ABS repair on Cavalier

[Anonymous_User]

New thread, same car.

Never ever worked on a faulty ABS before. This would be a good opportunity for me to learn. 1999 Cavalier. Brake light and ABS light is on. ABS does not work. Right rear brake wants to grab before the others. The last symptom could just be a need for a brake job. I'll be checking that within the next couple days.

Also, the ETS Off light is illuminated. Enhanced Traction System apparently. Assume that works off of ABS signals.

Where to begin???

[butchsuppe]

Check out this site, lots of great info http://www.aa1car.com/index_alphabetical.htm

[turbovanman²]

You need a scanner to read the codes and look at data otherwise you'll never be able to fix it.

[butchsuppe]

9 out of 10 times when then red brk light is on with the ABS light the problem is an hydaulic one. Could even be low brk fluid, Inspect the entire HYDUALIC SYS FIRST. The ABS codes cover the electric components in the sys. Chances are once you fix the hydaulic problem the ABS light will go out. If this is the case disconnect the batt to clear the codes .The old Ford Aerostar would put the ABS light on if it had a burnt out brk. light. Also if it has drum brks in the rr make sure their adjusted. Bare in mind if the whl cyl has to travel to far this is effecting the hydaulic sys. Good luck

[Anonymous_User]

I'll be tearing into it tomorrow. Right rear brake locks up real easy - roads are still mostly snow covered. Gonna pull the brakes apart and replace whatever is worn then I'll take it over to Oreilly's and have the ABS codes scanned.


Thought. When pulling the head off, I unplugged a log of stuff under the intake manifold. Wonder if I missed plugging back in a speed sensor on the transaxle or something.

[raccoon]

as a former owner of a 95 z24 with abs (first year for that newer body I believe.) I would start by lighting it on fire.

[black86glhs]

I'll be tearing into it tomorrow. Right rear brake locks up real easy - roads are still mostly snow covered. Gonna pull the brakes apart and replace whatever is worn then I'll take it over to Oreilly's and have the ABS codes scanned.


Thought. When pulling the head off, I unplugged a log of stuff under the intake manifold. Wonder if I missed plugging back in a speed sensor on the transaxle or something.

If the brakes aren't worn out, just do a clean and adjust. GM rear drum brakes like to do that when they are dirty and out of adjustment.

[butchsuppe]

as a former owner of a 95 z24 with abs (first year for that newer body I believe.) I would start by lighting it on fire.

Thats freakin' HY LARRY RE US.

[black86glhs]

as a former owner of a 95 z24 with abs (first year for that newer body I believe.) I would start by lighting it on fire.

Thats not just because its a GM, you are a closet pyro!!!!

[Anonymous_User]

Rear shoes were shot. New shoes, hardware, drums. Brakes work much better now. Double checked wiring connections from head gasket swap. Found out Oreilly's does not scan ABS codes. Gonna hafta call around tomorrow.