Anti-Lock Control - Traction Control

WARNING: Brake fluid contains polyglycol ethers and polyglycols. Avoid contact with eyes. Wash hands thoroughly after handling. If brake fluid contacts the eyes, flush the eyes with running water for 15 minutes. Get medical attention if irritation persists. If taken internally, drink water and induce vomiting. Get medical attention immediately. Failure to follow these instructions may result in personal injury.

The anti-lock control traction control is an expanded version of the anti-lock brake system (ABS). The system is integrated with the ABS and uses the same wheel speed sensors and a similar a hydraulic control unit.

The traction control/hydraulic control unit (HCU) has additional internal solenoid valves incorporated to enable control modulation of the wheel brake pressures.

The traction control system reduces spinning of the driving wheels; this is achieved as a result of intervention through the engine management system and/or the brake.

At speeds above 40 km/h (25 mph) only large amounts of wheel slip are controlled by the brake function (i.e. aquaplaning).

In order to avoid possible increased wear to the braking system, the ABS/TCS system calculates the brake pad temperature. If it becomes too high, brake intervention is switched off until such time that the temperature has been reduced.

The advantages of the ABS/TCS system are as follows:

reduce load on the braking system
reduced load on the powertrain
improved directional stability
improved steering
shorter reaction time
operates at all vehicle speeds