Traction control problem

[flipperpie]

Hi all -- we bought a 2006 Pontiac G6 in December. It had recently passed its yearly inspection. We got winter tires put on right away.

The person I bought the car from (who I know and trust) made an appointment with his mechanic before we bought the car, as the car's engine light was on and off and it was apparently due to a recall that the dealership mechanic was going to deal with.

The car was also making a funny sound from the back left wheel, which appeared shortly after we had the winter tires installed, so we had the dealership mechanic look at that as well.

Firstly, the "funny noise" was actually that the entire back left brake pad was worn away due the brake being seized. So that was sorted out. However, the mechanic was unable to find anything whatsoever wrong with the engine -- just that the filter needed to be changed, so they did.

But here's the thing -- there is obviously something up, because sometimes I can't turn the traction control on/off, sometimes the traction control button is RED, not orange, and during the times when it's "locked on" -- the car drives in a very altered way -- it sort of lurches when I accelerate, for example.

I am a total noob when it comes to traction control. The mechanic at the dealership said that we should leave it off all the time at this time of year as it will be useless.

Does this sound like an issue with traction control or something else? I am taking the car to an independent mechanic next week for a 2nd opinion, but wanted some input from people who know more about this sort of thing than I do (this is my first car with traction control; I'm not even quite sure what it does).

I should note that on the days when I can freely turn traction control on and off (and I always have it off now) the car drives like a dream.

We also notice that occasionally there is an "odour" from the back left tire after we've been driving -- could that be related to traction control?

 

[melsg5]

It sounds like the traction control could be effecting the rear left. Is this a GM dealer you are referring to? They should be able to scan the system for problems with the ABS/Traction control system. You say left rear was "sorted out", what exactly does that mean?

 

[slls]

I would start with a complete brake fluid change, flush the ABS unit, traction controls brake apply.
Also check connectors for corrosion, common on G6.

 

[GM Customer Service]

Hi all -- we bought a 2006 Pontiac G6 in December. It had recently passed its yearly inspection. We got winter tires put on right away.

The person I bought the car from (who I know and trust) made an appointment with his mechanic before we bought the car, as the car's engine light was on and off and it was apparently due to a recall that the dealership mechanic was going to deal with.

The car was also making a funny sound from the back left wheel, which appeared shortly after we had the winter tires installed, so we had the dealership mechanic look at that as well.

Firstly, the "funny noise" was actually that the entire back left brake pad was worn away due the brake being seized. So that was sorted out. However, the mechanic was unable to find anything whatsoever wrong with the engine -- just that the filter needed to be changed, so they did.

But here's the thing -- there is obviously something up, because sometimes I can't turn the traction control on/off, sometimes the traction control button is RED, not orange, and during the times when it's "locked on" -- the car drives in a very altered way -- it sort of lurches when I accelerate, for example.

I am a total noob when it comes to traction control. The mechanic at the dealership said that we should leave it off all the time at this time of year as it will be useless.

Does this sound like an issue with traction control or something else? I am taking the car to an independent mechanic next week for a 2nd opinion, but wanted some input from people who know more about this sort of thing than I do (this is my first car with traction control; I'm not even quite sure what it does).

I should note that on the days when I can freely turn traction control on and off (and I always have it off now) the car drives like a dream.

We also notice that occasionally there is an "odour" from the back left tire after we've been driving -- could that be related to traction control?

flipperpie,
The traction control system limits wheel spin. This is especially useful in slippery road conditions. The system operates only if it senses that one or both of the front wheels are spinning or beginning to lose traction. When this happens, the system works the front brakes and reduces engine power to limit spin.
I would suggest that you take your vehicle into a GM dealership so they can look at it for you. Like melsg5 has stated they will be able to scan the vehicle for problems with the ABS/Traction control system. I would like you to keep me posted on this issue. If you have any additional questions please feel free to message me.
Thank you,
Stacy Pontiac Customer Service