Hello everyone,
I've just picked a 2000 SSEi and it has the braking thing at slow speeds. After doing a search and after reviewing the previous owners receipts it seems this is very common.
1. Even though the sensor had been replaced in July this year it still seems to be acting up. They scanned C1281, C1282 and C1286. 6 months earlier they had lubed the steering intermediate shaft too.
2. The steering column does not lock and the car usually doesn't start due to something with the column (I think). After tossing it around to the left and right I can usually get it going though. Seems worse after it'* been sitting too.
Does anybody have a service manual diagnostic and repair procedure too?
Appreciate any help or feedback here please.

What "braking thing" are you refering to? Which sensor are you talking about? The steering position sensor? Those are not the standard "P" error codes that are easily looked up. What do they refer to? When the car "doesn't start", what exactly does or doesn't it do?

I'm referring to the trac control system applying the ABS.
Steering wheel sensor
Thoise codes are what the shop reported on their invoice
C1281 VSES Sensor Uncorrelated
C1282 Yaw Rate Sensor Bras Circuit
C1286 Steering Sensor Bias Malfunction
Replaced Column Sensor
Alll lights are on like normal however when you turn the key to start nothing happens. After moving the steering wheel back and forwards it will eventually catch and start normally. Plenty of battery power - it seems its not activating properly when the key is turned. After the car starts I can shut it off and start it again withour moving the wheel.
Thanks

Sounds as if your VSES is all out of whack with those 3 DTC'*. I'd recommend taking to GM dealership for re-alignment of all sensors having input to VSES. Does the DIC display "Service Stability System"?

Yes I do have the "Service Stability System" display.
Funny I just went out and now I have the check gas cap message. I drove the car about a 1000 miles and never saw that before. Cap is tight?

Are you getting the "low traction" light coming on when you experience this? Did the shop take care of the problem that caused those codes? Did they replace the steering position sensor?

With the 2000+ and the key on the dash, the column doesn't lock like the older systems. Off hand, I can not think of anything in the column that would prevent the car from starting. 2000Silverbullet had a similar problem (it would also die) and it was finally found to be a bad connection in the underhood fuse box for the ignition fuse.

The gas cap riddle can be a fun one to track down as it has several causes besides the gas cap. The last one that I fixed was done by cleaning the vent solenoid by the rear wheel.

Yes the light comes on and then it activates the ABS which slows the car down. I can only assume the shop took care of it by replacing the sensor as mentioned.
Really, these steering columns don't lock???
Car never dies out on me though.
I actually (after searching around) tightened the 3 screws in the fuse box too.
Please describe where the vent solenoid is by the rear wheel.
Thanks again

It'* on the driver'* side. Follow the lines back from the canister (the grey rectangular box under the rear seat) and you'll see a black box about the size of a deck of cards. That'* the vent solenoid (valve).

Check on the connections to your wheel speed sensors in your wheel hubs to be sure those are good. May want to disconnect and reconnect them a couple of times to be sure.

Just to be sure, in both the underhood and underseat fuse boxes, pull the IGN1 fuse and push the connections in the box closer together for a tighter fit.

Okay thanks I'll check it out when I get a moment.
I'm assuming there are sensors on each wheel?
Funny when I tightened the 3 screws in the fusebox I pulled the ignition fuse, checked and reinserted it.
I didn't realize there were fuses under the seat. Which seat are they under (the rear)?

Yep...rear seat, right near the battery.

Edit - Also, yes...each wheel has a sensor.