Front End Traction Issue

[MoJoDec]

I am hoping for a little help. Bought a 2005 Yukon XL AWD (SLT with air ride) over the summer.

I got it home and noticed the traction control seemed to engage when first starting off between 1st and 2nd. If I started a little fast, then it wouldn’t happen.

started just turning the system off using the dash button, seemed to solve it.

but now I am getting it again. Was actually first when I was just braking, and not all the time.

now it can be while braking, turning and braking, just turning at a low speed, accelerating.

the key is that it is inconsistent, but seemed to happening with increasing frequency.

no idiot lights. The dash messages when I first start the car include “service 4wd” (but only sometimes) and “service stability control” (that one is every time). Not sure if those messages are connected to this or not.

just over 220,000 on the vehicle.

seems like I’ve been able to pare it down to possibly two issues: bearing hub or ABS sensor. Both are about $100-$150 if I replace it myself (now winter in MI).

any recommendations on how to determine which it might be?

thabks!

 

[Scottydoggs]

its always best to have it scanned for abs codes. or you could be tossing money and it, and that dont always work out so well.

it could be the grounds under the ds front door on the frame too. they rust up and loose contact.

 

[02Lightning]

Are all the tires the same size and pressures the same? For AWD vehicles you are suppose to change all the tires at the same time, so if only two have been changed it may cause a problem.

 

[MoJoDec]

Thanks for the responses. Yes, tires are all the same and roughly the same tread depth. The pressures are all kept consistent. However, I do know at least one tire pressure sensor is bad...I thought that wouldn’t affect performance at all, just the readout on the dash.

I have a cheap code scanner...I am guessing that will not pull ABS codes right?

 

[Jason in DLH]

No, you’ll need a better tool. Take it to AutoZone or somewhere that will scan it for free.

 

[Rocket Man]

TPMS sensor issues won’t affect anything. You just need to get the ABS system scanned for codes. Better yet would use a Tech2 and watch live data- know anyone that has one? They can be had nowadays for around $300.

 

[Doubeleive]

you will need a higher end scanner or a tech2 to read that code and unless it is stored then you will need the scanner hooked up while the light is lit up. If it was a shock or height sensor it might be lit all the time, sounds more like you may have a hub that is worn or bad abs sensor. you can check your hubs yourself just to see if they have any play in them by jacking up the front wheels and while the wheel is off the ground grab the tire at 12 & 6 and try to wiggle it back n forth, it should have no play at all. then grab it at 9 & 3 and wiggle it, you will have a little play at this angle because of the steering but it shouldn't be excessive. you can also spin the wheel and listen for any noises, it's harder to do that with the awd because the of the axle but it's worth checking. If the wheel hub wiggles or you hear weird noises when spinning the wheel (presuming the brake pads are ok) then it's time to replace the hub and usually if one is going the other will not be far behind.