The traction control sensor is usually located under the hood or behind the console or beneath the front footwell of the passenger side. The traction control system is a combination of different sensors. The wheel speed sensor is usually located at the stationary part of the hub assembly. The accelerator pedal sensor is located in the accelerator pedal assembly. And the yaw rate sensor is usually found in the center console.
Depending on a car’s make and model, the sensor included in the traction control system and their location varies. Keep reading to get all the insights on traction control sensor location.
What Is A Traction Control Sensor?
A traction control system is an electronic safety measure used in cars that use different sensors to maintain the traction of the wheels. It typically uses the car’s brakes and engine power to ensure proper traction.
A traction control sensor is a combination of different sensors including the wheel speed sensor, and accelerator pedal sensor. And, the traction control system is a part of your car’s ECM. The traction control system gets messages from those sensors and decides how much engine power to deliver and where to apply brakes.
Depending on the cars’ brand, the traction control can be known by various names.
- In Ford, the traction control system is called AdvanceTrac
- In General motor cars, the traction control is called StabiliTrak.
- In Nissan and Infiniti cars, “Vehicle Dynamic Control” (VDC).
- In Volkswagen and Audi, the traction control system and ABS are combined into a single EPC system.
- In Toyota, the traction control system is a part of the VSC (vehicle stability control) system.
- In Porsche, the traction control is known as PSM.
- In Land Rover, the traction control system is known as DSC.
Where Are The Traction Control Sensor Components Located?
Locations of the basic components and sensors that the traction control system has been given below.
Where Is The Engine Control Module (ECM) Located?
As a part of the ECM, the traction control monitors various sensor inputs such as wheel speed, throttle position, and engine RPM. Then, the traction control system determines if a wheel is slipping and if any control is needed.
After determining, the TCS feeds this information to the ECM and then the ECM controls the engine power output and engages the brakes.
The ECM can be located in various locations based on the car model.
Audi
The ECM is located below the wipers behind a plastic trim panel In most of the Audi models. However, Audi R8, has multiple ECUs, that are located in the rear engine bay.
BMW
Typically, in BMW, the electronic control unit (ECU) is located under the bonnet of the vehicle. At the rear end of the engine fuse box, there is a panel. Look behind the panel and you should find the ECU. The ECU is placed in a plastic box next to the battery.
Bentley
Most Bentleys have two ECMs generally located under plastic panels on the left, right, and rear of the engine compartment.
Ford
The Ford models Fiesta, Transit, Escort, Focus, Galaxy, and Sierra, have several locations where the electronic control unit (ECU) can be found. These locations include:
- Under the plastic side trim in the driver’s side front footwell
- Under the glove box on the passenger side
- Next to the battery
- Inside the car, above the pedals
- Inside the car, behind the center console
- Inside the vehicle, behind the glove box
In new Ford diesel models, the ECU can be found inside a plastic box located inside the wheel arch.
Honda
In Honda Civic and Prelude models, the electronic control unit (ECU) can be found in the front footwell of the passenger side. It will be either under the carpet or above the glove compartment.
Nissan
The location of the ECM (engine control module) in Nissan vehicles varies depending on the model and year of the vehicle.
In a Nissan S13 or 300zx, the ECM is located inside the car. Look behind the center console in the front footwell of the passenger side. You will find it under the carpet.
In Navara models made before 2005, the ECM is located behind the center console. Whereas, in Navara models made after 2005, it is located on the outside of the right side of the engine bay.
In the Nissan X-Trail, the ECM is located above the glove compartment, while in the 350z and 370z, it is located under the hood.
Where Is The Wheel Speed Sensor Located?
Obviously, the wheel speed sensor is placed on each wheel. But based on car models, the placement of this sensor in the wheel can vary.
The wheel speed sensor measures the rotational speed of a wheel and sends this information to the ECM. The ECM uses this information to determine the vehicle’s speed and to control the traction control system.
Here is the wheel speed sensor location for different car models.
Toyota
In Toyota cars, the wheel speed sensor (1) is located near the wheel hub. It is mounted on the non-moving part of the hub assembly. The wheel sensor is located closer to the reluctor ring which is found on the rotating part of the hub assembly.
Chevrolet
In Chevrolet Silverado, Equinox, and Malibu, the wheel speed sensors for the front tires are located near the brake rotors on the front wheel hub or steering knuckle.
The wheel speed sensors for the rear tires are located in the rear-end housing of the car, near the rear brake rotors.
