Exactly how does traction control work?

[RobRazor]

I'm curious, new C5 owner (had a C3 which of course did not have that item). Is it thru application of the brake to the slipping drive wheel, or ???

yes, I'm a leadfoot right now, I'm diggin' on the reponse of the C5, but don't want to hurt my baby by causing the traction control to brake while i'm burying then throttle.

Anyone know how T-C works?

 

[yellow_2002_germany]

It works as you suspect. The ABS systems works with it as well. When the computer senses a wheel turning at a different speed from the other it applies the brake to the faster wheel until both wheels are turning at the same speed. Of course it figures in turning and different wheel speeds due to the differential.

You can defeat the TC by pressing the button on the console. Of course it will be much easier to shred your tires that way.

 

[c4c5specialist]

Hithere,
While YEllow is close, it is not the whole story.
He is a deeper explaination of what exactly happens.

When drive wheel slip is noted while the brake is not applied, the EBCM will enter traction control mode.

First, the EBCM requests the PCM to reduce the amount of torque to the drive wheels via the requested torque signal circuit. The PCM reduces torque to the drive wheels by retarding spark timing and turning off fuel injectors. The PCM reports the amount torque delivered to the drive wheels via the delivered torque signal circuit.

If the engine torque reduction does not eliminate drive wheel slip, the EBCM will actively apply the drive wheel brakes. During traction control braking, hydraulic pressure in each drive wheel circuit is controlled to prevent the drive wheels from slipping. The master cylinder isolation valve closes in order to isolate the master cylinder from the rest of the hydraulic system. The prime valve then opens in order to allow the pump to accumulate brake fluid in order to build hydraulic pressure for braking.

So you see, there is alot more than meets the eyes.
Allthebest, c4c5

 

[RobRazor]

Thanks, guys! The details and innerworkings weren't covered in the manual. Now i know....

R