I can't go over fifty miles and the cars shakes at a red light

Tiny
CYNTHIA1
  • MEMBER
  • 1999 PONTIAC GRAND AM
  • 0.5L
  • 4 CYL
  • TURBO
  • 4WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 86,000 MILES
Well my trac off light and abs light comes on and at a red light the car shakes and idles plus when I drive I can't go aver 50miles or it will start shaken
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Saturday, July 18th, 2015 AT 9:42 AM

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Tiny
CARADIODOC
  • MECHANIC
  • 33,699 POSTS
To start with, the engine has a misfire that must be addressed. That could be as simple as worn spark plugs. How long since the engine had a tune-up?

For the ABS problem, the place to start is by having the diagnostic fault codes read and recorded. On GM front-wheel-drive cars, probably the most common cause is a loss of a wheel speed signal due to the normal play that develops in the wheel bearing.

Be aware that when a wheel speed fault code sets, a number of other tests performed by the ABS Computer are suspended because the missing signal is needed for reference. If you have the problem repaired soon, that's usually the end of it. If you put off getting it fixed for a long time, additional problems can develop but they won't be detected because those tests are not taking place. The mechanic will only know about the problem related to the fault code currently in memory, and that's what he bases his estimate for repair on. When you finally do have the ABS system repaired, the self-tests will resume, and that's when the next problem gets detected. The mechanic may have to tell you more diagnosis or parts are needed, or the warning light may turn on again, (for that "new" problem), shortly after you leave the repair shop. You will incorrectly assume the previous diagnosis or repair was done incorrectly. This is frustrating for you and the mechanic, but it can be avoided by simply not waiting too long to have the problem diagnosed.
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Saturday, July 18th, 2015 AT 7:24 PM

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