96 Buick Regal Custom "low trac" warning light

[whbonney]

Can anyone tell me what the "low trac" warning light is for?? I am not familiar with working on cars and most places I called will not answer the question over the phone..go figure... The light will come on once in a while, wet or dry weather. Last time this did this, I thought I heard a strange noise coming from under the hood but turned off the engine before I thought about it. Any help??

[Old Lar]

The low trction warning light comes on when one drive wheel is losing traction. It works in conjunction with the antilock brakes and with the traction lock on. When one wheel starts spinning the antilock break feature kicks in and applies some breaking to that wheel giving you full traction with both wheels. I saw the low traction come on frequently when driving in snow or with a heavy foot upon start up at a light. If it comes on at another time there may be something wrong with the electronics that measures traction. (sounds like a potentially expensive fix)

[dwalmop]

right. the noise you heard was the ABS working.

[whbonney]

Thanks. I figured it was something to do with the brakes. Since it does happen once in a while when it is dry out and on pavement with good traction, I am figuring it to be electronics now. Don't like the sound of that. I appreciate the help.

[SGHETTO]

I was told its supposed to come on whenever you drive over bumps or pot holes,in high torgue situations, or when ever rain ,snow, or slippery sufaces are present. Mine used to come on when I would launch from a dead stop. You should have a button that turns the trac feature on and off easily. Be careful of electronic problems.

[hard_hitta]

is there a way to disable the traction control for tire roasting starts?

[oldreese]

I had a 96 and now a 02. The 96 did NOT have traction control, just ABS. The 02 DOES have traction control, so it was added sometime between 96 and 01, I don't know when. Either way, the LOW TRAC light comes whenever the ABS operates. If the light comes on when it is not braking heavily, it is probably a failing wheel sensor or faulty wiring on one of them.

[got80s]

I wouldn't even worry about the light to be honest. I've had my 96 Regal from the day it came off the lot and that light turns on ever so often and nothing major has come of it. If it stays on perminantly...that might be a problem.

But always pay attention to your "check engine soon" light. If that comes on, go to your nearest Autozone and have them scan it (it's free) and they can tell you why it is on. I didn't give my a second thought and the second day of the light being on the hose that feeds the transmission fluid came disconnected from something and I had transfluid all over the place. Can we say tow-truck.

-Brad