Rear wheels locked up when cold? 2009 base

[ktayler1]

Hello,
I have a 2009 base vibe with the 5 speed manual trans. I'm in northern Michigan at a cabin and when temperatures plummet I temporarily lose ABS/TC/VSC and the corresponding lights illuminate on the dash. Usually after driving for a few minutes or getting up to 35mph everything returns to normal. Sometimes when driving at low speeds the lights come back on and I've lose all driving aids again. When I bring the car to southern Michigan the problem does not occur and I drover it for two weeks in without issue.

I've been assuming that I had a bad connection on an ABS site speed sensor and planning to clean the contacts or replace the the speed sensor harnesses to fix the problem. Today a stranger at the ski resort noticed that my drivers side rear wheel was not turning but was dragging through the parking lot. Looking at the tire tracks confirmed this. I should also mention that it is 0 degrees F and the roads are incredibly icy with several inches of wind blown snow.

So, any ideas? Frozen parking brake? Problem with calipers? Maybe the speed sensor issue I thought it was? Any help would really be appreciated. It will be -40F with windchill tomorrow and I'm fearful of getting stuck or breaking down.

(Typed on my phone: please forgive any errors)

[gtv237]

It could be anything really. A caliper freezing up, abs pump freezing up. First thing I would do is check the brake fluid for water content and make sure the cap is tight. Brake fluid can also absorb water through the plastic reservoir and rubber hoses. It really needs to be flushed out every couple years.

[ktayler1]

It could be anything really. A caliper freezing up, abs pump freezing up. First thing I would do is check the brake fluid for water content and make sure the cap is tight. Brake fluid can also absorb water through the plastic reservoir and rubber hoses. It really needs to be flushed out every couple years.

Thanks for the info, wouldn't have thought of that, had the brakes serviced 2 years ago. Do you think intentionally working the brakes to heat up the fluid would help alleviate the problem until I can get it home?

[bluneon]

your parking brake might be sticking; your caliper might be sticking, your cable might be sticking. there might be an opening allowing water/corrosion to the cable system.

[gtv237]

It could be anything really. A caliper freezing up, abs pump freezing up. First thing I would do is check the brake fluid for water content and make sure the cap is tight. Brake fluid can also absorb water through the plastic reservoir and rubber hoses. It really needs to be flushed out every couple years.

Thanks for the info, wouldn't have thought of that, had the brakes serviced 2 years ago. Do you think intentionally working the brakes to heat up the fluid would help alleviate the problem until I can get it home?

A locked up or dragging wheel will heat the brakes up pretty quickly. I wouldn't suggest doing anything additional to heat them up. Just drive very cautiously.

I would stop using the parking brake temporarily as well just in case it's whats sticking. Just make sure to park in reverse and not a forward gear.

[lannvouivre]

You may consider going in for service again. ABS systems are sooper speshul and not really something you service at home beyond changing the pads and rotors. If the fluid is contaminated (brake fluid likes to suck up water), it could be a bit serious if the water causes vaporlocking.