Service Vehicle Soon/Trac Off/ABS lights all on

[cficare68]

This is just something that is restricted to the Alero. Luckily my Alero just hit the 80000 mile mark and have not had to replace the wheel bearing on it, however I had a grand am that the exact same thing happened to at around 47000 miles. GM needs to do something about this problem for future models.

[alero2002V6]

Hello All:
I have the same problem. It started a couple of days back after driving on snow. The light doesnt come on the first thing in the morning, but as I drive out of my driveway, it turns on. It remains on throughout the day. Does anyone know why? I have a 2002 Alero GLS coupe. It has 101050 miles on it.
graman

[BNaylor]

You may have moisture in the electrical connectors that go to each wheel sensor. The wiring runs along the lower control arm to the hub. Try cleaning with electrical contact cleaner and let dry. Also, inspect the wiring for damage such as cuts and frays, etc. from the sensors at each wheel to the ABS motor/modulator. The ABS modulator has a big electrical connector that may be susceptible to moisture. If that doesn't work you may have a hub assembly going bad.

[alero2002V6]

The problem was with the Right wheel hub bearing. The resistance on the sensor was checked and it did not read anything. After the bearings were changed, all the lights went off. One could only wish that GM did this as a recall. But unfortunately, due to Alero and GrandAM being out of the market, they probably dont care anymore. Anyways... this time it worked!

[kjk_L98]

Originally Posted by Rivyndel

It seems to me that its moisture related.

Same problem. Today I took both front wheels off to check the wiring harnesses and connections. Sure enough, when I unplugged the front passenger connector, water trickled out.

I used compressed air to try and force all the moisture out and then let it dry for 15 minutes. Put everything back together, and I still have the lights on.

Since my hubs aren't making any noise, and I have no other problems, I'm guessing my harness is done.

1) Are there any diagnostics I should perform? I did not measure resistance at the connector.

2) Has anybody attempted changing the harness?

Thanks in advance.

[Chowser]

well, someone needs to do a nationwide class action lawsuit for this problem as well as the fan speed resistor problem.


ok, on my 2001 that i purchased new:

34k miles, left-front wheel bearing hub assemply replaced under warranty

46k miles, right-front replaced under warranty

76k miles, right-front replaced at $565 by dealer.



---
26k, resistor for fan speeds replaced under warranty
32k, (6000 miles later) resistor replaced again under warranty
66k, resistor again for $157 because they had to run a diagnostic even though I told them it was the resistor (a $28 part)
next time this part goes out, i am just going to buy the part and change it myself when i change the radio out.


--------------------
on my 2000 alero that i traded in for the 2001
at 18k, i had the left-front wheel bearing hub crap replaced under warranty
at 35k, the right-front replaced under warranty
and at 46k, the resistor for the fan blower went out when i traded it in.

needless to say, i am through with GM. my 2001 Alero and my wife's 2000 Buick are paid off in 2 months and we are done with GM.

[BNaylor]

Originally Posted by kjk_L98

Same problem. Today I took both front wheels off to check the wiring harnesses and connections. Sure enough, when I unplugged the front passenger connector, water trickled out.

I used compressed air to try and force all the moisture out and then let it dry for 15 minutes. Put everything back together, and I still have the lights on.

Since my hubs aren't making any noise, and I have no other problems, I'm guessing my harness is done.

1) Are there any diagnostics I should perform? I did not measure resistance at the connector.

2) Has anybody attempted changing the harness?

Thanks in advance.

It wouldn't hurt to measure the resistance of the wheel sensor. The moisture may have damaged the sensor. The electrical connector can be replaced if suspected bad. The complete harness will be a little more difficult because it runs from each wheel sensor to the ABS modulator which is located at the left hand side (driver's) of the front part of the subframe.

[kjk_L98]

Originally Posted by Chowser

well, someone needs to do a nationwide class action lawsuit for this problem as well as the fan speed resistor problem.

Heck, might as well add the lower intake gasket while you're at it.

Also, bnaylor, thanks for the help. I'll probably start by checking the resistance. The more I think about it, the more I believe the water probably killed the sesnor. That is all tied in with the hub/bearing assembly, correct?

