6
Understanding Automatic Traction Control (ATC)
What is ATC?
ATC is an optional feature for Bendix
®
ABS-equipped vehicles. ATC controls
wheel spin during vehicle acceleration to improve traction.
• The ATC system will intervene automatically and apply braking pressure
to a spinning wheel transferring engine power to other drive wheels that
have better traction. This feature is active only at speeds below 25 mph
(40.2 kmh).
• If all of the drive wheels begin to spin, the ATC system will reduce engine
throttle to improve traction at all of the drive wheels.
How Do I Operate a Vehicle With ATC?
If drive wheels begin to lose traction during acceleration, ATC will engage
automatically to assist the driver in accelerating the vehicle. The ATC/ESP
lamp will ash rapidly to let you know whenever ATC is actively functioning.
Note: For vehicles equipped with an interaxle differential lock switch, you
should consult the vehicle Operator’s Manual for additional information about
that feature. Typically, the driver is advised to stop the wheels from spinning
and engage the interaxle differential lock switch, but you should always follow
the specic instructions given in your vehicle’s Operator’s Manual for this
feature and your vehicle’s particular conguration.
What is Traction Control Override?
Another optional feature operated by a switch in the dash. When enabled the
ATC lamp remains on to indicate that the ATC system has been turned off.
What Is The Optional Deep Mud/Snow Switch?
This is an optional ATC feature operated by a dash-mounted switch. This
function allows greater engine power and more wheel spin during ATC
operation. On vehicles equipped with this feature, toggle the switch to the
“Mud/Snow” position when operating on soft road surfaces. The ATC lamp will
ash slowly (every 2.5 seconds) to show that you are in the Mud/Snow mode.
Whenever the ATC system intervenes, the ATC lamp will ash quickly (2.5
times per second). Always remember to turn the Mud/Snow feature off when
driving on a rm road surface. A new ignition cycle, or a second depression
of the Mud/Snow switch, will turn this function off.
What is Bendix
®
Smart ATC
™
?
Bendix
®
Smart ATC
™
traction control monitors the accelerator pedal position
to help provide optimum traction and vehicle stability. By determining the
driver’s throttle input and adapting the drive wheel behavior to the driving
situation, the Smart ATC traction control allows higher wheel slip when the
accelerator pedal is applied above a preset level. In addition, the wheel slip
allowed by Smart ATC traction control is decreased when driving through a
curve for improved stability.
