Traction Off Indicator Always On

Traction Off Indicator Always On

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.



Circuit/System Description

The traction control indicator is controlled by the instrument cluster via serial data messages from the electronic brake control module (EBCM). When the vehicle stability control system is active for 0.5 seconds, the EBCM commands the instrument cluster to flash the traction control indicator.


The electronic brake control module (EBCM) sends a serial data message to the instrument panel cluster (IPC) to illuminate the traction control indicator when the EBCM has disabled the Vehicle Dynamics system (TCS) due to a DTC. The traction control indicator will also turn ON during the instrument cluster bulb check. When the ignition switch is turned to ON, the traction control 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

1. Turn OFF the ignition for 5 seconds.
2. Turn ON the ignition, with a scan tool, select instrument panel special functions Display Test. Command the instrument panel lamps ON. Verify the traction control indicator lamp illuminates for at least 2 seconds and then turns OFF.



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.



Ignition OFF for 5 seconds, ignition ON, observe that the traction control indicator functions by illuminating for 2 seconds then turns OFF.

If the traction control indicator does not illuminate, with the scan tool, select instrument panel special functions Display Test. Command the instrument panel lamps ON and OFF. Verify the TCS lamp turns ON and OFF.
If the TCS warning lamp does not turn OFF, replace the IPC.
If the TCS warning lamp does turn OFF, replace the EBCM.



Repair Instructions

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


Control Module References (Programming and Relearning) for EBCM or IPC replacement, setup, and programming