Traction Control System (TCS) How It Works? [Explained]
The traction is a safety function that accelerates and prevents the wheel from slipping while driving on wet or slippery surfaces. New or old, car or bus, any type of vehicle can face a loss of traction in gravel or mud surfaces or rough weather.
The traction control system works silently in the background and helps to maintain control of your vehicle when it slips. Understanding this technology, including how it works in a car, what causes its light, the potential cost of repair, and how to fix it, is crucial for every driver’s peace of mind and confidence on the road.
What is a Traction Control System?
The traction control system (TCS) is a technological safety feature that prevents wheels from slipping. It works precisely to prevent the wheel’s grip from losing in critical circumstances. Once located, it automatically solves the issue to ensure the stability of the cars on the road.
How Does Modern Traction Control System Work?
This feature primarily aims to steer and stabilize the vehicle during acceleration. To detect a loss of traction of the wheels, the TCS uses the wheel speed sensors in the car to continuously monitor the speed of the wheels.
Spinning one or more wheels faster than others may cause a loss of traction, which could lead to hydroplaning or skidding. Vehicles have multiple Electronic Control Units (ECUs), which are also considered the vehicle’s brains. Wheel speed sensors measure the traction condition and transfer the statistics to one of the car’s ECUs.
When an ECU detects that one of the wheels is rotating faster than the others, it automatically activates the TCS function. TCS can apply the brakes or decrease the engine power to help slow down the rotating wheels to regain traction.
On the other hand, it uses many of the same features as an Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) that also helps prevent wheels from locking up to avoid skidding. However, the lock-up of the wheels can cause you to lose control of your car.
Passengers need to understand that traction control is incapable of increasing or gaining traction; it just tries to prevent the wheels of a vehicle from spinning.
TCS light means, causes, and switch replacement cost
TCS light appears on the car instrument panel for some reason, and joint problems can cause that light. In that section, we’ll go through all of the following:
What does TCS light mean?
A yellow light, known as the “TCS light,” sometimes illuminates the dash. So, what does that light want to tell us?
The TCS light starts blinking on the dashboard upon acceleration, meaning the surface does not provide much friction. The manufacturers designed the light to flash in particular conditions, such as when driving on a muddy, snowy, or icy road.
If the light blinks while your car is not slippery, the problem could be caused by the anti-lock braking system sensors. You can check the codes from your car’s ABS control units. Also, seeking help from an expert mechanic is recommended.
Also Read: Supplemental Restraint System (SRS)
What causes TCS lights on the dashboard?
Various types of problems can cause the TCS lights on the dash; here are the 5 most common ones:
When to Use TCS
You should keep the TCS button on because if you do, the system will trigger and detect traction loss automatically, and the following scenarios may include:
- Driving on wet, slippery, or snowy roads
- Driving on muddy or gravel surfaces
- Driving in curvy, rainy conditions or dangerous weather
Traction Control Switch Replacement Cost
The replacement cost for the TCS switch is between $100 and $110, and the estimated labor cost is between $40 and $50. This price range does not factor into your original location or include fees and taxes.
TCS Vs. ESC Vs. ABS
Similar traction control systems, such as electronic stability control (ESC) and anti-lock braking system (ABS), can create confusion.
- Traction control focuses on preventing the wheel from spinning when slipping.
- Anti-lock brakes help drivers prevent wheels from locking up during heavy braking.
- Electronic stability control prevents the driver from losing control and skidding the vehicle.
These three safety systems have distinct roles and work to improve the protection of vehicles and passengers.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Should I drive with traction control on or off?
Traction control is set on by default in cars. You’ll rarely need to turn off this feature, and it is advisable always to turn it on because it can prevent accidents due to slippage when you drive with it on.
How do I fix the Traction control warning light?
You can use a diagnostic scan tool like OBD2 to fix and reset the TCS light. Plug the tool into the diagnostic link connector (DLC) and clear the codes. Driving your car for some minutes or installing or reconnecting a new battery May cause the light to turn off.
Source: WikiHow
How many ECUs are in a Car?
A modern car can have 30 to 100 ECUs, depending on its features and complexity. However, some of the latest high-end vehicles may have up to 150 ECUs.
Martin Lee is an ASE-certified mechanic and contributing author at SincereMechanic. He uses his expertise to create captivating articles that align with our content strategy. Using his deep automobile knowledge, he does in-depth research, puts expertise into articles, and makes them very informative. That information ensures our readers receive many valuable insights about the Vehicles.