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Abs/tracs Light

8.5K views 17 replies 4 participants last post by  coldk9joe  
#1 · (Edited by Moderator)
Hi folks,

have a 1995 Volvo 850GTL Wagon, recently replaced the pads and rotors on the rear. Had a bad squeel when breaking and found that both NEW rotors were warpped. Got them machined and fixed that issue. Also haven't had a bad vibration in the rear either after that which came ever so often when breaking.

So at times, which happened also before doing the breaks, the ABS and the Tracs light come on simultaneously and stay on until I turn off the engine and restart it. Both lights are off after the restart.

Got OBDMII system and it does not show any codes for the breaks, abs...etc. Do have the check engine light come on ever so often with the P0400 code for the EGR Valve but still haven't taken it off to clean it.

Anyone got any ideas why the darn ABS/Tracs light would come on without a code but go away after restarting the car?

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CAUSE AND SOLUTION:

Thanks and credit goes to SeaMike!!!!

OK, if you have a 93-95 year model 850GLT then you most likely will have a stable ABS Control Module. Discovered during research and discussions with SeaMike that years after 96 unfortunately received new manufacturer ABS Control Modules that ended up being faulty after a while. They can be repaired by soldering loose contacts within.

First use the OBD 1 which is located underneath the hood, on the passenger side, just below the black box with a hose attached to it. There are two plastic covers side by side. Lift up on the one closest to the fender. It will reveal your OBD 1 "A" terminal. To the cap, there should be a test wire attached. Place the test wire in #3, that is the ABS diagnostic port. Push the button. The red light will flash, be prepared to write down the codes that it gives you. After each code, you need to push the button to flash the next code. Once all codes are read, the system will repeat itself. If you have more than 2 codes, then most likely your electrical part of the ignition is faulty. Do the following test below.

If you have your ABS/Tracs lights come on simultaniously do the following test:

While the engine is running, wiggle the key around a bit, up and down. Move it very...VERY...slightly forward from the II postion towards the III (cranking position), but do not crank it. If any lights come on at the instrument cluster, most likely it will be the ABS light that would come on, then you need to replace the electrical portion of the ignition.

The electrical portion of the ignition will be located on the left side, oposite to the key part. Remove the plastic covers around the column by undoing 4 screws on the bottom. Once the screws are removed you will be able to pop the bottom from the top with easy. On the left side of the column, there will be a round, black cover with wires leading from it. Pull the black adapter straight back, towards the driver door. Underneath is the electrical part of the ignition. Remove 2 screws and replace with new one.

Put everything back together in reverse order. You should not have any further issues with your ABS/Tracs.

Remember to reset the ABS diagnostic port after you have replaced the electrical part of the ingition to clear the codes. The reset is done by reading all the codes. All codes must be read. Once the system starts repeating the first code, push and hold the button for 10 sec. and release. Light will light up red. Might have to do this step twice. When the codes are cleared, it should display code 1-1-1, meaning no DTC's are present.

In my case, the ignition switch replacement cured 5 out of 7 ABS codes. Code 141 and 142 were displayed after replacing the electrical portion of the ignition switch. I discovered with the help of "SeaMike", that the most likely culprit would be the sensor which is mounted at the brake booster, just to the left of the brake master cylinder. The sensor is a round cylinder looking thing with a wire plug at the end. I disconnected the plug, pulled at the cylinder lightly, cleaned the plug and contacts and reconnected. It solved the remaining two codes. Plug was dirty inside.
 
#2 ·
QUOTE (coldk9joe @ Jan 16 2011, 08:24 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>Hi folks,

have a 1995 Volvo 850GTL Wagon, recently replaced the pads and rotors on the rear. Had a bad squeel when breaking and found that both NEW rotors were warpped. Got them machined and fixed that issue. Also haven't had a bad vibration in the rear either after that which came ever so often when breaking.

So at times, which happened also before doing the breaks, the ABS and the Tracs light come on simultaneously and stay on until I turn off the engine and restart it. Both lights are off after the restart.

