Service Traction and ESC

450976 Views 148 Replies 66 Participants Last post by gear head, Feb 1, 2019

Delphi_Man

Discussion Starter · Sep 30, 2009

Once in a while, I get the message to service traction and ESC. Now the wrinkle to all of this is that, if I turn the car off and restart, it goes away. Anyone have this issue? It has happened a few times now and is never there when I restart the next time.

Thanks.

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Paul Doyle

· #21 · Jan 30, 2010

engineer25 said:
Is there one single thing you like about this car????

I really love everything about this car. I bought my '08 Malibu LTZ 3.6L new in Feb. 2008, (it'll be 2 years old this Feb. 2010), and the only (very minor) issue so far was the left rear passenger door lock quit locking remotely. The lock actuator in the door apparently went bad. I scheduled a warranty repair at the dealer the next day, and it was done by 5PM. The dealer even provided curb-to-curb shuttle bus service.

I've seen the yellow ESC light flash on a couple times, but both times it happened on snowy & icy roads, when I was giving it too much gas. Quite a bit of wheel spin & fishtailing, but that was due to my lead foot.

Paul Doyle
[email protected]

2008 LTZ Malibu 3.6L
Red Jewel TintCoat
Dealer: Criswell
Gaithersburg MD

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Linda B

· #22 · Apr 21, 2010

I just dropped off my new 2009 Chevy HHR again today. 2nd time in the shop in 1200 miles for this issue and 3rd time I've had this thing flashing at me. I'm looking up lemon laws tonight just in case this doesn't get corrected. First issue I didn't even have 300 miles on the car. There are some good tips here that I will try if they don't fix it this time, but the reasons for ESC and traction lights are all over the map!! Geez does everything under the sun cause this error??? I wondered if it was bad gas the first time because the hhr is a 2009 bought in March 2010. Had 25 miles on it when I bought it and it may have been on the lot for more than a year. First issue occurred when 1st tank got to the low fuel message. This time I also had just reached the low fuel point. I see one other commenter said the same though it makes no sense to me that this would trigger the ESC light and all that noise I heard under the hood earlier today. Whining like a motor was running away then back down then back up. I pulled to the side of the road and stopped. Immediately it straightened out and was normal again. The light went off too. The first time the light stayed on until I turned off the key. Love the car, but annoyed over the inconvenience. Lemon law says 4 times or 30 days in for service in 12,000 miles or 1 year and not repaired then have right to refund, exchange, etc. We'll see. Guess I'm lucky it is acting up this much right after I bought it!!

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Silver LTZ

· #23 · Apr 21, 2010

Linda B said:
I just dropped off my new 2009 Chevy HHR again today. 2nd time in the shop in 1200 miles for this issue and 3rd time I've had this thing flashing at me. I'm looking up lemon laws tonight just in case this doesn't get corrected. First issue I didn't even have 300 miles on the car. There are some good tips here that I will try if they don't fix it this time, but the reasons for ESC and traction lights are all over the map!! Geez does everything under the sun cause this error??? I wondered if it was bad gas the first time because the hhr is a 2009 bought in March 2010. Had 25 miles on it when I bought it and it may have been on the lot for more than a year. First issue occurred when 1st tank got to the low fuel message. This time I also had just reached the low fuel point. I see one other commenter said the same though it makes no sense to me that this would trigger the ESC light and all that noise I heard under the hood earlier today. Whining like a motor was running away then back down then back up. I pulled to the side of the road and stopped. Immediately it straightened out and was normal again. The light went off too. The first time the light stayed on until I turned off the key. Love the car, but annoyed over the inconvenience. Lemon law says 4 times or 30 days in for service in 12,000 miles or 1 year and not repaired then have right to refund, exchange, etc. We'll see. Guess I'm lucky it is acting up this much right after I bought it!!

I doubt you will get any kind of lemon law on it with just lights coming on as long as the actual system was not/is not effected FYI. Good luck and welcome.

