ABS/Traction Control Disconnect

[Welker]

Yesterday I took the car in for a tire rotation and new brake pads at the local Goodyear Service Center. After the work was completed the ABS and Traction Control warning lights were on and could not be turned off. The dash switch shows the Traction Control system off and the tech guy said that the diagnostic equipment shows the ABS sensor to be bad, the ABS turned off and that all connections are in order. Sooooo, Monday I go to Ford with this tale of woe and do whatever Ford says must be done. The owners guide said that so long as the brake lights are not on it is not a safety issue but needs to be taken care of. Any suggestions?

[V8 Cat]

Re: ABS/Traction Control Disconnect

Ned,
I'm not an expert, but it sounds like Goodyear damaged your ABS sensor. It was working when you handed the car over to them wasn't it?

[Welker]

Re: ABS/Traction Control Disconnect

Claude, that's my guess, too, and one I suggested to Goodyear. They said they would make it good if that is the case and Ford says so. I don't intend to tell Ford right off, just let them find out what the problem is, and if they say it is damaged, then back to Goodyear. I am most concerned about the hassle....just seems like nobody can do anything right and its always somebody else's fault....and the customer has to be the detective and put up with a lot techno gobbly gook to argue against.

[theflash]

Re: ABS/Traction Control Disconnect

I think I would take it back to Goodyear and have them do the job correctly. If they broke the sensor and it seems like they did, they need to fix it.
Not the Ford dealer.

[bronzebird]

Re: ABS/Traction Control Disconnect

I think I would take it back to Goodyear and have them do the job correctly. If they broke the sensor and it seems like they did, they need to fix it.
Not the Ford dealer.

I agree.... why bring the dealer into the picture? If the dealer has to get involved let Goodyear do it.

Too many of these automotive stores hire folks who are a bit ham-handed and don't have the needed technical knowledge.

I'd put it back in their lap, otherwise you'll be bouncing back and forth like a tennis ball.

Bronzebird

[Welker]

Re: ABS/Traction Control Disconnect

Well, I did bring the dealer into the picture and for once things worked out....sort of. I had forgotten that the dealership was open on Saturdays and when I called for an appointment they said bring it and they stuck the diagnostic equipment on it. Turns out, the brake pad work had nothing to do with what it was that ailed the car, which was, according to the computer a $150 right front speed sensor....which I ordered for Tuesday repair. When I got in the car to take it home the ABS and traction control lights went on, and then out, indicating there is no problem. Turns out that when the computor cleared at the end of the dignostic work, it reset everything, and eliminated the problem.....maybe. I am going to drive the car for the weekend and if the problem does not reoccur, it would seem that the problem was one with the computer. I do think Goodyear did something with the electonics which caused the false reading and I will try to get them to cough up at least a part of the diagnostic test cost if the problem does not reoccur since their own equipment couldn't find anything or reset anything. Anyway, maybe all's well that ends well. Any, folks, thanks for the input.

[BIRD 42]

Re: ABS/Traction Control Disconnect

Bronzebird

Love what you did under your hood The bronze on the engine looks fantastic!

[Johnny TBird]

Re: ABS/Traction Control Disconnect

I MAY BE CRAZY...BUT I LET MY FORD SERVICE MANAGER DO EVERYTHING NEEDED ON MY TBIRD. I KNOW THERE ARE OTHER CAR SERVICES THAT DO GOOD WORK....BUT I HAVE A FORD AND I WANT FORD TO MAINTAIN IT.

HAPPY TRAILS

[Welker]

Re: ABS/Traction Control Disconnect

I agree with you, Johnny, for the most part but when it comes to tires, rotations and brakes I think a wider choice is good. My Ford service is good and they have always done a good job. If I had bought my tires there I would have taken the car there for the brake work. By the way, I have 70k miles on the car and this is the second pad replacement.

[V8 Cat]

Re: ABS/Traction Control Disconnect

I MAY BE CRAZY...BUT I LET MY FORD SERVICE MANAGER DO EVERYTHING NEEDED ON MY TBIRD. I KNOW THERE ARE OTHER CAR SERVICES THAT DO GOOD WORK

I also feel this way. Too many bad experiences over the years - especially with quick lube shops and brake specialty shops. It's bad from several standpoints to say "let the Ford dealer do everything". It certainly limits your choices in some areas like tires, batteries (really not applicable to the Tbird since there are not many other places to get vented batteries for them). The cost at the dealership is usually higher also. But over the long haul the dealerships have done a better job in most instances. Some of it is due to better training and higher wages in my opinion. The Lexus dealer offered to get my choice of tires from major brands and sell them at the lowest locally advertised price.

[Johnny TBird]

Re: ABS/Traction Control Disconnect

I must make a correction......the only thing I do that is not FORD related is tires....

I have been purchasing my tires from DISCOUNT TIRE for many years and have never had a problem with them. Outside of tires, FORD will maintain my bird.

happy trails