ABS light is on and traction control is off. Where to start?

Tiny
LRAY3
  • MEMBER
  • 2001 CHEVROLET SILVERADO
  • 203,000 MILES
5.3L 2wd. Truck made a knocking noise a couple of times yesterday like something hitting plastic. Did it a few more times today and then ABS light came on and traction control is off. Wheel speed sensors? Both front hub assemblies have been replaced. One a couple of years ago and the other one about 10 months ago.
Saturday, January 7th, 2012 AT 3:38 AM

1 Reply

Tiny
CARADIODOC
  • MECHANIC
  • 33,864 POSTS
I suppose it's possible a wheel speed sensor fell out and is banging around, but the bolt would have to work loose, then the sensor, which is normally rusted in place, would have to back out. The signal would drop out long before the sensor could come all the way out, so that's not likely the cause. It's more likely the wire harness fell of its attaching clip and got hit enough times by the tire to cut it.

If it's an electrical problem like a cut wire, the computer will detect that during its six second self test when you turn on the ignition switch. The yellow ABS light might go off for a fraction of a second but it will turn right back on. If everything is okay electrically but the sensor is spaced out too far, has rust or metal filings on the end by the magnet, or the tone ring is rusted and cracked off, that won't be detected until the truck starts moving and signals show up from the other wheel speed sensors. That's when the light will turn on.

A mechanic with a scanner that can access the ABS Computer will be able to read the stored diagnostic fault code(s). That will direct you to the circuit that needs further diagnosis.
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Saturday, January 7th, 2012 AT 3:54 AM

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