instrument lights turned on

[bob07]

this morning when i started my car the ABS light, service engine light, and traction control light all turned on at the same time. is this serious or do i just need a tune up/simple maintenence done? by the way, i just bought the car 2 weeks ago so im clueless here.

[rixGAphx]

Whenever the SES (Service ENGINE Soon) light comes on, the car's computer has stored a Diagnostic Trouble Code, DTC, to indicate what it thinks the problem was.
* If the SES light is 'solid', it's a minor problem but you should seek attention within a few days.
* If it's 'flashing', the problem needs immediate attention before additiona parts are damaged.

When the ABS icon is lighted, the ABS's little module has determined it has a problem, so it has turned the ABS 'off'.
You still have a completely-funtioning brake system, just like a car that never came from the factory with ABS.

When the ABS isn't working, the Traction Control also goes 'off', since its operation requires speed data from the ABS front wheel speed sensors.

1. Go to AutoZone/Checker/etc. and have them scan your PCM (Powertrain Control Module, the name of the 'engine-tranny 'puter in our GA's; for most other cars, it's called the ECM or ECU, Engine Control Unit) for codes. They do this for no charge.
* Do not buy whatever part is reported by the codes; instead, write them down exactly and report back here.
* Buy a Haynes Manual for this car, best $20 you'll ever spend; and you're gonna need it with a 6-yr old GA :roll:

Don't go to a shop or dealer for code reading, they charge $80+ to just plug-in to the computer port (at the underside of the dash, just above the driver's right knee).

2. The GA electrical system is very sensitive to electrical problems in the battery/alternator/battery cables.
The ABS is even more so. It will shut itself off if it thinks there might not be enough power to operate in an emergency.
This might be weakness in the battery, or dirty/loose/corroded cables.

Since you just got this car, you don't know how well it has been maintained.
Read thru the 'Faq's' on this site, and consider catching-up on possibly-missed regular maintenance.
At 6-yrs old, mebbe 72k miles, your car is ripe for needing a LOT of this maintenence.
And, inspect/clean the battery cables, as they are the source of at least half of all electrical problems on a GA. See my 'sticky' for the procedure.

Hope to hear from you soon on those DTC's.
-Rick

And, :welcome: to GAOC!!

[sunrunner_pei]

I'm guessing it was the Services Vehicle Soon light and not the Service Engine Soon. If so, this entry in our FAQ will be of help:

http://www.gaownersclub.com/forum/showthread.php?threadid=50267

[bob07]

update: since the codes showed up the first time, i have cleaned the battery cables and terminals, which were pretty dirty, and started the engine and the codes were gone. havent come back up since. thanks rix for the great info!

[tenspeed]

When they come back on, clean the connections on the inside of the front wheels.

[sunrunner_pei]

Originally posted by tenspeed
When they come back on, clean the connections on the inside of the front wheels.

:iagree:

Wheel speed sensor problems often start as intermittent.

[SpoCom2nr]

This same exact thing happened to me. Guess I'll be trying this out too. I bought my car about a month and a half ago.