Richard

· #24 · Apr 21, 2010

Delphi_Man said:
Once in a while, I get the message to service traction and ESC. Now the wrinkle to all of this is that, if I turn the car off and restart, it goes away. Anyone have this issue? It has happened a few times now and is never there when I restart the next time.

Thanks.

This is exactly what they suggest you do if you get this message. Sometimes, it's a temporary fault that resets itself when the engine is restarted. But if you continue to get the message, you need service.

clane3789

· #25 · Mar 2, 2011

Delphi_Man said:
Once in a while, I get the message to service traction and ESC. Now the wrinkle to all of this is that, if I turn the car off and restart, it goes away. Anyone have this issue? It has happened a few times now and is never there when I restart the next time.

Thanks.

Yes I have been getting this message all of a sudden. It started about 3 weeks ago when I was driving down the highway and a light came on saying "Service Traction, Service ESC" and it kept blinking til I got where I was going. The roads weren't wet or anything. So when I got back in my car and started it, the light was off. Now this morning (3 weeks later) I am driving my car down the highway and AGAIN the light comes back on. What is causing this??

E_Net_Rider

· #26 · Mar 3, 2011

clane3789 said:
What is causing this??

Welcome to the world of electronics.
Any component in the system may have a problem. Wheel sensors, computer, wiring, electronic brake control module.
There is a TSB that apparently does not address all vehicles since the 09 I had was not in the covered, but it did not have the diodes or the fix for the missing diodes. The diodes were to be installed across the fan motors. When the fan control relays are actuated it causes a inductive spike apparently and the diodes are to kill it.
This is a long issue with GM apparently since it was also noted on 96 Aurora which I acquired used and it had the fix harness installed. The missing diodes were blamed for killing electronic brake control module. HELLO! So I was shocked to see the same missing diodes issue on 09 Malibu and the same exact fix. Let me say if spikes are killing it, they can also kill any electronic component. In that way they are a bit like lightning, looking for the easiest path. Often they do not outright kill a semiconductor, they punch a small hole through a PN junction which creates current leakage in the device junction. If the hole is big enough it is flat dead. If it is small the current leakage creates heat until it shorts out. Removing power or cooling often allows it to work normally for a period of time such as getting hot again. Apparently the EBCM is the weakest spot in a significant number of vehicles so that they were able to find the issue. But it can be any other electronic component in the vehicle that gets the damage from the spike. Remember it is looking for a path and like lightning will take the easiest, so by normal deviations during manufacturing process other components may be the easiest path.
And BTW, sometimes no issue surfaces for a long time. But it has been shown that the life of effected semiconductors is shortened tremendously.
You will also find such stuff is generally only covered under base warranty.
The next time the lights come on, drive directly to a GM dealer, do not shut off until they agree to document it.

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tony0705

· #27 · Apr 13, 2012

this issue just happened to me . i was driving down the road and all the lights appeared .. i checked the brake fluid but its fine . i dont really know what to do . and i do not have warranty =(

clane3789

· #28 · Apr 16, 2012 (Edited by Moderator)

My 08 Malibu keeps doing the same thing. My Service Traction/Service ESC light keeps coming on and I have already had my Malibu in the shop a few times over this problem. And let me save you some time and money - DONT let them tell you it's the Brake Pedal Sensor and etc.. because all that has ever done is cost me more money because everytime I get my car back it will act ok for a short while and then the Service Traction/Service ESC lights (along with my brake lights) come back on again.. I found that ALOT of people are having the same problem with their Malibu's - which should be a recall issue because it is definitely dangerous in traffic and could resort to a lawsuit. But I read that this could actually be caused by "terminal fretting corrosion" inside the BCM (body control module) C2 connector. You can read about it on this link GM Chevrolet Malibu Brake Lights Stay On When Pedal Up Repair Guide

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Linda B

· #29 · Apr 17, 2012

Mine was fixed the 3rd time my HHR went to the shop. They called central technical support because I told them even though I liked the car I was going to return in to them under the Lemon law if I had to bring it back a 4th time. They said they changed out a sensor that is located under the seat and I had no problems afterward. Can't recall but seems it was under the passenger seat.

