Traction Control System (TCS) intermittently comes on in my '02 Silhouette

Hello all,

I have a 2002 GL with traction control and 52K on it. This past spring, the TC light would come on (saying it is engaging, not that there is a problem) and the transmission(?) would make that funny noise to reduce power to the wheels HOWEVER there was nothing out there to cause this need (e.g. it was a dry road, not a fast start, etc). It would usually do it when changing from reverse to drive (I do come to full stop) but it ALSO ‘failed’ when just going forward from PARK to Drive. Throughout the summer there was no problem so I thought maybe there was dirt or mud on the sensors but now it is back again, doing it about a dozen times in a 2 week period. I have had NO problem with the ABS at all (I read that both systems use the same ‘monitoring’ sensors). I have taken it to the dealer but they cannot make it fail. They did check the codes but found nothing wrong. They then told me to bring it back to them when it happens and NOT turn off the car. I really don’t know what this is going to tell them (other than the TCS engaged) but we will give it a try any way (assuming it happens when they are open – I am not going to let the car idle all night). I want to get it fixed before winter comes and my extended warranty expires at 60K.

Has anyone experienced this problem or are there any mechanics out there that have suggestions as to what to look at/try to get it to fail?

Thanks

Frank in Michigan

Frank,

I had a somewhat similar problem that turned out to be a bad rear wheel ABS sensor. In the morning (usually when it was somewhat cold), the Traction Control problem light would come on when I backed out of the garage. If I stopped, shut off the van, and restarted the van, the light would go out and not return.

You might first check all your ABS sensor connectors for corrosion/cleanliness. My repair was under warranty, so they just replaced the rear sensor (which is an integral part of the rear wheel bearing set, so luckily it was under warranty).

Good luck, Glen

Frank,

I had a somewhat similar problem that turned out to be a bad rear wheel ABS sensor. In the morning (usually when it was somewhat cold), the Traction Control problem light would come on when I backed out of the garage. If I stopped, shut off the van, and restarted the van, the light would go out and not return.


Hi Glen,

Thanks for the reply. You said the TCS problem light would come on. I am assuming this is different from the 'your traction control is activating because you are spinning your wheels' (I think it says TCS ACTIVATED) notice that comes on when it starts to see slippage, correct? Or are we talking about the same message?

Frank

Check the brake light switch mounted on the steering column. Before I traded my wife's 2K sil in it had this problem. On the last week I owned it I figured this out, replaced the switch and all ok.

Frank, you're right....mine said something like "Service Traction Control"....sorry! Glen

Check the brake light switch mounted on the steering column. Before I traded my wife's 2K sil in it had this problem. On the last week I owned it I figured this out, replaced the switch and all ok.

The brake light switch? Wow, that is bizarre... Do you (or anyone else) know how it integrates with the TCS? Do you think it is a dirty contact within the switch that makes it intermittent? I do know that the brake lights work (at least most of the time as I have driven behind her multiple times).

But OK, will take a look at it and talk to the dealer to see if they will replace it.

Thanks for the help!

Frank in Michigan