Lincoln Continental (2019 year). Manual - part 13

Operating AWD Vehicles With Spare
or Mismatched Tires

WARNING: Only use replacement

tires and wheels that are the same size,
load index, speed rating and type (such as
P-metric versus LT-metric or all-season
versus all-terrain) as those originally
provided by Ford. The recommended tire
and wheel size may be found on either the
Safety Compliance Certification Label
(affixed to either the door hinge pillar,
door-latch post, or the door edge that
meets the door-latch post, next to the
driver’s seating position), or the Tire Label
which is located on the B-Pillar or edge of
the driver’s door. If this information is not
found on these labels, then you should
contact your authorized dealer as soon as
possible. Use of any tire or wheel not
recommended by Ford can affect the
safety and performance of your vehicle,
which could result in an increased risk of
loss of vehicle control, vehicle rollover,
personal injury and death.

A spare tire of a different size other than the
tire provided should never be used. The
AWD system may disable automatically and
enter front-wheel drive only mode to protect
driveline components if a non-full sized tire
is installed. This condition may display an
AWD OFF message in the information
display. If there is an AWD OFF message in
the information display from using a non-full
sized spare tire, this indicator should turn off
after reinstalling the repaired or replaced
normal road tire and cycling the ignition off
and on. It is recommended to reinstall the
repaired or replaced road tire as soon as
possible.

Major dissimilar tire sizes between the front
and rear axles (for example, 17 inch low
profile tires on the front axle and 22 inch high
profile tires on the rear axle) could cause the
AWD system to stop functioning and default
to front-wheel drive or damage the AWD
system. However, the AWD system is
capable of tolerating any combination of new
and worn tires of the same original tire size.
For example, using 3 worn tread tires and 1
new tread tire all of the same original tire
size, can be tolerated by the AWD system.

Driving In Special Conditions With All-
Wheel Drive (AWD)

AWD vehicles are equipped for driving on
sand, snow, mud and rough roads and have
operating characteristics that are somewhat
different from conventional vehicles, both on
and off the highway.

When driving at slow speeds in deep sand
under high outside temperatures, use a low
gear when possible. Lower gear operation
will maximize the engine and transmission
cooling capability.

Under severe operating conditions, the A/C
may cycle on and off to protect overheating
of the engine.

Basic operating principles in special
conditions

•

Drive slower in strong crosswinds which
can affect the normal steering
characteristics of your vehicle.

•

Be extremely careful when driving on
pavement made slippery by loose sand,
water, gravel, snow or ice.

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All-Wheel Drive

 (If Equipped)

If Your Vehicle Goes Off the Edge of the
Pavement

•

If your vehicle goes off the edge of the
pavement, slow down, but avoid severe
brake application, ease the vehicle back
onto the pavement only after reducing
your speed. Do not turn the steering
wheel too sharply while returning to the
road surface.

•

It may be safer to stay on the apron or
shoulder of the road and slow down
gradually before returning to the
pavement. You may lose control if you
do not slow down or if you turn the
steering wheel too sharply or abruptly.

•

It often may be less risky to strike small
objects, such as highway reflectors, with
minor damage to your vehicle rather than
attempt a sudden return to the pavement
which could cause the vehicle to slide
sideways out of control or rollover.
Remember, your safety and the safety of
others should be your primary concern.

If Your Vehicle Gets Stuck

WARNING: Always set the parking

brake fully and make sure you shift the
gearshift lever to park (P). Switch the
ignition off and remove the key whenever
you leave your vehicle.

WARNING: If the parking brake is

fully released, but the brake warning lamp
remains illuminated, the brakes may not
be working properly. Have your vehicle
checked as soon as possible.

WARNING: Do not spin the wheels

at over 34 mph (55 km/h). The tires may
fail and injure a passenger or bystander.

Note: Do not rock the vehicle if the engine
is not at normal operating temperature or
damage to the transmission may occur.

Note: Do not rock the vehicle for more than
a few minutes or damage to the transmission
and tires may occur or the engine may
overheat.

If your vehicle gets stuck in mud or snow it
may be rocked out by shifting between
forward and reverse gears, stopping
between shifts, in a steady pattern. Press
lightly on the accelerator in each gear.

