traction control on '98 Z

[wookiesZ28]

I have a '98 Camaro Z28, on the radio trim bezel there is a fog lamp switch, and right next to it is an empty spot for another switch. But if I take the trim off there are wires going to this spot connected to no switch. I am wondering if this is for the traction control? I know on newer models there is a trac control switch there, but is this the same on mine? If I just connect those wires to a switch will I be able to turn my trac control on and off? I'm completely stumped about these wires! Please help me out!!! Also does anybody know how much switches cost? I imagine I can order them from the dealership, or is there somewhere cheaper I can get them?

A1C Daniel K. Willems

[89IROC&RS]

chances are, if the switch isnt there, neither is the traction control. the harness is universal, and is equipped to handle all the available options, regardless of weather the car has them or not. so the connector just sits there not pluged into anything. but chances are it wont do anything, even when you hook up a switch to it.

[wookiesZ28]

If I got the switch and it doesn't work, is there a way I could have it programmed? Or am I just going to have to buy the 60 dollar module that does it automatically when starting the car?

Thanks for your help!

[BadAzz240]

C'mon what do you need traction control for?....I dont have it on mine....Just learn to control your vehicle...

[wookiesZ28]

learn the facts before you open your mouth dude! I already know how to drive my vehicle. That's why I'm trying to take the D***** thing off! I'm just trying to find the cheapest way! Buying a switch would be the cheapest, unless if it isn't programmed into the computer for the switch! Then I'll have to pay another 60 bucks on top of that. Wasted money on a switch then! Quit traying to talk smack when you don't know crap!

WOOK

[89IROC&RS]

ok, im confused, your trying to take it off, but your asking if you can put it on. im sooo lost. anyway, i dont think that you can program the traction control, it is a total system of a module, a sensor on each wheel to detect loss of traction, and the wiring to connect all of this to the BCM, it would be a very complicated install/retrofit. i would just accept that your car dosnt have it. if its that important to you, you might get a quote from the dealer to install it. i would not reccomend doing that job unless you know exactly what you are doing. i am a chevy tech assistant for the electronics master tech at a dealership, so trust me on this one, if you dont do the install exactly right, and understand all of the integrated systems, you have no idea how many things you can mess up if you do it wrong. just a cautious warning. and also, two cents worth on BADAZZ240 comment, dont take it so personal, everyone here elbows everyone else just a little bit. try not to take it personaly.

[wookiesZ28]

I'm in no way trying to put it on, I already know the trac control is on there. I'm trying to find the cheap way of taking it off. Logically it's cheaper to buy the switch if it's all fitted and ready for it, but if there's no module/computer for this then that won't work. I'll then have to buy a 60 dollar module that I think slp makes that plugs right into the harness and it automatically turns off the trac control at startup. I'm just trying to save money and learn more about this thing. And ass for badazz...not secluding him, I just take everything personally if I don't know the person or if I know it's not true. If I know it's true what they say then I shut my mouth! But it's just my personality!

Thanks for the info though! it helps...for the most part.

I guess the only way I can really find out if the throwing a switch in there will work is to throw a switch in there, and if not I guess I can use it for some other system down the line, Nitrous..perhaps

[Chevyracincamaro]

personally i dont think that a switch would be much use anyhow. granted i dont completely understand the traction control system in great detail, but i dont think that you would be able to be driving down the road, flip it off cause you want to race someone, and then just flip it back on and expect it to work. wouldn't it need the car to be started so it can run through its startup procedure. i figure if you killed the switch that it wouldnt work until you turned the switch on and restarted the car, or atleast it wouldnt work correctly. i dont know, im just looking at it from a computer engineering sense.

[89IROC&RS]

no the system can be activated and deactivated with the switch, essentially traction control is an extention of the ABS system. the speed sensors on all four wheels monitor the wheel speed and compairs it to the vehicles speed, if the wheels get out of line, the ABS is activated to correct the situation. thus you have traction control. the computer keeps all your tires turning as fast as they should. im not sure if the system, without the switch is always on, or always off, id have to look at the schematics of the system. best way to test, go try and do a burn out, rev up and dump it, if you can spin em like a top, its off. if the tires slow down and you have minimal spin, its on. go from there. so chevyracin, you dont have to reboot the car to turn it on and off.

[BadAzz240]

Yea...dude if your car doesnt have traction control...that means its not there....and there for, your car does not have traction control on ever, so its off permanantly, like mine. So are you trying to put it there so you can turn it on? Cuz thats what you are making it sound like....
And dont be so uptight loosen up a lil....it was a joke man....and for your info I do know my crap...it sounds like you might be a lil confused....well I hope you get things straightened out...Good Luck

[wookiesZ28]

just like I tried saying before, I want to take it off

[89IROC&RS]

and what we are saying is that if the switch aint there, the system aint there. so what are you worrying about??

[wookiesZ28]

aaah, I get it. I thought you were saying there's no way I could turn it off if I just added the switch, but you're saying I don't have trac control? I think. lol. my bad guys.

thanks for the help

[89IROC&RS]

lol, yup thats it. and no worries, i think mis communication is probly the biggest start of arguments on this forum no prob on the help. anytime.

[Genopsyde]

my cutty had trac control, and there wasn't a switch to turn it on or off, it was there whether i liked it or not.