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Trac Off in odometer display

Old May 14, 2013 | 05:17 PM
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Default Trac Off in odometer display

I just purchased a 2006 Dodge Caravan.

It showing a "Trac Off" read out underneath the odometer.

What does it mean?

I pressed the Trac Off button on top of the steering wheel housing but it does nothing to the "Trac Off" read out.

Is it something that I need fixed or corrected?

Thank you

Bill
 
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Old May 14, 2013 | 05:31 PM
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Copied from the 2006 owner's manual (free download here if you don't have one)
22. Trac Off Indicator — If Equipped
This display indicator should illuminate for approximately four seconds as a bulb check when the ignition switch is first turned ON. The “TRAC OFF” Indicator will flash if the traction control is in use.
The “TRAC OFF” Indicator will illuminate if:
• The Traction Control switch has been used to turn the system OFF.
• There is a Traction Control System malfunction
• The system has been deactivated to prevent damage to the brake system due to overheated brake temperatures.
NOTE: Extended heavy use of Traction Control may cause the system to deactivate and turn on the TRAC and the OFF indicators located in the instrument cluster. This is to prevent overheating of the brake system and is a normal condition. The system will remain disabled for about 4 minutes until the brakes have cooled. The system will automatically reactivate and turn off the TRAC and the OFF indicators.
If your vehicle becomes stuck in mud, ice, or snow, turn the Traction Control System OFF before attempting to “rock” the vehicle free.
 
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Old May 14, 2013 | 09:28 PM
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Originally Posted by kuyabribri
Copied from the 2006 owner's manual (free download here if you don't have one)

22. Trac Off Indicator — If Equipped
This display indicator should illuminate for approximately four seconds as a bulb check when the ignition switch is first turned ON. The “TRAC OFF” Indicator will flash if the traction control is in use.
The “TRAC OFF” Indicator will illuminate if:
• The Traction Control switch has been used to turn the system OFF.
• There is a Traction Control System malfunction
• The system has been deactivated to prevent damage to the brake system due to overheated brake temperatures.
NOTE: Extended heavy use of Traction Control may cause the system to deactivate and turn on the TRAC and the OFF indicators located in the instrument cluster. This is to prevent overheating of the brake system and is a normal condition. The system will remain disabled for about 4 minutes until the brakes have cooled. The system will automatically reactivate and turn off the TRAC and the OFF indicators.
If your vehicle becomes stuck in mud, ice, or snow, turn the Traction Control System OFF before attempting to “rock” the vehicle free.
So I should not be seeing the readout during normal driving condition then? Does it mean there a problem with my Trac system or my brake is overheating all the time?

It not going out at all.

Bill
 
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Old May 15, 2013 | 10:24 AM
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Originally Posted by TechBill
So I should not be seeing the readout during normal driving condition then? Does it mean there a problem with my Trac system or my brake is overheating all the time?

It not going out at all.

Bill
I'm going to guess there is a problem with your traction control system. I have seen the light come on after jump starting the car and after changing the battery (it's ESP on my '08 - not sure if they're entirely the same thing), but in both those cases the light went away after about 30 minutes of driving.

If your brakes were overheating your wheels would be hot to the touch after driving and you would have warped rotors, etc.
 
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Old May 15, 2013 | 07:09 PM
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Took it to a mechanics and he think the switch itself on the steering wheel housing is defective. They ordered a new switch from the Dodge dealer and will install it tomorrow.

Bill
 
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Old May 16, 2013 | 10:39 AM
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Hopefully that fixes the problem. It's probably a lot cheaper than having to diagnose the traction control system.
 
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Old May 17, 2013 | 04:56 PM
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Originally Posted by kuyabribri
Hopefully that fixes the problem. It's probably a lot cheaper than having to diagnose the traction control system.
They replaced the switch and it changes nothing. So going to have to take it to get it diagnosed at some Dodge dealer lot.

Bill
 
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Old May 23, 2013 | 10:47 PM
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It turn out that the right steering senors was defective. We replaced it and the "Trac Off" finally disappears from the dashboard.

Now it work normally and come on when you press the Trac Off button on top of the steering and goes away when you press the button again.


Bill
 
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Old May 24, 2013 | 09:46 AM
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99% always the toothed ring or the ABS sensor that reads those teeth. Always eliminate (1) sensor first (2) [chipped / rusted] ring second.

You never need to touch that button - its computer controlled. It's there for the 1000 to 1 situation where you are stuck in the snow and you need it at almost zero MPH.
 
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