Does traction control depend on catalytic converter functioning properly?
Traction control won't work any more (slipping tires on wet pavement); mechanic replaced O2 sensor and problem returned; now they claim that the left catalytic converter must be replaced to make the traction work again. I know that this catalytic converter innards had been previously scraped out because it was causing trouble. It doesn't make sense to me that the traction would be directly tied to the catalytic converter.
My car has 170000 miles.
My car has an automatic transmission.
Experienced mechanics share their insights in answering this question :
You are right, the traction control system is not related in any way to the exhaust system (e.g., the catalytic converter) in the vehicle. Traction control involves wheel speed sensors, the ABS system, and electronic controllers. If there is a problem with the traction control system on your vehicle, it is likely that diagnostic trouble codes have been stored and those codes will provide the key clues to finding, and repairing, the fault in the system. A certified Mechanic, dispatched by YourMechanic right to your location, can perform a traction control system diagnostic and let you know of the required repairs. If you have further questions or concerns, do not hesitate to re-contact YourMechanic as we are always here to help you.
How to Identify and Fix Common car Problems ?
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You are right, the traction control system is not related in any way to the exhaust system (e.g., the catalytic converter) in the vehicle.
The traction control will either disable injectors or shift the transmission into a higher gear to reduce power output.
The traction control module (TCM) can reduce engine power or apply braking to an individual wheel to prevent wheel spin in rain, ice, or snow.
Hi There, The Stability Track light relates to the vehicles traction control system. When the computer detects an issue with this system, it will often times put the vehicle into a reduced power phase in an effort to prevent further damage and to keep the passengers safe.
The magnetic operation on the traction control sensors or Anti-lock Braking sensors can be interrupted by dirt or other buildups. Another common sensor problem is with the electrical connections between the sensors and the vehicle`s computer.
Failure in the TCS can hamper your wheels from properly spinning and cause you to lose control over the vehicle on slippery roads, which harms your tires` surface, engine performance and raises the risk of accidents.
The traction control system uses active sensors called yaw rate sensors in your four wheels. The sensors monitor each of your tires, including the vehicle`s speed and what the tires are doing.
Common signs include the Traction Control System (TCS) Light coming on, TCS not turning off/on, and loss of TCS or ABS features.
A Traction Control System is also known as an Anti-Slip Regulation (ASR). The Traction Control system (TCS) uses wheel speed sensors to measure the vehicle`s speed with the rate at which the drive wheels are spinning, to detect if there is any slip occurring between the tire and the road.
In most cases, you can still drive your car just fine without traction control, so long as the roads are clear and dry. The trouble comes as soon as it rains or snows. Once you start driving on wet or slippery surfaces, it`s more difficult to prevent slippage during acceleration.
Traction control, as well as anti-lock brakes and stability control can be negatively impacted by driving on worn-out treads or tires in need of inflation. With tires, as with all things automotive, maintenance is the best prevention against being stranded on the highway.
A traction control system must control the power delivery of the engine to ensure the torque available matches the tyre`s ability to transmit it to the road.
Since catalytic converters have limited oxygen storage capacity, the rear O2 sensor will detect the excessive oxygen and generate a converter efficiency code. Leaks in the exhaust system can affect oxygen storage in the converter and lead to improper O2 sensor readings, affecting the air/fuel ratio (AFR) balance.
Yes, the oxygen sensor can damage the catalytic converter, although the damage is indirect. What actually happens is that the oxygen sensor malfunctions and sends incorrect data to your vehicle`s main computer chip.
Oxygen sensor failure can often be traced to one of three common factors: Age and high mileage, an internal contaminant (poisoning) or an electrical issue. One or two wire unheated oxygen sensors should be inspected or replaced every 30,000 miles.
“TRAC OFF” Indicator
Indicates that Traction Control is off. The TRAC system switches the traction control on/off to prevent wheelspin and further downshifting. To turn the TRAC system off, quickly press and release the button. The TRAC OFF indicator should come on. Press the switch again to turn the system back on.
