Traction Control: Notes

The Traction Control System operates only when the system senses that one or both of the front wheels is slipping or beginning to lose traction. If the system senses that excessive wheel slip is present, the solenoid valves in the traction control plunger will activate and will increase, hold or decrease hydraulic pressure to the front wheel brakes, therefore keeping an optimum slip rate on the front wheels.

Traction control is further controlled by the PCM in the event that applying the brakes does not provide the necessary traction. In this case, the PCM will begin to shut off fuel to as many as four cylinders. When traction control has been commanded, the EBCM will activate the plunger solenoids for three seconds. If wheel slip is still detected, the PCM will shut off fuel to one cylinder.

If continued traction control is needed, an additional cylinder is cut off from fuel until only four cylinders are functional. Once traction has been returned, cylinders are turned on in one second increments until all cylinders are functional. Engine management is required to minimize stress on the brakes, transmission and engine during extended use of traction control.