Traction control light, check engine light turned on and misfire code

Tiny
TRACEY LACEY
  • MEMBER
  • 2009 PONTIAC VIBE
  • 4 CYL
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 200,000 MILES
I went off the road and now traction control light, check engine light turned on, and it's throwing misfire cylinder 3 code.
Wednesday, December 8th, 2021 AT 1:17 PM

7 Replies

Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 108,366 POSTS
Hi,

Often times when the traction control turns on, it is related to a wheel speed sensor. Were there any codes other than the misfire? When you scanned the computer, were you able to scan the can-bus? CAN stands for controller area network. Basically, all the computers/modules are tied together via a few wires. This type of scan will retrieve codes regardless of the one storing them.

Here is a link that explains how it's done:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/can-scan-controller-area-network-easy

Let me know if this has been done, if there are any other codes, and if the ABS light is on.

Take care,

Joe
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Wednesday, December 8th, 2021 AT 8:36 PM
Tiny
TRACEY LACEY
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  • 5 POSTS
ABS light is on solid, check engine light traction control is on. Cleared everything changed the spark plug in cylinder three where it said misfire drove it and by time I went around the block it was doing it again and only showing misfire in cylinder three. Only code it has.
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Tuesday, December 14th, 2021 AT 3:14 PM
Tiny
TRACEY LACEY
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No other scan has been done. I'm going to click the link and see how.
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Tuesday, December 14th, 2021 AT 3:15 PM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 108,366 POSTS
Hi Tracy, let me know what you find.

Joe
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Tuesday, December 14th, 2021 AT 5:32 PM
Tiny
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I really can't afford to buy the scanner and fix the car.
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Wednesday, December 15th, 2021 AT 8:42 AM
Tiny
TRACEY LACEY
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My son who lives out of state said the obd2 was ABS also if that helps it still only throws misfire in cylinder 3.
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Wednesday, December 15th, 2021 AT 9:11 AM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 108,366 POSTS
Hi, Tracy,

OBD stands for On-Board Diagnostics. It refers to the automotive electronic system that provides vehicle diagnostic information. The ABS stands for Anti-Lock Brakes. They are two separate systems, but diagnostic codes from the ABS can be retrieved using the OBD. (If that makes sense LOL).

So, the two things, the cylinder three misfire and the ABS are not likely related.

I want you to try something. The misfire could be the result of a faulty ignition coil. So, switch the cylinder 3 coil with cylinder 2. See pic 1 below. I highlighted the numbers 2 and 3 coils. If there is a problem with the number 3 coil, the misfire will move with it to cyl 2. You will need to have it scanned to confirm if it moved or not, but most parts stores will do it free of charge.

All you will need to do is disconnect the electrical connector at the two coils and then there is one bolt holding each in place. Remove the bolt and gently (while twisting back and forth) pull straight up on the coil to remove it. Install is the reverse.

Let's focus on one thing at a time. Once we get this issue resolved, we'll move on to the ABS.

Let me know what you find, if you have questions, or if I can help in any way.

Take care,

Joe

See pic below.
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Wednesday, December 15th, 2021 AT 5:57 PM

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