If your vehicle is equipped with
AdvanceTrac® with Roll Stability Control™, it
may be beneficial to disengage the
AdvanceTrac® with Roll Stability Control™
system while attempting to rock the vehicle.

Emergency Maneuvers

•

In an unavoidable emergency situation
where a sudden sharp turn must be
made, remember to avoid "over-driving"
your vehicle (that is, turn the steering
wheel only as rapidly and as far as
required to avoid the emergency).
Excessive steering will result in less
vehicle control, not more. Additionally,
smooth variations of the accelerator
and/or brake pedal pressure should be
utilized if changes in vehicle speed are
called for. Avoid abrupt steering,

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All-Wheel Drive

 (If Equipped)

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.

•

If the vehicle goes from one type of
surface to another (that is, 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.

Sand

Most of the time traction control improves
tire traction by managing wheel slip through
Brake, Engine, and AWD calibrations.
However, during low speed driving, disabling
traction control in deep sand can help keep
the wheels moving to maintain vehicle
momentum.

When driving over sand, try to keep all four
wheels on the most solid area of the trail.
Avoid reducing the tire pressures but shift
to a lower gear and drive steadily through
the terrain. Apply the accelerator slowly and
avoid spinning the wheels.

Do not drive your vehicle in deep sand for
an extended period of time. This could cause
the AWD system to overheat and default to
front-wheel drive. If this occurs, an AWD OFF
message displays in the information display.
To resume normal AWD function as soon as
possible, stop the vehicle in a safe location
and stop the engine for at least 10 minutes.
After the engine has been restarted and the
AWD system has adequately cooled, the
AWD OFF message turns off and normal
AWD function returns. In the event the
engine is not stopped, the AWD OFF
message turns off when the system cools
and normal AWD function returns.

When driving at slow speeds in deep sand
under high outside temperatures, use L (Low)
gear when possible. L (Low) gear operation
will maximize the engine and transmission
cooling capability.

Under severe operating conditions, the A/C
may cycle on and off to protect overheating
of the engine.

Avoid excessive speed because vehicle
momentum can work against you and cause
the vehicle to become stuck to the point that
assistance may be required from another
vehicle. Remember, you may be able to back
out the way you came if you proceed with
caution.

Mud and Water

If you must drive through high water, drive
slowly. Traction or brake capability may be
limited.

When driving through water, determine the
depth; avoid water higher than the bottom
of the wheel rims (for cars) or the bottom of
the hubs (for trucks) (if possible) and proceed
slowly. If the ignition system gets wet, the
vehicle may stall.

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All-Wheel Drive

 (If Equipped)

Once through water, always try the brakes.
Wet brakes do not stop the vehicle as
effectively as dry brakes. Drying can be
improved by moving your vehicle slowly
while applying light pressure on the brake
pedal.

Be cautious of sudden changes in vehicle
speed or direction when you are driving in
mud. Even AWD vehicles can lose traction
in 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.

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.

Note: Driving through deep water may
damage the transmission.

If the front or rear axle is submerged in water,
have the power transfer unit (PTU) or rear
axle serviced by an authorized dealer.

Driving on Hilly or Sloping Terrain

Note: 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.

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.

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 turnaround
because you might roll over. It is better to
back down to a safe location.

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.

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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. The
front wheels have to be turning in order to
steer the vehicle.

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All-Wheel Drive

 (If Equipped)

Your vehicle has anti-lock brakes, therefore
apply the brakes steadily. Do not “pump” the
brakes.

Driving on Snow and Ice

WARNING: If you are driving in

slippery conditions that require tire chains
or cables, then it is critical that you drive
cautiously. Keep speeds down, allow for
longer stopping distances and avoid
aggressive steering to reduce the chances
of a loss of vehicle control which can lead
to serious injury or death. If the rear end
of your vehicle slides while cornering, steer
in the direction of the slide until you regain
control of your vehicle.

Note: Your vehicle may have original
equipment tires designed to optimize the
performance of your vehicle in dry or wet
summer road conditions. If your vehicle is
equipped with such tires, we recommend
using a dedicated set (all 4 tires) of winter
tires in snow and ice conditions. Do not mix
winter tires and performance tires between
axles or degraded traction and handling
characteristics could result.

