When you start driving, you learn that there are many abbreviations that you might not know. TC is one such abbreviation that you might be looking at. So, what exactly does TC mean on a car? Well, read more to know.
Most modern vehicles come equipped with TCS as a standard safety feature, and it is easy to activate or deactivate it using a switch or button inside the car.
Some systems additionally feature several settings, such as “Sport” or “Track” modes, which take a more aggressive traction control approach.
TC can optimize power delivery to the wheels, which can improve vehicle performance in addition to improving road handling. As a result, acceleration and cornering abilities are enhanced.
What does “TC” mean on a car?
In a car, “TC” typically refers to “Traction Control.” This technology improves traction and vehicle stability on the road, particularly in slick or uneven driving conditions.
By monitoring wheel spin and engine throttle, it automatically adjusts engine power or applies the brakes to individual wheels to maintain the best possible traction.
In order to improve the handling and safety of the vehicle, traction control aims to reduce wheel slip and enhance stability when accelerating.
In addition to preventing understeer or oversteer, traction control systems are particularly helpful in vehicles with rear-wheel drive because they reduce the risk of traction loss when accelerating.
How does the traction control system (TCS) work?
The purpose of traction control systems (TCS) is to enhance a vehicle’s stability and grip. Wheel speed, throttle position, and steering angle are continuously monitored by the TCS using sensors.
If the system detects that one or more wheels are slipping, it cuts engine power and/or applies brakes to individual wheels to shift power to the wheels with more traction.
By doing so, TCS enables the vehicle to remain stable, prevent skidding, and enhance traction in poor road conditions.
In order to give the driver an additional form of safety and control, TCS works hand in hand with other systems like anti-lock brakes and stability control.
What does the traction control warning light mean?
The traction control warning light typically looks like a vehicle with wavy lines underneath in yellow or orange. This dashboard light usually indicates a traction control system issue when it illuminates (TCS).
This can be brought on by a TCS system malfunction, low tire pressure, or other traction-related problems.
The TCS is a crucial safety feature that aids in preventing skidding and maintaining stability on the road; thus, it’s advised to have the car checked out by a professional as soon as possible if the light illuminates.
Are traction control and stability control systems the same?
No, traction control and stability control are not the same. By reducing engine power and/or applying brakes to individual wheels to transfer power to the wheels with higher traction, traction control is a system that helps prevent wheels from slipping.
It is intended to improve a vehicle’s stability and grip, particularly in adverse driving conditions.
On the other hand, stability control is a more comprehensive system that uses traction control as well as other technologies to keep a vehicle stable and moving in the intended direction.
When a vehicle is not handling as intended, stability control detects it by tracking the vehicle’s speed, direction, and yaw (the rotation around its vertical axis).
It then intervenes by reducing engine power, applying the brakes, or even doing both to help the vehicle regain control.
In short, traction control is a part of stability control, although stability control also includes other technologies and features to enhance vehicle stability.
When should you use and turn off traction control?
Even when the roads are clear, you can always leave the traction control system on. You don’t have to do anything to turn it on because it is automatically turned on when the car starts.
Even though you can turn it off manually, there are several conditions where you need to make sure it is on. Traction control should be activated if you are caught in inclement weather, such as ice, snow, or heavy rain.
When driving on slippery or wet roads, you will need the extra support provided by the traction control system.
Nevertheless, there are a few rare scenarios in which turning TC off can be better. For instance, you might want to turn off the system if your car gets stuck in mud, snow, or sand.
In these situations, when the wheels are spinning, traction control can make it more difficult to escape. Therefore, the wheels need more power to move so they can get out of the ice, sand, mud, or snow and reach stable ground.
The wheel will regain traction once it reaches this ground, allowing you to remove the vehicle.
What causes the traction control warning light to come on?
Here are the most common things that cause the traction control (TC) warning light to come on:
Poor road conditions
The most common reason why your traction control light comes on is when you’re driving on a slippery surface. The TC light may momentarily turn on if you drive through an area with slippery roads.
You are being alerted by this warning light that the traction control system has activated. The light should, however, turn off as soon as traction is regained. If not, there is a more serious issue.
Defective wheel speed sensors
A defective wheel speed sensor or sensors can cause the TC light to come on. To measure each wheel’s running speed, wheel speed sensors are utilized. The ECU is connected to each of these sensors, keeping the traction control system informed.
When a sensor malfunctions, it cannot provide the ECU with accurate signals. This issue will cause the traction control light to illuminate until the defective wheel speed sensor is replaced.
Wiring problems
The main computer in your car is connected to the speed sensors on each wheel via wires.
Your vehicle will believe the wheels aren’t rotating at the same speed if these wires are damaged or corroded, which will result in the traction control coming on.
You can fix this problem by having these wires replaced.
ABS Malfunction
The traction control system and the anti-lock braking system go hand in hand. These components run on many of the same sensors and parts.
Consequently, it’s possible that the traction control light may also illuminate if there is a problem with the ABS. Use your code scanner to identify the defective part to determine the cause.
How can you reset the traction control light?
Here’s how to reset the traction control light with a scanner:
- Purchase an OBD-II scanner.
- Locate the diagnostic link connector (DLC) and plug it.
- Erase or reset the TC light with the scanner.
Purchase an OBD-II scanner
An OBD2 scanner is a great investment if you work on your car, even if it’s just for small fixes. One can be purchased online or at a nearby auto repair store.
You can purchase a less expensive device for $30–50, but a very good OBD2 scanner will cost you several hundred dollars.
You’ll need an original OBD device, not an OBD2, if your car was built before 1996. However, the OBD2 will function on any vehicle manufactured after 1996. As an alternative, you might consider renting one from an auto supply shop.
Locate the diagnostic link connector (DLC) and plug it
To locate the OBD2 device connection port, consult the owner’s manual for your car. It is almost always located under the steering wheel, usually on the left side.
Although many cars just have a cover on it, you might need to remove a panel from your dashboard to access it. Directly connect the OBD2 to the DLC port.
Erase or reset the TC light with the scanner
Turn the OBD2 on. Enter the requested information. Next, select “systems” or “control unit” to get a list of the various vehicle systems. Find the TCS or ABS system, then select “erase codes” or “reset codes” to clear the warning light and reset your TCS system.
You may need to use the model-specific key to read the codes, depending on your OBD2 device. However, your vehicle can be automatically scanned using the “auto scan” function to determine any troubles or problems.