ESP and ABS light on, car runs but stalls out and shuts off

186,000 MILES • 3.5L • V6 • 2WD • AUTOMATIC
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Using multimeter what are good readings? how do I tell if sensor is bad?
Aug 13, 2021 at 5:52 AM
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JACOBANDNICKOLAS
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Hi,

Which sensors are you testing? Are they wheel speed sensors?

The two things mentioned, ESP and ABS are tied together. They both depend on wheel speed sensors to function properly. If you have a bad wheel speed sensor, that will turn these lights on. Therefore, if you are testing the WWS, here is a link that shows how it is done and what to expect:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/abs-wheel-speed-sensor-test

If it is a different sensor that you are testing, let me know what it is. Also, and don't laugh, low brake fluid can turn these lights on as well. Check that as well.

I am a bit concerned because the ABS/ESP will not shut down the engine. When there is a fault, the system will not function and then the lights turn on. Basically, you have traditional non-ABS brakes and no stability control.

One last thought. If you have access to a scan tool that can read the can-bus system, that will certainly help. CAN stands for controller area network. Basically, all computers/modules are tied together via a few wires. If there is a code stored in the ABS module, it will show. A basic scan tool won't read it. Also, if there is something related to the engine stalling, it will identify that as well.

Here is a quick video showing how it is done:

https://youtu.be/InIlnsjOVFA

Let me know what exactly is happening. Also, did it happen all at once, and was there anything that you feel may have caused it to happen.

Take care,

Joe
Aug 13, 2021 at 1:48 PM
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