ABS light and service traction system

If you replaced the rear sensors already, and that was the code that scanned, you need to unplug the sensors, and use an ohm meter to test the wires. You should get a zero or at most five ohm reading, Inspect for visual signs of damage or corrosion. This may require some interior trim removal to access the wires. ABS wires are called "twisted pair" as they are twisted together along their run. This makes for easy identification, Also, if you want to buy an ABS scanner, Actron makes a unit that reads most US makes to 2005, it is model CP 9449, I Googled it and bout one for $114.00 US, not too bad considering the suggested retail is $299.00!

Is the ABS sensor the only sensor that will make the ABS light and the service traction system light come on? I noticed today that when I turn my front wheels then the lights would come on. Do you think the fronts could be bad? Not sure if I can put a lot of faith into what the mechanic told me.

Although either front or rear sensors can go bad, it is more common for fronts to set the code, and no there are a few parts that can set codes, the ABS pump, ABS control module, among others, check the wires to the front sensors, one of them may have come out of a retaining clip, and could be rubbing on something and wore through the rubber sheathing. I just got through looking for tech bulletins on the vehicle, and low and behold, there is a new part for the front hub/sensor and wire, seems the original wire is too short and gets stressed on turns! I will email the particulars so you can buy the right parts to repair the front sensors.

Reply to your private message.
Do yourself a favor, use the GM parts, aftermarket ones may not have that extra 6 mm of length.

I have a very similar problem. the service traction system light/display comes on at random and ABS chatters for no apparent reason. How do I get my dealer to repair the ABS with new wire under the tech bulletin at no cost?

It is not a recall, so your vehicle must be under the factory warranty to get free replacement. You did not say if any of this applies to you. If it does, post your make model and year, also mileage, and I will send the TSB to you if you qualify.

2002 Buick Rendezvous CX 71,000 miles.

It sounds like most of the above applies, but I do not have an ABS scanner to verify. ABS chatters intermittently and traction control light randomly goes on and off. Seems to be worse when raining outside.

Thanks.

mykdee

[quote:47b0bc48c1="merlin2021"]It's not a recall, so your vehicle must be under the factory warranty to get free replacement. You didnt say if any of this applies to you. If it does, post your make model and year, also mileage, and I will send the TSB to you if you qualify.[/quote:47b0bc48c1]

2002 Buick Rendezvous CX w/71,000 miles.

It sounds like most of the above applies, but I don't have an ABS scanner to verify. ABS chatters intermittently and traction control light randomly goes on and off. Seems to be worse when raining outside.

Thanks.

mykdee

Any local garage can scan the codes for the ABS for you.

Here is the tech bulletin :
ABS AND/OR TRACTION CONTROL LAMP ON, AWD DISABLED MESSAGE
DISPLAYED, DTCS SET (REPLACE FRONT WHEEL BEARING AND HUB
ASSEMBLY)
TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN
Reference Number(s): 03-05-25-004A, Date of Issue: April 2004
BUICK: 2002-2004 Rendezvous with All Wheel Drive
CHEVROLET: 2002-2004 Venture with All Wheel Drive
OLDSMOBILE: 2002-2004 Silhouette with All Wheel Drive
PONTIAC: 2002-2004 Aztek, Montana with All Wheel Drive
SECTION: 05 - Brakes
Superceded Bulletin(s): 03-05-25-004, Date of Issue: May 2003
Related Ref Number(s): 03-05-25-004, 03-05-25-004A
ARTICLE BEGINNING
CONDITION
NOTE: This bulletin is being revised to change part number information and
update the model years. Please discard Corporate Bulletin Number
03-05-25-004 (Section 05 - Brakes).
Some customers may comment that the ABS and/or traction control system lamp is illuminated.
Also, the AWD disabled message may be displayed. Upon investigation, the technician may find
several DTCs set.
CORRECTION
When normal diagnosis leads to the wheel speed sensor as the suspect component, replace the
front wheel bearing and hub assembly, P/N 89047684. Refer to the Wheel Bearing/Hub
Replacement procedure in the Front Suspension sub-section of the Service Manual. This new part
has 6 mm (0.236 in) added to the harness to prevent any stress to the wiring.
PARTS INFORMATION
PARTS INFORMATION
Part Number Description
89047684 Hub Kit-Front Wheel
Parts are currently available from GMSPO.
WARRANTY INFORMATION
For vehicles repaired under warranty, use:
WARRANTY INFORMATION
ABS AND/OR TRACTION CONTROL LAMP ON, AWD DISABLED MESSAGE DIS... Page 1 of 2
Labor Op. Description Labor Time
E2320/E2321 Bearing and Hub Assembly, Front Wheel -
Right/Left - Replace
Use Published Labor
Time
E2327 Bearing and Hub Assembly, Front Wheel -
Both - Replace
Use Published Labor
Time
© 2008 Mitchell Repair Information Co., LLC.
ABS AND/OR TRACTION CONTROL LAMP ON, AWD DISABLED MESSAGE DIS...

