“Service AdvanceTrac” Warning Light (What it is and How to Reset)
Seeing a “Service AdvanceTrac” message on your Ford’s dash? This common alert signals an issue with your vehicle’s traction control system whether you drive an F150, Fusion, Edge, Explorer, and Expedition.
Though concerning, AdvanceTrac problems are fixable across Ford models. Read on to learn what causes these messages and simple solutions to get your Ford back on track.
What is AdvanceTrac?
AdvanceTrac is Ford’s proprietary version of Electronic Stability Control (ESC). It’s similar to what Honda calls VSA and other brands may use different names for their stability control systems.
This system is intended to prevent vehicle skid during extreme circumstances, thereby minimizing the risk of an accident. Ford’s AdvanceTrac system is relatively complex in nature, and utilizes a series of sensors to monitor wheel speed, as well as various other facets of vehicle stability.
The system actually combines several individual safety systems into a single integrated system, in order to further minimize the chance of a traction-loss induced accident. The following capabilities are possessed by Ford’s AdvanceTrac system.
Anti-Lock Brake Function
Anti-Lock brake systems prevent a vehicle from skidding under panicked braking conditions. When one or more wheels lock under significant brake pressure, this stoppage is communicated to a vehicle’s ABS controller by way of a wheel speed sensor.
This software then commands the system’s ABS pump motor/valve body assembly to rapidly pulsate brake pressure to the affected wheel, thereby breaking the skid.
Traction Control Function
A traction control system compares data from speed sensors at each wheel end location. If the system’s controller detects an irregularity in wheel speed from one wheel to the next, power to any wheel that displays excessive speed will be cut, or brake pressure will be applied.
This effectively evens the speed between each of a vehicle’s four wheels, thereby remedying any prior loss of traction.
Directional Orientated Stability Control Function
Vehicles now rely upon numerous sensors to identify vehicle instability, as skidding occurs. These sensors relay a comprehensive picture of the vehicle’s orientation while in a skid, to a specified controller, which adjusts power output and brake pressure to each wheel as needed for stabilization.
Sources of feedback for this operation include steering wheel angle sensors, yaw rate sensors, and accelerometers.
Why Does the “Service AdvanceTrac” Warning Light Come On?
A vehicle’s “Service AdvanceTrac” warning light can be illuminated for a number of reasons, but most often pertains to sensor-related issues. In any event, the system controller has registered a fault, which makes proper operation impossible. Here are the most common causes of an illuminated “Service AdvanceTrac” warning light.
#1 – Faulty Wheel Speed Sensor
Wheel speed sensors are part of your vehicle’s anti-lock braking system (ABS) and help prevent skidding and tire lock-up by monitoring the rotational speed of each tire.
A damaged or malfunctioning wheel speed sensor can lead to your vehicle’s stability being compromised, triggering the warning light. You may even notice traction loss, particularly on slippery surfaces like ice or snow.
#2 – Faulty Rotational Speed Sensor
Just like the wheel speed sensor, this sensor plays a crucial role in the proper functioning of your vehicle’s ABS system. If this particular sensor malfunctions, it can lead to issues with the ABS module, which controls the ABS system and can result in the AdvanceTrac warning light being triggered.
#3 – Faulty Steering Angle Sensor
The steering angle sensor is responsible for measuring the angle at which your steering wheel is turned, and it sends signals to your vehicle’s electronic control unit (ECU) to help maintain stability. If the sensor goes bad, it can affect your vehicle’s ability to maintain stability, resulting in the warning light.
#4 – Compromised Steering System Components
Various parts of the steering system play a vital role in maintaining proper handling and control of your vehicle. If any of these components were to get damaged or worn out, it can impact your vehicle’s stability, resulting in the service AdvanceTrac light coming on.
#5 – Damaged Sensor Wiring
If the wiring harness connecting any of the stability-related sensors becomes loose, disconnected or damaged, it can easily affect the proper functioning of the AdvanceTrac system, resulting in the warning light appearing on your dashboard.
#6 – Broken Clock Spring
A clock spring is the part that’s responsible for maintaining the electrical connection between your vehicle’s steering wheel and the ECU. A damaged clock spring can impact the signals sent from the steering angle sensor to the ECU, causing stability issues.
