Traction Control Active Light Always On

[orbit]

I just got my '94 SC2 back from the shop. They replaced the PCM with a reconditioned one. The auto transmission is now functional again, but the Traction Control Active Light on the dash is on continuously, even when the car isn't moving. It's normally off unless the wheels are slipping. The Traction Control push button switch indicator light is always off, even if the button is pushed. It's normally on by default. Also I didn't hear the normal ABS pinging sound after the vehicle starts moving. The service engine light has not come on since they replaced the PCM.

Does this mean the PCM was flashed incorrectly for my car's configuration? Or did they neglect to hook up the ABS speed sensors correctly? The ABS and traction control were all working fine before I took it in. The only problem was the transmission not shifting, which is now back to normal.

I'm going to take it back to the shop tomorrow. I just thought it would help to have an idea what is the problem.

[PlasticCarsRock]

Originally Posted by orbit

I just got my '94 SC2 back from the shop. They replaced the PCM with a reconditioned one. The auto transmission is now functional again, but the Traction Control Active Light on the dash is on continuously, even when the car isn't moving. It's normally off unless the wheels are slipping. The Traction Control push button switch indicator light is always off, even if the button is pushed. It's normally on by default. Also I didn't hear the normal ABS pinging sound after the vehicle starts moving. The service engine light has not come on since they replaced the PCM.

Does this mean the PCM was flashed incorrectly for my car's configuration? Or did they neglect to hook up the ABS speed sensors correctly? The ABS and traction control were all working fine before I took it in. The only problem was the transmission not shifting, which is now back to normal.

I'm going to take it back to the shop tomorrow. I just thought it would help to have an idea what is the problem.

The traction active light it probably on to let you know there is a problem. I expect it's a speed sensor (or multiple speed sensors). If this was the problem, however, I think you should also have the ABS light on (which you didn't mention).
Is the ABS light on (if not, does it come on when you turn the key)? How is the overall drivability of the car (does it drive like normal (except for the lights being on)?

[orbit]

Originally Posted by PlasticCarsRock

The traction active light it probably on to let you know there is a problem. I expect it's a speed sensor (or multiple speed sensors). If this was the problem, however, I think you should also have the ABS light on (which you didn't mention).
Is the ABS light on (if not, does it come on when you turn the key)? How is the overall drivability of the car (does it drive like normal (except for the lights being on)?

Just the TCA light stays on, not the ANTILOCK light. The ANTILOCK light does come on before cranking. The car drives and shifts normally, as far as I can tell just driving it a few miles. Again, there was no problem with the ABS or traction control before I took it in. Also the ABS doesn't make that ding/clicking noise after the car starts moving anymore.

[Low Saturn]

Sounds like they gave you the wrong PCM or the ABS controller isn't plugged in.

[orbit]

Actually, I was wrong about the ABS. I heard it initialize the last time I drove it. The Traction Control appears to be the only feature not working with the TCA indicator light staying on. If it's the PCM, can't they be flashed for different models or configurations?

[RalliArt16]

Originally Posted by orbit

Actually, I was wrong about the ABS. I heard it initialize the last time I drove it. The Traction Control appears to be the only feature not working with the TCA indicator light staying on. If it's the PCM, can't they be flashed for different models or configurations?

Yes. You may want to take it back to the shop though.. and they should fix it for free.

Or pay a dealer to flash it

[blackeagle1]

Originally Posted by Low Saturn

Sounds like they gave you the wrong PCM or the ABS controller isn't plugged in.

The PCM is probably not programmed to work with traction control. You can have it reprogrammed but likely only by a Saturn dealer.

[madpogue]

Originally Posted by blackeagle1

The PCM is probably not programmed to work with traction control. You can have it reprogrammed but likely only by a Saturn dealer.

How can this be, if the ABS works?

[audettetractor]

I had the same problem. Harsh shift repaired with a harness splice at the top cover of the trans and one actuator.
This left me with a bum processor that the dealer said could be replaced to the tune of 595 dollars. I got another processor from the salvage yard $25 with the same service oem # BUT the vehicle did not have Traction control.
The dealer in question stated he could not reprogram the processer to "see" the traction control. So I took the car with everything functioning except the tracton active light remained on.
Two other dealers stated they could reprogram the PCM to get my traction control corrected.
I ended up getting another pcm($30) from the junkyard that had the identical part number but the donor vehicle HAD traction control.
THIS solved the problem and the traction control works as it is supposed to and the traction light is off!
The thing that is disturbing to me is 3 saturn dealers had conflicting opinions on whether the pcm can be programed with my particular options.
Beware and try to find a pcm that comes off a car that has your options EVEN IF THE OEM SEVICE NUMBER IS THE SAME!!!