Lincoln Continental (2002) [136/232] Driving

• Wheels out of alignment

• Loose or worn suspension components

Speed sensitive steering

The steering in your vehicle is speed sensitive. At high speeds, steering

assist will decrease to improve steering feel. At lower speeds,

maneuverability will be increased.

See Electronic Message Center in the Driver controls chapter for

personalized adjustment.

If the amount of effort required to steer your vehicle changes at a

constant vehicle speed, have the power steering system checked by your

dealer or a qualified service technician.

TRACTION CONTROL姟

Traction Control娂 helps maintain the stability and steerability of your

vehicle. It is especially useful on slippery and/or hilly road surfaces. The

system operates by detecting and controlling wheel spin. The system

borrows many of the electronic and mechanical elements already present

in the anti-lock braking system (ABS).

Wheel-speed sensors allow excess front wheel spin to be detected by the

Traction Control娂 portion of the ABS computer. Any excessive wheel

spin is controlled by automatically applying and releasing the front

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 front wheels “search” for optimum traction several times a

second and adjustments are made accordingly.

The Traction Control娂 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娂 operation, TRACTION CONTROL ACTIVE is

displayed on the message center. 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 on a very slippery road surface,

try switching the Traction Control娂 system off. This may allow excess

wheel spin to “dig” the vehicle out or enable a successful “rocking”

maneuver.

Driving

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