Got OBDMII system and it does not show any codes for the breaks, abs...etc. Do have the check engine light come on ever so often with the P0400 code for the EGR Valve but still haven't taken it off to clean it.

Anyone got any ideas why the darn ABS/Tracs light would come on without a code but go away after restarting the car?

Sounds like your Ignition Switch (Electrical Portion) is going bad...they do.
http://www.fcpgroton.com/product-exec/prod...category_id/199
http://volvospeed.com/Repair/ignit_switch.php

Since yours is a 1995, your OBD II only shows some codes.

Look at the OBD I system under the hood/bonnet.
http://volvospeed.com/CheckEngine.php
http://volvospeed.com/Repair/a1.html
http://volvospeed.com/Repair/a2.html
http://volvospeed.com/Repair/a3.html
 
#3 ·
I have a 1996 850 with the same problem. it starts ok, at 20mph the light goes out 9 times out of 10, themn maybe 5 miles up the road, maybe 20 miles up the road just driving normal and straight - no braking the light comes on. my code reader doesnt report the ABS codes, and I dont fancy paying a fortune to get the local dealer to do it. I have taken all the connections apart and reseated them, that helped for a couple of days. but they all test out ok at the time of test, so I am not sure where to look next.
Grendel
 
#4 ·
QUOTE (coldk9joe @ Jan 16 2011, 08:24 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>Hi folks,

have a 1995 Volvo 850GTL Wagon, recently replaced the pads and rotors on the rear. Had a bad squeel when breaking and found that both NEW rotors were warpped. Got them machined and fixed that issue. Also haven't had a bad vibration in the rear either after that which came ever so often when breaking.

So at times, which happened also before doing the breaks, the ABS and the Tracs light come on simultaneously and stay on until I turn off the engine and restart it. Both lights are off after the restart.

Got OBDMII system and it does not show any codes for the breaks, abs...etc. Do have the check engine light come on ever so often with the P0400 code for the EGR Valve but still haven't taken it off to clean it.

Anyone got any ideas why the darn ABS/Tracs light would come on without a code but go away after restarting the car?

Did you change the ignition switch?
 
#6 ·
cured mine, after changing the front sensors (the rear ones were replaced last year) the light came back on, then I remembered someone posting that they had put 2 thicknesses of corrugated cardboard between the pump body and the connector - well it has worked for me.
Grendel
 
#7 ·
Sorry it took so long. Been busy with life and work.

Ok, TRACS/ABS lights problem. Still an ongoing issue with my 95 Volvo 850GTL. Have not done any work to the system whatsover aside of using break cleaner and cleaning off everyting on the brakes. Including spraying down the sensor. Had to replace rotors and pads on the rear. They were worn out from the previous owner.

The shaking I had going on in the rear...was caused by warped rotors. Had them resurfaced and that problem went away.

So ABS/Tracs warning lights keep coming on while driving. At times, they pop on and stay lit until I restart the vehicle. Ignition could be going out or be bad. I noticed that at times, when I turn on the car, the ABS light remains on and the gear shift is locked. I move the key just a couple of hairs back and it all works and ABS light goes off. Must be a connection issue or spring issue witht he ignition.

How would the ignition though affect the TRACS/ABS warning lights while driving? Sometimes I noticed that they pop on when i make a turn or go over a bump
 
#8 ·
QUOTE (SeaMike @ Jan 18 2011, 09:55 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>Sounds like your Ignition Switch (Electrical Portion) is going bad...they do.
http://www.fcpgroton.com/product-exec/prod...category_id/199
http://volvospeed.com/Repair/ignit_switch.php

Since yours is a 1995, your OBD II only shows some codes.

Look at the OBD I system under the hood/bonnet.
http://volvospeed.com/CheckEngine.php
http://volvospeed.com/Repair/a1.html
http://volvospeed.com/Repair/a2.html
http://volvospeed.com/Repair/a3.html

Hi SeaMike,

I want to thank you for all the information you gave me. I am a do-it-yourselfer as well. Until I reach the point of "crap" and take the car to the shop to finish the job. Did it once on my 94 Honda.

