ERROR CODE ABS and Dealership Response
Thread Starter
6th Gear
Joined: Sep 2014
Posts: 6
Likes: 0
First off - THANK YOU SO MUCH for the responses (even the one to sell the car but again, I'm not ready to let her go, yet...). The code I get on 28 - TCS Traction Control System ABS is C1214H. I understand that is the Sol Valve Relay Contact or Coil CKT open. But now I don't know what to do with that information. I looked on the history of that code through this forum and repairs appear to be anywhere from $150 to the dealership's quoted price. BUT there is a clot of issues with that code being two different repairs. Is there a way that I can determine which is the most likely issue. Remember I am a real beginning with little to no mechanical skills, but willing to learn.
Thread Starter
6th Gear
Joined: Sep 2014
Posts: 6
Likes: 0
So you are getting up to 4 messages every time you start up: Not every time.... It's interesting you bring up the flat tire issue... This message is currently appearing (and then goes off)...
Service ABS
Service TC
Service AH
and
Service Tire Monitor System
Does the system also illuminate the ABS (and TC) lights on the dash? YES
When you clear the messages (one press of the reset button for each message)
the display should show the position of the "flat" tire along with the pressure reading. Yesterday the ABS message was on. Turned car off, when I turned it back on, the flat tire message came on. This message does appear often. At various speeds and it's always the right front tire at -0- pressure. I keep them at 28 psi...
On my 01, the tire monitor system message appears at ignition if any given tire is less than 25psi.
I get this one regularly when seasons change because I keep my pressure a bit lower in spring and summer to compensate for heat expansion. When ambient temps drop off, sometime cold tire pressure drops below 25, setting the alert.
Do you get a wheel position (LF, RF, LR, RR) and a number or just a wheel position and a blank? Always front right - zero pressure. All others report 28psi.
Where blank doesn't necessarily mean flat, it means the sensor isn't reading the pressure correctly. (possibly a dead battery in the sensor)
Service ABS
Service TC
Service AH
and
Service Tire Monitor System
Does the system also illuminate the ABS (and TC) lights on the dash? YES
When you clear the messages (one press of the reset button for each message)
the display should show the position of the "flat" tire along with the pressure reading. Yesterday the ABS message was on. Turned car off, when I turned it back on, the flat tire message came on. This message does appear often. At various speeds and it's always the right front tire at -0- pressure. I keep them at 28 psi...
On my 01, the tire monitor system message appears at ignition if any given tire is less than 25psi.
I get this one regularly when seasons change because I keep my pressure a bit lower in spring and summer to compensate for heat expansion. When ambient temps drop off, sometime cold tire pressure drops below 25, setting the alert.
Do you get a wheel position (LF, RF, LR, RR) and a number or just a wheel position and a blank? Always front right - zero pressure. All others report 28psi.
Where blank doesn't necessarily mean flat, it means the sensor isn't reading the pressure correctly. (possibly a dead battery in the sensor)
Last edited by tammiehelmuth; Sep 17, 2014 at 01:22 PM.
Thread Starter
6th Gear
Joined: Sep 2014
Posts: 6
Likes: 0
You do not make a newbie to this site very welcoming... BUT a big THANK YOU to all you others!!!
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 9,488
Likes: 1,743
From: Knoxville Tn
Where do you live? It's likely someone nearby can help you save a lot of money.
Your car is a 2002, it is likely the batteries are going bad in the tire pressure sensing devices located inside the tires. You also possibly have a faulty EBCM (electronic brake control module) There are people that will fix those for less than $150. If you are incapable of doing the replacement of it by yourself, beg for help from a forum member.
Where to start?
Take you car to a auto parts store and have them check your battery. A marginal battery may still start you car, but not have enough 'juice' to run all the accessories.
Learn to read the DIC codes, the one code you posted is usually a EBCM.
Go to a tire store and ask them what it would cost to replace all four sensors in the tires. The batteries have a life span of around 10 years.
The tire store will likely be cheaper than GM.
Find someone to help you remove the EBCM and send it in to A vendor here that fixes them. Your car will run fine while it is removed, you will not have Active handling, traction control or ABS while it is out of the car.
You should be all fixed up for less than $500.
Your car is a 2002, it is likely the batteries are going bad in the tire pressure sensing devices located inside the tires. You also possibly have a faulty EBCM (electronic brake control module) There are people that will fix those for less than $150. If you are incapable of doing the replacement of it by yourself, beg for help from a forum member.
Where to start?
Take you car to a auto parts store and have them check your battery. A marginal battery may still start you car, but not have enough 'juice' to run all the accessories.
Learn to read the DIC codes, the one code you posted is usually a EBCM.
Go to a tire store and ask them what it would cost to replace all four sensors in the tires. The batteries have a life span of around 10 years.
The tire store will likely be cheaper than GM.
