What’s the fastest/cheapest way to diagnose an ABS light?

ANSWER : Hello, thank you for writing in. The vehicle does utilize a lot of the same sensors for these systems. Are there any other codes that are coming up when this code appears? If so you will want to take these into consideration when processing the repair and making a diagnosis. The module may be bad, and replacing it should fix the problem. The lights should turn off once the main computer recognizes the new module and the sensors sync up. If you believe the sensors need to be cleaned you may do so. Do as minimal as possible to make sure you are not damaging the sensor or disrupting the wiring inside. A bad connection would make the lights stay on. With so many lights that are effected by the module being illuminated, the module is likely bad or does not have a connection. Check the connection first and then resort to replacing the unit. For more help with these electrical tests, contact our service department.

ANSWER : Batteries can die due to faults in the charging system so ideally a suspected "faulty" battery should be load tested before a decision is made to condemn it. The only exception to this rule is if the battery is already clearly "old" (greater than 5 years) but even then once you put a new battery in, as a replacement for a "dead" battery, you have to comprehensively check out the charging system. Diagnostic Trouble Code P0460 will result in disruption of the dashboard fuel gauge’s ability to accurately report your tank’s fuel levels. The fuel gauge readings may be erratic, or read somewhere off scale. Vehicles equipped with a low fuel warning light feature may also suffer from erratic low fuel warnings in the event of a code P0460. Unless the P0460 code has been reported alongside other trouble code, all of the vehicle’s essential systems should otherwise function normally. I would recommend that you request a check engine light diagnostic to first resolve the fault causing the P0460 code to set. The check gas cap light warning light could be due a faulty gas cap and/or small leaks in the EVAP system.

ANSWER : Hi there. In many cases, when you have electrical problems like you’re describing, it’s caused by multiple electrical component failure. It’s likely that a few electrical relays are not working; especially if you have systems that utilize the same components (such as your brake light and tail lights). I would recommend having a professional mobile mechanic come to your location to complete an electrical problems inspection first, so they can pinpoint what is damaged and recommend the right repairs.

ANSWER : Hi there. Take a digital volt meter and check the voltage on the harness to the ABS control motor. There should be a battery voltage present. If the voltage is low, then there is a break in the wiring from the computer to the ABS control motor. If the voltage is normal, then the ABS control motor has a burned cell and the ABS controller assembly would need replaced. This will effect the ESP system as well and set off the lights. If you need further assistance with your ABS system not working, then seek out a professional, such as one from Your Mechanic, to help you.

ANSWER : It is possible that you could be having an issue with your powertrain control module. This is somewhat of a common problem on many GM vehicles. I would recommend having your vehicle inspected by the dealership to determine if the powertrain control module is functioning properly. If not, a reflash of the powertrain control module may resolve the issue but often times it must be replaced.

ANSWER : If a faulty component is still in place, the fault codes will return almost immediately after clearing them. ABS, ESP, and traction control systems all rely on input from wheel speed sensors to determine as the name implies, the speed of each wheel. When a wheel, or wheels are spinning faster than others due to wheel slip or the vehicle is sliding, the ABS and ESP systems can reduce throttle input as well as apply braking to an individual wheel or all of them if needed. With a wheel speed sensor fault code stored, these systems cannot determine the rate that all 4 wheels are spinning and sets a fault. That is why the abs/esp light is on. The system should be scanned by a certified technician and the wheel speed sensor replaced if found to be the cause. The warning lights will stay on and these systems will not function as designed until the fault is corrected. These lights do not come on to indicate a need for routine service. Rather they only come on when a component in the system is at fault.

ANSWER : Your car has what is called a "safe mode" that will be engaged by the computer when it detects that something critical has gone wrong related to any of the major components in your engine chassis or power train. This may be related to a number of things, most of which should have been registered in the computer when the check engine light came on. I recommend having an expert from YourMechanic come to your location to inspect your check engine light and diagnose any codes registered by your vehicle’s computer.

ANSWER : Hello. This can be caused by a few different things, but most of the time it is caused by the transmission speed sensors. I usually test the sensors first and replace them if needed. This is going to be the most likely issue. If they are fine, then you may have a circuit problem so the wiring will need to be tested for any breaks or shorts that would cause this. If you need to have this done, consider YourMechanic, as a certified mechanic can come to your home or office to inspect your shifting issue and diagnose the trouble codes found on your car.