ABS & Trac Ctrl light on, What can read them?

[TilliamWe]

99 Pontiac Montana Van. I am fairly certain it's a rear wheel speed sensor (I've had some issue with the rear brakes not releasing, and making noise). But I wan't to be sure, before I throw parts at it.
Can Autozone's code reader tell me which one it is? If not, what reader can? Or this a "dealer only" service?

Thanks.

 

[windsors03cobra]

Re: ABS & Trac Ctrl light on, What can read them?

Anyone with a abs scanner can pull the code. One can be had for about $300 on the low end and or you can give a guy some money too pull the code for you.
I wonder how much that is ? Let us know.

I wouldn't mind an ABS scanner or the software for my OTC Genisys scanner buts its more money than its worth to me at this point. Most the ABS codes I encounter go away as soon as the whacked unit hub is replaced and those whacked unit hubs are not hard to identify.

 

[BWR1953]

Re: ABS & Trac Ctrl light on, What can read them?

Autozone pulls the codes for free down here in FL.

 

[dlindeblad]

Re: ABS & Trac Ctrl light on, What can read them?

I do believe the OP is asking can the code reader tell you which rear wheel speed sensor is bad. If this is the case I am not sure it can. I think it gives the generic code diagnosing the general issue.

 

[Bob_VT]

Re: ABS & Trac Ctrl light on, What can read them?

Most ABS reader's can isolate which sensor (if it's a sensor) is bad.

 

[Brewman61]

Re: ABS & Trac Ctrl light on, What can read them?

Lots of auto parts stores will read the codes for free. If it's free, then what have you got to loose in trying?
Worst case is that the information they give you won't help.

 

[TilliamWe]

Re: ABS & Trac Ctrl light on, What can read them?

To he guys responding gp tp AZ, I know they read check engine codes...

So Bob and Windsor, is Autozone's scanner capable. Someone has told me that their scanner doesn't do abs stuff. Is that true?

I would just drive to the AZ, but half the time they are so busy it takes 15 minutes to get them out there. I have a 3 week old preemie that can't tolerate being in the car like that. I could call, sure, but if I get a busy, over-stressed guy on the phone he may say "no" when the answer is yes. He may say yes when the answer is "no". Just trying waste the least amount of my time as possible.

Windsor, I can not afford to spend $300 to read one code. And I don't want to pay a dealer $89 either. You know, "1 hour minimum shop charge", not to mention I'd have to drop it off and wait all day. With the preemie, that's not an option.

 

[avenger79]

Re: ABS & Trac Ctrl light on, What can read them?

as far as I know AZ cannot read ABS codes. I took mine into the dealer when the ABS light came on. didn't like it but had to get it read.

 

[dolluper]

Re: ABS & Trac Ctrl light on, What can read them?

Actron makes an ABS scanner for about 100 bones which is upgradeable through their site USB....google it....check below here
http://www.amazon.com/Actron-CP9449-BrakeScan-System-Diagnostic/dp/B000YJ053O

 

[TilliamWe]

Re: ABS & Trac Ctrl light on, What can read them?

That's getting closer dolluper, thanks.

So basically what you're all saying is that unless I have a friend in the business, I am not getting this scanned for free? Darn it.

 

[ajgraz]

Re: ABS & Trac Ctrl light on, What can read them?

I'd go to a site like www.clubgp.com and ask over there.

That's a bunch of Pontiac Grand Prix enthusiasts (some even with the same 3.4L V6 as you) who'll be able to help you out...may even be someone nearby you with a scanner capable of reading what you want.

 

[Outsider]

Re: ABS & Trac Ctrl light on, What can read them?

Find an independent mechanic shop. He may read it free for a chance at the work. My '99 Grand Am was read at Autozone, said RF ABS, which had to be the sensor - it was ...

 

[dolluper]

Re: ABS & Trac Ctrl light on, What can read them?

2 bad your so far away since I have 2 or so of them a Snap on... big and clunky got to pay for upgrades and Innova with free upgrades ....Innova was cheaper but still around 300 bones can't remember if the elm scan does it don't think so have buy the software....and the autotap I haven't used in 2 years since lappy went funny....I did get a new lappot but haven't used the autotap since they have a new verison called DIY autotap I think and I have a coupon to get it for 100 bones instead of 150 if you want just check it does ABS ...I think it does

 

[scrambler45]

Re: ABS & Trac Ctrl light on, What can read them?

To he guys responding gp tp AZ, I know they read check engine codes...

So Bob and Windsor, is Autozone's scanner capable. Someone has told me that their scanner doesn't do abs stuff. Is that true?

I would just drive to the AZ, but half the time they are so busy it takes 15 minutes to get them out there. I have a 3 week old preemie that can't tolerate being in the car like that. I could call, sure, but if I get a busy, over-stressed guy on the phone he may say "no" when the answer is yes. He may say yes when the answer is "no". Just trying waste the least amount of my time as possible.

