Traction Control Out

[Rapp16]

My traction hasn't worked since last year when I forgot to turn it off before playing in the snow, oooopss....
I have a parts car that's equipped with traction control. What do i need to replace or fix to make my traction control functional again?
Thanks for the help,
Derek

[1fatcat]

The broken part.

[00Beast]

The broken part.

What's broken is the question. Does the button not light up at all? I'm assuming when you push it it does nothing?

[Rapp16]

The light is on when i start my car. It will turn off whenever i start driving.

[00Beast]

I'm assuming ABS works? Maybe check the WSS connections?

[Rapp16]

The broken part.

No need to be a smartass. I had that much figured out when it stopped working. I don't know what components make up the traction control. I guess that's what I really need to know so I can replace it.

[J Wikoff]

I'm sure he's just joking. I chuckled anyway.

Possibilities include wheel bearings (the sensors are built in), wiring, and the ABS/traction control module.

The light staying on until you move is wierd. Makes me wonder about the wheel speed sensors. Reach down between the engine belts and the passenger side frame rail. There should be a grey wiring connector clipped to the rail, with the wiring leading to the right front wheel. That's for the sensor. If you've got a multimeter, you can probe for voltage. Jack the car up, a corner at a time, spin the wheel slowly, trying to replicate the same speed for each one, and compare what you get at each corner. One behaving differently could be your cause. Try a few different speeds at each wheel.

Or you could go to a mechanic with a Tech 2 scanner and get it checked out.

[1fatcat]

I wasn't joking, you realy have to fix or replace the broken part to make it work again. That is the easy part. Finding the broken part is the hard part. Lots of people think a scan tool will tell them what is broken, but it won't. It will tell you information that needs to be understood and evaluated to determine where to start testing the wiring and components. So to fix your ABS, you will need either expensive tools, complete service info and a good understanding of electronics and mechanics...or...some junk yard parts and spare time. You just keep changing parts until the problem goes away.

I'm sorry, but the last time I tried helping with ABS, I got yelled at. So this is the best (and least offensive) way that I can help.

Sure do miss the good old days when people laughed and had a free will to speak.

[J Wikoff]

Vague response to an equally vague description of the problem... that's not funny? I thought it was.

Anyway... a scan can tell you, for instance, there's a problem with the signal from the left front sensor. Then you can investigate why.

[Kevin Amstutz]

I was laughing too. I have been turning wrenches for over 30 years and it's good to get a laugh once in a while instead of pulling ones hair out. Electrial always seems to be the most difficult thing to troubleshoot, but generally the easist to fix when you have found out what is "broke". Last Saturday I spent half the day checking why the security light was on in the wifes car. Found the little wire broke at the VATs and had it replaced in an hour.
On your traction control the reason people are saying to put a scan tool on, is to read the information from the wheel sensors and eliminate them or not and to check other things in the system that send information to the computer to activate the traction control. Seeing what information is getting to the computer really helps the trouble shooting process.

[TDS-94SSEi]

Correct me if I'm wrong, but I believe that the traction control would only care about the WSS in the front axle hubs. The system works by sensing an inequality in wheel speed from one side to the other, and in turn decreasing power until they equalize. pretty sure that it wouldn't care what the rear wheels might or might not be doing, unlike the ABS system, which uses the same sensors, but at all 4 corners.

I have heard of the WSS failing after rigorus wheelspin. Not sure what the exact cause is, but in this instance I'd be fairly certain that there is a front WSS that is causing the fault.

As mentioned, a scan can pinpoint which sensor is causing the fault, and replacement will allow the system to work again. I wouldn't put much faith in what the dash or selection button is telling you, without a true diagnostic scan.

[Jrs3800]

Either test for pulse at the WSS, or Scan to see what codes are stored in the EBTCM... I agree in the function of the system.. The 94-95 system got a tad more complicated in that it will also yank timing to aid in the reduction of wheel slip with the TC turned on..

Edit**

If there is an issue with the ABS system the Traction Control will also be rendered useless as they are the same system..