Colder then hell in Canada and I'm have a few more problems. The lights come on for the heated heats but no heat (fuses are fine). Help, my butt is cold.

Since the cold weather my trac light comes on, but not always and the trac control stops working. Lots of snow up here and I need the traction - help.

Lastly, my emergencey brake brake keeps coming on! The brake is not engaged.

Is there a relationship between the two?

Any help would be appriciated, I have searched with no luck throught other threads.

 

I think the cold plays with the computers or something. My aribag light goes on for a day when its cold, then goes back to normal. Also, your parking brake may have frozen in the slightly engaged position, a very common problem in cold climates. Not enough to notice, but the light would still be on. Try a heated garage to see if it helps.

 

Here are my thoughts:

Heated seats - The heating elements are defective and no longer working. Can be replaced at the dealership for a few hundred each seat

Traction control - Take the car to the dealership and get a readout on the error code. That should tell you the source of the problem behind the traction control computer.

Brake light - You may either be low on brake fluid, have air bubbles in the brake lines, or have a faulty ABS sensor. Get that diagnosed and fixed ASAP at a dealership or a reputable mechanic's shop.

Hope this helps.

 

I think the last two problems may both be solved by topping up the brake fluid reservoir. I think they share the same supply. If that doesn't work, try flushing both systems. If you don't know how to do the TRAC, PM me. I have the instructions. If these simple (and cheap) answers don't solve the problem then get a pro diagnosis as recommended above.

George

 

It 35 below and to cold to look under the hood, but if I am down on brake fluid what type is used?

 

my 96 book says "FMVSS no. 116 DOT 3 or SAE J1703 brake fluid" I use Valvoline synthetic which is DOT3/DOT4. However, I think any name brand brake fluid will meet or exceed the DOT3 spec.

This is a very quick operation. Just open the top and fill to the max mark.

BTW, if the fluid isn't clear to soft tan, you should have it flushed as soon as the thaw happens.

George