Impala Forums banner

Question about intermittent traction control issue

35K views 38 replies 22 participants last post by  Cliff.C  
#1 ·
I've been having a very intermittnet "slip" condition recently when starting from a stopped position. Originally, I thought that it was a minor transmission slip, but after a little "self-diagnosis", I've determined that it's actually a traction control issue. Basically, when taking off from a stop, I sometimes feel a "slip" - so, I started disabling the traction control every time I started the car and sure enough, the problem went away. Today, I decided to leave traction control enabled (after over a week of manually disabling it every time I started the car) and sure enough, it happened again today. So, I'm pretty sure it's traction-control-related. Basically, it feels like one of the wheels is "slipping" when I take off - but the wheel isn't really slipping on anything (or at least shouldn't be).

I hate going to the dealer for these intermittent issues, because it almost never happens when they test drive it (after all, it is very intermittent) - is this something that they could easily diagnose without it actually happening? Does anyone have any idea what it might be? I'm guessing that it's some sort of sensor on one of the wheels, but that's just a guess. Like I said, it kinda feels like it would if you were to try taking off very quickly while on wet roads (but happens even on dry roads when taking off "gently"), if that makes any sense!

Do I stand a chance of the dealer diagnosing this without them actually experiencing the problem first hand??

Thanks!

2012 Impala LT.

Sent from AutoGuide.com Free App
 
#2 ·
I think I've felt this and believe it is the front wheel slipping on the pass side. why don't you think the wheel is really slipping?

deflate your front tires to about 25 pounds and see if it still does it. If that causes a difference then I'd want to know what tire you have and what your inflation pressure is?

I do think its possible there is some stabile trak mis-calibration that gives too much gas at the start and maybe causes this. possibly a reflash of the ECU would fix it.
 
#3 ·
There is absolutely no reason for the wheel to slip when it happens - like I said, even on completely dry pavement during very "easy" take offs, it will sometimes happen - when I disable traction control it never happens - it definitely shouldn't be slipping when it occurs.

I still have the factory tires - @ 25k miles - tires are still in pretty good shape though. All tires are @ 30 PSI.

Last weekend after washing my car, I did notice a "Stabiltrak Initalizing" message after I jumped on the highway - only time I've even seen that message - assumed it was due to a wet sensor or something. Maybe there is a sensor that is shorting out or something - who knows - I guess I could pull the front wheels and check them - in my case, it *seems* to be the front drivers side wheel that is "slipping"...

The ECM reset idea is an interesting idea as well - when I got the car, this never happened, then it started happening all of the sudden. I was resetting the ECM periodically around the time it started (to reset the learned transmission values). Maybe it started after one of the ECM resets - and it calibrated incorrectly or something. Maybe I'll try resetting it and see if that makes a difference - thanks for the idea!

I'll try resetting the ECM first and if that doesn't help, I'll pull the wheels and check the sensor connections - will report my findings.

Sent from AutoGuide.com Free App
 
#4 ·
even thought there is no reason for wheel spin based on your input, the ecu and stabletrak may think and do differently. The motor is fully capable of spinning the wheels on dry pavement on command of the ecu. the miles on your tires probably make it slightly easier but its the system that is doing it. I tend to think its a sensor issue now that you've brought that up.
 
#5 ·
the issue concerns the wiring harness that runs just below the master cylinder and down across the transmission housing. Look where the harness meets the housing and you will see the wiring harness insulation worn off. Wrap the damaged area with electrical tape and tie back the harness to a brake line with a zip tie. This worked perfectly for my 12 LTZ.
 
#7 ·
I will definitely check the wiring harness that you mention, but I seemed to have "fixed" the problem simply by resetting the ECM/TCM (by disconnecting the battery and touching the positive/negative cables together to drain all power from the system). The issue has not happened again since (been over a week now).

I did pull the front drivers side wheel and inspect things before resetting the ECM/TCM - but everything seemed fine (at least via a visual inspection). I did disconnect and reconnect the electrical connections, but they were very tight and I don't believe that actually did me any good. All wiring looked fine. I suspect it was something to do with the ECM/TCM/BCM calibration parameters, for whatever reason.

Will definitely check the harness that you mentioned though and report my findings.

Thanks for the info!

Sent from AutoGuide.com Free App
 
#8 ·
I will definitely check the wiring harness that you mention, but I seemed to have "fixed" the problem simply by resetting the ECM/TCM (by disconnecting the battery and touching the positive/negative cables together to drain all power from the system).
Am I wrong, but won't this reset any updates to the ECM/TCM that were done to correct issues with the transmission shifting hard after a drift?
 
