Abs Traction Control Problems

nascarnate326 · 09-09-2005, 07:53 PM

So now on my problem free GA SE the traction control lite comes on and the Abs lite comes on. I can spin tires from a stand still and abs dosent work on gravel. Could this be a front hub with a sensor, or has my abs system took a crap. I didnt see any other posts but I may be wrong. I had a mechanic quote me 1500 dollars to have it fixed because of contamated brake fluid. Isnt that a little much? Any help would be great.

pyro · 09-09-2005, 08:24 PM

http://www.grandamgt.com/forum/searc...earchid=456334
hmm, my search gave me 94 links in .37 seconds.

and im sure you didnt look at every single one.

Mike Jung · 09-09-2005, 08:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by nascarnate326

So now on my problem free GA SE the traction control lite comes on and the Abs lite comes on.
I can spin tires from a stand still and abs dosent work on gravel.
Could this be a front hub with a sensor, or has my abs system took a crap. I didnt see any other posts but I may be wrong.
I had a mechanic quote me 1500 dollars to have it fixed because of contamated brake fluid. Isnt that a little much?...

It could be a wheel speed sensor, which is part of the wheel hub & bearings assembly.
As to which wheel: you will have use a scantool it to find out.

$1500US seems ALOT!
(Hell, a LIM repair costs less usually.)

Why is your brake fluid contaminated ?
What are they replacing ?

There must more to this, for the estimate to be $1500US.

PS:
If the TRAC OFF light is on: Traction control (wheel spin) is dis-abled.
If the ABS light is on: ABS feature of the brakes is dis-abled.

freakydeaky · 09-09-2005, 09:00 PM

i agree with mike, $1500 sounds like a rip off..... don't pay it

nascarnate326 · 09-10-2005, 05:05 AM

I only paid 4000 for the damn car. Its not a big deal but I dont have a 4x4 vehical anymore so in the snow abs would be nice. Thanks for actually trying to help me. That link dosent even work for me either. 1500 was to flush the brake fluid out and put more back in pressurized. I though 1500 was alot too, but lately who knows in our world.

Lab Rat · 09-12-2005, 05:56 AM

You can buy the wheel bearings for 140 each at autozone. Timkins too. Break fluid will cost under ten bucks for a liter bottle. Now if you can do the work it's an afternoon job. BTW, if you have not checked the speed sensor wiring, do that. If it came unplugged that would be the cheapest repair yet. 0 dollars to plug it back in.

. 1500 dollars is, IMO, way out of line.

brim · 09-12-2005, 07:27 AM

You have Glutoniumite 5 in your brake fluid! It causes sever brake failure

hehe

DevilSlayer · 09-12-2005, 05:41 PM

I have a similar problem, but the lights only come on when I make a sharp turn left or right. Before the trac off and ABS lights come on the Low Trac light comes on, even though my wheels aren't spinning, just turning the wheel lock to lock. Like pulling out of a parking space, I turn the wheel all the way to the left or right, Low Trac light comes on, the engine is choked until "traction is regained" then the ABS and trac off light come on.

atc3434 · 09-12-2005, 05:54 PM

First, find a new mechanic... thats an incredible rip... anybody that would even suggest that isn't worth talking to. Wheel speed sensor, cost me $200 to be replaced at a shop.

DevilSlayer · 09-13-2005, 07:12 PM

At first I thought it was my transmission dying, but I thought about and knew that there would be much more problems if that was the case. Then I thought it may have been some kind of sensor problem, but I didn't know which one. Thanks for the info.

MantaGreen97 · 09-14-2005, 10:46 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mike Jung

It could be a wheel speed sensor, which is part of the wheel hub & bearings assembly.
As to which wheel: you will have use a scantool it to find out.

It could be anything, actually. There are probably like a good few dozen DTCs that are ABS and TC specific. Though it may be a wheel speed sensor it could also be a failure in one of the other dozens of parts involved in the ABS/ETS system. You could have a failed soleniod, failed motorpack, the EBCM may be faulty, wiring somewhere might be compromised--really it could be anything. It's just as likely that you have a problem somewhere else than it be a wheel speed sensor (unless these model GAs are known to have a problem with throwing wheel speed sensors).

The $1500 "estimate" is ludicrous as well, and using the "your brake fluid is contaminated" bit to try to justify the cost is also retarded. A brake fluid flush costs like what? $50-$100? Even if they had to flush it more than once to be sure all the "contamination" was out, that wouldn't justify adding anymore than $150 or so to the total repair (and even that is stretching it).

