GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

Circuit Description

The TRAC OFF indicator is controlled by the instrument cluster via class 2 serial data messages from the electronic brake control module (EBCM). When the body control module (BCM) sees the traction control switch input grounded through the momentary traction control switch, it sends a class 2 message to the EBCM that tells the EBCM that the traction control switch has been pressed. The EBCM then disables traction control and sends a message to the instrument cluster to turn the TRAC OFF indicator ON. Each time the ignition is cycled from OFF to ON, the traction control system is enabled.

The following conditions will cause the TRAC OFF indicator to illuminate:

    • The EBCM has disabled the Traction Control System (TCS) due to a DTC.
    • The driver manually disabling the TCS via the traction control switch.
    • The instrument cluster bulb check. When the ignition switch is turned to ON, the TRAC OFF indicator will turn on for approximately 3 seconds and then turn OFF.

Diagnostic Aids

    • It is very important that a thorough inspection of the wiring and connectors be performed. Failure to carefully and fully inspect wiring and connectors may result in misdiagnosis, causing part replacement with reappearance of the malfunction.
    • Thoroughly inspect any circuitry that may be causing the complaint for the following conditions:
       - Backed out terminals
       - Improper mating
       - Broken locks
       - Improperly formed or damaged terminals
       - Poor terminal-to-wiring connections
       - Physical damage to the wiring harness
    • The following conditions may cause an intermittent malfunction:
       - A poor connection
       - Rubbed-through wire insulation
       - A broken wire inside the insulation
    • If an intermittent malfunction exists refer Inducing Intermittent Fault Conditions in Wiring System for further diagnosis.

Step

Action

Yes

No

Schematic Reference: Antilock Brake System Schematics

Connector End View Reference: Antilock Brake System Connector End Views or Computer/Integrating Systems Connector End Views in Computer/Integrating Systems

1

Did you perform the Diagnostic System Check - Vehicle?

Go to Step 2

Go to Diagnostic System Check - Vehicle in Vehicle DTC Information

2

  1. Install a scan tool.
  2. Turn ON the ignition, with the engine OFF.
  3. With a scan tool, observe the Traction Switch parameter in the body control module (BCM) data display, inputs.
  4. Activate the traction control switch.

Does the Traction Switch parameter change state?

Go to Testing for Intermittent Conditions and Poor Connections in Wiring Systems

Go to Step 3

3

  1. Turn OFF the ignition.
  2. Disconnect the traction control switch connector.
  3. Connect a fused jumper from the signal circuit of the traction control switch harness connector to a good ground.
  4. Turn ON the ignition, with the engine OFF.
  5. With a scan tool, observe the Traction Switch parameter.

Does the scan tool display Active ?

Go to Step 5

Go to Step 4

4

Test the signal circuit of the traction control switch for an open or high resistance. Refer to Testing for Intermittent Conditions and Poor Connections and Connector Repairs in Wiring Systems.

Did you find and correct the condition?

Go to Step 10

Go to Step 6

5

Test the ground circuit of the traction control switch for an open or high resistance. Refer to and Testing for Continuity in Wiring Systems.

Did you find and correct the condition?

Go to Step 10

Go to Step 7

6

Inspect for poor connections at the harness connector of the body control module (BCM). Refer to Testing for Intermittent Conditions and Poor Connections and Connector Repairs in Wiring Systems.

Did you find and correct the condition?

Go to Step 10

Go to Step 8

7

Inspect for poor connections at the harness connector of the traction control switch. Refer to Testing for Intermittent Conditions and Poor Connections and Connector Repairs in Wiring Systems.

Did you find and correct the condition?

Go to Step 10

Go to Step 9

8

Replace the BCM. Refer to Control Module References in Computer/integrating Systems for replacement, setup, and programming.

Did you complete the replacement?

Go to Step 10

--

9

Replace the traction control switch. Refer to Electronic Traction Control Switch Replacement in Steering Wheel and Column - Tilt.

Did you complete the replacement?

Go to Step 10

--

10

Operate the system in order to verify the repair.

Did you correct the condition?

System OK

Go to Step 2