ABS/Stability System Issues

**only1vip** · 03-23-10 07:46 AM

Hello Caddy Experts!

I have a 2001 Cadillac Seville STS that has been causing me grief lately. The latest episodes are described below.

A few weeks ago, I got the "Service Stability System" message along with the ABS lights on my dash, but it disappeared after I shut the car off. The message would pop up every now and then, but wouldn't produce codes.

Every now and then, when I am coming to a full stop, the ABS will kick in (even though it is a completely dry road and I am braking regularly).

As of a few days ago, I am hearing (and feeling) this faint grinding noise while driving, which gets louder the faster I go (I suspect this is a wheel bearing?).

I now get the the "Service Stability System" message along with the ABS lights on my dash every time I drive the car...good news is that I now have codes.

Yesterday, I got the following:
C1221 - Left Front Wheel Speed Sensor Input Signal is 0 (Current)
C1225 - Left Front Excessive Wheel Speed Variation (Current)
C1232 - Left Front Wheel Speed Circuit Open or Shorted (Current)
B1328 - Vehicle system voltage is greater than 15.9 volts (History)

Today, the Brake light came on (the ABS and service stability message were still on also) and I get the following:
C1221 - Left Front Wheel Speed Sensor Input Signal is 0 (History)
C1222 - Right Front Wheel Speed Sensor Input Signal is 0 (History)
C1225 - Left Front Excessive Wheel Speed Variation (History)
C1232 - Left Front Wheel Speed Circuit Open or Shorted (History)
C1248 - EBCM Turned the Red Brake Warning Indicator On (Current)
B1328 - Vehicle system voltage is greater than 15.9 volts (History).

My guess is the left front wheel speed sensor needs to be replaced, and I've read that involves changing the entire wheel assembly (which would probably also take care of the grinding noise, no?). I don't understand why the other codes have popped up:
C1222 - Right Front Wheel Speed Sensor Input Signal is 0 (History)
C1248 - EBCM Turned the Red Brake Warning Indicator On (Current)
B1328 - Vehicle system voltage is greater than 15.9 volts (History)

Are these separate issues, or can they be tied together?

Any help is much appreciated! Also, if you can supply part names (RockAuto?) that I should buy to fix the issues, I would really be grateful!

Thanks!

**johnny kannapo** · 03-23-10 09:29 AM

You need to check the front wheel bearings. Unfortunately the speed sensors are built into the bearing hubs. So to repair a bad sensor the whole hub needs R & R. There is a possibility of the connector down at the wheel is faulty or other connections at the ECBM or a breach in the wiring. If the hub bearings have slop there is a good chance that may cure the ABS issues. The high volts code code wound concern me. Too much or too little volts makes the controllers do crazy things and that alone may be the culprit. There are other on here that have better more specific answers than I can give. If the alt out put is too high, that's a problem that will cause many issues beyond the ABS/SSI. An alt. may cost up to $300 for the part and a hub runs anywhere from $175 to $275. Labor costs vary & may be same as the cost of the part depending where you go for the repair. If the alternator is over charging you need it replaced first and go from there.

**Mark C** · 03-23-10 09:34 AM

Left front wheel sensor error is probably being caused by the wheel bearing going bad, as the reluctor gear on the bearing wobbles around the sensor is probably missing seeing a tooth on the gear every so often. the sensor is part to the wheel bearing capsule, and the whole thin is held on with 3 15mm bolts from the back of the steering knuckle and the large 34mm nut on the CV shaft. Did one on my 97 about 3 months ago, was one of the easier jobs I've done, maybe an hour and a half to 2 hours total time, prices range from 60 bucks for a cheap assembly up to around 200 bucks or so for an OEM unit. I used a lower end unit off of Ebay so we will see how long it lasts. Looks like you might be in the early stages of the right front bearing, or wheel speed sensor failing as well with the C1222 code popping up, but check and clean the connector to the sensor on the back of the steering knuckle before worrying about that side.

The EBTCM turning on the red brake light (on the instrument panel) is a warning generated because of the C1221, 1222, and 1225 DTCs being set. Will only come up (in this case) when the computer can't determine the speed of more than one wheel at the same time.

**only1vip** · 03-23-10 11:53 AM

Thanks guys!

I'm on the ACDelco website, but don't know what I should be getting...

