GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

Object Number: 476622  Size: SF
Automatic Transmission Components
Automatic Transmission Controls Schematics
OBD II Symbol Description Notice

Circuit Description

The traction control (TRAC) OFF switch is in the glove box. This switch allows the driver to select a second gear start. Select a second gear start if the vehicle is stuck in snow, in sand, or on ice.

The TRAC OFF switch is a momentary contact switch. Depressing the switch creates a ground path for the electronic brake and traction control module (EBTCM) ignition voltage input. When the EBTCM senses this voltage drop, the module turns OFF the traction control. The EBTCM sends a serial data message to the platform zone module (PZM). The PZM sends a serial data message to the PCM. Upon receiving this signal the PCM commands a second gear start for that ignition cycle.

Following this (and every) ignition cycle, traction control returns to an active state. The transmission again achieves a first gear start.

The driver information center (DIC) information button is on the instrument panel. Pressing the information button displays the traction control state. When the DIC displays TRACTION READY, the vehicle achieves a first gear start. When the DIC displays TRACTION OFF, the vehicle achieves a second gear start. The DIC will not update the traction status display when the TRAC OFF switch is pushed and a scan tool is installed. After removing the scan tool the ignition must be cycled in order to update the DIC.

Diagnostic Aids

    • If, in TRACTION OFF mode, the vehicle does not achieve a second gear start, perform the following procedure:
       - Select Current Gear on the scan tool.
       - Press the TRAC OFF switch once. Observe the display. The scan tool should indicate 1 or 2, depending on the last switch input.
    • When diagnosing for an intermittent short or open condition, massage the wiring harness while watching the test equipment for a change.

Test Description

  1. This step tests for brake system and traction control system DTCs. If an ABS/TCS DTC is set, repair that condition before proceeding.

  2. This step tests the function of the switch. If the scan tool display verifies the switch operation, then the fault may be intermittent.

  3. This step isolates the switch from the circuit, in order to verify that the power and ground circuits are working properly. If the displayed status changes, then the circuitry and the PCM are working properly. Removing the glove box allows access to the 2-way connector on the switch.

  4. This step verifies that the power feed circuit from the PCM to the switch is working properly.

  5. This step replaces the TRAC OFF switch. Previous steps found no fault in the power or ground circuits.

  6. This step road tests the vehicle in both TRACTION OFF and TRACTION READY modes. Monitor the Current Gear display. A difference in acceleration verifies the repair.

Trac Off Switch

Step

Action

Value(s)

Yes

No

1

  1. Install the Scan Tool .
  2. Turn the ignition switch to the RUN position.
  3. Select Chassis DTC.

Are any ABS or TCS DTCs displayed?

--

Go to ABS/TCS Section

Go to Step 2

2

  1. Select Current Gear on the Scan Tool .
  2. While pressing the TRAC OFF switch, observe the display.

Does the Current Gear display change from 1 to 2 when the switch is pressed?

--

Go to Diagnostic Aids

Go to Step 3

3

  1. Disconnect the TRAC OFF switch 2-way connector.
  2. Connect a fused jumper from terminal A to terminal B.

Does the Current Gear display change?

--

Go to Step 8

Go to Step 4

4

Connect a fused jumper from terminal A to a known good ground.

Does the Current Gear display change?

--

Go to Step 6

Go to Step 5

5

Inspect circuit 1571 for the following conditions:

    • Open circuit
    • Short to ground

Refer to General Electrical Diagnosis in Wiring Systems.

Was a condition found?

--

Go to Step 7

Go to Step 9

6

Inspect circuit 151 for the following conditions:

    • Open circuit
    • Short to ground
    • Short to power

Refer to General Electrical Diagnosis in Wiring Systems.

Was a condition found?

--

Go to Step 7

Go to Step 9

7

Repair the wiring as necessary.

Refer to Wiring Repairs in Wiring Systems.

Is the repair complete?

--

Go to Step 10

--

8

Replace the TRAC OFF switch.

Refer to Traction Off Switch Replacement.

Is the replacement complete?

--

Go to Step 10

--

9

Refer to Platform Zone Module (PZM) (Body Control Module) Diagnostic System Check.

Was a condition found and corrected?

--

Go to Step 10

--

10

Perform the following procedure in order to verify the repair:

  1. Road test the vehicle
  2. Press the TRAC OFF switch in order to command a 1st gear start.
  3. Press the TRAC OFF switch in order to command a 2nd gear start.

Is there a difference in acceleration and performance between the two modes?

--

System OK

Go to Step 1