Gen 2 ABS and Traction Control malfunction?

Patrick

Patrick

Registered
Hey guys-- quick replies will be much appreciated since my laptop is busted and the library only lets us use these computers for an hour. =)

I started up my 1997 Mark today (85k miles), pulled out of my driveway and the ABS light turned on and the message center said "CHECK TRACTION CONTROL." I immediately pulled back into my driveway, shut the car off, turned it back on, and drove up and down my driveway making quick hard lefts and hard rights back and forth to see if it would mess up again.

I don't think I hit anything that might've messed with that, but I want to check to see what you guys think. The traction control and ABS messed up before my lower control arm went out last time (yes yes, I know my faults, please don't reprimand me for that again :)) but there hasn't been any squeaking at all since I got it fixed.

It's just that since it happened like that once, I'm wary of taking her out for a drive just in case these lights/messages are forewarning something major going wrong. Luckily, though (I think), my '96 hasn't sold yet so I've still got that one to drive around. haha
 
usually that indicates a failing wheel sensor.

on mine I had an intermittant wheel sensor failure that "sometimes" would throw the abs light, then for weeks in wouldn't,

I'm pretty sure I screwed up one of the wheel sensor conections when we swapped the motor, those abs sensors do not like being "disturbed".
 
What do you mean by a wheel sensor? I take it it's not really anything to worry about, but would it also set off the traction control like it did on mine? I'm checking with you guys first, because if it's anything like the first time, I don't even really have enough room left to drive to my mechanic, and if it's nothing to worry about, I don't want to spend $70 on a tow. :)

Thanks for the response! And my ghoul-infested laptop decided to turn on a few minutes ago... hahaha
 
ABS and Traction control use the ABS wheel sensors for their "inputs".

"wheel sensor"=ABS sensor, one located on each wheel (all four corners)

you "should" be able to drive the car, keeping in mind your ABS doesnt work, so dont get yourself into a position to where you need to "stop fast"....
 
Alright, that's what I thought (ABS sensor). I'm going to take it around the neighborhood to make sure before I go anywhere further. And I try not to get into sticky situations-- I'm the type of braker that a lot of people seem to hate, I do most of my braking before I need to, and then just kinda coast. haha

Thanks again.
 
Well, I took it around the block, drove up to my new job for some paperwork, to Best Buy, and then to hang out with my friends and it didn't act up again. =) I'll keep my eyes on it, though, and take it in to get it checked out soon. Thanks again!
 
actually to correct XLRVIII the front has a speed sensor at each wheel, inside the spindle and reads the exciter ring on the back of the hub but in the rear of the car, the sensors are bolted to each side of the rear differential housings and read the exciter rings on each inbound side of the axle half shafts. when you messed up your front end previously, if the wire going to either front speed sensor was stretched, thats all it takes to trigger the abs light. if i were you, i would buy both the left and right front abs sensors right now and hold onto them until it happens again, if you wait to buy these, you wont be able to, they are getting almost impossible to obtain for the 98's now, the 93-97's all share the same front and rear abs sensors, but 98 is all in a league of its own and you might want to get them now.
 
Alright, thanks. It's a '97, but I'll go ahead and pick them up so I'll have them. It never hurts to have spare parts laying around. haha
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top