[cadillaxjoe96]

Hey guys, so on my 1996 Deville, the traction control light turned on and I lost first gear. Along with that is a really bad clunking sound when I go over bumps during city driving. I’ve had the sway bar links and bushings replaced within the past 2 years so it’s definitely not them. This clunking sound is really bad, sounds like metal on metal and sometimes sounds like something falls out from underneath the car but when I get out and check, nothing fell out. I had my mechanic scan the traction control light with OBD-2 scanner and he said he couldn’t find anything other than it being related to my check engine light bulb being burned out. He also said it could be a wheel hub bearing but I’m not even sure anymore. What could this be?

 

[Submariner409]

Someone needs to get the car up on a 4-point hoist and begin checking every suspension part as well as the powertrain cradle, exhaust system, and rear suspension cradle. ALL are subject to rust and rubber bushing/hanger deterioration. Front strut or rear shock absorber mounts and bushings, as well as sway bar hardware, also are highly suspect.

Your northeast U.S. location brings into the question of 26 years of road treatment chemical damage. Rust.

 

[cadillaxjoe96]

Someone needs to get the car up on a 4-point hoist and begin checking every suspension part as well as the powertrain cradle, exhaust system, and rear suspension cradle. ALL are subject to rust and rubber bushing/hanger deterioration. Front strut or rear shock absorber mounts and bushings, as well as sway bar hardware, also are highly suspect.

Your northeast U.S. location brings into the question of 26 years of road treatment chemical damage. Rust.

Someone needs to get the car up on a 4-point hoist and begin checking every suspension part as well as the powertrain cradle, exhaust system, and rear suspension cradle. ALL are subject to rust and rubber bushing/hanger deterioration. Front strut or rear shock absorber mounts and bushings, as well as sway bar hardware, also are highly suspect.

Your northeast U.S. location brings into the question of 26 years of road treatment chemical damage. Rust.

Thanks for the input, I’m gonna have it thoroughly inspected. I’ll let you know what it is when I find out.

 

[basscatt]

Hey guys, so on my 1996 Deville, the traction control light turned on and I lost first gear. Along with that is a really bad clunking sound when I go over bumps during city driving. I’ve had the sway bar links and bushings replaced within the past 2 years so it’s definitely not them. This clunking sound is really bad, sounds like metal on metal and sometimes sounds like something falls out from underneath the car but when I get out and check, nothing fell out. I had my mechanic scan the traction control light with OBD-2 scanner and he said he couldn’t find anything other than it being related to my check engine light bulb being burned out. He also said it could be a wheel hub bearing but I’m not even sure anymore. What could this be?

==========================
STEP #1 - ALWAYS - check for DTC's - Diagnostic Trouble Codes - using the on-board scanner -
if you don't know how - go here -

How to pull codes (DTC's), list of OBD1 &amp...

To check for Diagnostic Trouble Codes stored in the computer, turn the ignition on, then hold down the OFF and WARMER (for digital dash) or OFF and passenger-WARMER buttons (for analog dash) or OFF and "Info ^" buttons (if you have temperature dials) until all of the dash lights come on. The...

www.cadillacforums.com

post any codes you have -
ALONG WITH THEIR DEFINITIONS -

for code definitions - go here -

CTS-CTS-V FAQ: Cadillac On-Board Diagnostic Trouble Codes (OBD-II)

include whether they are C-Current or H-History -
-------------------
pull codes on 1999 and older Deville -

 

[cadillaxjoe96]

==========================
STEP #1 - ALWAYS - check for DTC's - Diagnostic Trouble Codes - using the on-board scanner -
if you don't know how - go here -

How to pull codes (DTC's), list of OBD1 &amp...

To check for Diagnostic Trouble Codes stored in the computer, turn the ignition on, then hold down the OFF and WARMER (for digital dash) or OFF and passenger-WARMER buttons (for analog dash) or OFF and "Info ^" buttons (if you have temperature dials) until all of the dash lights come on. The...

www.cadillacforums.com

post any codes you have -
ALONG WITH THEIR DEFINITIONS -

for code definitions - go here -

CTS-CTS-V FAQ: Cadillac On-Board Diagnostic Trouble Codes (OBD-II)

include whether they are C-Current or H-History -
-------------------
pull codes on 1999 and older Deville -

I actually have the blue driver Bluetooth OBD scanner that connects to my phone. I couldn’t figure out how to read the traction light so I gave up. I should try again when I have more time.

 

[Ranger]

Hey guys, so on my 1996 Deville, the traction control light turned on and I lost first gear

Are you sure that the TC button was not depressed disabling the TC? I think on the '96, that would also disable 1st gear.

 

[rodnok01]

TC off resets to on next ignition cycle at least on 97 to 99s.