TCS and ABS light came on, checked service connector, don't understand flashes

[osolokes213]

So I took out the NSX for a Thanksgiving cruise through Muhulland and PCH and mid way through the TCS and ABS lights came on. Did my research and came to the conclusion that its the wheel speed sensor(s). So I did the service connector procedure that I found using the search feature, but I don't understand the instrument cluster flashes. I included a vid in hopes that someone can help me. The TCS still flashes twice continuously after the vid. If anyone can help me interpret it, I'd greatly appreciate it my car is a 96. also forgot to say that they came on after i made a U turn counter clockwise (steering wheel left), if that has anything to do with it
http://youtu.be/8qHl2yTDnQI

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[comtec]

Hi
That looks like a "2" code which is the parking brake/brake fluid level. Checking your brake fluid level would be the first step.


Mike

 

[osolokes213]

Really? My research didn't lead me to that conclusion. Besides, my fluid levels are good. They were the very first thing I checked when the lights first came on.

 

[osolokes213]

so can anyone else provide some insight on my problem?

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after a bit more research, i found that one member (forgot the sc) actually had a problem with the 02 sensor and was indicated through the ABS and TCS lights. This makes me have to say that a few days prior, i messed with my exhaust, disconnected one of the 02 sensors in the cat that's perpendicular to the length of the car. Could that be the code that's indicated in my video. I also tried to lock my brakes while the lights were one and they worked perfectly fine.

 

[9doors]

I assume you don't have an OBDII reader to give you the error code? I had this behavior occur and it was the O2 sensor. You possibly damaged it when you played around with it.

 

[osolokes213]

my friend let me use his and nothing came up...either he didnt know how to use the reader or it just wouldn't read. it did however show poor emissions, so maybe it could be it. im leaning more towards that conclusion now. i would just like someone to help me out on the vid, if possible. thanks for your input.

 

[ATERPAK]

Why would something dealing with the emission and the O2 sensors have anything to do with the TCS/ABS systems? My manual is only a 91 and I'm not sure if it has the same circuit setups and wiring diagrams as your 96. Also the ABS/TCS are linked to the steering wheel angle sensors as well aren't they? Have you tried resetting all the computer systems?

Al

 

[osolokes213]

that's the same question i have. but as we've seen, a few members have had 02 problems and the tcs and abs lights have turned on. dont really know how the ecu has been wired, but that's what's happen. i have not tried resetting. i'll give that a try.

 

[ATERPAK]

This is intriguing. I'll look in my manual anyhow just to get a sense of how the TCS/ABS system works fully and see if there is any real connection. Who knows anymore with all these computers or relays and other sensors on cars today, how things are really interconnected. Hopefully I'll find something.

Al

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Well from my manual and this is just taking a few pieces of info. from over 40 pages, the steering wheel has two different angle sensors which determine direction and steering angle. These signals are sent to the TCS control unit which can affect the engine because if it thinks that the speed from the wheels is too fast for the angle of the steering wheel, it will reduce the amount of throttle opening on the throttle body to reduce power to the engine to reduce the possibility of a spin. It does not cut off fuel, retard timing, change ignition timing or any other thing but reduce throttle opening through the throttle actuator located on the throttle body. You just reduce the air going through the throttle body, thus starving the engine of air which reduces power. I have a feeling that you somehow confused the TCS unit enough during your U-turn to cause it to throw a code which now gives you those weird readings on the dash. However this is only a guess on my part since I have no way of testing any of the components involved. This is explained in greater detail in sections 19-75 through 19-78 in my manual. There is a slight connection to the ECU for the engine but nowhere have I seen any direct connection to the O2 sensors. Also the TCS will store up to three problem codes in it's registers. You can reset the TCS by removing the ALB 2.3 (20Amp) fuse (might be different for later model cars) for at least 3 seconds to erase the memory. If the problem reoccurs, then you have to start trouble shooting and I would start with the TCS control unit and swapping it out with a known good one. Because of some of the crazy driving I do, and also the track driving, I've learned to turn off TCS after starting the car so that the system doesn't interfere with any type of driving I may come up with. Hopefully my track time skills and training will help me keep the car on the road, and a little common sense. So far I'm still alive and the car is not damaged.

Al

 

[comtec]

I don't believe a OBD scanner will see ABS or TCS errors and if you were having a O2 sensor error you should be getting a CEL. Your getting 2 flashes for ABS and 2 for TCS correct? A 2 in both systems is what i listed before.

Mike