excerpted from 206-09A Anti-Lock Control- Traction Control wrote:

ETC

ETC attempts to optimize forward traction by reducing engine torque or braking a spinning wheel until it regains grip.

ETC is activated if an individual wheel speed is above that of the vehicle reference speed (positive slip) and the brake pedal is not pressed. The spinning wheel is braked, allowing the excess torque to be transmitted to the non spinning wheels through the drive line. If necessary, the ABS module also sends a high speed CAN bus message to the ECM to request a reduction in engine torque. Torque reduction requests are for either a slow or fast response: a slow response requests a reduction of throttle angle (4.0L and 4.4L only); a fast response requests an ignition cut-off (4.0L and 4.4L) or a fuel cut-off (2.7L Diesel).

When the DSC function is selected off with the DSC switch, the engine torque reduction feature is disabled.

On vehicles with an automatic transmission, when the ETC function is active the ABS module also signals the TCM to prevent gear shifts.

mick wrote:

So if they go belly up how does that leave the off road course then .

Its 'in hand'