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2003 Honda Accord, V-6: traction control activation indicator (yellow triangle with exclamation point) is illuminated and traction control indicator (yellow TCS) comes on after 20-30 seconds of driving. Transmission was just re-built (93K miles) and mechanic hooked up his Snap On scanner – could be right or left front ABS sensor or brake switch. I tried right front sensor (no ABS indicator illuminated) – what a mistake – sensor snapped off, I had to drill it out and ultimately, pulled off the hub to clean out the scraps. Put in a new sensor and still have the issue. I’m doubting the value of the Snap On scan. Any ideas?
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Just some additional info – took out brake light switch, took it apart and cleaned it. Seems to work fine. Brake lights were never an issue, anyway. I did look for blue diagnostic connecter (per Eric’s video – Thanks, Eric) – no luck – looked everywhere under the dash and in the side kick panels – both sides – Nothing. I suspect Honda pulls it from the OBD port.
A scan tool is only as good as the man reading it. I would’ve viewed the datastream while driving it to see if there is a difference in readings between the different wheel speed sensors.
You have ODBII. plug in while driving to find out whats going on with the abs wheel sensors. Might be a bad connection too. Don’t over look the cables to the senors either.
My cheapo OBD scanner won’t read ABS and TSC codes (but then again, the $250 Actron scanner that Advance Auto uses to scan your car for free can’t read the Honda ABS/TSC codes – I already tried them)
I had the same issues with my TCS. It was as simple as cleaning the carbon deposits off of the sensors.
Thanks – I had that on a ’99 Dodge but those were exposed sensors with metal end caps. Was your situation Honda sensors that are ssealed into the wheel hubs? If yes, what is the trick to pulling them out without snapping them off. The inside of the sensor hole was rusted and the sensor wouldn’t move.
I have on 2000 and a 2001 V6 honda accords. the sensors are held in place with a 10mm bolt. remove the bolt and spray some wd40 to break up the build up. Patients is key. wiggle out from the back side. Pry a little with a flat head screw driver to separate from the hub.
Thanks. I tried – over an hour of trying – no go. Had to take the hub off. Even then, with penetrant sprayed from the inside, I had to destroy it with a punch to get it out of the hole. Took quite a bit of time with emery cloth to smooth out the hole enough so I could get the new one in. Even that one was tough and I lubed the hole with a light coating of wheel bearing grease. I do have an update though – no change with the new sensor BUT on a quick test run in front of my house, the brakes locked up. And, of course, the TCS lights are illuminated!
I jumped the 4 & 9 pins on the OBDII connector and counted the ABS flashes (ABS has never been illuminated through this saga). It flashed 68 and 84. Haven’t found a description of those codes, yet.
code 68-brake switch failure or misadjusted
code 84- sensor logic failure
here is a link for the code 84http://www.justanswer.com/honda/427e4-sensor-logic-failure.html
Racing Maniac – I had to explore further – the sensors on your 2000 and 2001 look much shorter and have a larger diameter than the 2003 (next generation Accord). Mine are about the diameter of a pencil (just a little bigger) and at least 1 & 1/2″ long – in my opinion, destined to break. I’d love to hear from a Honda tech to see what they do at the dealership. I can’t imagine you can get them out in a reasonable amount of time.
College man – thanks for the reply. I’m sure I set the code 68 when I took out the switch – I forgot to reattach the connector and turned the key to ON position. I suspect I created the locked brake issue when I messed with this – I just changed the switch and brakes are unlocked. One of the locking tabs on the switch retainer was cracked so the switch probably didn’t stay in proper positon. Regarding code 84, I’m curious about tech “Steve’s” reference to recent paint or front end work – this did start after my trans was rebuilt. I’m trying to understand exactly what would have set the code.
I do appreciate everyone’s responses!
Thanks. Car is headed to the dealer, tomorrow – recall on power steering hose. I’ll let them finish the diagnosis or re-setting of the coputer to clear the codes. (I also had intermittent airbag warning light. I’ve always assumed it was related to seat belt latch – I’ve seen that on several forums.) In any event, I’ll update everyone when I get the car back.good luck, I am kinda suprised the scan tools you have used are not picking up the traction control and abs signals. Only thing I can come up with is its on a different computer then the one OBDII uses. Still learning here but from what I have read my gut is telling me it’s to do with a wire not making a good connection. But that’s just me. You posted that this happened after you had transmition work done so I am guessing someone might have partially slit a wire that no one has noticed. Could ABS and the Traction Control be linked to the transmition considering it drives the wheels? Just a thought.
The ABS and TCS gets its info from the wheel speed sensors on the hub. The connection could be broken somewhere though.
OK – here’s the scoop – service manager at dealership called and conveyed the technician’s comments – cleared all of the codes and took the car for a test drive – everything is fixed – no new or repeat codes. Said that hard shifting of the trans might have set a code but probably was a sensor issue. I did bring the car back to the trans mechanic, 2 weeks ago, at the 500 mile check up. I pointed out the hard shift between first and second. He said to give it time to wear in. Honda mechanic agreed and suggested it might take up to 1,000 miles. Mechanic said trans work looked good and doesn’t think any wires were nicked during the work. I had already checked that – everything seemed to be protected by hard plastic split wire looms.
I never spoke directly to a tech and my wife picked up car so I never got to ask how they replace sensor. However, the note I left when I dropped the car off, overnight, only mentioned sensors were replaced. When the service manager called me the first time he asked “when the hubs were pulled to replace the sensors…”. Maybe my recent work on the hubs was obvious? I still have to get an answer on that one from a Honda tech.
Again, thanks to everyone for the responses.
For anyone who searches ’03-’05 Accord ABS sensors in the future – if you don’t find any reference to some secret way to remove the sensors easily, prepare yourself for a few hours work – just “bite the bullet” – pull the hub and destroy the old sensor to remove it.
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