1997 Cadillac SRX - STS Stability and or Traction Contol Sy

Tiny
DOUGLSNICHOLSON
  • MEMBER
  • 1997 CADILLAC STS
  • V8
  • FWD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 100,000 MILES
97 Cad Seville 4 dr. STS: At 62,000, had EBTCM Electronic Brake Traction Control Module replaced ($987) due to stability control system engaging when it was not required. The problem occurred at all speeds and driving conditions (but never due to a skid or lack of stability. All on dry roads etc.).
Worked fine for a while, but the problem has been back for the last 20,000 miles or so. It is an itermittant problem meaning you can drive for weeks without it happening and then it will engage on and off for a week or so and then the problem stops for a period of time again. When the problem 0ccurs, the Stability Engagged warning - 55 comes on and you can hear the mechanism working when you tap the brakes. Some times, the breaks will actually engage lightly, even though your foot is not on the brake pedal. Since I have had the Chip replaced and the problem is intermittant, I tend to think that there may be some sensors that are out of wack, dirty or malfunctioning and sending false signals to the system. I fear taking it back to a dealer for repair as I suspect they will just through another chip in it (another $1,000) when the cause may be in the sensors etc. I'm not qualifed to know.
My question to you is, do you have some thoughts on what the problem could be and are there some things that I could do to try to fix the problem. Short of that, can a repair shop (brakes or electrical) tackle the problem rather than having to take it to a dealer. Also, if it is the chip, is it possible that I could find a chip in the 'Used Parts Network" and if so, is it easy or difficult to get at and replace?
Obviously, I'm trying to stay away from another $1,000 bill with the same results later on down the road. Any advise on the subject would be helpful in stearing me in the right direction.
Thanks.
Thursday, January 24th, 2008 AT 12:30 AM

8 Replies

Tiny
2CARPRO JACK
  • MECHANIC
  • 11,533 POSTS
I would look more towards a possible shorting wheel speed sensor. They can short causing the comp to think the wheel isnt jiving with the others and it activates the traction control. Needs to be driven while the scanner is on it to watch all the sensors to see if this is the case. Doesnt nee to be the dealer, but a reputable shop
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Thursday, January 24th, 2008 AT 2:03 PM
Tiny
DOUGLSNICHOLSON
  • MEMBER
  • 6 POSTS
Jack,
Thanks for the info. If you are correct in your assessment, it most likely will be very helpful. With respect to a 'reputable shop' what kind of a shop would most likely do this type of work: Brake, Electrical or General Auto Repair?
Also, I tried to give you my 0.2 points that I have, but it would not take it. I am new to the Forum and don't understand the point reward system. Would have given you more if I could.
Thanks,
douglsnicholson
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Thursday, January 24th, 2008 AT 2:28 PM
Tiny
2CARPRO JACK
  • MECHANIC
  • 11,533 POSTS
No big deal on the points, that system is a little funny. Might want to find a shop that specializes in GM or Caddies. Try to avoid chain repair shops. Maybe ask for referrals from others in your area
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Thursday, January 24th, 2008 AT 3:03 PM
Tiny
BUZZSAW
  • MECHANIC
  • 1,198 POSTS
Scan the codes and maybe I can help, with the key in the on posision, push off and the button right under it simotanesly, this should put it in diag mode, write down the codes and post them here, read them in the IP, STS are a litle diff when getting codes, may have to get my caddy book out
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Friday, January 25th, 2008 AT 4:45 PM
Tiny
DOUGLSNICHOLSON
  • MEMBER
  • 6 POSTS
Buzzsaw,
Thanks for jumping in. I can turn my key to the on position, but I don't find any buttons to push. I assumed they would be near the ignition key area but perhaps I am not familiar enough with the car to know what buttons you are referring to. It sounds like a great way to diagnos the problem, so I would like to stick with it. I have sent along some pictures of what the interior of my vehicle looks like. Perhaps that will help you in directing me to the buttons you refer to.
Many thanks,
douglsnicholson


https://www.2carpros.com/forum/automotive_pictures/146769_IMG_0618_1.jpg


https://www.2carpros.com/forum/automotive_pictures/146769_IMG_0620_1.jpg


https://www.2carpros.com/forum/automotive_pictures/146769_IMG_0620_2.jpg


https://www.2carpros.com/forum/automotive_pictures/146769_IMG_0619_1.jpg

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Saturday, January 26th, 2008 AT 12:28 AM
Tiny
BUZZSAW
  • MECHANIC
  • 1,198 POSTS
The heater controls, in front of your gear shift, push off and down on your mode button, with key in the on posision
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Monday, January 28th, 2008 AT 11:57 AM
Tiny
DOUGLSNICHOLSON
  • MEMBER
  • 6 POSTS
Buzzsaw. Got your message. With the key in every possition possible, No codes appeard while simulateously holding in the off button and down on the mode button (on the heater controls). I assume the codes would appear in the Information Center Screen. What does that tell you, if anything? Willing to try anything to help you diagnos the problem.
Douglsnicholson
Many thanks again for your patience in persuing the problem.
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Monday, January 28th, 2008 AT 2:18 PM
Tiny
BUZZSAW
  • MECHANIC
  • 1,198 POSTS
Send a better pic of the heater controls, codes should flash something, never seen a caddy without any codes in it, most are driver error
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Monday, February 25th, 2008 AT 11:39 AM

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