Whether you drive a Ford F150, Mustang, Explorer, Fusion or other Ford vehicle, you've probably seen an "AdvanceTrac Service" warning on your dash. While there are many reasons this light may come on, you can reset the warning yourself.
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What is AdvanceTrac?
AdvanceTrac is Ford's brand name for electronic stability control. TOstability control systemIt uses wheel speed sensors, steering input, and yaw sensors to determine the vehicle's path relative to the driver's intentions. The system then provides corrections to prevent skidding and skidding, allowing the driver to maintain control of the vehicle.
If the driver turns to the right but the vehicle is traveling straight, the AdvanceTrac system may reduce engine torque or apply the brakes to the right wheel to correct the vehicle's path. This points the front of the vehicle in the same direction as the driver's steering input.
AdvanceTrac makes driving in bad weather easier and quickly detects loss of traction. The brakes can even be applied to individual wheels if required.
traction control
As part of the AdvanceTrac system, traction control helps you maintain your grip on the road. When your vehicle's sensors detect wheel slip, the system will adjust power to the wheels or apply the brakes to regain traction.
This is especially useful in wet, icy or snowy conditions. Using information from ABS (Anti-Lock Braking System) sensors, the AdvanceTrac system ensures that you can effectively tackle challenging road conditions.
See also:7 Reasons Your Traction Control Light Comes On When Accelerating
Stability control
Stability control is another important component of the AdvanceTrac system. This feature focuses on helping you maintain control when cornering, especially when making sharp or sudden turns.
The system monitors factors such as vehicle speed, steering angle, and lateral acceleration and makes adjustments as necessary to prevent loss of control. If the system detects instability, it reacts by reducing engine power or applying selective braking to keep your vehicle on the intended path.
In short, Ford's AdvanceTrac system enhances your driving experience by providing electronic stability control, traction control and stability control features. By continually monitoring all aspects of vehicle performance, the system keeps you safe and in control, especially when navigating difficult road conditions or taking sharp turns.
So when you drive a Ford, know that these technologies work together to help keep you on the right track.
AdvanceTrac de AdvanceTrac RSC
When it comes to the difference between AdvanceTrac and AdvanceTrac RSC, it comes down to the features added in the RSC version.
Both systems are designed to improve vehicle control on various driving surfaces, including snow, ice, gravel and rain-covered roads. However, AdvanceTrac RSC goes a step further and includes Roll Stability Control (RSC).
Roll Stability Control is a vital feature that helps prevent your vehicle from rolling over. By monitoring vehicle lateral movement and adjusting brake pressure and engine power, it prevents your vehicle from rolling over during sharp turns or sudden maneuvers.
What activates the "AdvanceTrac Service" warning light?
There are several faults that can activate the AdvanceTrac service warning light. Here are some possible reasons.
1) The wheel speed sensor is broken
Embedded in each of the four hubs is a wheel speed sensor (also called an ABS sensor). These sensors detect how fast each tire is spinning. The ECU maintains this data and uses it to determine the path of the vehicle and when one or more tires lose traction.
AFaulty wheel speed sensorThis data may not be sent to the ECU. If the sensor data is incomplete, the AdvanceTrac system will not be able to properly measure and correct for the vehicle's path. This will activate the warning light.
2) Mismatched wheels or tires
Many owner's manuals warn that modifications to the vehicle can adversely affect the stability control system. Ford is no exception.
If your vehicle has had any wheel or tire size modification, or if you have a mismatched set of tires, the stability control system may find certain sensor values outside of acceptable ranges for normal operation. .
Although the tires may appear to be the same shape and size, mismatched tires will give different wheel speed sensor readings. In this case, the AdvanceTrac system may have difficulty controlling the car in the event of a skid.
The AdvanceTrac system is programmed for a specific tire diameter.
related:The best tire brands for different seasons
3) Broken clock spring
Abad clock spring(also known as a pigtail) is a coil of wire that powers the steering angle sensor, steering wheel buttons, andairbag.
