Jim Grant's Tech Tips

‘96 Mazda Millenia S, Traction Control System Problem

Q: While I’m driving my ‘96 Mazda Millenia S the traction control off light and the traction control system light comes on and the car will not tach over 2500 RPM’s. I know that the traction control system is designed to limit RPM’s in icy and slippery conditions, but this happens on good dry roads with no warning. What can I do to bypass this system or fix this problem?

- Joshua Phillips

A: I wouldn’t suggest bypassing the system. The traction control system works in conjunction with the anti-lock brake system; they use the same module/computer and it is tied in with the engine computer. Bypassing or disabling one will likely effect the operation of the other. If the traction control off light and the traction control indicator light both light while driving, there is likely a code to be found in the computer. Retrieving codes from the anti-lock brake and traction control module does require the use of a computer scan tool. Once the trouble code has been retrieved the fix/repair is easier to implement. As mentioned earlier the engine computer is involved with the traction control system. So if no codes are found in the anti-lock brake/traction control module be sure to check the engine computer for codes.