Note: Excessive tire slippage can cause
driveline damage.

AWD vehicles have advantages over
two-wheel drive (2WD) 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.

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All-Wheel Drive

 (If Equipped)

E223901

A

B

Direction of travel.

A

Steering wheel rotation.

B

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 an
AWD 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 steadily.
Since your vehicle is equipped with a four
wheel (ABS), do not “pump” the brakes.  See
Hints on Driving With Anti-Lock Brakes
(page 207).

Maintenance and Modifications

The suspension and steering systems on
your vehicle have been designed and tested
to provide predictable performance whether
loaded or empty and durable load carrying
capability. For this reason, Ford Motor
Company strongly recommends that you do
not make modifications such as adding or
removing parts (such as lowering kits or
stabilizer bars) or by using replacement parts
not equivalent to the original factory
equipment.

Any modifications to a vehicle that raise the
center of gravity can make it more likely the
vehicle will rollover as a result of a loss of
control. Ford Motor Company recommends
that caution be used with any vehicle
equipped with a high load or device (such
as ladder or luggage racks).

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All-Wheel Drive

 (If Equipped)

Failure to maintain your vehicle properly may
void the warranty, increase your repair cost,
reduce vehicle performance and operational
capabilities and adversely affect driver and
passenger safety. Frequent inspection of
vehicle chassis components is recommended
if the vehicle is subjected to off-highway
usage.

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All-Wheel Drive

 (If Equipped)

GENERAL INFORMATION

Note:  Occasional brake noise is normal.  If
a metal-to-metal, continuous grinding or
continuous squeal sound is present, the
brake linings may be worn-out and an
authorized dealer should check them.  If the
vehicle has continuous vibration or shudder
in the steering wheel while braking, an
authorized dealer should check your vehicle.

Note:  Brake dust may accumulate on the
wheels, even under normal driving
conditions.  Some dust is inevitable as the
brakes wear and does not contribute to
brake noise.   See Cleaning the Wheels
(page 339).

Wet brakes result in reduced braking
efficiency.  Gently press the brake pedal a
few times when driving from a car wash or
standing water to dry the brakes.

Brake Over Accelerator

In the event the accelerator pedal becomes
stuck or entrapped, apply steady and firm
pressure to the brake pedal to slow the
vehicle and reduce engine power.  If you
experience this condition, apply the brakes
and bring your vehicle to a safe stop.  Switch
the engine off, move the transmission to park
(P) and apply the parking brake. Inspect the
accelerator pedal and the area around it for
any items or debris that may be obstructing
its movement. If none are found and the
condition persists, have your vehicle towed
to the nearest authorized dealer.

Emergency Brake Assist

Emergency brake assist detects when you
brake heavily by measuring the rate at which
you press the brake pedal.  It provides
maximum braking efficiency as long as you
press the pedal.  Emergency brake assist
can reduce stopping distances in critical
situations.

Anti-lock Brake System

This system helps you maintain steering
control during emergency stops by keeping
the brakes from locking.

This lamp momentarily illuminates
when you switch the ignition on. If
the light does not illuminate during

start up, remains on or flashes, the anti-lock
braking system may be disabled. Have the
system checked by an authorized dealer. If
the anti-lock brake system is disabled,
normal braking is still effective.

See Warning Lamps and Indicators (page
107).

Note: Indicators vary depending on region.

E270480

This lamp also illuminates
momentarily when you switch the
ignition on to confirm the lamp is
functional. If it does not illuminate
when you switch the ignition on,
or begins to flash at any time, have

the system checked by an authorized dealer.
If the brake warning lamp illuminates with
the parking brake released, have the system
checked immediately.

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Brakes

HINTS ON DRIVING WITH ANTI-
LOCK BRAKES

The anti-lock braking system does not
eliminate the risks when:
•

You drive too closely to the vehicle in
front of you.

•

Your vehicle is hydroplaning.

•

You take corners too fast.

•

The road surface is poor.

Note:  If the system activates, the brake
pedal may pulse and may travel further. 
Maintain pressure on the brake pedal.  You
may also hear a noise from the system.  This
is normal.

