Section 20 (Traction Control): Description

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 1998 Acura 3.5RL and 1997 Acura 3.5RL. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

CAUTION: See ANTI-LOCK BRAKE SAFETY PRECAUTIONS article in GENERAL INFORMATION.

Traction Control System (TCS) is designed to increase wheel traction during acceleration and cornering. TCS control unit calculates optimum amount of wheel spin for each specific driving condition, then suppresses excess engine power as needed. TCS control unit receives signals about vehicle speed, direction and road conditions from wheel speed sensors and steering column sensor.

Whenever engine is started, TCS is in ready mode, waiting to be activated. TCS operation can be manually canceled before activation using TCS switch. If TCS is activated, it cannot be canceled until system is in ready mode again.

TCS control unit uses TCS control valve actuator (engine throttle control) and Powertrain Control Module (PCM) to reduce engine speed and power. TCS consists of wheel pulsers, wheel sensors, TCS control unit, TCS control valve assembly (TCS control valve actuator and TCS control valve angle sensor), steering angle sensor and TCS indicator light. See Fig 1 .

Fig 1: Locating TCS Components

Courtesy of AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC.

NOTE: For more information on brake system, see appropriate DISC and ANTI-LOCK BRAKE SYSTEM articles below:

For 1997, see ANTI-LOCK BRAKE SYSTEM article.
For 1998, see ANTI-LOCK BRAKE SYSTEM article.