Traction control will not work
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Joined: May 2002
Posts: 85
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From: cincinnati, ohio
Traction control will not work I know, I know - everyone I've talked to, it seems, says "why do you want TCS anyway"? Well, I live in Ohio, and it rains/snows here sometimes, so yes, I DO need it :p
When I bought the car, the TCS OFF light was on. That's fine, no big deal. I thought maybe a fuse was blown, or a sensor/connector was bad. After much investigation, time under the car, etc., the only thing I can deduct is that there must just be something wrong with the TCS motor unit itself.
Correct me if I'm wrong - Traction control modulates the throttle and REAR brakes when there is slippage - correct? I've checked all the connections, etc (so far as I can see), in the rear of the car, but everything checks out. Still not TCS. The switch in the cabin is just fine. I figure if the car DEFAULTS to off something must be up - I just cannot figure it out. What may cause this kind of failure, aside from the TCS motor itself?
When I bought the car, the TCS OFF light was on. That's fine, no big deal. I thought maybe a fuse was blown, or a sensor/connector was bad. After much investigation, time under the car, etc., the only thing I can deduct is that there must just be something wrong with the TCS motor unit itself.
Correct me if I'm wrong - Traction control modulates the throttle and REAR brakes when there is slippage - correct? I've checked all the connections, etc (so far as I can see), in the rear of the car, but everything checks out. Still not TCS. The switch in the cabin is just fine. I figure if the car DEFAULTS to off something must be up - I just cannot figure it out. What may cause this kind of failure, aside from the TCS motor itself?
I have tcs in my car and it didnt work. But the crues controle didnt work eather. For me it was a simple fix. I just had to change out a rear light. Try making sure that all your lights are working or new. IT could be as stupid and simple as that. Other than that I would just hook up a dignostic computer to it. Sorry I couldnt offer up more
TECH Veteran
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 4,012
Likes: 1
From: Beaumont, TX
Description of how the traction control system works:
Might could be a problem with the wiring/connections at some point, or a problem with one of the control modules... Have you checked the system for trouble codes yet?
Traction control will not have any effect on the operation of the vehicle until the control module detects one or both of the rear wheels rotating faster than the front wheels. At this time the Electronic Brake and Traction Control Module (EBCM) will request the Powertrain Control Module (PCM) to retard timing. If the EBCM continues to detect the rear wheel are rotating faster than the front, it will request the ASM (Accelerator and Servo Control Module) to reduce the throttle angle. The last measure taken to control the rear wheel is for the EBCM to apply the rear brakes, thus reducing torque to the rear wheels. Once the rear wheels begin to rotate at the same speed as the front wheels, the system will return full control to the driver. During Traction Control mode, if the brake is applied to only one rear wheel, most of the torque from the engine will be directed to the other rear wheel which will improve the traction of the vehicle.
The braking is accomplished by closing the TCS Master Cylinder Isolating Valve, this isolates the master cylinder from the rest of the system. The TCS Prime valve opens to allow the pump to get brake fluid to build pressure for braking. The drive wheel circuit solenoids are energized as needed to allow for pressure hold, pressure increase, or pressure decrease.
The braking is accomplished by closing the TCS Master Cylinder Isolating Valve, this isolates the master cylinder from the rest of the system. The TCS Prime valve opens to allow the pump to get brake fluid to build pressure for braking. The drive wheel circuit solenoids are energized as needed to allow for pressure hold, pressure increase, or pressure decrease.
The TRAC OFF indicator is controlled by the instrument cluster via class 2 serial data messages from the EBCM. When the body control module (BCM) sees the traction control switch input grounded through the momentary traction control switch, it sends a class 2 message to the EBCM that tells the EBCM that the traction control switch has been pressed. The EBCM then disables traction control and sends a message to the instrument cluster to turn the TRAC OFF indicator ON. Each time the ignition is cycled from OFF to ON, the traction control system is enabled.
The following conditions will cause the TRAC OFF indicator to illuminate:
- The EBCM has disabled the TCS due to a DTC.
- The driver manually disabling the TCS via the traction control switch.
- The instrument cluster bulb check. When the ignition switch is turned to ON, the TRAC OFF indicator will turn on for approximately 3 seconds and then turn OFF.
The following conditions will cause the TRAC OFF indicator to illuminate:
- The EBCM has disabled the TCS due to a DTC.
- The driver manually disabling the TCS via the traction control switch.
- The instrument cluster bulb check. When the ignition switch is turned to ON, the TRAC OFF indicator will turn on for approximately 3 seconds and then turn OFF.
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 11,328
Likes: 345
From: Jacksonville, FL (originally from Toronto Canada)
Have you tried the switch to see if you can turn it back on? It's possible that the previous owner (I assume you bought it used or you would just have it fixed under warranty) installed the kit that changes the default from ON to OFF. The switch would still work but it would be off when the car is started.
Pushing the button should switch it on, though. Pop the switch out and see if something extra is plugged inline. First, did you check the TCS fuse under the hood? Is the TCS motor by the battery plugged in?
Staging Lane
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 51
Likes: 0
From: Louisiana
If your TCS motor assembly is bad, I'm selling mine on ebay...
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Fireb...spagenameZWDVW
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Fireb...spagenameZWDVW
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TCS will fault off if the motor does not check out.
The system pulses it and looks for proper current
profile. Check the connector to the pulley cluster.
Might check continuity through the motor while
you have the connector off, if you have a DMM
handy. Also there is a fuse for the TCS that will
kill the action, but light the light, if it's blown.
The system pulses it and looks for proper current
profile. Check the connector to the pulley cluster.
Might check continuity through the motor while
you have the connector off, if you have a DMM
handy. Also there is a fuse for the TCS that will
kill the action, but light the light, if it's blown.
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