WHAT IS TRACTION CONTROL? In a nutshell, traction control helps drivers maintain control of the car in slippery conditions. At its very basic level, when it detects that one of the driven wheels is slipping, it reduces the engine`s power output to prevent a skid.
System components The TCS includes 1) control unit 2) actuator 3) injection pump and 4) accelerator pedal. The illustration shows engine control a) without TCS intervention and b) with TCS intervention.
A failing wheel speed sensor will turn off your vehicle`s traction control, stability control, or any other driver assist feature. Sometimes, a damaged wire could also prevent the sensor from sending data to the control module.
If the warning light briefly illuminates when driving, the system is in active operation and working to prevent wheelspin. Traction control is most likely to activate when driving in inclement conditions – such as heavy rain, snow or ice – or it may indicate a diesel spill or loose road surface under the tyres.
Traction control and ABS often share the same control module and internal self-diagnostics system. This means that sometimes an issue in the ABS can trigger the traction control light to come on. However, if this is the case, both the ABS and traction control lights will be on.
On many modern cars, a bad wheel bearing will trigger a warning light. The ABS or traction control warnings will often illuminate, since a bad bearing will trip the system to deactivate.
Traction control is not the same thing as ESP. It is usually controlled by your ESP but it serves a different purpose. Instead of stopping your car from sliding or spinning in corners, traction control is – as its name implies – designed to give your car`s driven wheels more traction under power.
Traction control, in the simplest terms, is a safety feature that helps the tyres of your car keep traction on wet and slippery roads. Without traction control, your car will spin, and spinning on traffic-heavy roads can put you in a dangerous situation.
Relevant Questions and Answers :
the most relevant questions and answers related to your specific issue
Does traction control depend on catalytic converter functioning properly?
ANSWER : You are right, the traction control system is not related in any way to the exhaust system (e.g., the catalytic converter) in the vehicle. Traction control involves wheel speed sensors, the ABS system, and electronic controllers. If there is a problem with the traction control system on your vehicle, it is likely that diagnostic trouble codes have been stored and those codes will provide the key clues to finding, and repairing, the fault in the system. A certified Mechanic, dispatched by YourMechanic right to your location, can perform a traction control system diagnostic and let you know of the required repairs. If you have further questions or concerns, do not hesitate to re-contact YourMechanic as we are always here to help you.
Changed catalytic converter, no lights on dashboard, but codes for catalytic converter & O2 sensor still remain
ANSWER : Hi there, thanks for writing in. I am not sure why you changed your catalytic converter. Assuming you had a P0420 code, replacing the catalytic converter should of resolved that code. The codes originally stored need to be cleared. The fact your check engine light remains off tells me, you may have fixed the problem. Try disconnecting the negative battery terminal for at least 2 minutes, reconnect. Start and drive the vehicle for 10-15 miles. Re-check for codes. If a code returns on the first drive cycle (pending code), a problem still exists. The check engine light should come back on (the next drive cycle) if, the fault is recognized by the computer. An exhaust leak before the oxygen sensor will cause O2 sensor and catalytic converter codes. If you are having trouble identifying the fault, consider having an expert automotive technician from YourMechanic come to your home or office to inspect and diagnose this issue for you, and make or suggest any repairs as needed.
2014 ford fusion service advancetrac message; ads, traction control, skid control and airbag lights lit up all at same time. Is th
ANSWER : ABS, traction and stability control systems rely on input from a number of sensors to function properly. Faults can be in any one of them from the brake light switch, steering angle sensor, wheel speed sensor, or up to a dozen others. Also, a fault code can be present for any of the sensors without the sensor itself being the actual fault. A wiring issue to that sensor or a fault in the abs/traction control computers can also be the cause. The only sure way to find out why the abs and traction control lights are on is to diagnose the system properly. The airbag light can be related if for example, the steering angle sensor is faulty as it provides input for the airbag system as well as abs, traction, and stability control systems. It can also be a stand-alone issue. When the system is scanned, fault codes will provide a direction to take in diagnosing the problem, but isn’t always as simple as replacing "Sensor A". Replacing parts without confirming they are actually the cause of the fault can be more expensive in the long run. Most electronic parts are not returnable once installed so if you replace a random part that does not correct the problem, you are stuck with the cost of that part and still have the same issue.
