Possible sensor issue? Or traction control?

TAMMIMACKEY

MEMBER
2002 LEXUS LX 470
18,000 MILES

I just had the tires changed on my SUV. 3 times since then, when I am accelerating and turning slightly (getting on the freeway on ramp), the brakes seem to apply themselves, the steering gets very difficult and an "alarm" sounds off inside the car. It lasts for a few seconds and corrects itself. I have had it to the Lexus dealer twice and the car has not done it while they drive it & they have not been able to diagnose it. Any thoughts? It doesnt feel very safe to drive a car that randomly does that!
Thanks, Tammi

1 Reply

CARADIODOC

MECHANIC
33,864 POSTS

How many tires were replaced, two or four? If only two were replaced, it is almost certain they have a different circumference than the old ones. That will make them rotate at different speeds. The Anti-Lock Brake Computer will see that and interpret it as tire slip. It will activate the traction control system which applies the brake to the wheel that's spinning the fastest. The first attempt at a fix is to replace the other two tires.

If all four tires were replaced, they should be checked first to be sure they're all the same size, brand, and model. If they are, measure the circumference of each one to see if they're the same. It is not uncommon for two "identical" tires to be different if they were made at different times, at different factories, or even by different workers.

Your mechanic can also test-drive the car with a scanner to allow him to see the speeds being reported by each wheel speed sensor. They must be the same when driving straight ahead.