A broken clock spring can interrupt the signal between the ECU and the steering angle sensor, preventing the AdvanceTrac system from working. In this case, you will notice other symptoms such as damaged steering wheel controls and an airbag warning light.
4) slack mode
If your vehicle enterslimp mode, the AdvanceTrac system may not function properly. Limp mode activates various warning lights, typically the Service AdvanceTrac warning light.
5) Poor grounding or wiring problems
AseriouslyThis can cause various problems with the sensor, depending on where on the ground it is and which sensor is in that part of the circuit.
If you think there is a bad ground connection, first check that all ground straps are clean and tight. This can help you narrow down where the bad ground is if multiple sensors are having problems.
You may need to use the wiring diagram in your service manual to help you find the source of the problem.
Can you drive with the AdvanceTrac service light on?
You can drive with the Service AdvanceTrac light on. If you decide to do this, be aware that your stability control system may not be working properly, if at all.
If you're driving on a perfectly sunny day, it's not a big deal (unless you're on a wild horse, near a crowd, and far from the car and coffee party).
However, if you are driving in bad weather and your AdvanceTrac warning light is on, you may want to think twice. This is especially true in snowy or icy conditions.
If you've spent any time sitting through a professionally guided car control event, you'll probably be able to get by just fine without stability control as well. Some examples of such events areHigh performance driver educationyall terrain.
How to turn off the AdvanceTrac service light
as acheck engine light, the best way to repair an AdvanceTrac light is to first identify the problem causing the light and correct that problem.
If you think a Service AdvanceTrac warning is an error,High quality car scan toolYou should be able to reset the warning light.
Beyond that, you should be able to reset the AdvanceTrac light by disconnecting the battery's ground terminal. After disconnecting the battery, press and hold the brake pedal for a few seconds to ensure any remaining charge in the system has been discharged.
Then reconnect the battery. Please note that this process may reset unrelated settings in the vehicle, such as the radio or clock.
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sean
Sean is an avid car enthusiast who owns his own private fleet and wants to help others do the same. He has received many hours of professional driving instruction and isSCCA, and take the art of driving seriously. Careful and skillful driving has the potential to save many lives. Sean is often seen on track, autocross, or hill climbs.
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FAQs
What causes service AdvanceTrac to come on? ›
Computer issues. Low tire pressure. Faulty steering wheel angle sensor. Faulty wheel speed sensor.
Why does my car keep saying service AdvanceTrac? ›AdvanceTrac is an electronic stability control or "traction control" system and while the warning is displayed that safety feature may be unavailable, or may malfunction, in emergency driving, or during periods of low traction.
Can I drive with the AdvanceTrac light on? ›If the issue is related to a wheel speed sensor or and ABS issue, it is ok to drive the vehicle and the warning light should have no affect on your driving. The AdvanceTrac system is only an extra feature to help the vehicle maintain traction and is not required for normal driving.
How much does it cost to fix AdvanceTrac? ›How Much Does Service AdvanceTrac Repair Costs? Generally, you can expect to pay between $100 and $250, excluding labor charges. This can vary depending on your mechanic and repair shop's location. You may also have to pay for other repairs, like a blown fuse or switch.
How do you reset service traction control? ›Press the gas pedal 3 times in quick succession. Then, turn your engine on all the way and let it run for a minute. The TCS and ABS lights should reset and go away if there isn't any underlying problem with your traction control system.
What to do when service traction control comes on? ›If the traction control light comes on while you're driving, but no other warning lights are illuminated, don't panic. Find a safe place to pull over, turn off your vehicle, and then restart it. If a fluke in the TCS system triggered the warning light, it should turn stay off when you restart the engine.
What does AdvanceTrac mean on a Ford? ›Ford AdvanceTrac will help you overcome complications arising from such situations. It's an electronic stability system that helps with navigation through harsh road conditions, including gravel, ice, dry pavement, and snow. It has control features that help to increase vehicle stability as well as traction.