#10 ·
Well, this problem seem to be back again for me! Happened twice today after lunch. Seems to usually occur after the car warms up, gets shut off for a while (to eat lunch, for example) and then it happens at the first full stop. Happened at the first (2) full stops after lunch today! Drives me crazy! Seems to be related to the warmer weather maybe since it really hasn't occurred for some time now (nice day out today!). I hate problems like this - intermittent at best!

I also think my rotors are stating to "warp" again - noticed that today as well when braking somewhat hard going down a steep hill. Take to take it to the dealer I guess - and pary and hope that they can make the slip/traction control problem happen! I swear that there is something wrong with my transmission - was shifting terribly this morning when in stop and go traffic....
 
#17 · (Edited)
Interestingly, this problem hasn't happened again since I posted this (18 days ago)! It is so weird that it can happen twice in 15 minutes and then not happen again for 18+ days! Just don't understand it...

Could warped rotors play a part in this? Just wondering if the "high and low" spots on a warped rotor could cause havoc with the wheel sensors or something along those lines. I can't imagine that they could being that we're talking about VERY small variations but just wanted to get some opinions....

Will have to pull the passenger wheel just to make sure all connections are tight (checked the drivers side wheel already).
 
#11 ·
Here is another good possibility for you to consider... torque management. What you percieve to be slippage could be torque reduction due to perceived abuse. This can result in drops in power via the application of the brakes or reduction of spark or fuel. This can many times be mistaken for feeling like transmission slippage. The feeling disappears after disabling the car's traction control system.

Sound/feel familiar to you?
 
#12 ·
Absolutely not - unless it's engaging incorrectly. When this occurs (always shortly after starting the car), I'm taking off so "gingerly" that there is absolutely no way torque management or traction control should be kicking it. Smooth, paved, flat, dry surface and VERY "light" take-offs. Something is definitely malfunctioning. It is so intermittent, that I can go weeks without it occurring though. It is very strange. It's possible that it may still occur without traction control disabled and I just did try it long enough (with traction control disabled). Will have to keep an eye on it - hopefully, it will get worse and then they can identify the issue... I have an extended warranty that covers all non-routine maintenance items, so I'm covered until 100k for just about everything. Just annoying as hell...
 
#13 ·
sorta the same problem with mine, has done it from day one but i get the ABS and it jams on the brakes.

Ive had it back three times and yesterday they cleaned the speed sensors and said give that a try, if it doesnt fix it then might be in the hub.

How mine comes is, Start the car, back out of parking space or garage, put in drive, start turning left and ERRT ERRRT tracion light blinks and sound like abs noise. It started out slow, and at first i paid no attention to it, maybe once a month, then twice a month, now im up to ever day, then on monday it did in traffice when trying to turn across on coming traffic, I came real close to fixing the problem with a F350 in the side..

Dealer said there are no codes, and if it trips the codes to bring it back, I do have a friend that works there and he said GM was in a few weeks ago for another one..

Other option would old fashion, pull the traction fuse, turn it left and do big smoke burn out until something eats its self lol...

Did that once with the SS camaro, rear end had noise, it had high pitch wine, then it start sounding like rocks in the back when you turned.. they changed the fluid under warranty and said try that.. didnt help, two more time, no go, 4th time in on a roll back they fixed it. 3ed gear revvelimitor figure 8's killer smoke show for sure, then a Bang lots and lots of rock grinding sound and then Bang and nada lol..

Ive just decided there is no "mechanic" anymore, its just Code #8738 says sensor #147 doesnt like sensor #5774
 
#15 ·
sorta the same problem with mine, has done it from day one but i get the ABS and it jams on the brakes.

Ive had it back three times and yesterday they cleaned the speed sensors and said give that a try, if it doesnt fix it then might be in the hub.

How mine comes is, Start the car, back out of parking space or garage, put in drive, start turning left and ERRT ERRRT tracion light blinks and sound like abs noise. It started out slow, and at first i paid no attention to it, maybe once a month, then twice a month, now im up to ever day, then on monday it did in traffice when trying to turn across on coming traffic, I came real close to fixing the problem with a F350 in the side..

Dealer said there are no codes, and if it trips the codes to bring it back, I do have a friend that works there and he said GM was in a few weeks ago for another one..

Other option would old fashion, pull the traction fuse, turn it left and do big smoke burn out until something eats its self lol...

Did that once with the SS camaro, rear end had noise, it had high pitch wine, then it start sounding like rocks in the back when you turned.. they changed the fluid under warranty and said try that.. didnt help, two more time, no go, 4th time in on a roll back they fixed it. 3ed gear revvelimitor figure 8's killer smoke show for sure, then a Bang lots and lots of rock grinding sound and then Bang and nada lol..

Ive just decided there is no "mechanic" anymore, its just Code #8738 says sensor #147 doesnt like sensor #5774
kerr, I have the exact same problem with my 2012 ls. mine only does it from a stop, and when I apply gas while turning the steering wheel to the left, which happens all the time for me. no one iv taken it to can find the issue.
 
