Traction Control Stopped Working

[Dillzio]

Hi gang,

Whenever I start my car now the light comes on to say traction control is off.

Pushing the traction control button doesn't seem to do anything.

Has anyone experienced this before, or know what the solution is?

The car is a 1999 WH Statesman with Gen3

thanks heaps!

[IJ.]

Lots of different things seem to disable TRAC on these cars.. have you checked it for codes yet?

[Jag530G]

Does the T/C light stay on everytime you start the car? Or does it turn off if you turn the car off and start again? My T/C light very occasionally does this ever since I bought the car ('02 Monaro) new but the light goes out if I stop and restart the engine.

If the light is staying on, you may find it is the ABS module beginning to slowly die. The next stage will be if the ABS, lo-trac, engine and possibly the oil pressure lights also all stay on. If that all happens then its the ABS module. If it turns out to be the ABS module that is at fault, Repco can supply them change over for around $400. However, if you have a mate in the trade get him to contact this company who remake them and supply to the aftermarket industry, they may very well be cheaper.

http://www.injectronics.com.au/index...emart&Itemid=1

But before getting too enthusiastic, do as per IJ's suggestion, check the codes first.

Cheers, Matthew

[ltdslip]

Try replacing the brake light bulbs, worked for me

[vassis]

I had an issue with the traction control turning itself off.. ended up being the speed sensor plug under where the normal airbox sits... just unplugged and plugged back in a few times been good for years now

[JezzaB]

Lots of different things seem to disable TRAC on these cars.. have you checked it for codes yet?

Best advice. There are sooo many things that can cause the TCS to be disabled. Get the codes read out by a workshop with a proficient scan tool

[Dillzio]

Thanks for the replies guys. I could have sworn i posted a reply day before yesterday but it doesn't seem to have worked for some strange reason.

A few months ago when i was using the car more often the tract ctrl would sometimes stop working after a long drive, but it would start working again after I switched the car off/on, but now it just seems to stay off all the time.

Where is the traction control module/computer anyway? perhaps I could check the connectors on it.

I'll have a hunt around for that connector under where the original air box was too, any chance someone could post a pic though? thanks heaps

I'm on a bit of a tight budget at the moment, and just for me to get a mechanic to check the codes will cost me $50

[Dillzio]

Try replacing the brake light bulbs, worked for me

seriously?

[IJ.]

Thanks for the replies guys. I could have sworn i posted a reply day before yesterday but it doesn't seem to have worked for some strange reason.

A few months ago when i was using the car more often the tract ctrl would sometimes stop working after a long drive, but it would start working again after I switched the car off/on, but now it just seems to stay off all the time.

Where is the traction control module/computer anyway? perhaps I could check the connectors on it.

I'll have a hunt around for that connector under where the original air box was too, any chance someone could post a pic though? thanks heaps

I'm on a bit of a tight budget at the moment, and just for me to get a mechanic to check the codes will cost me $50

No one local with a Scan Gauge/HP Tuners/EFI-Live?

Much easier if you let the car tell you what's wrong instead of guessing or relying on our guesses.

[ltdslip]

seriously?

kid you not...VTS2SS ABS module was replaced a couple of years ago for the usual light show, no issues.
last time only the "trac off' light came on at startup
replaced brake lamps & never had an issue
dillzio, can suggest give it a go before scanning it

[vassis]

Thanks for the replies guys. I could have sworn i posted a reply day before yesterday but it doesn't seem to have worked for some strange reason.

A few months ago when i was using the car more often the tract ctrl would sometimes stop working after a long drive, but it would start working again after I switched the car off/on, but now it just seems to stay off all the time.

Where is the traction control module/computer anyway? perhaps I could check the connectors on it.

I'll have a hunt around for that connector under where the original air box was too, any chance someone could post a pic though? thanks heaps

I'm on a bit of a tight budget at the moment, and just for me to get a mechanic to check the codes will cost me $50

Mine very much sounded like this.. it would come on when coming to a stop at lights or soemthing worsen as it got colder or wet and usualy after a while although after a year or so it became faster. mine threw the abs and trac control light and they stayed on and pressing the button did nothing. Both abs and trac control where tested and they where NOT working also

heres a pic although if you have a standard airbox it will be under it maybe or unless u have tricky fingers i dunno u might be able to get at it without pulling too much apart
as others said there 2 minute things you can do before taking it soemwhere

[JezzaB]

No one local with a Scan Gauge/HP Tuners/EFI-Live?

Much easier if you let the car tell you what's wrong instead of guessing or relying on our guesses.

These wont read the ABS module for fault codes. You need a Tech2 or other topend scan tool.

[JezzaB]

Thanks for the replies guys. I could have sworn i posted a reply day before yesterday but it doesn't seem to have worked for some strange reason.

A few months ago when i was using the car more often the tract ctrl would sometimes stop working after a long drive, but it would start working again after I switched the car off/on, but now it just seems to stay off all the time.

Where is the traction control module/computer anyway? perhaps I could check the connectors on it.

I'll have a hunt around for that connector under where the original air box was too, any chance someone could post a pic though? thanks heaps

I'm on a bit of a tight budget at the moment, and just for me to get a mechanic to check the codes will cost me $50

Even if its $50 its still going to save you hours and replacing parts you "think" might be the problem

[IJ.]

These wont read the ABS module for fault codes. You need a Tech2 or other topend scan tool.

Was thinking more if it's a generic "any error turn off ABS" situation Jezz but yeah Tec2 for the ABS, hell even a misfire shuts off TRAC in the E38 cars...

[Dillzio]

Thanks for the posts guys, and thank you Vassis for taking the pic for me - I tired plugging/unplugging that lead a few times and no difference, I also don't have the stock air box so the lead was easy to get to.

I actually have a USB scan tool myself, but with the free software I have I'm not able to get any more information than I can get from diagnostic mode and reading the three panel instrument cluster. I don't suppose anyone can recommend a source for free software that may be of help to me?

I've just tried looking for a tract ctrl fuse but couldn't find one, either in the cabin or under the bonnett. Anyone know if there is one I could check? Also, if anyone could steer me towards the traction control module so I can try fiddling with the plugs one that I'd really appreciate it.

I'll email the chap that did the performance tune on my car (enhanced automotive), I think they're a forum sponsor actually, and I'll find out how much he'll charge me to scan it. If I'm lucky he might be able to increase the cold-idle base speed for me too, the beast is getting a bit hard to start on cold mornings and often takes two turns of the key.

Thanks heaps!