Windsor, I can not afford to spend $300 to read one code. And I don't want to pay a dealer $89 either. You know, "1 hour minimum shop charge", not to mention I'd have to drop it off and wait all day. With the preemie, that's not an option.

If you can't invest the time to try and track someone down to read the code, I suggest you take it to the $89.00 dealer. For this $89.00 they will most likely give you a shuttle ride to and from your home. More importantly they will have an oem scan tool capable of reading ALL of the data and performing the ebcm self test and other outputs. Also in the 1 hour, they are expected to read the code, or codes, use factory service information to find all of the correct wiring connectors and circuits, perform voltage drop tests, possibly use a scope to test the sensor intergrity, split the ebcm from the pump motor and test current if need be, and give you a complete and accurate diagnosis. I have seen many wiring issues, especially at the passthrough connector under the left side, I have replaced ebcm's, and pumps, and of course wheel hubs and sensors. When they give you the repair estimate, kindly decline and do the repairs yourself if capable. They will use a $2000 scan tool. Online oem subscription to the wiring, as well as the most current service bulletins, possibly a $3000 lab scope, and other tools to diagnose your vehicle. Any GM dealer will have all of these tools for this model. You can call around and talk to the advisors and find one you feel comfortable dealing with. $89.00 seems fairly cheap when hubs are about $300 a piece for aftermarket, and the module is closer to $1000 oem. If you do have the time to track down someone to read the code, carry out the testing youself and install the parts confidently, then that is ok as well.

 

[TilliamWe]

Re: ABS & Trac Ctrl light on, What can read them?

Scrambler, you must live in a dream land. They are not going to give me a ride home (I worked at a local dealership here, I know how they operate.), and I CAN'T be without the vehicle for ANY period of time. (See above about 3 week old premature baby)
Then, for $89.00 ALL they would do is read the fault code. Nothing else. I don't need all that other stuff. I don't need a hub. I need to pinpoint one wheel speed sensor and replace it, that's all. Well, maybe they'll try to sell me a service or two that I don't want/need. But either way, they are going to spend 5 minutes diagnosing my vehicle. $89.00 is too much to pay for that. I'd rather buy the scanners listed above, and help out my friends int he future than WASTE the money at the dealership.
I do have the ability to replace a wheel speed sensor. If I didn't I wouldn't have started this thread. I would take it to a pro and have them do it all. But since I am not going to do that, I was wanting the least expensive (or free) way to get the code read. Thanks for your reply.

 

[dolluper]

Re: ABS & Trac Ctrl light on, What can read them?

Well the new autotap diy express doesn't do abs or air bag....my 4000 bone Snap on does and my Innova does.....the elmscan I haven't checked yet...I don't think so but maybe theres alot of software out there for it....guess your best bet is what I posted earier if you can't get someone to do it for free

 

[scrambler45]

Re: ABS & Trac Ctrl light on, What can read them?

Scrambler, you must live in a dream land. They are not going to give me a ride home (I worked at a local dealership here, I know how they operate.), and I CAN'T be without the vehicle for ANY period of time. (See above about 3 week old premature baby)
Then, for $89.00 ALL they would do is read the fault code. Nothing else. I don't need all that other stuff. I don't need a hub. I need to pinpoint one wheel speed sensor and replace it, that's all. Well, maybe they'll try to sell me a service or two that I don't want/need. But either way, they are going to spend 5 minutes diagnosing my vehicle. $89.00 is too much to pay for that. I'd rather buy the scanners listed above, and help out my friends int he future than WASTE the money at the dealership.
I do have the ability to replace a wheel speed sensor. If I didn't I wouldn't have started this thread. I would take it to a pro and have them do it all. But since I am not going to do that, I was wanting the least expensive (or free) way to get the code read. Thanks for your reply.

It appears you have had a bad experience at a delership, and the one you worked at was poorly run. Believe me, I know all about what can happen. That's why I suggested calling around untill you found one you were comfortable with. I can tell you that on a 1999 montana van, the wheel speed sensor is integral to the hub, so if you have a bad sensor, the hub requires replacement. If you want to test yourself, just go to each wheel speed sensor and measure resistance, and then a/c voltage while spinning the wheel. This will most times pinpoint a bad sensor. Most dealerships, especially the remaining gm dealerships after the cuts are very competitive to keep customers and must meet customer satisfaction goals. The dealer in my home town would provide tv and wifi in the waiting area, soda and popcorn for free, a shuttle service, and will diagnose in 1 labor hour, unless there is multiple problems. Just because you have a wheel speed sensor code doesn't mean the sensor itself is faulty, a lot of times the wiring has open circuits in the insulation due to the continuous flexing every time the wheels are turned. As for upselling services, just decline. They are a business and if they see a problem with your vehicle, or a service they think you may need, they will point it out. It is better to know that something may be wrong (like a leaking intake manifold gasket) and get it repaired rather than having a larger problem (lifter noise from coolant in the oil) later. You just have to find a shop YOU can trust. There are good people in the world still.

Scrambler