Find someone to help you remove the EBCM and send it in to A vendor here that fixes them. Your car will run fine while it is removed, you will not have Active handling, traction control or ABS while it is out of the car.
You should be all fixed up for less than $500.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 9,488
Likes: 1,743
From: Knoxville Tn
Racer
Joined: Jan 2013
Posts: 265
Likes: 16
From: Columbus ga
Looking over the posts I dont think anybody has mentioned to you about the ABS fixer. My 01 had the same problem and I was told about 2k to fix the ABS, traction control. Lucky for me I was on this forum and learned about the absfixer. You can take your module off and send to them and they will fix it for about $150 plus shipping....yes that cheap!! I did that over a year ago and it is still fine, no issues at all!!!
go to absfixer.com and get the details!!!
go to absfixer.com and get the details!!!
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Le Mans Master
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 9,488
Likes: 1,743
From: Knoxville Tn
"Find someone to help you remove the EBCM and send it in to A vendor here that fixes them. Your car will run fine while it is removed, you will not have Active handling, traction control or ABS while it is out of the car." Phanni
"Looking over the posts I dont think anybody has mentioned to you about the ABS fixer. My 01 had the same problem and I was told about 2k to fix the ABS, traction control. Lucky for me I was on this forum and learned about the absfixer. You can take your module off and send to them and they will fix it for about $150 plus shipping....yes that cheap!! I did that over a year ago and it is still fine, no issues at all!!!"
go to absfixer.com and get the details!!!
That's who I was referring to, but I could not remember their name.
"Looking over the posts I dont think anybody has mentioned to you about the ABS fixer. My 01 had the same problem and I was told about 2k to fix the ABS, traction control. Lucky for me I was on this forum and learned about the absfixer. You can take your module off and send to them and they will fix it for about $150 plus shipping....yes that cheap!! I did that over a year ago and it is still fine, no issues at all!!!"
go to absfixer.com and get the details!!!
That's who I was referring to, but I could not remember their name.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 2,017
Likes: 169
From: SE VA VA
(tire pressure sensor batteries)
The sensor and battery is embedded in a module located on the back side of the inflator valve, so there is no real way to check it with a voltmeter like you would a standard battery.
and
AFAIK, you can't replace just the battery, you have to replace the entire assembly.
The only way to get to it is dismount the tire from the rim.
As far as the ABS/AH/TC lights go,
With the lights on, all systems are disabled, to include entering "competitive driving" but as you know, the brakes work just fine.
and
as you have discovered, the fix can be relatively inexpensive or horrendously expensive, depending on which route you take.
Because the brakes worked and I balked at the 2k the dealer wanted to fix it, I've driven around for several years w/ those lights on.
Then I 'rediscovered' this forum and learned about the alternate repair outlets.
Since my C5 is not a DD, I'll be going the absfixer route before long.
The sensor and battery is embedded in a module located on the back side of the inflator valve, so there is no real way to check it with a voltmeter like you would a standard battery.
and
AFAIK, you can't replace just the battery, you have to replace the entire assembly.
The only way to get to it is dismount the tire from the rim.
As far as the ABS/AH/TC lights go,
With the lights on, all systems are disabled, to include entering "competitive driving" but as you know, the brakes work just fine.
and
as you have discovered, the fix can be relatively inexpensive or horrendously expensive, depending on which route you take.
Because the brakes worked and I balked at the 2k the dealer wanted to fix it, I've driven around for several years w/ those lights on.
Then I 'rediscovered' this forum and learned about the alternate repair outlets.
Since my C5 is not a DD, I'll be going the absfixer route before long.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Feb 2012
Posts: 901
Likes: 2
From: Palm City Fl
Have you tried just mashing the breaks to see if the ABS works? The ABS module went out on my 20 Z06 a while back. I removed the unit, split the case open and soldered a relay. Been fine ever since. There is an awesome thread on here with pics and a great write up on how to do the whole job. I would stay away from the dealer as much as possible. Good luck and welcome to the forum. 
Last edited by Lt. Dan M.; Sep 18, 2014 at 02:31 PM.
Racer
Joined: Mar 2014
Posts: 399
Likes: 11
From: Southern NH
To second (almost) everyone else, any car has as much life left in it as any owner is willing to give it. They are machines and machines never die, they just stop getting maintained (by guy's like 3boystoys)
Le Mans Master
Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 6,835
Likes: 302
From: Columbia SC
Just to clarify the Vette I have will surpass 180k because of the good care I have given it. While I maybe a beginner, I am only asking for help because I need clarity and have enjoyed the additional knowledge provided by the group, I am so very thankful (and have been bragging to my friends) about how kind and supportive this site and members have been. The information several of you have provided - THANK YOU!!! I have already forwarded it to other Vette owners.
You do not make a newbie to this site very welcoming... BUT a big THANK YOU to all you others!!!
You do not make a newbie to this site very welcoming... BUT a big THANK YOU to all you others!!!