#14 ·
Definitely sounds different than my issue. I've actually heard of the issue you're talking about from a few different people though. My issue only seems to occur when going straight and I don't get any ABS lights or noises - just what feels like a small slip. It's very strange and very intermittent. I did check the sensor on the drivers side front wheel (didn't find any obvious issues), but I haven't checked the passenger side wheel sensor yet. I really can't tell which wheel it's coming from.
 
#18 · (Edited)
2013 LTZ, exact same problem when cranking the steering wheel to the left, either backing or turning from stop, very gentle acceleration and the traction control kicks in. The noise is disturbing and I've had passengers ask, "What was THAT?" It's so annoying, and this car is just too new and too expensive to have these little things going wrong already. Anything I can take to my mechanic to help him diagnose this problem?
 
#21 ·
I am having this traction control problem with my '09. Starting from stopped the traction control kicks in and the light comes on. I have been disabling it for the last couple weeks and have have no problems starting from stopped. Please post what was done that fixes the problem since I have no warranty and want to know what I am going to be looking at for price.
 
G
#22 ·
It sounds like my 13 imp is also doing a "scraping noise" ..........I realize that the strut works with the wheel, so that it can't be a clearance problem......

But i did find that the rubber/plastic cover in the lower strut dish had plastic rivets with long plastic keepers on the underside of the dish, that could have come in contact with a tire when turned sharply.........i cut them off thinking that i had the problem solved...........

that did solve the one scraping noise, that i heard when the car was coming off the sidewalk with strut up position and wheel turned fully either way........


but now i have been noticing this noise when making a right turn 'like a 90 degree corner', at slow speed, from stop......i will check the wiring problem mentioned above, and try to remember to shut down the trac control for a few days........

It sounds to me like we are all experiencing the same problem........what worries me is whether or not it could turn into a safety issue :dunno:
 
#24 ·
ABS issue - may be a simple fix!

For 3 years I got intermittent TRACTION / ABS warning light errors which would come sporadically. I had both front hubs replaced at a cost of over $750 and they would just keep coming back. Seemed like whenever I backed out of the driveway or turned a sharp corner or hit bumps... one shop told me it was the ABS controller and that would cost $1400 alone just for the part. I finally checked You Tube and forums and dissected a wiring harness of a wrecked Impala and concluded it MUST be a connection. There is a TSB out there for wiring harnesses to rub against the AC dryer unit and eventually short out but mine wasn't doing that. It got so bad that the ABS motor would sporadically come on even when driving down the road. The ABS computer threw 3 codes at me - C1225, C1226 (ABS sensors both sides) and C1216(ECBM issue). And it happened on every bump. So I knew it must be wiring. I finally got my daughter to sit at the wheel with the car running, and I started wiggling wiring and connections. You know what it turned out to be??? A simple connection! The connector where the ABS wheel sensor plugs into the main wiring harness for the car! I pulled it apart and it was corroded green inside. Salt must have gotten in and corroded the terminal. I also noticed that the harness had little slack and when you cranked the wheel all the one way, it almost pulled apart. So I hit the connections with penetrating oil and rust preventor oil (Krown) and pulled some slack from the main wiring so the wheel could turn but not pull apart the connector. No more problems. A simple rusty connection was causing the computer to throw 3 codes, and cause all this annoyance! It makes sense you know - cause they would replace a whole hub, and 3-6 months later it was acting up again. Why? Because when they disconnected the old one and plugged the new one in, it took that long to get corroded again. So its a bad connector design. I took some silicone and sealed the holes on the top end of the connector harness, so as to prevent salt water from draining in again. I would check the front two connectors and see if they are simply white/green corroded and go from there.
 
#26 ·
As for the guys earlier in this post talking about intermittent slipping upon startups , I don't know but it sounds like a transmission PCS solenoid issue - had this on both my 2004 and 2010 Impalas. Started on both around 150,000 km. it happens intermittently at first but slowly gets more often. Both have a 4T65E transmission. You step on the gas and it hesitates for a second then lurches forward. If this is what yours does, let me know.
 
#27 ·
I just started to get that scraping rubbing noise on my 08 SS. When turning to the left gently under acceleration like leaving the front of the house or pulling up into the driveway,
that could be one of your splash guards for the engine came loose, when the tire turns right or left it contacts the splash guard that has popped out.
 
#28 ·
Just got my 2013 LT back from the shop. I had the ABS/traction control going off from a stop when turning left, like a couple others had mentioned. The dealer found that there was water intrusion into the RF speed sensor harness. They replaced the harness. I haven't tried to make it act up again but it did it often enough that I should know it that was the problem.
 
#30 ·
I usually just turn off traction control, to prevent it from coming on if the tire slips.