traction control LINCOLN NAVIGATOR 2004 Owners Manual

These are some of the symbols you may see on your vehicle.
Vehicle Symbol Glossary
Safety Alert See Owner ’ s Guide
Fasten Safety Belt Air Bag-Front
Air Bag-Side Child Seat
Child Seat Installation
Warning Child Seat Lower
Anchor
Child Seat Tether
Anchor Brake System
Anti-Lock Brake System Brake Fluid -
Non-Petroleum Based
Traction Control AdvanceTrac

Master Lighting Switch Hazard Warning Flasher
Fog Lamps-Front Fuse Compartment
Fuel Pump Reset Windshield Wash/Wipe
Windshield
Defrost/Demist Rear Window
Defrost/Demist
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CHECK CHARGING SYSTEM. Displayed when the electrical system is
not maintaining proper voltage. If you are operating electrical accessories
when the engine is idling at a low speed, turn off as many of the
electrical loads as soon as possible. If the warning stays on or comes on
when the engine is operating at normal speeds, have the electrical
system checked as soon as possible.
LOW BRAKE FLUID LEVEL. Indicates the brake fluid level is low and
the brake system should be inspected immediately. Refer to Checking
and adding brake fluid in the Maintenance and specifications
chapter.
LOW OIL PRESSURE. Displayed when the engine oil pressure is low. If
this warning message is displayed, check the level of the engine oil.
Refer to Engine oil in the Maintenance and specifications chapter for
information about adding engine oil. If the oil level is OK and this
warning persists, shut down the engine immediately and contact your
dealership for service.
LOW WASHER FLUID LEVEL. Indicates the washer fluid reservoir is
less than one quarter full. Check the washer fluid level. Refer to
Windshield washer fluid in the Maintenance and specifications
chapter.
CHECK ADVTRAC. Displayed when the AdvanceTrac
system is not
operating properly. If this message is displayed on the message center
the AdvanceTrac
system may be partially operable. If this warning
stays on while the engine is running, contact your dealer for service as
soon as possible. For further information, refer to AdvanceTrac

stability enhancement system in the Driving chapter.
ADVTRAC OFF T/C ON. Displayed on 4x4 vehicles only when 4x4 Low
Range is selected. In this mode, the stability enhancement portion of the
AdvanceTrac
is disabled, but the traction enhancement feature remains
enabled. For further information, refer to AdvanceTrac
stability
enhancement system in the Driving chapter.
CHECK SUSPENSION. Displayed when the air suspension system is
not operating properly. If this message is displayed while driving, pull off
the road as soon as safely possible. For more information, refer to Air
suspension in the Driving chapter.
SUSPENSION SWITCHED OFF. Displayed when the air suspension
switch is in the OFF position. For more information, refer to Air
suspension in the Driving chapter.
CHECK FUEL CAP. Displayed when the fuel filler cap is not properly
installed. Check the fuel filler cap for proper installation. Refer to Fuel
filler cap in the Maintenance and specifications chapter.
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A driver ’ s first responsibility is the safe operation of the vehicle.
The most important thing you can do to prevent a crash is to
avoid distractions and pay attention to the road. Wait until it is safe to
operate Mobile Communications Equipment.
Rear center console features (if equipped)
The rear center console incorporates the following features:
• utility compartment
• cupholders
POSITIVE RETENTION FLOOR MAT
Position the driver floor mat so that
the eyelet is over the pointed end of
the retention post and rotate
forward to lock in. Make sure that
the mat does not interfere with the
operation of the accelerator or the
brake pedal. To remove the floor
mat, reverse the installation
procedure.
POWER LIFTGATE (IF EQUIPPED)
The liftgate can be operated by the following:
• overhead console button
• key fob button
• outside release handle
The Overhead console button and Key fob features will only operate the
liftgate with the vehicle in P (Park).
WARNING: Make sure all persons are clear of the power liftgate
area before using the power liftgate control.
Keep keys out of reach of children. Do not allow children to play
near an open or moving power liftgate.
