"Traction" + "ABS" lights coming on...??

[radeohedca]

Both "Traction" and "ABS" idiot lights have been coming on in my '96 Bonneville. If I turn the car off and then back on the lights do not illuminate immediately but will after a short amount of driving.
Would this suggest that one of the wheel sensors may be faulty ? If so, how would one go about determining which one is bad ?

Thanks, Hugh.

[jkinney]

The first obvious check would be to look and see if any of the solenoid connectors on your wheels have come unplugged, and also look closely to see if you might have a wire that has backed out as well. I have heard of it happening. I will look in my service manual to see what is says about diagnosing, I've not had a problem with mine YET, so I dont readily know what else off hand.

[Flatrater]

First thing I would do is scan the system for trouble codes! Its a lot less work scanning the system then looking over the car and finding nothing wrong. Scanning the car should always come first its the easiest thing to do.

[jkinney]

Cant disagree with FLATRATER, But assuming they dont have a scanner since that would have been the first thing they'd do, performing a quick lookover doesnt hurt.

[JJ052653]

I had to replace my passenger side ABS sensor, on
1995 Bonneville, cost about $ 350.00. The problem is, you just can't replace the sensor, you have to replace the wheel hub it self which include the wheel sensor. It is all one component.

[radeohedca]

No trouble codes were reported when I connected my OBDII scanner.
If it turns out to be the ABS sensor, at $350, I may just pull the fuse on the whole thing as I am not a big fan of ABS to start with.

First I'll have a good look for poor/unplugged connectors or ripped wires at the sensors on each wheel.

[Remon]

i had the same problem with my 93 SSEi and the abs went off after i fixed the wheel bearing (the sensor is on the bearing).

this may also fix the traction light, but not sure...u're gonna have to tell me the exact condition of the car for me to try and guess a closer guess.

best of luck

[lakerfan1784]

The traction control on the Bonnevilles are a brake system where the computer applies braking to individual wheels when slipping is detected. It uses the same sensor as the ABS, to detect if one wheel is spinning faster than any of the others, which would be just the opposite for the ABS. The best bet is either a faulty wheel speed sensor or a bad wire.

[Flatrater]

Lakerfan is right! But for the light to come on and not store a trouble code is near impossible. I have replaced many brake pressure modulator valves along with many speed sensors on this model.

If you have a meter handy I can give you some simple tests to perform. Let me know and I will post some tips for you.

[radeohedca]

Thanks for the tips guys.

Yes, I found it a bit odd that the OBD scanner didn't report and faults, even when the idiot lights are on.
I sort of figured that the wheel sensor serves both ABS and traction control...hopefully it's a loose or corroded connection rather than a bad sensor.

I do have a nice Fluke multimeter handy. Please do post the tips Flatrater.

[radeohedca]

Ttt

[LUGNUTT]

How do you reset the light, or does it shut off when problem is repaired.
Thanks

[bonnegirl]

what happens if you don't fix it?

[Ed Mc]

2001 Bonny ssei randomly modulated left front brake. No codes. Great dealer (Burdette Bros) ran the car for a week with scanner, talked to Pontiac for hours, replaced both rear wheel speed sensors (I had replaced both front ones). Pontiac and dealer gave up. As a last hope, I had them replace steering wheel position sensor and - so far - problem is gone!!