Cadillac DTS Traction Control Problems - Common Symptoms and Best Fixes

The traction control system in your Cadillac DTS is a driving aid that comes in handy, especially in adverse conditions such as rain and snow. The traction control uses wheel speed sensors to detect when a wheel loses its grip or traction. When the system detects a loss of grip on one or more wheels, the traction control module automatically limits the power supply to the wheel that lost its grip and empowers the other wheels to avoid skidding.

Warning light gremlins highlights

• Level of urgency:low
• DIY inspection:possible but complicated
• DIY repair:impossible
• Can you drive?yes
• Price for repairs:$150 - $400
• Symptoms:abnormal behavior of warning lights on the dash
• Ways to solve:check the battery voltage,onlyprofessional inspection will help

Cadillac DTS Traction Control Warning Light

Your Cadillac DTS is equipped with a dashboard light that illuminates when you engage the traction control system. The traction control light will stay illuminated when driving in adverse conditions such as rain, snow, or poorly maintained roads. This means the TCS is working properly.

However, your traction control system is not in good condition if the light stays on even when you're not driving in adverse conditions. You should have the system diagnosed as soon as possible when you notice this.

Common Problems with DTS Traction Control System

As mentioned earlier, the TCS light stays on even when not needed when there's a problem with the traction control system. The reasons for this light staying on are the common problems you might experience with the traction control system of your Cadillac DTS.

1) Faulty Wheel Speed Sensors

The TCS uses wheel speed sensors to function. The sensors are normally found in the wheel bearing assembly and determine the speed at which each wheel is spinning and relay the data to the traction control module. The traction control module uses this information to determine whether to limit the power supply to the affected wheel.

When one or more of these sensors go bad, the traction control module will not know when to activate the system. Wheel speed sensors can be damaged by exposure to adverse conditions such as debris, rain, and general road dirt.

2) A Faulty Traction Control Module

Another possible problem with your traction control system is a faulty control module, which could also cause the traction control light to illuminate. As seen earlier, wheel speed sensors determine the rate at which the wheels move and transfer the information to the traction control module.

Your Cadillac DTS may lose traction control and related safety features when the traction control module fails. If the traction control safety feature is disabled, you might experience trouble controlling your vehicle when driving in adverse conditions. When the traction control module fails, the traction control light might stay on throughout, even not in adverse conditions. It might also remain off altogether.

3) The System May Be Too Sensitive

Traction control is a crucial safety feature of your Cadillac DTS. It surely provides benefits. However, the system may present problems sometimes, especially when pulling into or out of a parking lot with rutted snow.

Sometimes the system may be too sensitive and react to any sign of wheel slip. It may limit the power supply to affected wheels or apply brakes to the extent that you go nowhere. Fortunately, your Cadillac DTS is armed with a traction control switch button to disable the system when not needed.

4) A Malfunctioning ABS System

Although these are two different safety features, they are the core of your Cadillac DTS' stability system. The two features use the same control module. As mentioned earlier, a faulty control module causes the traction control system to fail. The same applies to the ABS. If both warning lights, traction control, and ABS are illuminated, there is a possibility that the control module has failed, thus the failed ABS.

You can know that the ABS of your Cadillac DTS is faulty if you experience difficulty stopping. Another sign of a faulty ABS is when your vehicle becomes unstable when you apply brakes.   

Symptoms of a Faulty Traction Control System

As with any other critical vehicle component, it is important to be able to note the difference between when you have a traction control system and when you do not. This way, you will easily notice a significant change that requires your attention.

Below are the symptoms of a faulty traction control system.

• Traction Control Light Stays On

When the traction control system is in proper condition, the light will come on only when the traction control system is engaged. One of the common signs that there's a problem with the TCS is when this light remains on even when it is supposed to be off.

• Unable to Engage or Disengage Traction Control

The most obvious sign of a faulty traction control system is when it can't accomplish its job well. When you find yourself losing control even when traction control is engaged, there's a problem with the TCS. You may also experience difficulty handling your Cadillac DTS because the traction control system refuses to go off.

• Noticeable Change in Performance

Besides braking problems, you may experience a change in ease of handling, especially in road conditions that require the traction control system. Mostly, this problem affects people differently because of different levels of driving experience.

• Anti-lock Braking System Failure

Traction control and ABS work together to keep your Cadillac DTS stable on the road. The two systems use the same control module. As such, it is quite possible that if one fails, the other follows closely behind.

Losing control of the ABS is a fatal failure that needs to be checked and fixed immediately. If your braking system is acting out, you should visit a professional mechanic to check it.  

Should You Drive with a Faulty Traction Control System?

Although the wheels on your Cadillac DTS won't fail to spin because the traction control system is faulty, it is dangerous to drive with a failed TCS. Driving without traction control makes your DTS susceptible to spinning out or sliding on the road. It is advisable to have the traction control system in your Cadillac DTS in good condition all the time and enable it when you need it. This gives you the confidence to drive, knowing that you are in control all the time.

Driving with a faulty traction control system can be dangerous. It increases the chances of you losing control over your vehicle. Traction control helps in keeping your vehicle stable on the road. Without it, your Cadillac DTS may not handle bad roads as it should.

If you experience the abovementioned symptoms, you should visit a professional technician to diagnose and fix your Cadillac.   

How to Fix Cadillac DTS Traction Control System

There are several components that may fail and cause the traction control to stop working properly. Proper diagnosis of the issue is important before fixing the problem. It'll help you save time and money.

The traction control module is the component most susceptible to failure and is mostly the component you'll need to replace. You can replace this part in a few steps, but the first step is to acquire a brand-new one.

Here is a step-by-step guide to replacing the traction control module.

• Start by disconnecting the battery. Before working on any electrical components in your Cadillac DTS, always ensure you have disconnected the battery. Use a wrench to loosen the nuts before removing the cables; start with the negative, then the positive.
• The next step is to locate your traction control module. Check the manufacturer's manual of your Cadillac DTS for the location of the traction control module.
• Disconnect the traction control module by unplugging it from the electrical connectors. To ensure you won't mix up the connectors when installing the new module, take pictures along the way or use tape to label every connection. This way, you can put everything back in its place when installing the new traction control module.
• Now you can connect the new traction control module. Use the photos you took when unplugging the old module to install the new one properly.
• Lastly, reconnect the battery and fire up your Cadillac DTS. Watch for ABS and traction control lights to come on and go off after a brief moment. The traction control light might not go off as soon as the ABS. If this happens, restart your engine several times to clear any diagnostic trouble codes stored in the vehicle's computer system.

Conclusion

The TCS is a crucial safety feature of your Cadillac DTS. If it develops any problems, you must fix them as soon as possible. If you cannot diagnose and fix the problem properly, it is advisable to contact a professional technician to do the job for you.