More recently, I have had a service airbag intermittent error for many months, but just haven't taken it back yet for service because there isn't a dealership close to me anymore.

The car has only about 36K on it now and has been on the road less than 2 years, so am not impressed at all with Chevy electronics. Have had more issues with this 2009 than all my other new cars in my lifetime combined. Like the car, good fuel economy, but their electronics issues are a big nuisance.

I want a Chevy Volt next, but think I'll wait until they work the bugs out!!

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Linda B

· #30 · Apr 17, 2012

The lemon law in the state I bought the car says if you have the car back for the same issue 4 times without it being repaired within a certain length of time after purchase, then you can return the car under the lemon law.

Chevrolet Customer Svc

· #31 · Apr 18, 2012

Linda B said:
Mine was fixed the 3rd time my HHR went to the shop. They called central technical support because I told them even though I liked the car I was going to return in to them under the Lemon law if I had to bring it back a 4th time. They said they changed out a sensor that is located under the seat and I had no problems afterward. Can't recall but seems it was under the passenger seat.

More recently, I have had a service airbag intermittent error for many months, but just haven't taken it back yet for service because there isn't a dealership close to me anymore.

The car has only about 36K on it now and has been on the road less than 2 years, so am not impressed at all with Chevy electronics. Have had more issues with this 2009 than all my other new cars in my lifetime combined. Like the car, good fuel economy, but their electronics issues are a big nuisance.

I want a Chevy Volt next, but think I'll wait until they work the bugs out!!

Are there any General Motors dealerships close to you? How far is the nearest Chevrolet dealership?

Michelle, Chevrolet Customer Service

Linda B

· #32 · Apr 21, 2012

Chevrolet Customer Svc said:
Are there any General Motors dealerships close to you? How far is the nearest Chevrolet dealership?

Michelle, Chevrolet Customer Service

I live in central Cincinnati within city of Cincinnati roughly in the middle of the 275 loop surrounding Greater Cincinnati. Superior Chevrolet is about 2 miles from my home and I pass by it every day on the way to work. That would be ideal except they don't service cars anymore. There is a body shop, and pretty sure you can buy a car there, but they don't service them.

The other Chevy dealerships that do service cars are north of the loop about 20 miles from me at McCluskey in Kings automall where I've never been because traffic is horrendous in that area, and south of the loop in northern Kentucky about 22 miles from me at Kerry Chevrolet Hyundai in Alexandria KY. I bought my car at Kerry because their sales guy (top sales guy actually) was referred to me by good friends of mine. They had bought 3 Hyundai's from him. He's great

I bought a Hyundai from him too, then later went back and bought my HHR panel wagon. When I take my car for service, that is where I go. It is pretty much 1/2 day out of my weekend schedule though. I usually get a loner to drive, but still then that is 2 trips and negotiating pickup around my work and travel schedule.

I started out buying Chevrolet decades back. First two new cars were Chevrolets. Loved my Silverado truck, but then switched to Honda and Toyota for fuel economy then Hyundai for the same. Was going to help my son get a car this year, and he likes the Sonata for appearance and value. Only switched back to Chevy because I needed a new car and my partner just LOVED the style of the Chevy HHR panel wagon. The fuel economy was great especially for the size, it had flex fuel option, so hey that worked out great EXCEPT for the number of times I've had electronic problems.

Like I said, I would love to buy a Volt and have browsed the Volt lovers forum quite enviously

I just don't like being inconvenienced during my offtime and having to spend it going to the dealership for service. The pricetag is huge even with the tax credit which I could take full advantage of, so that holds up purchase since I can get 2 Hyundai's or even 2 Chevy's for that price depending on what I buy. They say you don't get full return back on your money even with optimal use of electric (normal driving distance). Still, I would love to have one and also love to support that Chevrolet made the effort to put such a car on the market PLUS support the jobs of autoworkers here in the U.S.

