93 850 TRACS ?

adollarwodbnice · Post by **adollarwodbnice** » 19 Dec 2007, 13:48

So I was rumaging through my 850 GLT and noticed that behind one of the plastic squares for options there was a plug with wires stuck to the back of one of the plastic covers. It was right next to the sunroof switch. So i looked through the owners manual and saw that the tracs was an option on this car. So curious I went to the salvage place down the road where i've gotten most my parts for this car and low and behold it has a tracs button. This car is a 96 wagon I believe though and the buttons are all slightly different looking. Anyway I got home popped it on tried it and nothing lol. I was assuming that because the whole harness is there it only needed the switch. Is there ALOT more to it than that? It'd be a neat little add on; if not i'll just toss it or sell the switch for a couple bucks or something.

zenmervolt · Post by **zenmervolt** » 19 Dec 2007, 14:54

The wiring harness is just that, the wiring harness. It has none of the control mechanisms necessary to make the traction control system work.

Now, since TRACS uses the ABS system to apply itself, it's possible that you "only" need the ABS computer and TRACS control module from a TRACS-equipped car, but I am not certain how Volvo specifically set up the system.

TRACS is on by default when you start the car, and the switch is to turn the system off.

Post by **billofdurham** » 19 Dec 2007, 15:26

TRACS is on by default when you start the car, and the switch is to turn the system off.

This is true for the 850 from late '95 ('96 model) on. Prior to that the TRACS system had to be switched on.

This is from the '95 owner's manual:

A - TRAction Control System (TRACS) - option

TRACS is a system designed as an aid when starting/driving off if one of the drive wheels has poor traction due to weather conditions or the road surface and is connected to the ABS control module.
TRACS is switched on manually with a button on the dashboard. The indicator lamp in the button will light up when the system is ON. With the button in the ON position, TRACS activates automatically if one of the front wheels loses traction, shifting power to the wheel with best traction.
A sound from the ABS control module may be audible at this time. The system functions only at speeds under 25 mph (40 km/h).

Just to stop a flood of queries from owners of earlier models as I agree with the need to have the correct modules.

Bill.

Post by **JRL** » 19 Dec 2007, 15:40

billofdurham wrote:
TRACS is on by default when you start the car, and the switch is to turn the system off.
This is true for the 850 from late '95 ('96 model) on. Prior to that the TRACS system had to be switched on.

This is from the '95 owner's manual:
A - TRAction Control System (TRACS) - option

TRACS is a system designed as an aid when starting/driving off if one of the drive wheels has poor traction due to weather conditions or the road surface and is connected to the ABS control module.
TRACS is switched on manually with a button on the dashboard. The indicator lamp in the button will light up when the system is ON. With the button in the ON position, TRACS activates automatically if one of the front wheels loses traction, shifting power to the wheel with best traction.
A sound from the ABS control module may be audible at this time. The system functions only at speeds under 25 mph (40 km/h).
Just to stop a flood of queries from owners of earlier models as I agree with the need to have the correct modules.

Bill.

Which naturally is ASSBACKWARDS from every other car out there.
I guess the 'brains' at Volvo figured this out and the next year had TRACS always ON (which it should be) and the switch would TURN IT OFF.
If possible, t will cost you more than the car is worth to try and add this feature

adollarwodbnice · Post by **adollarwodbnice** » 19 Dec 2007, 22:06

Hah, ok well I guess i'll just find somewhere to throw the switch lol. I was kinda hoping I could get a free mod out of it making the car worth a little more haha. Thanks.