Brakes and Traction Control: Description and Operation

How the Circuit Works

The traction control system is a variable system that monitors the amount of wheel spin under different driving conditions. During straight line acceleration, the TCS control unit may determine that some wheel spin is beneficial. During cornering, it may determine to reduce wheel spin by adjusting engine power and braking. The system is not designed to correct for gross errors of judgment on the part of the driver.

The traction control unit communicates with the ABS control unit ('97-'99 models) or ABS modulator-control unit ('00-'04 models) to obtain information from the wheel speed sensors about wheel speed and frequency of wheel rotational vibration. The wheel rotational vibration is used by the TCS control unit to signal the engine control module to reduce engine power under certain rough road conditions. The TCS control unit also communicates with the engine control module via the serial data line to monitor accelerator pedal position, throttle position, engine rpm, atmospheric pressure, and TCS inhibit information. On vehicles with an automatic transmission, the TCS control unit has an input from the transmission control unit to determine A/T position. The TCS control unit has a lateral acceleration sensor and a deceleration control function to improve traction during cornering. When downshifting to a low gear on a slippery surface, the driving wheels have a tendency to slip and reduce directional stability. To correct this, the TCS control unit's deceleration function will control engine braking.

The TCS control unit also monitors input from the steering angle sensor. When you turn the steering wheel, the steering angle sensor sends a signal to the TCS control unit which reads it as a specific cornering radius. The TCS control unit also determines the straight ahead position by comparing the front wheel speed inputs from the ABS control unit ('97-'99 models) or ABS modulator-control unit ('00-'04 models). When the left front and right front wheels are rotating at the same speed, the car is moving in a straight line. The TCS control unit determines the yaw angle by comparing the actual cornering radius provided by the wheel speed sensor inputs and the steering angle. If required, the control unit will reduce the throttle opening and slow the car down to maintain the cornering radius set by the steering angle sensor when you turned the wheel.

The TCS control unit is a self-diagnosing component and monitors the sensors for irregular signals.