What is the AdvanceTrac® with Roll Stability Control™?

ANSWER : You’re getting into an area that is kind of a dark art when you’re getting these kinds of codes. While I don’t know any of the symptoms that the car is exhibiting, I can tell you that failure in one of the control units can lead to codes showing up in the others and the ABS, ESP is a likely culprit since it interprets the wheel speed signals and sends the information to the other modules. You’re right that the module has to be coded, and I don’t think that Snap On has the software for that so the only place to go is the Star Diagnostic. (The consumer version of the Mercedes SDS ) You can Contact YourMechanic and see if anyone in your area has the appropriate equipment for this. Otherwise, this may be a case that would best be consigned to the Mercedes Dealer.

ANSWER : ABS, traction and stability control systems rely on input from a number of sensors to function properly. Faults can be in any one of them from the brake light switch, steering angle sensor, wheel speed sensor, or up to a dozen others. Also, a fault code can be present for any of the sensors without the sensor itself being the actual fault. A wiring issue to that sensor or a fault in the abs/traction control computers can also be the cause. The only sure way to find out why the abs and traction control lights are on is to diagnose the system properly. The airbag light can be related if for example, the steering angle sensor is faulty as it provides input for the airbag system as well as abs, traction, and stability control systems. It can also be a stand-alone issue. When the system is scanned, fault codes will provide a direction to take in diagnosing the problem, but isn’t always as simple as replacing "Sensor A". Replacing parts without confirming they are actually the cause of the fault can be more expensive in the long run. Most electronic parts are not returnable once installed so if you replace a random part that does not correct the problem, you are stuck with the cost of that part and still have the same issue.

ANSWER : Your vehicle is equipped with both a vehicle stability control system (VCS) and a traction control system (TRAC). They operate independent of your input – they come on and off automatically, without you having to do anything. They will automatically engage when the car’s computer detects slipping, or if a wheel spins free. You will see the VSC/TRAC light come on in the dash when they activate. You’ll also hear a buzzer.

You can disable VCS and TRAC if you need to. This can be necessary in some conditions, as both systems will divert power from the drive wheels to stop slipping. To turn them off, just push the TRC button on the dash. You’ll see a light on the dash that reads AUTO LSD come on and the TRAC Off light will also illuminate. The slip indicator light will flash.

When you push the TRAC button again, the lights should go out and the VSC and TRAC systems should go back to automatic operation.

Tips

VSC and TRAC are enabled every time the engine cranks, even if you turned them off before shutting it down.
If you turn off the TRAC system only, it will re-enable when you pick up speed.

ANSWER : The traction control and vehicle stability control (VSC) are key safety features that help your car safely drive in poor weather. However, in select circumstances (such as when you are stuck in the mud or snow), the traction control and VSC can reduce power to the wheels, and be detrimental. When that is the case, you can turn off these systems by pressing and holding the traction control and VSC off button, which is located to the left of the steering wheel. TRAC Off and VSC Off indicators will illuminate on the instrument panel to confirm that the systems are off.

Tip

Never keep the traction control and VSC system off unless you need to for specific purposes.

ANSWER : Hi there:

When you press the button to unlock the door it completes a circuit, enabling the lock actuator to receive power which activates the locking mechanism to the desired position. The circuit is routed through a door lock relay, which acts as a switch to direct the power to actuators on the door locks. In some cases, the door lock relay is what becomes damaged or faulty; which can cause the intermittent operation of your door locks as you’ve described. You might need to have your door lock relay replaced, but should have this issue inspected by a professional mechanic first to determine if the lock relay is the source of your issue.

ANSWER : Hi There,
As you may know, the traction control light and oil change are unrelated issues. The traction control system monitors the steering and stability of the vehicle and engages when loss of traction has been detected. This is done by the use of electronic sensors at each of the four wheels that communicate with the Powertrain Control Module (PCM) regarding steering performance and stability in adverse weather conditions. 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. The anti-lock braking system and the traction control system work together to maintain the stability of the vehicle. The computer uses this information received from electronic sensors regarding the rotational speed of each wheel, the horizontal motion of the vehicle, and the vertical motion of the vehicle to determine how to direct the traction control system or the anti-lock braking system to best control the vehicle when needed. When this warning indicator light comes on in the dashboard, this could be an indication of several issues such as faulty wheel speed sensors, a faulty steering angle sensor, a faulty rotational speed sensor or a problem with the steering rack. In some cases, the traction control system may simply need to be reprogrammed. I would recommend having a professional from YourMechanic come to your location to properly diagnose your traction control system.

ANSWER : Hi there. The trouble code you indicated is similar in many ways to the P0963 OBD-II code. This article should give you a lot of valuable data that will explain the source of this code, possible causes and repairs. In general, this code is related to a communication error with the transmission pressure control solenoid. Most of the time, the code is triggered due to the solenoid being dirty, or the connections are loose. When this happens, the OBD-II trouble code essentially activates a fail safe mode, so that the car will not continue to damage the transmission or other components.

ANSWER : Hi there. The best advice I can offer is for you to complete one of two things. First, it would probably be best to have a professional mobile mechanic come to your location and complete a check engine light inspection so they can pinpoint what part of the EVAP system is causing your failed emissions test. If you decide you want to do this on your own, then it would be a good idea to purchase a service and repair manual for your Ford Mustang – so you can look at detailed diagrams and replacement instructions.