Since you got "estimate", did the mechanic actually run a scan diagnostic on the car? If he/she did, did they indicate what DTCs came up and what parts have to be replaced? Because simply saying $1500 and telling you you have contaminated brake fluid is total BS.

atc3434 · 09-14-2005, 12:00 PM

99% of GA's throw the ABS and TRAC OFF light due to a failed wheel bearing sensor. If it was strictly the ABS system, such as a motorpack or solenoid, the TRAC OFF light wouldn't have been thrown. Because both lights are on, it means that both systems are affected, they don't share much in common other than they need to know the speed of all the wheels. Its a pretty safe bet its a wheel speed sensor. Contaminated brake fluid is the sketchiest thing I've heard in a while!

MantaGreen97 · 09-14-2005, 04:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by atc3434

99% of GA's throw the ABS and TRAC OFF light due to a failed wheel bearing sensor. If it was strictly the ABS system, such as a motorpack or solenoid, the TRAC OFF light wouldn't have been thrown.

Oops, sorry. You're right, it pretty much has to be a wheel speed sensor or related wiring if both are on; unless of course there is another problem with the ABS in addition to the speed sensor, but that is unlikely.

nascarnate326 · 09-14-2005, 05:47 PM

I didnt let him touch my car. Im car stupid, though im trying to learn as much about them as possible. DevilSlayer, that is EXACTLY how mine started, to the tee. Ill find a new mechanic and have him change the wheel bearing sensor. He should be able to do a test to find out what one it is right? That way both arnt replaced if they dont need to be. This dosent sound as expensive as I orginaly thought. Thanks for everyones great information.

atc3434 · 09-14-2005, 10:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by nascarnate326

I didnt let him touch my car. Im car stupid, though im trying to learn as much about them as possible. DevilSlayer, that is EXACTLY how mine started, to the tee. Ill find a new mechanic and have him change the wheel bearing sensor. He should be able to do a test to find out what one it is right? That way both arnt replaced if they dont need to be. This dosent sound as expensive as I orginaly thought. Thanks for everyones great information.

Correct, a mechanic can use a scan tool to check the sensors to figure out which one is defective. Bearing plus labor shouldn't cost much more than $200.

nascarnate326 · 09-15-2005, 08:52 AM

Do you recommend a GM Goodwrench mechanic at a dealership, or a small shop mechanic?
Thanks alot Andrew

atc3434 · 09-15-2005, 10:06 AM

First, I never go with the dealer. The markup is insane. I have a really good small shop guy that'll do most of my work. Occasionally he'll tell me I'm better off going to x specialty shop (tranny, body, etc.) because they can do the same thing he would, at a better price. However, those small type shops that do major work are getting tough to find. I had expert tire change one of my wheel bearings because it was a weekend, I didn't have time, and my regular guy wasn't open. They did a good job, and the price was good as well. Like I said, you should be paying too much more than $200 with labor to get the work done. Part is like $140-$180 depending on brand, I go with the good stuff, might as well fix it once instead of over and over.

DevilSlayer · 09-15-2005, 08:16 PM

I go to a this not small, but not very big shop in my area. Its a Gemini certified shop and they do really good work. If you don't bring your own fluids in, they use BG synthetic fluids anyway. They put on all my Powerslot rotors, all my Performance Friction brake pads, flushed my cooling system, changed wheel bearings, and they have all the best scanning and diagnostic tools. I whole heartedly recommened any Gemini shop, oh, their prices are quite good too (at least this shop).

nascarnate326 · 09-16-2005, 05:46 PM

A smaller shop I will find. Thanks alot everone, your all very smart when it comes to cars. Someday I will be in your leauge.

Mike Jung · 09-16-2005, 05:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by nascarnate326

...Thanks alot everone, your all very smart when it comes to cars. Someday I will be in your leauge.

Either am/was I.

This is my first car.

Been hanging around here & reading since like '99 or '00.
You'll learn alot of stuff over time.

I have had my car since July '98.

09-09-2005, 07:53 PM	#1
nascarnate326 Honda CRF 450 AKA: Nathan Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: Grand Rapids, MI Age: 34 Posts: 1,188 Vehicle: 2004 Grand Prix GT	Abs Traction Control Problems So now on my problem free GA SE the traction control lite comes on and the Abs lite comes on. I can spin tires from a stand still and abs dosent work on gravel. Could this be a front hub with a sensor, or has my abs system took a crap. I didnt see any other posts but I may be wrong. I had a mechanic quote me 1500 dollars to have it fixed because of contamated brake fluid. Isnt that a little much? Any help would be great.