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Vehicles with a higher center of gravity such as utility and
four-wheel drive vehicles handle differently than vehicles with a
lower center of gravity. Utility and four-wheel drive vehicles are not
designed for cornering at speeds as high as passenger cars any more
than low-slung sports cars are designed to perform satisfactorily under
off-road conditions. Avoid sharp turns, excessive speed and abrupt
maneuvers in these vehicles. Failure to drive cautiously could result in
an increased risk of loss of vehicle control, vehicle rollover, personal
injury and death.
Loaded vehicles, with a higher center of gravity, may handle
differently than unloaded vehicles. Extra precautions, such as
slower speeds and increased stopping distance, should be taken when
driving a heavily loaded vehicle.
Your vehicle has the capability to haul more cargo and people than most
passenger cars. Depending upon the type and placement of the load,
hauling people and cargo may raise the center of gravity of the vehicle.
Use extra caution while becoming familiar with your vehicle. Know the
capabilities and limitations of both you as a driver and your vehicle.
ROLL STABILITY CONTROL STABILITY ENHANCEMENT SYSTEM
(IF EQUIPPED)
The Roll Stability Control system provides a stability enhancement
feature as well as a traction enhancement feature. It helps your vehicle
maintain traction, when driving on slippery and/or hilly road surfaces, by
detecting and controlling wheel spin. Excessive wheel spin is controlled
by momentarily reducing engine power and rapidly applying the anti-lock
brakes. The system is a driver aid which makes your vehicle easier to
handle primarily on snow and ice-covered roads.
If your vehicle should become stuck in deep snow or mud, try switching
the Roll Stability Control system off by pressing the Roll Stability Control
button. This will allow your tires to “ dig ” for traction.
If the Roll Stability Control system is activated and deactivated
excessively in a short period of time, the brake portion of the system will
shut down to allow the brakes to cool down. A limited Roll Stability
Control function using only engine power reduction will still help control
the wheels from over-spinning. When the 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.
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Roll Stability Control enhances your vehicle ’ s stability during maneuvers
that require all available tire traction, like in wet/snowy/icy road
conditions and/or when performing emergency maneuvers. In an
emergency lane-change, the driver will experience better overall vehicle
traction, and have better control of the vehicle.
The Roll Stability Control system helps the driver maintain steering
control if the vehicle begins to slide excessively left or right or spin out.
Roll Stability Control will attempt to correct the sliding motion by
applying brake force at individual tires and, if necessary, by reducing
engine power.
Driving conditions which may activate Roll Stability Control include:
• Taking a turn too fast
• Maneuvering quickly to avoid an accident, pedestrian or obstacle
• Hitting a patch of ice
• Changing lanes on a snow-rutted road
• Entering a snow-free road from a snow-covered side street, or vice
versa
• Entering a paved road from a gravel road, or vice versa
• Hitting a curb while turning
• Driving on slick surfaces
• Cornering while towing a heavily loaded trailer (refer to Trailer
Towing in this chapter)
The Roll Stability Control (RSC) system works in to further enhance the
vehicle ’ s overall stability during aggressive maneuvers. The system helps
maintain roll stability of the vehicle during aggressive maneuvers by
applying brake force to one or more wheels.
Driving conditions that may activate Roll Stability Control include:
• Emergency lane-change
• Taking a turn too fast
• Quick maneuvering to avoid an accident, pedestrian or obstacle
• Hitting a curb while turning
The Roll Stability Control system automatically turns on when the engine
is started. However, the system does not function when the vehicle is
traveling in R (Reverse) or, if equipped with four-wheel drive, in 4L (4X4
LOW). In R (Reverse) or in 4L (4X4 LOW), ABS and the traction
enhancement feature will continue to function.
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The Roll Stability Control button
allows the driver to control the
availability of the Roll Stability
Control system. The Roll Stability
Control system status is indicated
by a warning indicator light with a
“ sliding car ” icon in the instrument cluster that will flash when the
system is activated and an indicator light in the control button that will
illuminate when the system is turned off. In vehicles with a message
center, the message “ Roll Stability Control OFF ” will be displayed.
