Vauxhall Workshop Service and Repair Manuals

ABS-415, ABS 5/TC (Traction Control), ABS-430, ABS 5.3/TC (Traction Control)  

General Information on ABS-415, ABS 5/TC, ABS-430, ABS 5.3/TC  

Braking in the control range of ABS is indicated to the driver via brake pedal pulsation in conjunction with noise from the return pump, thereby warning the driver to adapt his driving speed to the given road conditions.  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

In case of a defect in the ABS, the ABS telltale (1) illuminates in the instrument cluster, while the conventional brake system remains fully operative.   The vehicle should then be checked and repaired by a franchised Opel/Vauxhall Dealership or authorised Opel/Vauxhall Service Dealership as soon as possible.

General Information on ABS-415, ABS 5/TC, ABS-430, ABS 5.3/TC (Continued)  

Function check:  

Following any operation on the brake system not affecting parts of the ABS, a simple functional test suffices. In this case, the ABS telltale in the instrument cluster must extinguish 3 sec. following ignition "ON".  

If the ABS telltale in the instrument cluster does not extinguish or illuminates intermittently during travel, the system is defective.  

During hard stops, the vehicle remains free from locking nearly up to standstill (approx. 5 km/h), guaranteeing manoeuvrability.  

General information on TC (Traction Control)  

The most important input variable of the TC is the odometer frequency signal from the wheel sensors of the ABS.  

The odometer information is calculated via the number of revolutions of the wheel and the diameter of the tyre. This means that deviating tyre diameters, caused by e.g. worn tyres on the rear axle, new tyres on the front axle, would provide incorrect information regarding the current speed of the vehicle. In order to avoid this undesired effect, the ABS 5/TC control unit carries out to automatic adjustment to the size of tyre. This adjustment takes a certain amount of time. During this period, TC may incorrectly intervene.  

General Information on TC (Continued)  

Tyre adjustment can be carried out by the following methods:  

-  Provide all tyres with the correct air pressure.  

-  Accelerate vehicle to a speed of 100 - 120 km/h (62 - 75 mph).  

-  Then allow the vehicle to coast in straight-ahead position, without depressing the accelerator or brake, until the vehicle falls below a speed of 70 km/h (45 mph).  

Perform this operation a total of 5 times; in each case a complete adjustment of the tyres will be ensured.  

The TC is only supplied in conjunction with the ABS 5/TC, ABS 5.3/TC and the engines X 20 XEV, Z 22 SE, X 25 XE, Y 26 SE, C 20 SEL and C 22 SEL.  

The engine output and torque are automatically controlled so that within the physical limits optimal direction stability, traction and braking compensation are ensured. The regulation occurs via the Motronic, affecting the actuation of the injection valves. Influence on the dwell angle is also possible. In addition, the ABS 5/TC also allows braking compensation to be carried out.  

TC intervention is displayed by the TC telltale flashing in the instrument panel. A decrease in engine performance during the regulation can also be recognised by the fact that the engine does not react as usual when the accelerator pedal is actuated.  

The TC is automatically operational once the engine is started. During driving, the system constantly monitors itself.  

General Information on TC (Continued)  

If the TC telltale (1) in the instrument panel is not extinguished a few seconds after switching on the ignition or if it is permanently illuminated during driving when the TC is switched on, the TC is faulty. In this case, it is not guaranteed that the TC is functioning.

When driving with snow chains, in deep snow or when "burrowing" out of soft ground, it may be advisable to switch off the TC with the TC button (arrow).   The system is switched back on by re-actuating the TC button, or automatically the next time the ignition is switched on.