As the winter season blankets the roads with ice, the challenge of navigating slippery terrains becomes a true test of your driving skills. But fear not – Ford AdvanceTrac is here to be your trusty companion, guiding you through even the harshest driving conditions with finesse and control.
Introducing Ford AdvanceTrac
Ford AdvanceTrac isn’t just another feature; it’s your partner in conquering adverse road conditions. Designed as an electrical stability system, AdvanceTrac is your ally on ice, snow, gravel, or dry pavement. Its mission? Enhancing balance and traction to make your journey safer and more secure.
At its core, AdvanceTrac utilizes increased friction to boost stopping power, making it a reliable guardian on slippery surfaces. But how does it work?
Cracking the Technology Code
The secret lies in the gyroscopic sensors that work tirelessly, gathering a whopping 150 vehicle readings per second. These sensors are the unsung heroes that detect oversteering, understeering, or wheel slippage. When these issues arise, AdvanceTrac springs into action, applying precise braking pressure to regain control. It’s like having a co-pilot that adjusts engine power to keep you on the right path.
And the best part? AdvanceTrac is ever-vigilant, requiring no activation. It anticipates even the smallest hints of instability, crucial during low visibility conditions caused by bad weather.
The Components that Make It Shine
AdvanceTrac relies on a trio of vital components:
- Electronic Sensors: These sensors deliver rotational speed and vehicle motion data to the Powertrain Control Module (PCM).
- Anti-lock Brakes (ABS): A system that prevents oversteering, understeering, and brake locking, enhancing overall stability.
- Traction Control System: This system calculates the precise brake pressure needed to prevent sliding, ensuring optimal traction.
But that’s not all – AdvanceTrac joins forces with Roll Stability Control (RSC), an additional layer of protection against rollovers. It works hand in hand with AdvanceTrac, reducing power while keeping all four wheels firmly grounded.
Unraveling ABS and Traction Control Systems
- Anti-lock Braking System (ABS): The yellow, amber, or orange light you see during engine start-up signifies ABS. It prevents wheel lock during braking and adjusts brake balance, ensuring you retain control during a slide.
- Traction Control System: This guardian maintains your car’s balance and steering efficiency by analyzing past data on road grip. If it detects deviations, it steps in proactively to prevent mishaps.
Even if the “Service AdvanceTrac” light illuminates, you’re good to go. However, addressing the issue promptly ensures you maintain the best possible control.
Taking the Reins: Resetting and Reprogramming
When the dreaded “Service AdvanceTrac” light appears, don’t worry – you can troubleshoot and reset the system:
Resetting the Warning Light:
- Ensure your vehicle is parked and turned off.
- Turn the ignition to the “on” position without starting the engine.
- Press and hold the brake and gas pedals for about 20 seconds.
- Turn the ignition off, release the pedals, and start the engine.
Reprogramming the System:
- Use an OBD2 scanner compatible with Ford vehicles.
- Connect the scanner to the OBD2 port beneath the dashboard.
- Locate the AdvanceTrac software and follow the scanner’s instructions.
- If an update is available, proceed with the software update process.
Benefits of Nurturing AdvanceTrac
- Safety: Navigate challenging terrains with confidence, from slippery roads to icy pathways.
- Performance: Let the system fine-tune power delivery and brake individual wheels, optimizing your driving experience.
- Fuel Efficiency: A well-maintained traction control system indirectly influences fuel economy through smooth power delivery.
Regular maintenance, software updates, and occasional professional inspections are key to keeping the AdvanceTrac system in its prime. This ensures you enjoy safe and optimized driving, no matter the conditions. Embrace the power of Ford AdvanceTrac and let it lead you to stability.