ELECTRIC PARKING BRAKE

WARNING: Always fully apply the

parking brake and make sure you shift into
park (P). Failure to follow this instruction
could result in personal injury or death.

WARNING: If you drive extended

distances with the parking brake applied,
you could cause damage to the brake
system.

WARNING: The electric parking

brake does not operate if the vehicle
battery is running out of charge.

Your vehicle has an electric parking brake.
You operate it with a switch instead of a
lever. The switch is on the center console or
to the left-hand side of the steering wheel,
on the lower part of the instrument panel.

Note: The electric parking brake makes
noises during operation. This is normal.

Applying the Electric Parking Brake

E267156

Pull the switch upward.

E270480

The red warning lamp flashes
during operation and illuminates
when the parking brake is applied.

Note: It remains illuminated for a short
period of time after you switch the ignition
off.

If it continues to flash or does not illuminate,
the system has malfunctioned.  Have your
vehicle checked as soon as possible.

Note: You can apply the electric parking
brake when the ignition is off.

Note: The electric parking brake could
automatically apply when you shift into park
(P).  See Transmission (page 191).

Applying the Electric Parking Brake in an
Emergency

Note: Do not apply the electric parking brake
when your vehicle is moving, except in an
emergency. If you repeatedly use the electric
parking brake to slow or stop your vehicle,
you could cause damage to the brake
system.

You can use the electric parking brake to
slow or stop your vehicle in an emergency.

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Brakes

E267156

Pull the switch upward and hold it.

E270480

The red warning lamp illuminates,
a tone sounds and the stoplamps
turn on.

The electric parking brake continues to slow
your vehicle down unless you release the
switch.

Manually Releasing the Electric Parking
Brake

Switch the ignition on.

Press and hold the brake pedal.

E267156

Push the switch downward.

E270480

The red warning lamp turns off.

If it remains illuminated or flashes, the system
has malfunctioned.  Have your vehicle
checked as soon as possible.

Pulling Away on a Hill When Towing a
Trailer

Press and hold the brake pedal.

E267156

Pull the switch upward and hold it.

Shift into gear.

Press the accelerator pedal until engine has
developed sufficient torque to prevent your
vehicle from rolling down the hill.

E267156

Release the switch and pull away
in a normal manner.

Automatically Releasing the Electric
Parking Brake

Close the driver door.

Shift into gear.

Press the accelerator pedal and pull away in
a normal manner.

E270480

The red warning lamp turns off.

If it remains illuminated or flashes, the electric
parking brake has not released. Manually
release the parking brake.

Releasing the Electric Parking Brake if
the Vehicle Battery is Running Out of
Charge

Connect a booster battery to the vehicle
battery to release the electric parking brake
if the vehicle battery is running out of charge.
See Jump Starting the Vehicle (page 278).

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Brakes

HILL START ASSIST

WARNING: The system does not

replace the parking brake. When you leave
your vehicle, always apply the parking
brake and shift the transmission into park
(P) for automatic transmission or first gear
for manual transmission.

WARNING: You must remain in your

vehicle when the system turns on. At all
times, you are responsible for controlling
your vehicle, supervising the system and
intervening, if required. Failure to take care
may result in the loss of control of your
vehicle, serious personal injury or death.

WARNING: The system turns off if

there is a malfunction or if you excessively
rev the engine.

The system makes it easier to pull away
when your vehicle is on a slope without the
need to use the parking brake.

When the system activates, your vehicle
remains stationary on a slope for a few
seconds after you release the brake pedal.
This allows you time to move your foot from
the brake to the accelerator pedal. The
brakes release when the engine has
developed sufficient torque to prevent your
vehicle from rolling down the slope. This is
an advantage when pulling away on a slope,
for example from a car park ramp, traffic
lights or when reversing uphill into a parking
space.

The system activates on any slope that
causes your vehicle to roll.

Note: There is no warning lamp to indicate
the system is either on or off.

Using Hill Start Assist

1. Press the brake pedal to bring your

vehicle to a complete standstill. Keep the
brake pedal pressed and shift into first
gear when facing uphill or reverse (R)
when facing downhill.

2. The system activates if the sensors

detect that your vehicle is on a slope.

