Still battling the TRAC issue. I’ll spare you all from the novel, but I’ve replaced the left front ABS sensor and done a zero point calibration for the VSC.
Where I’m at right now: TRAC still engages without fail while accelerating from a full stop, if I’m in 4WD. In all other scenarios, there’s no issue. I’m not getting any codes from the engine bay diagnostic box.
My current theory: the rust and debris on the ABS sensor was causing my ABS issue earlier. I’ve done enough cleaning on the sensor and the ABS tone ring to reduce the rust to the point that my ABS issue has gone away. However, the TRAC (for some reason) is more sensitive and the remaining rust is still triggering it. The reason it only happens in 4WD is that the ECU (for purposes of engaging TRAC) doesn’t care about front wheel speed in 2WD.
I found a bunch of posts on the forum with people complaining about a similar issue (TRAC engaging from a full stop while in 4WD) but there’s no suggested remedy (other than the AndyMod).
As I see it, these are my options, none of which seem great:
1. Get a code reader and see what that shows. I noticed
Scotty Kilmer has a video for this, but the one he recommends gets bad reviews on Amazon. Does anyone know of a reader that would show wheel speed from each sensor for our trucks?
2. Pull the knuckle, find the source of the rust and clean, replace ABS tone ring (and install new bearings while I’m at it).
3. Ignore for the time being, use the AndyMod when in 4WD, occasionally clean ABS sensor of rust to avoid ABS issues.
1 seems pointless if I’m going to have to do 2 anyway. Also I’m not against investing in tools but also not trying to spend too much money with a recession looming.
As a relatively inexperienced shady tree mechanic, 2 is a bit out of my comfort zone, also I’d have to buy a press, so I’d really prefer to avoid this route if possible. Cost would be roughly $300 in parts, $200 in tools.
As for 3, if something is rusting in the knuckle, it seems like I shouldn’t ignore it. But what do I know?
Has anyone else seen rust on their ABS tone ring like this? Is it something to be concerned about?