Traction Control Problem

[kms1990]

why hasnt anyone thought to pull the fuse for traction control? there is a fuse or 2 that control this function and when removed the fault light may come on but it will not be able to do anything to slow you down or cause issues as it is disabled. i think rdmazda3 hit it on the head for the fix guys something in the trans control module has a bug and needs a flash update. i bet its getting a reading from an abs sensor that is ever so slightly off (but not enough to cause anything to happen normally) that then causes the trans module to throw traction control on after mis interpreting the info as slip

 

[begwi]

kms1990, you are probably right. I didn't think to pull the fuse. It probably would have been easier than temporarily disconnecting the battery. If it happens to me again, I will try it and post the results. I must say though, that the TCS worked pretty well (however erroneously): the engine lost power, the abs was braking whatever wheel it was sensing spinning, and the car was controllably brought to a stop. I wish it just wasn't in the middle of nowhere on a highway at highway speed.

 

[kpkeating]

Same problem with my 2012 Mazda 3 i Touring / SkyActive TCS/DCM light

Update! Took my car to the dealer where I bought it (Open Road in New Jersey) and it turns out they actually had a service bulletin on this. They "reflashed" the transmission module. Which means, I assume, they updated the flash memory, basically updated the software, to fix the bug. Quick and easy and no charge (and I turned them down on the other service items they offered to sell me!). So far, working just fine. So... get this fixed everyone who has a 2012 3 with automatic transmission and traction control! Cheers.

The same thing happened to my Mazda 3 last week after I came to a stop at a stop sign. I've got an apt. with the dealer tomorrow, but the service technician I spoke with on the phone wasn't aware of the service bulletin.

 

[Mmann1202]

I have a 2012 Mazda 3 Grand Touring with the SkyActiv engine. 7,000 miles on it.

So I was driving on the freeway today in heavy traffic doing about 70-75. I had just gone down a grade and began going up the next (foothill area on the 60 freeway if you are familiar with LA) when I realized my car was losing power and slowing down--despite my pushing the gas harder. I notice the traction control malfunction light has come on--and despite my pressing the manual button, it will NOT turn off. It was acting like a brake or throttle on my car--at a very bad time. I was in the high speed lane and had to go over several lanes while not being able to accelerate--by the time I got over, I am now going less than 50. Not fun and dangerous! I was able to get off at a nearby exit and then shut the car off. When I restarted it, the light was no longer on. I was then also able to manually turn off the traction control. I have now left it off, and am afraid to use it. Never had it on my last car and so am thinking it is a stupid thing that is better left unused--but I have to remember to turn it off every time I get in the car. We sure dont need traction control in Los Angeles, where it rains like 10 days per year and never snows. Is there a way the dealership can permanently disable it? What is wrong with this dumb thing? Seems like a hazard to me.

Interesting, just saw two complaints to the NHTSA that describe the exact same problem.

Ok, I think I might have figured out the problem. Well I know what it was for me anyway. Steering wheel does not sit completely straight so I took it in to see if that had something to do with it. Turns out one of my tire rods were slightly bent. The mechanic said if one tire doesnt rotate the same as the rest it could cause this problem. Said it could be a balance issue, deflated tire, angle of tire, bent rim, all kinds of things. I got the new tire rod and a balance and everything is fine now. Summary. If you let go of your wheel while driving and it pulls to one side or the other, that’s the problem. Hope this helps!