The traction control system is a set of mechanisms and electronic components of a car that are designed to prevent slipping of the drive wheels. The TCS system (Traction Control System) is the trade name for a traction control system that is installed on Honda vehicles. Similar systems are installed on cars of other brands, but they have different trade names: TRC traction control system (Toyota), ASR traction control system (Audi, Mercedes, Volkswagen), ETC system ( Range Rover) and others.
Activated TCS prevents the vehicle's drive wheels from slipping when starting to move, sharp acceleration, turns, bad road conditions and quick rebuilding. Let's consider the principle of operation of TCS, its components and general device, as well as the pros and cons of its operation.
Working principle of TCS
How the traction control system worksGeneral principle The operation of the Traction Control System is quite simple: the sensors included in the system record the position of the wheels, their angular speed and the degree of slippage. As soon as one of the wheels begins to slip, TCS instantly eliminates the loss of traction.
The traction control system copes with slippage in the following ways:
- Braking of slipping wheels. The brake system is applied when not high speed– up to 80 km/h.
- Reducing car engine torque. At speeds above 80 km/h, the engine management system is activated, which changes the amount of torque.
- A combination of the first two methods.
Note that the Traction Control System is installed on cars with an anti-lock braking system (ABS - Antilock Brake System). Both systems use the readings of the same sensors in their work; both systems have the goal of providing the wheels with maximum grip on the supporting surface. The main difference is that ABS limits wheel braking, while TCS, on the contrary, slows down a rapidly rotating wheel.
Device and main components
ABS+TCS system diagram Traction Control System is based on elements of the anti-lock braking system. The wheel slip prevention system uses electronic locking differential, as well as an engine torque control system. The main components required to implement the traction control functions TCS systems:
- Feed pump brake fluid. This component creates pressure in brake system car.
- Switching solenoid valve and solenoid valve high pressure. Each drive wheel equipped with such valves. These components control braking within a specified loop. Both valves are part hydraulic unit ABS.
- ABS/TCS control unit. Controls the traction control system using built-in software.
- The engine control unit. Interacts with the ABS/TCS control unit. The traction control system puts it into operation if the vehicle speed is more than 80 km/h. The engine control system receives data from sensors and sends control signals to actuators.
- Wheel speed sensors. Each wheel of the car is equipped with this sensor. The sensors record the rotation speed and then transmit signals to the ABS/TCS control unit.
TCS enable/disable button Please note that the driver can disable traction control system. Usually on dashboard There is a “TCS” button that turns the system on/off. Disabling TCS is accompanied by the illumination of the “TCS Off” indicator on the instrument panel. If such a button is missing, the traction control system can be turned off by removing the corresponding fuse. However, this is not recommended.
Advantages and disadvantages
Main advantages of Traction Control System:
- confident start of the car from a standstill at any road surface;
- vehicle stability when cornering;
- traffic safety in various weather conditions(ice, wet surface, snow);
- reduced tire wear.
Note that in some driving modes, the traction control system reduces engine performance and also does not allow full control of the vehicle’s behavior on the road.
Application
Traction control system TCS is installed on cars Japanese brand"Honda". Similar systems are installed on cars of other automakers, and the difference in trade names is explained by the fact that each automaker, independently of the others, developed a traction control system for its own needs.
The widespread use of this system has significantly increased the level of vehicle safety when driving due to continuous control of adhesion to the road surface and improved controllability when accelerating.
He will tell you what the ABS, ESP and TSC systems are, what is the difference between them and what is the principle of their operation.
Imagine a modern foreign car without auxiliary system braking or air conditioning is simply impossible; often this is no longer a luxury, but a necessary component of the package.
An accidental obstacle or accidental pressing of the brake pedal or skidding of the vehicle can lead to loss of control and death. This has happened to every driver.
What are ABS, TSC and ESP
The first systems that allowed the driver to level the car and maintain its course began to be installed twenty years ago. ABS, or in more detail, are not now installed on cars, since newer ones have taken their place, but still, they were the beginning of systems directional stability.
ABS consists of three main components:
- Sensors for reading wheel rotation speed;
- A device for changing brake pressure, for each wheel separately;
- Process control unit.
Not unimportant system is considered to be TSC, better known as ASC or ASR. Allows you to start from a standstill without slipping of the drive wheels, very convenient to use when starting on snow or an ice-covered track. The system is based on the same sensors, but the control module has been modified and a wheel recognition function has been added to it. Thus, if during the start the driving wheels rotate faster than the driven ones, the control system perceives this as wheel slipping. The control unit will reduce engine speed, no matter how hard you press the gas pedal, and the car will move gently from a standstill.
Newer and modernized system ESP ("Exchange Stability System") can not only control the braking system, but also the engine. On SUVs it was equipped with the ability to lock the differential. In cars BMW brand this is x-Drive, and on Mercedes it is 4-Matic. In addition to the standard sensors that were used in ABS, they also added side sensors, steering wheel sensors, skid sensors and others, which let the system know what is happening with the car while driving. Thus, when the system is turned off, all data is transmitted to the on-board computer monitor, and allows the driver to understand the situation on the road, the temperature outside the car and what the condition of the road is. This makes driving very easy and gives you confidence in the car; even without the system, you can make a decision in a given situation to maneuver.