If a failure is detected in the Roll Stability Control system, the warning
indicator light in the instrument cluster will stay on. If the warning
indicator light in the instrument cluster remains on while the engine is
running, have the system serviced immediately.
Pressing the button once will disable the Roll Stability Control stability
enhancement and the engine power reduction portion of the traction
enhancement feature; the brake portion of the traction enhancement
feature will still function normally. Pressing and holding the button for
more than five seconds will disable the Roll Stability Control stability
enhancement and traction enhancement feature. If the vehicle is stuck
in snow or mud or when driving in deep sand, switching off the Roll
Stability Control system may be beneficial so the wheels are allowed to
spin. If your vehicle seems to lose engine power while driving in deep
sand or very deep snow, switching off the Roll Stability Control stability
enhancement feature will restore full engine power and will enhance
momentum through the obstacle.
Some drivers may notice a slight movement of the brake pedal when the
Roll Stability Control performs a system self-check. During Roll Stability
Control operation you may experience the following:
• A rumble or grinding noise
• A slight deceleration of the vehicle
• The Roll Stability Control indicator light will flash
• If your foot is on the brake pedal, you will feel a vibration in the
pedal.
• If the driving condition is severe and 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 severe
condition.
All these conditions are normal during Roll Stability Control operation. O
F
F
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Positions of the Control Trac system
The Control Trac system functions
in four modes:
• 2H (2WD HIGH) delivers power
to the rear wheels only. This is
appropriate for normal on-road
driving on dry pavement.
• A4WD (4X4 AUTO) provides
electronic control four-wheel
drive with power delivered to all
four wheels, as required, for
increased traction. This is appropriate for all on-road driving
conditions, such as dry road surfaces, wet pavement, snow or gravel.
• 4H (4X4 HIGH) provides mechanically locked four-wheel drive power
to front and rear wheels. The “ 4X4 ” light will illuminate in the
instrument cluster when this position is selected. This position is not
recommended for use on dry pavement. This position is only intended
for severe winter or off-road conditions, such as deep snow, ice or
shallow sand.
• 4L (4X4 LOW) provides mechanically locked four-wheel drive when
extra power at reduced speeds is required. The “ 4X4 LOW ” light will
illuminate in the instrument cluster when this position is selected.
This position is not recommended for use on dry pavement. Use this
position for off-road low-speed operation or when extra power is
required, such as climbing steep grades, going through deep sand or
pulling a boat out of the water.
Note: If your vehicle is equipped with AdvanceTrac
, the
AdvanceTrac
system will automatically turn off the stability
enhancement feature when you shift the Control Trac A4WD system into
4L (4X4 LOW). The brake traction enhancement feature will still be
enabled.
The AdvanceTrac
stability enhancement system can be turned off
manually by pressing the AdvanceTrac
button (refer to AdvanceTrac

Stability Enhancement System in this chapter) while operating in 2H,
A4WD or 4H while driving in deep sand, very deep snow or more
strenuous off-road maneuvers. This will disable the engine management
feature, allowing the vehicle to maintain full power and enhanced
momentum through the obstacle.
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called for. Avoid abrupt steering, acceleration or braking which could
result in an increased risk of loss of vehicle control, vehicle rollover
and/or personal injury. Use all available road surface to return the
vehicle to a safe direction of travel.
• In the event of an emergency stop, avoid skidding the tires and do not
attempt any sharp steering wheel movements.
Vehicles with a higher center of gravity such as utility and
four-wheel drive vehicles handle differently than vehicles with a
lower center of gravity. Utility and four-wheel drive vehicles are not
designed for cornering at speeds as high as passenger cars any more
than low-slung sports cars are designed to perform satisfactorily under
off-road conditions. Avoid sharp turns, excessive speed and abrupt
maneuvers in these vehicles. Failure to drive cautiously could result in
an increased risk of loss of vehicle control, vehicle rollover, personal
injury and death.
• If the vehicle goes from one type of surface to another (i.e., from
concrete to gravel) there will be a change in the way the vehicle
responds to a maneuver (steering, acceleration or braking). Again,
avoid these abrupt inputs.
