Team,

This website has helped me in the past and I appreciated everyone's assistance then, and can use some now.

2001 Monte Carlo SS 3.8L No modifications

Check Engine Light On
ABS Light On
Trac Off Light On (I cannot turn the Traction on, pushing the button does nothing)
Message Center Reads: Service Traction System


I took the Monte to Auto Zone and they said the code is PO420. Description from Auto Zone reads:
Catalyst efficiency low-bank 1
Explanation
The oxygen sensors monitor the Catalytic Converters ability to store oxygen. Problem cause: Catalytic converter defective possibly due to: engine misfire or running condition, large vacuum leak, engine oil leakage into exhaust-valve guide seals, piston rings

Again, I do not believe the report from Auto Zone. I have had multiple misreads from them.

I am believing what I read on the message board: something to do with the traction system, but have no idea what it could be.

I am not having any symptom problems, other than the car is not running at full power, but this happens when my engine light is on.

Appreciate any help/ideas! Thank alot! Much appreciated!

Domenic

 

Team,

The research I have been doing has turned up 3 things.

1) Ignore whatever the hell Auto Zone says
2) This seems to be a problem alot of folks have and it is tough to fix. More specifically, people would replace their hubs and other items and it would be fine for months, but after that, the lights came back on.
3) Alot of folks are saying that its either a bad ground to the traction control/abs system OR clean the metal contacts at the wheel.

Just throwing it out there. Thanks!

 

As I continue to search this problem via google, I am not feeling any better. I would ignore the lights but I do not think that is the best idea PLUS my car doesnt run the same when the Check Engine light is on. Hard to explain, but its like it goes into "safe mode" or its like the Engine light puts a strain on the engine. So, kinda hard to ignore that!

I have been reading this:

http://www.topix.com/forum/autos/che...4V3DKCO4OVLMMB

 

try cleaning the metal contacts first, &see what that does than go from there

 

Thanks 03JGMonte, I will try that.

Stupid question: does the engine light have to be cleared by a pro OR if the problem gets fixed, the light goes off by itself?

 

i know on my truck unhooking the battery clears it, but most of the time the light wont go off by it self, id just goto auto zone they can clear it

 

http://www.carquest.com/common/downl...QB%2004-12.pdf

 

P0420 means that you probably have a failing cat. That is very common on these cars, so I would probably get that fixed.

Look into ZZP downpipes on the forum and such. Great addition to a car.

Now for your trac/abs problem. Could be the wiring, though it also will most likely be a wheel hub assembly. These are fully enclosed assemblies (behind the rotors) that have various sensors in them, and when a sensor fails it shuts down your ABS/Traction system. It should have a code stored in the ABS light, something autozone can't read. A dealership can read this. If you find out which hub assembly it is, you can fix it yourself or have them do it (figure about $400 for them to do it)

Or about $100 to do it yourself.

Front

Rear

Installation

 

^^ Hope that helps you out.

Also with your lights, the lights should honestly go out when the car starts up and detects that the sensors are all working again, however you can disconnect the battery for 30 minutes to clear the codes in your PCM.

 

UPDATE:

Today, after reading the ABS code, my mechanic replaced the front left hub. Problem fixed.

Check engine light code check confirmed what Auto Zone said - faulty catalytic converter. My cat converter was replaced about 20,000 miles ago so it is under warranty. I schedule an appointment with the dealer for next week to have it replaced, although the Check Engine Light has not come on since it was reset.

Everything good so far. Although I swear I am getting a noise from the new hub. Its not really a noise its more of a.................how to explain............almost like a humming or laboring sound when drive, especially when turning the wheel a bit. I can't explain the sound really......so I guess I should just give up on that. I will note that instead of buying the hub from the dealer $375, I went to Pep Boys and paid $100. I hope the cheaper model doesn't come back to bite me, especially considering the noise I am hearing.

Anyway, thanks everyone for helping me!