Traction control/ brake light keeps coming on

[Jmwalker1990]

I’ve got a 2011 Silverado with 148k miles, just recently the traction control light and brake light will appear on the dash, shortly after the brake light will go off, and continues to come back on here and there while driving. Both light also only seem to come on when it’s cold outside. Took it to a place to get the codes as no codes popped up. Anyone run into anything like this? Thanks 

[riverbanks]

The scanner needs to read c and u codes,cheapos won't do it,you more than likely have a bad connection at a wheel sensor

[Ian Mills]

I was also thinking a wheel speed sensor. How cold is cold enough to cause the issue?

[Ianf]

Mine did that for a while and then got worse. Cruise would not work, rear brake lights would flash and cycle on and off and transmission interlock would not let me start in park. Turned out to be the Brake light switch at the top of the pedal. Replaced the switch two years ago and no problems since.

[MaverickZ71]

Also check your brake fluid level.  The master cylinders have been known to have a seal leak that will suck brake fluid from the booster into the intake manifold.  If the brake fluid level gets below half, it will throw a code and show those warning messages, but the vehicle will stop fine.  If the level is borderline to trip the sensor, it will do it on cold mornings.  

Edited December 1, 2020 by MaverickZ71

[15SilvyHC]

On 11/30/2020 at 11:24 AM, Jmwalker1990 said:

I’ve got a 2011 Silverado with 148k miles, just recently the traction control light and brake light will appear on the dash, shortly after the brake light will go off, and continues to come back on here and there while driving. Both light also only seem to come on when it’s cold outside. Took it to a place to get the codes as no codes popped up. Anyone run into anything like this? Thanks 

You probably got this fixed by now but as somebody said change the brake switch. Mine had the exact same problem only in cold weather. Switch fixed it.

[JDGA]

Mine was doing this.  The brake fluid was low.  

[alvocado]

If you have a scanner that can read GM diagnostic codes (some Actron scanners do) you'll get more specific info on the issue. I had the same problem and the GM code pointed to a faulty 4wd selector switch on the dash. The terminals on the back of the switch become corroded and send incorrect ohm readings to the 4wd shift module. When the drive setting doesn't match the signal, you get a service stabilitrak error on the dash. 

 

The selector switches are inexpensive and easy to change out.