Traction control problems - light on

Tiny
CHRISTINE GRAY
  • MEMBER
  • 2004 CADILLAC ESCALADE
  • V8
  • AWD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 68,000 MILES
Sometimes after stopping at a stop light, when I press on the gas the car slows as the traction activated light comes onto the dash. It seems like it is trying to shift or activate the traction device. This happens often. Do you know the cause, is it common? What do I need to do to have it fixed?
thanks, Chris
Monday, October 26th, 2009 AT 3:16 PM

11 Replies

Tiny
FACTORYJACK
  • MECHANIC
  • 4,159 POSTS
Hello,

This sounds like the throttle bore needs to be cleaned because it is going into limp mode. Here is a guide that will help you fix the issue.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/throttle-actuator-service

Please run down these guides and report back.
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Monday, October 26th, 2009 AT 10:23 PM
Tiny
SRLAWSON
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
Thank you for this post I had this problem and had to service the throttle bore via the guide all fixed I love this site.
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Wednesday, November 13th, 2019 AT 12:19 PM
Tiny
UNDRTKR2010
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
  • 2002 CADILLAC ESCALADE
The truck vibrates and roars when driving down road. The service stability system light comes on as well. It feels like either a flat tire or something bumping beneath the truck, but the tires and front end are fine. Can the oxygen sensor make the truck vibrate while driving?
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Wednesday, November 13th, 2019 AT 12:19 PM (Merged)
Tiny
HMAC300
  • MECHANIC
  • 48,601 POSTS
It could be a bad tire causing that with a wall seperation. Easy way to check is put back tires on front and see if it goes away. It could also be U-joints causing the vibration. As far as the sensa trac you may have the vibration causing that or a bad shock as the sensa trac connects to the shocks. If a scan is run on the system it might point the problem out.
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Wednesday, November 13th, 2019 AT 12:19 PM (Merged)
Tiny
JOHNNYJMUG
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
  • 2002 CADILLAC ESCALADE
V8 all wheel drive automatic 105,000 miles.

My service stability light light comes on after driving my vehicle for thirty seconds. It is preceding by a grrrrr noise which lasts around five seconds and happens three or four times before the light comes on.

The code that was pulled is C0285.

Can you give me any advice on what the problem is?

Thanks
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Saturday, August 29th, 2020 AT 10:48 AM (Merged)
Tiny
FACTORYJACK
  • MECHANIC
  • 4,159 POSTS
C0285 relates to a pressure fault, or incorrect indication of one, from a component called the medium pressure accumulator switch. It is attached to the brake pressure modulator valve. There is a service bulletin on this that came out in 2004, here is a copy of it:
#04-05-25-008: ABS Light On, Service Stability System Message Displayed, Stability System Disabled Indicator On, DTCs C0285 and C0286 (Install New Medium Pressure Accumulator Switch) - (Aug 6, 2004)

Subject: ABS Light On, Service Stability System Message Displayed, Stability System Disabled Indicator On, DTCs C0285 and C0286 (Install New Medium Pressure Accumulator Switch)

Models: 2002 Cadillac Escalade, Escalade EXT

with Vehicle Stability Enhancement System (VSES) (RPO JL4)

Condition
Some customers may comment on the Antilock Brake System (ABS) light coming on. Others may comment on the Service Stability Message Displayed and/or the Stability System Disabled Indicator being on. Technicians may find Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs) C0285 and/or C0286.

Correction
Technicians are to install a new medium pressure accumulator (MPA) switch. The new switch, P/N 88983914, is grey in color. The previous switch, P/N 12545898, is black in color and will not fix this concern.

Parts Information
Part Number
Description
Qty

88983914
Switch Assembly, Brake Pressure Differential
1

If it has the above mentioned black switch, I would correct the situation by replacing it. If the code returns, you will most likely need the brake pressure modulator valve. Here is an illustration of the unit, it doesn't show it located in it's natural environment. The BPMV is mounted to the inside of the left frame rail, forward of he fuel tank. The switch in question is the one diagonal from the reference #1.


https://www.2carpros.com/forum/automotive_pictures/309872_766591_1.jpg

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Saturday, August 29th, 2020 AT 10:48 AM (Merged)
Tiny
BRADLEYLEE
  • MEMBER
  • 4 POSTS
I am having the exact issue with my 2002 Cadillac Escalade 6.0 AWD 150,000 miles ("Service Stability Light light comes on after driving my vehicle for thirty seconds. It is preceding by a grrrrr (BPMV pump) noise which lasts around five seconds") with the exception of the DTC codes. The scanner found the following codes:

C0212- Yaw rate sensor circuit.
C0286- MPA switch circuit.
C0290- Lost communication with PCM.
C0298- Power-train indicated traction control malfunction.

It is my opinion (could be wrong, usually am) that since all of the codes present share the same piece of equipment from which they originated, I would find the "common denominator", which in this case would be the EBCM, correct? Please help me with this issue as soon as possible so as it may be resolved.

Thanks.
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Saturday, August 29th, 2020 AT 10:48 AM (Merged)
Tiny
TIMSANDY
  • MEMBER
  • 2 POSTS
I am not a mechanic but I have a 2002 Eadillac Escalade with the check stability light on. I changed the switch only to find out there is an updated one available, I changed that too. Then I changed the electronic control module only to have the light still on. It now says the brake pressure modulator valve is bad. I love my truck but after $4,300.00, I have had enough. OMG!
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Saturday, August 29th, 2020 AT 10:48 AM (Merged)
Tiny
TIMSANDY
  • MEMBER
  • 2 POSTS
Has anyone had similar problems? Does this ever end?
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Saturday, August 29th, 2020 AT 10:48 AM (Merged)
Tiny
DEALSOUTLET
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
  • 2002 CADILLAC ESCALADE
  • 3.0L
  • V8
  • 4WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 64,455 MILES
Got on freeway and traffic was very slow and changing lanes, the service stability system light came on and stays on (but the light flickers a little).
Then forty five minutes once I got to my destination stayed there for three hours then came back home.
When I got back into car the service stability system light is off like nothing happened.
When the light came on it was shaking a little bit not much still a smooth ride.
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Saturday, August 29th, 2020 AT 10:48 AM (Merged)
Tiny
KEN L
  • MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
  • 47,756 POSTS
Hello,

This happens when one of the front wheel hubs is going out. But to be sure lets run the codes. Here is a video:

https://youtu.be/rTtAnsOlZU4

Here is a video to show you how to replace the wheel hubs I would do them both which you can get from Amazon or Rockauto:

https://youtu.be/ZgiPRG6jffc

Check out the diagrams (below). Please let us know what you find.

Cheers, Ken
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Saturday, August 29th, 2020 AT 10:48 AM (Merged)

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