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Linda B

· #33 · Apr 21, 2012

Chevrolet Customer Svc said:
Are there any General Motors dealerships close to you? How far is the nearest Chevrolet dealership?

Michelle, Chevrolet Customer Service

Oh should also mention that the first two Chevy's were problem free. No issues in all the years I owned them. Had one factory recall on my first one where the mechanic knocked a hole in the exhaust manifold while replacing something to do with the fuel system. Replaced the part under warranty and the mechanics fault. The Silverado was issue free and I loved it. I only switched from Chevy because of fuel economy when I became a single parent and needed my extra money for my children. I regretted having to sell the truck and replace it with something more economical, but am practical. Even when I came back to Chevy, it was because they offered what my partner wanted and it had flex fuel option and good fuel economy. I had actually looked at it with him the year it came out, but opted to buy a Hyundai Accent instead from the same dealership and specifically it was because of the better fuel economy of the Accent which made it more practical. I later moved close to work and bought an HHR giving the Accent to my son who had a further commute.

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joecola

· #34 · Oct 11, 2012

Delphi_Man said:
Once in a while, I get the message to service traction and ESC. Now the wrinkle to all of this is that, if I turn the car off and restart, it goes away. Anyone have this issue? It has happened a few times now and is never there when I restart the next time.

Thanks.

This happen to me but my power steering was very hard to turn, I shut the car of and it reset the power steering. The Gm dealer thinks the Eleectric power stering motor maybe going and estimate was around 1400.oo to fix

E_Net_Rider

· #35 · Oct 12, 2012

09 LT2 I4A6 Yes, shut down reboot. The fancy stability control failed me. I actually saved the vehicle on side skid because of ice snow experience. Firestone were not Touring as stated on window sticker. Tires alone would not fix problems. Easily wander on slight bump. Learned of recall effecting ABCM, but did not include my VIN. Same exact issue existed on 96 Olds Aurora, with exact same fix. Malibu had neither missing diodes or fix. Acted like sticking caliper, decreased braking. Stopped in middle of intersection, finally. Dangerous vehicle and EPS would try to steer off road ~once/1000 miles. Lemoned it for 11Lacrosse $43K. It was even worse. Lemoned it too. GM, per Leslie Stahl program, claims they have new testing at GM. GM man stating, "When we tested the Lacrosse, it was a big disappointment", raises confidence little. Dealer could not fix several issues on either vehicle. GM replacement parts may have been rejects. Dealer has to follow GM instructions to get paid, even when it is wrong.
Not all GM have been bad. They may have been doing what it appears Honda is doing on badly reported 2013 model. Taking profit, to make up for loss, by cutting corners, cheap parts, just letting garbage slide.
Good Luck

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E_Net_Rider

· #36 · Oct 12, 2012

I would not bet on anything related to EPS. Thinking is not an answer. To replace motor, it apparently involves disassembly of steering shaft. The motor, armature and stator, should be extremely reliable unless poorly designed by GM. There are extremely old electric motors still in operation and many only replaced for higher efficiency. It would be much more likely that it is the controller box. Much cheaper part, but requires nulling/zeroing system. That is required anytime an alignment is done, per GM.

E_Net_Rider

· #37 · Oct 12, 2012

In America, so laughable. Check what foreign names are made in US.

greenman

· #38 · Oct 12, 2012

joecola said:
The Gm dealer thinks the Eleectric power stering motor maybe going and estimate was around 1400.oo to fix

Normally, replacing the EPS motor runs about $800 at a dealer.

MRC

· #39 · Oct 18, 2012

Randomly my engine feels like it bucks or hesitates while shifting, just feels slightly erratic and then the ESC and Traction warning lights come on. I have had the car stall a couple times while coming to a stop. I believe there may be an engine misfire that is causing it. Haven't had time to scan for codes while it happens.

DrivenDaily

· #40 · Oct 18, 2012

Do a search for your issue. I had that happen on my '11 V6. Had to drive like it was a 3-cylinder most of the way home. Cleared up the next day. Might have been fretting corrosion on the BCM terminals or some other low-voltage connection(s).

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