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Traction Conrtol Light

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Old Nov 27, 2015 | 08:19 AM
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Default Traction Conrtol Light

On my 04, the Traction Control Light has recently started to light up on the gauge cluster with the"Service Soon" sign while driving. (does not stay on after starting engine, but comes on while driving)

Question: What does this mean? How do you service the "Traction Control"
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Old Nov 27, 2015 | 08:47 AM
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Mine is doing the same thing. I did notice that my tire pressure was very low and when I put air in the tires the traction control light went off. Don't know if its related or not.
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Old Nov 27, 2015 | 09:03 AM
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Same here. You need to retrieve the codes from your DIC so you are able to begin a diagnosis.

Mine always shows C1287H, which points to the steering rate sensor. From what I have read, replacement requires removal of the steering column.

Additionally, I understand some earlier C5's have a different steering rate sensor that is no longer available. Mine is a 2002 Z06 and replacement sensors appear to be plentiful.
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Old Nov 27, 2015 | 11:42 AM
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Originally Posted by Zealot06
Same here. You need to retrieve the codes from your DIC so you are able to begin a diagnosis.

Mine always shows C1287H, which points to the steering rate sensor. From what I have read, replacement requires removal of the steering column.

Additionally, I understand some earlier C5's have a different steering rate sensor that is no longer available. Mine is a 2002 Z06 and replacement sensors appear to be plentiful.
The SWPS would be related to AH and not TC.

OP, you need to pull your DASH DIC trouble codes for us. An auto store scanner will not pull what we need.

If you need help on that let us know.


Mr. Sam
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Old Nov 27, 2015 | 12:52 PM
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Originally Posted by dadaroo
The SWPS would be related to AH and not TC.
I stand corrected. My apologies OP, and thanks Mr. Sam.
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Old Nov 27, 2015 | 11:51 PM
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The most common issue for a TC code is a fouled wheel speed sensor---The wheel speed sensors are used by both the TC system and the ABS system---TC uses the data to prevent the wheels from spinning on a hard launch--and the ABS uses the sensors to keep the brakes from skidding on a hard stop----
Wheel speed sensor faults can be triggered by fouled pigtails at each wheel from water or dirt---Even simply driving on a rough road or over railroad tracks will often trigger a wheel sensor fault which in turn affects the TC or ABS systems----I would 1st clear all the codes to see if they re-appear--if they do not it was a one time thing--If it does re-appear I would check all the wheels speed sensors located on each wheel to make sure the pigtails are connected and they are clean and un fouled
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Old Nov 28, 2015 | 08:34 AM
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Originally Posted by tblu92
The most common issue for a TC code is a fouled wheel speed sensor---The wheel speed sensors are used by both the TC system and the ABS system---TC uses the data to prevent the wheels from spinning on a hard launch--and the ABS uses the sensors to keep the brakes from skidding on a hard stop----
Wheel speed sensor faults can be triggered by fouled pigtails at each wheel from water or dirt---Even simply driving on a rough road or over railroad tracks will often trigger a wheel sensor fault which in turn affects the TC or ABS systems----I would 1st clear all the codes to see if they re-appear--if they do not it was a one time thing--If it does re-appear I would check all the wheels speed sensors located on each wheel to make sure the pigtails are connected and they are clean and un fouled
True story!! The wheel speed wire harness is fairly short and has a connector at each end and runs between the wheel speed sensor pigtail and the body/chassis of the car. Think of it as an "intermediate" harness.
Sometimes simply unplugging the connector(s) at each end and spraying a little contact cleaner into the connector plug and reconnecting it/them is all that's necessary. Also eyeball them for any physical damage i.e., abrasions, cuts, bent or corroded contacts inside the connector plug (creating poor contact), etc. If needed, they are super easy to replace and not terribly expensive.

HTH
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Old Nov 28, 2015 | 08:48 AM
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TC/ABS wheel speed wire harness.

Item #28 is the harness and items 24 and 29 are the connectors at each end. Item #25 is just a rubber grommet that fits into a clip (#26) to hold it in position.



This "intermediate" harness is not used on the rear brakes as it's wiring connection setup is different. It would still be good to unplug the connector at the wheel speed sensor end and check it also.

HTH
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Old Nov 28, 2015 | 11:09 PM
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The dic codes will tell you where the problem lies. No need to guess and possibly just chase your tail.

Last edited by BigGun; Nov 28, 2015 at 11:11 PM.
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