Traction Control Light stays on.

[gdj277]

Hi everyone, this is my first post. I have a 2001 DTS with 95,000 miles. I've had the car for about a month and really enjoy driving it. However one issue I'm having with it is that after driving 6-10 miles the Traction Control Light comes on and stays on. It will also come back on every time the car is restarted that day. It seems to reset itself overnight & then it's same cycle again the next day. I've pulled codes and have gotten 2 History codes (U-1016 & C-1295) and 3 current codes (B-0184; B-0189 & B-2646). Do these have anything to do with the traction control? There is a button marked "Traction Control" on the center counsel which doesn't seem to do anything when pressed. Any ideas or suggestions would be welcomed. Thanks!

[Ranger]

C1295 - Brake Lamp Switch Circuit Open
B0184 - Solar Load Sensor #1 Circuit Range (sunload)
B0189 - Solar Load Sensor #2 Circuit Range (sunload)
B2646 - Ambient Light Sensor Circuit Range

If the TC light is on, you should be getting a related DTC. None of the above are.

You can find the code definitions here.
http://myweb.accessus.net/~090/dtcobd2b.html

[JimD]

The C1295 points at the problem. One of the switches operated by the brake pedal arm is not adjusted properly or the switch or connectors has a problem.

Remove the trim panel under the steering column and check it out. Do your brake lamps work properly?

[JimD]

BTW; there are two switches actuated by the brake arm and the bottom one is the one you want to investigate. It is called the "BTSI" switch.

[Ranger]

Jim, how does the brake lamp switch have anything to do with the TC warning? I'm confused.

[JimD]

Originally Posted by Ranger

Jim, how does the brake lamp switch have anything to do with the TC warning? I'm confused.

My conclusions only, Larry. Nothing official here; the following is the result of reverse engineering.

The way I see it after looking at the extent of integration among the various chassis control modules, GM wanted to prevent possible brake overheating if/when there was a situation where TC was active at the same time the brake pedal switch indicated the driver was applying the brakes. A simple fail-safe choice to pass control of the total braking action to the driver.

Why a driver would apply the brakes when the drive wheels are spinning at different speeds is beyond me. But, possession of a drivers license does not require an IQ test.

The downside is adding component failures that could flag false signals including the brake arm switch, the brake lamp bulbs, and all the interconnect wiring.

[gdj277]

Thanks for the quick response. I'll check to see how the brake lights work and also that switch. I'll let you know what I find out.

[bill57]

Jim D. - The BTSI switch is one of two switches located under the steering column?

[Ranger]

It's at the top of the brake pedal.

[ezed1]

Anit that some crap I came on here to search for Traction control light on!
yesterday I took out the rear trunk brake light because it was coming loose the bolts had seperated from the light housing, some bone head rear ended me just enough to brake those stud bolts,so i got out the gorilla glue and glued them back in place,I got up this morning light still curing on bench i drove to work half way up the block Traction control light on??No trunk brake light WOW!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!Who is the who dru up this circuit????????????? the stealer probably has a field day with these!!$$$$$

[TheeSlowPoke]

[quote=JimD;1726528]The C1295 points at the problem. One of the switches operated by the brake pedal arm is not adjusted properly or the switch or connectors has a problem.QUOTE]

I have a 2000 DTS with the Traction Control light that comes on occassionally and ABS C1295 code in HISTORY. So the whole thing is the switch on the brake pedal! I hope it is that simple - kind of hard to track due to it being intermittent. I have heard something down those lines before and fiddled with the brake pedal when the traction control light comes on - to no avail. I wonder if the traction control light comes on ONLY when the switch is OPEN circuited or shorted OR anytime the C1295 code is/has been thrown?

It's kind of a bear to get at, how are those wire connectors held on - it's too tight to see what's going on. Anybody have simple tips for getting them off?