I took my car in to get a new steering column because of the intermediate shaft rattle, when I got it back today I left the dealership and started driving away.

I noticed my steering was set lower and I didn't like that so I raised it while driving then I noticed the DIC flash, "ESC Active" and the traction control light was flashing. I had no idea what is going on. I kept driving and noticed the car feeling like it was braking on it's own. Not hard, but a very noticeable yet subtle friction applied to my driving. Shortly after that the traction light went away and so did the message saying "ESC Active"

I ignored it and it happened again so I pulled over and turned off the car for like a second and turned it back on. Started driving and it didn't happen again until I was doing roughly 60 MPH on the Highway. Then it kept doing it, and instead of it being a constant braking feeling it was somewhat pulsating. Brake 2 seconds of no brake then brake again.

Very weird. So while driving I phone the dealership and the fellow says it's pulsating and there's no tech available tomorrow to fix it and I should try turning it off for about 5 minutes and seeing if it happens again. I told him I'll try it and if it doesn't happen he won't see me tomorrow and if it does I'll bring it in.

Well got home turned the car off and left it off for like 30 mins and it went away. I'm about to go to a friends house so I'll see if it happens again, but what could this be?

I looked in the manual and it says the car is just trying to stabilize

I won't copy the rest but it basically says this is normal. There's nothing wrong, but there was barely any moisture on the road. I driven my car when it was pouring rain outside so I can't assume that the moisture on the road was the cause for it to try and stabilize itself.

Maybe it was doing it for the new column?

I don't know, what do you guys think?

 

This is what happened. I know because it happened to me.

When you adjusted the steering column or when they were messing around in there, it shook loose the sensor in the steering wheel/column that detects steering angle and then applies brakes as necessary to keep you on the road (ESC). For me, anytime I would turn right at speeds over 5 mph, it would kick the ESC on. You will have to hold the traction control button for 10 seconds to turn it off completely in order to get around safely without it applying brakes. Take it in and they will replace/retighten the sensor.

 

The steering angle sensor loose or not adjusted correctly would be exactly what I'd suspect given that they replaced or were working on the column and the symptoms you're describing. If the stability control system (ESC) thinks you're wanting to turn because of a false reading on that sensor but the car is continuing to go straight (which it measures via the yaw rate sensor) it will attempt to brake a rear or front/opposite-rear wheel to try to rotate the car to what it thinks is the direction you're trying to turn. Disable it as mentioned until you get it fixed as it could be more dangerous if you do hit some snow or rain where traction isn't good.

 

Damn cars, for 100 years there weren't any electric nannies to ride along with you to control everything. Now every single car has to have them by 2012... Personally I blame it on the horrible driving ability of Asians. Haha

 

Fixed.

To the OP: Yeah it sounds like they need to re-center the steering position sensor. Since they were screwing around with the column/steering shaft it may just be a bit off. It's probably going to be a quick fix unless they have to throw it on an alignment rack and reset the front toe.

 

Hey I'm half Asian and Half Black, lower half Black .

But yes, when we get old we need assistance haha, my grandma in particular.

Oh by the way it completely stopped doing the ESC thing, should I forget about it?

I'll adjust my wheel again and if it doesn't do it should I say problem fixed itself or should I still take it in

 

Might as well have them take a look at it just to be sure. As for electronic nannies it's a great move by the NHTSA requiring stability control to be phased in on all new cars. Comparing statistics for cars that have the option available it greatly reduces the chance of fatalities in single vehicle collisions and is still a double-digit drop in multi-vehicle collisions. It wouldn't surprise me if this saves more lives than airbags each year.

As long as the systems can be defeated for track use I'm happy. And on the SS even out of comp mode it is still pretty unobtrusive. I don't know anyone that can brake each wheel individually to help rotate the car in emergencies either so even if you're a great driver it can still be of benefit.

 

Dude take it in they will look at it for free. Never can atell when it will act up again. If it hits the brakes on just one side and you are running though a section of packed snow or ice the balt is done for.


Dude apparently you have been to california... Ugh no one here can drive. Even in the rain... I wouldn't want to imagine what it would be like if it snowed.

 

Same in Washinton, DWO is a very common mistake lol

OP, I drive my car with the traction control and ESC off unless its snowing, the less nannies the better.

 

 

That stinks, I have never had a problem like this.

 

You call it racist, I call it fact. Both are true.

 

YouTube - Family Guy - Asian Woman Driver

Case closed. If it's only Family Guy then it must be true.

 

^LMAO so true

 

I had something along this happen to me... I would hit the brakes and it would jerk me around, like its trying to correct itself being out of control.. Took it to my dealer and it was fixed right away and pretty easily.. Don't quite remember what it was, it was a little while ago.. Could look it up for ya, my onstar also told me what it was.

 

Oooo do want to know...^

 

OK so I didn't read 100% of this thread, but didn't notice it mentioned;

You guys know that the ESC can be completely disabled right?

hit, and hold the traction control button - for something absurd like ten or fifteen seconds, and the DIC will flash something to the effect of "ESC disabled"...
(this will also disable your traction control btw)

If you're having this problem, simply disabling the ESC would be a temporary fix.

 

okay so my steering wheel leather is cracking and I am using the warranty to get a new one, they said since the problem hasn't came back they'll check it when the fix the steering wheel and if it happens before the wheel comes in, then they'll fix it asap and give me a loaner car.

 

That's funny, my wheel is cracking too, maybe I should take it in for all the little crap that needs to be fixed, and get the PS pump recall done too...

 

can you guys show me a picture of the steering wheel issue please?

 

yeah give me a little bit, I'll do it today.

 

Damn my wheel is fine accept for the scratches I put on it with the clip of my knife and my CCW, getting in and out of the car.

 

thank you very much! ~ I'd just like to see what I probably am going to have to deal with in the future...