1991 Q45 bad TCS actuator.

[mattd1979]

I recently did a test on my tcs actuator per the shop manual and found out that it is bad. Has anybody else had this same problem? Also what can go bad in a tcs actuator and is there a way you can fix the existing actuator?The only reason I ask is because I found out that a new one lists for $900.Please let me know if anybody has any ideas on weather or not I can fix this.

Matt,Jacksonville, FL
Modified by mattd1979 at 7:00 PM 11/14/2004

[Q45tech]

Due to factory to dealer and dealer to you markups it would cost $77,000 [in 1991 dollars] to buy all the individual parts to build a 91 Q with TCS.

A $2,000 option [retail price] doesn't really have more than 30% markup in cost [on a new car] and the option may have added less than 30 minutes to vehicle assembly time. So Magically the $1450 in wholesale parts cost becomes around $3600 in retail replacement cost plus labor.

We buy wrecks to get the goody parts and a TCS car can yield parts we can sell for half of retail and still make our 30% profit on parts and give the customer a fair deal with a limited warranty.

$900 new with a year warranty or $450 used with 30-60 days [if they last a week we know they'll last years]. Kind of like a junk yard but we cut them out of the equation and offer a full warranty on labor to replace any defectives. Gives the poorer owner a chance to keep driving.

When TCS things wear out they do so from improper fluid flushes or just in the case of motors too many applications per mile [bad hard tires] or relay failure [from bad leaky batteries] causing excessive running.

[Q45tech]

I told you to call T3 earlier because we had a unit, but unfortunately it has since been sold and is being installed as I post. Good functioning used units are rare, just like ABS.

A wrecked Q can save you thousands, if you have a place to store it.

"Spots and Imports" in Norcross/Duluth, GA has more than 2 dozen wrecked Q, they are trying to corner the market in certain brands [Lexus, MB, and Q].........we are finding it difficult to out bid them and get our own. We end up buying parts from them frequently.

[mattd1979]

I was just basically wanting to know what exactly wears out in the actuator. Is it a valve inside or o-rings or something or is there a switch that goes bad? Has anyone ever taken one apart to see what makes it tick?

[Q45tech]

We don't take critical ABS/TCS/master cylinders apart just use new, used, or reputable professional rebuilds ----------- too much liability in shop repairs. We will replace seals on calipers but usually cheaper to just buy remanns.

Since TCS could lock rear brakes or remove them from functioning we take this very seriously.

[mattd1979]

Well, I took went to take my brother's girlfriends kids to school this morning and I noticed that the TCS and SLIP light didn't come on. Now what I do is turn off the TCS before both of the lights come on(they come on anyways) and when I was on my way to his house I noticed that the slip light didn't come on so on my way back from school I pushed the TCS buttom to turn it back on. The TCS light turned off and everything seemed good. I think that there maybe air in the lines and was wondering if someone knows the best way to bleed the TCS?

Matt,

Jacksonville, FL

[Q451990]

Can the system be defeated entirely with the switch? In Jacksonville, I can't imagine the system would be that useful anyway. Maybe in a major rainstorm, but at least you won't be sliding around in the ice and snow...

Heath

[mattd1979]

I just figured that since it had that option that it would be nice to make it work. The car does loose tire grip easily from stop light to stop light and also when my mom is getting on the expressway when she is giving it gas to get up to speed with everybody else.

[Q451990]

I agree that it would be nice for it to work...just throwing out an option.

It's interesting that it looses traction like that though. Maybe the tire compound? I assume there's no difference in the differential between the two cars. As far as I know they all have limited slip differentials.

You might search for the actuator at http://www.car-part.com

Good luck!

Heath

[mattd1979]

I already have somebody that is going to sell one to me. I just thought that maybe their is air in the system and that was what was causing the problems and that it may need bleeding. I just want to know if any body has ever bled the TCS before and if so, what did they do?