[bledi]

Hi there I have a similar problem too. I have a 99 alero and the TRAC OFF light came on after i was driving for half an hour. While the TRAC OFF light came on my RPM's increased than usual, and every time it passes 3000 RPM's the car jerks. Maybe every time it changes gears it jerks i have no clue. But after i turn off the car and turn it back on the light goes off and the car is fine for couple of min. Then the Service Engine Soon and TRAC OFF lights come on and it repeats the same thing again. It's driving me nuts please someone help me.

[BNaylor]

Originally Posted by kjk_L98

Heck, might as well add the lower intake gasket while you're at it.

Also, bnaylor, thanks for the help. I'll probably start by checking the resistance. The more I think about it, the more I believe the water probably killed the sesnor. That is all tied in with the hub/bearing assembly, correct?

Not a problem and you're welcome. Yeah, on the lower intake gasket probably a good idea. Just about all of have. The hub/bearing is a complete unit with the sensor integrated in needless to say. It is a DIY job. The axle nut is 36mm. You'll need a torque wrench because axle nut preload will range from 150 - 180 ft-lbs depending on what hub maker specifies. Also, you'll need a standard hub puller to remove the hub from spindle so the CV joints are not damaged. Good luck!

Hub/Bearing front & back:

[PGAGT2004]

I have a 2004 Grand AM GT with 43K miles on it, and it too decided to display these lights. I needed to change the brakes anyway, so I changed them out. After taking the car to get these lights checked out, however, it turned out to need a wheel hub (assembly) due to bad bearings. I actually had two bad assemblies, but only fixed one of them (worse of the two) and the total cost of the part itself was an inflated $170. It's a 20 minute job and should NEVER cost more than about $60-70 for labor at a reputable shop. Granted, the lights come on now after 20' of driving, but that's because I still one to fix. [But yes, I agree, a recall from GM would be the polite thing to do for us all!]

[mo42oya]

I have had My 1999 Alero since 2002. I have noticed that the Trac Light Comes and Goes. I Have a cold air intake duct close to the ground. I removed the baffle from the stock intake and dropped a hose down to the floor of the engine. This may be or may not be the cause but it seems to be a issue i have caused for myself. When the "TRAC OFF" Light turns on, giving that HARD ASS KICK from gear to gear. You can try to accel super slow every time you stop giving the tranny time to slip smoothly into gear and it will turn the light off for a little while.
I replace the AIT sensor. I have noticed when the computer is reading a REALLY HIGH TEMP form the AIT the "TRAC OFF" Light comes on. I replace the sensor about 2wice a year. Also recently this Last "Trac Off" light did not set a MIL. I replaced the sensor and added a quart of Fluid. The light is now dormant.

Once I had the ABS light as well as the "TRAC OFF" light turn on. In winter with bald tires. Sucked without ABS. I bought a Wheel Hub from ebay for $60. I had a local mechanic" MAIN MUFFLER" install it for $45 Problem solved. hub went out cuz of a warped rim and Tire I was driving on for 2k+ miles


I always use Lucas for both Engind and Transmission. Ive put over 76K miles on this car since 2002 and Its ........better not say...knock on wood just for thinking it LOL

[urbaneve]

Had tires rotated and balanced and took an 1100 mile trip now the service engine light, anti-lock brakes light and the trap off light all came on. Car seems to be fine. Do you think it is wire harnessing, wheel bearings, or hubs that could be causing this to happen. I am not hearing the traditional whine or hum like when a bearing goes out

[cooter2]

I am having the ABS and Low trac lights come on, however I do NOT get the Service Engine Soon light. I have not checked my harnesses, but did check the two front bearings, at least shoot and moved the tires, which seemed fine. I need to check the rear bearings, the harnesses, and the sensors yet.

[chipmunk57]

End of December all 3 lights came on. Took it in for service in early Jan. Shop said it was a wheel bearing/wiring problem. Worked OK for about a month after repair, then all 3 lights on again. Took it back to the same shop, they said this time it was the wheel bearing on the other side. Worked for about a week after the second repair, now it is happening again. My husband talked to the shop, they said the only thing they can do now is disconnect the sensor. We live in Canada, we need the ABS & trac control! Today he took it to another shop, they said one of the wheel bearings was giving intermittant readings. They are going to repair it, we'll see how long it lasts.