Problem is, the ABS light does not come on (only the traction control), so I do not think there is anything to scan.

What is the part number to the GM part for the front sensors?

Any chance you can send me a copy of the bulletin in question?

Thanks for all of your help!

Myk

Thanks!

Question- Bulletin says all wheel drive, I have four wheel drive. Do you think the problem still may apply?

I do not know if it does apply, and if trac light is on, there are "C" code stored. Worth checking out. If the code is a front speed sensor, then it probably applies, Part number is in the tech bulletin, but here it is again: P/N 89047684

Tech says its a C0245 Wheel sensor failure, but it does not say which sensor. I looked back at some of my receipts and I noticed that I had the front hubs and bearing replaced under a "soft" recall by Buick dealer in December 2007.

I am also now sometimes getting a high whining noise at low speeds without the brake applied from what appears to be the front passenger wheel- almost sounds like the brake pads are low- but The pads still look pretty good (had them replaced in December 2007 as well). Ever heard of that?

We are going to check the sensors this weekend and see if there is anything obvious going on there first, but what do you think the problem is?

The whine may actually be the hub bearing on that side, which is a one piece replacement, with the sensor.

Thanks we will check that out. Have you heard of these going bad twice? I mean the dealer replaced the hub once already, so why would it go bad again?

I wonder of the calipers are sticking or something like that.

If the axle nut is not properly torqued, the bearing can fail almost immediately.

What is the torque rating for the axle nut?

Just found out/realized what you were saying- the hub and sensor are one unit, I cannot get the senor separately.

Looks like around $130.00 for the hub. I am going to see if the passenger side is the problem and replace that one first.

First, go for a ride, then on a straight section of rod, quickly turn the wheel right, then straight, then left and straight, if the noise is loudest on left turn, the right bearing is No good, and vice versa. Then jack up the suspect side, shake the wheel at top and bottom, and side to side, loosness should be felt(play). Proper torque of the axle nut on reassembly is critical, or the new bearing will fail! Torque on yours is:

In checking the hub sensors on the front
--The driver side read 1K ohms (1000 Ohms).
--The passenger side read 1.5K ohms (1500 ohms).
--The new one read 1K ohms.

Since the front passenger side was also the one making the noise, we decided that was the culprit and replaced it (new one from NAPA cost around $86.00). It has been over a week now and no more problems. Also, turns out the brake pads were fine, so the noise must have come from the bearing itself.

FYI The bearing is sealed - seems like GM must have had a bad batch of them!

Funny thing- as I mentioned before , the dealer changed both front hubs in December of 2007. These things must still be failing even after the dealer change, so if you are having problems and the hub was replaced once, do not be surprised (like I was) to find it needs replacing again.

For you DIYrs out there- do not be afraid the hub was not too difficult to take out at all. You had to first remove the caliper, next wire harness and clip, then the three hub bolts and last the axle nut. Axle nut was difficult only because its a metric nut (34 mm I believe) and I had to go out and get the socket for it. Installation is the reverse. I then torqued the axle nut to 205 ft. lbs (to be safe) and all was good to go.

The hub itself still was "stuck" even after removing all the bolts- so a little persuasion (hammer) and a crow bar and off she went.

Merlin, thanks much for your help! Your advice was just what I needed! Without you, I doubt I would have found the problem- again thanks!

See that was so easy a caveman could do it!
You are welcome.

Well although the noise is gone, I just had the traction control light come back on as well as the ABS chatter.

Was I supposed to have the original code C0245 cleared? Never did that.

What does "Scanned C0245 - Wheel Speed Sensor Frequency Error (Frequency difference between the left and right front sensors)" typically indicate? Do you think I need to replace the drivers side now, or is there something else I should look at?

Like I mentioned before, we really did not know which hub to change, and since the front passenger was the one making noise, we decided to go with that one.