3. When you remove your foot from the

brake pedal, your vehicle remains on the
slope without rolling away for a few
seconds. This hold time increases if you
are in the process of driving off.

4. Pull away in the normal manner.

Switching the System On and Off

Vehicles with Manual Transmission

You can switch this feature on or off in the
information display.  The system remembers
the last setting when you start your vehicle.

Vehicles with Automatic Transmission

The system turns on when you switch the
ignition on and you cannot switch the system
off.

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Brakes

AUTO HOLD

WARNING: The system does not

replace the parking brake. When you leave
your vehicle, always apply the parking
brake.

WARNING: You must remain in your

vehicle when the system turns on. At all
times, you are responsible for controlling
your vehicle, supervising the system and
intervening, if required. Failure to take care
may result in the loss of control of your
vehicle, serious personal injury or death.

WARNING: The system will turn off

if a malfunction is apparent or if you rev
the engine excessively. Failure to take care
may result in the loss of control of your
vehicle, serious personal injury or death.

Auto Hold uses your vehicle's brake to hold
your vehicle at a stop once your vehicle has
reached a standstill condition. For example,
Auto Hold can assist you while stopping at
traffic lights or while in traffic jams by holding
the brake pressure for you once you bring
your vehicle to a stop.

Switch Auto Hold off during vehicle or trailer
towing.

Note: In case of a malfunction in the system
while Auto Hold actively holds the vehicle
(for example, low power supply), a message
appears in the information display asking
you to press the brake pedal. If you see this
message, press the brake pedal
immediately.

Note:  Auto Hold only activates if the system
recognizes it is applying enough brake
pressure. On a steep hill or slope, make sure
you press the brake pedal sufficiently to
activate the Auto Hold system.

Note: In some cases, Auto Hold might hand
over to the parking brake. When the parking
brake applies, the red brake lamp appears.
This is normal. When you press the
accelerator pedal, the drive away release
feature releases the parking brake.

Note: Auto Hold works on all road grades.

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Brakes

Press the Auto Hold button to switch the
system on and off. The Auto Hold indicator
light illuminates in the Auto Hold button
when the system is on.

Note: You can only switch Auto Hold on if
you close the door and fasten your seatbelt.

Note: The system remembers the last setting
when you start your vehicle.

Note: When in reverse (R), Auto Hold does
not function.

When Auto Hold is off, your vehicle behaves
the same as a vehicle without Auto Hold.

There is an Auto Hold indicator lamp in the
instrument cluster that has two modes, active
and unavailable.

E197933

The Auto Hold (ACTIVE) indicator
light illuminates in the information
display when the system holds

your vehicle stationary. When in active mode,
press the brake pedal and the Auto Hold
button to switch Auto Hold off.

E197934

The Auto Hold (UNAVAILABLE)
indicator light illuminates in the
information display when the

system is on but unavailable to hold your
vehicle (for example, during Active Park
Assist, Stay in Neutral Mode, or when you
do not fasten your seatbelt or close the
door).

Note: Make sure you switch off Auto Hold
or use the Stay in Neutral mode before you
enter a car wash.  See Automatic
Transmission (page 191).

Using Auto Hold

1. Bring your vehicle to a stop by pressing

the brake pedal. After coming to a stop,
the green Auto Hold (ACTIVE) indicator
lamp illuminates in the information
display.

2. Release the brake pedal. The Auto Hold

(ACTIVE) indicator light remains
illuminated in the information display and
Auto Hold will hold your vehicle at a stop.

3. When you press the accelerator pedal,

Auto Hold releases the brakes and allows
you to drive off. Once you drive off, the
green Auto Hold (ACTIVE) indicator no
longer illuminates in the information
display.

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Brakes

PRINCIPLE OF OPERATION

The traction control system helps avoid drive
wheel spin and loss of traction.

If your vehicle begins to slide, the system
applies the brakes to individual wheels and,
when needed, reduces engine power at the
same time. If the wheels spin when
accelerating on slippery or loose surfaces,
the system reduces engine power in order
to increase traction.

