The Honda Accord is one of the most popular midsize sedans on the market today. However, many Accord owners have reported issues with the traction control system not fully turning off in certain situations.
In this comprehensive guide, we will examine why the Honda Accord traction control won’t turn off completely, how to fully disable it, and when you may want to do so.
What is Traction Control?
Table of Content
- 1 What is Traction Control?
- 2 Why Won’t the Honda Accord Traction Control Fully Turn Off?
- 3 When Would You Fully Disable Traction Control in a Honda Accord?
- 4 How to Fully Disable Traction Control in a Honda Accord
- 5 When to Re-Enable Traction Control
- 6 Traction Control Light Blinking or On
- 7 Traction Control Fuses and Relays
- 8 Conclusion
Traction control is an important active safety system in modern vehicles. It works by using wheel speed sensors to detect when a drive wheel begins to spin faster than the others. The system then automatically applies brakes to that spinning wheel and/or reduces engine power to regain traction.
Traction control helps prevent wheel spin and loss of control, especially in low traction conditions like rain, snow, or gravel. It provides more stable handling for the average driver.
Why Won’t the Honda Accord Traction Control Fully Turn Off?
Honda Accord traction control uses sophisticated logic and integrates with other vehicle systems. So even when you try to disable it, some components may remain active.
Partial Deactivation
Pressing the Traction Control button in the 2018+ Accord only partially deactivates the system.
- The engine torque modulation portion turns off, allowing some wheel spin.
- But the individual wheel braking part remains active.
So on slippery surfaces, you may still feel the brakes activating automatically. This limited traction control can help avoid complete loss of control.
Integration with Other Systems
- The latest Accord’s traction control interacts with the stability control and ABS systems.
- Fully disabling one requires disabling parts of the others.
Plus other electronics like the all wheel drive system can reactivate traction and stability control if they detect wheel slip.
Designed to Protect the Average Driver
Honda deliberately makes it difficult to completely switch off traction control in the Accord. This system integration protects the average driver in slippery conditions.
But it can frustrate enthusiasts wanting to disable traction control for legitimate reasons.
When Would You Fully Disable Traction Control in a Honda Accord?
Most drivers should leave traction control on for maximum everyday safety. But there are some specific situations where fully disabling it can help:
Extricating Your Vehicle When Stuck
If your Accord is stuck in mud or deep snow, being able to spin the wheels freely could help get you unstuck. Traction control may interfere by braking spinning wheels.
Driving on Low Traction Surfaces
On gravel, dirt or other loose surfaces, it can help performance to allow some wheel spin. Traction control could limit power delivery.
Racetrack Driving
During performance driving events on closed courses, controlling wheel slip and oversteer yourself can sometimes be faster.
Mechanical Issues
If there are problems with the traction or stability control systems, turning them off may improve drivability until repairs can be made.
How to Fully Disable Traction Control in a Honda Accord
Now that we’ve covered why you may want to turn off traction control, here is how to fully disable it in a 2018 or newer Honda Accord:
Step 1: Press the Traction Control Button
The first step is to press the circular traction control button on the left side of the dashboard. This will disable some functions.
Pressing the traction control button only partially deactivates the system
Step 2: Apply Parking Brake
Next, set the electronic parking brake. Make sure your foot is off the regular brake pedal.
Step 3: Shift to Neutral
Shift the automatic transmission into neutral. Keep your foot off the brake and accelerator pedals.
Step 4: Turn Vehicle Off
Turn the ignition fully off. Leave the driver’s door open so the electronics stay on.
Step 5: Press Brake and Button Again
Press and hold the brake pedal down. While holding the brake, press the traction control button again.
Step 6: Release Brake
Release the brake pedal while keeping the TC button pressed.
Step 7: Turn Vehicle On
Finally, turn the ignition back on while keeping the TC button held down.
This process fully disables traction and stability control by putting the system into “service mode”. You should see a “TC OFF” light illuminate in the gauge cluster.
The traction control will now stay disabled even after restarting the car, until you repeat the procedure to re-enable it.
When to Re-Enable Traction Control
Traction control exists for your safety, so make sure to turn it back on for regular driving conditions.
You should re-enable it:
- After getting unstuck from snow, mud or sand.
- When you leave low traction surfaces like gravel or dirt.
- After leaving the racetrack or autocross course.
- Once any mechanical problems are repaired.
- For normal on-road driving in dry or wet conditions.
To turn traction control back on in your Accord, simply repeat the full disable procedure. Or press and hold the TC button for a few seconds until the “TC OFF” light in the gauge cluster turns off.
Traction Control Light Blinking or On
If the traction or stability control indicator light illuminates or blinks during normal driving, it could indicate:
- The system is actively working – This is normal, especially in wet or slippery conditions.
- A problem with the system – Have it inspected and repaired if the light stays on continuously.
- Electrical issue – Other fault lights may come on too. Have the codes scanned and electrical system tested.
- Mechanical problem – Issues like low tire pressure or brake problems can trigger the light.
So don’t ignore an illuminated or blinking traction/stability control light. Use a code scanner tool to read any diagnostic trouble codes and have your Accord serviced promptly.
Traction Control Fuses and Relays
If pressing the button or performing the full disable procedure doesn’t turn off traction control, check:
- Fuses – Inspect the traction control system fuses in the under hood fuse box. Replace any blown fuses.
- Relays – Faulty relays controlling the system can also cause issues. Have your Honda dealer inspect them.
Replacing worn out traction control sensors or other components may be needed if you have chronic issues fully disabling the system in your Accord.
Conclusion
Modern Honda Accords have sophisticated traction and stability control systems that integrate with other electronics. This makes fully disabling traction control difficult but not impossible.
Knowing how to put your Accord’s system into service mode can help in specific low traction situations. But be sure to re-enable it promptly for safe regular driving.
Pay attention to any warning lights related to the traction or stability control systems. Diagnose and repair any underlying issues promptly to keep your Accord’s safety systems working properly.
With some patience and the steps in this guide, you can fully deactivate traction control in your Honda Accord when needed. But also understand the built-in limitations designed to protect drivers in compromised conditions.
Related Topic(s):
- 2018 Honda Accord Multiple Warning Lights
- 2018 Honda Accord Dashboard Lights Suddenly All On
- 2003 Honda Accord Battery Light On
