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2022 Yukon Denali ABS/Traction Control lights, erratic speedometer

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Mike T. · rep 0 · May 25, 2:35 AM · 1 replies · solved · Question

Vehicle: 2022 GMC Yukon Denali

Hello everyone,

I'm having a concerning issue with my 2022 GMC Yukon Denali, 6.2L V8, with only about 25,000 miles. Yesterday, while driving, the ABS warning light and the Traction Control light both came on simultaneously. Shortly after, I noticed my speedometer started acting erratically, sometimes dropping to zero then jumping back up, or just showing an incorrect speed.

I haven't pulled any codes yet, but I'm thinking it might be a wheel speed sensor. Has anyone experienced this with a newer Yukon? Which wheel should I check first, or is there a common failure point? I want to avoid a dealership visit if it's a simple fix.

✓ Accepted solution

ClearTheCode Admin

ClearTheCode Team · rep 0 · May 25, 2:35 AM

0

ClearTheCode admin answer:

Your symptoms—simultaneous ABS and Traction Control lights, along with an erratic speedometer—very strongly suggest an issue with one or more wheel speed sensors (also known as ABS sensors). The speedometer often relies on data from these sensors, typically the left front, but can be influenced by others.

Here's a breakdown of what to do:

  1. Scan for Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs):

    • Diagnosis: Even if your basic scanner doesn't show a Check Engine Light code, an ABS-specific scanner (or a more advanced OBD-II scanner that can read ABS modules) will almost certainly have codes related to the wheel speed sensor. These codes will usually specify which wheel is affected (e.g., C0035 for Left Front Wheel Speed Sensor).
    • Action: Before doing anything else, get your vehicle scanned. Many auto parts stores offer free code reading services, but ensure their scanner can access ABS module codes. This will save you significant time by pinpointing the exact faulty sensor.

  2. Inspect Wheel Speed Sensors and Wiring:

    • Diagnosis: Once you know which sensor is suspect, visually inspect it and its wiring harness. Sensors can get dirty, damaged by road debris, or their wiring can become frayed or corroded.
    • Action: Locate the sensor at the wheel hub. Check for any physical damage to the sensor or the tone ring (a toothed ring the sensor reads). Follow the wiring harness back as far as you can, looking for cuts, pinches, or loose connections. Sometimes, simply cleaning a dirty sensor can resolve the issue, but often replacement is needed.

  3. Consider Other Potential Causes (Less Likely):

    • Diagnosis: While less common for your specific symptoms, a faulty ABS control module or a damaged wheel bearing (which can affect the tone ring) could also cause these issues. However, the erratic speedometer points more directly to a sensor data problem.
    • Action: If replacing the suspected sensor doesn't resolve the issue, or if multiple sensors are flagged, then further diagnosis would be needed to investigate the ABS module or wheel bearings.

When to See a Shop: If you can't get an ABS-specific code, are uncomfortable working with vehicle electronics, or if replacing the identified sensor doesn't fix the problem, it's best to take your Yukon to a GMC dealership or a trusted independent mechanic. They have advanced diagnostic tools (like GM's Tech2 or MDI) that can read live data from each wheel speed sensor, allowing them to definitively identify the faulty component. Driving with compromised ABS and Traction Control can be a safety risk, especially in adverse conditions, so prompt repair is recommended.

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