Traction Control Switch

Jegman · #1 10-15-2009, 06:08 AM

I have searched the forum

for anyone having an issue with the traction control switch (next to the gear shift) with no luck.

Has anyone had a problem with the switch NOT working? Luckly, I can not turn the traction control off, but it would be nice to be able to turn it off in the winter time (trying to get up short, slippery hills).

2000 Olds Intrigue 3.5

harmankardon35 · #2 10-17-2009, 11:39 PM

probably just the switch itself, as far as i remember its a simple 2 wire set-up...most likely an on/off type deal. Could easily be bypassed with a simple toggle switch if you can hide it away and make it look good. But yeah, trac-off is essential in the winter...i cant stand sitting there while my engine cuts out trying to get traction on ice.

Ruley73 · #3 10-19-2009, 07:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by harmankardon35

probably just the switch itself, as far as i remember its a simple 2 wire set-up...most likely an on/off type deal. Could easily be bypassed with a simple toggle switch if you can hide it away and make it look good. But yeah, trac-off is essential in the winter...i cant stand sitting there while my engine cuts out trying to get traction on ice.

It is an intermittent switch so a regular on/off switch won't work. The traction control is turned on every time you start the car regardless if it was turned off before the ignition was turned off.

Personally, I haven't had much of a problem with traction in the winter. I don't think it's that annoying. Don't get me wrong, there are certainly situations that it is inevitable, but if you're constantly engaging the ABS/traction control when you stop/accelerate on slick roads you simply need to slow down so you can stop when you need to and let up on the gas when your wheels begin to slip while trying to accelerate. It is ideal to drive in a manner that doesn't provoke the ABS/traction control. The only time I ever needed to disable the traction control was to build speed so I could get up the hill in our old driveway. Other than that the traction control was on all the time.

Jegman · #4 10-21-2009, 01:24 AM

Ruley, as you put it "The only time I ever needed to disable the traction control was to build speed so I could get up the hill in our old driveway." Therein lies my problem. I need that speed to "get up the hill", otherwise my traction control is always on. When I have a free day (or 2) I'll tear it apart and check. Thanks everyone!!!!! I will try to remember to post my findings!!

LittleHoov · #5 10-21-2009, 02:01 PM

To get to it, pull up the console lid and remove the two bolts around the cup holder. Then use the cup holder as a sort of crude handle and pull up, that whole piece should pop loose.

The TC wiring basically just slides into the switch if I remember, youll need to pull it out if you plan on full removing that piece from around the shift lever. You can get it out of there in Park, but itll be easier if you move it down into something else. Just turn the key to the ACC position and put your foot on the brake, then you should be able move the shift lever....If youre doing this on a really steep incline or something, you might want to start the car.

Looks like there are currently a couple factory switches on Ebay for about 25 dollars...although a local junkyard would probably be much cheaper if you figure out the problem to be a bad switch.

Jegman · #6 03-20-2010, 03:08 AM

Sooooooo, almost half a year later (March 17th) - and another problem later ---> (ignition switch) I finally got to the TCS problem. Turns out that somehow the wire harness had come unplugged.

(VERY) Easy fix, and made cleaning (spilt Dr. Pepper) even easier.

New problem: Ignition switch - similar problem as most others have posted = full power, will not turn over. What worked for me (may not have been the actual cause of fix), I left the ignition turned to the ON position (while cleaning) for about 10 minutes, gave the key a turn to the START position and it fired right up. Returned to the house, for more rags - and a quick glance at AF for this problem. Returned to the car with rags (and Tri-flow - outta WD40) in hand and seems to be running fine, for now.

Thanks to those that have posted a help fix for me (LittleHoov, Harman, and Ruley)!!!!!!!!!

krivasauto · #7 03-22-2010, 11:27 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jegman

Sooooooo, almost half a year later (March 17th) - and another problem later ---> (ignition switch) I finally got to the TCS problem. Turns out that somehow the wire harness had come unplugged. (VERY) Easy fix, and made cleaning (spilt Dr. Pepper) even easier.

Thought that those searching for this might like to see what that repair looks like:

First, remove the two screws just inside the center console armrest lid:

Next, pull the center console up from the rear:

And, ta-da, there is the traction control connector:

Really, a no-brainer. You can also get to the light that illuminates the shifter. It plugs into the bottom of the shifter assembly.

You can see the rest of the steps for doing the ignition switch at http://99intrigue.shutterfly.com/ignitionswitch. But I think what you were describing (fully charged battery, clean connections, will not crank) is a PASSKEY issue, which can be reset by a procedure that includes leaving the ignition on for 10 minutes.

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