Traction Control Indicator

The traction control indicator is serviced as a unit with the instrument cluster.

The traction control indicator gives an indication to the vehicle operator when the electronic stability program ESP/brake assist program traction control system has been activated. This indicator is controlled by the instrument cluster logic circuit based upon cluster programming and electronic messages received by the cluster from the controller anti-lock brake over the controller area network data bus.

The traction control indicator is completely controlled by the instrument cluster logic circuit, and that logic will only allow this indicator to operate when the instrument cluster receives a battery current input on the fused ignition switch output (run-start) circuit. Therefore, the indicator will always be OFF when the ignition switch is in any position except ON or START. The indicator only illuminates when it is provided a path to ground by the instrument cluster circuitry. The instrument cluster will turn ON the traction control indicator for the following reasons:

• >>Bulb Test<< - Each time the ignition switch is turned to the ON position the traction control indicator is illuminated for about 4 seconds as a bulb test. The entire bulb test is a function of the CAB.
• >>Traction Control Indicator Lamp-On Message<< - Each time the cluster receives an electronic traction control indicator lamp ON message from the CAB indicating that the ESP/BAS has been activated, the traction control indicator will be illuminated. The indicator can be flashed ON and OFF, or illuminated solid, as dictated by the CAB message. The indicator remains illuminated solid or continues to flash until the cluster receives a lamp-OFF message from the CAB, or until the ignition switch is turned to the OFF position, whichever occurs first.
• >>Actuator Test<< - Each time the cluster is put through the actuator test, the traction control indicator will be turned ON, then OFF again during the bulb test portion of the test to confirm the functionality of the LED and the cluster control circuitry.

The CAB continually monitors the ESP OFF switch to determine the proper outputs to the components of the ABS. The CAB then sends the proper lamp ON or lamp OFF message to the electromechanical instrument cluster.

A diagnostic scan tool is required for proper diagnosis of the ESP OFF switch, the ESP/BAS, the CAB, the EMIC, the CAN data bus or the electronic communication related to traction control indicator operation. Refer to the appropriate diagnostic information.