
(I/M) testing ..............................245
Instrument panel
cleaning ...................................255
cluster ..................................8, 255
lighting up panel and interior .28
location of components ..............8
J
Jack ............................................196
positioning ...............................196
storage .....................................196
Jump-starting your vehicle ......202
K
Keyless entry system
autolock ...................................110
locking and unlocking doors ..112programming entry code .......111
Keys ...................................113±115
key in ignition chime ...............14
positions of the ignition ...........79
L
Lamps
autolamp system .......................29
bulb replacement
specifications chart ................250
cargo lamps ...............................28
daytime running light ...............27
headlamps .................................27
headlamps, flash to pass ..........28
instrument panel, dimming .....28
interior lamps .....................95±97
replacing bulbs ...............245±249
Lane change indicator
(see Turn signal) ........................82
Liftgate ..............................117±118
Lights, warning and indicator ......8
air bag ........................................10
anti-lock brakes (ABS) ....10, 168
anti-theft .....................................9
brake ..........................................10
charging system ..........................8
check engine .............................11
door ajar ....................................13
fuel cap light .............................12
fuel reset ...................................13
high beam ...........................10, 13
low fuel ........................................8
low washer fluid .......................13
oil pressure ...............................10
overdrive off ..............................11
safety belt ...................................9
traction control active ................8
traction control off .....................9
turn signal indicator ...................9
Index
281

cleaning the
safety belts ......................143, 256
extension assembly ................139
for adults .........................135±137
for children .....................151±152
lap belt ....................................138
Occupant Classification
Sensor ......................................132
warning light and
chime ...............9, 13±14, 139±140
Safety seats for children ..........153
Seat belts
(see Safety restraints) .............131
Seats ..........................................119
child safety seats ....................153
cleaning ...........................256±257
memory seat .............89, 109, 122
SecuriLock passive
anti-theft system ...............113±115
Servicing your vehicle ..............208
Spark plugs,
specifications .....................257, 261
Specification chart,
lubricants ...........................259, 261
Speed control ..............................79
Speedometer ...............................15
Starting your vehicle ........163, 165
jump starting ..........................202
Steering wheel
tilting .........................................84T
Tachometer .................................15
Tires ...........................196, 230±232
changing ..................196±197, 199
checking the pressure ............233
replacing ..................................234
rotating ....................................233
snow tires and chains ............235
tire grades ...............................231
treadwear ................................231
Towing .......................................180
recreational towing .................183
trailer towing ..........................180
wrecker ....................................207
Traction control ..................78, 169
active light ..................................8
off light ........................................9
Transaxle
automatic operation ...............173
fluid, refill capacities ..............258
lubricant specifications ..........261
Transmission
fluid, checking and adding
(automatic) .............................222
lubricant specifications ..........259
Trip odometer .............................16
Turn signal ........................9, 14, 82
V
Vehicle dimensions ...................261
Vehicle Identification Number
(VIN) ..........................................263
Vehicle loading ..........................178
Ventilating your vehicle ...........166
Index
283