Get Driving -> ADVANCETRAC? STABILITY ENHANCEMENT SYSTEM (IF EQUIPPED) Guide for Ford Explorer SUV Third Generation (2002-2005)

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.

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.

Pull the release lever to release the

brake. Driving with the parking

brake on will cause the brakes to

wear out quickly and reduce fuel

economy.

ADVANCETRACி STABILITY ENHANCEMENT SYSTEM

(IF EQUIPPED)

The AdvanceTrac௢ 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 AdvanceTrac௢ system off by pressing the AdvanceTrac௢ button.

This will allow your tires to “dig” for traction.

If the AdvanceTrac௢ system is activated excessively in a short period of

time, the brake portion of the system will shut down to allow the brakes

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to cool down. A limited AdvanceTrac௢ 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.

AdvanceTrac௢ 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 AdvanceTrac௢ system helps the driver maintain steering control if

the vehicle begins to slide excessively left or right or spin out.

AdvanceTrac௢ 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 AdvanceTrac௢ 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 AdvanceTrac௢ 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.

The AdvanceTrac௢ button allows

the driver to control the availability

of the AdvanceTrac௢ system.

AdvanceTrac௢ system status is

indicated by a warning indicator

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light with a “sliding car” icon in the instrument cluster that will flash

when the system is active 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 “ADVANCETRAC OFF” will be displayed.

If a failure is detected in the AdvanceTrac௢ 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 control once will disable the AdvanceTrac௢ 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 control for

more than five seconds will disable the AdvanceTrac௢ stability

enhancement and traction enhancement feature. If the vehicle is stuck

in snow or mud or when driving in deep sand, switching off the

AdvanceTrac௢ 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 AdvanceTrac௢ 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

AdvanceTrac௢ performs a system self-check. During AdvanceTrac௢

operation you may experience the following:

• A rumble or grinding noise

• A slight deceleration of the vehicle

• The AdvanceTrac௢ 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 AdvanceTrac௢ operation.

Do not alter or modify your vehicle’s suspension or steering; the

resulting changes to the vehicle’s handling can adversely affect

the AdvanceTrac௢ system. Also, do not install a stereo

loudspeaker near the rear console or either rear seat. The

speaker vibrations can adversely affect the AdvanceTrac௢

sensors located in this area.

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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 AdvanceTrac௢ event

is an indication that at least some of the tires have exceeded their

ability to grip the road; this may lead to an increased risk of loss of

vehicle control, vehicle rollover, personal injury and death. If you

experience a severe road event, SLOW DOWN.

STEERING

To prevent damage to the power steering system:

• Never hold the steering wheel at its furthest turning points (until it

stops) for more than a few seconds when the engine is running.

• Do not operate the vehicle with a low power steering pump fluid level

(below the MIN mark on the reservoir).

If the power steering system breaks down (or if the engine is turned

off), you can steer the vehicle manually, but it takes more effort.

If the steering wanders or pulls, check for:

• an improperly inflated tire

• uneven tire wear

• loose or worn suspension components

• loose or worn steering components

• improper steering alignment

A high crown in the road or high crosswinds may also make the steering

seem to wander/pull.

PREPARING TO DRIVE YOUR VEHICLE

Utility vehicles have a significantly higher rollover rate than

other types of vehicles.

In a rollover crash, an unbelted person is significantly more likely

to die than a person wearing a safety belt.

Your vehicle has larger tires and increased ground clearance, giving the

vehicle a higher center of gravity than a passenger car.

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Driving -> ADVANCETRAC? STABILITY ENHANCEMENT SYSTEM (IF EQUIPPED) for Your Ford Explorer SUV Third Generation (2002-2005)

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