Control Trac four – wheel drive system
When a four – wheel drive mode is selected, the Control Trac system uses
all four wheels to power the vehicle. This increases traction, enabling
you to drive over terrain and road conditions that a conventional
two-wheel drive vehicle cannot.
Power is supplied to all four wheels
through a transfer case. On
four – wheel drive vehicles, the
transfer case allows you to select
four – wheel drive when necessary.
Information on transfer case
operation and shifting procedures
can be found in this chapter.
Information on transfer case maintenance can be found in the
Maintenance and specifications chapter. You should become
thoroughly familiar with this information before you operate your vehicle.
Normal characteristics
On some four – wheel drive models, the initial shift from two-wheel drive
to four – wheel drive while the vehicle is moving can cause some
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slick mud. As when you are driving over sand, apply the accelerator
slowly and avoid spinning your wheels. If the vehicle does slide, steer in
the direction of the slide until you regain control of the vehicle.
If the transmission, transfer case or front axle are submerged in water,
their fluids should be checked and changed, if necessary.
Driving through deep water may damage the transmission.
If the front or rear axle is submerged in water, the axle lubricant should
be replaced.
After driving through mud, clean off residue stuck to rotating driveshafts
and tires. Excess mud stuck on tires and rotating driveshafts causes an
imbalance that could damage drive components.
“ Tread Lightly ” is an educational
program designed to increase public
awareness of land-use regulations
and responsibilities in our nations
wilderness areas. Ford Motor
Company joins the U.S. Forest Service and the Bureau of Land
Management in encouraging you to help preserve our national forest and
other public and private lands by “ treading lightly. ”
Driving on hilly or sloping terrain
Although natural obstacles may make it necessary to travel diagonally up
or down a hill or steep incline, you should always try to drive straight up
or straight down. Avoid driving crosswise or turning on steep
slopes or hills . A danger lies in losing traction, slipping sideways and
possibly rolling over. Whenever driving on a hill, determine beforehand
the route you will use. Do not drive over the crest of a hill without
seeing what conditions are on the other side. Do not drive in reverse
over a hill without the aid of an observer.
When climbing a steep slope or hill,
start in a lower gear rather than
downshifting to a lower gear from a
higher gear once the ascent has
started. This reduces strain on the
engine and the possibility of stalling.
If you do stall out, do not try to
turn around because you might roll
over. It is better to back down to a
safe location.
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Apply just enough power to the wheels to climb the hill. Too much
power will cause the tires to slip, spin or lose traction, resulting in loss of
vehicle control.
Descend a hill in the same gear you
would use to climb up the hill to
avoid excessive brake application
and brake overheating. Do not
descend in neutral; instead,
disengage overdrive or manually
shift to a lower gear. When
descending a steep hill, avoid
sudden hard braking as you could
lose control. When you brake hard,
the front wheels can ’ t turn and if
they aren ’ t turning, you won ’ tbe
able to steer. The front wheels have to be turning in order to steer the
vehicle. Rapid pumping of the brake pedal will help you slow the vehicle
and still maintain steering control.
If your vehicle has anti-lock brakes, apply the brakes steadily. Do not
“ pump ” the brakes.
Driving on snow and ice
Four – wheel drive vehicles have advantages over two – wheel drive
vehicles in snow and ice but can skid like any other vehicle.
Should you start to slide while driving on snowy or icy roads, turn the
steering wheel in the direction of the slide until you regain control.
Avoid sudden applications of power and quick changes of direction on
snow and ice. Apply the accelerator slowly and steadily when starting
from a full stop.
Avoid sudden braking as well. Although a four – wheel drive vehicle may
accelerate better than a two-wheel drive vehicle in snow and ice, it won ’ t
stop any faster, because as in other vehicles, braking occurs at all four
wheels. Do not become overconfident as to road conditions.
Make sure you allow sufficient distance between you and other vehicles
for stopping. Drive slower than usual and consider using one of the lower
gears. In emergency stopping situations, apply the brake forcefully and
steadily. Do not “ pump ” the brakes. Refer to the Brakes section of this
chapter for additional information on the operation of the anti-lock brake
system.
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