I can't turn my TCS on? does anyone know how to fix it?

**Ryanater** · 05-26-2007, 08:41 PM

I started a thread awhile back asking the same thing but only 3 people relied to it so I am starting a new one.

My traction control doesn't tun on. I always have the TCS OFF light on in my dash. When I turn on my headlights the TCS switch lights up so I don't think it is my switch. I also have checked the plugs by the rear wheels and they are fine. And I checked the fuse but it is also good. So any help would be appreciated. I know I would never use the TCS but I would really like to fix it because it bugs me that something is broken on my car.

**jrc1122** · 05-26-2007, 09:15 PM

Each time you turn your car off, and back on, it should default to ON. You should have to hit the switch to turn it off, then and only then should the light come on.

If it does anything different something is wrong, and you should have GM look at it

Can you break the tires loose and keep burning them. if so, then it is stuck off. and if you can't do that, it is stuck on.

I know these are the obvious answers, but that is the answer.

**Ryanater** · 05-26-2007, 09:29 PM

nope the TCS doesn't work at all. I can do burnouts all day. the light comes on as soon as I turn on the car and I can't turn the TCS off.

But ther is no ABS light on and the ABS works fine. I have heard that it can be the PCM? What is a PCM?

**Speedy_Gonzales** · 05-26-2007, 09:32 PM

Originally Posted by Ryanater

nope the TCS doesn't work at all. I can do burnouts all day. the light comes on as soon as I turn on the car and I can't turn the TCS off.

But ther is no ABS light on and the ABS works fine. I have heard that it can be the PCM? What is a PCM?

if it is stuck in off thats a good thing......I turn mine off everytime I drive

**TACE02** · 05-27-2007, 02:07 AM

Did a search on google for "1998 WS6 TCS light" first thing that popped up was this, go figure LS1TECH.COM here is the link, interesting reading:

http://www.ls1tech.com/forums/showthread.php?t=682149

according to this thread it can be a bad rear sensor, bad TP sensor, MAF problem, or wiring (loose or unplugged), or a fuse not seated properly... they were suggesting having the car scanned OBDII I think.
good luck and keep us posted if you find anything out.

**TACE02** · 05-27-2007, 02:14 AM

Also, I just went and read your first post about this topic, it has been on ever since you bought the car correct? it could have been turned off with a tune, or the switch could be bypassed, by the previous owner. Or did you allready check into that.

**Ryanater** · 05-27-2007, 12:01 PM

I am pretty sure the switch wasn't bypassed. I guess it could have been tuned out but the car is completely stock and usually the first mod isn't a tune so probably not.

**my1973form** · 05-27-2007, 12:42 PM

Originally Posted by Ryanater

I have heard that it can be the PCM? What is a PCM?

To answer your question what is a PCM?; It's your car's brain or computer, PCM = Program Control Module.
Also known as ECM = Electronic/Engine Control Module or ECU= Electronic/Engine Control Unit.

Can't help your TCS issue sorry. No TCS here but I can do burn-outs all day if I want or just lift my foot off the gas. lol Hope you get it fixed.

**INMY01TA** · 05-28-2007, 01:32 PM

Wish my car had that problem.

**third_shift|studios** · 05-28-2007, 01:38 PM

there is an SLP gizmo that reverses the tcs so that it defaults to 'OFF" and has to be turned "on"

**Ryanater** · 05-28-2007, 01:39 PM

I can't turn it on though. Thats the whole point.

**jrc1122** · 05-28-2007, 02:14 PM

Again..... It sounds like something that GM should look at.

**02cetransam** · 05-28-2007, 02:27 PM

Originally Posted by jrc1122

Again..... It sounds like something that GM should look at.

agreed

**newtechnova** · 05-29-2007, 07:16 PM

ryanater
heres how the system works =with each ignition cycle the ebtcm(electronic brake traction control module) runs a self test the ebtcm turns on the traction off light on for 3 seconds then turns the light off and the light should only come on if you push the trac off button. if the trac off light is on all the time you have a problem and there should be a code stored in the ebtcm the switch sends a ground signal to the ebtcm blah,blah,blah=G.M.

**Ryanater** · 05-29-2007, 08:26 PM

No code, I just scanned it last weekend.

Thanks though.

**svt_eater** · 06-05-2007, 04:47 PM

Originally Posted by Ryanater

No code, I just scanned it last weekend.

Thanks though.

With no code, I'd say someone has hooked up something like an HP Tuners programmer, or perhaps the Hypertech can do the same...basically, these give you the option to have your default to be off for the TCS. I'd try popping out the switch and re/re the connector.

I installed the SLP !TCS module and the switch still functions fine. Hopefully, it isn't a bigger problem.

**BanditTransAm** · 06-05-2007, 04:52 PM

This will probably make me sound like an idiot, but why would some ppl want it on or off anyways. I think 'on' would be best choice for a good dig...

**Ryanater** · 06-05-2007, 05:20 PM

Originally Posted by svt_eater

With no code, I'd say someone has hooked up something like an HP Tuners programmer, or perhaps the Hypertech can do the same...basically, these give you the option to have your default to be off for the TCS. I'd try popping out the switch and re/re the connector.

I installed the SLP !TCS module and the switch still functions fine. Hopefully, it isn't a bigger problem.

re/re the connector?

**Tommycat** · 06-05-2007, 06:17 PM

Originally Posted by BanditTransAm

This will probably make me sound like an idiot, but why would some ppl want it on or off anyways. I think 'on' would be best choice for a good dig...

When traction control is on it can cut power, add brakes, and generally mess with someone's head... If you are looking to up your hp, and get a better dig, you might want to get softer tires rather than using TC. TC is a bad way to get a good start...

**svt_eater** · 06-05-2007, 07:13 PM

Originally Posted by Ryanater

re/re the connector?

Sorry, that is shop talk for remove and reinstall. Pop out the panel that the switch is installed in, and remove the plug from the switch. While it's out, you could try starting the car and see if the TCS Off light comes on to test whether or not the switch may be an issue.

After that, you can plug it back in, then try the switch functionality again.

I'm still leaning towards a programmer having been used though.