Traction control, ABS and hill assist lights on dash

Tiny
JOHANNAJIMENEZ
  • MEMBER
  • 2013 SUBARU IMPREZA
  • 2.0L
  • 4 CYL
  • 4WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 74,000 MILES
Sometimes when I’m driving the traction control, ABS, and hill assist lights light up on my dash. Vehicle still drives fine, sometimes they will disappear after I turn the car off and turn it back on. Sometimes it will remain on which will then make it difficult to put car in drive, as it will lock it in park. Checked other sites and said this was a sensor, could this be the issue?
Sunday, April 21st, 2019 AT 9:23 AM

1 Reply

Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 108,133 POSTS
Welcome to 2CarPros.

First, since the light is on, you really should have the computer scanned. That would provide the diagnostic trouble codes which will help fix the problem. Here is a quick video showing how it's done:

https://youtu.be/YV3TRZwer8k

Now, I realize most people don't own a scanner, but most parts stores will do it for free. Have that done.

Next, the things you indicated all tie together. My first guess is you have a bad wheel speed sensor. Basically, the wheel speed sensors control the ABS, stability control, and the other things you mentioned.

You may find there is a code stored indicating which one is the problem or if it is something different. If you want to test it yourself, here is a link that shows how it is done:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/abs-wheel-speed-sensor-test

You will need to some basic testing equipment. Here are links showing what you will need:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-use-a-test-light-circuit-tester

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-use-a-voltmeter

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-check-wiring

________________________________________________

Now, if you determine that one of the wheel speed sensors is bad, it could be front or the rear. Here are the directions for replacing a front sensor. The attached pictures correlate with these directions. If you find it's a rear sensor, the directions and pics for replacement will follow these directions. Also, there is a test procedure at the end of the directions you can do if needed.

_______________________________________________

FRONT SENSOR
Front ABS Wheel Speed Sensor

REMOVAL

1) Disconnect the ground cable from battery.
2) Lift up the vehicle, and then remove the front wheels.
3) Remove the front ABS wheel speed sensor.

CAUTION:
Be careful not to damage the sensor.
Do not apply excessive force to the sensor harness.
Leave the sensor harness clamp on the vehicle side.
(1) Disconnect the connector of the front ABS wheel speed sensor in the engine compartment.

pic 1

(2) Remove each harness clip and grommet.
(3) Remove the bolts, and remove the front ABS wheel speed sensor from the housing assembly - front axle.

pic 2

INSTALLATION

CAUTION:
Be careful not to damage the sensor.
Do not apply excessive force to the sensor harness.
Install each part in the reverse order of removal.

NOTE:
Check the identification (mark) on the harness to make sure there is no warpage.
Check if the harness is not pulled and does not come in contact with the suspension or body while operating the steering.

Tightening torque:
Front ABS wheel speed sensor: 7.5 Nm (0.76 kgf-m, 5.5 ft-lb)
Front ABS wheel speed sensor bracket: 33 Nm (3.36 kgf-m, 24.3 ft-lb)
Front wheel: 120 Nm (12.24 kgf-m, 88.5 ft-lb)

CHECK ABS WHEEL SPEED SENSOR UNIT Inspection

1) Visually check the tip of the ABS wheel speed sensor for foreign particles or damage. If necessary, clean the tip or replace the ABS wheel speed sensor.
2) Disconnect the ABS wheel speed sensor connector.
3) Check the ABS wheel speed sensor cable for discontinuity. If defective, replace the ABS wheel speed sensor.
4) Connect a 12 V power supply to No. 1 terminal of ABS wheel speed sensor connector, then attach resistance to the No. 2 terminal. Rotate the wheel at about 2.75 km/h (2 MPH), and measure the voltage using an oscilloscope.

Standard value of output voltage:
0.7 - 1.4 V

pic 3

5) Replace the ABS wheel speed sensor if the inspection result is not within the standard value.

____________________________________________________________________

Rear Wheel Speed Sensor / Please note these directions vary based on model. Refer to the one you have.

REAR SENSOR
Rear ABS Wheel Speed Sensor

REMOVAL

4 DOOR MODEL

1) Disconnect the ground cable from battery.
2) Lift up the vehicle, and then remove the rear wheels.
3) Remove the rear ABS wheel speed sensor.

CAUTION:
Be careful not to damage the sensor.
Do not apply excessive force to the sensor harness.
Leave the sensor harness clamp on the vehicle side.
(1) Take out the trunk mat.
(2) Tilt the backrest assembly of the rear seat forward.
(3) Remove the clips located at the bottom of the cover COMPL - rear backrest LH and RH of the rear seat back.

pic 4

(4) Remove the clips, and turn over the trim panel - trunk side.

pic 5

(5) Disconnect the connector of the rear ABS wheel speed sensor.

pic 6

(6) Remove the grommet from the rear wheel housing, and pull out the connector of the rear ABS wheel speed sensor.
(7) Remove the harness clip and bolt, and remove the rear ABS wheel speed sensor.

pic 7

5 DOOR MODEL/XV MODEL

1) Disconnect the ground cable from battery.
2) Lift up the vehicle, and then remove the rear wheels.
3) Remove the rear ABS wheel speed sensor.

CAUTION:
Be careful not to damage the sensor.
Do not apply excessive force to the sensor harness.
Leave the sensor harness clamp on the vehicle side.
(1) Tilt the backrest assembly of the rear seat forward.
(2) Remove the clips located at the bottom of the cover COMPL - rear backrest LH and RH of the rear seat back.

pic 8

(3) Remove the mat - rear floor CTR and the spacer - rear floor side.

pic 9

(4) Remove the clips, and remove the trim panel - rear skirt.

pic 10

(5) Remove the lid upper rear (a) and the cap - rear strut (b) in the order from (1) to (6).

pic 11

(6) Disconnect the connector of the rear ABS wheel speed sensor.

pic 12

(7) Remove the grommet from the rear wheel housing, and pull out the connector of the rear ABS wheel speed sensor.
(8) Remove the harness clip and bolt, and remove the rear ABS wheel speed sensor.
Except for XV model

pic 13

XV model

pic 14

INSTALLATION

CAUTION:
Be careful not to damage the sensor.
1) Install each part in the reverse order of removal.
2) Route the rear ABS wheel speed sensor cable to the upper arm assembly.

NOTE:
Check the identification (mark) on the harness to make sure there is no warpage.

Tightening torque:
Rear ABS wheel speed sensor: 7.5 Nm (0.76 kgf-m, 5.5 ft-lb)
Rear wheel: 120 Nm (12.24 kgf-m, 88.5 ft-lb)

INSPECTION

ABS WHEEL SPEED SENSOR

For inspection of rear ABS wheel speed sensor, refer to inspection of front ABS wheel speed sensor. See: Wheel Speed Sensor > Removal and Replacement > Front Sensor

Let me know if this helps or if you have other questions.

Take care,
Joe
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Sunday, April 21st, 2019 AT 7:14 PM

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