When you don’t know what ‘Service Advancetrac’ means, you might be confused by it on your Fusion dashboard.
It is possible that this is happening for a variety of reasons. Read this article to find out why. The causes of the problem and how to fix them will be explained based on my experience as a car mechanic. Let’s begin.
What is Ford Fusion Advancetrac?
In short, Ford Advacetrac is a system that controls traction and stability as well as assists you in maintaining control and traction during certain driving conditions.
When the steering or traction of a wheel is not working properly, gyroscopic sensors are used to detect it and apply the brakes or reduce the engine power accordingly.
Ford Fusion “Service Advancetrac”
We’ll get to what “Service Advancetrac” means on a Ford Fusion now that you know what it is and what it does.
Your Ford computer has detected an issue with the traction control and stability system, and a Ford dealer needs to inspect your vehicle.
Ford computers detect problems with the system and send you to a dealer when they see this alert on your dashboard.
Ford Fusion “Service Advancetrac” Alert
Generally speaking, this message can be triggered by a variety of different factors.
In my experience, the most common cause of this issue is one of four things, having worked on a handful of Ford Fusions with the same issue.
1. A defective wheel speed sensor:
A bad wheel speed sensor on a Fusion will often cause a Service Advancetrac alert.
Your Ford Fusion’s computer uses wheel speed sensors to determine how much power each wheel should receive based on how fast each wheel spins.
Due to inaccurate wheel speed readings, a malfunctioning wheel speed sensor may cause the system to not detect traction loss of one of your tires, resulting in a “Service advancetrac” to appear on the dashboard.
2. Rusted battery terminals:
In addition to corrosion on the battery terminals, corrosion is the second most common cause of Service Advancetrac faults.
A Ford Fusion’s battery is one of the most important parts of its electrical system. The advancetrac system, for example, is powered by it.
Battery terminal corrosion can cause low voltage, as the battery can’t charge properly.
A malfunction occurs as a result of this.
3. Defective steering angle sensor:
It is possible that a faulty steering angle sensor is also responsible for the Service Advancetrac fault.
As your vehicle is being turned, the steering angle sensor determines when the advancetrac system should engage or disengage.
Ford Fusion computer will display this alert if this sensor isn’t working, since it thinks there’s a problem with its advancetrac system.
4. Steering rack failure:
Lastly, a failing steering rack is one of the possible causes of a Service Advancetrac message.
There’s no doubt that Ford Fusion steering racks have a tendency to fail.
Due to a defect, some steering racks on some Ford Fusions made between 2010 and 2013 had to be recalled.
Located between the steering wheel and the wheels, the steering rack is a part of the steering system.
In order to move your wheels in the same direction, a series of gears and pulleys transfer this message through your steering wheel.
You will feel the steering becoming harder over time if the Fusion steering rack goes bad. This will cause the “service advancetrac” fault.
Resetting Fusion’s “Service Advancetrac” Light
Let’s talk about how to fix the “service advancetrac” light now that I’ve outlined what it means and what it could mean.
1. Check the battery terminals
Check your battery terminals for corrosion or wear first. Disconnect the battery and check.
A wire brush and hot water will be enough to remove any corrosion or wear from the terminals and then they should be dried and reconnected.
It is safe to proceed if the alert disappears. The next step should be taken if this is not the case.
2. Change the wheel speed sensors
You may need to replace the wheel speed sensors if the battery terminals are clean, corrosion-free, and not worn or corroded.
If you wish to determine which wheel speed sensor is malfunctioning, I recommend using an OBD reader.
A replacement of all 4 wheel speed sensors can be attempted if you don’t have access to an OBD Scanner.
3. Take your car to a qualified garage or Ford dealer
The above steps might not work for your car if you have already tried them. A qualified garage or Ford dealer can help you in such a case.
Other components may also be responsible for the problem, including a faulty steering rack, a damaged rotation speed sensor, a blown fuse, or another component.
The technician can diagnose the issue with your Ford Fusion and fix it based on the diagnostics you receive.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What does the “Service Advancetrac” message mean?
The “Service Advancetrac” message indicates a malfunction in the vehicle’s stability control system, known as AdvanceTrac. This system helps manage traction and stability by using inputs from various sensors. When this warning appears, it may signal anything from a minor sensor issue to a more serious problem with the traction control or ABS systems.
What triggers the Service Advancetrac alert?
Common triggers for the Service Advancetrac alert include sensor failures, software glitches, or issues with the steering angle sensor. Additionally, mismatched or incorrect tires can also activate this warning.
How can I reset the Service Advancetrac light?
To reset the Service Advancetrac light, you can try turning off the engine and restarting it. If the light persists, a diagnostic scan tool may be necessary to clear any error codes associated with the system.
Is it safe to drive with the Service Advancetrac light on?
Driving with the Service Advancetrac light illuminated is generally not recommended. This warning indicates potential issues with vehicle stability, which could lead to unsafe driving conditions, especially in adverse weather.
How much does it typically cost to repair issues related to Service Advancetrac?
Repair costs can range from $100 to $250, excluding labor charges. The final cost may vary depending on specific repairs needed, such as replacing sensors or fixing wiring issues.
Can ignoring the Service Advancetrac warning lead to further damage?
Yes, neglecting this warning can result in additional damage to other vehicle components as they may have to work harder without proper stability control, leading to costly repairs down the line.
