For some crazy reason, my traction control likes to switch itself on and off whenever it want to. I dont think its not in the button, as it does it with the button unplugged. Please help!

 

What codes is it setting?

 

I dont know yet. I will post when I find out.

 

Its a stab in the dark without codes. I can dig out the troubleshooting guide for you when you have the codes

 

sweet, Thx. I will try to pull codes in the morning.

 

Your traction control/ABS module is located in the front drivers side quadrant of the engine bay and it sits approx. 3 to 4 in. lower than the top of the altenator (I'm not near my car or I'd post a pic). It is a metal box approx. 6 in. long X 3 in. deep and it has two wire harness plugs that are inserted...One small (two prong) plug at or near the bottom and another (large, approx. 20 pin) plug that is plugged into the box about half way up and is surrounded by a gray/silver plug lid. The module is held in place by 6 screws along it's perimeter (2 bottom, 2 side and 2 top). It should have a white sticker on the top that has some build info. from Delphi.

Why did I tell you all this you ask? I want you to find the module and check the plugs. Pull them both out and check for corrosion. If there is no corrosion and your problem persists, your module may be failing (not as uncommon as you might think)...mine was behaving just like yours for about a month until it finally failed. I had to have it rebuilt (a new module is about $4,000....rebuilt is about $400 or less).

I'm not saying this is the only reason you are having a problem but your description sounds very similar to what I went through.

If you need the info. on the company that rebuilds them, you can PM me.

Good Luck



***EDIT*** It is suggested that you unhook the power to your battery before pulling and replacing the plugs into the module.

 

I would like the info you have on the rebuild - my 1998 coupe is doing the same thing.

Paul

 

Sent

 

Mine did that every time it rained, Turned out that my LED tail lights were getting damp inside because I apparently did not seat the plug on one of them good. When I fixed that the TC control issue went away.
I do not know why a tail light would affect the TC but it did.

 

All PM's replied

 

i know forum member "ABSFIXER" fixes the electronic brake control module, aka ebcm, for 150. pm him and ask...

my ebcm is failing as well and i keep getting ABS, AH and TC errors on my DIC. basically, you could ignore them and drive without abs, ah or tc.

Aj

 

Code: B2597 "Traction Control System Switch Circuit" was what I came up with. So does that mean its in the switch or someplace else? Thx 4 the help!

 

PM sent....

Check the plugs I mentioned above and make sure they are not corroded or loose. I "THINK" there is a fuse in the passengers side footwell fuse box that has something to do with the TCS but I don't know for sure.

I was told that this is a fairly common issue (ABS/TCS module failure) which would require a replacement or rebuild. "IF" you have an extended warranty that covers the electronics then you can apply it to this problem. If not, get it rebuilt. I recently saw a rebuilt module on that aution site for $70 from the company I PM'ed you but it was part number specific. Check my PM and give them a call, they should be able to tell you what to look for in determining if it's a failure of the main module or not.

BTW..it's not critical...I drove my car for 3 months with the module removed but you obviously won't have ABS/TCS until it's fixed. They guarantee the rebuild for one year and send re-install instructions, it's really quite simple though...turn around time is about 2 weeks.

 

I just bought an '07 coupe and my traction control activates as soon as I reach 55mph. Is this the same problem you had? I would like the rebuilders info. Thanks.

 

Bowtie, did you change the wheels? (are they still stock sizes)? Because if they are not it can screw things up with the TC.

 

Is the code current? (B2587C). If its a history code (B2587H) clear it down and see what happens. If it keeps coming back theres a recurring fault that needs fixing.

Here's the troubleshooting guide. Looks like you have a ground issue on the circuit. Its tricky to do most of the checks without a scan tool but there are a few more connections there to check. If you're finding and corrosion under the hood it may explain it.

DRKMATTER has given some ideas that are well worth trying. Cleaning those connections sounds like a great plan.

