Topic: ABS Light & Traction Control Light On

[SHiNY]

Both the ABS and traction control lights are on. The car drives the same as always, if the lights weren't on you wouldn't know there was a problem. I hooked up the code reader and it isn't recognizing any codes. As my 35k mile warranty is long expired, is this covered under 100k powertrain? Any ideas on what this could be?

[U4EA]

An alignment cleared mine up. Hit any curbs or pot holes lately?

[scanner]

Those lamps on usually means the ABS has switched off so use some caution when driving.  A scantool that can read the ABS ECU will tell if the ABS is awake and able to communicate any DTCs.  Without a scantool it could still be worth checking the fuses and ABS system connectors involved.

Clear Skies! 

[SHiNY]

Those lamps on usually means the ABS has switched off so use some caution when driving.  A scantool that can read the ABS ECU will tell if the ABS is awake and able to communicate any DTCs.  Without a scantool it could still be worth checking the fuses and ABS system connectors involved.

Clear Skies! 

Thanks, my brother works for a Porsche dealership so I'll going there tomorrow. Hopefully he can figure it out. He's going to be cursing me though 'cause he hates working with low profile wheels!

An alignment cleared mine up. Hit any curbs or pot holes lately?

Those I can avoid, it's deer I have a problem with

[scanner]

Bro may want to know there are three fuses underhood, four wheel speed sensors, a steering angle sensor and a yaw and lat accelleration sensor all pointing to the EBCM. A scantool is the only way to get the self diagnostic system DTCs. The enable relay is inside the EBCM and not serviced alone. There are about 20 self tests with DTCs. Best to get a scanner on it.

Clear Skies!

[Treeman]

He works at a Porsche dealer and hates low profile wheels?

[SHiNY]

Bro may want to know there are three fuses underhood, four wheel speed sensors, a steering angle sensor and a yaw and lat accelleration sensor all pointing to the EBCM. A scantool is the only way to get the self diagnostic system DTCs. The enable relay is inside the EBCM and not serviced alone. There are about 20 self tests with DTCs. Best to get a scanner on it.

Clear Skies!

He tried the scan tool today but it kept saying "No CAN Bas" whatever that means (I assume you'll understand ). He checked all the fuses and said they were good. He only did about a 15 minute check as he was working. He said if I leave the car with him for a day he'll take a better look. Or better yet, take it to the dealer as they've probably seen the problem before and can diagnose it quicker.

He works at a Porsche dealer and hates low profile wheels?

Yep! LOL He doesn't do wheels he does engine work. I have the Gravagna J2s and they actually had to flip the rim to get the tire off. The lip is too deep to take it off the regular way.

[MARVIC 1]

Maybe try and disconnect the Neg terminal on your battery for a minute or so, might get a reset......

[SHiNY]

Maybe try and disconnect the Neg terminal on your battery for a minute or so, might get a reset......

For now he was able to clear the lights so they're no longer on. I'll take it back to him in a couple of days.

He said the brakes will work just the ABS may not kick in. I told him I enjoying drifting when I brake. For some reason he doesn't find me funny

[scanner]

If the lights are off try the POST (power on self test). The lamps should light for a couple secs when the ignition is switched on, then go out. If this is the case, then go for a drive over 25 MPH, if the lights stay out then the ABS is up and ready.  I would not seek repairs if the POST runs and the lights stay out.  You could wait for some rough or wet pavement to test the system too.  By any chance were the lights on for just one ignition cycle?
Clear Skies!

[Arabas]

Karen better have it checked at the dealership. it is not worth driving it with a possible brake problem...

[scanner]

If there is a base brake problem the red brake should be on.  If the ABS and traction lamps are off then their problem is not present and a dealer visit is asking them to guess. The guessing still costs money.
Clear Skies!

[SHiNY]

If the lights are off try the POST (power on self test). The lamps should light for a couple secs when the ignition is switched on, then go out. If this is the case, then go for a drive over 25 MPH, if the lights stay out then the ABS is up and ready.  I would not seek repairs if the POST runs and the lights stay out.  You could wait for some rough or wet pavement to test the system too.  By any chance were the lights on for just one ignition cycle?
Clear Skies!

Scanner - My car is currently my daily driver. The lights were on for a couple of ignition cycles that's why I became concerned. Probably about 4-5. They haven't come on since my brother cleared it.

I wasn't sure how to do the POST test so I called GJ and he said to take 4 D batteries... He confirmed I am doing it correctly.

All the lights light up and then the only ones that stay on are engine, brake, oil & seatbelt.

I have started it for about 4 cycles today and the lights have not reappeared. I'll find some rough pavement tomorrow (we have plenty of that around here) and see if the ABS kicks in.


P.S. TS - You thought our cars were tough to lift, for the Porsche GT you have to put ramps together before you can even drive it onto the lift. The Carrera GT there are ramps, then laminate plates, then straps, etc. He tells me the Carrera GT is a 2 hour process before you can even lift it.

[scanner]

Drive it and it will always test itself. If it fails any of it's 20+ system tests it will turn on a lamp.  The EBCM is probably not CAN so that is why bro saw no CAN BUS. The ECM is CAN,  if we really need to know the schematics will need to be consulted.  Normally the scantool will figure it out on its own.

Clear Skies!

[SHiNY]

Drive it and it will always test itself. If it fails any of it's 20+ system tests it will turn on a lamp.  The EBCM is probably not CAN so that is why bro saw no CAN BUS. The ECM is CAN,  if we really need to know the schematics will need to be consulted.  Normally the scantool will figure it out on its own.

Clear Skies!

Ah ha! I kept saying I don't understand why it won't connect. Now I do.
I seriously appreciate all our input on this - thanks.

[SHiNY]

So I got the "low traction" warning to come up. The traction control blinked 2-3 times and then went off again. Can I assume all is up and working properly now?

[tazzman]

Are you ready for something that may be simple. Had the brake fluid drop on me and brought the same lights on.
Make sure its at the right level. Ya never know.

[ophidia31]

Yep, GMLAN in our cars for the bcm. And I second the low brake fluid as well.

[scanner]

So I got the "low traction" warning to come up. The traction control blinked 2-3 times and then went off again. Can I assume all is up and working properly now?

Yes, the system will show that lamp during low traction detection and control attemps. When the low traction condition is over the lamp goes out.  Enjoy your Kappa - it's high tec and highly featured.
Clear Skies!

 

[Vanguard]

FWIW, I had my ABS and traction lights come on once during an autocross.  I found that one of my front wheel hubs had lost a bolt and the other two were on their way toward falling out.  The vibrations pretty much destroyed a sensor in that hub and it had to be replaced.  At least the entire assembly didn't fall off on me...