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ABS and Traction Control lights on my 2017 Canyon

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Amanda S. · rep 0 · May 22, 3:41 AM · 1 replies · solved · Question

Vehicle: 2017 GMC Canyon SLT 4WD

I've got a 2017 GMC Canyon SLT, 4WD, and recently both the ABS light and the Traction Control light have come on in the dash. They usually come on together. Sometimes, when I'm braking, it feels a bit rough, almost like the ABS is engaging unnecessarily at low speeds, even on dry pavement.

I've tried restarting the truck, but the lights usually come back on after a short drive. The truck has about 70,000 miles. I haven't noticed any other major issues, but these lights are concerning. What could be causing this, and is it safe to drive?

✓ Accepted solution

ClearTheCode Admin

ClearTheCode Team · rep 0 · May 22, 3:41 AM

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ClearTheCode admin answer:

When both the ABS and Traction Control lights illuminate on your 2017 GMC Canyon, it indicates a fault within the Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) or the Electronic Stability Control (ESC) system, which often share components. The rough braking sensation suggests the system might be misinterpreting wheel speed data.

Here are the most common causes:

  1. Wheel Speed Sensors (WSS): These sensors monitor the rotational speed of each wheel. If a sensor is dirty, damaged, or has a faulty wiring harness, it can send incorrect signals to the ABS module. This can cause the system to think a wheel is locking up or slipping, triggering the lights and potentially causing erratic ABS engagement. Common diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) related to WSS are typically in the C0035-C0050 range, indicating a specific wheel sensor issue.
  2. ABS Module Failure: Less common, but the ABS control module itself can fail. This module processes data from the wheel speed sensors and controls the ABS pump and valves. A faulty module can lead to system malfunctions.
  3. Wiring Issues: Damaged or corroded wiring to the wheel speed sensors or the ABS module can interrupt communication and trigger the warning lights.
  4. Low Brake Fluid: While less likely to cause erratic ABS engagement, extremely low brake fluid can sometimes trigger ABS warnings, though usually, the brake warning light would also be on.

When to See a Shop:

It is not advisable to drive for an extended period with these lights on, as your ABS and Traction Control systems may not function correctly in an emergency braking situation. While your conventional brakes should still work, you lose the safety benefits of ABS. You should take your Canyon to a reputable mechanic. They will use an OBD-II scanner capable of reading ABS-specific codes to pinpoint the exact fault. This diagnostic step is crucial for an accurate and efficient repair.

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