09-09-2005, 08:24 PM	#2
pyro mAUDIrator AKA: Jeremy Join Date: May 2005 Location: Wesley Chapel, FL Age: 34 Posts: 3,837 Vehicle: '05 A4 1.8T	http://www.grandamgt.com/forum/searc...earchid=456334 hmm, my search gave me 94 links in .37 seconds. and im sure you didnt look at every single one. __________________ They can come closer than close, yeah...original they never will be. Florida Members...CLICK HERE

09-12-2005, 07:27 AM	#7
brim GAGT - Member Join Date: Jul 2003 Location: Warwick, RI Age: 39 Posts: 225 Vehicle: 1999 Alero GL Coupe	You have Glutoniumite 5 in your brake fluid! It causes sever brake failure hehe __________________ -brim

09-12-2005, 05:41 PM	#8
DevilSlayer Aspiring car freak AKA: Chris Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Edgewater, Maryland Posts: 147 Vehicle: 1999 Grand AM GT Coupe	I have a similar problem, but the lights only come on when I make a sharp turn left or right. Before the trac off and ABS lights come on the Low Trac light comes on, even though my wheels aren't spinning, just turning the wheel lock to lock. Like pulling out of a parking space, I turn the wheel all the way to the left or right, Low Trac light comes on, the engine is choked until "traction is regained" then the ABS and trac off light come on. __________________ well as cliche as it may sound I'd like to raise another round and if your bottles empty help yourself to mine thank you for your time and heres to life --Roger Clyne "Mekong" Best comic ever

09-12-2005, 05:54 PM	#9
atc3434 Grand Am Again AKA: Andrew Join Date: Apr 2003 Location: Auburn, NY Age: 38 Posts: 1,999 Vehicle: 1999 Grand Am SE	First, find a new mechanic... thats an incredible rip... anybody that would even suggest that isn't worth talking to. Wheel speed sensor, cost me $200 to be replaced at a shop. __________________ 1999 Grand Am SE2 - Blue, TOG Headers, SLP Exhaust, DHP - SOLD 1996 Vert' Z-28 - M6, magnaflow muffler-back, K&N FIPK, Hurst Short-throw - 13.6 @ 103mph. 2006 Dodge Charger R/T Daytona - Go Mango Orange #2832 of 4000. Tune/exhaust. 14.009@97mph. 2002 Saab 9 5 Aero Wagon - 3" turboback/tune. 17psi of sleeper fun just waiting to surprise you.

09-09-2005, 09:00 PM	#4
freakydeaky Go Hogs! AKA: Speedy Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Arkansas Age: 45 Posts: 938 Vehicle: 07 Eclipse GS	i agree with mike, $1500 sounds like a rip off..... don't pay it

09-10-2005, 05:05 AM	#5
nascarnate326 Honda CRF 450 AKA: Nathan Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: Grand Rapids, MI Age: 34 Posts: 1,188 Vehicle: 2004 Grand Prix GT	I only paid 4000 for the damn car. Its not a big deal but I dont have a 4x4 vehical anymore so in the snow abs would be nice. Thanks for actually trying to help me. That link dosent even work for me either. 1500 was to flush the brake fluid out and put more back in pressurized. I though 1500 was alot too, but lately who knows in our world.

09-12-2005, 05:56 AM	#6
Lab Rat Fear the Four AKA: Craig Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: Kenosha, Wi. Posts: 452 Vehicle: 2000 Grand Am SE	You can buy the wheel bearings for 140 each at autozone. Timkins too. Break fluid will cost under ten bucks for a liter bottle. Now if you can do the work it's an afternoon job. BTW, if you have not checked the speed sensor wiring, do that. If it came unplugged that would be the cheapest repair yet. 0 dollars to plug it back in. . 1500 dollars is, IMO, way out of line.

