Traction Control System (TCS) (NW7)

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2006 Buick LaCrosse and 2006 Buick Allure. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

The traction control system (TCS) compares front wheel speeds to rear wheel speeds to determine if drive wheels lose traction. The TCS activates when drive wheel speed exceeds speed of non-drive wheels by a calibrated value. This allows the driver to maintain acceleration and directional stability while accelerating on low tractions surfaces.

The TCS limits wheel slip during acceleration when one or more of the drive wheels lose traction. The brake switch must be off for TCS to operate.

During a traction event, the electronic brake control module (EBCM) sends a requested torque value to the powertrain control module (PCM) over the serial data link. The PCM initiates an engine torque reduction routine to slow down the drive wheels. This routine consists of ignition spark timing reduction, fuel injector cut-off and transmission shift control. The PCM also sends a torque delivered value to the EBCM over the serial data link.

If the EBCM detects a malfunction, it will disable TCS and will command the body control module (BCM) to turn the TCS OFF indicator ON. The driver can also disable TCS, if desired by pressing the TCS switch.