Anywho, wify loves the Volvo and so do I. Have lots of issues with it. Just had to have all the struts and shocks replaced and since I did not have the tools to compress the springs on the struts, let alone the press for the strut mount and shock had a shop do it. Thankfully, my neighbor was the service writer and saved me some bucks on it.

Again, wanted to thank you for all the information. I will have to trouble shoot the tracs/abs for sure. It is so annoying seeing those lights. Have more issues with the egr and PCV systems. Have those codes popping as well up on the obdII. Gas mileage is bad at the moment not to say. Also ECU saying that it is running rich.

In short, got ma hands full with it.
 
#9 ·
QUOTE (coldk9joe @ Jul 24 2011, 08:10 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>Hi SeaMike,

I want to thank you for all the information you gave me. I am a do-it-yourselfer as well. Until I reach the point of "crap" and take the car to the shop to finish the job. Did it once on my 94 Honda.

Anywho, wify loves the Volvo and so do I. Have lots of issues with it. Just had to have all the struts and shocks replaced and since I did not have the tools to compress the springs on the struts, let alone the press for the strut mount and shock had a shop do it. Thankfully, my neighbor was the service writer and saved me some bucks on it.

Again, wanted to thank you for all the information. I will have to trouble shoot the tracs/abs for sure. It is so annoying seeing those lights. Have more issues with the egr and PCV systems. Have those codes popping as well up on the obdII. Gas mileage is bad at the moment not to say. Also ECU saying that it is running rich.

In short, got ma hands full with it.

How many miles on the car?

Do this test.

With the engine running at normal operating temperature (about 3 o clock on the gauge) lift the hood. Slide the Oil dipstick tube up about 1 inch up..... does any smoke/moist air come out? If so, the Flame Trap and or Oil Trap (PCV) system is getting clogged.

EGR is most likely the issue with running rich.
 
#10 ·
Over 135,000...odometer does not work anymore. Have to replace those 2 plastic wheels inside the cluster to get it working again.

As to the dipstick test, yes. Smoke coming out in puffs. I read into taking the EGR valve off and cleaning it. Tried doing it without taking the intake off. Well I almost succedded in doing it til I came across having to undo the pipe that it is attached too. I did NOT have a wrench big enough to undo it.
Image


So I am planning on getting the necessary gasket and that black box that is located under the intake to replace it, which of course is a dealer item
Image
as soon as I can. Running rich code came after I unbolted and rebolted the EGR as I could not take it off completely. Could not replace the gasket on it so thats probably the cause of it running rich now.
 
#11 ·
QUOTE (coldk9joe @ Jul 24 2011, 09:27 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>Over 135,000...odometer does not work anymore. Have to replace those 2 plastic wheels inside the cluster to get it working again.

As to the dipstick test, yes. Smoke coming out in puffs. I read into taking the EGR valve off and cleaning it. Tried doing it without taking the intake off. Well I almost succedded in doing it til I came across having to undo the pipe that it is attached too. I did NOT have a wrench big enough to undo it.
Image


So I am planning on getting the necessary gasket and that black box that is located under the intake to replace it, which of course is a dealer item
Image
as soon as I can. Running rich code came after I unbolted and rebolted the EGR as I could not take it off completely. Could not replace the gasket on it so thats probably the cause of it running rich now.

Hey,

Is your car a turbo or not?

If you want to save money...here is how.
If you are getting Puffs of smoke from the dipstick...check your flame trap first.

http://volvospeed.com/volvo_repairs_how_to...eplacement.html

When you do the Oil Dipstick Tube test again, if it still puffs, the pipe might be clogged shut like mine..SEE PICTURE

If it is,.... I would put a Oil Trap on... yes you can do it, I did. Just take your time and you will be done in a weekend.
This is a Turbo write up, but it is still very similar.
http://volvospeed.com/volvo_repairs_how_to...lation_egr.html

Here is info on the EGR.
http://volvospeed.com/volvo_repairs_how_to...lation_egr.html

Also, When was the timing belt done last at?

