Red Noland Collision Center

Active Trace Control

2011-10-17

What it is
Active Trace Control adjusts engine torque and individually controls brake application to each of the four wheels to help smooth vehicle response.
Technical Explanation
Active Trace Control utilizes the vehicle's Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC) system to individually control the application of braking to each of the four wheels. The system helps improve cornering feel by automatically applying the brakes when entering a turn so that the vehicle's weight shifts forward to increase the load on the front wheels.
The system also helps enhance steering response in S-turns and other slalom-type steering operations. For example, if driving through an S-Turn that starts with steering to the right, the right-side brakes are engaged to help turn the vehicle. When steering back to the left, the left-side brakes are engaged.
What it means
When you're cornering or going through an S-curve, Active Trace Control shifts weight to the front of the vehicle and applies some braking to the inside wheels. This helps the driver maneuver the vehicle through the curves.
Default Settings
Active Trace Control is engaged automatically, whether the driver is applying brakes or not.

Active Trace Control is turned on/off with VDC.

When Sport Mode is engaged, the amount of assistance provided by Active Trace Control is reduced.