2002 Monte Carlo TRAC & ABS Problem

This month I must be cursed as far as my vehicles go, right when I'm broke from the holidays at that. First the alternator on the Cavy goes, but now the past 2 times when I've gotten in my 2002 Monte Carlo and gone to drive it, at certain times. Granted it's not everytime i start it, but it can do it once on a trip when I'm making maybe 4 or more stops at different places and onetime during those stops the ABS light stays on, and the TRAC OFF warning lights come on, and then it's telling me in the lil window box Service Traction System. Any idea why it's doing this? The Trac button near the shifter is fine, not depressed or anything I never even mess with it. But it's strange in that it's come on 2 times doing the same thing in the past week. But as soon as I stop someother place, and turn the car off then go back out and turn it on... it doesn't come on again. So what the heck is it (other than just my bad luck)?:runaround:

Is the car still under warranty? If it is then take it in to have the codes checked. I think there was a TSB on this issue with the traction control. This is not a new issue with the Monte Carlos.

Warranty is off the car, and the past 3 days now the light's not come on. I don't know if it's something like the issue with my cavalier that my BRAKE light and ABS ones both come on sometimes together if it's really cold out & there's absolutely nothing wrong.

To me the TRAC On/OFF button there by the shifter on Monte's look too much like something begging to get messed up, by kids pushing it or whatever. The Monte is the newest car I've bought and I'm just afraid anymore with all the electronic warning lights for this and that, when next to nothing is wrong with that going on. I prefer something easier to work on, and the computers and warning systems that have taken over are just an annoyance to me.

The only other problem with this car I've had, was every winter the LOW COOLANT warning light seems to come on and stay on, even thou the coolant level is fine & not low at all. I think the sensor does something screwy during cold weather. I look for that to start happening again at any time.

Thanks thou, do you think if I maybe took the car into Advance when that light comes on that they can hook it up and see if there is a problem? Because the local GM place here doesn't want to take time out to help you and charges you for any lil thing they do. It's why I insist on trying to do most of the work myself, I've just not bought a book (Tear down & Rebuild Haynes manual) for this car yet.

You might consider taking the time to browse the forum. I know there have been a number of posts on this exact issue. If it were my car I would start with the basics. Check the brake fluid level. It should be just under the max level line unless your brakes have a lot of wear. Check to see if any of the surrounding area is wet with a fine oiley substance. Then look on the backside of your tires and if the rims are wet you have a brake fluid leak. If you cannot find a leak then it may be an electrical issue. If the car throws a code it will stay in the computer until it is reset. If you are concerned it may be worth the money to have Chevrolet run the codes.

This is usually the ABS sensor, or the wiring/connections to the sensor. If the connection is loose, damaged, or if the sensor is damaged, or the wheel bearing is going bad, it will set the trac/ABS light. The system checks/resets itself as soon as you start the car back up again, but as soon as the connections becomes open, the lights go off again.

If you get lucky, you can take the tires off and see if there are loose of damaged connections, but usually you have to get it scanned andfind whcih wheel is tripping the code and go from there.

I have a 2002 Monte SS as well, and mine was doing the same thing, shortly afterwards I was hearing a loud howl. The wheel bearings were shot on one side. Replaced them and it still happened, the abs wire on the other side was split, so had to replace that side as well. Seems to be working fine for now.

When those two lights come on together it means there's is something the matter with the ABS system. Mine was on and I looked in the manual and that's what it said. I took it to the dealership and it was my rear inline brake valve, it had a leak. Cost me like $80 to get fixed I believe.

Warranty is off the car, and the past 3 days now the light's not come on. I don't know if it's something like the issue with my cavalier that my BRAKE light and ABS ones both come on sometimes together if it's really cold out & there's absolutely nothing wrong.

Thanks thou, do you think if I maybe took the car into Advance when that light comes on that they can hook it up and see if there is a problem?

Does Advance read engine codes ???

I just picked my car up my 2003 SS today. The problem started about 3 weeks ago, when I turned the wheel sharp my traction control would engage. It progressed to when I started the car the trac control off light would come on and the service traction system light would flash. Then the ABS light started to come on along with the service traction system lights. This happened most of the time. I was told today that it was the left front hub that was worn. That was covered by warranty. But, because of the warn hub the Hub Harness was stretched, but that wasn't covered. It's amazing how they figure what is or isn't covered. I'm just wondering what will be next. I've had 3 montes, 76, 84 & 03. The 03 has given me the most problems regarding repairs, but I still wouldn't trade it in for anything else, at least not yet.

I've had 3 montes, 76, 84 & 03. The 03 has given me the most problems regarding repairs, but I still wouldn't trade it in for anything else, at least not yet.

Thats not good, I just had to replace the BCM in my 02 SS, Then the headlights would not work buy themm selves and they had to replace the replacment one. Only 35,500 miles.
Chevrolet said Oh maybe we can help you but youll have to take it to the dealer first. So I did ,they fixed it, then Chevrolet said oh no its way out of warranty, (5+ years old) Then the check list came back said my tie rod ends were worn more than a little. At 35k ???:headshake
I will never buy another chevy unless it is at least 35 years old. I like the car, except for the stupid front wheel drive, on an SS? :shakehead come on.
Id trade it in for a Challenger or a California Special Mustang, but I like the 30 mpg I get on the freeway.

This month I must be cursed as far as my vehicles go, right when I'm broke from the holidays at that. First the alternator on the Cavy goes, but now the past 2 times when I've gotten in my 2002 Monte Carlo and gone to drive it, at certain times. Granted it's not everytime i start it, but it can do it once on a trip when I'm making maybe 4 or more stops at different places and onetime during those stops the ABS light stays on, and the TRAC OFF warning lights come on, and then it's telling me in the lil window box Service Traction System. Any idea why it's doing this? The Trac button near the shifter is fine, not depressed or anything I never even mess with it. But it's strange in that it's come on 2 times doing the same thing in the past week. But as soon as I stop someother place, and turn the car off then go back out and turn it on... it doesn't come on again. So what the heck is it (other than just my bad luck)?:runaround: I also had this problem twice. I in both occasions have taken the wheels off and rotated them but while I have them off I take the sensors of off the front located behind the calipers and clean them with electronic parts cleaner. I just had to do it yesterday and when I went to work this morning my lightd did not come on.:smile:

i have a 2002 monte ss and is having problems with the traction. I'ved already had the the rotor,brakes,hub,axle change and is still having problem with traction when i make left hand turns the abs motor starts going and when i press the brakes the motor starts with this weird noise. Car has been taken to chevy dealer and look at and they stated that my abs motor is good and all wires were check but can't understand why this problem keeps happening. i've paid alot of money to fix this problem and still not fix. Dealer charge so much to fix problem and that is weird that a dealer doesn't know the problem can someone please tell me if they had this problem and what you did to fix it.

My 2002monte carlo ss traction and abs light was staying on all the time my son replaced the motion censor. And it fixed the car I got to the point I was afraid to drive it the part only cost 125.00 it came in one part the motion censor and the wheel bearing now my car is doing excellent

Could be the wiring harness to the sensors in front as was the case with my 00 ss...replaced the harness with the dorman part and never came on again.