Let's consider a situation when a car enters a turn and begins to skid to the side; by turning the steering wheel in the direction of the skid, the driver will exit the turn, and the ABS will slow down as expected. But still, the last decision will remain with the driver, turn off the gas or slow down. If there is an ESP system, the situation will be completely different. First, reduce the fuel supply to reduce engine speed and power, because of this the speed will decrease. Next, the system itself will determine which wheel should be slowed down more and which should not be touched at all, using steering sensors it will tell you in which direction the steering wheel should be turned to return to the previous driving trajectory.
Experienced drivers say that you should not play with these systems, that is, press the brake pedal frequently and in a row, then the system will perceive it as emergency situation and will start to work unnecessarily.
Video about how the ABS system works:
In this article we will try to understand the principle of operation of the car's braking systems - ABS, ESP and TSC.
How do ABS, ESP and TSC work?
The first systems that prevent wheel locking and allow the driver to control the car if he presses too hard on the brake pedal appeared more than thirty years ago. These anti-lock braking systems became known as ABS.ABS consists of wheel speed sensors, a modulator brake pressure And electronic unit management. The sensors' task is to detect the beginning of wheel locking. As soon as this happens, the signal is transmitted to the control unit, which gives a command to the modulator, which reduces the fluid pressure in the brake hydraulic system. When the wheel is unlocked and begins to rotate again, the fluid pressure returns to its original value and again forces brake mechanisms trigger.
The processes of braking and releasing the wheels will be repeated cyclically until the threat of blocking disappears. The driver feels the operation of ABS through shocks transmitted to the brake pedal.
The wheels are also capable of slipping when starting to move, during acceleration, or in cases of vigorous movement in areas with coatings of different adhesion properties. The desire to get rid of these shortcomings led to the appearance.
When the drive wheels begin to rotate faster than the driven wheels, this is perceived by the processor as slipping. Next, there are two possible options. The first is that the electronics will “strangle” the engine, not paying attention to how actively the driver presses the gas pedal; the second - the drive wheels slow down until they stop slipping and the tread catches on the coating. However, usually both scenarios “work”.
What's remarkable about TCS is the ability of the system, which is an add-on to ABS, to independently control the engine and brakes of individual wheels. The designers were able to approach the development of another electronic assistant - the electronic stabilization program ESP (Electronic Stability Program). In addition, the opportunity electronic control traction and brakes were used to simulate differential locking.
What are the disadvantages of ABS? This system, by regulating the brake fluid pressure, protects the wheels from blocking and provides the driver with the ability to drive the car even in panic. But he must get out of a critical situation himself, relying on his own skill and composure. What if that's not enough?
Example: a car enters a bend at too high a speed, and depending on the direction of the turn, it drifts either into a ditch or onto oncoming lane. The driver responds by sharply braking and additionally turning the steering wheel in the direction of the drift, wanting to stay on a safe trajectory. The result is a drift or a skid, although the ABS did not allow the wheels to slip.
If the car was equipped with ESP, this would not happen. ESP will reduce the fuel supply so that the engine power and speed, and with it the vehicle speed, meet the requirements of a particular situation. But the main thing is that ESP will select the braking forces for each wheel separately, and in such a way that the resulting braking forces counteracted the moment tending to turn the car around and kept it on its trajectory.
If you start to skid when entering a turn rear axle, ESP will provide external braking front wheel. Thanks to this, a stabilizing moment will arise, returning the car to a safe trajectory. If the car's understeer is insufficient, causing the car to drift into a bend due to drift of the front wheels, ESP will apply the brakes to the rear inner wheel, helping the driver maintain control over the car.
For ESP to work, it was necessary to add yaw, lateral acceleration and steering wheel position sensors to the existing wheel sensors and expand software processor. As a result, ESP not only controls the rotation speed of each wheel and the pressure in the brake system, as ABS does, but also monitors steering wheel turns, lateral acceleration of the car, its angular speed and controls the operating modes of the engine and transmission.
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Electronic owner's manual in the car
Tools and controls (6)
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On-board computer - explanatory information
On-board computer The vehicle can record, process and present information while driving. Here is information that explains how some of the functions work.
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Rear view mirrors - external
The outside rearview mirrors are adjusted using the adjustment lever in the driver's door controls.
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Cleaners and washers
The wiper and washer system cleans the windshield and rear window. The headlights are cleaned with high pressure washing.
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Front seats - electrically adjustable
The car's front seats can be adjusted in various ways to ensure optimal comfort. Seats with electrically driven can move forward/backward and up/down. The front edge of the seat cushion can be raised and lowered. The seatback angle can be changed.
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Light controllers
The light controller allows you to turn on and adjust the external lighting. It is also used to adjust the backlight of the display, instrument panel and interior lighting.
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Backseat
Back rear seat and the outer head restraints can be folded. The middle seat headrest can be adjusted to suit the height of the passenger.