09-13-2005, 07:12 PM	#10
DevilSlayer Aspiring car freak AKA: Chris Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Edgewater, Maryland Posts: 147 Vehicle: 1999 Grand AM GT Coupe	At first I thought it was my transmission dying, but I thought about and knew that there would be much more problems if that was the case. Then I thought it may have been some kind of sensor problem, but I didn't know which one. Thanks for the info. __________________ well as cliche as it may sound I'd like to raise another round and if your bottles empty help yourself to mine thank you for your time and heres to life --Roger Clyne "Mekong" Best comic ever

09-14-2005, 12:00 PM	#12
atc3434 Grand Am Again AKA: Andrew Join Date: Apr 2003 Location: Auburn, NY Age: 38 Posts: 1,999 Vehicle: 1999 Grand Am SE	99% of GA's throw the ABS and TRAC OFF light due to a failed wheel bearing sensor. If it was strictly the ABS system, such as a motorpack or solenoid, the TRAC OFF light wouldn't have been thrown. Because both lights are on, it means that both systems are affected, they don't share much in common other than they need to know the speed of all the wheels. Its a pretty safe bet its a wheel speed sensor. Contaminated brake fluid is the sketchiest thing I've heard in a while! __________________ 1999 Grand Am SE2 - Blue, TOG Headers, SLP Exhaust, DHP - SOLD 1996 Vert' Z-28 - M6, magnaflow muffler-back, K&N FIPK, Hurst Short-throw - 13.6 @ 103mph. 2006 Dodge Charger R/T Daytona - Go Mango Orange #2832 of 4000. Tune/exhaust. 14.009@97mph. 2002 Saab 9 5 Aero Wagon - 3" turboback/tune. 17psi of sleeper fun just waiting to surprise you.

09-14-2005, 05:47 PM	#14
nascarnate326 Honda CRF 450 AKA: Nathan Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: Grand Rapids, MI Age: 34 Posts: 1,188 Vehicle: 2004 Grand Prix GT	I didnt let him touch my car. Im car stupid, though im trying to learn as much about them as possible. DevilSlayer, that is EXACTLY how mine started, to the tee. Ill find a new mechanic and have him change the wheel bearing sensor. He should be able to do a test to find out what one it is right? That way both arnt replaced if they dont need to be. This dosent sound as expensive as I orginaly thought. Thanks for everyones great information.

09-15-2005, 08:52 AM	#16
nascarnate326 Honda CRF 450 AKA: Nathan Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: Grand Rapids, MI Age: 34 Posts: 1,188 Vehicle: 2004 Grand Prix GT	Do you recommend a GM Goodwrench mechanic at a dealership, or a small shop mechanic? Thanks alot Andrew

09-15-2005, 10:06 AM	#17
atc3434 Grand Am Again AKA: Andrew Join Date: Apr 2003 Location: Auburn, NY Age: 38 Posts: 1,999 Vehicle: 1999 Grand Am SE	First, I never go with the dealer. The markup is insane. I have a really good small shop guy that'll do most of my work. Occasionally he'll tell me I'm better off going to x specialty shop (tranny, body, etc.) because they can do the same thing he would, at a better price. However, those small type shops that do major work are getting tough to find. I had expert tire change one of my wheel bearings because it was a weekend, I didn't have time, and my regular guy wasn't open. They did a good job, and the price was good as well. Like I said, you should be paying too much more than $200 with labor to get the work done. Part is like $140-$180 depending on brand, I go with the good stuff, might as well fix it once instead of over and over. __________________ 1999 Grand Am SE2 - Blue, TOG Headers, SLP Exhaust, DHP - SOLD 1996 Vert' Z-28 - M6, magnaflow muffler-back, K&N FIPK, Hurst Short-throw - 13.6 @ 103mph. 2006 Dodge Charger R/T Daytona - Go Mango Orange #2832 of 4000. Tune/exhaust. 14.009@97mph. 2002 Saab 9 5 Aero Wagon - 3" turboback/tune. 17psi of sleeper fun just waiting to surprise you.

09-15-2005, 08:16 PM	#18
DevilSlayer Aspiring car freak AKA: Chris Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Edgewater, Maryland Posts: 147 Vehicle: 1999 Grand AM GT Coupe	I go to a this not small, but not very big shop in my area. Its a Gemini certified shop and they do really good work. If you don't bring your own fluids in, they use BG synthetic fluids anyway. They put on all my Powerslot rotors, all my Performance Friction brake pads, flushed my cooling system, changed wheel bearings, and they have all the best scanning and diagnostic tools. I whole heartedly recommened any Gemini shop, oh, their prices are quite good too (at least this shop). __________________ well as cliche as it may sound I'd like to raise another round and if your bottles empty help yourself to mine thank you for your time and heres to life --Roger Clyne "Mekong" Best comic ever

09-16-2005, 05:46 PM	#19
nascarnate326 Honda CRF 450 AKA: Nathan Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: Grand Rapids, MI Age: 34 Posts: 1,188 Vehicle: 2004 Grand Prix GT	A smaller shop I will find. Thanks alot everone, your all very smart when it comes to cars. Someday I will be in your leauge.

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