USING TRACTION CONTROL

WARNING: The stability and traction

control light illuminates steadily if the
system detects a failure. Make sure you
did not manually disable the traction
control system using the information
display controls or the switch. If the stability
control and traction control light is still

illuminating steadily, have the system
serviced by an authorized dealer
immediately. Operating your vehicle with
the traction control disabled could lead to
an increased risk of loss of vehicle control,
vehicle rollover, personal injury and death.

The system automatically turns on each time
you switch the ignition on.

If your vehicle is stuck in mud or snow,
switching traction control off may be
beneficial as this allows the wheels to spin.

Note: When you switch traction control off,
stability control remains fully active.

Switching the System Off

When you switch the system off or on, a
message appears in the information display
showing system status.

You can switch the system off by either using
the information display controls or the switch.

Using the Information Display Controls

You can switch this feature off or on in the
information display. See General Information
(page 112).

Using a Switch

 (If Equipped)

Use the traction control switch on the
instrument panel to switch the system off or
on.

System Indicator Lights and Messages

E138639

The stability and traction control
light:

•

Temporarily illuminates on engine
start-up.

•

Flashes when a driving condition
activates either of the systems.

•

Illuminates if a problem occurs in either
of the systems.

E130458

The stability and traction control
off light temporarily illuminates on
engine start-up and stays on when

you switch the traction control system off.

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Traction Control

PRINCIPLE OF OPERATION

WARNING: Vehicle modifications

involving braking system, aftermarket roof
racks, suspension, steering system, tire
construction and wheel and tire size may
change the handling characteristics of your
vehicle and may adversely affect the
performance of the electronic stability
control system. In addition, installing any
stereo loudspeakers may interfere with
and adversely affect the electronic stability
control system. Install any aftermarket
stereo loudspeaker as far as possible from
the front center console, the tunnel, and
the front seats in order to minimize the risk
of interfering with the electronic stability
control sensors. Reducing the
effectiveness of the electronic stability
control system could lead to an increased
risk of loss of vehicle control, vehicle
rollover, personal injury and death.

WARNING: Remember that even

advanced technology cannot defy the laws
of physics. It’s always possible to lose
control of a vehicle due to inappropriate
driver input for the conditions. Aggressive
driving on any road condition can cause
you to lose control of your vehicle
increasing the risk of personal injury or
property damage. Activation of the
electronic stability control system is an
indication that at least some of the tires
have exceeded their ability to grip the
road; this could reduce the operator’s
ability to control the vehicle potentially
resulting in a loss of vehicle control, vehicle
rollover, personal injury and death. If your
electronic stability control system activates,
SLOW DOWN.

The system automatically turns on each time
you switch the ignition on.

If a fault occurs in either the stability control
or the traction control system, you may
experience the following conditions:

•

The stability and traction control light
illuminates steadily.

•

The stability control and traction control
systems do not enhance your vehicle's
ability to maintain traction of the wheels.

•

The adaptive steering system (if
equipped) automatically changes the
steering function to a fixed steering ratio.
See Steering (page 256).

If a driving condition activates either the
stability control or the traction control system
you may experience the following conditions:

•

The stability and traction control light
flashes.

•

Your vehicle slows down.

•

Reduced engine power.

•

A vibration in the brake pedal.

•

The brake pedal is stiffer than usual.

•

If the driving condition is severe and your
foot is not on the brake, the brake pedal
may move as the system applies higher
brake force.

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Stability Control

The stability control system has several
features built into it to help you maintain
control of your vehicle:

Electronic Stability Control

The system enhances your vehicle’s ability
to prevent skids or lateral slides by applying
brakes to one or more of the wheels
individually and, if necessary, reducing
engine power.

Traction Control

The system enhances your vehicle’s ability
to maintain traction of the wheels by
detecting and controlling wheel spin. See
Using Traction Control (page 212).

E72903

A

A

A

B

B

B

B

Vehicle without stability control
skidding off its intended route.

A

Vehicle with stability control
maintaining control on a slippery
surface.

B

USING STABILITY CONTROL

The system automatically turns on each time
you switch the ignition on.

You cannot switch the stability control
system off, but when you shift into reverse
(R), the system deactivates.

You can switch the traction control system
off or on.  See Using Traction Control (page
212).

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Stability Control