ABS and traction control issues on 03 4WD SLT Yukon with 5.3

[bobsr]

I'm having an issue with ABS and traction control warning systems and operation. At take off, have to back off the gas to keep it moving, and then put down the pedal again. ABS and traction control warning and lights come and go, but do not stay on.

Even on the highway, I stepped on the gas to pull into another lane the other day and nothing happened! Unsafe!

I THINK it is the ABS/traction control sensors, which in this vehicle with 285,000 miles have been replaced at least once and probably twice. Just replaced the throttle body when it got towed in for basic engine survival limiting it to like 1000 RPM.

Traction control was an added option on this vehicle when I ordered it, and probably was an "early" system, now included as standard on most vehicles.

Any comments on the sensors or other things that could possibly be wrong? Also has trailer towing button on the shifter, which still works, but I don't think is involved here. I don't think it is the tranny, but clearly something is wrong. Last time it was the sensors.

Thanks.

 

[Project Denali]

Having a similar issue with my 2004 Yukon Denali now. My truck is throwing a code for the right front wheel speed sensor. The EBCM (electronic brake control module) and the TCS (traction control system) both use information from the wheel speed sensors as inputs for their operation. On our trucks the hub is a sealed unit with the sensor as part of it. Usually, the toothed ring inside gets corroded or damaged, or the corrosion builds up between the sensor mounting surface and the hub causing irregular readings.

 

[bobsr]

Having a similar issue with my 2004 Yukon Denali now. My truck is throwing a code for the right front wheel speed sensor. The EBCM (electronic brake control module) and the TCS (traction control system) both use information from the wheel speed sensors as inputs for their operation. On our trucks the hub is a sealed unit with the sensor as part of it. Usually, the toothed ring inside gets corroded or damaged, or the corrosion builds up between the sensor mounting surface and the hub causing irregular readings.

Hello Dax,

Thanks for the information. I will see if the garage guy can read the left and right sensor codes. They have checked before and only found the throttle body issue, and it's been 100,000 miles at least since a tune up, and shows some engine misses I guess, but nothing I can feel or hear. But clearly I think it is the sensors.

Best vehicle I ever had, with really very few problems for the miles it has been driven. Took me 5 months to get it after I ordered it, and I love the sunroof and the barn doors, and NO THIRD SEAT.

Sales guy said "it will hurt the resale value without a third seat". Right... on my vehicle manufactured in 2002. All I would have done is taken the seat out and swore every time I tripped over it in the garage.

Spare Tire lowering system was a horror, and no one ever lubricated it I guess with routine maintenance. So when I needed it, AAA had to tow me and then they had to cut it apart it was so rusted in. Now the spare tire sits in the back. Perhaps they resolved and redesigned this on newer models. But salted roads in a NH Winter are not helpful.

Thanks for your comments.

 

[Project Denali]

No problem! Instead of cleaning mine, I found a set of hubs off of a 2002 Denali for $40 and picked them up. Haven't put them on yet but should fix it.

And absolutely, they are so amazing that's why I bought mine! Fingers crossed it serves me well. My parents bought a 2002 Suburban LT in late 2001 and stills drive it today. Has over 300,000 miles and I think all they've done for major repairs is intake gaskets, one wheel hub, and just had the tranny rebuilt. You're not too far away from 300K yourself!

Lol, who's thinking about resale value when they're ordering a specially optioned vehicle? And amen!!! Everybody I know here in IN has had issues with the spare tire lowering system. They put down so much salt and beet juice it rusts things that just look at it haha. Good luck with the warning lights man.

 

[rockola1971]

Did you replace the TPS when the throttle body was replaced along with the wiring harnes to it? Its common for the wires to break right where they leave the plug that goes into the TPS. This is the exact issue I had on my 05 Yukon Denali when the TPS went bad. Reduced engine power, Traction control, ABS warnings. The Instrument cluster lit up like a christmas tree.

 

[bobsr]

Did you replace the TPS when the throttle body was replaced along with the wiring harnes to it? Its common for the wires to break right where they leave the plug that goes into the TPS. This is the exact issue I had on my 05 Yukon Denali when the TPS went bad. Reduced engine power, Traction control, ABS warnings. The Instrument cluster lit up like a christmas tree.[/
QUOTE]

Hello Mike,

They surprised me with an uxexpected charge for wiring and a new connector plug when they did the throttle body. I guess they did their homework and found it was something that has caused problems generally with that series of GM rucks, so they replaced it. Seems to be OK so far, but I have to get the other sensors issue sorted out. It has not shut the engine down since the throttle body and wiring were changed.

Thanks for the good information based on experience. Very helpful part of this forum.

 

[bobsr]

Hello Mike,

Yes, I think they did. They surprised me with an additional charge for wiring and a new plug when they replaced the throttle body after quoting it. Makes me wonder if the throttle body really needed to be replaced, or if it was just the TPS sensor and wiring harness.

I will ask them to be sure, but the engine has not shut down since they both were replaced a few weeks ago. I think the remaining issues are with the wheel speed sensors, and after they sort that out I will see if there are any issues with that TPS sensor.
Thanks for your input. Forum very helpful for these kinds of issues.