Last year in May i had "SES" lights coming on all the time along with ABS/ Traction off lights. Eventually i had to replace (over three months) the entire PCM (i think thats what its called- its about $700 just for the parts) and then the crankshaft, camshaft sensors,and finally the computer. The whole system worked fine until two days ago, when the ABS/ Traction light popped on again.

At the local dealer where i'd had the repairs done originally, they said that the PCM they installed last year only had a 12-month warranty, and it has now been about 13 months. I haven't actually brought the car IN yet, so i'm not entirely sure its the PCM this time.

My question- has anyone else replaced this part and had problems months later? Also, is there any chance of calling GM and asking about their 12-month warranty still being valid if a $1K part breaks after 13 months? I spent over $2K fixing all this stuff last year and can't afford to do it again this year.

Other than the abs/traction lights did the ses light come on too?
You will need to pull codes from the obd port in order to narrow it down.

I hope your pcm hasnt gone south on you, $700 seems very high to me?
You might find a used one at a wrecker for a lot less if it turns out to be the culpret.

I agree with PontiacDad.. but usually when you get the ABS and traction light only.. first culprit is the speed sensor.. and you'll replace the hub/bearings instead of the PCM..
How good are you with a mulitmeter ( ohmeter to be more precise )

The ABS and TRACTION lights are on, but haven't seen the SES light yet. I wasn't sure if checking for codes would do anything if the SES light hasn't come on. The local garage charges about $80 just for checking codes.

I have a multimeter, i can use one if i know what i'm looking for. I had hoped it might just be a speed sensor, but i'm not exactly sure what they look like, not having been under the car in a long while. Believe me, i'm hoping and praying it IS just a speed sensor rather than paying for a new modulator. (Part was $600, labor $400 to put it in as i recall....)

You definitely have to figure out what the code is first before you think about the PCM. I think your PCM is fine -- these ABS/wheel speed sensors are known to go on these cars. The problem is that you have to replace the whole hub assembly :(

Unfortunately, as far as I know you need a dealer scan tool to read ABS codes.

Well i'm certainly more optimistic now that i've looked under the car. The wire on the right front tire is dangling, looks like the clip came off and then the bouncing broke the wires clean off. (well, not too cleanly actually!)

I'm imagining that the loss of the sensor would trigger both of the ABS/Traction lights without (apparently) setting off SES lights. I'm going to ask a garage to ONLY change the sensor, and then see if the lights stay off.

I just looked it up, the Right Front speed sensor assembly (hub) is the same one i had replaced on 5/28/03. I imagine they'll tell me it has a 12 month warranty...or less of course.

Do most garages get pissed if you hand them a part and tell them to install it? I noted that GMParts Direct has the part for 50% OFF the $354 that the garage charged last time! A savings of $177 is huge for this job.......

I don't think so. They may not warranty the work though.

If I were you I would solder the wires together, that'* what I did on mine and it works great...a lot cheaper than any other options.

Cheers,

That would turn off the ABS ligth, but what would it do to traction control and the ABS system?