Bendix Commercial Vehicle Systems ABS OPERATORS MANUAL - Manual (Page 6)

6
U NDERSTANDING A UTOMATIC T RACTION C ONTROL (ATC)
What is ATC?
ATC is an optional feature for Bendix ® ABS-equipped vehicles. ATC controls
wheel spin during vehicle acceleration.
• 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.
• 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/RSP
lamp will flash 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 specific instructions given in your vehicle’s Operator’s Manual for this
feature and your vehicle’s particular configuration.
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 flash slowly
to remind you that this function has been selected, and will flash rapidly whenever
the ATC system is actually operating in the Mud/Snow mode. Always remember
to turn the Mud/Snow feature off when driving on a firm 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
™ is decreased when driving through a curve for improved
stability.