How do you reset the service on a Ford Edge AdvanceTrac? ›Barring that, you should be able to reset the AdvanceTrac light by disconnecting the ground terminal of the battery. After the battery is disconnected, hold the brake pedal for a few seconds to make sure any power left in the system is discharged. Next, reconnect the battery.
What is wrong with your car when the traction control light comes on? ›When the traction control light comes on while driving, you'll need to take caution. This safety feature typically means that the car's traction control is being used, indicating that your vehicle briefly lost grip going around a sharp curve, driving on wet pavement, or the like.
Why did my traction control light come on while driving? ›In some cases, the warning light may come on because wheel-speed sensors are covered with road grime or debris. When the traction control warning light stays on, that means you aren't getting any help from the system to control traction and the system needs to be checked.
Can Low brake fluid cause ABS light to come on? ›
One reason your vehicle's ABS light is on is because it may be sensing abnormally low levels of brake fluid. You'll be able to notice if your brake fluid is low by the way your car brakes.
How much does it take to fix traction control? ›Traction control system switch: Traction switch replacement may cost around $111 to $125. This includes labor charges ($56 – $71) and spare parts ($54). Wheel speed sensor: The estimated cost of wheel speed sensor replacement is around $208 to $250, including labor costs ($62 – $78) and parts ($146 – $177).
Should AdvanceTrac be on or off? ›Turning Ford AdvancTrac ESC On and Off
If your vehicle is stuck in the snow or mud, turning off the system will allow the wheels to keep spinning and apply full engine power to the wheels.
The AdvanceTrac® Light should come on in the dash when you first crank the engine and then go off. If it comes on while you're driving, it means that the system has been activated automatically and that slippery conditions have been detected. This is normal.
Is AdvanceTrac four wheel drive? ›The Traction Control and Intelligent 4 Wheel Drive technology pay extra attention to slippery surfaces and adjust the powertrain and braking systems to avoid sliding off during acceleration. The Hill Start Assist and Hill Descent Control help the car utilize the right torque during ascent and descent.
Will disconnecting battery reset ABS light? ›Resetting Your ABS Dashboard Warning Light
Step One: Disconnect the positive cable from your car battery. Then, hold down the brake pedal to drain the vehicle's electrical system. This will result in a reset of the car's central computer. Plug the cable back in to restore power.
The traction control system light should illuminate for 1 to 2 seconds and then go out as the vehicle starts and begins to run. If the light stays on, it either means that the system is deactivated, or there is a problem in the traction control system.
How do I turn off service traction light? ›This may vary by the manufacturer of your vehicle. If equipped, there should be a switch/button showing a picture of a car with wavy lines underneath. Press this button to turn off traction control. This should then display the light on the dash as a steady yellow light indicating the TC is now turned off.
Can I drive my car if it says service traction control? ›If your ABS and traction control light are on, this indicates severe computer malfunction that affects your vehicle's braking system and can cause total failure. In these cases, it's best to avoid driving your car at all, and get it towed to the nearest mechanic who can assist.
What does AdvanceTrac mean on a car? ›Ford AdvanceTrac is an electronic stability system that allows the driver to maintain the utmost control over the vehicle, especially while driving in difficult road conditions. The AdvanceTrac is particularly useful for getting by terrains like ice, snow, gravel, and dry pavement.
Why is my traction control light on Ford? ›
The traction-control light is usually a sign that your vehicle is working properly by maintaining traction on a slippery road, but it can also mean that your car has some damaged sensors or wires. Keep yourself safe on the road by taking your vehicle to a trusted auto repair shop at the first sign of trouble.
How do you reset a Ford service? ›Switch the ignition on. Do not start the engine. Fully press the accelerator and brake pedals at the same time. Keep the accelerator and brake pedals fully pressed.
What happens if you don't replace a wheel speed sensor? ›When the sensor is broken, it causes the entire system to be disabled because it can't function without the proper data. A disabled ABS system can even impact other safety mechanisms, such as electronic stability control and traction control.
