Problem with my 1998 Chevy Malibu
4 cyl
dash lights = ABS light on
work done prior = Want to purchase car
work done to repair = don't know
GM tech = doesn't matter
question = I would like to purchase '98 Chevy Malibu, why is the ABS light
on. Is it ok to drive with light on, or would I have further problems
down the road?
JK:
Hello and welcome.
The ABS light on will not cause any further damage. It is on because the
ABS computer (EBCM) sees a problem in the system. Most likely cause is
one of the speed sensors or a harness to a sensor. The system would
need to be scanned for codes. You will still have regular brakes,
4 cyl
dash lights = ABS light on
work done prior = Want to purchase car
work done to repair = don't know
GM tech = doesn't matter
question = I would like to purchase '98 Chevy Malibu, why is the ABS light
on. Is it ok to drive with light on, or would I have further problems
down the road?
JK:
Hello and welcome.
The ABS light on will not cause any further damage. It is on because the
ABS computer (EBCM) sees a problem in the system. Most likely cause is
one of the speed sensors or a harness to a sensor. The system would
need to be scanned for codes. You will still have regular brakes,
1999 Chevy Lumina
3.1
dash lights = no
tech = JK
question = When stepping on the brake pedal, getting a clicking sound
like a relay is opening and closing. Brakes work fine. Remove fuse for
ABS and clicking stops. Replace fuse and it starts again. Is very
annoying. Car belonged to my deceased Dad and wish to sell but can't due to noise.
JK:
There is really nothing under the dash electrically for the ABS system.
Noises are the hardest to diag. without actually hearing it. What you may be hearing
is a loose gear in the bottom side of the ABS motor pack. This pack is
bolted to the master cylinder under the hood, and the sound may seem like it is
under the dash.
1 of the 3 gears on the bottom of the motor pack
may have come loose because of a loose nut. These gears spin and may be the
noise you are hearing. The cover would need to come off to check for that.
Sometimes a tech can remove the cover with everything still bolted together, but it is
very tricky, since the TORX bolts go up from the bottom. May be necessary to
remove the ABS assembly to get to it.
Suggest having someone listen to the noise to see if it is in this area when the noise
is happening. Front wheels off the ground with jack stands to
simulate car moving.
3.1
dash lights = no
tech = JK
question = When stepping on the brake pedal, getting a clicking sound
like a relay is opening and closing. Brakes work fine. Remove fuse for
ABS and clicking stops. Replace fuse and it starts again. Is very
annoying. Car belonged to my deceased Dad and wish to sell but can't due to noise.
JK:
There is really nothing under the dash electrically for the ABS system.
Noises are the hardest to diag. without actually hearing it. What you may be hearing
is a loose gear in the bottom side of the ABS motor pack. This pack is
bolted to the master cylinder under the hood, and the sound may seem like it is
under the dash.
1 of the 3 gears on the bottom of the motor pack
may have come loose because of a loose nut. These gears spin and may be the
noise you are hearing. The cover would need to come off to check for that.
Sometimes a tech can remove the cover with everything still bolted together, but it is
very tricky, since the TORX bolts go up from the bottom. May be necessary to
remove the ABS assembly to get to it.
Suggest having someone listen to the noise to see if it is in this area when the noise
is happening. Front wheels off the ground with jack stands to
simulate car moving.
Ask a Mechanic Your Questions In Our Live Chat
Every Tuesday and Thursday Night
Every Tuesday and Thursday Night
