In my 02 DE the Traction Control has started engaging when it doesn’t need to. (On smooth dry roads) Always after I’ve backed out of my driveway or a parking spot and then push the accelerator to go forward. It happens every time I backup and go left, occasionally when I backup and go right. I’m not punching the accelerator, just an average take off. It shuts off after 20 or 30 feet. Then yesterday, during the same scenario, it did that AND instantly after, the “Service Traction System” light and the ABS light came on and shut the traction system off. I put it in park, shut the engine off and restarted it….no lights but the traction control issue still happens every time I back out.
What say you MCF friends?

 

Do you have a scan tool that can pull ABS codes?

That would probably be the quickest route to the cause since it tripped the light. May just be a wacky wheel speed sensor / wiring.

 

I don’t but do the readers that the auto parts stores have read the ABS codes? I generally don’t rely too heavily on them because in the past I’ve gotten different codes from different stores and the car had the same exact issue. 🤷🏼‍♀️

 

No clue, Ive never used them. An obd scan tool was one of my first tool purchases after the basic mechanics sockets + ratchets set. Id seriously consider investing in one if you intend to continue working on cars - theyre only getting more electronics heavy as time goes on.

The problem isnt the obd system, it's the virtually completely untrained person pushing the buttons - you wouldnt be the first person Ive seen get the results from the previous car. If they were good enough to really run the tool and diagnose stuff, theyd be making a lot more at a real mechanic's shop.

The system will have a fault code stored that tripped the light, from there you can look at the diagnostic tree as to what causes to probe from most to least likely. It's not usually going to tell you X is bad, but it will narrow your search from the whole system down to a manageable list to investigate. It's certainly better than going in totally blind with no data at all.

If you wanted to just wing it without, Id probably start at the front wheel speed sensors. Even if you dont have a multimeter that can log output wave forms, you can at least check for proper function of each wire / see if it's in spec to range. You can also look at the wiring and connector while youre down there to check for damage / corrosion.