What would happen if the wrong catalytic converter was installed in my 2001 Toyota Camry
ANSWER : Hello. The wrong converter will cause your check engine light to come on and will cause you to not pass emissions. It can also cause some performance and efficiency issues over time. There are specific converters built for all vehicles and that is what needs to be used, especially in California. You need to take it back to the shop that installed the wrong one as it is against emission regulations to install the wrong converter in California.
Hi Mr. Nicholas: Engine light of my Accord Lx 2010 comes on. I want to be sure the problem is with the catalytic converter or O2 s
ANSWER : Hi there. In short, yes – it is highly probable that the check engine light is not 100% caused by the catalytic converter. Most OBD-II trouble codes related to this system are actually caused by O2 sensor failure, electrical harness failure to O2 and the catalytic converter or other emissions systems. On your Honda, there is one catalytic converter, that is comprised of a few individual sections. When it it replaced however, it is replaced as a single unit. In most cases, when a Honda dealership tells you that the catalytic converter is the source, 80% of the time they are correct. I would recommend reading this article and asking yourself if you are experiencing more than 50% of these are occurring.
Can I drive over 65 mph with traction control on? Or should I turn traction control off?
ANSWER : Traction control helps with the stability of the vehicle in all conditions and works with the ABS system to ensure that the vehicle can stop fast and keep the vehicle in a safe condition on any roadway condition. I recommend keeping your traction control on if the roads are slick, wet, icy, snowy, or if you are off on a dirt road. If the roads are dry and you are driving in more of a straight line and not going around a sharp corner, then I suggest turning the system off.
Trouble with the traction control
ANSWER : As you may know, the traction control system monitors the steering stability of the vehicle and engages when loss of traction has been detected. This is done by the use of electronic sensors that communicate with the Power Train Control Module (PCM) regarding steering performance and stability in adverse weather conditions. The traction control system works by reducing engine speed and determining which wheel to apply brake pressure to in order to prevent the vehicle from sliding. The anti-lock braking system and the traction control system work together to maintain the stability of the vehicle. The computer uses this information received from electronic sensors regarding the rotational speed of each wheel, the horizontal motion of the vehicle, and the vertical motion of the vehicle to determine how to direct the traction control system or the anti-lock braking system to best control the vehicle when needed. When this warning indicator light comes on in the dashboard, this could be an indication of several issues such as faulty wheel speed sensors, a faulty steering angle sensor, a faulty rotational speed sensor or a problem with the steering rack. In some cases, the traction control system may simply need to be reprogrammed. I would recommend having a professional from YourMechanic come to your location to properly diagnose your traction control system.
on starting engine light & throttle control and traction control light comes on and car idols hard no codes when scanned
ANSWER : Hello, and thank you for writing in. Unfortunately the first technician is correct in that this can be cause by a wide variety of issues. Considering that it is intermittent, we can assume that there is either an electrical issue (sensor or bad connection), or that there is a particular part which is dirty or failing. There are a couple of ways you can approach this. One being that you attempt to clean, repair, and replace the many number of components that can cause this. A second being that you attempt to replicate the issue by unplugging sensors and trying various tests to try and narrow down what system is being effected. When dealing with a misfiring situation, you need to look into the air intake, ignition (spark), and the fuel systems first. One last consideration is to have the vehicle scanned by another type of code reader. They vary in brand, manufacture compatibility, and software. For more diagnostic help, contact our service department to schedule an appointment, or to obtain a quote once the issue is diagnosed.
