ABS/Traction control issue
 

I have a come ans go problem, on totally dry pavement the traction control and or ABS will activate. I have had it to my local shop not GM, the scanner does not show an issue. Today I noticed that the TC will activate when goosing the gas at speed 30-35 in a right bend but not in a left. Like I said the problem comes and goes, does not light any dash indicators or show on a scanner. Other than that the car has -0- issues it is a 98 Park Ave with only has 44,000! Really would like some solid ideas before I break down and go to Buick, like most dealers they show little mercy!

Phil

Define "the scanner does not show an issue". ?? My question is, does the scanner even have the ability to scan ABS? There are only a few scanners on the market that will scan for ABS codes. Though, yours sounds intermittent.

How good are you with a multimeter?

You can do this test...

https://www.gmforum.com/trouble-shoo...r-test-296556/

Thanks great info, have several VOM's, will have to dig up an old plug.

Phil

Having the traction control activate while driving is not likely (but possibly) related to a bad wheel speed sensor. Take the car to a shop that can read ABS codes. Dealerships have the necessary Tech II scanners, but charge too much. I find most transmission shops have scanners that can read ABS codes, and they don't charge nearly as much as a dealer. Spending a few bucks on this scan will save you time and effort tracking down all the possibilities.

Yea, I forgot to mention what Roy said. Thanks Roy!

if the trac off lights not on, i doubt there is a code. there was a tsb for the trucks which operate in the same manner that if road junk and salt get in and around the wheel speed sensors if will act as you say.if you can get them off you can clean the hole and the sensor and make sure its seated right. on my truck they broke off when i touched them. also make sure the tires are even pressure, tread, and size

So the bad WSS will be the cause for an activated ABS light. I only ask because I need to diagnose/fix my aunts car which the ABS light is on.
Never really worked with this ABS stuff.

If its intermittent, it may not cause it to turn the light on I think.

*shrugs* My 99 Intrigue's EBTCM (Electronic Brake and Traction Control Module) fried, and I am pleased to note my mother has been driving this car for 6 years (110,000 miles) and have had no problems whatsoever. The beauty of this is my mother has no experience with ABS and Trac Control, and so the car essentially handles like an older car where the brakes *could* lock, and the wheels *could* (and will, with 3/4 throttle) spin. She borrowed it once when the car was mine, and she hit a manhole cover while slowing and the ABS triggered (waaaay too sensitive...) and it freaked her out when the pedal kicked back. So... I feel better knowing she can drive it like a "normal" car.

No computer telling you how to drive... I prefer it that way. ;-) But I'm old school like that. You could fix it if you want to, but if you can turn a blind eye to "Trac Off/Anti Lock/Service Vehicle Soon" lights, you will be ok.

It may be an intermittent connection problem to the EBTCM on your car (I assume, being a GM product, most models are built with the same basic guts) or your EBTCM could be flaky. Not sure where it's located in your car, but Intrigue and Alero (and presumably Century/Grand Prix and Grand Am/Cavalier, respectively) hide these modules in the driver footwell (left side by E-brake) behind carpeting. The modules are exposed to dampness from your shoes, and are known to fail as a result, and also to have corroded/oxidized contacts in the plugs.

This also happened to a friend's 99 Alero 2.4 EBTCM, and he still drives it with no problems (aside from what his abuse has done to drivetrain...).

Had to go to the dealer with another issue, he did all he could to find the problem. He could not get it to act up nor did any codes show up. That is three different scanners with -0- results.

Phil