I believe the TSB was for both, the wires are too short on the originals, the code means one side is putting out more ac voltage than the other. Here's the technical stuff:
DTC C0245: WHEEL SPEED SENSOR FREQUENCY ERROR Circuit Description The speed sensors used on the front of this vehicle are multiple pole and the rear uses a signal pole magnetic pickup. This sensor produces an AC signal that the EBCM uses the frequency from to calculate the wheel speed. Conditions for Running the DTC  The ignition switch is ON.  The DTC can be set after system initialization. Conditions for Setting the DTC  The EBCM detects a deviation between the left and right rear wheel speeds of less than 100 km/h (62 mph) on vehicles equipped with TCS.  The EBCM detects a deviation between the left and right front wheel speeds of greater than 10 km/h (6.25 mph) at a vehicle speed of less than 100 km/h (62 mph) on vehicles equipped with TCS.  The EBCM detects a deviation between the left and right front wheel speeds of greater than 4 km/h plus 6 percent of the vehicle speed at greater than 100 km/h (62 mph).  The EBCM detects a deviation between the left and right rear wheel speeds of greater than 6 percent of the vehicle speed at greater than 100 km/h (62 mph on vehicle equipped with TCS.  The EBCM detects a deviation between the left and right front wheel speeds of greater than 4 km/h plus 6 percent of the vehicle sped at greater than 100 km/h (62 mph). The DTC will set when the EBCM cannot specifically identify which wheel speed sensor is causing the malfunction. If the EBCM can identify the specific wheel speed sensor causing the malfunction, DTC C0245 will become a history DTC, and the DTC associated with the sensor (DTC C0036, DTC C0041, DTC C0046, DTC C0051 or DTC C0056) will be set concurrent with DTC C0245. Action Taken When then DTC Sets If equipped, the following actions occur:  A malfunction DTC stores.  The ABS/TCS disables.  The amber ABS/TCS disables.  The Red BRAKE Warning indicator turn on. Conditions for Clearing the DTC  The condition for the DTC is no longer present and you used the scan tool Clear DTC function.  The EBCM automatically clears the history DTC when a current DTC is not detected in 100 consecutive drive cycles. Diagnostic Aids  It is very important that a thorough inspection of the wiring and connectors be performed. Failure to carefully and fully inspect wiring and connectors may result in misdiagnosis, causing part replacement with reappearance of the malfunction.  Thoroughly inspect any circuitry that may be causing the complaint for the following conditions:  Backed out terminals  Improper mating  Broken locks  Improperly formed or damaged terminals  Poor terminal-to-wiring connections  Physical damage to the wiring harness  The following conditions may cause an intermittent malfunction.  A poor connection  Rubbed-through wire insulation  A broken wire inside the insulation  If the customer's comments reflect that the amber ABS/TCS indicator is on only during moist environmental conditions (rain, snow, vehicle wash), inspect all the wheel speed sensor circuitry for signs of water intrusion. If the DTC is not current, clear all DTCs and simulate the effects of water instruction by using the following procedure. 1. Spray the suspected area with a five percent saltwater solution. Add two teaspoons of salt to twelve ounces of water to make a five percent saltwater solution. 2. Test drive the vehicle over various road surfaces (bumps, turns, etc.) above 40 km/h (25 mph) for at least 30 seconds. 3. If the DTC returns, replace the suspected harness.  If an intermittent malfunction exists refer to TESTING FOR INTERMITTENT AND POOR CONNECTIONS . Test Description The numbers below refer to step numbers on the diagnostic table. 2. If DTC C0245 is a history code, this step checks if a specific Wheel Speed Circuit Malfunction DTC is set concurrently with DTC C0245. 7. This step checks if the wheel speed sensor harness is routed in close proximity to the spark plug wires. 9. In this step, if the scan tool can record any erroneous wheel speed sensor signals, diagnose that sensor(s) first.

Did I need to clear the code after we fixed it the first time?

Does the code indicate which hub?

If you read this, it explains C0245 means the EBCM (brake module) cannot figure out which front sensor is causing it, but you have one new one and one old one, change the old one. Yes you should reset the code.

Well I guess I will swap the driver's one next and report back.

I do not know at all, but I was hoping that the code erases itself after fifteen starts (or whatever amount) so I never went back to have the code erased after I changed the passenger hub.

Will the original code still be there? Or does it "go away" after xxx many starts?

If it does not go away, does it show how many times the code comes up?

It is a pain for me to get to the guy that can pull the codes for me, so I just want to make sure I go there either before or after the new drivers hub (probably after) to see what codes come up.

If the new part solves the problem, the light will go out without erasing the codes, they will remain in memory for a short time but not light the lamp.

I replaced the driver's side on 9/10/10, and got the history code cleared. So far so good. Hopefully that is it. If anyone is interested, each side hub cost about $90.00 at NAPA.

Bad news is, I managed to get the car on a lift and a buddy of mine showed me the rear hubs were moving about a quarter in each way front to back. I guess the bushings on these go bad and you have to replace the entire part. Apparently you cannot just replace the bushing, and it is an OEM part (no NAPA parts for this one). Each side cost around $180.00 and is a considerable amount of work more than the fronts.

I have a 2002 Rendezvous with same traction problem at 82,000 miles. Shame on GM for not recalling this problem. Other threads have indicated that they were successful by "buying (two) replacement harnesses at Discount Auto for $20.00 each and spliced them in past the damaged wires." Is there a GM replacement part number for just the harness without the wheel bearing hub?