I have a 2002 SSEi w/48,000 miles and am having problems. Thanks btw, for the great info on this site.

I have had most of the problems decribed in these posts, but am experiencing something now that has not been addressed yet (or that I'm just too blind to find). My DIC kept telling me that I had low tire pressure, I would check all of them and they were fine. Reset the DIC and it would keep coming back. Also, I would get a "Stability System Active" and my anti-lock brakes would engage. Also my steering felt funny....stiff.

I had my mechanic run a diagnostic check and found the flat tire code. He cleared it, but it didn't make the other problems go away. It seems to happen on rough roads, but yesterday it happened as I was taking off from a stoplight. It also felt like it was down revving the engine if that makes sense. I don't hear any grinding in the wheels, I have had the intermediate shaft replaced, although it was a couple years ago, I have not checked the wheel bearings yet, and I do get a little bit of a hop to the left on bumps.

Has anyone had anything similar or have any suggestions?

Thanks!

Welcome to the Bonneville Club, Michelle. When you get the chance, could you add your vehicle year and model to your profile? That way you want have to do that each time you post with a problem.

The scanner that your mechanic used may not have the capability of reading all of the codes that could be set by the system. All the systems that you mentioned (tire pressure, ABS, traction control and the stability system all use input from the wheel speed sensors. Odds are that one of the sensors have gone bad, or has a bad connection.

To reset the tire pressure, cycle throught the DIC information using the select button until you come to "Tire Pressure". It will like read "low". Hold down the reset button until the DIC reads reset, then normal.

This is a general description of the systems.

General Description

The purpose of the Delco Bosch 5.3 Antilock Brake System (ABS) is to minimize wheel slip during heavy braking. The Delco Bosch 5.3 performs this function by monitoring the speed of each wheel and controlling the brake fluid pressure to each wheel independently during a braking event. This allows the driver to retain directional stability and better steering capability.

The optional Traction Control System (TCS), option code NW9, also monitors rear wheel speeds and compares the rear wheel speeds to the speed of the front wheel speeds. If excessive front wheel speed is detected in either front wheels the TCS will be activated. The TCS uses the following to improved traction and vehicle stability:

* Engine fuel control
* Engine timing control
* Front brake intervention

The optional Vehicle Stability Enhancement System (VSES), option code JL4, monitors wheel speeds, lateral acceleration, and steering sensor inputs to determine a desired yaw rate. This desired yaw rate is compared to the actual yaw rate. The VSES tries to bring the values into agreement by selectively applying the front brakes.

Thanks for the reply!! I've been reading quite a bit on the site today and am learning alot, but still confused.

I reset the low tire warning (several times) through the DIC....I no longer get that one. Just the "low trac" on the dash and "stability system active" in the DIC. I do not get an "ABS" light or warning, just through the pedal when I brake. And the steering gets really tight.

It doesn't seem to be doing it at any certain level of driving. For instance, I was coming back to work today from lunch and coasting straight down a hill....no braking....and I felt the engine cut back, the low trac & stability system lights came on and then the anti-locks kicked in when I pressed the brake pedal. The time before that it was when I was turning...always at turning to the left....at a low speed...10-15 mph.

I had front tires changed about 6 months ago and this started happening about 3 weeks ago. I am thinking more and more that it is a wheel sensor. I do remember [my boyfriend] driving over a pile of sticks (wasn't too happy about it either) and it started happening after that. So maybe it jarred something loose. I'm not sure where or what the sensors even look like. How do I check them? And then, if I need to replace them....does it have to be both the bearing and the sensor?

Thanks again!

The wheel speed sensor and the beariing is all part of one assembly - the hub. If the sensor or bearing goes bad, the entire assembly must be replaced. You may be able to see the electrical connection for the front wheels if you turn them far enough and look under the car toward the inside of the wheel. However, each is easier to see with the wheels removed. Other options are on ramps, a lift, or jack stands.

Check the wiring for any fraying, or cracking. Check also to make sure the connections are secure.

Great! I will have to take a look tonight.

I looked up the hub assembly and holy crap!! Over $100 bucks a piece. Hopefully it'* just a loose wire....keep your fingers crossed for me.

I'll do that. With the cost of the hubs, it'* not something you want to guess about which one may be bad. If the wiring isn't the problem, you may have to take it to the dealer or a shop that can read the ABS/TC/WSS codes.

This will seem like a crazy question, and a long shot Michelle, but is any one tire a differnet diameter than the others?

Well, I took a look at them last night and don't really see anything that stands out. I took it down to the shop and had the tech ride with me while the computer was hooked up to my car. Of course it didn't happen while he was in the car, but all the WSS' gave the same speed reading. And there weren't any codes stored now or in history.

To answer your question, compyelc4, the two front tires are new Firestone'* and are the same....the two back tires are Goodyear'* and the same. All four are 235/55r17. The different brands wouldn't matter would they?

I will try the dielectric grease and let you all know how that works. At this point, I'm ready to try anything......

Thanks for the suggestions.

Michelle:
First Welcome to the addiction.

All 4 tires are the same, the brand does not matter if the size is the same.