Service Traction Light after replacing front wheel bearings

[archer286]

My son's 2007 Cobalt, 2.2L engine, was howling when driven, so I replaced the two front wheel bearings, which had ABS sensors built in. After installation the ABS and Traction lights remain lit, and the "Service Traction" message is repeating.

I checked the connectors several times and checked the resistance of the new sensors, which were both around 1,500 ohms. I made no other repairs or changes, and don't understand what's wrong. The warning lights remain on, even when stationary. The brake fluid level is fine, and the ebrake is off. There were no error codes in the system using an OBD2 scanner, and the engine is running fine. The check engine light is off. I removed the battery terminal to clear any other error codes, with no change. Any suggestions?

[Stealthee]

There are sensors in the rear too. You need to get it scanned to see what comes up. When my ABS/TC light was on I used the scan tool at Advance and it told me exactly where to check. Mine ended up just being a broken wire.

[Tech II]

You checked for codes with a scan tool, but was that scan tool capable or reading ABS codes? Most cheap scan tools/codes readers only read PCM codes....

[archer286]

Sadly, my scanner doesn't read ABS codes. Shoulda sprung for the pricier model. Having a back ABS sensor die at the same time that the front ABS sensors were replaced seems very unlikely, but stranger things have happened, I suppose. I'm doing more troubleshooting before I throw in the towel and seek professional help. I still think it's one of the connectors. Thanks for the replies, I'll keep you posted.

[Tech II]

Ok, you replaced the wheel bearings because of the noise......but was the ABS light on before replacement?

It's possible you have a harness problem....without knowing the code, you won't know which side, if it's in the front.....

[archer286]

There were no problems with the ABS system prior to this. (From the various threads it sounds like this was the only Cobalt without troubles...) I just disconnected the two front ABS connectors higher up, behind the strut towers, to check for continuity through the lower connectors. Everything looks good, the resistance is still around 1,500 ohms, with no open contacts when the cables are flexed. I also bled the front calipers because they felt a little spongy. I'll check the back wheels tomorrow. Cars suck.