So if you have a Ford vehicle and you get a Service AdvanceTrac message on your dashboard, I thought I’d go over the cause of this and how you go about fixing it.
What Is the AdvanceTrac System?
First of all, what is this AdvanceTrac system? Well AdvanceTrac is just a system created by Ford to help assist the driver in less-than-ideal road conditions. This system uses different sensors and different inputs from wheel speed sensors and things like this. It can help the driver when the road conditions aren’t that good like when it’s raining or something like that.
It can adjust the engine speed and the brakes and stuff like this. So basically it’s just a system from Ford to help assist the driver when the road conditions are not that great.
Symptoms of AdvanceTrac Issues
When you get this Service AdvanceTrac message you are very likely going to get multiple other messages and lights on your dashboard—the traction control lights, the stability control lights, ABS lights.
Quite often there is also a collision warning malfunction message that comes on the dashboard. So very likely you are going to get multiple lights and multiple messages.
Scanning the Onboard Computer
When this happens the first thing to do if possible, is to scan the onboard computer and see what the error codes are.
If you can scan the computer with an OBD2 scan tool it’ll point you to what the problem is and what the issue is. There are a lot of good low-cost OBD2 scan tools. You can also go to automotive stores like AutoZone or O’Reilly. Quite often, they’ll come out and scan your vehicle for free.
But the first thing to do if possible, is to scan the onboard computer for any error codes.
Possible Causes and Fixes
1. Battery Issues
The first thing is to check your battery. Be sure that your terminals look good, there’s no corrosion and there are no loose connections or anything like this. You could even check the battery to ensure it’s charged well and that there are no issues going on with it.
It’s common in many Fords that if there is a battery issue or some kind of charging issue, you also get some kind of “Low Battery” message on your dashboard. So if you are getting that, definitely go check out your battery and make sure it’s good.
2. Engine Problems
The next thing that can cause this is some kind of engine problem. Basically there might not be a problem inside the AdvanceTrac system but there is some type of engine problem. When there is an issue with the engine the computer is going to automatically shut down the AdvanceTrac system.
Once the problem with the engine is fixed it will turn the system back on. Quite often when there is a problem with the engine, the vehicle will go into limp mode which for Ford is usually displayed with a little symbol of a wrench. Although there can be an engine problem that doesn’t result in limp mode, it’s common that it does.
If you scan the vehicle’s computer, it will point you to any problem the engine might be having. For example if you scan for error codes and get a P0304 code, that would point to a cylinder 4 misfire. This could be due to a bad spark plug, bad spark plug wire or a bad fuel injector on cylinder number 4.
In this example, once the problem is fixed, the lights would go away.
3. Wheel Speed Sensor or Tone Rings Issues
The next thing that can cause this problem is a bad wheel speed sensor or the tone rings. Again, if this is the issue, you are going to get a code. For example you might get something like a C1233 code, Left Front Wheel Speed Sensor Input Signal Missing.
In this case, you’d have to go test the left front wheel speed sensor.
4. Clock Spring or Steering Angle Sensor Problems
Another thing that can cause this is a bad clock spring or steering angle sensor. These are located up inside the steering wheel. There’ll be a clock spring and a steering angle sensor. When these go bad you won’t be able to engage the cruise control. If you turn on your blinker and then straighten the steering wheel, the blinker won’t automatically shut off. These are common symptoms of a bad clock spring.
Of course, you are going to get codes that point to this problem. For example, you might see a C0051 code, Steering Wheel Position Sensor. This would need to be tested to identify the problem.
5. Mismatched Tires or Wheels
The next thing that can cause this problem, which is sometimes overlooked, is having different-sized tires on the vehicle. If they’re mismatched or you have a spare tire on, this can set off codes and trigger the Service AdvanceTrac message.
So if you have mismatched tires or wheels that’s something to keep in mind and check.
6. ABS Pump or Control Module Issues
The last thing on this list is the ABS pump or the ABS control module. These are located in the engine compartment. The ABS pump will have multiple lines connected to it and the control module is bolted onto it. If there’s an issue with either of these, it can trigger the Service AdvanceTrac message.
Again if this is the issue you’re going to get a code. For example you might see a U0121 code, Lost Communication with Anti-lock Brake System (ABS) Control Module. If you get this code, you’d know there’s some kind of problem with the ABS control module. You’d need to check and test it to ensure it’s functioning properly.
That’s basically it. I just wanted to go over some of the causes and fixes for a Ford with the Service AdvanceTrac message on the dashboard.