Observation - TCS & Skid Lights Came On With Trailer

[EtoileBrilliant]

Hooked up a trailer to take some garbage to the dump. The trailer hitch and electrics are aftermarket (not factory fitted). About an hour into my journey TCS light came on together with "skid" light. Switched engine off and started again and it still came on. Manual said check with agent so was little worried. After I unhitched trailer and electrics returned to normal. Must have been caused by faulty wiring.

Somebody might find this trivial observation useful?

 

[ceric]

I agree. It is very likely faulty wiring.
Some other guys with experiences may offer better advices than me.
Don't hook it up again until you have that resolved.

 

[EtoileBrilliant]

Okay, Slight Change in Circumstances

TCS and Skid Light have reappeared since the trailer was un-hitched. Two things that maybe significant:

1: I changed from winter tires to all-weather this weekend. Is it possible that the incorrect positioning of the tires could have affected this. The TPS monitor is correct.

2. I had to swerve at low speed 30 mph/60 kph to avoid a beer bottle yesterday. Immediately afterwards I saw the TPS light come on.

Any thoughts, please?

 

[ceric]

I don't see how TPMS is related to TCS.
The former uses sensors inside the tires, while the later relies on ABS sensors for wheel lockup.

For 1: what did you mean by "incorrect positioning of the tires"?
Our TMPS has no concept of "position" (I suppose you meant "one of the four"). You can rotate tires, and the TPMS light should stay off if it was off.

Finally, if your CX9 is still under warranty, take it to the dealer for diagnosis.
Or, if you have a code reader, I can look up the code for you.

 

[EtoileBrilliant]

Ceric,

Thanks for your help. When I said "Incorrect positioning", I meant the LH wheel on the right side and vice versa. To my uneducated mind, it's too much of a coincidence that this should occur when I changed from winter to all weather tires.

Thanks for your offer of the code reader but I've not got a reader.

 

[ceric]

There are ways to gain access of a code reader if there is a light on the dash.
You may go to your nearby Autozone/Kragen. I heard that they could read the code for you either for free or some minimum charge.
Or, you get buy a simple OBD-II code reader from the web. I would recommend ScanGuage-II. But, others would probably work as well.
Once you know the code, I can look up the code in my WorkShop manual for you.
i.e. tell you what a specific code means.

My guess is that your CX9 is out of warranty so you are not planning to take it to the dealer unless absolutely necessary. Correct?

Since the light for braking is not on, it is unlikely one of the four wheel speed sensors that went bad.
From looking at the TCS/RCS wiring diagram, I am guessing it is the "combined sensor", which is basically
the yaw/roll sensor. It is located under the 2nd row seat under the cover of the air duct beneath the seat.
Only dealer with the handheld diagonostic tool can pin point the fault.

My recommendation is still "go to the dealer".

 

[EtoileBrilliant]

Ordered the OBD II Reader

Thanks Ceric, will post again next week when it arrives. Look forward to your diagnostics help.

You're correct. Warranty invalid in Europe as it is an unregulated import. If I can keep the dealer out of this problem, so much cheaper.

 

[EtoileBrilliant]

Much Ado About Nothing

Good news, took the car in for servicing. Engineer asked my wife. "have you used a trailer?". When she said yes, he said that the car had popped a fuse. Couldn't tell you which one, but apparently it is a common occurence across all cars (mine is the only Cx-9 in Stockholm). They didn't charge, bless their cotton socks.

Strange it didn't come up on the scanner

 

[drchuck]

Trailer Towing

Good news, took the car in for servicing. Engineer asked my wife. "have you used a trailer?". When she said yes, he said that the car had popped a fuse. Couldn't tell you which one, but apparently it is a common occurence across all cars (mine is the only Cx-9 in Stockholm). They didn't charge, bless their cotton socks.

Strange it didn't come up on the scanner

When the first wiring assembly was added (by a trailer hitch specialist) they installed the incorrect harness. Like all other vehicles they spliced into the first 12 volt wire they could find. The CX-9 and all other vehicles with LED tail lamps must have a trailer wiring harness that is powered directly off the battery. Not only can you blow fuses, but evidently there is an electronic computer processor that can also be blown. (I'll bet your fuse saved yours) Obviously I changed it out, and did it myself the second time.

You can go to http://www.curtmfg.com/ and enter your specific vehicle. Once there you can see the types of harnesses for your crossover, and download the installation manual. Curt may not be available in Stockholm, but you can see what you need and find a European equivalent; or check with eBay.

I actually spoke to the Curt Manufacturing Representative, and she was the one that gave me the rundown on the need for powered harnesses. As an added plus, the Curt plugs into the stock system tail light terminals, so no splicing, cutting, or crimp connectors are required.

 

[EtoileBrilliant]

Thanks, I'll Have It Checked Out

I know that the price of a computer processor can run into hundreds of dollars.