Anti-Lock Control - Traction Control: Notes

WARNING: Brake fluid contains polyglycol ethers and polyglycols. Avoid contact with the eyes. Wash hands thoroughly after handling. If brake fluid contacts the eyes, flush the eyes for 15 minutes with cold running water. Get medical attention if irritation persists. If taken internally, drink water and induce vomiting. Get medical attention immediately. Failure to follow these instructions may result in personal injury.

The anti-lock control traction control is an expanded version of the anti-lock brake system. The system is integrated with the anti-lock brake system and uses the same wheel speed sensors and similar a hydraulic control unit.

The hydraulic control unit has additional internal solenoid valves incorporated to enable control modulation of the wheel brake pressures.

The traction control system reduces spinning of the driving wheels; this can be achieved as a result of intervention through the engine management system and/or the brake.

Two traction control systems are available on the Focus, brake traction control system (BTCS) and full speed traction control (TCS).

At speeds above 40km/h, only large amounts of wheel slip is controlled by the brake function (i.e. aquaplaning).

In order to avoid possible increased wear to the braking system, the ABS/TCS and BTCS systems calculate the brake pad temperature and if it becomes to high brake intervention is switched off until such times that the temperature has been reduced.