What does the service AdvanceTrac® warning mean in the message center?

What does the service AdvanceTrac® warning mean in the message center?
Experienced mechanics share their insights in answering this question :
AvanceTrac is the electronic stability control (ESC) system used in Ford vehicles. It may also be referred to as “traction control” or “vehicle dynamic control” is other vehicle models. This system monitors the steering stability of the vehicle and engages when skidding has been detected, or the loss of traction.

The AdvanceTrac system counteracts oversteering and understeering by reducing power and/or applying brakes to specific wheels. This is done by the use of electronic sensors that communicate with the Powertrain Control Module (PCM) regarding steering performance and stability in adverse weather conditions. The are several components that are necessary for the AdvanceTrac system to work properly.

Anti-Lock Brake System-When/if the brakes lock up, this may cause a loss of control and the vehicle may slide. The anti-lock brake system prevents this from happening by preventing the brakes from locking up, as well as preventing oversteering and/or understeering when the vehicle starts to slide.

Traction Control System-The traction control system works by reducing engine speed and determining which wheel to apply brake pressure to in order to prevent the vehicle from sliding.

Electronic Sensors-The Powertrain Control Module (PCM) receives information from electronic sensors regarding the rotational speed of each wheel, the horizontal motion of the vehicle, and the vertical motion of the vehicle.

If the “service AdvanceTrac” warning indicator light comes on in the dashboard, this could be an indication of several issues.

A faulty wheel-speed sensor
A faulty steering-angle sensor
A faulty rotational-speed sensor
An issue with the steering rack
Something that is lodged in one of the wheels
The AdvanceTrac system needs to be reprogrammed

If you need assistance diagnosing the service AdvanceTrac warning light, contact a certified techncian for help.

How to Identify and Fix Common car Problems ?

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When the Service AdvanceTrac warning symbol appears in your dashboard, you might be dealing with a range of issues, some include: Failure of the ABS module. Blown fuse. Computer issues.
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.
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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.

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.
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.
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.
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.
When the Service AdvanceTrac light turns on, it means that your car, truck, or SUV`s computerized system detects a fault that needs immediate attention. Similar to the ESC system, AdvanceTrac helps the driver maintain control over their car or truck, especially when driving under bad road conditions.
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.
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.
The advancetac service light refers to the vehicles traction control system. The traction control system monitors the steering and stability of the vehicle and engages when loss of traction has been detected.
Travel safely in your Ford Car, SUV, Crossover or Pickup that is equipped with the Advanced Traction Control System (AdvanceTrac™), a technology that distributes power between the wheels to avoid skidding with the risk of tipping over and thus maintain total control of the Vehicle, delivering a driving experience full …
“Advancetrac” however, is a system that includes controlling torque to specific wheels (traction control) but also can influence braking and steering input.
The system automatically activates when you start your vehicle. The system cannot be completely turned off, but the electronic stability control system is disabled when the transmission selector lever is in position R.
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).
This is because it indicates a critical issue that requires your immediate attention. If ignored, such an issue has the potential to cause more damage to your car engine. So, if the traction control light is on and the engine warning light is flashing, we don`t recommend you continue driving your car.
The service traction control system message is a warning that indicates a problem with the vehicle`s traction control system. There are a number of possible causes for this message, including low tire pressure, wheel slippage, or a problem with the traction control system itself.
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.
Quickly depress the gas pedal three times. Next, fully engage your engine and let it run for a minute. If there is no underlying issue with your traction control system, the TCS and ABS lights should reset and disappear.
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.
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.
Electronic Stability Control Explained

It`s almost always located as close to the very center of the car as possible. If you were sitting in the driver`s seat, the yaw control sensor would be under your right elbow, somewhere between you and the passenger.

Cost to Service ESC

Depending on the vehicle, a replacement steering angle sensor can cost between $100 and $200 or more. On occasion, a software reset or update might fix a problem with your ESC. Labor rates can also vary by vehicle make and model, as well as your region.

Relevant Questions and Answers :

the most relevant questions and answers related to your specific issue

What does the service AdvanceTrac® warning mean in the message center?
ANSWER : AvanceTrac is the electronic stability control (ESC) system used in Ford vehicles. It may also be referred to as “traction control” or “vehicle dynamic control” is other vehicle models. This system monitors the steering stability of the vehicle and engages when skidding has been detected, or the loss of traction.

The AdvanceTrac system counteracts oversteering and understeering by reducing power and/or applying brakes to specific wheels. This is done by the use of electronic sensors that communicate with the Powertrain Control Module (PCM) regarding steering performance and stability in adverse weather conditions. The are several components that are necessary for the AdvanceTrac system to work properly.

Anti-Lock Brake System-When/if the brakes lock up, this may cause a loss of control and the vehicle may slide. The anti-lock brake system prevents this from happening by preventing the brakes from locking up, as well as preventing oversteering and/or understeering when the vehicle starts to slide.

