traction control

[jimsjims]

I have a 1999 Montana, no fault codes, no idiot lights on. The light on the TCS (traction control) switch does not light up. I do not know if traction control is working or not. All fuses are o.k. and ABS seems to work fine. Anyone have any ideas.
Thanks!

[sfranks]

My van doesn't have traction control, but from another vehicle I had, the light only came on if the traction control was kicked in. When you're taking off on snow, does a light or bell come on letting you know that TC has engaged?

['97ventureowner]

Does the TCS light on the dash come on when you turn the key? Could possibly be a burned out bulb behind the rocker switch.

[Hoags]

I have a 98 Montana and recently I have had some problems with the wire harness plugs working loose even though they lock in place some of them were not making good contact. The fan blower motor for example as well as the fan speed control switch, once I unplugged and plugged back in the equipment began to work as normal. It may be worth checking.

[mthomason]

I have a 99. I, too, possibly had a similar problem to your's. It was in at the GM dealership for some other service work. I had them check this (switch light off or burned out). I did not get what I would call a satisfactory reply so opted out for no work on it. They told me the light was burned out and needed to replace the switch.

Well, with nearl 100K miles at the time and over $150 to replace it, I decided I didn't really need that little light to tell me if it was off or on. We alway have driven with the system on -- winters here in PA a long and slippery -- as have the past few summers. Anyway, another indicator comes on when traction is lost on the dashboard when the system is working. Just try "peeling out" and the warning message light will come on if the system is in operation. If it doesn't, try pushing the TCS switch and "peel out" again to test it. If still no warning message, likely there is a problem like a faulty switch, connection, or otherwise.

I did not do anything to mine and it just started working again (light, too) and has worked fine for the past 10-15K miles. Likely my problem is really just the switch connection.

When it comes down to it, this system is just fluff. Nothing a good set of tires and judicious throttle control couldn't manage....

[jimsjims]

I took van to an ice coverd area and did what you said. The light on the dash lit up and I could feel the traction control kick in. When I toggled the switch and tried again the wheels just spun. I guess I will look to replace the bulb or the switch. Thanks for the advice, it worked great!

Originally Posted by mthomason

I have a 99. I, too, possibly had a similar problem to your's. It was in at the GM dealership for some other service work. I had them check this (switch light off or burned out). I did not get what I would call a satisfactory reply so opted out for no work on it. They told me the light was burned out and needed to replace the switch.

Well, with nearl 100K miles at the time and over $150 to replace it, I decided I didn't really need that little light to tell me if it was off or on. We alway have driven with the system on -- winters here in PA a long and slippery -- as have the past few summers. Anyway, another indicator comes on when traction is lost on the dashboard when the system is working. Just try "peeling out" and the warning message light will come on if the system is in operation. If it doesn't, try pushing the TCS switch and "peel out" again to test it. If still no warning message, likely there is a problem like a faulty switch, connection, or otherwise.

I did not do anything to mine and it just started working again (light, too) and has worked fine for the past 10-15K miles. Likely my problem is really just the switch connection.

When it comes down to it, this system is just fluff. Nothing a good set of tires and judicious throttle control couldn't manage....

['97ventureowner]

While we're on the subject of traction control, a question comes to mind. In the good weather,( in NY here usually May to October,) I have a habit of turning off my TCS switch disabling the system as soon as I start my van. My reasoning is that I really don't need it on dry pavement, and not using it will "save" the system and prevent damage from happening . Will turning the TCS system off cause any problems to the components for not being used for 6 months? My reasoning was , "if you don't need it why have it on?" And also thinking that leaving it on all the time will wear out the parts, (sensors, etc.) sooner, than if I only had it on when I really need it.

[Hoags]

The traction control on the van is an "on demand" type of device, you can leave it on or turn it off. If you leave it on and do not have a need for traction control it will not turn on. It works by sensing wheel spin, when one wheel begins to spin the system will apply the ABS breaks to the spinning wheel to stop the spin and thus give you traction, just like the breaking when the wheel is allowed to roll and not lock up the opposite occurs with the traction control. If the TCS switch is off you will get the wheel spin but it will not have any effect on the ABS. ON/OFF It's your choice... I leave mine on because of our great roads in PA.{that's a joke} the TCS kicks in on the wet roads when it rains. I have left it on since new and now have about 130,000miles on the van and still works fine.