Climate (1)
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Drying and deicing the windshield
Electrically heated windshield* and max. Heating is used to quickly remove fog and ice from the windshield and side windows.
Locks and alarm (1)
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PCC* - unique features
Compared to a remote control key without PCC, a remote control key with PCC has an expanded set of functions connected to the information button and indicator lamps.
Starting and driving (3)
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Parking brake
Parking brake holds the vehicle in place when the driver's seat is empty by mechanically locking/locking two wheels.
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Starting the engine
The engine starts and stops using the key remote control and START/STOP ENGINE buttons.
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Turning off the engine
The engine is turned off with the START/STOP ENGINE button.
Sound and media (5)
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Bluetooth® - hands-free mode
Mobile phone with Bluetooth® you can connect to your car wirelessly.
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Registering the Bluetooth® Module
Two Bluetooth® modules can be connected at the same time: You can switch between one phone and one media device. You can also make calls from your phone while streaming audio files. You can connect your car to the Internet using your mobile phone's Internet connection.
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Sound and media - system control
The audio/media system is controlled from center console and partly using buttons on the steering wheel, voice commands or remote control*. Information is displayed on the screen at the top of the center console.
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External audio source via AUX-/USB* port
You can connect an external audio source to the audio system, such as an iPod® or MP3 player
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Radio
You can listen to broadcasts on the AMV60 Plug-in Hybrid and FM radio frequencies and in some cases also digital radio (DAB)*. In a car with an Internet connection, you can listen to web radio, Apps.
The TCS traction control system is a complex of software and hardware devices and car mechanisms designed to prevent slipping of the driving wheels of the vehicle.
The English abbreviation stands for Traction Control System (TCS). This system is literally used on Honda cars.
For other car brands, the abbreviation for traction control has a different form, for example:
- TRC for Toyota;
- ASR for Audi, Mercedes and Volkswagen;
- ETC for Rovers.
Most cars have a special button that activates and deactivates the TCS function.
How the TCS traction control system works
This wheel anti-slip system works in conjunction with the ABS system. In most cars, information is also processed in the ABS control unit, then transmitted to the engine control unit to generate control signals.
The traction control system is guided in its work by the indicators of the speed sensors of the driving wheels. If the car is all-wheel drive, then the system uses the readings of all sensors.
Wheel rotation sensors generate pulses, the frequency of which is proportional to angular velocity wheel rotation. If the pulse frequency of the rotation sensor of any wheel significantly exceeds the pulse frequency of other wheels, therefore, the wheel has entered an uncontrolled slipping mode.
Video - how the TCS traction control system works on the UAZ Patriot:
In order to prevent this phenomenon, the TCS generates a signal that is sent to the engine control unit to reduce thrust or ABS system to brake the corresponding wheel.
Thus, slippage can be eliminated by:
- braking the corresponding wheel by the ABS system;
- forced reduction of engine power (usually activated at high speeds);
- joint operation of two wheel torque control channels.
Adjusting (reducing) engine torque is usually done by:
- reducing fuel supply;
- adjusting the throttle valve;
- changing the ignition angle.
Its advantages and disadvantages
TCS is designed to automatically align the vehicle's trajectory in conditions of unevenly slippery road surfaces. It is relevant for drivers with little driving experience.
TCS provides:
- uniform and straight start from a standing position on a slippery road surface;
- normal cornering;
- reduction of tire wear.
Considering the peculiarities of the traction control system, it also has disadvantages:
- decrease in productivity power unit due to forced reduction of torque;
- the possibility of creating “stalemate” situations when further movement the car becomes impossible without slipping (for example, on a snow or mud track).
Vehicles equipped with TCS usually have controls that disable its operation. These can be push-button or key switches or options on-board system management.
Main components of TCS
The vehicle's traction control system and ABS are combined into a single functional unit.
This diagram partially relates to the TCS system:
- 18,20,22,24 – wheel speed sensors;
- 12,13,14,15 – brake drive valves;
- 5 – control unit;
- 27 – vehicle CAN bus.
Provides interaction between the ABS control unit and the engine control unit. This local communication bus transmits control signals when it is necessary to reduce engine torque to prevent slippage.
Common causes of malfunction
The performance of the TCS traction control system directly depends on the serviceability of the ABS.
Most common reasons failure:
- malfunction of one of the wheel rotation sensors;
- clogging of the wheel (comb) rotation speed tracking zone;
- violation of the integrity of the cables connecting the sensors to the control unit;
- failure of the ABS unit solenoid valves;
- ABS unit pump malfunction;
- blown fuses serving the control unit;
- CAN bus problems.
Troubleshooting TCS starts with computer diagnostics. After defining faulty sensor, node or component begin to eliminate a specific malfunction.
After eliminating the malfunction, the error remains active on many vehicles. To remove the error, you need to run a certain sequence actions in dynamic mode (sea trials). This can be a car moving with successive turns and braking. For example, on Mercedes car Sprinter is four consecutive left turns with braking.
Some car enthusiasts disable the traction control system, relying on their own driving experience. But statistics say that TCS significantly reduces the likelihood of traffic accidents, especially on slippery road surfaces, so it should not be neglected.
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