Service Stabili Trac, Traction Control, Power Steering

1190 Views 18 Replies 4 Participants Last post by SolgrOnly, 2 mo ago

ceberu

Discussion Starter · 2 mo ago

2014 Cruze 1.4L. Last night after starting the 3 warnings appeared on Dash. Service Stabili Trac, Traction Control, Power Steering. I was able to put the car in gear, and when I did it slammed into gear, felt like tranny was going to fail, and limped home in what appeared to be 3rd gear.

The OBD code only had U0101 -- Lost Communication with TCM. I have the negative battery cable on order, but I don't think that's the issue this seems transmission related.

Any help appreciated!!

1 - 19 of 19 Posts

Johnny B

· #2 · 2 mo ago

Well. I would first take a hard look at the battery.
The alternator doesn't turn on for about 5 seconds after the car starts. A weak battery might not be keeping the computers happy during that time.

ceberu

Discussion Starter · #3 · 2 mo ago

So I checked the battery voltage with the car turned off, and it was 12.52 which seems okay.

Johnny B

· #4 · 2 mo ago

Have it load tested.

ceberu

Discussion Starter · #5 · 2 mo ago

Battery tested fine. I replaced it anyway, and problem still remains. I also checked the voltage drop across the negative battery cable and it was 0, so I am unsure if replacing the cable is the issue (the new cable arrives today, so that's next).

Johnny B

· #6 · 2 mo ago

It is good you checked, but if the cable has a bad crimp it can be very hard to actually get a bad reading. If the new cable doesn't do it, inspect and clean all 3 ECM connectors.

ceberu

Discussion Starter · #7 · 2 mo ago

How would you recommend cleaning the ECM connectors, I might just try that anyway. Compressed air?

Johnny B

· #8 · 2 mo ago

Easiest way is to get some CRC electrical cleaner spray from Wally world. Disconnect the battery negative before taking off the connectors.
I would look closely for corroded or blackened pins.

ceberu

Discussion Starter · #9 · 2 mo ago

I cleaned the ECM connectors and also replaced the negative battery cable. There is no change.

Johnny B

· #10 · 2 mo ago

Well, have you checked the fuses?

ceberu

Discussion Starter · #11 · 2 mo ago

I checked fuse 1 which was fine. I don't have a wiring diagram so not sure which fuses other than 1 might be involved.

ceberu

Discussion Starter · #12 · 2 mo ago (Edited)

I disconnected the connector to the TCM, and checked PINS 1 and PIN 2 and they are working fine.

Johnny B

· #13 · 2 mo ago

Well, this is where I run out of ideas. Besides checking the wiring and connectors going to the TCM I haven't got much.

You basically looking at something dragging down the CAN bus. Like a bad module or wiring issue.

ceberu

Discussion Starter · #14 · 2 mo ago

UPDATE: Dealer says bad TCM replacement cost $2200. I can't argue with that I came to the same conclusion. If anyone knows a less costly replacement path, please let me know.

SolgrOnly

· #15 · 2 mo ago

I have been having the same TC, StabiliTrak, Power Steering pop-ups on top of sluggish throttle response, weird braking, and all sorts of creaking sounds. In my research, it appears the StabiliTrak is connected to numerous other systems so not only could it be any number of things it could be one little bad sensor for one thing that could affect all the other ones (power steering, throttle position, ABS, wheel speed sensors, etc.)

So I was wondering if replacing the TCM solved your issues? I still have a couple more things I need to check to try and diagnose what my issue is. The TC, StabiliTrak, and Power Steering lights seem to mostly go off after a right turn so my guess has been towards the wheel speed sensors as my tire pressure readings on the DIC seem to not line up with a digital tire gauge.

ceberu

Discussion Starter · #16 · 2 mo ago

If your TCM was bad you would know it, you wouldn't be able to drive your car. I have read lots of posts where the negative battery cable has a defect, and replacing it might solve issues related to what you're reporting. I would also get a obd2 to see what error codes you're getting.

skills4lou

· #17 · 2 mo ago

Mine has been doing this over the last week too ('12 ECO, 6spd manual). 2 weeks ago I installed the updated PDIM, and 1 week ago I replaced a leaky coolant reservoir. This morning I pulled the battery, cleaned all the connections, cleaned all the body grounds in front of and behind the battery. I also shifted the coolant reservoir to gain access to the ABS connection, removed and cleaned that. I had code U0074 before, we'll see if that goes away...
I replaced the negative battery cable last year, so I'm confident that's not the problem. When this car is working, it's actually pretty nice. When the gremlins show up, I'm tempted to complete my transition to Brand T.

(edit to add

My bluetooth code reader with Torque Lite wasn't capable of pulling the U code. I had to use my better reader, and pull ABS codes to get that U0074 to show up on the scanner.

SolgrOnly

· #18 · 2 mo ago

ceberu said:
If your TCM was bad you would know it, you wouldn't be able to drive your car. I have read lots of posts where the negative battery cable has a defect, and replacing it might solve issues related to what you're reporting. I would also get a obd2 to see what error codes you're getting.

I have a LCD HUD for my Boost and AFR gauges that can read and clear codes which brings me to an odd aspect of my current issues: it's not throwing any codes or CEL. The Stabilitrak and Traction Control lights come on intermittently, to me it seems to happen a lot with right turns which is why I am really banking on it being one of the wheel speed sensors and/or the wiring. However, to your point, the battery cable could be the culprit since, to me at least, could cause the warnings to go off intermittently. Even though I know the Stabilitrak/Traction Control are interconnected with all the other systems I am having issues with...it's hard for my mind NOT to go down the rabbit hole of it being a plethora of problems with each individual system.

SolgrOnly

· #19 · 2 mo ago

skills4lou said:
Mine has been doing this over the last week too ('12 ECO, 6spd manual). 2 weeks ago I installed the updated PDIM, and 1 week ago I replaced a leaky coolant reservoir. This morning I pulled the battery, cleaned all the connections, cleaned all the body grounds in front of and behind the battery. I also shifted the coolant reservoir to gain access to the ABS connection, removed and cleaned that. I had code U0074 before, we'll see if that goes away...
I replaced the negative battery cable last year, so I'm confident that's not the problem. When this car is working, it's actually pretty nice. When the gremlins show up, I'm tempted to complete my transition to Brand T.

(edit to add My bluetooth code reader with Torque Lite wasn't capable of pulling the U code. I had to use my better reader, and pull ABS codes to get that U0074 to show up on the scanner.

I am having issues with my coolant reservoir as well.

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