Mike
 

Attachments

#12 · (Edited by Moderator)
@SeaMike

Good question on the timing belt. Do not know. There is a timing belt replacement sticker on the black box next to the coolant reservoir but can't make out any of the digits on it as it faded out. Oh and my Vovlo is the 2.4L Non-Turbo

Thursday I will be working on cars pretty much all day. Have a cousin's car to take to the shop and get the a/c evac and filled. Then my little Honda have to do same. By evening I be cranking on the Volvo.

Just had the plastic connection tube snap that goes between the evaporator drain and the tubing in the center console. Nevertheless, both front floorboards were soaked yesterday. Had to tear the carpet up and the insulation underneath. Took it all out last night and set out to dry in the garage. Didn't help that it poured cats n dogs last night either.

Anywho, Vovlo temp fixed up as far as the evap drain for now. Wify got a/c

But yea, timing belt, no clue when that sucker was replaced. Gonna try to find out from the previous owner to be exact, but need to fix the darn speedometer cluster so I have an accurate reading on mileage. Oil changes I do right now by the service light or whoever the oil looks at the moment.
 
#13 · (Edited by Moderator)
QUOTE (SeaMike @ Jul 24 2011, 10:21 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>Hey,

Is your car a turbo or not?

If you want to save money...here is how.
If you are getting Puffs of smoke from the dipstick...check your flame trap first.

http://volvospeed.com/volvo_repairs_how_to...eplacement.html

When you do the Oil Dipstick Tube test again, if it still puffs, the pipe might be clogged shut like mine..SEE PICTURE

If it is,.... I would put a Oil Trap on... yes you can do it, I did. Just take your time and you will be done in a weekend.
This is a Turbo write up, but it is still very similar.
http://volvospeed.com/volvo_repairs_how_to...lation_egr.html

Here is info on the EGR.
http://volvospeed.com/volvo_repairs_how_to...lation_egr.html

Also, When was the timing belt done last at?

Mike

Hey Mike,

I looked at the picture, the end is distorted but looks clooged.(lol)..what is that long tube?
As far as the flame trap, can I clean it with carb&shoke cleaner or do I need to replace it? What would you recommend to use as a cleaner for the EGR, hoses, and throttle body?

Somewhere else (don't remember where now) I read to do the EGR, the exhaust intake should be taken off, while doing so, there is a black box behind it that should be replaced at that time. Would you recommend doing it that way? I have a replacement exhaust intake that is being tanked (cleaned) at the moment.

And from the pictures, I defintely can do the work now as I seen what needs to be done.

Jovan
 
#14 ·
QUOTE (coldk9joe @ Jul 25 2011, 07:38 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>Hey Mike,

I looked at the picture, the end is distorted but looks clogged.(lol)..what is that long tube?
As far as the flame trap, can I clean it with carb & choke cleaner or do I need to replace it? What would you recommend to use as a cleaner for the EGR, hoses, and throttle body?

Somewhere else (don't remember where now) I read to do the EGR, the exhaust intake should be taken off, while doing so, there is a black box behind it that should be replaced at that time. Would you recommend doing it that way? I have a replacement exhaust intake that is being tanked (cleaned) at the moment.

And from the pictures, I defintely can do the work now as I seen what needs to be done.

Jovan

Jovan,

The long pipe is the pipe between the Oil Trap and Flame Trap. (Mine looks different because my car is a Canadian Car 10 Valve Engine)

Always make sure the engine has sit overnight (so it is completely cold) so that when you unbolt parts (EGR, Intake) don't warp.

This is what I would do...because of the issue with the car, and you have no idea when the timing belt was changed last at.

1. Do Timing belt and components first (Because if it breaks, the head and pistons will be damaged which equals lots of $$$$$)

2. Do Oil Trap and Flame, and EGR next. ( Since you have to take off the intake to gain complete access to the EGR to either clean it or replace it. To make sure that it will work, read attached PDF, clean it with throttle body cleaner. If you are going to keep the car for a long time, just replace it.

