Reset service engine/Trac off

I was working on my son's 1999 Grand Am and I unplugged the Trac Off switch. I ran the car with it disconnected and the serv eng/trac off lights came on and won't go off. The car ran perfectly prior to this. Question: Can the code/problem be cleared by disconnecting the battery. I don't believe this is a mechanical problem. My thinking is along the lines of re-booting a computer. Thanks, Keith

Welcome to AF.

Why did you unplug the ETC ??

If thiers a trouble code(DTC) and one of the service lights are on,
you will need an abs capable scan tool to clear the code, thier's no other way!

I unplugged the on/off switch so I could move the radio bezel out of the way. Again, will disconnecting the battery reset the computer? Thanks, Keith

Oh I see, if that's all that you did then after a few engine cycles it should shut it's self off.

If it doesnt after a week, I'd get it scanned and have the code cleared and see if it comes back.

Thanks, will do. I scanned the service engine and got a P0105 and P0108. Any suggestions? I have a friend with a transmission shop and I will go see him if the trac off light doesn't clear.

p0105 - MAP or TPS cicuit malfunction
p0108 - MAP sensor high input

So yeah, sounds like you have several issues here.
Clear them and see fi they come back, but it sounds like you might have a connection/circuit bad somewhere.

Do you know of any connectors in the area of the radio, ignition switch. I was working in that area installing a remote starter for my son as a Christmas surprise. While I was working I was careful not to disturb anything that didn't need to be. I am heading to my friends to get the ABS scanned and will report back. I also will disconnect the remote start and see if that clears the issues. Again, thank you for your interest in this matter; Keith

I'll chime in. Did you energize BOTH ignitions and accessory wires? That'd be the only thing I could think that would cause a weird code like that. I've done a ton RS on these cars and never had one through a code other than what you'd get if you start it with that switch unplugged but after about 3 ignition cycles it'd go away.

Do you know of any connectors in the area of the radio, ignition switch. I was working in that area installing a remote starter for my son as a Christmas surprise. While I was working I was careful not to disturb anything that didn't need to be. I am heading to my friends to get the ABS scanned and will report back. I also will disconnect the remote start and see if that clears the issues. Again, thank you for your interest in this matter; Keith

As long as the battery was disconnected when you were installing the remote starter, I dont see anything being disturbed by that.

Probly is just a coincidence the service light(s) came on, and its probly a wheel speed sensor. Another typical problem with these models. :disappoin

Here are my results from todays scan: no ABS or ETS codes. Engine still shows MAP/BARO trouble P0105 and P0108. Remote tart is a Bulldog model RS1100 with a 791 security bypass module and a GM6 T-harness. The remote start works fine but I have these problems. ponchonutty could you explain "energizing both start and ignition" I used the recommended harness to try and avoid any troubles. Thanks again, Keith

edit: ignition and accessory kge420

Here are my results from todays scan: no ABS or ETS codes. Engine still shows MAP/BARO trouble P0105 and P0108. Remote tart is a Bulldog model RS1100 with a 791 security bypass module and a GM6 T-harness. The remote start works fine but I have these problems. ponchonutty could you explain "energizing both start and ignition" I used the recommended harness to try and avoid any troubles. Thanks again, Keith

Doesn't sound like anything you could have done is the problem here.
I'd say from the dtc's your MAP sensor if malfunctioning. I'd test the Map circuits and check the vacum line to the MAP.

Thier's a test/replace procedure in the Tips and Maintenance subforum (http://www.automotiveforums.com/vbulletin/forumdisplay.php?f=2148).

Hope that helps.

I will check the MAP sensor and report back. xeroinfinity, you are being a great help with this problem. Thanks again, Keith

xeroinfinity, I did not disconnect the battery when installing the remote start. I didn't want any trouble with the radio as I don't have the security code.

Well, double check that t-harness. I seen some that were screwed up. Unhook it and see if the car behaves normally. Those Bulldog units are at the bottom of the barrel units. Good luck with it!

That's on the list of things to do, at the top of the list actually. Question concerning the ETS switch: Is the switch a "click on/click off" type of switch? When I push it in it doesn't have a feel to it, like it's doing something. There is a feel of some spring resistance but no clicking. Is this normal? Thanks again, Keith

Can't remember and I was just tearing apart a '99 G-am today as a matter of fact. I do know when you press it a light should come on in the cluster though.

That light "Trac Off" is the one that won't go out. As there are no codes associated with it, I'm thinking maybe a faulty switch. I just don't know what it should feel like when it is pushed. Thanks, Keith

:grinno: SUCCESS!!! While checking the MAP sensor electrics I noticed the vacuum tube going to it was cracked. I replaced it and all ran well again. All codes are now clleared. I'm not one to believe in circumstance but this looks like a strong case for it. xeroinfinity and ponchonutty thank you two for your help with this problem. Thanks again, Keith ps Merry Christmas