Check Traction Control

[jrocco]

I have a 97 Lincoln Continental and have an intermitent problem. It starts with a message "check traction control" and then performance severly detoriates to the point of almost stalling.

If I stop the car and shut it off, it will turn over but not start. I can let it set for a while and it starts and runs with no problems.

Sometimes the check traction control message comes on while I am driving and some times it comes on just after I start the car (before even applying the brake or shifting into gear).

Some times no engine codes show up with my OBD-II scanner and the check engine light does not come on.

Other times I get a check engine light and the following codes:
PO 113 Intake Air Temp
PO 118 Engine Coolant
PO 123 TPS
PO 340 CPS
PO 708 Trans Range
I have checked these sensors and they check OK.

I can clear the check engine light and the car may go for a day or two before it happens again.

I replaced the traction control sensor, the traction control motor, and the TPS on the throttle body, and cleaned and checked connectors.

Anyone have any ideas?

[Linc97]

I also have a 1997 Continental but have never experienced any problem with the Traction Control. The only problems I have with the SES light is PO420 and PO171.

[Towncar]

Rocco..
Did you get a copy of the 1997 Factory Service Manual? I have one available on me web page.

Sounds like the PCM has some issues.. maybe it's not grounding correctly ??

[GQMFSmooth]

i had all the same problems but i also could not go over 40mph or traction would kick on and i could not go any faster. after weeks i found the problem to be the "power train relay" in the fuse panel under the hood 6$ i think after that care ran like a dream this was on my 95 cont.

hope it helps

[jrocco]

Justsome feedback for anyone who has this problem.

Looks like the problem was a faulty ECU. I replaced it and have not had the problem since.

[Macgiobuin]

Probably an antilock brake sensor or the alternator. For ABS: you have a complete circuit, otherwise you would get the ABS light and error message. But something is intermittently blocking the signal while in motion causing the computer to think that one of the wheels is slipping. The computer reads the rpm's of each wheel and if they differ enough, it concludes a slip, and turns on one of the brakes to get you back dry land, or so it thinks. Take off each wheel and do a continuity check on each of the ABS sensors where they connect to the harness, (under the inner fender on the fronts, trace back on the rears). I had similar problem on my '96 Conty. Also, you could have a bad diode in your alternator. It could be sending stray voltage that is being read by the very sensitive CPS, ABS sensors, TPS. I have a '00 Mountaineer that had that problem and it was a bear to diagnose. If the codes are set immediately or after the second drive cycle, consistently, try running the car without the alternator connected, with the battery fully charged and the alternator disconnected completely with the leads covered by multiple layers of electrical tape. If the Ck Eng light stays off when it previously set on, you found the problem. Good Luck.
-Mac