Traction Control initial checks

[Adrian]

My TC light has started coming on once the engine has warmed up. I've been looking at the info on http://www.v6calibra.net/tc/v6calibra_TC_system.htm and before attempting any major surgery just wanted to check the connector and wiring. There are no ABS faults but I haven't got the ability to read TC fault codes as there is no pin "J". I think this narrows it down to motor fault (worn brushes).

The advice I'm looking for is how to check the connections - I can't figure out where the wiring goes to the TC motor. I think there's a plug at the end of the motor nearest the engine block - can you just reach in under the inlet manifold and pull the plug out? There doesn't seem to be much to grab. I'm wondering if it's only practical to "check the connections" when the TC has been removed.

[Adrian]

Another question: can the TC unit be removed (along with the throttle body) without removing the inlet manifold?

[RobbieV]

It would be easier to remove the inlet manifold to check connections, and yes you can remove the TC unit without removing the manifold could also check connections that way.

[Adrian]

Thanks Robbie. Just had another 'feel' around the underside of the manifold and found the spring-clip holding the connector. Managed to press that and get the plug out - so it can be checked quite easily. Of course, it all looked good so I doubt if that's the problem. I dug out my TIS disc and found the instructions for removing the TC unit so that's the next step I guess.

One odd discovery I made was that the vacuum pipe going to the fuel pressure regulator was off - and the rubber elbow was pointing 180 degrees away from it! Never been under the throttle body before myself so I don't think I could have pulled it. Judging by the crud it has been off for ages. I wonder what effect having no vacuum in the FPR might have?

[big_gordy]

can i suggest 1st you check the TC ECU as i had a similar prob and that was the last thing i checked and saved steve v6 a lot of time checking this out it was the same! fulty TC ECU

try and get a lend on 1 to see if this helps 1st m8 BEFORE DOING ANYTHING ELSE!!!

[baby9bird]

Are your tyre pressures ok?

[Adrian]

can i suggest 1st you check the TC ECU as i had a similar prob and that was the last thing i checked and saved steve v6 a lot of time checking this out it was the same! fulty TC ECU

try and get a lend on 1 to see if this helps 1st mate BEFORE DOING ANYTHING ELSE!!!

Interesting... the car has only done 58,000 miles but it's a '94 so bits seem to corrode rather than wear out. Several relay and other wiring faults have come about through this. The connector on the engine ECU quite often plays up losing me the rev-counter at times. I've checked the TC ECU connector but it looks good. The V6 calibra site gives the impression that the TC ECU is the strongest bit - but you could be right. Anyone got a V6 TC ECU they can spare for a day or two?

baby9bird - thanks for the tyre pressure reminder - if only that was the cause! I tried the TC "re-training" trick of coasting down to 40 from over 70 five times - much to the bewilderment of fellow road-users but it didn't make the fault go away.

It's amazing how consistent the point where the fault light comes on - If I drive from my house with a cold engine about ten miles to the nearest dual carriageway by the same route, the light comes on within a couple of tenths of a mile on the dual. When the engine is hot however, the TC fault light comes on in under a mile. So it seems like it's engine temp that triggers it.

[RobbieV]

You could try taking the TC motor apart and sanding off the deposits of the bushes.

[Adrian]

It will probably end up with the motor coming apart - when I get around to changing the spark plugs. That job can't be put off much longer and the manifold will be off anyway.