Traction Assist Turns Itself Off?

Seagull · Dec 27, 2002

I searched the forums going back a year to see if anybody else had mentioned this problem because I think it's going to be a bear to analyze. (Un)fortunately, it looks like nobody has...

I've got a 2002 1500 Z66 (May '01 build). On two occassions, the Traction Assist has turned off on its own, and would not turn back on until the truck had been turned off and back on again. Both times have been after over an hour driving in the rain at highway speeds, the first time back in June and the second time December 24.

When this happened the second time, I hit the OnStar and had them do the remote diagnostics. The only code that they had indicated that Traction Assist was off, and their script sheet advised hitting the Traction button to turn it back on.

Thanks, tried that before I called them, didn't work then and didn't work when I tried it again.

I've gone on longer drives in dry conditions without any problem with the Traction Assist turning itself off, but I can't think of any other hour+ drives in the rain I've done other than these two. Before taking it to the dealer, I thought I'd check and see if anybody else had had somthing similar to this happen, and if they'd gotten a resolution.

Chris

mmdavidw · Dec 27, 2002

I have an underbody neon kit and some of my neon wires were too close to my brake sensors for awhile. When using my neon, the Traction Control Off light would come on, and I would also occasionally have the ABS light come on.

The lights would stay on as long as the truck was on, even if I turned my neon off. They would also sometimes remain on when I turned the truck back on even if the neon was still off.

Most likely you have a bad sensor or there's something interfering with it. Since you said it happens when it rains, one of the sensors may be cracked and water is getting into it, or the wiring, etc.

I'd take it into the dealer because if a sensor is bad and the computer thinks a tire is locked up when it's not really could cause some trouble if you were ever in a bad situation, especially if it's raining.

David

mmdavidw · Dec 27, 2002

On another note, we are having a meet in Savannah, GA on January 4th. Several AV's from Jacksonville will be attending and we would love to have you join us.

Savannah, GA meet thread

David

RJLACK · Dec 27, 2002

There was another post a while back about someone having trouble with Traction assist, but they had done Hypertech reprogramming. Have you done anything like that or another mod that you did right before this problem started?

spectron65 · Dec 27, 2002

Why is the default setting on the Z66 "ON"?

It never rains where I live--we get about (if we're lucky) 1-2 inches a year. Most of you folks get that in about 6 minutes.

I always turn mine off. ?The yellow light doesn't bother me. I feel I get off red lights better with it off.

Just wondering why the default is "on" as opposed to "off".

sands611 · Dec 27, 2002

I too have z-66,
It is in default ON as it is set for ALL Weather drive-
The general made it driver proof- basically if we want it OFF we turn it off-
Sorry to hear your having issue with T/C
I love it- I went with the 2 wd as I hardly ever would use 4wd.
It offered me a way to have and live w/ 2wd with this feature-
Call the service guys at the dealer and they will take care of you!

powersurg · Dec 28, 2002

Can someone tell me what the deal is with my 2002 Z71. I do not have a traction control button but everytime my tires spin they will spin, stop, spin, stop. It feel like I have traction control. This is in 2 wheel drive. Does anyone know if Traction Control is built into the Z71 or is this a sign of some problems about to occur with my tranny?

Thanks!!

Mdz66 · Dec 28, 2002

The 02 4X4 did not get traction assist only the Z-66 comes with it. You should have the looking rear differential. The traction assist mostly just up shifts one gear if it senses the real wheels are turning faster than the front. Mine has never turned itself off other than by me shifting trans to L1. Good luck folks

steelheadchaser · Dec 28, 2002

Powersurge said:
Can someone tell me what the deal is with my 2002 Z71. I do not have a traction control button but everytime my tires spin they will spin, stop, spin, stop. It feel like I have traction control. This is in 2 wheel drive. Does anyone know if Traction Control is built into the Z71 or is this a sign of some problems about to occur with my tranny?

Thanks!!

Does this happen only on wet or slippery surfaces or during tight turns? If so, it is your locking rear diff transfering torque from the "spinning" wheel.

02-Z66 · Dec 28, 2002

i just learned last night that the traction assist dioes cut itself on/off. i have an '02 Z-66. i was trying to climb a steep grade, and decided to put the truch in 1st gear. i then noticed that the traction assist was off while i tried to climb the grade. i put the truck in reverse, and the traction off light went away. put it back in 1st and it came back on.
obviously when the truck is in 1st gear the assist cuts itself off to keep the wheels spinning. do not remember if it cut itself off in second gear. i will have to check that out. :B:

Mdz66 · Dec 28, 2002

02, traction assist will only not work in L1 as the trans cannot up shift. To help reduce wheel spin the transmission is upshifted one gear. A way to check its operation on slippery surface start with assist on accelerate and stay on the gas hard enough to cause wheels to lose traction and observe tach action, you should see a derease in rpm shortly after your low trac light comes on. Now try the same thing with it off. BIG difference. Just my $.02 Z-66's can go off road!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

powersurg · Dec 28, 2002

Steelheadchaser said:
Does this happen only on wet or slippery surfaces or during tight turns? If so, it is your locking rear diff transfering torque from the "spinning" wheel.

It happens when I am on a wet road and start from a dead stop. What do you think? Is it a problem?

02-Z66 · Dec 30, 2002

Mdz66, that makes since i guess.

Jake · Dec 30, 2002

My traction control has turned itself off on two occations. Both were while driving through high water. I was currious why it did this, but after reading some of the post I know it was because I was in 1st gear. ....learn something new everyday.

mmdavidw · Dec 30, 2002

Are you sure it's turning itself off, or is the Low Traction light coming on indicating that the traction control is adjusting your vehicles performance to regain traction?

Lights are the same color and are directly over one another.

David

Jake · Dec 30, 2002

mmdavidw said:
Are you sure it's turning itself off, or is the Low Traction light coming on indicating that the traction control is adjusting your vehicles performance to regain traction?

Lights are the same color and are directly over one another.

David

Well, that is what I thought at first, but it was the "Off" light.

Traction Assist Turns Itself Off?

Seagull