ABS/Traction control issue
#1
Member
Posts like a V-Tak
Thread Starter
ABS/Traction control issue
I have a come ans go problem, on totally dry pavement the traction control and or ABS will activate. I have had it to my local shop not GM, the scanner does not show an issue. Today I noticed that the TC will activate when goosing the gas at speed 30-35 in a right bend but not in a left. Like I said the problem comes and goes, does not light any dash indicators or show on a scanner. Other than that the car has -0- issues it is a 98 Park Ave with only has 44,000! Really would like some solid ideas before I break down and go to Buick, like most dealers they show little mercy!
Phil
Phil
#2
Retired
Define "the scanner does not show an issue". ?? My question is, does the scanner even have the ability to scan ABS? There are only a few scanners on the market that will scan for ABS codes. Though, yours sounds intermittent.
How good are you with a multimeter?
You can do this test...
https://www.gmforum.com/trouble-shoo...r-test-296556/
How good are you with a multimeter?
You can do this test...
https://www.gmforum.com/trouble-shoo...r-test-296556/
__________________
Retired Administrator
Retired Administrator
#4
Senior Member
True Car Nut
Having the traction control activate while driving is not likely (but possibly) related to a bad wheel speed sensor. Take the car to a shop that can read ABS codes. Dealerships have the necessary Tech II scanners, but charge too much. I find most transmission shops have scanners that can read ABS codes, and they don't charge nearly as much as a dealer. Spending a few bucks on this scan will save you time and effort tracking down all the possibilities.
#5
Retired
Yea, I forgot to mention what Roy said. Thanks Roy!
__________________
Retired Administrator
Retired Administrator
#6
Senior Member
True Car Nut
if the trac off lights not on, i doubt there is a code. there was a tsb for the trucks which operate in the same manner that if road junk and salt get in and around the wheel speed sensors if will act as you say.if you can get them off you can clean the hole and the sensor and make sure its seated right. on my truck they broke off when i touched them. also make sure the tires are even pressure, tread, and size
#7
Senior Member
Posts like a Supercharger
Join Date: Jan 2013
Location: Enfield, CT
Posts: 194
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
How good are you with a multimeter?
You can do this test...
https://www.gmforum.com/trouble-shoo...r-test-296556/
You can do this test...
https://www.gmforum.com/trouble-shoo...r-test-296556/
Never really worked with this ABS stuff.
#8
Retired
If its intermittent, it may not cause it to turn the light on I think.
__________________
Retired Administrator
Retired Administrator
#9
Senior Member
Posts like a 4 Banger
*shrugs* My 99 Intrigue'* EBTCM (Electronic Brake and Traction Control Module) fried, and I am pleased to note my mother has been driving this car for 6 years (110,000 miles) and have had no problems whatsoever. The beauty of this is my mother has no experience with ABS and Trac Control, and so the car essentially handles like an older car where the brakes *could* lock, and the wheels *could* (and will, with 3/4 throttle) spin. She borrowed it once when the car was mine, and she hit a manhole cover while slowing and the ABS triggered (waaaay too sensitive...) and it freaked her out when the pedal kicked back. So... I feel better knowing she can drive it like a "normal" car.
No computer telling you how to drive... I prefer it that way. But I'm old school like that. You could fix it if you want to, but if you can turn a blind eye to "Trac Off/Anti Lock/Service Vehicle Soon" lights, you will be ok.
It may be an intermittent connection problem to the EBTCM on your car (I assume, being a GM product, most models are built with the same basic guts) or your EBTCM could be flaky. Not sure where it'* located in your car, but Intrigue and Alero (and presumably Century/Grand Prix and Grand Am/Cavalier, respectively) hide these modules in the driver footwell (left side by E-brake) behind carpeting. The modules are exposed to dampness from your shoes, and are known to fail as a result, and also to have corroded/oxidized contacts in the plugs.
This also happened to a friend'* 99 Alero 2.4 EBTCM, and he still drives it with no problems (aside from what his abuse has done to drivetrain...).
No computer telling you how to drive... I prefer it that way. But I'm old school like that. You could fix it if you want to, but if you can turn a blind eye to "Trac Off/Anti Lock/Service Vehicle Soon" lights, you will be ok.
It may be an intermittent connection problem to the EBTCM on your car (I assume, being a GM product, most models are built with the same basic guts) or your EBTCM could be flaky. Not sure where it'* located in your car, but Intrigue and Alero (and presumably Century/Grand Prix and Grand Am/Cavalier, respectively) hide these modules in the driver footwell (left side by E-brake) behind carpeting. The modules are exposed to dampness from your shoes, and are known to fail as a result, and also to have corroded/oxidized contacts in the plugs.
This also happened to a friend'* 99 Alero 2.4 EBTCM, and he still drives it with no problems (aside from what his abuse has done to drivetrain...).
#10
Member
Posts like a V-Tak
Thread Starter
Had to go to the dealer with another issue, he did all he could to find the problem. He could not get it to act up nor did any codes show up. That is three different scanners with -0- results.
Phil
Phil