1998 Malibu ABS Dash Light On

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Nightflight - 17 Feb 2005 18:15 GMT

Okay here's a question for the crew. Is anyone aware of specific problems
related to the ABS brakes on this model that would allow for a constant
ABS dash light to be on. I tend to suspect the wheel speed sensors or
plugs as they are so exposed to the elements and the wiring going into the
sensor plug is very tight with very little slack. Has me wondering. My 92
Corsica had shown the same dash light and it ended up being a broken wire
at the wheel sensor. Once I replaced the plug, all was good.
These ABS systems have so many components that it could be anything, I
realize this, but i'm still hoping that forum readers will report similar
conditions and what the fix was.
Many thanks for your time.

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Henri - 18 Feb 2005 00:12 GMT

You need to have a dealer or an independent garage scan the ABS system. It
could be many things from the speed sensor built into the wheel bearings,
pick ups in the hub to the ABS unit its self or even the ABS computer. I
know this is a stupid question but have you checked the brake fluid level.
You could also have air in the braking system, which would cause the ABS
light to come on.

Okay here's a question for the crew. Is anyone aware of specific problems
related to the ABS brakes on this model that would allow for a constant
ABS dash light to be on. I tend to suspect the wheel speed sensors or
plugs as they are so exposed to the elements and the wiring going into the
sensor plug is very tight with very little slack. Has me wondering. My 92
Corsica had shown the same dash light and it ended up being a broken wire
at the wheel sensor. Once I replaced the plug, all was good.
These ABS systems have so many components that it could be anything, I
realize this, but i'm still hoping that forum readers will report similar
conditions and what the fix was.
Many thanks for your time.

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Steve - 19 Feb 2005 01:44 GMT

when my 98's ABS light was on all the time, it was time to replace the
wheel bearings. if you can get it checked out at a reasonable price
though, that's the way to go. no guesswork....
good luck.

> You need to have a dealer or an independent garage scan the ABS system. It
> could be many things from the speed sensor built into the wheel bearings,
[quoted text clipped - 14 lines]
> conditions and what the fix was.
> Many thanks for your time.

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Nightflight - 20 Feb 2005 16:16 GMT

Henri:

Yes I did check the brake fluid reservoir and it was full, however I
changed my front pads about two months ago to those amazing ceramic ones
(so damn quiet) Removed fluid reservoir cap and very slowly depressed
caliper pistons to allow for new pads but never thought that I could have
allowed air into the brake system....how so?
It seems that the most prudent couse of action is to have an ABS code
reader installed, as you mentioned. I just try to avoid the dealer
whenever possible as they are sooo expensive and I am reasonably handy.

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Cyrus Welch - 20 Feb 2005 19:48 GMT

> Henri:
>
[quoted text clipped - 6 lines]
> reader installed, as you mentioned. I just try to avoid the dealer
> whenever possible as they are sooo expensive and I am reasonably handy.

Actually with most ABS systems you have to be really careful with
changing the pads. You can either damage something or you can cause
problems by pushing the fluid back up the system. I have actually heard
that it's a good ideal to open the bleeder while pushing the piston back
too prevent pushing the fluid back. Also it's always a good idea to
bleed the system after changing pads or shoes as the fluid will
deteriorate over time and it's always a good idea to bleed them until
you get clean fresh looking fluid coming out the bleeders.

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Cy Welch
Senior Programmer
MetSYS Inc
http://www.metsysinc.com

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