2014 ford fusion service advancetrac message; ads, traction control, skid control and airbag lights lit up all at same time. Is th

ANSWER : ABS, traction and stability control systems rely on input from a number of sensors to function properly. Faults can be in any one of them from the brake light switch, steering angle sensor, wheel speed sensor, or up to a dozen others. Also, a fault code can be present for any of the sensors without the sensor itself being the actual fault. A wiring issue to that sensor or a fault in the abs/traction control computers can also be the cause. The only sure way to find out why the abs and traction control lights are on is to diagnose the system properly. The airbag light can be related if for example, the steering angle sensor is faulty as it provides input for the airbag system as well as abs, traction, and stability control systems. It can also be a stand-alone issue. When the system is scanned, fault codes will provide a direction to take in diagnosing the problem, but isn’t always as simple as replacing "Sensor A". Replacing parts without confirming they are actually the cause of the fault can be more expensive in the long run. Most electronic parts are not returnable once installed so if you replace a random part that does not correct the problem, you are stuck with the cost of that part and still have the same issue.

ANSWER : Hello, thank you for writing in. The vehicle does utilize a lot of the same sensors for these systems. Are there any other codes that are coming up when this code appears? If so you will want to take these into consideration when processing the repair and making a diagnosis. The module may be bad, and replacing it should fix the problem. The lights should turn off once the main computer recognizes the new module and the sensors sync up. If you believe the sensors need to be cleaned you may do so. Do as minimal as possible to make sure you are not damaging the sensor or disrupting the wiring inside. A bad connection would make the lights stay on. With so many lights that are effected by the module being illuminated, the module is likely bad or does not have a connection. Check the connection first and then resort to replacing the unit. For more help with these electrical tests, contact our service department.

ANSWER : Hi there. There’s always the possibility that something may have been damaged in a collision. On your estimate, you stated that it read "actuator removal without traction control". This is simply for estimating purposes; the adjuster that created the estimate probably either guessed or just went with the first option he/she saw. This does not mean that your vehicle does not have traction control. Your concern as stated by you is that the check engine, VSC, & TRAC OFF lights come on. The VSC & TRAC OFF lights will generally turn on any time the check engine light is on; the ECU stops communication for these systems if a code is stored. This is a safety feature of the ECU in that the logic is set that the traction control and vehicle skid control cannot properly adjust as necessary if there is a malfunction with the engine/transmission. It does not mean that you cannot drive the vehicle, only that these features are turned off until the code is cleared/repaired. A qualified technician can perform an inspection that will determine the cause of the lights and avoid replacing unnecessary parts. Your Mechanic has several available technicians that can assist you with a check engine light inspection.

ANSWER : Hello, and thank you for writing in. Unfortunately the first technician is correct in that this can be cause by a wide variety of issues. Considering that it is intermittent, we can assume that there is either an electrical issue (sensor or bad connection), or that there is a particular part which is dirty or failing. There are a couple of ways you can approach this. One being that you attempt to clean, repair, and replace the many number of components that can cause this. A second being that you attempt to replicate the issue by unplugging sensors and trying various tests to try and narrow down what system is being effected. When dealing with a misfiring situation, you need to look into the air intake, ignition (spark), and the fuel systems first. One last consideration is to have the vehicle scanned by another type of code reader. They vary in brand, manufacture compatibility, and software. For more diagnostic help, contact our service department to schedule an appointment, or to obtain a quote once the issue is diagnosed.

ANSWER : Hi There,
What you are describing is common for a vehicle with traction control when it has been activated in a situation as you have described. The cruise control is also controlled in some cases by the traction control system and may be flashing as a need to have it reset due to the traction control being activated under those circumstances. The traction control system monitors the steering stability of the vehicle and engages when loss of traction has been detected. This is done by the use of electronic sensors at each of the four wheels that communicate with the Power Train Control Module (PCM) regarding steering performance and stability in adverse weather conditions. The traction control system works by reducing engine speed and determining which wheel to apply brake pressure to in order to prevent the vehicle from sliding. The anti-lock braking system and the traction control system work together to maintain the stability of the vehicle. The computer uses this information received from electronic sensors regarding the rotational speed of each wheel, the horizontal motion of the vehicle, and the vertical motion of the vehicle to determine how to direct the traction control system or the anti-lock braking system to best control the vehicle when needed. In some cases, the traction control system may simply need to be reprogrammed. I would recommend having a professional from YourMechanic come to your location to properly diagnose your traction control system.

ANSWER : Hello. The brake warning light and traction control light illuminate when the computer has detected an issue with either system. They illuminate together because they effect and rely on each other. The best place to start would be to have the vehicle scanned for diagnostic codes to determine what code (a number associated with a problem the computer has detected) has set the light. You can use this information to narrow down on what part of the systems is not working. Due to the way it flickers and is intermediate, you are likely looking at a loose wire, a failing sensor, and a dirty sensor. For more help resolving the issue, contact our service department to schedule an appointment.

ANSWER : Hi there. There is an issue with the traction control system and it may be active with the loss of power happens. Check the brake system for any loose or damaged wheel speed sensors. The traction control system works when a wheel is spinning differently than another when driving straight. When the system acts up, the computer (ECM) will put the engine into limp mode to stop the vehicle from driving under a slippery condition even there is none. Also, check the computer for any codes to give you a starting location for diagnostics. If you need further assistance with your traction control being active, then seek out a professional, such as one from Your Mechanic, to help you.

ANSWER : Hi there. One of the biggest issues that car owners experience after having an engine replaced are symptoms like you describe. In most cases, the issue is that the ECU was not correctly reprogrammed by a dealership and thus, is not effectively communicating with sensors and monitoring systems. In other instances, small sensor wires, electrical connection harnesses and other components might be damaged and have not been replaced during the engine swap. Either way, it’s very difficult to pinpoint these issues without being there to inspect the vehicle personally. As such, I would recommend having a professional mobile mechanic come to your location and complete a warning light inspection, so they can inspect your vehicle onsite and determine the best course of action.