Traction Control Light Stays On
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 239
Likes: 19
From: Tuscumbia AL
Traction Control Light Stays On
We are looking at purchasing a 1999 'vert and it's located out of state. We haven't been to see it yet, but the seller informed us that the Traction Control light stays on. They were told by 'Vette Masters in FL that it won't hurt the car to drive it with the light on. Is that true? The ABS light isn't on, just the Traction Control.
I've read a few threads on other forums that indicate a few things that resolve the problem that you can do yourself. I understand that, worst case scenario, it could cost big bucks, depending on what the problem is.
We don't want to go into this sale blindly, especially since the car is 13 hours from where we live.
Thanks for your wisdom.
I've read a few threads on other forums that indicate a few things that resolve the problem that you can do yourself. I understand that, worst case scenario, it could cost big bucks, depending on what the problem is.
We don't want to go into this sale blindly, especially since the car is 13 hours from where we live.
Thanks for your wisdom.
Race Director
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 17,336
Likes: 8
From: Maker of Sharp Objects, AL - Roll Tide
St. Jude Donor '10-'11-'12-'13-'14-'15-'16-'17
St. Jude Knife Maker
could be a bad wheel bearing sensor. In this case the hub would have to be replaced.
Mine had a wire rubbing and the warning message would come and go. I finally figured out the problem and the hub sensore was shorted by then. Had to go with a new hub.
Mine had a wire rubbing and the warning message would come and go. I finally figured out the problem and the hub sensore was shorted by then. Had to go with a new hub.
Safety Car
Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 4,386
Likes: 689
From: Boise ID
Yes, it will not hurt to drive the car, just be aware that the ABS and Traction Control will be disabled (just like older cars). As others have posted, the codes must be pulled as it is only guess work without them. Could be any thing from a very inexpensive repair to a very expensive repair, just no way of knowing right now.
Tech Contributor
Joined: Oct 1999
Posts: 41,043
Likes: 9,807
From: Charlotte, NC (formerly Endicott, NY)
Besides the codes you should ask which messages show up on the DIC. If the TC light is on but the ABS light is off the failure isn't something common to both functions. That eliminates the wheel speed sensors, system voltage and pump motor as a cause. With the codes you can find out if the repair is going to be expensive or reasonable in cost.
If the car is OK otherwise you may want to negotiate a lower price or have the seller get it fixed before you buy it. I would go with the lower price as then you can either fix it yourself or if a shop fixes it you get a 1 year warranty on the repair.
Bill
If the car is OK otherwise you may want to negotiate a lower price or have the seller get it fixed before you buy it. I would go with the lower price as then you can either fix it yourself or if a shop fixes it you get a 1 year warranty on the repair.
Bill
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 239
Likes: 19
From: Tuscumbia AL
We found out that they didn't have the codes read, the mechanic just saw the light on and told them it was going to be expensive. They weren't willing to have it fixed or come down on the price. They're going to wait for a buyer who doesn't care that the light is on. So we sit in limbo and look for another car :-(
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Tech Contributor
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 10,924
Likes: 78
From: Forney Texas
Get them to pull the codes. They can do it from the driver seat in 30 seconds. It might be something stupid and simple and you might be able to fix it in 20 minutes with minor tools for less than 10 bucks like I did. If you save a bunch of money it might be worth a little effort here. 
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 239
Likes: 19
From: Tuscumbia AL
Get them to pull the codes. They can do it from the driver seat in 30 seconds. It might be something stupid and simple and you might be able to fix it in 20 minutes with minor tools for less than 10 bucks like I did. If you save a bunch of money it might be worth a little effort here.
