Traction control goes off randomly.

Hi Neva,

The traction control and ABS sensors are based on wheel speed sensors, one on each wheel. When those sensors get damaged, clogged with dirt/mud/tar/road grime, etc., or the wires break and they quit working or work intermittently, then you'll get all kinds of symptoms related to the ABS and/or traction control system.

That's the place I'd start, with checking the wires and making sure they aren't clogged up. You can test them electrically by hooking up a multimeter and measuring the voltage as you rotate the tire manually. Here's what you should see, according to smtnet.com.

The front wheel should be 190 - 1140mV, and the rear wheel should be higher than 650mV. If it meets the requirements, it means that the wheel speed sensor is working properly at this time.

Of course, it's always possible the ABS control module is faulty, or there is a wiring problem somewhere, but take it one step at a time and check the wheel speed sensors first, as they're the most vulnerable, being exposed to the elements and possibility of damage.