Removing Traction Control for good!
04-05-2009, 12:22 PM
#1
1st Gear Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Sep 2007
Posts: 62
Removing Traction Control for good!
I was having problems with my traction control switch the other day and took it apart. After a little studying of the circuits I managed to permanently set the traction control on OFF. A few guys wanted me to post a how-to so here you go.
Some things you might need to know: This mod was done to a 2000 GT, my knowledge of electronics is very very limited and I have no idea if this switch is universal to all mustangs so this may or may not work on your car.
So what I noticed when I took the switch apart was a little circuit board with a few contacts and 2 lights. I checked for voltage between each connector to see if it was defective. I found that there was no voltage between 2 connectors (let's call them "A" and "B") unless the switch was pushed down. So I assumed that pushing down the switch would allow voltage to pass from "A" to "B" thus turning off the traction control.
I soldered "A" and "B" together, took the car for a spin and voila, no traction control. I've been driving all weekend without a problem and of course no traction control.
All you need to do this is some very low tech soldering equipment and a slightly steady hand.
-Remove the shift ****
-Take apart the centre console (dont break the fragile clips!)
-Disconnect the traction control switch
-Take the switch out of its housing
-Find a short piece of soft metal
-Solder contact "A" with contact "B" (see picture)
-Put everything back together
This should keep your traction control off. The "OFF" light doesn't turn on but I think my light might be burned out (causing my problem originally).
Hopefully this will work for everyone because it works great for me, happy burnouts!
Some things you might need to know: This mod was done to a 2000 GT, my knowledge of electronics is very very limited and I have no idea if this switch is universal to all mustangs so this may or may not work on your car.
So what I noticed when I took the switch apart was a little circuit board with a few contacts and 2 lights. I checked for voltage between each connector to see if it was defective. I found that there was no voltage between 2 connectors (let's call them "A" and "B") unless the switch was pushed down. So I assumed that pushing down the switch would allow voltage to pass from "A" to "B" thus turning off the traction control.
I soldered "A" and "B" together, took the car for a spin and voila, no traction control. I've been driving all weekend without a problem and of course no traction control.
All you need to do this is some very low tech soldering equipment and a slightly steady hand.
-Remove the shift ****
-Take apart the centre console (dont break the fragile clips!)
-Disconnect the traction control switch
-Take the switch out of its housing
-Find a short piece of soft metal
-Solder contact "A" with contact "B" (see picture)
-Put everything back together
This should keep your traction control off. The "OFF" light doesn't turn on but I think my light might be burned out (causing my problem originally).
Hopefully this will work for everyone because it works great for me, happy burnouts!
Last edited by NKGT; 04-05-2009 at 12:27 PM.
04-05-2009, 03:39 PM
#2
4th Gear Member
Join Date: Feb 2009
Location: CT
Posts: 1,046
Thanks, although I actually like my traction control on sometimes. Not that I drive the car in the rain much but it saved me once. It is annoying when I forget it is on though and I go to show off and the car falls flat on its face...
Traction control FTT (For the Tie)
Traction control FTT (For the Tie)
04-07-2009, 08:50 AM
#8
TECH SAVANT
Join Date: Dec 2006
Location: Saint Augustine, FL
Posts: 10,938
The newer models (2001-1/2 and up I believe) use a different switch and switch logic.
On these models the t/c switch is a simple momentary contact push-button that when pressed sends a +12V signal to the instrument cluster, which then communicates with the ABS controller via the SCP (Standard Corporate Protocol) bus. The ABS controller then "toggles" the t/c on or off depending one the existing state.
There's nothing that can be done electrically (via jumping pins. etc.) at the switch that will permanently disable (or enable) the t/c.
FWIW, it is logic and circuitry in the instrument cluster that controls the t/c on/off LED--I am aware of at least on fellow who blew this out by mucking about with wiring at the t/c switch in an attempt to permanently disable the t/c.
Here's a partial schematic for the 2001+ t/c switch...
On these models the t/c switch is a simple momentary contact push-button that when pressed sends a +12V signal to the instrument cluster, which then communicates with the ABS controller via the SCP (Standard Corporate Protocol) bus. The ABS controller then "toggles" the t/c on or off depending one the existing state.
There's nothing that can be done electrically (via jumping pins. etc.) at the switch that will permanently disable (or enable) the t/c.
FWIW, it is logic and circuitry in the instrument cluster that controls the t/c on/off LED--I am aware of at least on fellow who blew this out by mucking about with wiring at the t/c switch in an attempt to permanently disable the t/c.
Here's a partial schematic for the 2001+ t/c switch...
04-07-2009, 06:12 PM
#10
3rd Gear Member
Join Date: Jun 2007
Location:
Posts: 516
This is actually nice, for those who want it off forever. But has anybody ever tried to replace the switch with a toggle/flip switch? That way it remembers what position it was in the last time you drove it? Thats what I would very much rather have. Would a tuner be able to do that? Or a switch replacement?
