Hi all newbie here, I have read lots of posts on here about t/c/but I'm not real sure about mine. 1st off I had problems with coolant gauge & a/c, read all about it found out it was thermostat. THANKS for the info for that problem, all fixed. question is could I have jarred something loose while changing out thermostat< wires, sensor or ?? that would cause t/c light to come on? did not do it before t-stat change! does not throw any codes, Thanks in advance. this site is awesome for all the help & info ya'll give Bill

2006 HHR LT 2.4, a/t, leather 135k,

 

A standard OBDII code reader will not pick up the Traction Control codes - best to see a Chevy dealer on that. I doubt it's related to the work you did unless it was immediately after the work.

 

Did you check the MAF connector? The one you have to remove to take the air cleaner off.

 

I hate dealers. Sorry, no offense, but they are expensive. For diagnostic repairs especially. They wanted 150 dollars for Recaliberating Power Steering. This procedure takes 10 minutes, tops! (Man I wish I had Tech II) I had a novel of codes after my engine swap. SERVICE TRACTION, SERVICE POWER STEERING, SERVICE AIR BAG, SERVICE ESC...whew I think that's it.

Let's see if we can get this buggy fixed without the dealer first.

Anyway, your traction contol used a combination of the ABS/ECU/TCU to keep everything in check. I doubt you were near the ABS wires (there are two in a small wire loom, running under the "firewall trim"clipped to it.

There's also a large plug towards the rear of the trans. It's in the same wire loom as the thermostat. It's easiest too see with the drivers tire off, possibly from under the car.

It's connected firmly so you'll need to get a good look at the clips holding it in place. Don't just yank it out of there!

Before you do any of that, have you tried disconnecting your battery for a reset of the system?

 

Make sure you didn't accidentally loosen the wire harness going into the TCM. It is the wires going to the small metal looking box which is stuck to the front of your fuse block under the hood.

 

IMNEWHERE, I did move that box, I'll check the plug., Dbeluscak, how long should I leave batt unhooked? Donbrew, I'll check the MAF connector as well. thanks all, hope this clears it up. Bill

 

Disconnect the negative cable to the battery first , then check all those connections and the ground wires at the transmission just down and to the right of the oil filter housing, have a beverage and reconnect the negative cable to the battery, or about 30 minutes

 

That should about do it! Thanks for clarifying ol blue.

 

You're welcome! I find the less chance of shorting out the terminals of disrupting the current to the computers has a negative effect on the wallet!

 

MAF sensor wires are tight, wire harness to TCM is tight, will check others as soon as it cools off a bit.. went through a t-storm found it leaks, but already read on here about the seal under the cowl cover going bad... yup that's what that is. now I have a cel p0171 (bank 1 lean) need to check it out also... glad I got a good buy on this thing LOL