The wheel speed sensor in Chevrolet Traverse is located in the rear axle, near the brake rotor or differential.
For other models, you will typically find the wheel speed sensor either near the brake rotors or near the wheel hub.
Jeep
In Jeep vehicles, the wheel speed sensor is typically on the hub near a toothed tone ring or tone wheel.
Cadillac/Acura/Ford
In Cadillac, Ford, and Acura, the wheel speed sensor is near the brake calipers in the hub.
On the other car brands, the speed wheel sensor placement is typically in these above-mentioned positions.
Where Is The Accelerator Pedal Sensor Located?
The accelerator pedal sensor is typically located on the accelerator pedal assembly.
The accelerator pedal sensor provides the car’s ECM with input on how much acceleration the driver wants. Using this information from the ECM, the traction control system modifies the wheel speed to match the driver’s desired acceleration and maintain stability.
Other Integrated Sensors With TCS In Different Car Models
Depending on the model and its stability control feature, there can be some other sensors working on this system. For example, the Yaw rate sensor, steering angle sensor, and throttle position sensor. Let’s discuss where those sensors are located.
Where Is The Yaw Rate Sensor Located?
The yaw rate sensor is used to measure the rotation of the car around its vertical axis, also known as the yaw rate. The sensor sends this information to the ECM from where the stability control system of your car gets this information. And then the system controls the car during hard cornering.
Yaw rate sensor location varies depending on the car’s make and model.
Ford
In Ford cars, The yaw rate sensor is located in the central console at the gearbox level position.
Nissan
The yaw rate sensor is located in the center console of the Nissan as well. You have to lift the cup holder and you will find a plastic box under it holding the yaw sensor.
Volkswagen
The yaw rate sensor in Volkswagen is located beneath the passenger seat floor. You have to remove the carpet to get access to it.
Toyota
Depending on the Toyota models, the location of the yaw rate sensor is different.
- Toyota Corolla – Right behind the parking brake lever on the driver’s side of the dashboard.
- Toyota Axio – Installed on the left or the right corner of the car near the ABS control unit.
- Toyota Rav4 – Under the bonnet, close to the firewall.
Land Rover
On Land Rover, you have to remove the front of the front console to get the yaw rate sensor. It is placed on the floor tunnel.
Where Is The Steering Angle Sensor Located?
The steering angle sensor is typically located near the steering rack or column on a vehicle. It can be integrated into the steering column itself or mounted separately on the rack or nearby.
Sometimes, the steering angle sensor can be fixed to the steering shaft. The location varies with the car brand and model.
The steering angle sensor measures the angle of the steering wheel and sends that data to the vehicle’s engine control unit (ECU). This information is used by traction control to determine if the vehicle is drifting or sliding and act accordingly.
Where Is The Throttle Position Sensor Located?
The Throttle Position Sensor (TPS) is typically located on the throttle body of a vehicle’s fuel injection system. It is mounted on or near the throttle shaft, which is connected to the accelerator pedal.
It sends a signal to the engine control module (ECM) indicating the position of the throttle and the rate at which it is being opened or closed.
The vehicle stability assist (VSA) system uses this information to determine the power being delivered to the wheels. And after that, it adjusts the amount of braking force applied to each wheel to help maintain stability and traction.
Note: The position of these sensors is highly dependent on the car’s brand and model. It’s better to refer to the user manual for specific information.
FAQs
Is Traction Control Part Of ABS?
No, traction control is not a part of ABS. However, they share some components to ensure better stability of the car. For example, the wheel speed sensor, and ECM. in some cars, these two systems are combined together as a part of the EPC system.
What Causes Traction Control To Fail?
A damaged speed wheel sensor or a broken accelerator pedal sensor can cause traction control to fail. Moreover, errors in ECM programming, broken switch, wiring damage, extreme road conditions, and steering rack damage can cause the traction control to fail.
What Happens When Traction Control Malfunction?
If the traction control malfunctions, it can’t maintain proper traction on a slippery road or while you are cornering. As a result, you experience frequent slippage and less control over the car during driving. You will notice the traction control warning light is staying on when the TCS system malfunctions.
Conclusion
So, here is the complete guide on traction control sensor location. Hope this article helps you with your query.
If the traction control warning light stays on in your car for some reason, there might be problems with the sensors. You should address them immediately. If you are not experienced with automobile repair, you should consult a mechanic.
That’s all. Have a great day!
