97 Bonneville...ABS and Traction Control lights on intermittently

[buzzy217]

I have a 1997 SE and the ABS and Traction Control lights are on sometimes, and off others. Sometimes I start the car and the lights are off (and the systems seem to be working properly). However, as I'm driving, specifically when I'm stopped at an intersection and accelerating into a turn, I'll hear and feel a loud BUZZING noise and the lights go on again?? Additionally, I feel and hear a consistent "rough" noise coming from the front end as the car is moving. This noise makes me believe that the wheel bearings are shot. Could these issues be related?? Any suggestions??

[radeohedca]

I have the exact same problem with my '97 Bonny.
I'm told that it may be a bad ABS wheel sensor (also associated with the traction control) which, as it turns out, is integral to the wheel bearing. The "buzzing" sound you hear is likely the ABS/Traction control pump activating when it shouldn't. That's when you probably see the idiot lights come on. I have not changed it yet as it is not a high priority on my 'problems' list
Let me know if you end up resolving it.

[int_53185]

I have changed a few of these wheel bearings...the coil is very close to the bearing.so any play in the bearing will slice through the coil...not the best design...but at least it tells you when u need new wheel bearings....my 97 Bonny has 99,000...still has original bearings....might be changing mine soon..knock on wood..

[BonneMeMn]

The ABS sensor also is used in the traction control system. FYI that light means the system is OFF, because of some malfunction. A new sensor assembly is what you'll need, but that may mean a new hub i believe.

[Luke Home]

Originally Posted by int_53185

I have changed a few of these wheel bearings...the coil is very close to the bearing.so any play in the bearing will slice through the coil...not the best design...but at least it tells you when u need new wheel bearings....my 97 Bonny has 99,000...still has original bearings....might be changing mine soon..knock on wood..

Isn't there any way to test the wheel bearing to tell that it is indeed bad? I have the ABS light on but when I lift the tires off the ground and try to move the tire by hand (up & down or Side to Side) I do not feel any excess play in the wheel/bearings. I also do not hear any abnormal noise coming from the wheel bearing when driving. Can one conclude that the wheel bearing is indeed bad just by the ABS light being on? Just trying to solve this same problem myself.

Thanks ....

[maxwedge]

A scan with an abs capable scanner will pinpoint the suspect wheel speed sensor.

[BNaylor]

Originally Posted by maxwedge

A scan with an abs capable scanner will pinpoint the suspect wheel speed sensor.

I agree with Max if you want to properly pinpoint the specific wheel sensor(s) causing the problem.

One other thing you can do if you are handy with a multimeter is in ohms position run a resistance check of each wheel sensor. Undo the electrical connector at the hub and go across the contacts on the hub side. It will read a certain range of resistance. Don't remember the values off the top of my head but can post later if you like. All this will do is possibly confirm that a wheel sensor is bad electrically and what the others have been saying about getting a new hub assembly.

[Luke Home]

Originally Posted by bnaylor3400

...Don't remember the values off the top of my head but can post later if you like.

Hello bnaylor3400,

Thanks for the reply. Yes would you please post the value for the meter reading?

The strange thing is, it is now winter here in PA and cold, lately I have been jumping into my cold Bonneville and the ABS light is no longer on. After I drive for 1/2 hour or so then it goes back on until I let it sit in the cold for 6-8 hour ... then it is off again. I would think it would be the opposite in the cold since metal shrinks and there would be more play in the bearings than when it is warmed up. Any comments on this?

Thanks...

[BNaylor]

Originally Posted by Luke Home

Hello bnaylor3400,

Thanks for the reply. Yes would you please post the value for the meter reading?

The strange thing is, it is now winter here in PA and cold, lately I have been jumping into my cold Bonneville and the ABS light is no longer on. After I drive for 1/2 hour or so then it goes back on until I let it sit in the cold for 6-8 hour ... then it is off again. I would think it would be the opposite in the cold since metal shrinks and there would be more play in the bearings than when it is warmed up. Any comments on this?

Thanks...

Not a problem and you're welcome. Readings below based on temperature around 68 degrees F. Use a digital autoranging multimeter.

Front sensors = 1020 - 1137 ohms
Rear sensors = 1030 - 1180 ohms

The sensor is two parts. The metal ring with the bearing and the electrical sensor. Electrical components are definitely affected by the weather. Good luck!