#7 – Tire or Wheel Mismatch
Mismatched tires or wheels on your vehicle can also lead to the warning light being triggered. This can happen if you have different sized tires or wheels on your vehicle (like a donut spare tire), as it can affect the wheel speed sensors and cause inaccurate readings.
Some Ford vehicles come from the factory with different size tires on each axle and the AdvanceTrac system is configured to take that into account. But if you start running non-OEM sizes all on your own, expect to encounter problems with stability control and other electronic safety systems.
#8 – Low Brake Fluid
Lastly, low brake fluid in your vehicle can trigger the “Service AdvanceTrac” warning light. Low fluid levels can compromise your vehicle’s braking system, and the warning light serves as an alert to check and address this issue. In most cases, you’ll also the brake warning light illuminating.
Can You Continue Driving With the Service AdvanceTrac Light On?
When faced with an AdvanceTrac system issue, you can still drive your vehicle without any ill-effects. However, most vehicles automatically disable all AdvanceTrac related functions, when an active system fault has been detected. While this is never an ideal situation, you are no more in harm’s way, than when driving a vehicle that is not equipped with a stability control system.
AdvanceTrac related issues are not detrimental to a vehicle’s driveability, as is often the case when an engine or transmission-based trouble code is stored. In this instance, your vehicle is simply attempting to bring your attention to an underlying fault in its stability system.
However, it is recommended to have your vehicle’s AdvanceTrac system serviced at the first available opportunity, to restore your car’s safety to an optimal level.
In the meantime, it is also imperative to take extra caution when traversing slick or hazardous roadways, such as those encountered following wintry precipitation or heavy snowfall. Other Ford Related: “Check Fuel Fill Inlet” Message and “Hill Start Assist Not Available” Message
How to Reset the Service AdvanceTrac Light
In the case of a “Service AdvanceTrac” light, motorists have little recourse but to fix the root cause behind the light’s illumination.
While it might be tempting to simply clear all pertinent codes in order to disable the system’s warning message, this is nothing more than a quick fix. This light will almost certainly reilluminate with the next cycle of the ignition, as your vehicle performs its standard system self-checks.
In the vast majority of cases, diagnosis of the issue at hand will require the use of a premium scan tool, and a trained eye. However, the avid DIY mechanic can always perform their own visual inspection in an attempt to root out obvious concerns.
When attempting to locate the root cause of an AdvanceTrac related issue, it is advisable to carefully inspect each wheel’s speed sensor and corresponding wiring harness pigtail. Look for any signs of frayed, pinched, or corroded wires.
Also, check to ensure that all connections between these sensors and their intermediate harnesses are viable. Unplug each speed sensor pigtail from its intermediate harness to check for water intrusion. In some cases, it might also be possible to check for supply voltage and ground at corresponding modules within the system.
Without full system input voltage, and a stable, resistance-free ground feed, the AdvanceTrac system can experience interruptions in operation. In any event, a vehicle-specific wiring diagram or pin-out reference will be required to conduct such checks.
If you are still unable to locate any obvious source of failure, or simply do not feel comfortable tackling the diagnosis of the AdvanceTrac system yourself, contact a qualified service center for further evaluation.
Preventing Future Problems
To prevent future issues with your Service AdvanceTrac warning light, there are a few things you can do to ensure your vehicle’s system runs smoothly.
Monitor and Maintain Wheel Speed Sensors
Stay aware of your wheel speed sensors as they play a crucial role in the functioning of the AdvanceTrac system. Regularly inspect the sensor wiring, clean dirt and debris from the area, and replace damaged sensors when necessary.
Use Correct Sized Wheels and Tires
Make sure your vehicle is equipped with the correct tires and wheels as Ford calls for. Mismatched tires can affect the performance of the AdvanceTrac system, causing it to interpret misleading data.
Be Prepared for Snowy and Icy Conditions
In snowy or icy conditions, the AdvanceTrac system can face difficulties. Maintain a safe driving speed, use appropriate winter tires, and avoid abrupt acceleration or deceleration in these situations. This will lessen the chance of triggering a false warning or experiencing actual performance issues.
Update System Programming
Occasionally, programming issues may cause the Service AdvanceTrac warning light to appear. Stay informed about any software updates or recalls from your vehicle’s manufacturer, and be sure to promptly address these if they arise.