ABS

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ABS

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Chevrolet >> Chevy Cars >> Malibu >> ABS

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ABS - 3/23/2006 3:22:45 PM

BCKNBLK

Posts: 3
Joined: 3/23/2006
Status: offline

I have a '99 Malibu, typical 3.1L, etc, etc. The dash ABS light keeps coming on after starting the car. At first it took several miles of driving to illuminate, now it comes on as soon as started. Steps taken so far are: 1) Topped off brake fluid. No change. 2) Removed each wheel and did complete visual and operational check of brakes. All functions work, no damage seen to brake or ABS components. 3) Did several road tests, and brakes still work very well, ABS still seems to be working as there is very minimal-to-no tire skidding, even at maximum pedal pressure from high speed (60mph) to dead stop. At slower speeds (45-50mph) with maximum brake pedal pressure, car stops in a dead straight line w/ no hands on steering wheel, no pulling. All tests done in very safe, wide open area.
Any advice on what to check next? Not yet ready to go to dealer to pay $$$ to have tests run on the EBCM and check its memory. Might change ABS relay in fusebox since it is inexpensive and would illiminate that from possible cause. The brake fluid level switch might also get changed to illiminate that, as wife says that the dash brake light had flickered several times also, even though fluid level was good when checked.
It is now my car until problems are solved, so any help appreciated. Any prof. mechanics out there willing to throw me some advice, Thanks much.

Post #: 1

RE: ABS - 10/8/2006 10:08:40 AM

golfer

Posts: 610
Joined: 10/8/2006
Status: offline

This may be a little late in posting...

When there is an issue with the ABS and the indicator light comes on the brake system revert to standard braking ... this is a fail safe.
The ABS system will disengage to allow the vehicle to have standard ( non ABS ) braking.

In the previous post the brakes seem to function properly , but was unclear if this person felt the pulsing of the brake pedal or the sound of the ABS actuator to determine if the ABS was indeed working properly.

ABS issues common with the Malibu:

Front hubs - ABS sensors are sealed inside the hub so entire hub has to be changed
Connectors- corrosion in the connectors for the front hub ABS sensors

These are two of the common issues but that's not to say there may be other problems else where.

(in reply to BCKNBLK)

Post #: 2