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Traction control off and won't turn back on

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Old 03-17-2007, 02:37 PM
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Default Traction control off and won't turn back on

I have a 1994 SSEi with about 130k miles on it. A few months ago, my traction control light came up on my dash so I tried to turn it on again but no luck. I haven't really looked into anything because I don't know where to start looking. Maybe the button itself? I don't know. Any help would be appreciated.
Old 03-17-2007, 02:59 PM
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the first thing to do is check the wheel speed sensors. Make sure there its not disconnected or the wires are broken/frayed
Old 03-17-2007, 03:42 PM
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Well, I just got back from a trip to the grocery store and noticed that the performance shift and normal shift buttons seem to take a little bit more pressure to push down while the traction control button requires no pressure to push down at all. Guess I'll try to get under the button and see if there is a problem sometime. I'm a college student so checking out anything isn't exactly the easiest thing to do.
Old 03-17-2007, 10:11 PM
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Originally Posted by Red Rocket
Well, I just got back from a trip to the grocery store and noticed that the performance shift and normal shift buttons seem to take a little bit more pressure to push down while the traction control button requires no pressure to push down at all. Guess I'll try to get under the button and see if there is a problem sometime. I'm a college student so checking out anything isn't exactly the easiest thing to do.
Make sure you check the wheel speed sensors as was mentioned above. They're right behind your wheel and plug right into the hub. Would take all of 2 minutes to check them.
Old 03-17-2007, 11:33 PM
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If it'* not the WSS, expect the cost of repair to go over $1k very quickly.
Old 03-18-2007, 08:00 AM
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Mine hasn't worked since I bought it back in 1999 with 74K on it then. All my wheel sensors are connected and I heard it would likely be very expensive to fix so I just left it alone. Who really needs it anyways?

The 1993 Park Avenue that I also has a few years ago had problems as well. When ever I would drive it hard and cause a wheel to spin the Trac off light would come on in the dash and stay on, where as with my Bonneville it comes on after I drive a few feet and stays on.
Old 03-18-2007, 07:15 PM
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Checked the WSS and they're all fine. Oh well, thanks for the helps guys.
Old 03-18-2007, 07:22 PM
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I actually hate the TC in my wifes car. It invariably comes on and I just as quickly hit the button to turn it off and curse myself for not remembering before I start driving.
Old 03-19-2007, 08:27 PM
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You could have a vacuum leak..I believe the traction control runs as part of the Brake system. the brake booster runs on vacuum doesn't it? If you try pumping your brakes does it make any difference as far as the tracton control goes? will it cycle on?

Spit
Old 03-19-2007, 08:49 PM
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Originally Posted by spit
You could have a vacuum leak..I believe the traction control runs as part of the Brake system. the brake booster runs on vacuum doesn't it? If you try pumping your brakes does it make any difference as far as the tracton control goes? will it cycle on?

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That has no effect on the TC or ABS whatsoever.

It'* either:

1. WSS (hub/bearing assembly)
2. PMV (pressure modulator valve assembly below the airbox)
3. EBCM (the 'brain')
4. Associated wiring in between.

If TC or ABS fails, it fails in 'failsafe mode' and will not affect normal braking. Vacuum is not part of the system.

Items 2 and 3 are very expensive.


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