"Traction failed"

[H3slate]

So i have had the "traction failed" show up somewhat frequently this winter. It usually occurs on the freeway in dry conditions. I don't feel any changes in the vehicle when the message comes up, it will usually go away shortly after showing up. Some trips it shows up 4 to 5 times. Other trips it doesn't show up at all. There are no changes in how the vehicle behaves when the messages show up.

It looks like a bad speed sensor might be the culprit. How can I tell which one is bad?

What other components should I be looking at?

 

[06 H3]

I would look into the rear speed sensors first as they are easier to inspect. Look for frays in the line, cut lines and then pull them out of the rear axle and inspect for any damage. If they seem ok I would then check the fronts. They are tougher to inspect because you need to pull off the hub and remove the brake dust shield to get it all the way out. Also inspect the hub for play but grabbing the tire and wiggling it back and forth. I wouldnt be surprised if a bad hub triggered something like that. Unfortunately scanguages wont pick up on those codes but next time the light comes on call onstar and they may be able to read a diagnostic or check an auto store or dealer who can pull up those codes.

Hopefully its something simple like a line that is just intermit and slowly going out.

 

[Mr_Rich]

Trac Fail was one of the indicators that showed up in the DTC two weeks ago with my truck. I did a tune-up by changing the plugs, cleaning the throttle body, cleaning the MAF, and replacing the dirty/ clogged air filter. It seemed to do the trick for me. Oh yeah, I also added some fuel injector cleaner to the gas tank. When the engine is running ratty maybe it's throwing some spurious codes that will have you chasing your tail. Easy stuff first....

 

[ReconH3]

With me it was as 06 said; a speed sensor.


"Ex Umbris Venimus"

 

[Bigunit]

For me, it was caused by a faulty/worn-out stop lamp brake pressure pedal switch - GM part #15914909. Mine has been replaced twice already - the DIC message would come on evertime I applied the brakes to come to a stop. It would reset itself, go away, then come back on a few stoplights later. If your service rep. starts giving you a song and a dance, tell them to look for the GM bulletin and to start with that easy diagnosis - as the code that they will pull up (C0136), will confirm if that is the problem.

There also are 2 other codes for this DIC message that may show up on the scanner:
1) C0186 - for the yaw rate sensor (replacing the yaw rate sensor should fix this issue).
2) C0276 - shows a possible problem in the transfer case. If the selected range is shown to be incorrect, this code will set. Replacing the transfer case actuator is the normal repair for this code.

 

[MTUH3]

Mine started doing the same thing. Come to find out it was the front wheel bearings going bad. With the tires and wind noise it was always hard to tell if they were going or it was road noise. Then they let me know they were completely shot one day

 

[QMAX]

Followed your suggestions. Found the solution!

I had the same, code C0136. In addition to your suggestions, that were spot on, I noticed that also the cruise control wasn’t working. I found that the switch had the little plastic piston stuck in.
I opened it up an forced back out. Cleaned and lubricated, msg went out and cruise control working again.
Thanks!!!

For me, it was caused by a faulty/worn-out stop lamp brake pressure pedal switch - GM part #15914909. Mine has been replaced twice already - the DIC message would come on evertime I applied the brakes to come to a stop. It would reset itself, go away, then come back on a few stoplights later. If your service rep. starts giving you a song and a dance, tell them to look for the GM bulletin and to start with that easy diagnosis - as the code that they will pull up (C0136), will confirm if that is the problem.

There also are 2 other codes for this DIC message that may show up on the scanner:
1) C0186 - for the yaw rate sensor (replacing the yaw rate sensor should fix this issue).
2) C0276 - shows a possible problem in the transfer case. If the selected range is shown to be incorrect, this code will set. Replacing the transfer case actuator is the normal repair for this code.