Traction Control General Description

PURPOSE
The TCS uses the front brake intervention and engine torque management to provide enhanced acceleration and vehicle stability. The TCS provides well-balanced performance over a variety of road conditions, and is capable of functioning up to maximum vehicle speed. The system enhances the following general vehicle characteristics:
^ Directional control: at high speeds (above 50 mph)
^ Traction: at low speeds
^ Maneuverability: at all speeds

SYSTEM GOALS
The TCS accomplishes these goals through use of wheel speed information, as well as the following:
^ Vehicle speed: To give traction priority at low speeds and directional control priority at high speeds. There is no brake intervention at high speeds, only engine torque management.
^ The speed difference of the non-driven (rear) wheels: To detect a cornering maneuver. Directional control has priority when cornering.
^ Vehicle acceleration and throttle position.
^ Steering wheel position.
^ Brake switch input.

OPERATION
The TCS operates only when the system senses that one or both of the front wheels is slipping or beginning to lose traction. If the system senses that excessive wheel slip is present, the TCS will become active. The TCS keeps an optimum slip rate on the front wheels by applying and modulating hydraulic pressure to the front wheel brakes. The TRACTION ENGAGED message on the DIC will be displayed, indicating the TCS is active. Traction control is not disabled when the mini-spare wheel is on the vehicle.