Will a bad wheel speed sensor cause transmission problems? ›Without a valid speed signal from these sensors, the PCM will not be able to correctly control the shifting of gears within the transmission. This may cause the transmission to shift rough or quicker than normal.
What causes a wheel speed sensor to malfunction? ›Some of the problems that can arise and cause damage to the sensors include: Excessive bearing end play. Corrosion, affecting the air gap spacing and weakening the sensor's signal strength. Road debris blocking the sensor, rendering it inoperative or causing mechanical damage.
What sensors cause traction control light to come on? ›- Faulty Wheel Speed Sensor. ...
- Inoperable Yaw Sensor. ...
- Faulty Steering Angle Sensor. ...
- The ABS System Is Malfunctioning. ...
- Wiring Damage. ...
- TCS Needs Reprogramming.
For a test drive, go down a safe road, speed up, and hit the brakes hard to ensure the ABS is working properly. As you can see, replacing a wheel speed sensor is a one-way, straight job given that you have the right tools and knowledge.
Where is traction control sensor? ›In some vehicles it is located under the hood and/or is a part of the ABS control module. Other vehicles may have the traction control module located in the interior or trunk areas.
Can blown fuse cause ABS light to come on? ›Blown Fuse or Stuck Bulb
Sometimes a blown fuse to the ABS can cause the light to come on and stay on. Fuses are easy to blow, so sometimes it's an easy fix to check.
Because the ABS and traction control often share the same module, a problem with one mechanism might be indicated by a light for both. If the brake system is malfunctioning, the traction control light might come on as a result. The light for your ABS might also come on if the brake fluid is low.
How do you know if your traction control switch is bad? ›
Common signs include the Check Engine Light coming on, car braking inconsistently, and the traction control switch not depressing.
Can bad tires affect traction control? ›Your vehicle can have the most advanced traction and stability control available, but if your tires don't have adequate tread depth, then there is no traction or stability to control! Read on to see how to recognize unsafe tread depth and tire wear.
Can bad tires cause traction control light? ›Can Worn Tires Cause Traction Control Lights To Come On? Absolutely – worn tires are the main reason for a flashing traction control light. Because tires that are worn and have little tread depth, will slip while you try to accelerate.
How much does it cost to replace an ABS control module? ›Anti-lock brake systems, or ABS, are an essential safety feature for any car. When the system is damaged or needs a part to replace, it can cost anywhere from $320 to $1,000.
Does traction control affect the engine? ›Driving with the TCS light on
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.
If the traction control module is going bad or failing, it may be more difficult to maintain control of the vehicle when braking during adverse weather conditions, such as ice or rain. The traction control system (TCS) and the anti-lock brake system (ABS) work together to maintain control when hydroplaning.
Is service traction control serious? ›Driving with your TCS Light on can be dangerous. You increase the potential of losing control of your vehicle. The TCS helps control the stability and traction of your vehicle, so without it, the vehicle may not handle slick roadways as it should.
What happens if you don't fix your traction control? ›If any of the tires spin faster than what speed the car is going, that tire will begin to lose traction — which could lead to skidding or hydroplaning. This is where traction control steps in to avoid either from happening.
How much does it cost to fix the traction control system? ›Traction control system switch: Traction switch replacement may cost around $111 to $125. This includes labor charges ($56 – $71) and spare parts ($54). Wheel speed sensor: The estimated cost of wheel speed sensor replacement is around $208 to $250, including labor costs ($62 – $78) and parts ($146 – $177).
What are the symptoms of a bad wheel sensor? ›- ABS Warning Light Turns On. ...
- Anti Lock Brakes Stop Working. ...
- Pulsating Brake Pedal. ...
- Traction Control And Stability Control Stop Working. ...
- Speedometer Doesn't Work.
Can bad brakes cause traction light to come on? ›
The Anti-Lock Braking System Is Malfunctioning
This can accidentally trigger your traction control light should your ABS start to malfunction. For this reason, should your light come on, make sure to inspect other components of your car to help determine the root of the issue.