Traction Off Indicator Malfunction

Traction Off Indicator Malfunction

Diagnostic Instructions

* Perform the Diagnostic System Check - Vehicle (Initial Inspection and Diagnostic Overview) prior to using this diagnostic procedure.
* Review Strategy Based Diagnosis (Initial Inspection and Diagnostic Overview) for an overview of the diagnostic approach.
* Diagnostic Procedure Instructions (Initial Inspection and Diagnostic Overview) provides an overview of each diagnostic category.



Diagnostic Fault Information






Circuit Description

The TRAC OFF indicator is controlled by the instrument cluster via class 2 serial data messages from the electronic brake control module (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 traction control system (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.



Reference Information
Schematic Reference

Antilock Brake System Schematics ([1][2]Antilock Brakes / Traction Control Systems)
Connector End View Reference

Component Connector End Views (Connector Views)
Description and Operation

ABS Description and Operation (Description and Operation)
Electrical Information Reference

* Circuit Testing (Component Tests and General Diagnostics)
* Connector Repairs (Component Tests and General Diagnostics)
* Testing for Intermittent Conditions and Poor Connections (Component Tests and General Diagnostics)
* Wiring Repairs (Component Tests and General Diagnostics)

Scan Tool Reference

Control Module References (Programming and Relearning) for scan tool information


Circuit/System Verification

Ignition ON, observe the scan tool EBCM VSES active data display parameter while pressing the IP TCS switch the reading should change between scan tool YES/NO switch value and YES/NO switch value.


Circuit/System Testing

Important: Diagnose all vehicle DTCs before using this diagnostic.


The malfunction must be present during diagnosis in order to prevent unnecessary parts replacement.



1. Ignition OFF, disconnect the BCM harness at the traction control switch (TCS).
2. Ignition ON, verify that a test lamp illuminates between the traction control switch signal circuit terminal C and ground.

• If the test lamp does not illuminate, test the TCS control circuit for a short to ground or an open/high resistance. If the circuit tests normal and the control circuit fuse is open, test the signal circuit terminal C for a short to ground.

3. Verify the scan tool BCM TCS switch data display parameter is Released value.

• If not the specified value, test the signal circuit terminal C for a short to voltage. If the circuit tests normal, replace the body control module (BCM).

4. Install a 3A fused jumper wire between the TCS switch signal circuit terminal C and ground. Verify the scan tool BCM TCS switch data display is Pressed value.

• If not the specified value, test the signal circuit terminal C for an open/high resistance. If the circuit tests normal, replace the BCM.

5. If all circuits test normal, test or replace the traction control TCS switch.



Component Testing

1. Ignition OFF, disconnect the BCM harness connector at the TCS switch control circuit terminal C.
2. Test for infinite resistance between the TCS switch signal circuit terminal C and ground with the TCS switch in the Released or open position.

• If not the specified value, replace the TCS switch.

3. Test for less than 5 ohms between the TCS switch control circuit terminal C and ground with the TCS switch in the Pressed or closed position.

• If greater than the specified range, replace the TCS switch.




Repair Instructions

Perform the Diagnostic Repair Verification (Verification Tests) after completing the diagnostic procedure.

* Control Module References (Programming and Relearning) for BCM replacement, setup, and programming
* Electronic Traction Control Switch Replacement (Service and Repair)