Traction Control System-The traction control system works by reducing engine speed and determining which wheel to apply brake pressure to in order to prevent the vehicle from sliding.

Electronic Sensors-The Powertrain Control Module (PCM) receives information from electronic sensors regarding the rotational speed of each wheel, the horizontal motion of the vehicle, and the vertical motion of the vehicle.

If the “service AdvanceTrac” warning indicator light comes on in the dashboard, this could be an indication of several issues.

A faulty wheel-speed sensor
A faulty steering-angle sensor
A faulty rotational-speed sensor
An issue with the steering rack
Something that is lodged in one of the wheels
The AdvanceTrac system needs to be reprogrammed

If you need assistance diagnosing the service AdvanceTrac warning light, contact a certified techncian for help.

"Service AdvanceTrac Required" message 2012 Ford Mustang GT
ANSWER : Hi there. If the “service AdvanceTrac” warning indicator light comes on in the dashboard, this could be an indication of several issues including, a faulty wheel-speed sensor, a faulty steering-angle sensor, faulty rotational-speed sensor, issue with the steering rack or something that is lodged in one of the wheels. Due to these facts, it’s safe to assume that this warning light is the reason your power steering is not working correctly. The best way to begin the diagnosis issue is to have a professional mobile mechanic complete a traction control light inspection, so they can determine the root source of this issue and recommend the right repairs.

What does the “Check park aid” warning mean in the message center?
ANSWER : If your car is equipped with the Park Aid System (not all Fusions have this system), you may see a warning reading “Check park aid” displayed in the message center. If you do, it means that the Park Aid system has been disabled. You’ll need to enable the system to clear the message.

Tip

This message will only display if you put the car in Reverse and the Park Aid system is not activated.

What does it mean if the message center shows the warning “engine oil change soon?”
ANSWER : It’s absolutely essential that you keep up with normal maintenance, like oil changes, tire rotations, air filter changes and the rest. Your car is designed with a reminder system designed to help make keeping your car serviced easier. If you see the warning message “Engine oil change soon” in the message center of your car, it means that the engine oil life is now between 10% and 0%. Have the oil changed and then make sure to reset your oil life in the car’s computer.

What does the “Brake fluid level low” warning in the message center mean?
ANSWER : Your car is equipped with some pretty advanced equipment in order to monitor the various systems needed for safe driving. One of those sensors is designed to check the level of fluid in the master cylinder reservoir. If the fluid gets low, the car will show a warning in the message center that reads “Brake fluid level low.” You’ll need to open the hood and check the level of fluid in the reservoir. If it’s low, it will need to be topped off. If you notice that it goes low again after you have topped it up, you may have a leak and should get the brake system inspected.

What does it mean if the message center shows a warning saying “Sensor blocked see manual?”
ANSWER : Your car has a significant number of sensors that play vital roles in a wide range of different systems. If you see the warning “Sensor blocked see manual” come across your message center, it’s natural to feel a little nervous. Really, it means that the Blind Spot Information system (BLIS) and the Cross Traffic Alert system sensors (they’re tied together) have been blocked by something. You’ll need to remove the blockage before the system will operate correctly.

What does it mean if the “Service power steering” warning is displayed in the message center?
ANSWER : Your car’s Power Steering system is an integral part of the vehicle. While the system can fail and you’ll still have the ability to steer, you’ll find that the wheel is much harder to turn. Obviously, it’s important to have the system serviced and maintained properly. If you see a warning in the message center that reads, “Service power steering,” it means that there’s a condition that has been detected requiring immediate service. Have your car inspected immediately.

Tip

If you see the “Service power steering NOW” warning, you need to take your vehicle immediately to a mechanic.

What do the various “door ajar” warnings mean in the message center?
ANSWER : The “door ajar” warnings in the message center could indicate a number of things. Usually the door ajar warnings are an indication that one or more of the vehicle doors are open. However, there are some cases when this is an indication of another problem.

Each door has a switch inside the latch of the door and there may be up to five (5) door ajar switches for a vehicle:

Driver’s side door ajar switch
Passenger’s side door ajar switch
Right rear door ajar switch
Left rear door ajar switch
Rear latch/trunk door ajar switch

After checking to make sure that all of the vehicle doors have been shut properly and there isn’t anything obstructing the door or trunk, check to see if the door ajar indicator lights have turned off in the message center. If they have not, there are several possibilities that could explain this:

The Door Ajar Warning Indicator Light dimmer needs to be adjusted
The door ajar switch is stuck and needs to be lubricated
A fuse box relay for the interior lights needs to be replaced
A faulty door ajar switch needs to be replaced

If your Door Ajar Warning Light is on in the message center and you need assistance determining why it will not go off, it would be a great idea to have the door diagnosed by a certified technician, such as one from YourMechanic.