Document ID# 670644
2002 Chevrolet Corvette
________________________________________
DTC B2597
Circuit Description
The Traction Control and Active Handling indicator is controlled by the instrument cluster via serial data messages from the EBCM. When the BCM sees the traction control switch input grounded through the momentary traction control switch, it sends a serial data message to the EBCM that tells the EBCM that the traction control switch has been pressed. The EBCM then disables TCS and VSES (w/JL4). The EBCM sends a serial data message to the instrument cluster to turn the Traction Control and Active Handling indicator ON and display the Traction System Off message or the Traction/Active Handling Off message (w/JL4) on the DIC.
With JL4, when the BCM sees the traction control switch input grounded for 5 seconds while the vehicle is stopped and the ignition is ON, it sends a serial data message to the EBCM that tells the EBCM that the traction control switch has been pressed for 5 seconds. The EBCM then disables TCS, while leaving VSES enabled. The EBCM sends a serial data message to the instrument cluster display the Competitive Driving message on the DIC. The Traction Control and Active Handling indicator remains OFF.
Each time the ignition is cycled from OFF to ON, the TCS and VSES (w/JL4) are enabled.
The following conditions will cause the Traction Control and Active Handling indicator to illuminate:
• The EBCM has disabled the TCS or VSES due to a DTC.
• The driver manually disabling the TCS or VSES via the traction control switch.
• The instrument cluster bulb check. When the ignition switch is turned to ON, the Traction Control and Active Handling indicator will turn on for approximately 3 seconds and then turn OFF.
Conditions for Running the DTC
The ignition is ON.
Conditions for Setting the DTC
The BCM detects a ground on the traction control switch signal circuit for longer than 60 seconds.
Action Taken When the DTC Sets
• The ABS remains functional.
• The ABS indicator remains OFF.
Conditions for Clearing the DTC
• The condition for the DTC is no longer present (the DTC is not current) and you used the scan tool Clear DTC function.
• The condition for the DTC is no longer present (the DTC is not current) and you used the On-Board Diagnostics Clear DTC function.
• The BCM automatically clears the history DTC when a current DTC is not detected in 50 consecutive ignition cycles.
Test Description
The numbers below refer to the step numbers on the diagnostic table.
2. Tests for the normal state of the TCS switch using a scan tool.
3. Tests if the BCM is able to detect a change in TCS switch state.
4. Tests for a stuck or shorted TCS switch. If the TCS switch is stuck or shorted, the state will change from On to Off when the TCS switch is disconnected.
5. Tests for a short to ground in the TCS switch signal circuit.
8. When the BCM is replaced, use a scan tool to perform the setup procedure for the BCM. Refer to Body Control Module (BCM) Programming/RPO Configuration in Body Control System.
Step Action Yes No
Schematic Reference: ABS Schematics
Connector End View Reference: ABS Connector End Views or Body Control System Connector End Views in Body Control System

1 Did you perform the ABS Diagnostic System Check? Go to Step 2
Go to Diagnostic System Check - ABS

2
1. Install a scan tool.
2. Turn ON the ignition, with the engine OFF.
3. With a scan tool, observe the TCS Switch parameter in the BCM data list.
Does the scan tool display Off? Go to Step 3
Go to Step 4

3
1. Activate the TCS switch.
2. With the scan tool, observe the TCS Switch parameter.
Does the TCS Switch parameter change state? Go to Diagnostic Aids Go to Step 4

4
1. Turn OFF the ignition.
2. Disconnect the TCS switch.
3. Turn ON the ignition, with the engine OFF.
4. With a scan tool, observe the TCS Switch parameter.
Does the scan tool display Off? Go to Step 7
Go to Step 5

5
Test the signal circuit of the TCS switch for a short to ground. Refer to Circuit Testing and Wiring Repairs in Wiring Systems.
Did you find and correct the condition? Go to Step 10
Go to Step 6

6 Inspect for poor connections at the harness connector of the BCM. Refer to Testing for Intermittent and Poor Connections and Connector Repairs in Wiring Systems.
Did you find and correct the condition? Go to Step 10
Go to Step 8

7 Inspect for poor connections at the harness connector of the TCS switch. Refer to Testing for Intermittent and Poor Connections and Connector Repairs in Wiring Systems.
Did you find and correct the condition? Go to Step 10
Go to Step 9

8
Important
Perform the setup procedure for the BCM. Refer to Body Control Module (BCM) Programming/RPO Configuration in Body Control System.
Replace the BCM. Refer to Body Control Module Replacement in Body Control System.
Did you complete the repair? Go to Step 10
--
9 Replace the traction control switch. Refer to Traction Control Switch Replacement .
Did you complete the repair? Go to Step 10
--
10 1. Use the scan tool in order to clear the DTCs.
2. Operate the vehicle within the Conditions for Running the DTC as specified in the supporting text.
Does the DTC reset? Go to Step 2
System OK
________________________________________
Document ID# 670644
2002 Chevrolet Corvette

 

Be sure you aren't getting a code pointing to a particular wheel. Mine was doing this, mostly when I drove it in the rain and it turned out to be a bad sensor in one of my wheel hubs. Had to replace the left rear hub. Evereything is fine now.

 

Jistari, The car has the wrong size tires on the rear, 275/30-19. Factory wheels but wrong size tires. I have new rear tires ordered, P285/35-19. I am going to try that before doing anything with the module.

 

CHECK YOUR GROUND WIRE CONNECTIONS. Due to the lack of metal on the car, corrosion can be a problem with ground connections. The abs/traction control is one of the most common grounding problems. i have no idea which ground it is, but im sure you could find some kind of diagram on the forum. When you find it, make sure to clean the corrosion off the connection, and add some protectant.

 

If you dont think it's the button, I reckon we should be looking at the BCM connections or the ground for the TCS.