After some city driving, my SES light would come on, stay on for about 5-10 second, go off and then come again...... Code 26 and code 38 have been set (but I understand from Chilton'* that 38 doesn't set off SES). After a couple of times, the SES light goes off and doesn't come on again. There is absolutely no driveability problem.

What is 26 and what components are involved? I have resetted the ECM codes, but haven't driven it since to see if the light is still coming on.

Code 26 might be associated with a steering wheel inflatable restraint system malfunction. Not sure about 38, or why the ses illuminates.

26- Quad Driver A module monitors the low speed fan, Evap canister purge solonoid, the HIGH TEMP light, and TCC apply. Note that it does NOT monitor the high speed fan relay. Only the low speed is considered critical?

Quad B covers the shift solonoids and EGR valve.


Code 38 is the TCC Brake Input Circuit.

Sounds like the common factor is the TCC. How many rpms does the car run at 55mph with the cruise control set?

Actually, the car has not been on a highway since March, so I haven't hit 55 mph for a while. It'* been about 90 F here for a last couple of days, so could that be a problem? City driving rpms look normal. I haven't had any shudder problem for over a year.

Also, I noticed yesterday that the coolant in the rad was a bit sludgy (almost whitish orange rather than the long-life orange), even though the reservoir was mostly clean. Is that a bad sign?

The outside temperature and coolant condition won't set codes. You're looking for an electrical or mechanical failure.

Your car has obviously been converted to dex-cool at some point. I wounder how thoroughly it was flushed. You may want to consider that, but at the same time, you need to get the car out and drive it. Maybe clear your codes before you go, and see if they come back.

I cleared the codes and drove it today, and no codes yet. The battery had mysteriously died and I had to get a boost. I'll change the battery if it dies again.

I must admit that I did not properly drain the green coolant before adding the long-life one last year. I will do a complete flush and use the long life coolant. I was kind of worried that maybe the oil is seeping into the coolant.

Thanks.