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ABS/Traction control/ Brake light

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73K views 9 replies 5 participants last post by  Malibu AL  
#1 ·
My ABS/Traction control lights came on so i had it scanned and was told left fron was not reading. I replaced the hub that did not help so i replaced it again thinking bad hub. That did not fix the problem so the mechanic said it could be the harness from the hub to the plug at the firewall. I replaced that and the scanner still does not read that wheel. Now my brake light is on. So I have three lights on and stumped on what the problem is. Any input would be great.

Thanks,Tim
 
#4 · (Edited)
I would tend to think that if you were to take it to that shop they'd be throwing parts at it, charging you, and then scratching their heads when it didn't solve the problem.

You might be better of taking it where they'll actually diagnose it first, determine what the actual cause is, and then do a repair. There are a lot of things that can turn the ABS/TC lights on. Are they both on or just the one?

I'm no tech, but here's a list of things I'd be checking, not necessarily in this order:
1. Wheel sensor wiring at each hub — chafed? damaged?
2. Wheel sensor harness connectors at each hub — corroded? fully engaged?
3. ABS wiring near steering shaft — chafed?
4. ABS plug at module — fully inserted? corroded terminals? damaged/melted?
5. Brake fluid — filled?
6. TC switch — corroded terminals at plug? fully inserted? bad contacts? RFI/EMI?
7. BCM — corroded terminals? fretting? fully inserted?
8. Ignition switch — common issue on those models

There may be other things to check but that's where I'd start and be looking around for other possible clues. I hope you figure it out. Please post if/when you do!
 
#5 ·
I would tend to think that if you were to take it to that shop they'd be throwing parts at it, charging you, and then scratching their heads when it didn't solve the problem.
That only happens if and when you as the customer LETS it happen.
;)

I don't pay for parts that don't fix the problem.

And I have found over the years that you usually only have to have that discussion ONCE with the service manager of a given shop.......and then it doesn't happen again.
 
#8 ·
well i still have the same problems. Three different shops have tried to diagnose the problems. I have replaced both front hubs with new gm brand parts.Replaced both wiring harnesses from the hubs up to the plugs on the firewall. Replaced the EBCM with a used one that was checked out and verifiyed was good by gm. one shop was just a local shop and the other two were gm dealerships. all code readers can't read both front wheels just zero readings. starting to lose my mind as no one seems to know what is wrong. any ideas out there would be appreciated Thanks
 
#9 ·
I have a similar problem... My ABS light has been on for a long time. I had a trusted mechanic look at it awhile ago (3+ yrs ago) and he said that the ABS system is working fine and that possibly the sensor is being tripped by vibrations. So I believed him and never had him work on it. How's that for a mechanic? He didn't even charge me for the assessment.

Well now my Parking brake light is stuck on. I actually use my parking brake every time I park so it makes sense that the brake switch is broken and I have found a repair solution, just haven't fixed it yet.

So fast forward to last week. I bring it in for an oil change and I tell the shop manager about the parking brake problem and ask if he could fix it (I have the part). He looks at it, says "a sensor wire is pinched between your wheel hub bearing and another piece of metal and your dashboard brake lights are trying to tell you that something is wrong." He recommends replacing the wheel hub bearing. I remember watching his interaction with the previous customers in the waiting room and EVERY SINGLE customer before me had something seriously wrong with their car that needed fixing. Maybe these customers really are neglecting their cars? I think he is just crooked.
 
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