What state are you in?

Make sure when you order a kit to tell them that your engine has a EGR Valve in it.

Can you do me a favor and take a picture of the engine area, especially focus on the (Intake Manifold) because I am not sure if you have a straight pipe or a curved on that goes from your Oil Trap(black Box under intake) to your Flame Trap (Connects to large tube going to throttle body)

Mike
 

Attachments

#15 · (Edited by Moderator)
I replaced the oil trap, cleaned the throttle body and the EGR and vacuum lines. Put it all back together.

Under load, while stopped, its stalling.
Image
In addition, noticed that the valves are clackering now while its at steady speed. They don't clatter while accelarating.

Timing belt will be my next project as soon as I can do that timewise. This week is loaded up.

Have to get ready for work. Will take some pics and send it out later while at work. Also adjusted the throttle cable to compensate for the stalling. Its not doing it right now but will find out once I hit the road. Also check engine light came back on. Will find out what that is too while at work.

PS: I am in AZ

Jovan
 
#16 ·
QUOTE (coldk9joe @ Jul 29 2011, 04:59 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>I replaced the oil trap, cleaned the throttle body and the EGR and vacuum lines. Put it all back together.

Under load, while stopped, its stalling.
Image
In addition, noticed that the valves are clackering now while its at steady speed. They don't clatter while accelarating.

Timing belt will be my next project as soon as I can do that timewise. This week is loaded up.

Have to get ready for work. Will take some pics and send it out later while at work. Also adjusted the throttle cable to compensate for the stalling. Its not doing it right now but will find out once I hit the road. Also check engine light came back on. Will find out what that is too while at work.

PS: I am in AZ

Jovan

Jovan,

What weight oil do you use in the car? How often do you change the Oil? What oil filter do you use, and what filter is on the car at this time?

When can you read the codes again?

You can call me, I am in Texas and will to help if I can.

Mike
 
#17 · (Edited by Moderator)
Mike,

using full synthetic, 10-30W, think its Valvoline oil. Would have to check as soon as I get home. Using Fram High Mileage (the new one). Trying to keep at 3K intervals but a little hard with the speedo out. Using the GPS tracking on it to keep track so could say between 3k-5K, but no more than 5K intervals.

Current Code displayed is now P0172 - System to reach <Bank 1>(no clue what the banks mean); freeze frame data said: Fuel System 1, Closed loop - fault, Calculated load 2.7%

Ok, updated on it. It is stalling out after the engine is warm, when idle in park or idle under load
Image


Took it back home and traded cars. Letting it cool off so when I get home I can replace all the vacuum lines with new ones. Also got a new air filter and MAF cleaner. Send you a message with my number in it.

Thanks Mike,

Jovan
 
#18 ·
QUOTE (coldk9joe @ Jul 29 2011, 09:23 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>Mike,

using full synthetic, 10-30W, think its Valvoline oil. Would have to check as soon as I get home. Using Fram High Mileage (the new one). Trying to keep at 3K intervals but a little hard with the speedo out. Using the GPS tracking on it to keep track so could say between 3k-5K, but no more than 5K intervals.

Current Code displayed is now P0172 - System to reach <Bank 1>(no clue what the banks mean); freeze frame data said: Fuel System 1, Closed loop - fault, Calculated load 2.7%

Ok, updated on it. It is stalling out after the engine is warm, when idle in park or idle under load
Image


Took it back home and traded cars. Letting it cool off so when I get home I can replace all the vacuum lines with new ones. Also got a new air filter and MAF cleaner. Send you a message with my number in it.

Thanks Mike,

Jovan

Ok figured out the problem on the stalling, the elbow hose that connects from the Idle air motor to the air intake hose busted as it was brittle. It caused a large vacuum leak. Replaced it with factory new ones. Replaced the top one as well.

No more codes aside of the ABS now. Got the electrical part of the ignition from the dealer for $65. Going to pick it up tomorrow and hopefully have it replaced by night when I get home from work.