Traction Control fault

[RB CV8]

A different problem to Wolfracer's.

On my 04 CV8, the traction control switches itself off for no apparent reason. In the middle of a journey, the 'TRAC OFF' message suddenly appears on the dash unprompted. Hitting the T/C switch has no effect, and the only way of getting the system back on again is to stop, switch off the ignition and restart.

This does not happen on every journey, and there is no pattern as to when it does occur. It does not appear to be prompted by any particular action - I might simply be trundling along at a constant 60mph when off it goes.

It was happening some months ago and the 'approved' main dealer fitted a new T/C ECU under warranty, which seemed to solve the problem for a while - judging by the fact the contents of the boot were all over the place when the car was collected, they obviously did their best to test it.....

For various reasons, my car will NOT be returning to that particular dealer.

The problem does not affect my driving; I do not rely on the system and I am capable driving the car without either leaving black lines everywhere or spinning like a top in the wet, but if/when I sell, potential buyers may not be so understanding!

I do have a warranty 'Case Number' for the fault, but if possible I would like to get some words of wisdom from somebody in the know before I waste my valuable time playing Russian Roulette with the dealers again.

Any suggestions as to cause would be gratefully received.

[stigmundfreud]

possibly a faulty abs sensor can, on other makes, cause this so a possible place to look.

[ads_green]

Suprised that there's no fault code logged somewhere

[RB CV8]

ads_green said:

Suprised that there's no fault code logged somewhere

I'd assumed that to be the case originally, but the dealer reckoned they'd need the car "a few days to carry out some checks" if the problem recurred, which implies otherwise. Regrettably, I have little faith in them, so I thought I'd post here in case anyone else has had a similar problem.

[greens vauxhall]

The next time it happens, try and invoke the TC. It should still work.

[-Z-]

Has the car been unused for a little bit? I had it happen to me lots in the first few days after I bought mine, it disappeared with use. I also find that letting the dashboard start and the 'Vauxhall' logo disappear before turning the motor on helps with preventing erroneous warning messages

[RB CV8]

greens vauxhall said:

The next time it happens, try and invoke the TC. It should still work.

Presumably that would also mean the TC could be switched off and on via the switch but with the dash continually showing an erroneous "TRAC OFF" message?

[RB CV8]

-Z- said:

Has the car been unused for a little bit? I had it happen to me lots in the first few days after I bought mine, it disappeared with use. I also find that letting the dashboard start and the 'Vauxhall' logo disappear before turning the motor on helps with preventing erroneous warning messages

The car is used weekends only most of the year. It covered 200 miles last week and the same Friday/Saturday. I'll try the start procedure - thanks.

[V2RAC]

Friend had this exact prolem on his 06 VXR and was never cured. In the latter days of ownership he was convinced TC had packed in altogether as wet roundabouts became a nightmare without much provocation.