SVS, Trac Off, ABS Lights on in Rain
Smitty's Buick
02-11-2011, 09:17 PM
I have read through many posts that seem to address this combination of lights coming on, but I'd like a little more clarification.
During a rain event, or on wet roads, the Low Trac light will flash three or four times at random intervals before the dash lights up! If you stop the car, turn off the ignition and restart, it resets. There is no issue with steering, braking, or handling.
The issue is likely related to a Wheel Bearing from what I can see. The right front was replaced a couple years ago. There is no tell-tale noise coming from the front end indicative of the a wheel bearing going out. I checked the wire connections at the wheel bearing and they look fine. The outer tie rod ends need replacing but I don't see how that can be relevant.
I read something about the rear wheel bearings possibly being the culprit. How likely are they suspect vs. the front left? What kind of tests can I run to determine where the problem is coming from?
Thanks, guys!
Smitty's Buick (Oldsmobile) :smile:
1999 w/3800 177K
During a rain event, or on wet roads, the Low Trac light will flash three or four times at random intervals before the dash lights up! If you stop the car, turn off the ignition and restart, it resets. There is no issue with steering, braking, or handling.
The issue is likely related to a Wheel Bearing from what I can see. The right front was replaced a couple years ago. There is no tell-tale noise coming from the front end indicative of the a wheel bearing going out. I checked the wire connections at the wheel bearing and they look fine. The outer tie rod ends need replacing but I don't see how that can be relevant.
I read something about the rear wheel bearings possibly being the culprit. How likely are they suspect vs. the front left? What kind of tests can I run to determine where the problem is coming from?
Thanks, guys!
Smitty's Buick (Oldsmobile) :smile:
1999 w/3800 177K
LittleHoov
02-13-2011, 12:32 PM
The fact it only does it when it rains just screams "wiring issue" to me. Id unplug and clean all 4 wheel speed sensors, and make sure the weatherproofing looks solid. Maybe even wrap with electrical tape or something.
The only way to tell which sensor is setting the code is to have the system scanned by a dealership or shop capable of reading ABS codes....they should be stored even when the lights are off, but Im not 100% sure about that.
The only way to tell which sensor is setting the code is to have the system scanned by a dealership or shop capable of reading ABS codes....they should be stored even when the lights are off, but Im not 100% sure about that.
Smitty's Buick
03-16-2011, 10:13 PM
Last weekend I replaced the tie rod ends and at the same time, crawled underneath and looked over the wiring to the wheel hub speed sensors. They all looked good, but I did notice that a lot of the protective tape had worn away over time.
I used regular black electrical tape and re-covered the connectors and corrugated sheathing on both back wheels and the right front. The left front was not that easy to get to with the air box in the way, and the "tape" didn't look too bad.
So far my wife has driven the car in the rain around town with no issues. I need a road trip in the rain to verify it. When that time comes, I will let you all know how it worked out.
Smitty's Buick
I used regular black electrical tape and re-covered the connectors and corrugated sheathing on both back wheels and the right front. The left front was not that easy to get to with the air box in the way, and the "tape" didn't look too bad.
So far my wife has driven the car in the rain around town with no issues. I need a road trip in the rain to verify it. When that time comes, I will let you all know how it worked out.
Smitty's Buick
Smitty's Buick
04-27-2011, 09:51 PM
Well, looks like the re-taping worked. The lights have stayed off even with the extreme amount of rain we've had here in Kentucky lately. The lights did come on once, but it was in dry conditions after hitting a large bump. One of the sensors may not be seated just right. I'll check that as well.
Smitty's Buick
Smitty's Buick
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