98 Trans Sport Abs Problem
KBM3
12-14-2005, 06:34 PM
My 1998 TRANS SPORT dash has recently turned into a christmas tree. From time to time the airbag, check engine, abs and tcs lights will be lit. Sometimes they are on all together and other times just one (or both for abs and tcs) and other times they are all off. I know there is definite problem with the ABS, today while sitting in my driveway the low traction light was going on and off and I heard a cycling under the hood, I figure it is the ABS pump working, eventually the abs and tcs light came on and voila the noise uinder the hood was gone. Worse yet, if the low traction comes on while I am braking to a stop the ABS system activates and the brakes fade unrtil the lights kick on and then all is well because I am assuming the ABS is now disabled.
My first question is has anyone had a similar problem with all the lights and second Is there a way I can disable the ABS until I can get the systems checked out? As I said the brakes work fine as long as the lights are on. Is it as simple as unplugging the unit under the dash or will this damage the ABS? Thank you for any help.
My first question is has anyone had a similar problem with all the lights and second Is there a way I can disable the ABS until I can get the systems checked out? As I said the brakes work fine as long as the lights are on. Is it as simple as unplugging the unit under the dash or will this damage the ABS? Thank you for any help.
cdru
12-15-2005, 06:52 AM
The abs and tcs lights are likely a broken wire or poor connection, possibly at the wheel speed sensor. The system should be fail safe in that you won't lose breaking power, only anti-lock brakes or traction control wouldn't work. It's best to get it looked at soon.
The airbag light is often just a loose connection as well. It's possible that it's something more signifiant, but many people have found that if you disconnect/reconnect the wires under the drivers seat that the problem goes away.
The check engine light could be related to any of the above, but my guess is that it's unrelated and a seperate issue.
All three problems above can be better diagnosed by hooking up the vehicle to a diagnostic computer. Each time the lights are on a trouble code is set. Reading those codes can help pin point where the problem is at. It may cost some, but it can save time and the guess work trying to figure out where the problem is at.
The airbag light is often just a loose connection as well. It's possible that it's something more signifiant, but many people have found that if you disconnect/reconnect the wires under the drivers seat that the problem goes away.
The check engine light could be related to any of the above, but my guess is that it's unrelated and a seperate issue.
All three problems above can be better diagnosed by hooking up the vehicle to a diagnostic computer. Each time the lights are on a trouble code is set. Reading those codes can help pin point where the problem is at. It may cost some, but it can save time and the guess work trying to figure out where the problem is at.
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