HUB KIT,FRT WHL $232
Part Number: 20-17
Product Notes:
[Front Wheel Hub Kit]; Incls bearing, mtg bolts, sensor; Front & RR Disc Antilock brakes; (JL9); 1st design; w/ stainless stl sensor wire spring clip, for 2nd; des see 88964168 or FW128

OR

HUB,FRT WHL(W/WHL SPD SEN) $198
Part Number: FW293
Product Notes:
[Front Wheel Hub (w/Wheel Speed Sensor)]; Left hand and Right hand ; Front & RR Disc Antilock brakes (JL9) ; 2nd; Designw/ plastic sensor wire w/clip, for 1st des see 12429204
Per Vehicle: 2; Years: 2001-2001

What is the difference?

**Ranger** · 03-23-10 12:08 PM

The difference is,
1st design; w/ stainless stl sensor wire spring clip
2nd; Design w/ plastic sensor wire w/clip

**curtc** · 03-23-10 12:21 PM

RockAuto.com, much cheaper

**only1vip** · 03-23-10 12:30 PM

Thanks Guys!

curtc, RockAuto only seems to have the rear wheel assemblies...anybody know of any other sites that offer OEM parts, but at better prices?

Also, anybody know how I can measure the car's voltage? I would like to get to the bottom of the "B1328 - Vehicle system voltage is greater than 15.9 volts (History)" code. Is this the same voltage that I can read off of the dash (I think it says battery voltage, or something like that)?

**Ranger** · 03-23-10 12:38 PM

anybody know of any other sites that offer OEM parts, but at better prices?

Try http://www.gmotors.com

Also, anybody know how I can measure the car's voltage?

Press the INFO button and toggle through to voltage.

**only1vip** · 03-24-10 08:35 AM

Thanks Ranger!

I've found the two parts (links below) on amazon. Went to the dealer and they confirmed that the grinding/whirring sound is a result of my left front wheel bearing being bad. The dealer tried charging me $300 for the part, but wouldn't tell me whether it was the part with stainless steel or plastic. I told them that I would buy the part and bring it to them.

Few quick questions, then i'll be out of your hair...
-Would you buy car parts from amazon?
-Is there a significant difference between the plastic and stainless steel part? Is it worth the ~$45 difference?
-What is the risk of driving the car with a bad wheel bearing? (I will not get the part till next week, and I am planning on going away for the weekend: about a 600mile trek).

w/plastic ~$147
[ame="http://www.amazon.com/ACDelco-FW293-Wheel-Hub-Assembly/dp/B000C9QU5I"]Amazon.com: ACDelco FW293 Wheel Hub Assembly: Automotive[/ame]

w/stainless steel ~$192
[ame="http://www.amazon.com/ACDelco-20-17-Axle-Bearing-Assembly/dp/B000C9IJDE/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=automotive&qid=1269433306&sr= 1-1"]Amazon.com: ACDelco 20-17 Axle Bearing And Hub Assembly: Automotive[/ame]

As always,
THANKS!

**only1vip** · 03-24-10 08:43 AM

Sorry...one more thing..

Just found this from amazon link...

Would you buy these parts? Have you heard of this company? It come with a 2 year warranty

http://www.1aauto.com/1A/wheel-beari...01/322293/2001

**Ranger** · 03-24-10 10:52 AM

Would you buy car parts from amazon?

Sure, especially an A/C Delco part.

Is there a significant difference between the plastic and stainless steel part?

I'm not exactly sure what the difference is. I think it is just some type of wire clip, but apparently they must not be interchangeable. Pull a wheel and see which one you have.

What is the risk of driving the car with a bad wheel bearing?

It will slowly get worse and growl louder. You'll probably be OK for the weekend.
I have heard of 1AAuto, but never dealt with them yet. I think they are a supporting vendor here.

**only1vip** · 03-24-10 12:58 PM

I've found out that I need the ones with the steel clips. Some sites say that "w/ABS sensors" are they the same as the wheel speed sensors?

The lowest price I found was at amazon for an ACDelco Part - $147
A1 Auto sells their aftermarket parts at $114 FOR A PAIR with a two year warranty.

What would you do? How long do wheel bearings usually last (OEM and aftermarket)?

**Ranger** · 03-24-10 06:16 PM

I think by ABS sensors they mean wheel speed sensors. One in the same.

My wifes '96 Bonneville has 165K on it and I have yet to change a wheel bearing. I changed all 4 on my daughters first car ('99 Ford Snorus) before it hit 100K. Some last forever, others fail early. I would not be too worried about 1A's parts if you are trying to save a buck.