For sure the lights will be on. The Anti-Lock Computer will detect the break in the wires right away and turn the yellow ABS warning light on before the car starts moving. That's the clue it's an electrical problem and not something mechanical. The traction control is an add-on system to the ABS, and it can't work when it doesn't know how fast all four wheels are turning, so that shuts down too and the light comes on to tell you.
Neither of those systems should contribute to any ride-quality issues. There's way too many things to consider when you say "bumpy". Your best bet is to have a mechanic take it on a test drive with you. Suspension and alignment specialists will know exactly where to start looking based on their observations more so than from a description of the problem.
Friday, February 8th, 2013 AT 10:01 AM