What would make the low trac light come on when you hit the brakes on Pontiac firebird?

Answer 1

The low traction and ABS systems work together. The most likely cause, is 1 of 2 things. 1: Broken wiring on any of the 4 wheel sensors. They operate using a magnetic pickup coil and toothed rotor, that for the front wheels is part of the hub assy. It happens due to age or vibration, and in winter ice can build up, as well as if you run over objects that will pull the wiring. 2: Wiring shorting out, for the same reasons in cause 1 stress, or even if the pickup coil should break or rub against the frame or wheel hub. Using an ohm meter is the best way to check them. The vehicle will need to be placed on a lift, and all of the wheels removed, or if your a DIY then one at a time each jacked, and placed on jack stands and wheels removed to gain access to the backside of the hubs. Bend the tab and disconnect the plug to gain access. Measure across the pins going into the hub, should produce a resistance, typically around 20 ohms but the key is that it measures the same on each sensor. Then measure it also between either wire to ground (hub itself) should be infinite. Beyond that will require the module (TCS) located near the master cylinder unit of the brakes, be either serviced or replaced. GM states to re-train it that you disconnect your battery for a period of time, usually overnight. If you perform that, you will find the low traction goes thru a learning period. During that period, I advise to drive into sand or snow, watch the dash while doing a very short acceleration enough to cause mild wheel slippage, in which the front brakes will apply themselves, causing low traction light to come on. Once it learns that the wheels are not out of control, it will stay off. During the training period it will light up, mainly at takeoff from a full stop. Once it figures out things, it should not come on during normal driving.