AboutRob Painter Expertise Alarm system questions cannot be answered on this forum. These systems are not what I can answer. Without being physically at the vehicle and not knowing what kind of electrical service has been done on the vehicle, there is no possible way to give an accurate answer over the internet.
My expertise is in Ignition/key based anti-theft systems. These issues include GM VATS (resistor chip in key blade) PASSLOCK (MRD)-ignition lock rotation based, no special ignition key and the PKIII Transponder (computer chip in key) systems. These systems are not alarm based and are integral with the starting of the engine.
This is why I cannot diagnose alarm problems without physically looking at the vehicle:
Alarm systems are a completely different annimal than ignition key/lock based anti-theft system. Many alarm questions come from vehicles 10 years old, and since older, many hands that had been involved over the years.I am an expert in all GM factory (ignition/key based)systems. Alarm system questions pose to many situations beyond my knowledge as to what has been done to the vehicle over the years. Some guy may have actually wired the stereo into the alarm system. Who knows? Over my past 30 years in vehicle wiring repair, I have seen unbelievable wiring disaters done by guys that consider themselves "mechanics." I have seen stereos and alarms intalled using surgical tape. I have seen modules burn up, un-fused circuits, wiring jambed between the doors and even lamp cord used for a starter kill. To answer alarm questions over the internet without examining the vehicle is like asking; What does it take to remove a dent?
Experience Education/Credentials-ASE certified. 11 years with a GM dealer and 17 years with a repair facility dealing with only the repair of theft recovered vehicles.
Question Hello,
I have a 96 sls and I just put rear brake pads on and I now have both the traction and the abs light on. I have disconnected the battery for a while to clear the codes but the lights continue. I have also tried the traction button but it does nothing. Can you tell me what I need to do. I swear the car feels like the traction control is on.
Thank you,
Chris
Answer Hello,
Working on these vehicles are not as simple as they once were. You may have damaged a sensor or unplugged a wire going to a sensor.
You need to look at your work again to see if something is not connected to the sensors. If nothing obvious stands out, I am afraid you will need to take the vehicle to a service center to have the vehicle checked out.
So many people are under the misconception that all one needs to do is disconnect the battery and hook it back up and everything will be better.
The lights are on for a reason storing a fault code telling you of a problem that needs immediate attention. If you think the traction control is engaged, it probably is. This can cause a mileage problem as well as could potentially do additional damage to the vehicle.
These sensors are very sensitive and the slightest movement changing brake parts could create a major future problem.
These days it seems like one can save money by doing his own repairs, but the reality is that these cars are not like those made in the 70's and 80's.
There are just some things that should not be attempted to be done by someone not well trained.
You don't need to take the car to Cadillac and get your eyeballs ripped out. Try a Good year, Firestone, Sears etc. repair center.
Unfortunately, these repair where you could save money, in the long run cost more than the original repair.
So many repairs in these vehicles have deliberately been taken from the consumer. Many vehicles can no longer even have a simple transmission service performed. You may find on your Caddy that there is no transmission dip stick. Sealed system in which one cannot even add transmission fluid.
I would not recommend driving your car and get it in as soon as possible.
In the event you find a wire unplugged leading to a sensor and reconnect, lights should go out and this will be the end of your problem without trying to reset anything.
