Service stabilitrak and service traction control

ANSWER : Hello. The stability control and traction control warning lights can trigger for several reasons. The first step you will want to take will be to have the vehicle scanned for diagnostic troubleshooting codes. This will tell you what about the systems is malfunctioning. The ABS system works hand in hand with the traction control and it may have more to do with the ABS system then the traction control. Due to the lights flashing on and off, you may simply have a loose connection or wire. The service tire monitor is realistically the most important warning. If the tire monitoring system is failing on one or more tires, the traction control and stability control systems will not have the input from that sensor to make calculations. Start by having the vehicle scanned, and use that information to help the diagnosis.

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 : 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 : Hello. If you are getting a code on cylinder 4, then that means there is an issue with that cylinder. Most of the time, with so few miles, the issue is not related to dirty fuel injectors but is caused by a failure in the spark plug or a failing ignition coil.

I usually remove the spark plugs and check them for wear. If those are fine, then the ignition coil needs to be checked. If that is fine also, then I would do a compression test to see if there is an internal failure in the engine causing this. If you are planning on having the misfire repaired, consider having a certified mechanic, such as one from YourMechanic, determine why the Check Engine Light is coming on.

ANSWER : Having symptoms such as this after having something like a throttle body replacement definitely suggests something went wrong with the installation, but not necessarily so. Coincidences happen every day in automotive. If I were working on this vehicle, I would be wondering if the throttle body replacement was needed or if it was a misdiagnosis. Unfortunately, there are many questions that need to be answered here.

First, you need a scanner that can communicate with the stability and traction control systems. First thing I would want to know is what codes are present. There are more than a few modules on your car that will produce codes. The P0300 code is from the PCM, which is a random cylinder misfire. You need to see what codes the stability control systems are setting. This will set me down the correct path to diagnose your vehicle. While I have the scanner hooked up, I would be looking at all relevant data for the ABS, traction, and stability control systems. These systems use the same sensors to make decisions.

If I were to make a guess at what is going on in your case, based on the symptoms you describe, I would be looking for some pinched wiring that resulted from the throttle body installation. This is an easy thing to do as a mechanic. It has happened to me many times. The throttle body is used by the PCM (Powertrain Control Module) to make several calculations involved in all aspects of vehicle controls systems. Some of the wires connected to the throttle body, if pinched, will affect many other systems randomly. In addition to a pinched wire, I would be looking for a vacuum leak either from a hose that was left off, or from the improper mounting of the throttle body.

One thing I am wondering is how long was it before the symptoms you are experiencing started after the throttle body replacement? Usually, if a wire is pinched, it won’t take long. So lets assume the throttle body has been replaced correctly. The next thing I am wondering is, what is the brand of the part that has been installed on your vehicle? Many aftermarket parts don’t work well with factory computer systems. Small differences in the electronics can make a big difference to the PCM. There are many quality aftermarket products, but there are also a few I wouldn’t install if I could avoid it.

If all mentioned above is ruled out, then it’s time to begin diagnosing with the assumption that these are new problems. As stated before, retrieving the codes and accessing sensor data is paramount. There are many sensors involved with the stability control. The only way to pinpoint a specific failure is to study scan tool data. Most people don’t have access to a scan tool that is capable of diagnosing such systems, so if you inspect everything and don’t find a vacuum leak or a pinched wire or wiring harness damage, you are going to need to take this one to a technician. Often times it is something simple, but just as often these systems can be very difficult to diagnose. If you would like a proper diagnosis of your warning light, a technician from YourMechanic can come to your home or office to inspect your car and let you know exactly what is going on.

ANSWER : Hello. These systems are interconnected, since both of them can control individual wheel brake functions when operating. It is likely that one of the speed sensors are failing. To have this verified, have a qualified professional, like one from YourMechanic, diagnose the warning lights, pinpoint the fault(s), and make necessary repairs.

ANSWER : It sounds like your traction control system may have some faults in it such as a faulty control module or potentially faulty wheel or angle sensors. 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 in adverse weather conditions. The computer uses 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. When this warning indicator light comes on in the dashboard, this could be an indication of several issues such as faulty wheel speed sensors, a faulty steering angle sensor, a faulty rotational speed sensor or a problem with the steering rack. I would recommend having a professional from YourMechanic come to your location to properly diagnose your traction control system.

ANSWER : Traction control helps with the stability of the vehicle in all conditions and works with the ABS system to ensure that the vehicle can stop fast and keep the vehicle in a safe condition on any roadway condition. I recommend keeping your traction control on if the roads are slick, wet, icy, snowy, or if you are off on a dirt road. If the roads are dry and you are driving in more of a straight line and not going around a sharp corner, then I suggest turning the system off.